Atlanta Hawks: Getaway day
There will be a blog hiatus for a couple weeks while I get away for some me time. There’s a chance I might drop in with a post if anything interesting happens with the Hawks but don’t count on that (either something interesting happening or me dropping in). Meanwhile the beat will be in the capable hands of Ken S., who will chronicle the Hawks’ attempts to pluck a center from the bargain bin.
I suspect not much will have changed with my blog people when I return. Truth-Serum will still be using his multiple identities to agree with himself that Al is a terrible defensive center. JeJe will continue to rip ASG for not letting J.J. walk and using all that cap space to SIGN FREAKIN’ LEBRON. And all of you will wonder how in the heck this squad is supposed to make a move in the East with basically the same guys suiting up.
Be easy until I get back, blog people. Remember, it’s all love and and it’s just basketball . . .
MC
(Note: Commenting is closed until Michael returns Aug. 2)
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1,155 comments Add your comment
Fried Chicken
July 19th, 2010
10:20 am
2 mo point guards and 4 mo power forwards. That’ll teach em
SteveW
July 19th, 2010
10:22 am
I was not a Woody hater, but the team had quit listening to him in the 2nd round of the playoffs – and he did hate on rookies instead of developing them, so he probably needed to go. Wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a top 10 NBA coach one day though.
Fried Chicken
July 19th, 2010
10:33 am
Wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a top 10 NBA coach one day though.?
Coach of Year voting- 2009/2010
Coach (Team) Votes: 1st place 2nd place 3rd place Points
Mike Brown (Cavaliers) 55 21 17 355
Rick Adelman (Rockets) 13 24 14 151
Stan Van Gundy (Magic) 13 20 25 150
Nate McMillan (Trail Blazers) 15 14 10 127
George Karl (Nuggets) 11 16 14 117
Jerry Sloan (Jazz) 9 9 6 78
Erik Spoelstra (Heat) 2 8 19 53
Mike Woodson (Hawks) 1 3 3 17
Phil Jackson (Lakers) 1 3 3 17
Doc Rivers (Celtics) 1 2 4 15
Vinny Del Negro (Bulls) 1 1 1 9
Larry Brown (Bobcats) - 1 3 6
Scott Skiles (Bucks) - - 1 1
Tony DiLeo (Sixers) - - 1 1
Rick Carlisle (Mavericks) - - 1 1
2008/09
Coach 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Mike Brown, Cleveland 55 21 17 355
Rick Adelman, Houston 13 24 14 151
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando 13 20 25 150
Nate McMillan, Portland 15 14 10 127
George Karl, Denver 11 16 14 117
Jerry Sloan, Utah 9 9 6 78
Erik Spoelstra, Miami 2 8 19 53
Mike Woodson, Atlanta 1 3 3 17
Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 1 3 3 17
Doc Rivers, Boston 1 2 4 15
Vinny Del Negro, Chicago 1 1 1 9
Larry Brown, Charlotte — 1 3 6
Scott Skiles, Milwaukee — – 1 1
Tony DiLeo, Philadelphia — – 1 1
Rick Carlisle, Dallas — – 1 1
Fried Chicken
July 19th, 2010
10:36 am
-09/10 (correction)
Coach, Team 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City 71 39 8 480
Scott Skiles, Milwaukee 26 54 21 313
Nate McMillan, Portland 9 9 35 107
Jerry Sloan, Utah 10 9 21 98
Alvin Gentry, Phoenix 4 5 11 46
Larry Brown, Charlotte 1 2 12 23
George Karl, Denver 1 1 3 11
Rick Adelman, Houston - 2 1 7
Mike Woodson, Atlanta - 2 1 7
Lionel Hollins, Memphis - - 6 6
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando 1 - - 5
Mike Brown, Cleveland - - 2 2
Rick Carlisle, Dallas - - 1 1
Erik Spoelstra, Miami - - 1 1
i_am_soulstar
July 19th, 2010
10:47 am
If Teague can defend the other point guards in the league, the Hawks will instantly be a better playoff team next year. But with all the other teams in the East improving, who knows if it’ll matter.
Since Marvin Williams apparently isn’t going anywhere, hopefully he’ll thrive in Larry Drew’s system. It could make all the difference if the Hawks come in strong at all 5 starting positions. And I’m sure that Sund is hoping that Jordan Crawford plays so well that he makes Jamal Crawford expendable and the Hawks are able to re-up Al Horford and pick up a quality front court player with the space created by Jamal Crawford coming off the books.
Quality depth is still an issue that will not be addressed this season. What happened to using the 3 million from the #31 pick to pay the luxury tax? They’re so full of it.
I’m sure other owners wish they had a roster with a 6th man of the year, and 3 all-star caliber players. Too bad the ASG won’t sell the team to someone who knows what to do with it.
Ken Strickland
July 19th, 2010
10:49 am
I don’t see a problem with us resigning JCollins. Some of you desperately wanted us to overpay and/or trade away a starter for Shaq, just because of his physical presence. Well, JCollins is a physical presence, even if he’s lost weight. He actually did an excellent job against DHoward in the playoffs. But the REF’s gave Howard every benefit of the doubt against us, as compensation for his whining and crying to the league about getting into foul trouble and not being allowed to bully the Hornets.
I still think the Hawks will make a move at the trade deadline, and JCollins is a very cheap alternative to Shaq. The fact that his locker room presence was given as a reason for resigning him is an indication to me why Shaq was never a serious consideration. We will now have 11 players on our roster under contract(JTeague, JJ, Marvin, Smoove, Horford, JA and JO Crawford, MEvans, MBibby, Zaza and JCollins).
With LDrew at the helm, and with us now having 10 players from last yrs roster under contract, the Hawks will still be much improved over last yrs team. No backup center can do more for this team than HC LDrew and assistant LConner, and their willingness to implement an actual OFF and DEF system. The fact that LDrew is willing to address last yrs issues of poor production from our PG and SF positions will be a big improvement over Woodson’s unwillingness to do anything at all.
If we can avoid the injury bug like we did last yr, I’m predicting the Hawks will win between 57-60 gms this yr.
Sautee
July 19th, 2010
10:57 am
Truth-serum (Blind Support)
Take that racist B.S. and stick it where the sun don’t shine. There’s no place for that junk here. Please don’t turn this into a joke like DLed’s silly blog.
Use your vocabulary. Find a way to express yourself that doesn’t need race baiting.
I have faith that you can do this.
terrell
July 19th, 2010
11:22 am
I’d take Porkchop for a mill over Shaq for 6-8 mill any day of the week!
terrell
July 19th, 2010
11:25 am
Why are you 7ft lovers crying about the Collins signing? After all, he’s a 7ftr. I’m sure will use him better than you know who did.
terrell
July 19th, 2010
11:25 am
I’m sure LD will use him better thn you know who did.
Clyde
July 19th, 2010
11:28 am
Ken did you really post that? Please tell me that was a fake that posted under your name.
“If we can avoid the injury bug like we did last yr, I’m predicting the Hawks will win between 57-60 gms this yr.”
Really?
Mike is back
July 19th, 2010
11:35 am
@OB, I agree with you on Collins. I know if you are a Hawks fan hearing the name Collins isn’t going to excite ya…however if he does comes back in shape…which was part of the stimulation…if not mistaken. He would be a good vet Big that has a lot of playoff experience…which would be beneficial to a young team like the Hawks.
In the limited time he was on floor…he played with savvy and a demonstrated a high IQ for the game. So Collins isn’t the popular pick…however, it ain’t as bad as it sounds. Neither Joe nor Collins got much burn from Woody…so it would be premature to discount what their worth would be in LD’s new system where you run traditional sets, and the Center, and PF are evolved in a lot of pick and role.
@Hawks gloomy detractors, I like Kurt Thomas too…and still feels after Shaq gets finished bluffing…he will see that his options are limited…if he wants to play for a top contender…then the Hawks name could come back into the picture.
I think there will be another vet Big added to go alone with Collins…it could be Thomas or Shaq…who knows. It not as bad as it sounds. Forget Woody… he is gone …and his system is gone…No need harping on the past…its time to look forward.
We could still invite Aminu and Hendix to camp…cuz I think those two has demonstrated a level of hunger and desire…that you are just not going to get out of RandMo. I would definitely like to see Aminu and Hendrix invited to camp. Wouldn’t mind seeing Glider too. Mario and RandMo spots should be open competition for some new blood…I’m sure the coaches have seen who were the impact players during summer league play…No need to bring back RandMo or Mario.
There are still some opportunities available to improve the roster…its not all gloom and doom. If the thought of Teague and Crawford playing with likes of JJ,Josh, Al, and Marvin didn’t get ya excited about next season…som wroooong. lol
Samuel
July 19th, 2010
11:50 am
Clyde,
You turning on “Ya Boy” Ken. What’s up, don’t you buy in to the “Woody was the only problem theory”. By that logic, we should surpass 53 wins and win a second round series. After all, we have the highest paid “PLAYA” in the league, a new coach with a “FANCY” new offense, a speedy new JTO as our QB and we just resigned our “CORE” which includes Duck and Pigfoot. What’s your problem man.
vava74
July 19th, 2010
12:02 pm
Ken Strickland
July 19th, 2010
9:51 am
Co-sign wholeheartedly!
northcyde
July 19th, 2010
12:04 pm
Half of you didn’t even know who Jason Collins were before last year. That dude has always been nothing more than a scrub. Bringing him back isn’t trying to make the team better. And even though we were a 50+ win team, Sund’s goal should always be to make us better, not keep the status quo.
Even the Lakers added Artest last summer, after winning a title with a younger guy like Ariza. Boston even added Rasheed Wallace. Even teams that didn’t have successful post-seasons at least tried to upgrade the squad.
Even a modest upgrade would’ve been appreciated by the fans. We need to acquire at least one guy who can challenge the top 8 or 9 for a spot in the rotation. Our bench has too many questionmarks on it, to NOT try to upgrade it
LOL @ wanting Collins over Shaq . . . child please. If we had the money to pay for Shaq, this wouldn’t even be an issue.
vava74
July 19th, 2010
12:05 pm
Samuel,
We won 53 games with a guy Clyde wanted out for more than a year with his “FIRE WOODY” sign offs… now, simply because we have not invited Sean Williams to play with us he doesn’t believe we can improve?
His Clyde already printing his “FIRE DREW” T-shirts?
O'Brien
July 19th, 2010
12:14 pm
Ken S,
Woody was a big problem, but not the only problem. And for a 53 win team, we have too many unknowns with the players.
What’s the backup plan if Teague struggles? What if Marvin does not improve? What if Horford regresses?
And like you said, what about injury? If Al gets hurt, are you comfortable playing ZaZa 34 mpg and Collins 14 mpg? If Josh gets hurt, who fills in at PF?
ASG has not addressed the quality depth issue, and that could come back to bite us.
drmaryb
July 19th, 2010
12:20 pm
NorthCyde
Said “child please”. I love it, and would like to add: “bump that”.
Some Ole’ Skool flavor for your ear! Ha!
Ernest
July 19th, 2010
12:21 pm
Good posts by Ken Strickland! It is refreshing to see analysis without the emotion and looking at the facts. Building a team is not like selecting stars for a video game. How the pieces will mesh together must be factored in if the ultimate goal is to win a championship.
Many thought the Hawks would win the championship in the late 80’s after we acquired Reggie Theus (for Randy Whitman) and Moses Malone (for Tree Rollins). On paper, we were definitely one of the most talented teams. What most fans forget is that ‘team chemistry’ plays a vital role in success. While Randy and Tree were not as physically talented as Reggie and Moses, they knew they roles on the team and maximized their talents within the team concept. For those who don’t remember, that team got swept by Milwaukee in the playoffs, a team the Hawks swept during the regular season.
Yes there are some teams that have more talented players now but the Hawks are one of the leaders with chemistry within their core. Additional pieces are needed but we shouldn’t go back to winning less than 50 games next season.
Sautee
July 19th, 2010
12:35 pm
LOL at thirty-something northcyde calling sixty-something Ken “child”.
Have some respect for your elders sonny!
vava74
July 19th, 2010
12:37 pm
Someone pointed out, very sharply, one of these days, that JJ REDICK – who averaged 9,2 ppg last year – will cost Orlando next year almost the same that JJ will be costing us.
His salary is completely above the luxury tax, so it is multiplied by 2.
19 million / 3 years = 6,33 million per x2 = 12,66 million for a bench player and, to be honest, I don’t think that the Magic have the makings of an NBA champion and in spite of Howard, are a perfectly beatable team since they depend so much from the 3 and that simply does not work well in the playoffs if you play really good D.
drmaryb
July 19th, 2010
12:39 pm
Ernest
Co-Sign it & put it in the Bag!
(Esp. The props to Mr. Strickland the War Veteran)
(*_*)
vava74
July 19th, 2010
12:47 pm
OB,
I have always enjoyed your posts and they have been consistently good read but you and Big Ray are overreacting like kids who did not get the christmas presents you wanted.
“What’s the backup plan if Teague struggles? What if Marvin does not improve? What if Horford regresses?
And like you said, what about injury? If Al gets hurt, are you comfortable playing ZaZa 34 mpg and Collins 14 mpg? If Josh gets hurt, who fills in at PF?”
Common!!! Bibby is still a serviceable player and if Teague struggles we will try and make a move. Why stock up with players who will cost money and will not be used?
We should get a third string PG but I honestly believe that there are very few cost-benefit options which are MINIMALLY acceptable out there. So, if any, we should wait and see how things progress.
If Marvin does not improve, his overall contribution is still positive since his D is always pretty good and although undersized Mo is an acceptable option as his stats, when called to start, prove.
What if Horford regresses? WTF!! What if the moon falls out of orbit or the sea level wipes out NO with whole Hornets team in it??
What if Al or Josh gets hurt? That “what if” question can be made to almost every team with the exact same answer! Who knows!
Phoenix had great bench contribution from Dudley, Amundson and Dragic, three guys who would have been MURDERED IN THIS BLOG if any of them had been signed by us before last year.
Settle down. Ken is covered with reason.
bigdave
July 19th, 2010
12:53 pm
“I would’ve never called up Larry, called up Magic, and said .. hey lets play on one team. In all honesty I was trying to beat those guys. Im a competitive guy and I like playing against competitive players. Things are different now”
-Michael Jeffrey Jordan
Ernesta
July 19th, 2010
12:55 pm
! It is refreshing to see analysis without the emotion
LMAO
KILL Woodson!
bmaryb
July 19th, 2010
12:56 pm
Nice post ernesta. that was over the top emotional reaction with no facts
cp
July 19th, 2010
1:00 pm
I rarely agree with northcyde but he is correct. The plan this summer was to upgrade the bench. Please explain to me how Collins is an upgrade? Even if he is in shape the dude is a terrible player. Did you guys see him play at all in his career? I’m willing to bet even under LD he wont be any better than last year even if he is in shape which I even doubt he does that. I’m sorry but I’m not buying what this front office is selling. They are pretty much re painting a hooptie and trying to sell it to us as if its new. Yea we won 53 games last year but I guess some of you are over looking the fact that other teams around us have improved and the only thing we have done is sign Porkchop Collins. ……Josh Smith and Horford have been asking for help inside all summer and this is the best we give them? And I’m really baffled as to how anyone could think Collins is a good signing…..Spare me that good position defender argument. I don’t care if he is a good locker room guy I want a big who can defend the paint or at least be a good rebounder and Collins does neither…..
Rufus1
July 19th, 2010
1:02 pm
ASG savvy, not Cheap
As a small business owner I look at cost vs pay. I pay you 20 thousand a year, but you cost me 27 thousand( i.e, health insur and others)
Brandon Hayward Pay 11mil a year…. Cost 22mil a years (11mil Lux tax)
JJ Reddick Pay 7.5mil a year….Cost 15mil a year
Jermaine O’neal Pay 5.8mil a year….Cost 11.6mil a year
Joe Johnson Pay 20mil a year…..Cost without Joe (attendance about 7000 a night and wins about 35)
With Joe about (attendance about 16000 a night and 50plus wins)
9000 people spending on average $60, over 41 games = $2,2140,000….Net profit = 2,140,000 Gross Rev.
Joe will make about 16mil his first season, about a 6mil profit.
http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance
So teams spend there money foolishly and still they don’t win.( Mavs and Magic)…These teams spent a lot more money to be called losers, than the Hawks.
PS. These figures do not included the playoffs 6 games and increase cost of advertising for a good team.
Thanks Vava for the compliment on the other blog.
Ernesta
July 19th, 2010
1:03 pm
Samuel excellent points. This team has to win a World Championship or at least make the finals to be consider a success. Considering we move a top10 coach for his assistant. The 13th rated offense now has to reach top 8. We must win 55 games or better. No excuses.
Rufus1
July 19th, 2010
1:03 pm
Correction…$22,140,000 Gross Rev and 2,140,000 net Profit
Blatant
July 19th, 2010
1:07 pm
Josh has not been asking for inside help. That was horford who in one article said he wanted to go back to playing power forward so the hawks could get a real center and then he asked for help saying the hawks needed more of a defensive 5 than he could give them. Blatant
Truth-Serum
July 19th, 2010
1:14 pm
blind support I get a lot more credit than I deserve. I read your blog and think you are spot on! People like to minimize the people who disagree with them and conveniently lablel them ‘T.S’ It beat having to be responsible!
Good post BTW. Dont let these buzzards run you off. Yeah they will paint you as a hater if you produce stats that diffuse their premises. They have no where else to turn.
Good Post.
Truth-Serum
July 19th, 2010
1:19 pm
“LOL at thirty-something northcyde calling sixty-something Ken “child”.
He meant mentally.
Fundamentals
July 19th, 2010
1:25 pm
Collins is only a good signing if we actually use him. How can you crucify a kid who never got burn? Could Dwight Howard guard Dwight Howard after sitting basically 88 games without burn? Oh yeah, put him in at a clutch moment in a big time game. Would he have the immediate footwork, stamina and quickness to stay in front of himself? Really? Honestly, what do you think?
Collins is a big with a very big body who can clog the middle. If we have a clause in his contract that says he’ll be in shape we need to hold him to it. Once in camp he needs to be pushed and he needs to be maintained. Best way to do that is to actually use him, make him work, keep him in shape. If we would’ve done that last year with Joe Smith and Collins we would’ve had two really nice pieces to help. Instead we left them to rot.
I loved Joe Smith. I though the did a great job, but would you have been ready to play in either man’s shoes? I think not. No one could, not even Dwight Howard.
If we sign the pieces – USE THEM! – if not, let them go elsewhere and sign young kids who could benefit from just sitting on the bench and practicing. At least marginal young talent has enough hope to play one day that they might stay in shape and ready for their moment. Collins had his a long time ago. He needs minutes or he needs a new team!
O'Brien
July 19th, 2010
1:26 pm
vava,
As constructed, i think the Hawks will be competing for home court advantage in the first round.
But a quality bench can make a big difference between us being a 4th seed and losing 4-1 in the second round, or being a 3rd seed and getting to game 7 in the second round.
Right now, I dont think we have a quality bench. All our depth is at one position. SG. Sure, we upgraded with Drew, but I dont think that will be enough to beat Miami, Orlando, or Boston in the playoffs.
If the ASG wants to give Drew the best chance at succeeding, why not give him as much ammunition as possible?
atl10
July 19th, 2010
1:32 pm
Collins will re-sign with Atlanta
9:46
AM ET
Jason Collins | Hawks TopEmail
FanHouse reports backup center Jason Collins is expected to re-sign with the Hawks.
When he signs it will be for a one-year, veteran’s minimum deal.
Collins only averaged 0.7 points and 0.4 rebounds last season, but is seen as a good locker-room presence, which why he’ll be retained. The Hawks also need
cp
July 19th, 2010
1:39 pm
Actually Josh Smith did say in a recent interview that him and Horford would like some help down low… I think it was in one of MC’s blog. So yea even Josh wants help down low……. I like LD but some of you are fooling yourselves if you think he can do anything with Collins. LD is not a miracle worker. Collins has always been sorry so I don’t see how a new coach will help him. I’m starting to wonder if some of you have seen this dude play. Yea he has a big body but that is about it…. He cant rebound, doesn’t block shots, doesn’t make shots, cant run the floor, and is out of shape. So please tell me what is he good for other than being a nice guy.
Truth-Serum
July 19th, 2010
1:52 pm
cp blogs dont count as sources. If you have a source of Josh making such a statement would you be so kind as to post the link? Im not saying he did not say that or that its made up to take pressure off horford, Id just like to read it for myself.
Blatant
July 19th, 2010
2:10 pm
LD is not a miracle worker. Collins has always been sorry so I don’t see how a new coach will help him
Same thing happened to Woodson. He wasnt given excuses for what he had to work with Neither will Woody II. Championship or burst!
dap01
July 19th, 2010
2:15 pm
Collins could be a help to us, but look at the way he reported to us last year. He could not even play for a while because he was so out of shape.
He ended the year out of shape. That tells everyone about how professional he is.
He was profoundly out of shape. Whether he played or not, how could someone who makes his living as an athlete possibly be grossly out of shape.
Next point: I have been extremely critical of the lack of a good offseason by the hawks. Perhaps I should reserve judgement until Sund has a chance to address our needs through trades. That would be a wise move before passing judgement on the Hawks as being a poorly run organization.
But the management does not exactly have history on its side. One misstep after another.
And so far, they are quilty of lying.
O'Brien
July 19th, 2010
2:18 pm
Truth,
I don’t remember if Josh said it, but Horford has been quoted. From MC’s “catching up again with Al Horford” blog.
“We need to get another big guy, another center, that’s able to help myself and Josh out,” he said. “We need to have someone to come in and have an impact. I think that is the position we need if we want to be any type of contender in the East.”
O'Brien
July 19th, 2010
2:22 pm
I wonder if Collins is the kind of impact center al horford had in mind.
O'Brien
July 19th, 2010
2:29 pm
Truth,
This is Josh Smith, quoted on the Atlanta hawks camp chatter blog;
“To have somebody that can be down there and be strong and dominant, somebody that is going to rebound and finish around the bucket and catch the ball. Me and Al can take care of the rest.
We could use a little more help, a little more depth. I think we do extremely well with a lot of the bigs in the league. We seem to struggle with guys like Dwight and . . . just pretty much Dwight. We need somebody who can help us with that if we have to face him in the playoffs again.”
Fundamentals
July 19th, 2010
2:31 pm
Collins definitely isn’t the impact Horford had in mind. They’re going to go cheap, we’re not going to get anything. No Shaq, No Barnes, No Brown, No Thomas, No Sy this year and plenty of the same.
Only thing we can claim is we have a true test ready to employ to see if LD can get more than Woodson did out of the same crew. No other way to spin it.
Fundamentals
July 19th, 2010
2:34 pm
Who can handle Dwight? My guess is look for a young 7′ big full of energy. We need D, rebounds, fast footwork and tons of energy. Shaq and Collins aren’t going to cut it.
Dan's Dickau
July 19th, 2010
2:57 pm
I’m with Mr. Strickland. 60 wins is absolutely a reasonable estimate.
Rondo
July 19th, 2010
2:57 pm
The hawks would have beaten the magic or would have made it interesting if they played better perimeter defense and had an more aggressive offense.Remember when the C’s had the hawks number.What happened the hawks got better.The hawks will play better next season against the magic.The Heat are going to come out blazing against the league because they have something to prove so expect them to win 60 games.Thats the only team i expect the hawks to have match up problems with.
Rondo
July 19th, 2010
3:12 pm
One thing that the hiring of larry drew and asg,sund choosing to bring back the same team proves, is that L.D. stabbed woddy in his back and went over woodys head and complained to management about him. Did he have his reasons in doing so? And will he prove himself right about woodson? Tune in next season to see for yourself fanatics! Same hawk station, same hawk time, same hawk season? Who knows….But like Grandma says “Time Will Tell”
hawks_4_life
July 19th, 2010
3:14 pm
SOME RETARD ON REALGM THINKS THE NUGGETS ARE GOING TO TRADE US MELO FOR JOSH AND MARVIN WITHIN THE WEEK. TOO FUNNY!!!
Ken Strickland
July 19th, 2010
3:16 pm
OBRIEN-I agree, Woodson wasn’t responsible for every issue the Hawks had. However, he either directly or indirectly laid the foundation for some of those issues to take place, and/or he did nothing to resolve those issues he didn’t create.
If JTeague struggles, we’ll certainly be no worse off than we were last yr with Bibby starting, who, along with JaCrawford, are still on the team. In fact, I actually expect Bibby to be much improved over last yr. He knows LDrew will hold him accountable, and unlike Woodson, he won’t eliminate any and all competition for his mins and/or starting job, or turn a blind eye when he stinks up the place.
To exceed what Bibby provided last yr, all JTeague has to do is play DEF, which he can definitely do, and average 1 FG and 1 FT per quarter(equaling 12PPG), as well as 5-6 APG. He’ll usually have either JJ or JaCrawford in the gm to take the pressure off of running everything. Besides, in LDrews OFF, which relies on ball and player movement, as well as picks, his responsibilities won’t be all that great.
We managed to match the NBA champion Lakers in PPG(101.7)and PPG allowed(96)last yr. What we must do to become closer to them in accomplishments is be more consistent defensively, rebound better, and score more efficiently in our half court OFF. We all know the Hawks had a number of problems last yr, and managed to over come them to have a very productive season overall.
As far as the idea of us treading water, at best, because other teams have seemingly improved, I disagree. I remember having this same argument with ANDO about that very thing. He felt the Hawks wouldn’t be as good as the yr before because other teams had improved on paper, especially Philly after acquiring EBrand.
That’s when I brought up the idea of us improving through the concept of ORGANIC IMPROVEMENT, although I didn’t come up with the term. Naturally, I got ridiculed, but in the end, the Hawks improved organically and left the so called much improved teams like the Bulls, Wizards, 76′ers, Heat and Bobcats in the dust. MWilliams, JSmith, AHorford and JTeague definitely can and will get better. Individually, they might not score a lot more than they did last yr, but they will do it more efficiently. And playing a traditional DEF will allow our front line players to remain near the basket, rather than on the perimeter, which will improve rebounding position, and thus rebounding.
Hawk fans can whine and cry all they want about the Hawks roster, the ASG’s decisions and money woes, but this is want it is, and what we’ll start the season with. I just think that JTeague will definitely eliminate the DEF problems we had last yr at PG, which will improve our DEF in other areas. If he starts and averages 12PPG and 5-6APG, he’ll give us more that we got last yr from he and Bibby combined.