Atlanta Hawks: Larry Drew ditching switches
L.D. probably wouldn't consider this a 'switchable switch.'
(Checking in from a Miami holiday weekend filled with beaches, BBQ and . . . beverages)
We’ve heard about L.D.’s offensive philosophies but what about D? The short answer to what I know is the No. 1 question: Atlanta’s base defense under Drew will not feature switching on all (or most) screens.
But what he hopes to accomplish goes beyond Xs and Os and lineups. L.D. said he wants to develop a true defensive disposition for a team known more for finesse.
“Playing defense, it can be ugly sometimes,” Drew said. “Sometimes guys don’t like to do the ugly stuff, the dirty work stuff. Good defensive teams, their mindset is to go into games and outwork you. They don’t care how they do it. They do whatever it takes to shut you down. They have that aggressive mentality, where each game they go into it thinking ‘I am going lock in on my guy.’ and that works its way to the rest of the guys. You have to have that team concept and that aggressive mentality.”
A fanatical devotion to shutting down opponents is a trait of all true contenders. Atlanta’s lack of that quality has to rank at least alongside strategy and personnel as a major reason the Hawks have been a middling defensive team.
The Hawks ranked 13th in defensive efficiency last season, 11th in 2008-09 and 13th in ‘07-08. They were 24th in defensive rebounding rate in ‘09-10, 24th in ‘08-09 and 26th in ‘07-08. Atlanta’s rank in opponent true shooting percentage was 19th last season, eighth in ‘08-09 and 18th in ‘07-08. You can keep going down the list of ways to measure defensive performance and lately the Hawks rarely ranked in the top 10, never mind the top 5.
Defense is another area where L.D. is going to have to find a way to get more out of the guys he’s got. Changing their mentality is the obvious place to start. Drew has to galvanize a group that wilted so badly against the Magic. He has to help his players reach the “uncomfortable” effort levels that Al said they didn’t reach last spring.
There are familiar questions about Drew’s roster, too. It’s the same group of defenders (with an asterisk next to Jamal’s name) that couldn’t contain the perimeter. It’s still a power rotation that lacks a menacing 7-footer in the middle. It’s the same group that too often looked to Al and Smoove to go to work on the boards.
Does L.D. think he has the horses to play good, tough, straight-up D?
“I think we have the personnel to do it,” he said. “That’s why I use the term ‘accountability.’”
One way to annoy NBA players is to talk to them about defensive “stoppers.” So many times I’ve heard guys, especially guards and wings, scoff at the notion. There is no such thing, they say, because there are too many good offensive players and the hand-check rules make it nearly impossible to stop those kind of guys straight up.
Point taken, and L.D. said it’s one he recognizes. That’s why he said he there will be times when switching and other help-type schemes will be necessary.
“I think you have to make a decision on how you want to guard certain people,” he said. “Certainly game-by-game, adjustments will be made defensively. But you go into the game with the mindset of guarding your own people. I think we are deep enough we can get that kind of defense out of our guys.”
Drew said he doesn’t want that to go so far with tricking up the D that players use it as a crutch. You could see that happen with the Hawks last season. Players became so reliant on the switches that they tended to relax in anticipation of screens. Why fight through picks to stay with your man when he can be always be passed off to a teammate?
“I know exactly what you mean,” L.D. said. “You are not the first person I’ve heard say that. Different coaches have different philosophies on how they do things.”
The switching defense has its advantages. It can be effective against pick-and-rolls. It helped the Hawks cover up some of their limitations (even if it also could create other problems). But I think there is no question that using switches so liberally blunted Atlanta’s defensive aggressiveness.
Getting away from the switches is a matter of strategy for Drew, whose goal is for the Hawks to make only what he calls the “switchable switches” that don’t leave them in clearly bad matchups But ditching switches also is a matter of mindset.
“We need guys locking in and focusing on what the defense calls for,” Drew said. “We have the tools for it. We have some areas where got to get better at, but I think overall we have the tools to be a good defensive team. That is the challenge I am going to put to the guys.”
– Nothing new on the Jamal front. He still wants either a satisfactory contract extension or a trade but the Hawks still haven’t indicated if he will get either.
– French club Le Havre announced on its Web site that it has completed a buyout of Pape Sy’s contract. The Hawks haven’t received the paperwork and so don’t consider the deal to be official but they are optimistic there will be no snags.
MC
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666 comments Add your comment
sam'l
September 8th, 2010
8:52 am
Drew sounds good. At least he’s thinking about the right things.
One thing that is under control is how much energy and thought each and every player can put into their own training into becoming the best athlete and ballplayer available. I have to think of Rajon Rondo as someone who decided to step up his game. Tim Duncan. Any Hawk who wants to step up to the next level can work and work to perfect their game. The impact will be seen and felt immediately when hey step on the floor.
sam'l
September 8th, 2010
8:53 am
“they” step on the floor.
ant banks
September 8th, 2010
9:18 am
WOW!! the atlanta dream is about to bring the first championship of any kind to atlanta. DREAM MAKE THE WNBA FINALS. lol.
go dream!!
dos hawkquis
September 8th, 2010
9:24 am
What amazes me the most is how Larry Drew is eschewing EVERYTHING that Woody stood for:
1.switching on defense
2.iso jj offense
3.not holding players accountable
4.playing favorites
I wonder how many times in practice Larry tried to offer his perspective on things, only to have Woody tell him to forget about it. I do remember that Larry tried to leave about 3 years ago to take an assistant job on the west coast so that he could be there for his son’s senior year of basketball.
@MC, could you ask Larry has he spoken to Woody since taking over the job?
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
Nate ArchiBALL
September 8th, 2010
10:15 am
Go Dream !!! Hats off to Dream coach Marynell Meadors. How many coaches would make a major lineup change prior to the first playoff game? Meadors benched starting Center (DeSouza) and Point Guard (Lehning) and went with a small lineup (4 guards and a power forward). The results – 4 wins and a trip to the finals. Good thing Woody wasn’t coaching this team……….
ILL-Logical
September 8th, 2010
10:29 am
@archiBall:
Excellent point!
Ken Strickland
September 8th, 2010
10:52 am
CLYDE-Yes, the Hawks got swept in the 2nd round in last yrs playoffs and are returning 10 of players from last yrs roster. Tell me CLYDE, wasn’t the Celtic team we swept all 4gms last yr the same team that came within an unfortunate injury to KPerkins from winning the NBA title?
When your team finishes 3rd in the Eastern Conference, wins 53gms, and actually makes it to the 2nd rd for the 2nd consecutive yr, WHY IN HELL WOULDN’T YOU WANT TO BRING THAT CORE OF PLAYERS BACK? I’m shocked that you, of all people, can’t grasp the tremendous overall improvement of having MWoodson and his limitations out, and LDrew and his innovations in.
DOS HAWKQUIS-That’s exactly why LDrew was hired to replace Woodson. They wanted to rid themselves of all the negatives that were in place under Woodson, without sacrificing any of the positives. They also wanted to minimize any potential adjustment and/or chemistry issues that might have occurred if an outsider had been hired.
Unlike Woodson, LDrew seems to be excited about taking on the total responsibilities and requirements of being a HC.
drmaryb (*_*)
September 8th, 2010
11:08 am
Ken Strickland
Enthusiastic Co-Sign!
It takes forgiveness & superlative character to remain positive.
“Adversity reveals character – Prosperity conceals it.”
- arthur unknown -
KevinM
September 8th, 2010
12:05 pm
More fuel to the Hawks-optimist after standing pat during a playoff disaster:
NBA.com grades the Hawk’s offseason: C+
They are being generous.
MC, any word on how the season ticket sales are going for the LD Extreme Makeover?
KevinM
September 8th, 2010
12:12 pm
Sweep the Celtics in the regular season just about makes us a championship contender…..okay……
Rod from College Park
September 8th, 2010
12:28 pm
KevinM,
5 year season ticket holder, and I am not renewing this year. I know a number of other season ticket holders who are not renewing this year either. Some because of finances and other issues, and some feel like me, and don’t see the product on the floor being worth spending that kind of money. I would be willing to bet that sales are down, based on the number of calls I have recv’d about renewing.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 8th, 2010
1:03 pm
I don’t know if this has already been posted, but the Hawks hired Nick Van Exel to help ou with player development today.
Astro Joe
September 8th, 2010
1:07 pm
Najeh, I had not heard that. great move. They need a former player with credibility to help the players. I had hoped Drew would add someone with those credentials to his staff (I was thinking someone like Darrell Armstrong or Lindsey Hunter). Too bad Salim isn’t around, because he had some Nick@Night type skills.
Ramon
September 8th, 2010
1:13 pm
If Woody is so bad of a coach. Wouldn’t having a coach not named Woody guarantee the team at least 5 more wins than last season? How could any coach come in and win less games, but still be called a better coach? So if Woody can get 53 wins out of this roster, why wouldn’t we expect his replacement to get even more wins? The east just got easier to me, because now you know Toronto and Cleveland will not be relevant for a long time to come!
Astro Joe
September 8th, 2010
1:21 pm
Jeff Teague will have a tremendous mentor in Van Exel. Nick was a “lead guard” before that term was created for guys like Teague. If Teague just listens, he will learn a lot about playing the game and mastering his considerable talents. This was a great move by Drew… Van Exel likely gets day-to-day ownership of Teague’s development while Drew stays focused on 13-14 players. Teague needed his own coach and Van Exel should have the credibility to reach the youngster. No more excuses are left for Teague, he should show considerable improvement by the All Star game (or something is wrong with the player).
KevinM
September 8th, 2010
1:22 pm
Ramon, swap Cleveland and Toronto with Miami and Milwaukee. Ypu might have an argument for Chicago and a team no one is talking about, Charlotte, who for some reason gives us fits.
The only guarantee I see is the Hawks finishing out of the top 2 slots in their own division. That tells me there will be NO homecourt advantage this year and going forward.
I can see us finishing no better than 4th and could be 6th at the end. The schedule is tough the last month and they better get off to a good start while they have some lighter games on the schedule.
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
1:25 pm
Ramon, your logic is as sound as it is intriquing. I agree!
cp
September 8th, 2010
1:29 pm
Congrats to the Dream……..I like the Nick Van Exel move. Yea Astro Salim had a lot of similarities to Nick. This is the type of move a lot of guys have been talking about for years now.
Astro Joe
September 8th, 2010
1:40 pm
cp, I often suggested that Salim could be the “next Nick Van Exel”… just to show how wrong I was with predicting player development. But I really like this hire, especially since Van Exel is different than most of the choir boys on our team. He will bring a different perspective and can be the “keeping it real” voice of reason that this still youthful core needs (and has needed for 4-5 years). Thie group has needed a “big brother” with credibility from day one and he has finally arrived. And I really do think that he can do wonders for Teague.
northcyde
September 8th, 2010
2:02 pm
Nick was one of my favorite players back in the day. He always played fearless and with a chip on his shoulder.
*******
@ vava . . . unfortunately man, what you say about Mo producing when he got much more playing time, is something you could say about the vast majority of the players in the league.
During his rookie year, when Shelden Williams got 25+ minutes in a game, he averaged close to a double double. But he was not a better PF than Josh Smith, nor a better center than Zaza at that time. Then Al Horford arrives.
Do you still make the commitment to play Shelden 25 minutes in a game, even though he’s the 4th best big man on the team?
Only if he proves to be a consistent player when he does get minutes. Which he didn’t. Shelden proved that he was more like an old car off the bench, than a motorcycle. That is, that he needed substantial minutes to get going and make his mark in a game. A player playing like a motorcycle doesn’t need all of that time to “warm up” to make his mark.
The key to being a bench player in the NBA, is being able to impact a game in a short period of time when called upon. Whatever it is that you do, you MUST do it well off the bench. This is exactly whar Flip Murray did as a Hawk.
He proved right away that he was more valuable on BOTH ends of the floor, than Acie Law IV. If they both played 15 minutes in a game, you’d see Flip impact a game, but not necessarily Acie.
This is how Flip played his way into getting so much playing time at the end of the year, that he was eventually not only taking all of Acie’s minutes, he took minutes from Bibby and Marvin on occasion as well.
It’s easy to blame coaches for not playing guys, but overlooking that those players played like garbage in the first place, to put them in that situation. And when you have a better option to go to, a coach isn’t going to waste a lot of minutes waiting on a role player to come around.
Once Phil Jackson got Artest, he didn’t waste minutes trying to appease Luke Walton and give him his normal minutes
As I said all of last year . . “if you can ball, you can ball.”
And another baller can definitely make you expendible.
Grandad
September 8th, 2010
2:10 pm
LD continues to make one sound decision after another.
His statements [quotes] to the media are on point as well.
Logic suggests that he will continue same during the season.
vava74
September 8th, 2010
2:32 pm
northcyde,
I still think you are wrong.
Shelden did not have the defensive ability Mo has (when he plays SG) so you cannot compare players.
Mo should be, IMO, a starter, but averaging only around 22/25 minutes at the SG slot. I am convinced that he would give the back court defensive solidity and acceptable offensive production with Jamal subbing him for 26/23 minutes.
JJ would play the SF slot with Marvin subbing him at the SF slot (13 minutes) and also spelling Josh at the PF slot (10 minutes).
A coach has to know how to best use his resources: if Mo is not effective as a 10 minute rotation player, subbing for a player who averages 38 minutes, maybe you will extract more out of the combo whereby the starter plays a bit less and the sub a bit more.
Rufus1
September 8th, 2010
2:44 pm
Clear Path
LD is laying out a clear plan….”Got to love it”
A True Hawkes Fan
September 8th, 2010
2:59 pm
Grandad – 1:18am post
Sept 7
“Defense;
sorry Rev, you may have already turned in for the eve.
Rev, I’ll not get into X’s & O’s because NBA rules affect
defense much more than offense.
For example; HS or collegiate teams play man to man with
zone principles. (help side defense) NBA defensive 3 second
rules severely limit this strategy.
Therefore what LD is doing is demanding a mind-set [attitude]
or hard nosed mentality as opposed to trickeration or finesse.
Bob Knight always said there are two types of [defensive]coaches:
(1) surprise & change = Dean Smith
(2) do one thing, but do it “well” = Bob Knight fit this category.
*or even Jim Boeheim fit category #(2) as a zone coach.
One thing LD needs to do is ensure that Joe is on board.
He cannot let Joe slide. Joe must become the toughest SOB
on the team. Joe may not be verbal but he must be the best
and toughest defender/stopper on the team.
Why?
Simple, he makes the most money.
Joe has never been asked to do the dirty work.
I’ll ask anyone on this board…..have you ever seen Joe
dive for a loose ball?
Now – he must, he has to, there’s no other way.
Josh works his tail off on defense every night.
You wonder why Josh gets his ass up on his shoulders sometimes.
Figure it out.
There is -no- star system on defense.
I’ll close with this;
I don’t particularly care for Kobe, but I *respect him.
*[basketball]
He has figured out how to lead.
With the exception of Artest – Kobe’s their best defender.
Nuff said I’m out.”
I disagree about Joe not doing the dirty work. Joe had to guard the opposing team best guard every game not to mentioned hide Bibby because he brings 0 defense to the court. As for diving for loose balls Zsa Zsa is to only one that consistanly do that.
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
3:06 pm
Nick Van Exel, being a former point guard, is not being brought in to develop Bibby. He is coming to Atl to give Teague every opportunity to grow as fast as possible.
I love this move. Rather than second-guessing whether Teague will be the point guard of the future by bringing in a “back-up plan” point guard, Coach Drew is doubling-down on his confidence in Teague. He is saying, “You are my man and I am investing in your development.”
Teague’s greatest need for growth is in his self-confidence & assertiveness. Van Exel is overflowing with healthy floor leadership attitude.
I wonder if Drew will be happy if Van Exel teaches Teague to make some of his behind the back passes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a77Bh0vUPeY
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
3:17 pm
Coach Drew brought Van Excel in to teach Teague this shot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6I4TR-kqh7M&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Rondo
September 8th, 2010
3:45 pm
Nick Van Exel is a good hire, but he still can’t give the Lil Tin Man (Teague) heart.
Rondo
September 8th, 2010
3:54 pm
L.D. is saying all the right things like a politician. But we all know that in the nba switches on defense are bound to happen. Kobe, Lebron, Wade, and Oklahoma Slim will kill any man to man defense and any coach in the nba can force teams to switch on defense. Matter of fact thats what L.D.’s offense is designed to do, take advantage of mismatches. Lets just have the wait and see approach when it comes down to L.D’s offensive and defensive policies……. I mean schemes.
The Truth
September 8th, 2010
3:55 pm
Rev
That really was a “Sick shot by Nick Van Exel”. I also notice that Van Excel was drafted round 2 pick # 37. Maybe he can also reassure Pape Sy that success in the NBA doesn’t (necessarily) equate to his draft selection.
doc
September 8th, 2010
4:31 pm
gd i saw your point about jj. i just dont think it all needs to be put in his lap or on his shoulders. i dont believe in a free pass for him either just moderate some of the expectations. i have criticized some of his lackadaisical stuff on defense, his lack of penetration and his lack of verbal leadership in the past but he really may only be able to do better on the first two. some folks just dont put words together well.
unfortunately the guys that have to give big are the ones left maybe without much help to carry the load and that is josh and al. for this team to continue to grow those two guys have to become really special and perennial all stars. i would have liked to have seen one more serviceable big on the roster to give them a blow but it is what it is. i know al and josh some nights just didnt have the atp in their mitochondria to do it and that comes from getting some rest from time to time. throw in our schedule with a lot of road back to backs and it spells trouble for the sarcomeres in those guys legs.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 8th, 2010
4:36 pm
Actually the first thing I thought when I heard about the Van Exel hire was that maybe he would teach Josh Smith to shoot free throws from the top of the key. But yeah, I can’t see how this wouldn’t help Teague, having two accomplished point guards (along with Drew) on the staff.
Rondo
September 8th, 2010
5:08 pm
If one of the greatest free throw shooters (Mark Price) in nba history can’t teach Josh how to shoot free-throws….Who can?…….. Can he?(Van Exel) Will he learn? …(I doubt it)
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
5:22 pm
doc, grandad’s post was reposted by *A True Hawkes Fan* today. Grandad has interacted with several bloggers since this post was first posted. He is not saying that he “think(s) it all needs to be put in his lap or on his shoulders.” He is talking about leadership & responsibility. The most important step the Hawks need to take on defense is developing mental toughness. JJ must lead from the front so that it will be a SHARED responsibility to play tenacious D.
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
5:24 pm
Rondo, you may have missed Najeh’s humor: “maybe he would teach Josh Smith to shoot free throws from the top of the key.”
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
5:24 pm
I’m on a roll. Who else needs to be set straight?
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
5:27 pm
I tried to reason with truthspitter yesterday, but he has proven to be incorrigible. t.s., just a little humor coming your way.
SWAT Native
September 8th, 2010
6:01 pm
I would also like to congratulate the Atlanta Dream on winning the Easter Conference last night. It was a great game if you missed it.
One thing I noticed is that Larry Drew and all his assistants were in attendance, as well as Josh Smith.
slim
September 8th, 2010
6:02 pm
frontrunner are a hawks fan, or better yet do you even know basketball? On paper the hawks roster as good as any elite team, it’s all about willingness, toughness, and heart, hopefully LD will bring a (New Attitude) to the team. I know that NBA players are grown men, but we all need a little motivation at times, and having heart can be inherited look what KG brought to Boston.
Hammer22
September 8th, 2010
6:04 pm
Someone probably brought this up. But, I’d trade Marvin and Crawford for Chris Paul in a heart beat.
Rev in Tampa
September 8th, 2010
6:10 pm
Hammer22, you are about a month late on that one.
O'Brien
September 8th, 2010
6:12 pm
I like the Nick the Quick hire. I’m sure Bibby will help teague out too, but they will be in competition for starting. So bringing in Nick is a good move.
I wonder if Nick can still play?
ant banks
September 8th, 2010
6:14 pm
RUMEAL ROBINSON was found guilty of 11 counts of financial fraud. i wonder if one of the FRAUD charges include his playin’ career with the hawks…
Rondo
September 8th, 2010
6:30 pm
Reb. in Tampa – I guess that one flew over my head. My bad.
i_am_soulstar
September 8th, 2010
6:35 pm
6 Reasons to Support the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals (OR 6 Reasons To Stop Crapping On Women’s Basketball)
http://phoenixsoulstar.blogspot.com/2010/09/6-reasons-to-support-atlanta-dream-in.html
Big Ray
September 8th, 2010
6:55 pm
Great dialogue between Northcyde and Grandad .
Makes the blog worth reading, even though we have rehashed the hell out of everything.
Word, Najeh ?
pedro el gitano
September 8th, 2010
7:01 pm
de momento felicitemos a las dream!!!y aprendamos de ellas!!!
cp
September 8th, 2010
7:02 pm
How was it determined that Teague has no heart? smh. I would love to see an explanation on this one.
Big Ray
September 8th, 2010
7:07 pm
And though this may shock the world (and Vava74), I have to give a shoutout to Rod from College Park .
He’s been on it, and even went retro, LOL.
On the team as a whole being soft – Yep, and it’s a problem when your team captain and highest player is that way, too. I do believe that he and Al and Josh can get it together.
As for the vets who haven’t come through for us – this is the kind of veteran foolishness that the ASG and the GM have been bringing us. Can’t blame a coach for that nonsense. Seriously, let’s take a look at some of the vets we’ve had since Woody has been here, and Billy Knight/Rick Sund have presided as GM:
Ty Lue – Not the player he was for the Hawks that he was for the Lakers. By the time he got to us, he was a veteran in search of a paycheck. His claim to fame was his sense of humor in the locker room, not his leadership and toughness on the court.
Anthony Johnson – Looked good in Dallas, came here and just died. Of all the guys we grabbed for the pg spot, however, he was probably the toughest and toughest-minded. Walked out of practice and the Hawks facility one time, feuded with Josh Smith, and got sick of the whole scene in Atlanta. Woody wasn’t in control, and the atmosphere was not professional enough, is my guess. Still, played hard for the ATL, but seemed somewhat revived in Orlando.
Lorenzen Wright – Off the court, was into “seniority” and playing tricks on rookies. ON the court, averaged as many or more fouls than he did rebounds.
Joe Smith – maybe he didn’t have anything left in the tank once he got here. Was a good locker room presence, however.
Speedy Claxton – a waste of money. Completely.
Jason Collins – apparently didn’t take anything seriously enough. Came to the ATL looking like he ate at Charles Barkley’s house every day, and was involved in Barkley’s “lazyboy chair” workout program. Shot flat-footed jumpers at the end of blowout games, much to the amusement of his teammates.
I’m hoping that with Drew there will be a tighter-run ship, and more professional atmosphere, and better veteran toughness off the bench with the additions of Etan Thomas and Josh Powell.
As for Mo Evans, sh!t or get off the pot is all I have to say (same to Marvin). I’ll laugh if Pape Sy puts a french whippin’ on ya in practice, takes your lunch money, and your playing time.
Big Ray
September 8th, 2010
7:09 pm
Nick Van Exel was a good hire. And for those who don’t remember, dude flourished despite a career FG percentage of 40%.
He did have a career 3-to-1 assist/turnover ratio…..
doc
September 8th, 2010
7:30 pm
rev, thanks. i was one of the folks he was interacting with and was responding back to him personally since he was nice enough to respond to me. i was not far from where he was just felt it was a bit overstated. kind of like i can get sometimes.