Atlanta Hawks: With start of new season near, end to ‘10 still burns
Hawks say they remember what this felt like.
For the first part of this summer, everywhere Marvin went he got different variations of the same question.
What the heck happened to the Hawks in that series against the Magic?
“Early in the summer [he heard it] but, after a while, people started to get ready for football season, thankfully,” Marvin said today after informal workouts at Philips. “But, God, the first month, month-and-a-half, it was: ‘Yo, what happened?’ Dude, you were watching the games. You tell me what happened?”
The Magic beat down the Hawks in historical fashion, everybody saw it, and Hawks players know their reps took a major hit. After finishing third in the East and openly talking about a championship run, the Hawks folded in the face of adversity and eventually earned the wrath of their own fans.
True competitors with any sense of pride are not going to go out like that. Each time I’ve talked to L.D. he’s made it a point to say he believes the way last season ended will have a bearing on how players approach this season.
“We pretty much got embarrassed in the second round,” J.J. said the other day. “I am sure it won’t happen again.”
There are Hawks with lots to prove individually this season. Can Marvin be consistent? Can J.J. share the ball, deliver a strong postseason and live up to his contract? Will Smoove continue to mature? Can Teague take over the point? Can L.D. bring it all together?
But after what happened against the Magic, the Hawks have a lot to prove as a group, too. Critics, some of them internal, accused the Hawks of quitting. The lasting memory for the Hawks in 2009-10 wasn’t 53 Ws, 34-7 at home or No. 3 in the East, but how those significant accomplishments nearly faded into irrelevance after they meekly succumbed to the Magic.
“Honestly, me personally, it definitely doesn’t sit well with me,” J.J. said. “Coming into the season, I still think about that. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get over that hump. It did leave a bad taste in my mouth. I think it’s something we can bounce back from. We just have to be confident.”
With no major personnel additions this summer the Hawks are largely counting on improvement from the same group. There is plenty of external skepticism about whether that will be enough to put them over the top, and surely a lot of that is due to how last season ended.
“To lose the way you lose, it kind of sits in my stomach,” Marvin said. “To come out and play the way we played against Orlando—we lost by 20, 25 a night! We are better than that, man. I think the world knows we are better than that.
“Take nothing from Orlando, they are a great team. But the Atlanta Hawks are better than [losing by] 20 or 25 a night. That just kind of sits in your stomach all summer. I think guys look back at those last two [losing] playoff series, and we want to get better. So we’ve got to try to build. ”
Quick hits
– I don’t think the Hawks are hot to add a fifth center (and a 15th guaranteed contract) after re-signing Twin and getting Etan Thomas. So while the Hawks have talked to Erick Dampier’s rep it doesn’t look like he’s going to end up in Atlanta.
– Word is Jamal Crawford opted not to come to town early for his pre-camp physicals. All indications are that Crawford will report Monday as required. It will be interesting to see what he has to say about his contract situation on media day.
– I’m told Jordan Crawford has stood out during the informal runs at Philips. I caught the tail end of today’s session, where JC2 showed why he’s considered a natural scorer. Guys like that flourish in games like that. He’s not shy about pulling up for long jumpers, though I’m sure that instinct will be tempered once things get serious.
– In addition to Marvin and JC2, Bibby, Teague and Josh Powell also were at today’s run. So were free agent vets Stackhouse and Anthony Johnson.
Follow me on Twitter @ajchawks.
MC
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509 comments Add your comment
Ramon
September 24th, 2010
5:57 pm
I would love for him to goto Denver or Houston. Especially if it meant him not being on another team in the East.
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
6:20 pm
Originally posted by Steve W:HoosierHawk – I wouldn’t – as you said, that’s and awful lot to give up for Devin Harris. Now if they would take Bibby, I’d think about it. I’m not sure I would trade Crawford for Devin straight up.
Man I tell you, I am glad you guys are mere bloggers who sound lost and uneducated on the game of basketball. I would give up Jamal Crawford in a split second for Devin Harris, even though in the long run that trade would add too much salary to the team. So, I would offer Marvin and Mo for Devin Harris in a split second
Grandad
September 24th, 2010
6:20 pm
A man can dream:
If the aforementioned trade goes down
-&-
NJ truly wants a [pt g] then here goes::
Bibby + Marv to – Jersey
Troy Murphy & Q.Ross to – Hawks
*works on trade machine.
*we get two expirings with the ability to re-sign
both Jamal + Al.
*possibly could re-sign TM to a reduced sal.???
*NJ gets [pt g]
*plus NJ gets versatile young forward
to counter loss of Favors.
*Marv a better perimeter shooter than Melo.
*Marv a better defender than Melo
*Melo could essentially play the [4] on *offense
*Melo is ssuperb in the post.
Alas…It’ll never happen…but…
Grandad
September 24th, 2010
6:23 pm
*That’ss rreally ssuperb if you get two ss’ss!! sserioussly.
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
6:33 pm
Troy Murphy is garbage and way too soft to help the Hawks in the long run. We don’t need a second white guy on the team just for the sake of appeasing the republican, KKK, tea party red necks of Atlanta
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
6:35 pm
I would not be surprised if Marvin came out and said he has attended Bishop Long’s church and he has first hand knowledge that the allegations are true because there is something seriously wrong with Marvin as a basketball player. Someone took his manhood and made it impossible for him to be aggressive.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
7:08 pm
Devin Harris 3 years ago – yes. Now? Is it just because he’s been in NJ he’s tanking? 40.3% shooting is horrible. 27.6% from 3pt land – horrible. .Devin Harris PER is 16.3, while Jamal’s is 18.5. Just sayin’ – and he’s also injury prone – he missed 18 games last year, 13 the year before, 18 the year before that.
Devin’s shooting % has declined in each of the past 5 years
His 3 pt.% has declined in each of his last 4 years.
Now all that being said, let me clarify myself: Jamal wants out – I would trade him for Devin Harris straight up. But Jamal is a better player in most aspects of the game than Devin. Even Devin’s steals are down – he averaged the fewest steals he had in 4 years last year – and that’s playing over 8mpg more than he was playing when he last averaged that few of steals.
But we do need a PG, and if they would take Bibby’s contract along with Jamal, then yes, I could see us starting Harris, Teague off the bench, moving Mo’ to 2, and signing Stackhouse to back up Marv. Works for me. I just needed to clarify the scenario’s a little bit.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
7:11 pm
But if Jamal wants to stay, and we could sign him cheap, then keeping Jamal is a good option also – even though Devin is much younger than Jamal. My whole point was – Devin is decline – Jamal is probably better right now, so be careful who we trade for. But man, if they would eat Bibby’s contract as well, it would be tough not to do.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
7:12 pm
“Devin is in decline”
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
7:14 pm
Jamal + Teague for Devin Harris – man, I just wouldn’t bite at that deal. I think too much of Teague I guess. Throw in a 1st pick from the Nets, now we’re in the ball park.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
7:16 pm
Devin would fit in with the up tempo style however. One reason I like Mo Williams over Harris, is he shoots 42% from the 3 pt. line as opposed to 27.6% for Devin. Those 3 pointers are what you want in the motion offense.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
7:20 pm
Devins game is drive and dish, but he’s never even averaged 7 assists per game – so I guess he doesn’t dish quite enough. I guess I like more well rounded offensive guys – Jamal – 44.9% FG, 38.2% from the 3 point line.
ryan
September 24th, 2010
7:52 pm
truthspitter that political junk is uncalled for if you don’t like Troy Murphy fine that other crap is nonsense .
Rev in Tampa
September 24th, 2010
8:02 pm
Truthspitter, let’s say that Marvin is traded to another team. What would you have to contribute to the conversation? Have you run out of rational thoughts? Is that why you have resorted to racism?
Grandad
September 24th, 2010
8:03 pm
truthspitter:
“Man I tell you, I am glad you guys are mere bloggers who sound lost and uneducated on the game of basketball
“So, I would offer Marvin and Mo for Devin Harris in a split second”
Lost -&- Uneducated:
Okay why would you add Mo;
*(an asset) which could be used in a later trade. [perhaps]
*[whether you like him or not)!
Marv for D.Harris works straight up. [trade machine]
So, why give away assets when you don’t have to.
This particular blogger researches all his proposed trades.
[ahead of time]
Rev in Tampa
September 24th, 2010
8:18 pm
Hey Grandad! Looks like you, me and truthspitter are the only ones with no exicting plans for Friday night. Mrs. Rev is making me take Rev, jr. out for a haircut.
ryan
September 24th, 2010
8:21 pm
Guys like truthspitter is why this country is divided can we have a talk about sports with out some moron who has an agenda .
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
8:28 pm
Ryan: No the country is divided because George Bush was president for 8 years and lied about reasoning for wars. Stole an election, put us into a financial bind and all the republican, KKK, tea party south did was go along with everything he said like a bunch of hicks. The country will always be divided just like God’s earth, it is divided by light and darkness. Those who choose Bush and the lies represent darkness and those who choose to oppose him and his lies are light. Darkness wins out in this devils world.
Finally, those who choose to follow Marvin to depression and darkness once again represent the Devil. Those who choose to give Al, Josh, and Joe the respect they deserve for representing light represent the truth which is God above
Rev in Tampa
September 24th, 2010
8:30 pm
Where are you at truthspitter? I’m calling you out. You owe everybody on this blog an apology.
Jon Koncak
September 24th, 2010
8:35 pm
He’s running Rev!!!!
ryan
September 24th, 2010
8:40 pm
This will unite everyone GOD BLESS AMERICA GO HAWKS .
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
8:51 pm
I’m sure that the guys on this blog that I know of, that if an Asian, Hispanic, or Black had the exact same skill set as Troy Murphy, they would be advocating acquiring him. It’s about basketball, not skin color! I think not advocating Troy Murphy simply because he is White is racism. Your discriminating because of his skin color – unless you really believe a guy who averages 11.2 rebounds per game is soft.
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
8:52 pm
yes Murphy is soft and we don’t need him other than to add another white looking guy to the team for those who want that, which there are many
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
8:52 pm
Wow! And how did we go into if your for giving Marvin another chance your of the devil? i thought God was about grace and mercy – and 2nd chances.
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
8:53 pm
I consistently talk about adding Biedrins so you can go somewhere else if you think I am racist. I just don’t see the need for Murphy other than the obvious
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
8:53 pm
Truthspitter – Do you want a Black looking team? Why?
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
8:54 pm
Why not just a Team who wins, regardless of skin color. Racism is almost dead in the circles I run in, which are many. Let it die, and lets get along and love each other regardless of skin color. It’s the best way.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
Truthspitter – I know more Democrats that are racist than Republicans. Let’s let it die – and does the KKK still exist? I sure hope not. And I would venture to say most Tea Partiers are not racist, just people who love freedom, and want lower taxes. I say if you gave them a J.C. Watts or Clarence Thomas to vote for, they would in a heartbeat – and if they are racists, their idiots. Not liking someone because of the color of their skin, something they can’t help – it just doesn’t compute. Character, morals, now those are some good things.
Ken Strickland
September 24th, 2010
8:58 pm
Allow me to illustrate an example of some seriously flawed thinking, and someone with some personal issues. Under various names, this one individual has promoted his single issue opinions about C AHorford. He says the Hawks will never get past the 2nd rd with him at center.
Now, here’s where the ignorance and stupidity comes in. He doesn’t mention, or seem to feel, we’ve been hindered in any way by the fact that Horford and his teammates have to compensate offensively and defensively for the NBA’s least productive starting PG. In fact, Bibby ranked 45th among all PG’s in overall production, and since there are only 30 teams, it means 15 BACKUP PG’s were more productive.
SO, THIS FOOL BELIEVES A YOUNG, ATHLETIC, QUICK, FAST, AGGRESSIVE AND IMPROVING ALL STAR CENTER, WHO RANKED 9TH OVERALL, IS A FAR, FAR BIGGER HINDERANCE TO THE HAWKS ABILITY TO GET PAST THE 2ND RD THAN A SLOW, NONE ATHLETIC, NONE PENETRATING, RAPIDLY DECLINING, AND PAST HIS PRIME, 45TH RANKED PG. STUPID IS AS STUPID DOES!
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
8:59 pm
About Murphy, their are a number of people who think with the Motion Offense you need a big who pop from outside. I don’t think it has anything to do with him being White.
Rev in Tampa
September 24th, 2010
9:00 pm
Truthspitter, I’ve heard you speaking, but haven’t seen an apology.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
9:02 pm
I’m sure these same people would love to have a Lamar Odom, who happens to be Black
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
9:05 pm
KenS – Very good point. Hoping Teague fits the bill. He’s definitely an athlete. I’m really warming up to the idea of trading Jamal (if he wants out and will be a disruption) and Bibby for the best possible PG we can get. Move Mo’ down to 2, and sign Stackhouse, Wilkens, Hayes or somebody as the backup 3.
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9:06 pm
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truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
9:15 pm
Atlanta is the city of chokers Bobby Cox is a choker and his teams are also. This dark city is cursed with guys who don’t have heart and Troy Murphy certainly fits that build. I see why the losers of the world want him. He fits in.
ryan
September 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Hey Truithspitter do think Larry Bird is garbage or Steve Nash or how about John Stockton .
Jae Evolution
September 24th, 2010
9:20 pm
Can someone bring me up to speed with the 4 way trade in talks for Melo, has it been stated that Atlanta is going to be involved in this 4 way trade or is it just speculation on everyone’s part? Thanks in advance.
rusty
September 24th, 2010
9:20 pm
you cant begin to depend on moe for much. he wouldnt play first string for any team in the nba
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
9:30 pm
JE – Just speculation, and wishful thinking I believe. Still between Nets, Bobcats, Nuggets, and Jazz – Nuggets get Favors, Kirelenko, and a couple of 1st picks – Jazz get Diaw – Bobcats get Devin Harris, and of course the Nets get ‘Melo. They say ‘Melo doesn’t want to go to NJ, and that’s the hold up. Still wants Bulls, Knicks, or Heat.
And Dampier has backed away from the Heat for now….
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
9:31 pm
Originally posted by Ryan:
Hey Truithspitter do think Larry Bird is garbage or Steve Nash or how about John Stockton .
No, I don’t. I think Nash is extremely overrated being that he has never won anything but was awarded multiple MVP’s more than Kobe has and that is just a joke. On the other hand, I respect all 3 as HOF’ers but it is sad that you have such a sample to go to. That’s why I made my statement any one of the guys that color that is any good gets blown out of proportion. Troy Murphy is soft and not what we need and I am tired of this guy calling for him. He is a PF, we have 2 all-star one’s. Why don’t have many assets to trade. Why would we use a valuable asset to add another PF when we have 2 all-star caliber guys that can play the position? Need I also add that Al is developing a jump shot that looked good at times. Makes no sense at all.
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
Sund is also a horrible GM and noone calls him on it but everyone pointed the finger directly at Knight even though he was responsible for Al and Bibby who helped the team make the playoffs. Furthermore, what is Sund doing Washington just resigned Blatche. Where is the extension for Al so we can move on with the Jamal situation?http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-wizardsmoves
The Truth
September 24th, 2010
9:47 pm
And this is where the Hawks joins the party:
“One impediment, sources say, is the Bobcats’ refusal to include point guard D.J. Augustin in the trade. The Nets, who will be left without a starting point guard with Devin Harris going to Charlotte in the four-team scenario, don’t necessarily view that as a deal-breaker. But sources say the Nets, the team that has been most aggressive in its pursuit of Anthony since it became known six weeks ago he wanted out of Denver, are concerned enough that they are continuing their attempts to pry Augustin from the Bobcats. If they’re unsuccessful, another option would be to try to bring in another team”
http://ken-berger.blogs.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/11838893/24791989
jerrywest
September 24th, 2010
9:54 pm
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5612296
Get Demp and dump some salaries at mid-season.
jerrywest
September 24th, 2010
9:54 pm
Heat doesn’t want Dampier
ryan
September 24th, 2010
10:04 pm
Truthspitter i do agree that the Hawks have the worst owners and the Braves and Liberty group are terrible but to bring up George Bush and the KKK is not needed on her do that at those political blogs .
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
10:08 pm
It’s true Ryan people from the South will go for anything because of there backwards, backwood racist ways. No way Bush and all of that lying, cheating, and stealing should have got 8 years, but when he says we are under attack, they believe him and play into his fear card hand, and who votes strictly Republican/Tea Party/KKK? The south, it’s a fact. I am through making the analogy but think about how the Hawks management tell these people anything and they believe it. It’s just in there blood to be slow
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
10:26 pm
Truthspitter – I have found racists of every color. And it’s been my experience that their are far more racists in the North than in the South. And I know of no one who votes KKK. David Duke was in the KKK or something, and almost nobody voted for him. If you vote for Biblical morality, freedom, and less gov’t interference and less taxes, that doesn’t make you a racist. And this is a basketball blog, so let’s stick to B’ball.
Signing Damp: Pros – The best big body we have down low for defense. Yes, better than ZaZa.
We could start Al at C, bring ZaZa and Damp off the bench at C, and every 3rd or 4th game let Collins get off of Reserve and get some minutes.
We could have Josh Powell and Etan back up Smoove on a nightly basis, and allow, Horford to play more 4 and Smoove some 3.
Negatives: We are at 15 if we sign Damp. If Bibby or Teague breaks a leg, no wiggle room to acquire another legit PG. Or if Marvin goes down, how do we get another legit 3? Having an open roster spot helps for the just in case stuff.
It may disrupt chemistry. If Collins and Powell are expecting more playing time, Damp certainly puts the kabosh on that idea.
I say sign him – but not everybody here thinks that way. I think it makes us a better team. We match up better with the Magic, Heat, Boston, Bulls – really just about everybody with that extra low post prescence.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
10:28 pm
Truthspitter – Is Sund bad as the Hawks GM because he’s White? Was Billy Knight good as a GM because he’s Black? I certainly hope your thinking is beyond that.
SteveW
September 24th, 2010
10:33 pm
Aw man – now the Bucks want Dampier with Bogut out – either get him out of the East, get him on a bad team in the East or let the Hawks get him – not the Bucks! It’s cold Milwaukee Eric – your from Mississippi – stay in the south where it’s warm! ATL – Go Hawks!
truthspitter
September 24th, 2010
10:34 pm
No my thinking is that Sund does not get called out for how bad he is because of his race and Knight got called out consistently because of his. The world is full of racist and I am done with it. You keep bringing it up Steve. Republicans are liars and they only use the bible when it is convenient. It’s usual a bunch of United States pledging allegiance to the flag talk with Republicans, they just throw God in there to make themselves look good. You should know