Atlanta Hawks: Media day musings
Jamal was happy to see L.D. at least. (Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com)
A few notes from my rounds today during the official unveiling of your 2010-11 Atlanta Hawks . . .
Jamal
Jamal was there, though I wouldn’t say he was exactly thrilled. Jamal said he “loves it” in Atlanta and wants to stay for the long term. He didn’t really address the contract situation or the trade demand directly but it didn’t take much reading between the lines to figure out what he’s feeling.
Does he think he will be in Atlanta for the near future?
“I honestly don’t know. I would love to work something out and be here long term. Last year I would have thought this was home and I’m part of the team’s future. But if it doesn’t work out that way I guess we will just have to cross that bridge when we get there.”
Does he want a trade if he doesn’t get the extension?
” I don’t want to talk about that. I will leave that up to Rick [Sund] and my agent to talk about.”
Does he feel disrespected by the lack of an extension?
“I wouldn’t say that. It’s not to that point yet. I know these things take time. I’ll just be patient and go with the flow.”
Does he have a deadline by which he wants an offer?
“Not an exact timeline.”
Does he want an offer before the start of the season?
“That would be very nice.”
How much does the uncertainty with the expiring CBA play into his situation?
“A lot of it has to do with it. With the CBA, there is no telling what [happens].”
J.J.
This was the first time he’s faced the full media contingent since the end of last season. Similar to my interview with him after he signed his contract, J.J. didn’t seem concerned about any fallout from his comments about fans during the Orlando series.
Is he worried about how fans will perceive him?
“Not at all.”
Does he think fans will “forgive and forget?”
“I hope so. But all I’m going to do is come out and play hard and help us win.”
My feeling is that, no matter how many times or ways he’s asked about this issue, an apology or expression of regret isn’t coming from J.J.
Joe said he still believes the Hawks are among the best teams in the East. He said last season was a “great season, and I’m looking forward to an even better season.”
J.J. said he’s not concerned about the Heat. Asked what he thinks about the team they’ve assembled, J.J. pointedly said: “I haven’t seen them play yet.” It’s a good point.
He said he’s excited about L.D.’s new offense because “it will help us all out.” I asked him if he has any reluctance to alter his game after so many years of personal success with that style: “I’m going to be able to adapt to whatever L.D. has for us.”
Smoove
Josh worked this summer with NBA trainer Idan Ravin.
“He pushed me. We worked on various things: ballhandling, the midrange jump shot. And whenever I got an opportunity to play 5-on-5 I worked on making better decisions on the floor. I know it’s just pickup but when you get in that situation and really work on things you are not so strong at.”
Mo Evans
He’s still not ready to play after surgery to clean out cartilage in his right knee. Mo said it would be about another two weeks before he can do court work. Right now his focus is on building strength.
Mo said training camp is about preparation but, as a vet, he’s not too worried about missing time.
“I don’t think they are trying to see what they’ve got in Mo Evans,” he joked.
Zaza
He played 14 games in international competition for his native Georgia and is proud that his country qualified for the European Championships for the first time in any team sport. Zaza, the national team’s captain, said he always comes back feeling energized and confident from being The Man.
Zaza said he also comes to camp with a better attitude after he butted heads with Woody over playing the last couple years.
“I’m getting my confidence back,” he said. “It wasn’t a great year for me last year. After talking to L.D., I’ve cleared out my mind.”
Jason Collins
He is indeed noticeably slimmer–Zaza joked that Collins was motivated by the new slim-fitting unis. Twin said his regiment included a modified diet, cardio and weights.
Collins said he’s looking forward to L.D. deploying a deeper “bigs” rotation.
“That sounds great to me,” he said. “It also will allow Horford to play some power forward. Josh won’t have so many minutes and can be fresh for the playoffs.”
L.D.
Conditioning is going to be a major focus for camp. L.D. is timing players in the mile today.
“If they don’t make their time, they’ve got a lot of extra conditioning,” he said.
(An aside: I told L.D. I ran a mile in 7:29 the other day and he wasn’t impressed. “You’ve got to be in the sixes.” Dang.)
Drew said he’s confident he can install all of his offensive system and defensive coverages by the time the season starts.
Drew said he hired Nick Van Exel as a player development coach in large part to work with Teague:
““The intriguing thing with him is he is not far removed from the game. He had a great career. As everyone remembers, he played with an edge [and] played with a kind of chip on his shoulder. I told him that’s his job with Jeff Teague is to get him to play more with an edge every time he steps out on the floor. I know from when I seen him working with Jeff and staying in Jeff’s ear, I can see it rubbing off a little bit.”
MC
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
139 comments Add your comment
Michael Cunningham
September 28th, 2010
11:17 am
@O’Brien: “MC, We would also like an official height and weight of Sy when available.”
the Hawks said he measured 6-7 at his workout.
The Truth
September 28th, 2010
11:22 am
If Sund doesn’t believe the Jamal drama with show-up in his game then he is even more delusional than I thought. Showing Al some love and making him an extension offer is not unusual for a drafted player that’s a keeper. But rebuffing offers from two teams that would return something for Jamal services if Sund has no plans to resign him is insane. Yes, Sund may hold all the cards now with Jamal but that’s just temporary and he is creating bad blood in the process. The idea of waiting until the trade deadline to trade him make sense if Hawks was a lottery bound team, but the Hawks are trying to prove something in the 2nd round of the playoff. At least that is the spin. Disrupting team chemistry in the middle of the season with big aspiration is “assine”; especially when an 18 ppg SMOY player is involved. If Sund should botch this up, the fans will really want his head as he punctuates his inept.
Macaroni Tony
September 28th, 2010
11:27 am
@Kevin
I don’t care about what Chris Webber, any of these other guys have to say about the Hawks. So we’re a team that has not lost none of its core, and will have a new look on floor is going to only win 30+ games. We beat every team last year but the Thunder. The Hawks will be fine, just fly under the radar and win.
Michael Cunningham
September 28th, 2010
11:28 am
@ The Truth: “Which one is it? Is Pape Sy a Guard @ 6′-6″ 185 lbs as reported from the TRAINING CAMP ROSTER or is he a F-G @ 6′-7″ 225 lbs from the OFFICAL TEAM ROSTER?”
Pape Sy is all things to all people! he is magical! i am looking at the training camp roster, and he is listed as 6-7, 225. i saw his height and weight listed in wide variations before he got here but the Hawks have always listed him as 6-7, 225 as far as i remember.
Astro Joe
September 28th, 2010
11:40 am
“pape Sy is all things to all people”. Well, until I see them in the same room, he is Mario West to me.
Ramon
September 28th, 2010
11:45 am
@ Michael, when LD said you needed to be in the ’sixes’ did you ask him if he thinks Collins will be? Lol. Or Sund? lol
Seriously, a lot of bloggers don’t understand by you taking an analytical standpoint, you’re able to see obvious things that they bypass. For instance, the entire summer you kept saying that if the Hawks offer JJ the most money, he would re-sign. Guess what? Both happened.
By the way, something for the Marvin bashers to consider, Chauncey Billups had WORSE numbers than Marvin in his first 7 seasons in the league. His FG%, Pts per game, and assists were lower or about the same as Marvin. And he was the 3rd pick of his draft. Its not too late for Marvin to become a significant player in this league!
Reid Adair
September 28th, 2010
11:56 am
So, while it’s no surprise to many of us, Joe Johnson has admitted that he basically doesn’t care what the fans think. He got his max contract, the Hawks were able to accomplish nothing else significant in free agency after making that deal, and everything is wonderful – at least in Johnson’s world.
KevinM
September 28th, 2010
12:22 pm
So Macaroni, its not important for the NBA media to talk favorably about your team and being a contender huh? Doesn’t their reporting impact the way the Hawks are seen in the public eye?
Let’s play under the radar, because there is no way this team can be favored by anyone. They don’t like to be considered a favorite for a playoff spot.
I saw the Joe interview with 3D this am……hard for me to see him as the leader for the run to the finals.
On a good note, DAldridge gives the Hawks a 9 ranking in the NBA heading into camp. By far, the best positive I have heard during this offseason.
Section 303
September 28th, 2010
12:25 pm
KevinM, what does that “9 ranking” mean? Is that 9th in the East? Or, a score of 9 out of 10? I am thinking 9th in the East.
And, is that interview between 3D and Joe archived anywhere? I would like to hear it.
KevinM
September 28th, 2010
12:27 pm
Section 303, better than that……..9 out of the league…..Go to NBA.com and catch both bits of info….
http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/david_aldridge/09/27/morning-tip-antione-walker/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt1…long article but full of excellent facts including rankings.
http://www.nba.com/hawks/video/2010/09/21/joeinterview-1420289/index.html I believe this is the Joe interview with 3D…
northcyde
September 28th, 2010
12:37 pm
@ Swatguy . . . you dang right I was critical of bringing Jamal here. That dude in my eyes was the equivalent of Ricky Davis . . . a guy who definitely had talent, but was wildly inconsistent offensively and seemed to make poor decisions on the court.
I said 3 things last year before the season started concerning Jamal
1) “Woody . . . don’t let Jamal get you fired”. That was in reference to his inconsistent nature as a basketball player.
2) If Jamal shot 45% FG, people better give Woody major credit for it, because he had not come close to doing that for a whole season EVER.
3) If Jamal doesn’t have it going offensively, Woody MUST get him off the court, because he’s a borderline defensive liability.
Jamal had PER 36 numbers across the board ( with the exception of twice as many assists ), that were almost identical to Salim Stoudamire. That’s why I was concerned.
Fortunately, Jamal had a career best year with us, and my concerns about him turned out to be a non-issue for most of the year. As long as Jamal is a Hawk, I’ll definitely root for the guy.
But what I said last night still reigns true.
In Drew’s new offense, in which Jamal may be required to do less freelancing by himself on offense, can he play at the level he did last season, or will he trend back toward his career averages?
All I know is that if Jamal is shooting 40% FG come January, it won’t be good for him, and it definitely won’t be good for us in what we could possibly get back in a trade.
And I never said that Jamal didn’t deserve an extension from the Hawks. I said that Al is the priority, when one talks about extensions. Jamal is simply looking out for his future financial interest. And fans shouldn’t be mad at that.
Mz. Hawkdafied
September 28th, 2010
1:15 pm
“Let’s see if this entry by MC will peak interest. There’s enough here for everybody to latch on to.”
Well let’s see here. It’s the beginning of a new season so, my guess is the blog is gonna pick up anyway. Cause all that off season stuff is just YAWN.
“My feeling is that, no matter how many times or ways he’s asked about this issue, an apology or expression of regret isn’t coming from J.J.”-MC
That statement is an opinion not an analysis. Must be the fine line between a columnist and beat writer. Perhaps you are both a columnist and a beat writer sometimes MC. Nothing wrong with that.
Anyways, I hope everything works out for both Jamal and the Hawks. And the fans and Joe Johnson can get pass the bs from last season.
The Truth
September 28th, 2010
1:17 pm
The only silver lining in the Jamal Drama is the apparent great relationship and respect he has for LD. If this same movie was cast with Nellie as the coach, it would have blown up way in advance of now. LD maybe able to subdue Crawford’s strained emotions somewhat by relating to his own “raw deal” contract with Sund. Talk about low man of the totem pole, LD salary is comparable to Josh Powell and the rookie Jordon Crawford. I can really see them pouting together. “Jamal Man I Feel You, That Dam Sund Screwed Me Too!!”
Khao$
September 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
MC-you’re doing a great job man! Not that you need me to affirm that for you. You keep us up to date and that’s all we can ask from our beat writer.
Honestly, it’s just hard for me to get excited about this upcoming season. I’ve taken the position that while Woody needed to go, he wasn’t the sole reason why we got thumped in the 2nd round two season in a row and gave up big leads in the 4th quarter. At some point, players must be held accountable. By keeping things status quo, the implication is the players weren’t the biggest problem…it was Woody.
I know economics are involved as well as the attachment the organization has with the “core”. That said, I believe moves should have been made. Re-signing Joe wasn’t enough. And nothing against LD (because I don’t know what he can/can’t do), but the fact that he was a part of Woody’s staff gives me pause. However, I let him coach a few games before I anoint/dismiss him. If they weren’t my team, I would be hard for me to find incentive to watch them.
O'Brien
September 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
LD’s offense is supposed to share the wealth. And if that happens, Jamal is one guy whose numbers will probably suffer. JJ’s numbers might suffer too, but overall, JJ should be more efficient, and not have to work as hard offensively.
On the flip side, we should see better numbers from Marvin, Teague and Al.
Huh?
September 28th, 2010
1:22 pm
“People might say I had a down year because I wasn’t scoring points, but we’ve got enough scorers,” Bibby said. “I’m just trying to keep the team going, keep the team on the same track.”
Well you don’t play any defense mike, so what is it that’d you’d actually be doing on the court? Baka
Ramon
September 28th, 2010
1:47 pm
O’Brien, I don’t really see JJ’s numbers suffering. I see him taking less shots in the first 3 quarters, but more shots in the final period and crunch time only with better looks. If you remember before Shaq left, Wade used to just coax through the first part of most games. And then in the final period he would always explode for 13-15 points. If you think about it only takes Joe scoring 3 baskets a quarter to average 24 ppg, it seems quite easy for his average to stay the same or increase. Also remember JJ has played in an offense that wasn’t iso strong (Phoenix) and as the 4th option he still got great numbers and even better percentages.
I do think by the end of the season though, this will be Josh’s team. I already think Josh is the most important player on the Hawks team now as is.
KevinM
September 28th, 2010
1:54 pm
Huh?, I think to see defense from either Bibby or Jamal would be like wishing to win the lottery. Both guys have made it in the league, played long enough to get a pension and they’re not about to change their style of play at this point.
Defense will be the determination whether this will be a team that fizzles in Round 1 or 2 or if they really buy into playing both ends. Now until recently, I have never heard of a player talking about playing defense AND offense. The last couple of days however, I have heard Marvin talk about how tough it is and saw a quote from Avery Johnson about how Devin Harris needing to starting playing 2 way?
Are my expectations too high to see players go both ways and max themselves while they are on the court?
dap01
September 28th, 2010
1:55 pm
The bottom line is that Jamal is a gonner. He has more value as a trade chip later in the year or even after the year when we simply replace his large salary with JC2’s small salary.
There is no disrespect intended. Jamal needs to man up and perform according to his contract. He speaks nicely but he hints at being a distraction.
Man up Jamal!
Grandad
September 28th, 2010
1:57 pm
“Dragnet” starring *Michael Cunningham as *Sgt. Joe Friday
“The story you are about to hear is true; only the names have been changed to protect the innocent” *[Dragnet]
“i will never write “Player X is a bum” but i (hopefully) will provide the insight and analysis that will allow you to conclude that Player X is a bum on your own” *[Michael Cunningham]
~(commercial break)~
“Just the facts, ma’am” *[Joe Friday]
“it makes no difference to me one way or the other, i just cover the story” *[Michael Cunningham]
** Overt Transparent Satire !!
Michael Cunningham
September 28th, 2010
2:07 pm
@KevinM: tip: if you put more than one link in your comment the blog monster will eat it.
Michael Cunningham
September 28th, 2010
2:11 pm
@ Mz. Hawkdafied: “That statement is an opinion not an analysis. Must be the fine line between a columnist and beat writer. Perhaps you are both a columnist and a beat writer sometimes MC. Nothing wrong with that.”
well, all i can tell you is that he’s been asked about it several times and he gives the same answers. some people in the organization have urged him to apologize and he hasn’t done it. i just don’t think he’s interested in doing so. i suppose that’s an opinion but it’s based on everything that’s happened so far. he could change his mind but i’ve seen nothing to indicate he will.
Michael Cunningham
September 28th, 2010
2:13 pm
@Grandad: funny. . . . i’m sticking to my story.
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:14 pm
If J-Smoove, Marvin, Bibby, and Zaza had to wait until their contract expired to get a deal done, the so does Jamal.
Michael Cunningham
September 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
@Khao$: “MC-you’re doing a great job man! Not that you need me to affirm that for you. You keep us up to date and that’s all we can ask from our beat writer.”
thanks . . . no lie, i’m glad to get back on the grind. access is a big deal for me to do my job so it is lovely to see all the players and coaches in one place again.
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:16 pm
MC, PLEASE ask Mike Bibby how he wasted his summer. I know he did…the bum.
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:19 pm
Thats why Bibby is always running away from the press. I bet you he gives that same tired “I coached my son’s AAU tem trash AGAIN”. How about running some suicide lines in a defensive stance to improve your lateral movement Mr. Bibby!
START JEFF TEAGUE!
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:22 pm
I wonder how many bars he and Team Dime have been kicked out of in the ATL? I’m holding Team Dime personally responsible for JJ gettng caught up with that bimbo at magic city! And Mo Evans Too!
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:24 pm
Trade M&M!
Ramon
September 28th, 2010
2:26 pm
MC, if you were covering my UGA Bulldogs, you could just goto Athens Police Department for all the access that you want any time of the year, lol.
KevinM
September 28th, 2010
2:32 pm
MC, lesson learned on links….thanks.
Hmmm, we signed Marvin before his contract ran out….which of course was not the best choice that could have been made. Similar production can be gotten from so many SFs at a fraction.
Al needs to be put on hold as well….the best deals get done that way. If we end up paying him, we end up paying him. Jamal, same thing.
i_am_soulstar
September 28th, 2010
2:35 pm
Ramon,
I totally agree with you about JJ, he was considered a 3 point assassin in Phoenix’s offense and averaged decent numbers being the 3rd or 4th option.
I expect even more efficient play if Teague manages to take the PG spot from Bibby and JJ doesn’t have to guard point guards anymore.
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:47 pm
Hoopsworld: Six things to know about the ATL Hawks (Fresh quotes)
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=17443
Hmmm
September 28th, 2010
2:51 pm
KevinM, I’m with you. Al Will only be a RFA anyway so there is no real rush with him. Marvin was a bad idea, we outbid ourselves. Eveysone pretty much knew coming in that Jamal wouldn’t be getting an extension when he was traded here. He should be gettin Marvin-type money on his next contract.
Astro Joe
September 28th, 2010
2:53 pm
Thanks MC for the update ion the team captains. Did Drew (or with his staff) make that decision or did the players have input?
The Truth
September 28th, 2010
3:14 pm
I expect Mo Evan injury will bode well for PT for Jordon Crawford assuming he impress in camp.
MC: Find out if LD plans to call Jordon Crawford “Rook” or will he abandon that whole nonsense? Ask Teague what he felt about the title and did it work on his psyche. I often wondered if labeling a player that way had any real value other than a constant reminder that he is rookie when trying to mature as NBA player.
Section 303
September 28th, 2010
3:16 pm
KevinM, thanks for the links. 9th in the NBA?! I love to hear it, but I have to admit that I still have a sour taste in my mouth due to the way last season ended.
And, not that it matters, but that was “Home Team” Brandon Leak interviewing my least favorite Hawk. Was not 3D.
Tech Man
September 28th, 2010
9:05 pm
Evan Brock’s father played for the St. Louis Hawks.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
September 29th, 2010
12:54 am
You are a great and Un-biased beat writer.