Atlanta Hawks: Captain Smoove (!)
L.D. wants Josh to tone it down as captain.
It probably comes as no surprise that L.D. named Al one of his three team captains. He’s a mature guy with some natural leadership qualities, won two championships at Florida and already started down that path when he called out teammates for poor effort during the Orlando series.
J.J. is an obvious choice, too. He’s Atlanta’s Alpha Dog, the leading scorer, a four-time All-Star and the team’s highest-paid player.
But Josh Smith?
The erratic, emotional forward prone to demonstrative outbursts when things don’t go his way? The first Hawks player who came to mind when you heard about the league instructing officials to crack down on expressions of displeasure? The player who sometimes gives up on plays when he’s frustrated by officials?
Josh Smith as captain?
“That was something that was concern of mine, as well, then I was thinking about it,” L.D. said. “I had a conversation with him about that. He told me, ‘Look, Coach, I spent time this summer talking to myself about that. I know I have to do a better job in that.’
“I’m hoping that with this responsibility that he will look at things a little differently. It puts him in a different light. Some of those behaviors that he has had on the floor, you just can’t do that anymore. I am hoping that giving him more of a responsibility will steer his thinking in a whole different direction.”
If you are looking for some early specifics about the difference in approach between L.D. and Woody, this is a big one.
In my time on the beat, Woody never publicly rebuked Smoove for his outbursts. His style was to instead handle such matters internally during film sessions and in private talks. When public criticism of Josh reached a pitch after Hubie Brown’s comments about Josh during the Orlando series, Woody vehemently defended Josh.
By naming Josh captain and saying he needs to change his on-court demeanor, L.D. is putting very public expectations on him. Smoove said he’s ready for the responsibility.
“I have to take a different approach to this season,” he said. “I definitely have to carry myself in a whole different fashion because when you are captain you have to be more of a leader. I have to lead by example.
“I am an emotional player, obviously. Everybody knows that. But [I] just kind of have to hold my emotions together and just play basketball and stay positive throughout the game, no matter what happens.”
J.J. and Bibby were the team captains last season. Al was just in his third season and Josh still had some maturing to do.
“I think it’s time, both he and Al,” L.D. said. “They have been in this thing long enough. Certainly they have shown areas of growth in that [leadership] department. I just think it’s time for both of them to take a step. I am going to expect some certain things from them being the leaders.
“Along with being captains comes responsibility. Their teammates look at them in a different light, the public looks at them in a different light with those titles. You have got to live up to those titles.”
Smoove certainly has the basketball credentials to be captain. He’s pretty outspoken, too, unafraid to voice his opinion. Shoot, he’s been around longer than any Hawks player so he can stake a legitimate claim to this team.
And it’s not that he’s shown no leadership ability at all. He might have been the most frustrated player when the Hawks bogged down in isolations last season, and I still vividly remember him imploring his teammates to share the ball during that stirring W at Utah.
Smoove won’t be 25 until Dec. 5, but he’s much older in NBA years. He’s a grizzled vet, an established guy in the league. Now he’s a team captain.
“This is my seventh year, man,” he said. “I’ve been through the ups and downs. I have experienced it all. I just want to get deep in the playoffs so I can say I’ve experienced that [too].”
L.D. is counting on Smoove to help lead the way.
MC
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222 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
September 28th, 2010
10:31 pm
Any lineup with JJ, Melo, and Smith, with Horford at PF may as well forget about having a center that scores. May as well get a guy who only rebounds and defends, and doesn’t care about getting anything other than a few obligatory dunks per game.
Dennis Rodman, anybody (only, a taller version perhaps)?
ryan
September 28th, 2010
10:35 pm
Mello wants go to New York thats only place he wants go to but Billups is guy i think Hawks should push for because of leadership skills and consistency .
O'Brien
September 28th, 2010
10:37 pm
I may be in the minority, but I dont like the decision for 2 reasons.
1) Three captains on a basketball team? How is that going to work? Do all 3 speak in the huddle? What if they disagree on something? Who does the team listen to? Who calls the shots? Who gets on who?
Out of 5 starters, 3 are captains? I just think 3 is too much.
2) I have issues with LD appointing the captains. Whatever happened to players voting? Wouldnt that have been the thing to do? Have the players vote, and give the top 2 vote getters co-captaincy?
O'Brien
September 28th, 2010
10:40 pm
I think the players respect all 3 guys, so I dont think there will be any issues. But I wont be surprised if the Hawks are the only team in the NBA with 3 captains.
Macaroni Tony
September 28th, 2010
10:51 pm
I don’t understand why it’s not a good idea for the Hawks to have three captains, but all of these other teams could have a so called big three. The Celtics, Heat, Thunder, and etc have a so called big three but it’s not a good idea for us. The is JS seventh year so I do hope that he could grow and produce more.
Grandad
September 28th, 2010
10:53 pm
O’Brien
Coaches appt. Captains all the time.
When players vote…it becomes a popularity contest.
For example, do you want;
Josh Powell, Paps, Etan, JC2 voting?
Plus players come & go (moreso than the HC).
Does Boston have ‘3′ capts.?
Three ??? is a more valid question? I agree.
Grandad
September 28th, 2010
11:00 pm
*defination – Yawl got me.
[Sound the Trumpet & Dudley Do Right]
Sincerely, Phillip Masters.
Big Ray
September 28th, 2010
11:03 pm
Grandad ,
Ha ha ha, you crazy…
drmaryb (*_*)
September 28th, 2010
11:20 pm
Doesn’t The Celtics have 3 Captains?
truthspitter
September 28th, 2010
11:23 pm
Some interesting tidbits posted on twitter from a guy that goes by the name HawksPRGUY that I follow.
Zaza sounding like a female dog because of a demanding practice and Marvin asking the PRGuy did he want to exchange places. Once again shows how sorry Marvin is and that he would rather be doing anything than playing basketball. Not surprising that Zaza wants playing time but does not want to work hard either because it shows on the court.
Early observation, it could be hard to keep Jordan Crawford off the floor. I’ve like what I’ve seen out of him since rookie camp.
This morning, #HAWKS worked on some defensive schemes. The evening session begins with the installation of some of the offense. Move-ment!
“Real pleased with the workout,” said Drew. “A lot of intensity, energy for day one. I want to get our offense … http://tmi.me/1NqkN
@zaza27 goes, “I know we’re almost done!”. How’s that, Z? “Once the media’s allowed in, we only have :30 … http://tmi.me/1Noy1
Marvin just asked me if I’d like to trade places. LOL. I say for a month of your salary, yeah!
drmaryb (*_*)
September 28th, 2010
11:25 pm
The Numbers Don’t Lie!
Aren’t there strength in numbers?
(Nimbers if you’re ‘Nique)
3 > 2 > 1
kwooden1
September 28th, 2010
11:34 pm
I will state again that I like the 3 guys being captains, but I also like LD openly stating that these guys have to be in better shape, just to be successful in his offensive. To me he’s saying that he believes in his system but that his system doesn’t work on its own! He’s making logical sense, which wasn’t always the case with Woody. I could never understand why Woody would call for more ball movement and then keep letting the guys run ISO plays. It never made any logical sense, especially when we all could see it! LD is taking clear steps towards the ends he wants. As a fan I appreciate that, especially after what I’ve seen over the last few years.
The Truth
September 29th, 2010
12:08 am
I’m beginning to wonder about Pape Sy. Is he injury prone?
“Guard Pape Sy sat out practice with a sore back. Sy said it started bothering him about five days ago and hasn’t responded to treatment. He was to visit a doctor Tuesday afternoon.”
jem
September 29th, 2010
12:18 am
good move.
DUDLEY DO RIGHT
September 29th, 2010
12:19 am
He is getting Older, and naturally more mature. It aint go anything to do with Drew/woody II.
Drew needs Josh not the other way around. Do F with josh. let the man play his high energy emotional in your face game. Thats his style. Like it or not. F with Josh and Drew is out of here.
just keep planting those “you the man” kisses and give josh the ball!
DUDLEY DO RIGHT
September 29th, 2010
12:21 am
don t f with josh
The Truth
September 29th, 2010
12:22 am
With his ugly looking shot, Chil shooting 3’s on a regular basis will certainly not be a thing of beauty and may be harmful to the eyes
“Childress talked today about how his niche has been slashing but is being asked to shoot 3s more to spread the floor. He just airballed a 3″
http://twitter.com/paulcoro
DUDLEY DO RIGHT
September 29th, 2010
12:22 am
its jj and josh’s team
Ken Strickland
September 29th, 2010
12:33 am
We’ve witnessed more strategy and forward thinking from LDrew in one practice than we’ve witnessed from Woody his entire time here. It seems to me like our returning players are ecstatic about having LDrew, instead of MWoodson, as their HC. They seem genuinely pleased to have a HC that has a plan, a backup plan, as well as a sense of purpose and structure.
They all appear to be committed to doing whatever he requires to prepare for playing the style and type of OFF and DEF he intends for them to run. I remember watching last yr training camp, and there never seemed to be any sense of excitement among the players. In fact, there was a sense of disdain among certain players, namely JJ and Bibby, which Sekou talked about.
Since our key players now know we’ll be consistently using more than a 6-7 man rotation, they will go all out instead of pacing themselves like they often had to do in the past. Under LDrew, our players will be in better shape mentally, physically, and strategically(using a series of different DEF’s and strategies)to play solid an consistent DEF.
TRUTHSPITTER-The LA Lakers have won back to back NBA titles, so who is their All Star PG? Many are predicting the Miami Heat will dethrone the Lakers, and they certainly don’t have an All Star PG. The Hawks will win by featuring and relying more on TEAM basketball, rather than featuring and relying more on individual basketball. This yr, we’ll finally use the Piston’s model for success.
Clyde
September 29th, 2010
12:58 am
Me and my boy Jeje are getting ready for the season to start. I have a feeling we will have a lot to say this year.
Clyde
September 29th, 2010
1:02 am
Back to training camp party Saturday night at Magic City. Wear a Fire Billy and Woody t-shirt you get in free.
Clyde
September 29th, 2010
1:04 am
How did Joe go from telling fans it don’t matter if they show up to becoming a captain?
Grandad
September 29th, 2010
2:11 am
Excerpts from Ken Strickland @ 12:33 am:
“We’ve witnessed more strategy and forward thinking from LDrew”
“a plan, a backup plan, as well as a sense of purpose and structure”
“They all appear to be committed to doing whatever he requires”
“by featuring and relying more on TEAM basketball”
Preach on Brother Ken!
The last one “TEAM basketball” = pure joy to me.
vava74
September 29th, 2010
2:14 am
msn.foxsports’ Charley Rosen quick take on next season:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Biggest-question-facing-each-NBA-team-as-training-camps-begin-092710
MsDee
September 29th, 2010
2:15 am
Totally agree Grandad..Mr. Ken S is my hero when it comes to the HAWKS!!
same ole stuff
September 29th, 2010
2:53 am
train wreck coming
nothing ever changes with this team
LD was a dumb choice to start with and now he names a loafer captain?
Here we go again
DUDLEY CAN'T DO RIGHT
September 29th, 2010
3:16 am
NOW ITS JOSH, JOE, AND AL’S TEAM
DUDLEY CAN'T DO RIGHT
September 29th, 2010
3:17 am
DREW CAN DRAW UP A GAME PLAN. WOODY WOODPECKER COULDN’T EVEN SPELL GAME PLAN. AND HE WASN’T SMART ENOUGH TO NAME AL OR JOSH CAPTAINS BUT DREW IS. GLAD MR. POTATO HEAD IS GONE YIPEEEE
truthspitter
September 29th, 2010
4:37 am
Ken Strickland:TRUTHSPITTER-The LA Lakers have won back to back NBA titles, so who is their All Star PG? Many are predicting the Miami Heat will dethrone the Lakers, and they certainly don’t have an All Star PG. The Hawks will win by featuring and relying more on TEAM basketball, rather than featuring and relying more on individual basketball. This yr, we’ll finally use the Piston’s model for success.
When did I mention the need for an all-star PG? Reading is one part and comprehending is another, I simply mentioned that it might be a problem when you don’t have a PG worthy of being a team captain considering you have 3 captains. Though, I fully realize that the offense may actually run smoother ran through Josh or Al since they both have skill and quickness advantages on a nightly basis
wordsmithtom
September 29th, 2010
5:36 am
Smoove’s emotional play has been both an advantage and a distraction. Yes, he’s a beast, but when he gave up on plays while arguing with ref’s, he gave a bad example to teammates while changing the tempo of the game, usually to the negative. By making him a captain up front, LD is giving Smoove a mirror. Can you call out your teammates for negative play if you’re doing the same thing yourself? Excellent idea.
Truthspitter, I think you will see more of Al/Josh playing together with another center in the game. Situational play where Al and other center play low post and Josh sets up high post to take inbound pass. This forces defender to react to him, instead of being in the corner like Woody used Marvin. Josh can pass down, drive the lane, or back it out to an open guard. The concept of point forward comes to mind. Really, was Magic Johnson a true point-guard? No way…he was more forward than guard.
Different looks. Sometimes it will be Teague leading fast breaks. If he takes charge, that look can be effective as he showed in the last game of the season….admittedly, against scrubs.Can he develop into an all-star type guard? We just don’t know.
Until we develop an all-star PG, I don’t think we’re championship material either, UNLESS, LD uses one of our power forwards as a Point-forward. Is Josh a Magic Johnson? Not quite,, but pretty damn good if he realizes his strength is not the 3 ball.
Getting married this summer will help his maturity. Being named captain should add to his growing list of “responsibilities”. With great talent also comes great responsiblity. He’s old enough now to take that mantle and run with it.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 29th, 2010
6:47 am
“Yea Joe is a Captain alright
Captain Save-A-Ho”
LMAO… now that’s something that should be on a T-shirt.
wordsmithtom
September 29th, 2010
6:49 am
Above senereo works with JS on low block and Al on high post as well as for MW on the high post. Both these situations allow for more back cuts while using one of the low post players to move towards the high post player to set screen for pic/roll.
JJ will get his, and less relying on the need for PG in half court play. Typical Laker basketball.
LD said JS would play some 3 this year. Using him, and MW in reserve, as point-3 can be a problem for Orlando, forcing Superman to deal with JS in the high post. He won’t like that as much as he liked defending ISO…..where MW stook on the wing and picked his nose. (Now because he wanted to, so much as because Woody thought that was the best place for him to be….awaiting the 3ball. Worked when he hit them, but not so much when he went cold.) 1+1=3 plus you get fouls on defenders.
Early in season you’ll see more run and gun and some ISO as well. It was not early season play that hurt us…it was using that in playoffs where power play down low was needed and lacking.
wordsmithtom
September 29th, 2010
7:12 am
Above senereo also works with JJ playing 3.
Sorry about that MW “picking his nose” analogy. Made me shiver thinking about it. I understand the concept: draw defence away from middle. Works when the 3 hits high %3ball. MW needs to work more on his 3ball, as this is another look that can keep other teams honest. It didn’t last year because everyone knew he’d be out there and they didn’t respect his shot. With JJ in the 3 in similar position, they’d HAVE to respect him.
So, different looks instead of the same old predictable ISO and clearouts. Much more difficult to defend.
vava74
September 29th, 2010
7:18 am
Clyde,
That sh*t has no place in a blog.
Talk trash with your homies when you are out hanging out if you want to, but you have no business in discussing/dissing JJ’s private life here if the same, as it has been the case, has had no visible negative effect on his performance as a player.
You are just talking out of your ass and you only bring negativity to the blog.
One thing is to criticize and contribute, another is just to show up to cough up garbage.
I would like to see you calling that to JJ in his face.
O'Brien
September 29th, 2010
7:26 am
Grandad,
Fair enough. He could have had just the 9 players who were here last year cast a vote, but I see where popularity/obligation could be an issue.
I also understand his reasoning why he wanted Josh to be captain, because he thinks that is the best way for Josh to play more effective and under control, make better decisions etc.
And I like the selection of Horford. I would have gone with Josh and Al as my captains, and just let JJ be the elder statesman, who although he does not have the title of captain, he can still speak up whenever he sees fit.
Section 303
September 29th, 2010
8:09 am
vava74,
I would pay for the chance to tell Joe what I think of him to his face. I would pay! The guy is an idiot and someone needs to make him aware of it, since it seems no one in the Hawks organization is willing to.
Cyde, I don’t know anything about your “save-a-ho” post, but I think it’s funny.
Jim
September 29th, 2010
8:58 am
I cannot believe the Hawks want fans to get excited about the same team that was swept off their home court by Orlando. The team actually got worse by bringing in a roookie head coach, nothing to be excited about at all.
Thank God they will not be a thought until football season is over, GO FALCONS!!!
vava74
September 29th, 2010
9:07 am
Section 303,
You apparently either live in or close to ATL, so you have no excuse if you don’t say what you feel to him face to face.
It’s not that he lives in an ivory tower, since many around here speak of situations in which they had access to players either for autographs or to chat.
So, you are either full of hot air or you should report here what was his reaction to your words within the near future.
In relation to JJ, you are perfectly entitled to have an opinion about his game play for the Hawks. I am also expectant and really want to see if he can revert back to a more team oriented play since I also think that he made sometimes bad decisions on court last year.
However, I would like to remind you that JJ was averaging for the first 4 games of the MIL series 27,5ppg 5reb 6ass 1stl whilst shooting above 50% from the floor and whilst defending Salmons and Jennings pretty effectively.
His stats went down and he sulked (he should have not done that) as a DIRECT consequence of the chemistry blow up which happened after the “limo incident”, when on arrival to Milwaukee some players decided that they wanted to party in Chicago and there was some heavy internal discussion.
Also, JJ’s words after the ORL series were COMPLETELY miss interpreted and miss construed by the press (on purpose): he said/meant to say that the boooing was not important since the players had to feel bad ON THEIR OWN for not performing.
I am not vouching for his character but he clearly meant something completely different when he said what he said.
As for his personal life, it’s pretty sad and ridicule to make fun or dice someone’s private life only due to the fact you dislike someone for his performance on court.
Astro Joe
September 29th, 2010
9:13 am
I agree with many others that naming Josh is a worth-while risk. I also agree with OB that 3 captains kind of waters down the affect of having captains. But overall, this seems like a good decision. The thing we CAN’T have is Josh speaking to the refs on behalf of his teammates (as some captains will do). If Drew were to give each captain a specific assignment, I would make Josh the defensive captain, Joe the offensive captain (hey, he told Teague to be more aggressive and is the one who seemingly needs to by-in to the new offense) and Horford would be the “lead captain”, managing practices and overall team chemistry issues. But please, Coach Drew, make it clear that Josh CAN’T be the one who speaks to refs on behalf of his teammates. PLEASE!
Section 303
September 29th, 2010
9:20 am
vava74, I’ve never said anything about Joe’s on the court performance. My beef is with the comments. As a long time season ticket holder, I am still p#ssed at what he said. And, if given the chance, I will let him know.
Also,how do you know what Joe intended to say? He has never bothered to clarify what he said. Considering that I am far from the only one who is still mad at him, that makes him either clueless or just plain stupid. Don’t rip the fans and then act like it was nothing.
And, what the h#ll are you talking about? I should stalk Joe? Is that what you are saying? Totally lost me on that one…
Teezpo
September 29th, 2010
9:35 am
@vava74…I couldn’t agree with you more…I really think some of these ppl discount JJ value to this team and haven’t thought about where we would be without him…Sure enough he has had poor playoffs, but I take into consideration that he had to guard the opposing teams best perimeter player(s) and deal with constant double teams without really having any help on the offensive end… Woody made everything go through him, so he had to either make a play for himself or somebody else, or just give the ball to Crawford and see what he could do…Oh, and I can’t believe ppl are still stuck on his comments, LET IT GO b/c its the truth anyway and taken completely out of context…Peace…
O'Brien
September 29th, 2010
9:38 am
AJ,
I like your designation of responsibilities. I would nominate Al as the one to talk to the media, because JJ is not up to the task (imo).
Section 303,
According to MC’s comments, people in the Hawks organization have suggested to JJ that he should apologize for his comments, but for whatever reason, he wont.
Would I have liked to hear an apology? Sure. But ultimately, I just want JJ to be a team player and a leader, and to help the Hawks get to the ECF and a chance to get to the NBA finals.
As long as he does that, I’m good, because I think his comments sounded worse than he intended, and he doesnt think its that serious where he needs to apologize.
As a fan, you are entitled to your opinion, and I’m glad that will not stop you from rooting for the Hawks.
Teezo
September 29th, 2010
9:39 am
@section 303…whats wrong with him saying “he could care less if the fans showed up b/c the teams has to go out and play regardless”…I too am a season ticket holder and feel no offense to it…Peace…
LEA
September 29th, 2010
9:47 am
I think some of u folks, forget that u are JUST FANS. Nothing u guys say will have any affect on what the hawks plan to do this season.
JeJe
September 29th, 2010
9:50 am
Smoove just wants to get deep into the playoffs? He doesn’t wan to win a ring? That’s what he should’ve said.
Also, if guards did not meet the mile run requirement, that’s not good if this is to be a FAST-PACED team. LOL our starting PG is in the worst shape on this team.
Also, what did Marvin and Bibby and Smoove work on this offseason?
JeJe
September 29th, 2010
9:52 am
Looking at the pics: has Smoove lost weight?
Michael Cunningham
September 29th, 2010
10:10 am
@ The Truth: “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 a rookie when trying to mature as NBA player.”
i asked Teague about that before. he said he saw it as a rite of passage to being an NBA player.
Michael Cunningham
September 29th, 2010
10:12 am
@Coscro: “I saw updates and musings on all the players attitudes as camp begins except for Josh Powell. How is he looking attitude wise? Any sign of the “leadership” that was talked about from his LA days?”
unfortunately, my access is pretty restricted for camp–they aren’t letting us into the locker room. we get to view the end of practice and then talk to guys as they come off the court. so i don’t get to see a lot of interaction.
Michael Cunningham
September 29th, 2010
10:14 am
@Gt Alum: “MC -I thought LD had said the players were going to vote on captains. Is this who they voted for, and he just signed off on them, or was this all him? Interesting that the captains ended up being the 3 players that really make up the “core” of this team.”
he never said that to me. he says he consulted with people on it but it didn’t affect his decision. this was his call.
Michael Cunningham
September 29th, 2010
10:18 am
@truthspitter: “Also, Cunningham, if you can, can you tell us if you got to see the portion that included the timed mile? I read somewhere that a 6 minute mile is good, anything else is really not good for an athlete that is supposed to be world class. Can you tell us if any Hawks came into camp in good enough shape to run the mile in 6 minutes or less?”
i didn’t get to see any of it, but here is the report: http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-hawks/hard-work-drews-theme-643109.html