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
Ramon
September 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
Astro, I don’t understand why the Hawks don’t give away more tickets to children homes and different things. They could give away free tickets to elementary schools, and of course the parents would still have to pay to get in the game. But the point is as a business it cost the same amount to give away the left over tickets as it does to leave the seats empty.
Sautee
September 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
AJ,
No, I have not specifically commented on his words, nor have I predicted a number of wins. However, I AM more optimistic than you seem to be, from what I have heard you say.
Rev in Tampa
September 29th, 2010
3:41 pm
Astro Joe, I really wasn’t commenting on the Hawks. My post was really more of a self-absorbed rant because I can’t go to Rays game tonight (because of the distance) even though they are giving away free tickets
Sautee
September 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
Ramon,
about this:
“You’re asking me to go find links of radio interviews and other interviews of where Horford stated he would like to play PF primarily?”
Yes, because I never saw him say he wanted to “PRIMARILY” play PF. Never, ever saw that. So yes, if YOU saw that please let me know when and where, because THAT changes the argument. I don’t believe that’s what Al said, but if you show me, I’ll come around to your conclusion that Al is being selfish.
“And also to find interviews where he stated the Hawks needs another center so that he can play PF? That’s the entire reason he’s stated he wanted the Hawks to acquire another center so he can move to his natural position.”
Actually what he SAID was that he and Josh needed some help down low. If you can find where he actually SAID “I’d like us to acquire another center so I can move to my natural position” then once again, I’ll see your point. But I never saw him quoted as saying EITHER of those things. I’m calling BS. But if you can provide links, I’ll change my mind and apologize.
And, by the way, I’m all FOR Josh being named one of the captains.
Sautee
September 29th, 2010
3:58 pm
Ramon,
Here’s Horford talking to MC earlier this summer:
“We need to get another big guy, another center, that’s able to help myself and Josh out,” he said. “We need to have someone to come in and have an impact. I think that is the position we need if we want to be any type of contender in the East.”
MC said: “Al said he doesn’t necessarily mean getting a center to supplant him as the starter so he can move to power forward. Rather, it could be a scenario where the new center plays a lot of minutes and L.D. can mix and match from among the new guy, Al, Josh, Zaza and any other big guys Sund adds (a Jason Collins return is a possibility if he gets in better shape).”
Here’s the link if you’d like to check it out yourself: http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/07/09/atlanta-hawks-catching-up-again-with-al-horford/
Does this sound like he wants to play PRIMARILY at PF?
Ramon
September 29th, 2010
4:02 pm
I’ll find the interviews tonight when I get off.
Sautee
September 29th, 2010
4:10 pm
Ramon,
Thanks for making the effort. I’ll check back tonight. In the meantime, this is from the same blog I quoted earlier:
“I don’t have a problem splitting time [at center],” Al said. “I played a little four last year with Zaza in the game at the same time and I thought that was good. I know I am going to still play the five.”
He said he’s fine with that (it seems odd that an All-Star has to say that). He said he knows some fans and media seem to be more concerned about his position than him. But the way he sees it the Hawks have to play to their strengths, which includes a lineup with him at center.
“I think we create a lot of problems when have an athletic lineup with Josh at the four, me at the five and Marvin at the three,” Al said. “I think we create serious problems for people. I think that is one of our strengths as a team is we are so versatile.”
Ramon, does this sound like he DOESN’T want to play the 5? Or that he PRIMARILY wants to play PF?
And I find it interesting that he says he “knows some fans and media seem to be more concerned about his position than him.”
Does THAT sound like a whiner who just wants to play PF (as you seem to be suggesting)?????
Astro Joe
September 29th, 2010
4:11 pm
Sautee, my concerns are less about the new coach specifically and more about the SAMENESS overall. When given the plethora of off-season options, the Hawks chose marginal changes on the edges of the operation… and while that may offer some incremental improvement (like losing better), it doesn’t generate a tremendous amount of overall confidence that the coming season will be decidedly better than the previous one.
But if you choose to celebate the words of the new coach, then that should translate into a growing comfort that indeed, this season will in fact be decidedly better than the previous. After all, the roster is at least as good (if not incrementally better).
i_am_soulstar
September 29th, 2010
4:17 pm
I’m with you guys on Pape, quite the coincidence the he’s had 2 injuries in the course of a few months. And back problems are often a red flag as its very rare that they simply go away and never return.
Sautee
September 29th, 2010
4:37 pm
AJ,
I’m not so sure about “decidedly better” since 53 wins seems pretty reasonable for this group. But I’ve always chuckled at your “losing better” theme, though it DOES hold a grain of truth. If Garret Hartley hits that 23 yd FG in OT, then the Falcons lose BUT, they would have competed better and “lost better” than either of the two games against the Saints last year.
So yeah, the Hawks are not going 82-0 so they will lose their share, BUT if it’s a competitive loss then I can stomach it SO much better than when they just lay an egg. That said, in an 82 game season, most teams have 5-8 games where they are NOT going to win because they are “out of sync”, if you will. So if the overall regular season record is less than 53 games, BUT the losses, particularly playoff losses are more competitive, then I’ll call us “improved”.
I truly look forward to it.
terrell
September 29th, 2010
4:40 pm
Team captain is soooo overrated.
Sautee
September 29th, 2010
4:48 pm
Ramon,
One more quote from earlier in the summer, and this one shows how you could get the idea that he wants to play PF:
This is from another of MC’s blogs and here’s the link: http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/07/04/atlanta-hawks-al-horfords-summer/
Here’s what MC said:
Al reiterated his stance that he prefers to play power forward but isn’t making any demands about switching positions.
“I’m fine with [center] but my natural position is obviously the four,” he said.
Notice MC’s wording: “…isn’t making demands about switching positions”
Once again, is this whining to you? Or is he answering the question? Should he have as you say “bitten his tongue” when asked? Even when he made it clear that, as he said: “I’m fine with center”?????
O'Brien
September 29th, 2010
4:57 pm
AJ,
I dont know what others are expecting, but I expect the Hawks to make it to the second round, and be competitive enough to have a chance at advancing to the ECF.
If they lose in the second round 4-3, did they lose better? Sure. But what that would show is that they are that much closer to getting over the hump.
In Woody’s last 2 second round series, the Hawks went 0-8. So 4-3 would be a major improvement. Even if they lost 4-0 in the second round, but lose by a total of 10 points, that is also improvement, even if it is “losing better.”
SteveW
September 29th, 2010
5:17 pm
The Hawks may start fast, but if they equal 53-29 LD will have done a great job. The East is waaaaay stronger this year – starting with having to play the Heat 4x and the Magic 4x. Hope nobody is just looking at the W’s. If we go 46-36 and play alot tougher in the playoffs I’ll be happy. The Lakers were only what 57-25 – but won it all. The Cavs have won like 66 games and 61 or something – but can’t get to the big dance (NBA). Magic won 59 – can’t get there. I like the Celts approach – do respectable in the regular season – and play like crazy in the playoffs.
northcyde
September 29th, 2010
5:32 pm
Rev . . I hear you man. But I’m going to tell you like I’ve told people for over a year now on this blog. If a person REALLY wants to go to a game, they’ll endure all you have to go through, and even more, to get there to see their team.
In my case, I’m traveling 300 miles about 5 – 10 times a year to see the Hawks. I spend more on gas just trying to get to the game and bck home, than most people spend on tickets and parking.
It’s like Mz Hawkdafied said on Page 2. She goes to games because she WANTS TO. Not because JJ or anybody else wants her to go, or could care less if she shows up. Whe she wants to go, she’s gonna be there . . . regardless of the situation.
There is no doubt that the Rays need a new stadium. The “Suncoast Dome” ( which it will always be that to me ), is a horrible venue for baseball. And the Rays could do better from a marketing standpoint by maybe bringing in a big name player to sell tickets.
The Hawks are horrible when it comes to marketing. We all know that these guys are clueless in that area. And if they even have a slight chance to obtain a “ticket selling” type player, they’ll balk on it.
In the end though, the decision comes down to the individual person. Do you want to see the team on that night or not?
If you do, you’re making arrangements to get to the game no matter what. If you don’t, you’re seeing reasons to justify you not going to the game that night.
It really is that cut and dry.
Rev in Tampa
September 29th, 2010
5:45 pm
Northcyde, I’m a typical Rays fan. I only wanted the free tickets. I love the Braves. By the way, they are up on the Marlins 4-0 at the end of 3 innings.
northcyde
September 29th, 2010
5:54 pm
One of the things to watch this year, is how do the Hawks play on the road. Of all of the improvement record wise that took place under Woody, the Hawks still couldn’t seem to get to .500 on the road.
If they don’t do that this season, then expect another 2nd round beatdown.
Granted, they were more competitive on the road than they have bee in years. We had 2 big road wins @ Boston, nice road wins @ Utah, Dallas and Portland, and a game stolen from us @ Cleveland.
But the road debacles @ Detroit, Golden St, twice in New York, and at Charlotte, illustrated just how Jeckyl and Hyde that team still was on the road. Denver had this same problem, which is why they got bounced in round 1.
I believe all of the Final 4 teams in the playoffs last year had winning records on the road. I know L.A., Orlando, and Boston did . . not sure about Phoenix, although I think they did too.
If Drew’s system is working, it’ll really show up on the road.
Rev in Tampa
September 29th, 2010
5:57 pm
I have always believed that mental toughness starts at the baseline – where you start running suicides. Playing well on the road requires mental toughness. Drew is starting with heavy conditioning.
JSS
September 29th, 2010
6:20 pm
@ Northcyde…
You finally hit it! I said it at the beginning of last year: Road, Road, and Road! No one is going to take you seriously until you show up from Day One on the road. They only did it on the road against the Celtics and for 3 quarters against the Cavs once. Astonishing, you just can’t do that…
Teezo
September 29th, 2010
7:18 pm
northcyde
September 29th, 2010
5:54 pm
One of the things to watch this year, is how do the Hawks play on the road. Of all of the improvement record wise that took place under Woody, the Hawks still couldn’t seem to get to .500 on the road.
If they don’t do that this season, then expect another 2nd round beatdown.
Granted, they were more competitive on the road than they have bee in years. We had 2 big road wins @ Boston, nice road wins @ Utah, Dallas and Portland, and a game stolen from us @ Cleveland.
But the road debacles @ Detroit, Golden St, twice in New York, and at Charlotte, illustrated just how Jeckyl and Hyde that team still was on the road. Denver had this same problem, which is why they got bounced in round 1.
I believe all of the Final 4 teams in the playoffs last year had winning records on the road. I know L.A., Orlando, and Boston did . . not sure about Phoenix, although I think they did too.
If Drew’s system is working, it’ll really show up on the road.
——————————————————————————————
Bruh, you get 2 thumbs up for this post…Peace…
rusty
September 29th, 2010
8:37 pm
the way jj played in the playoffs, he deserved to get bood,ditto his teammates. way to stink up the joint
terrell
September 30th, 2010
9:08 am
53 wins was reasonable last year, but if we get 53 wins this year, I’ll be shocked. The Eastern Conference is stacked. We could win 45-50 games and still have a better overall team than last year. The landscape has changed my friends. The East is a Beast!