Atlanta Hawks: Camp report
Larry Drew has Hawks picking up the pace. (Hyosub Shin/hshin@ajc.com)
The Hawks scrimmaged live for the first time today and and us media types got to watch. It was different from when I watched L.D. and his staff run the motion offense against air last month, and I came away with three thoughts:
1. To keep this up, the Hawks are going to have to be in tremendous shape and L.D. is going to have to go deep into his bench.
2. The first time you see the Hawks run the offense it’s going to be a shock to your system because it’s such a radical departure from their norm.
3. Because of No. 2, it’s going to take some time for it to look the way L.D. wants.
“I think probably we will have it boiled down and going pretty good by the third preseason game,” J.J. said (that would be Oct. 12 at Washington. “Everyone is pretty much picking it up quickly but when game time comes it will be a little bit different.”
For the Hawks, learning the offense is just the first challenge and probably the easiest–these are pros, after all, and some of this stuff already was in the playbook. More difficult than digesting Xs and Os could be the mental adjustment to playing such a different style.
You could see this on the very first possession of the controlled scrimmage today. J.J. got the ball on the right wing and waited for someone to flash to his side. No one did, so he held the ball until jacking up a fadeaway jumper at the shot-clock buzzer. Another possession also ended in Iso-Joe.
It was as if the Hawks are so conditioned to throwing it to Joe and watching him work they don’t know any other way. Actually, it wasn’t “as if” that’s what happened–one player said that’s exactly what happened. Old habits are hard to break, I guess.
On another play, Smoove saw the backdoor open and tried to feed Joe with a bounce pass. But Joe reversed direction and Smoove’s pass sailed out of bounds. The offense is designed to get shots going to the basket or create open catch-and-shoot 15-footers but Atlanta’s guards are accustomed to working off the dribble far out on the perimeter.
There were some good things, too. Two or three times Marvin confidently came off hand-off screens and made jumpers. Zaza twice got to the basket on backdoor cuts and drew fouls. Smoove caught a backdoor oop from Teague.
“We saw a lot of good things out out of it but we got a little helter-skelter at times,” J.J. said. “But if you run it right, you definitely can get open shots out of it.”
L.D. plans to have all of the plays installed by the time camp wraps up Saturday.
“They kind of know the shell of it, we are just adding different options of it,” he said. “Some of this is going to be a learning experience, especially when they go against a defense. The tendency is to speed up and get out of control. But for the most part they executed pretty much the plays we’ve been working on these first five practices.”
And they were running
The morning practice sessions so far have all lasted at least 135 minutes and the Hawks have run, run and run some more. Near the end of today’s practice, they ran a series of “suicide” sprints” that increased in length each time through. For the final sprint, players ran the length of the court eight times.
Only, that wasn’t really the end. L.D. lined up each group and asked for one final suicide. If they did it in less than nine seconds, the running was over.
“I don’t think there will be a better-conditioned team out there,” Jamal said.
L.D. is asking a lot but so far he said he’s getting it.
“The type of juice they still have left in the tank tells tells me they are in pretty good shape,” he said. “I am pretty happy about that.”
It’s one thing to push guys like this during training camp but I’m not sure how that plays during the season. Already there has been a bit of grumbling among players but nothing too serious. That inevitably would change if it went on like this during the season, when long, frequent, intense practices can take their toll.
Is this something L.D. is doing only for training camp only or will it carry over into the season?
“A little bit of both,” he said. “Any time you come into training camp, for any new head coach, I think he has to set the tone. One, how his practices are going to be. Also, with it being training camp, you do want to get yourself established and get the team established with the mindset that you want going into the regular season.
“I told our guys from Day One, everything we do, we want to do with an aggression. We want to be the hunter, not the ‘huntee.’ Our mentality offensively and defensively is to attack. It all starts in training camp. We have to do it at the pace and the speed and [with] the type of energy we have put into it.”
‘Nine, 10 deep’
The other part of that equation is the Hawks will need a rotation deeper than eight to play this style. Jamal, Zaza, Mo and Teague are mainstays, and L.D. will probably need even more numbers.
“I am very confident with us being a team that can go nine, 10 deep,” he said. “We have some guys, you look at their minutes last season they didn’t play as many minutes as they would have liked. I am going to give those guys every opportunity to show me what they can do and play minutes where they can get into a rhythm.”
Getting familiar
L.D. said he will mix and match lineups during practice so all of his bench players can get comfortable playing with the starters. Today he had Teague running with Josh, Joe, Marvin and Zaza (Al sat out the second straight day with a left ankle injury he says isn’t serious).
“Last year he didn’t practice a lot with those guys on the same team,” Drew said. “I want him to get familiar and comfortable with those guys. That all starts in practice. You build that confidence and camaraderie in practice and it carries over into the games.”
Injury report
Mo (knee) and Pape (back) also sat out today. Mo hasn’t been cleared for contact work and Pape is resting with the hope that a break will alleviate the tightness.
Jamal’s back tightened up during practice but he finished.
MC
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177 comments Add your comment
darrell starks
October 1st, 2010
3:12 am
LD need 2 get this team more focus on defense, with less switch and more double team with and aggressive attitude on taking no prisoner, last year the hawks look very weak especially against magic on defense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
vava74
October 1st, 2010
3:25 am
Najeh,
Instant Classic! I think I’ll print and frame it!
Rod from College Park
October 1st, 2010
4:04 am
Good job TS. Marvin really does suck.
Truth Be Told
October 1st, 2010
4:29 am
“A Typical Day on the Blog”- Lmao you hit that on the head playa..CLASSIC!!!
And what is up with this rod from cp guy..Its like his purpose in life is 2 come here and talk about nothing except marvin williams…Idk what it is, Your either homo or just a flat out hater..One thing is for sure though, You are a square ass dude..Lol this is a hawks blog where we talk about hawks basketball not just marvin williams all day…Get a life you wierdo!!!
Ver-D5
October 1st, 2010
4:52 am
lol, I loved that post about typical days on the blog. That was awesome. The thong stuff was truly classic, and whoever wrote that was dead on with most of those impersonations. That is by far one of the funniest posts I have ever seen on here. A few people may be missing from the discussion though. Anyway, great job.
Rashiki
October 1st, 2010
4:55 am
lol, if that post really was from TS, I have to actually compliment him for once. That was the best thing he’s ever written.By the way, Truth Be Told, I agree on the Marvin infatuation, it is pretty weird. No idea what’s going on there, maybe Marvin Williams turned him/her down for a date LOL.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 1st, 2010
6:06 am
That was amazing. Exactly what I was hoping for.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 1st, 2010
6:07 am
I did not write that post, BTW. I only requested it.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 1st, 2010
6:09 am
The Clyde, Ken Strickland, and northcyde impersonations were the best.
Grandad
October 1st, 2010
7:19 am
I swear, thats the funniest thong I’ve
ever
read on this blog.
Which brings me to G-dad’s Trde O’ the Day:
Junkyard Blawg gets – Dudley Doo Right -&- truthspiter
Hawks Blog get – Layla Kiffin -&- BoWeevil
It sure nuff is difficult convincing Mrs Grandad,
that they really do have all night chiropractors now.
B-ball is in the air !!!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 1st, 2010
7:21 am
Typical Day!
Hilarious … Awsome … I am literally rolling on the floor and
kicking the damned couch!
I know Najeh didn’t go way back on my old ish, and pull out
the old crusty razor-sharp cheetah THONG – SONG!
Aye … I wore that when the Hawks sucked and was winning like
13 games. This team was so SKANK? I had to wear my Skank Gear
to get down to the games. Talk about paper cuts and sitting in the
stands was oh so uncomfortable!
Those were the good old days! Hopefully, I can leave my
Sha-nae-nae gear in the back of the closet forever!
Unless, this team reverts! Then watch the Hell out!
WOW! What a nightmare and a pile of Hot-Mess to wake up to
today!
Great Job – Najeh! I need the name of that supplier of yours!
OMG – This is the Best Blog of Characters in the WORLD!
We need to contact: LION GATE Film Studio and see if
Tyler Perry can script a play and movie for all the characters
on here! I didn’t see Blu-Ray’s Lines though … don’t forget
The Big Fella!
O'Brien
October 1st, 2010
7:49 am
Typical Day on the blog was on point. And Hilarious.
I love football, but I am ready for some basketball too.
tim
October 1st, 2010
7:51 am
Gee, an offense where everyone doesn’t stand around and watch…kinda like exciting college hoops and not the “it’s all about me” boring NBA style.
NBA players are lazy….we will see.
Fundamentals
October 1st, 2010
7:52 am
So truthsplitter wants to get rid of Marvin, ZaZa, Bibby and Mo, but he still has no takers or options. At least Grandad can make trades of the day. I can admit I have issues with each player mentioned. I’ve proposed trades for them. I’ve asked them for more consistent effort. I realize Mo is forced to play out of position. Since I have no better option I hope and pray they committ to coming through for us this season. It’s not an endorsement of how they play. Our team is set outside of potentially moving Jamal. Deal with it buddy.
In regards to Jamal, seems he’ll play out his deal, but he wants resolution before the season starts? Sounds like a mixed message? What are we to believe. Are there no rumors or speculation? If he is serious about being here long term what’s his request in terms of years and $$? Who would we look to move if we kept him? It’s obvious we’re overstocked at SG so something will give, but Jamal’s gotta play D to factor into long term plans.
Ken Strickland
October 1st, 2010
8:46 am
TYPICAL DAY-Now that was OFF THE CHAIN, as they say. I really do love LDrew, as a HC of course. I love everything he’s bringing to the team and players, especially to the players that struggled last yr(Marvin, Bibby, Teague). When everything comes together, we’ll be the team to beat in the East, but it will take part of the regular season to get everything clicking.
I’ll be out for a few days, so keep everything going Hawk fans. As SEMINOLE WARRIOR says, I HAVE TO BREAK RIGHT. I have to let basketball go for a few days and concentrate on my health issues, but I’ll be back soon. TRUST ME PEOPLE, THE HAWKS WILL BE THE SURPRISE TEAM IN THE EAST.
Rev in Tampa
October 1st, 2010
8:57 am
Great post last night!
Ken, I’ll pick up your mantle while you are gone. Stay strong and we’ll be praying for you.
Astro Joe
October 1st, 2010
9:12 am
Props to Typical Day on the Blog… and that AIN’T no sarcasm.
Kwijibo
October 1st, 2010
9:13 am
In recent years, I’ve yelled at the TV because Woody never adapted his game plan to the skills possessed by our roster. He tried to force a square peg in a round hole. Now, we have a coach that at least realizes we have an athletic bunch, who should be moving, running…playing aggressively at both ends… and I’m excited about the season. In my opinion, we have had the talent, but lacked the strategy to use the talents of this roster. LD seems to recognize we have a round hole and it should be fun to watch.
Astro Joe
October 1st, 2010
9:17 am
Strickland, come back ready to battle, but more importantly, come back healthy.
i_am_soulstar
October 1st, 2010
9:25 am
The guys will get it together. Takes awhile to break old habits.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 1st, 2010
9:25 am
The team is youthful enough to run it. Its all about conditioning and the will to execute this offense on a continual basis. I love that Coach Drew has them earning their money in camp with the suicides. If Bibby was not in shape coming into camp, he should be by season opener with the amount of suicides they run, lol.
i_am_soulstar
October 1st, 2010
9:35 am
Kwijibo,
I agree. This is what it’s all about. Even if your team doesn’t win the championship or your GM or owner(s) won’t get the pieces in that you’d like, the next best thing is having a coach that molds the talent that he has to perform with the greatest efficiency.
Even without a championship (although it’d be nice), that’s the kind of team I don’t mind buying first-level tickets and making two-thirds of me and my lady’s dates at sports bars just to see.
thomas
October 1st, 2010
10:12 am
pape sy can divide by zero
Hmmmmmmmm
October 1st, 2010
10:17 am
@Ray
Rod from College Park: I’m out!
It would be nice if he actually came out. Till then we just have to pause after every marv obsessed post he make.
Marvin really does suck.
I guess he know from experience. Pause…
The Truth
October 1st, 2010
10:24 am
ROFLOL!! Great comic relief from Typical Day on the Blog; I’m not going to defend whether I’m “The Real Truth” or not
Matt
October 1st, 2010
10:32 am
Superman wears Pape Sy pajamas.
i_am_soulstar
October 1st, 2010
10:47 am
What troubles me slightly is I don’t hear Marvin talking about working with someone like Idan Ravin in the offseason to better develop his game. But maybe I’m nitpicking.
i_am_soulstar
October 1st, 2010
10:52 am
Pape Sy won the 1993 World Poker Championships despite him holding just a joker, a 2 of clubs, a 7 of spades, a green number 4 from Uno and a monopoly ‘get out of jail free’ card.
Ramon
October 1st, 2010
10:55 am
@ Typical, I can’t do anything but laugh. I don’t drink, and don’t think Joe is overpaid, but the humor and style was crazy funny.
Rod from College Park
October 1st, 2010
11:00 am
@Hmmmmmm,Rashiki, and Truth Be Told,
Out of all of the classic material on that post from TS, you three want to focus on me, with gay jokes? Usually a hit dog will holler. All three of you please go join Longfellows (NO HOMO) Academy, and ask Bishop Long to cure you of your sickness. It’s not to late to join the lawsuit. Maybe after you all get paid you can start your own blog and keep people who tell the truth about our players off of your blog. Stop worrying about me and my sexual orientation and get a girlfriend. I know the Bishop told you not to have any, but it’s ok.
Mike is back
October 1st, 2010
11:15 am
MC, really Great Stuff…especially the daily blog…sounds like a good soap opera. lol
Its no wonder these guys would always ran out of gas…in the third and fourth quarter.
However, I still like what I am hearing from MC. From the start, LD stated conditioning would be an issue running his new offense. NO BETTER WAY…to prepare your guys for the upcoming season than to run their asssssssssssss…in the ground.
Lets face it…there will be some moaning and groaning…and may be some discontent…during this process…I would be shocked…if it weren’t.
LD’s magic carpet ride is over…now the real work begins. However, I am still impressed with what I’m hearing from LD…dude is going to be good for these Hawks!!!!!!!!!!
GO MC, GO LD, AND GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2 FOR JOHN DREW
October 1st, 2010
11:17 am
@ MC
So am I right or not MC ….. Covering the Hawks is a nice gig, but you’re not a ” Homer ” so to speak, and alot of our fanatical indulgence in the Hawks, you oblidged us as much as professionally possible.
If that’s the case …… I truly ” Thank-You “, my man !!!!!!!!
Truth Be Told
October 1st, 2010
11:20 am
Rod-He aint talkin about nothing..Haha
Like what is your deal sir? Why are you so obsessed with marvin?
And this is the same guy who in every post talks about marvin williams instead of hawks basketball..And to top it off when he goes 2 the games, he even like to watch marv warm up the whole time..Lol you need help you weirdo!!
Hmmmmmm
October 1st, 2010
11:34 am
Usually a hit dog will holler.
…pause…
Rev in Tampa
October 1st, 2010
11:37 am
I haven’t seen such mutual goodwill on the blog (excepting AJ’s outburst) ever. Everybody seems to be enjoying the afterglow of the ‘The Day in the Life’ postings. If TS indeed wrote the postings, isn’t it ironic that he is the source of such joy & comraderie.
vava74
October 1st, 2010
11:39 am
Najeh,
I thought it was you. My bad, but props for being the igniter.
I wonder who it was… northcyde had a classic post a few weeks ago with a mock conversation about getting a big man between Sund, Drew, … which showed great writing ability…
Someone has been posting in the past as Rick Sund with the highlight being during the MIA series in 08-09. Then the quality went down dramatically with some high points here and there…
Rev in Tampa
October 1st, 2010
11:58 am
vava, my money would be on big ray if I had to guess who wrote it.
Matt
October 1st, 2010
12:00 pm
Michael Jordan was the first Pape Sy.
niremetal
October 1st, 2010
12:02 pm
If you think TS was the one who wrote the “Typical Day at the Blog” posts, then wow…no, no that was not him. The vets around here know who it was, and trust me…it wasn’t TS.
Rod from College Park
October 1st, 2010
12:02 pm
“Like what is your deal sir? Why are you so obsessed with marvin?
And this is the same guy who in every post talks about marvin williams instead of hawks basketball..And to top it off when he goes 2 the games, he even like to watch marv warm up the whole time..Lol you need help you weirdo!!”
The real question is why are you obsessed with me? If you can show me another starter on this team who consistently NEVER does his job, I’ll be glad to transfer my wrath. Even the much maligned Bibby, came to Atlanta, and did what he was supposed to do. Marvin Williams is Hawks basketball. Glad to pick up a check, but never going over and above to try to win the big one. They are one in the same.
Rod from College Park
October 1st, 2010
12:04 pm
niremetal,
Let me guess who it was? We are not as lost as you might think.
thomas
October 1st, 2010
12:05 pm
pape sy’s tears cure cancer….too bad he never cries
i_am_soulstar
October 1st, 2010
12:07 pm
Pape Sy once won a game of Connect 4 in 3 moves.
Mike is back
October 1st, 2010
12:20 pm
Ken Strickland, enjoy your break bro, and come back stronger than ever.
A Typical Day on the Blog
October 1st, 2010
12:35 pm
niremetal
October 1st, 2010
12:02 pm
If you think TS was the one who wrote the “Typical Day at the Blog” posts, then wow…no, no that was not him. The vets around here know who it was, and trust me…it wasn’t TS.
You could not possibly be more correct, sir!
“A Typical Day on the Blog” is written by a self-proclaimed clown who does know how to pick at himself (because he DOES have his own brand of foolishness).
This is all meant in fun, none of it malicious.
By the way, I believe Najeh would have done a fine job of this himself, but I don’t think he felt like doing it right then.
A Typical Day on the Blog
October 1st, 2010
12:36 pm
Rod
It wasn’t TS, and it wasn’t Niremetal. That’s two clues, you only have one left.
NO, it wasn’t Marvin Williams either.
Truth Be Told
October 1st, 2010
12:38 pm
Rod-Im just tired of seeing you talk about marvin on every single post..I mean we know how you feel, You dont like him and your gone bash him with every chance you get…Talk about hawks basketball in general and not just marvin all the time…Type of man are you to hate on another man every all time?? Please ban this guy!!!
A Typical Day on the Blog
October 1st, 2010
12:52 pm
Rev in Tampa is a sharp guy.
The Truth
October 1st, 2010
12:54 pm
If there is a silver lining for BK bad Draft selection of Acie Law in 2007 it is from this final verdict:
BK: Sorry fans, it was a bad crop that year
vava74
October 1st, 2010
12:55 pm
ummm… “it’s all coming now”