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
jdewayneatl
September 30th, 2010
4:56 pm
First!?
just SHOOT me
September 30th, 2010
4:57 pm
Dang not first!
i_am_soulstar
September 30th, 2010
4:58 pm
cool
jay
September 30th, 2010
4:58 pm
Run Hawks Run!
i_am_soulstar
September 30th, 2010
4:59 pm
Run them into the ground LD, they’re always talking about wanting to run more. LD’s just gift-wrapping it for them.
jdewayneatl
September 30th, 2010
5:01 pm
More than anything, this definitely builds my confidence for the season to come and I think the team as a whole will be much more confident offensively.
jason
September 30th, 2010
5:02 pm
whats up with 2 comments
Swingman912
September 30th, 2010
5:14 pm
a team that can run for 4 qtrs is tough to beat….this is a plus…it’ll take some getting used to for the players. preseason will help as well….this can be a well oiled machine….keep it up Hawks, and i like the collars on the Jerseys this year……chuuuuuuuch
doc
September 30th, 2010
5:14 pm
great work MC, awesome insights. just what the discerning fan wants and with passion, too.
Coscro
September 30th, 2010
5:14 pm
This really outlines why we should be glad Shaq didn’t come in. He’d be complaining by now.
HoosierHawk
September 30th, 2010
5:17 pm
@ MC any impressions of jordan crawford?
Senator Blutarski
September 30th, 2010
5:19 pm
The conditioning plus playing a deeper bench should help. The new offense sounds promising.
MannyT
September 30th, 2010
5:19 pm
@MC
If LD needs a deeper bench to play that style, why didn’t he get a legit SF sized backup on the roster? No disrespect to the bench, but Joe usually backs up Marvin. If this is high energy team that requires more depth, who is going to guard the opposing SFs when Marvin is on the bench.
Sounds like there won’t be a need to go high tech with the playbook, like they are doing in DC.
http://www.bulletsforever.com/2010/9/29/1719240/washington-wizards-upgrade-from-the-i-touch-to-i-pad
Rod from College Park
September 30th, 2010
5:20 pm
“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.”
All of you Marvin supporters were right. This offense is just what he needed. He will make the allstar team this year.(LOL)
Rod from College Park
September 30th, 2010
5:23 pm
“If LD needs a deeper bench to play that style, why didn’t he get a legit SF sized backup on the roster? No disrespect to the bench, but Joe usually backs up Marvin. If this is high energy team that requires more depth, who is going to guard the opposing SFs when Marvin is on the bench.”
The great Pape Sy. (LOL)
PD
September 30th, 2010
5:25 pm
Awesome stuff. MC how does Teague and Jordan Crawford look out there
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
5:25 pm
@doc: “great work MC, awesome insights. just what the discerning fan wants and with passion, too.”
ha . . . i have no passion. i am a machine like Drago.
i just have better access now because, you know, the Hawks are here.
The Truth
September 30th, 2010
5:26 pm
“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.”
So does that mean everytime we see an Iso-Joe play, it is really a busted play?
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
5:26 pm
@ HoosierHawk: “@ MC any impressions of jordan crawford?”
he didn’t do much during this scrimmage, but it was only about 15-20 possessions total. people who’ve watched all of the practices say he’s been impressive. i will get to him eventually.
SR
September 30th, 2010
5:27 pm
Oh boy, the Hawks are back in the news with a Camp Report, just what I’ve been waiting for!!! ZZZZZZZZZZZZ.
The ASG loser group that sat back while the Heat, the Celtics and virtually everybody else got better while this pathetic bunch did nothing. Wait, let me correct myself, I forgot they hired a boot licking toady (cheap) Assistant Coach and made him top dog and oh yeah, they have a slimmed down Jason Collins. And Marvin Williams. Yeah, that ought to put them over the top. They are delusional.
Big Daddy
September 30th, 2010
5:28 pm
This sounds promising. It sounds like he is settting up a very aggressive offense and that it gets everyone involved and everyone gets their shots. I did not hear much of what is being done in the way of defense. We all know that no team has ever been able to go far without a good solid defense. I hope he is/will be putting together a strong solid one and pushing the guys just as hard.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
5:28 pm
@MannyT: “@MC If LD needs a deeper bench to play that style, why didn’t he get a legit SF sized backup on the roster? No disrespect to the bench, but Joe usually backs up Marvin. If this is high energy team that requires more depth, who is going to guard the opposing SFs when Marvin is on the bench.”
basically i think it means he can’t have J.J. and Marvin on the bench at the same time unless he uses Mo as a SF. it should be noted that LD is not in charge of player acquisitions, that would be Rick Sund’s territory. but when i’ve asked LD about the backup SF thing he doesn’t seem too concerned.
dstdeelite
September 30th, 2010
5:30 pm
MC, How do you feel this rigorous type offense will affect them on the defensive end? With Boston, Miami, and Orlando stressing defense this season, they’ve got to get better defensively. A lot of their losses was from the inability to get a stop when they needed one.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
5:34 pm
@ Big Daddy: “I did not hear much of what is being done in the way of defense. We all know that no team has ever been able to go far without a good solid defense. I hope he is/will be putting together a strong solid one and pushing the guys just as hard.”
the drills over the first couple days focused on defense. i just didn’t get to see them so i can’t tell you what they looked like. defense is definitely a focus.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
5:36 pm
@dstdeelite: “MC, How do you feel this rigorous type offense will affect them on the defensive end? With Boston, Miami, and Orlando stressing defense this season, they’ve got to get better defensively. A lot of their losses was from the inability to get a stop when they needed one.”
it’s going to be tough for them to do both, but it’s hard to be a contender, right? L.D. will stress defense. they are just spending a lot of time on offense because he’s installing new stuff.
Reggie
September 30th, 2010
5:37 pm
MC
How has Jeff Teague looked so far?
newkid
September 30th, 2010
5:37 pm
Sounds somewhat like the Falcons’ ‘ground, pound, and wear them down, take advantage in the later rounds’ strategy. Some of those cats will vocally push back if this approach doesn’t demonstrate substantial results fairly immediately; a few (I think Kobe recently referred to these kind of cats as ‘wimps’) will likely ask out. Hope there’s a multi-year commitment to this sort of approach, for if this is just a ‘flava-of-the-day’ strategy, then a players revolt will ensue and LD’s time as Hawks head coach would have been only sufficient for a cup of coffee.
Roger
September 30th, 2010
5:41 pm
@dstdeelite,
You make a great point with regards to the Hawks defense. It is crucial for any true contender to have a solid defense, and I too hope that the Hawks put a strong emphasis on lock-down defensive this season. However, on a positive note, one thing to keep in mind is that the opposing team have to expend an awful lot of energy on the defensive end trying to guard this up-tempo motion system, as opposed to the rather small amount of energy (aside from that of the on-ball defender) required to guard the isolation-based system last season. This should actually help the Hawks, not only on the offensive end, but on the defensive end as well, consider their opponents should have less gas in the tank as the game wears on. However, this assumes the Hawks will be well-conditioned if they are to take advantage of such scenarios. If not, this could potentially hurt them as much as their opponents on the other end of the floor.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
5:52 pm
@ Reggie: “MC How has Jeff Teague looked so far?”
i haven’t seen a lot of practice action due to access restrictions. his name didn’t come up when i asked a few people today who has looked good,
O'Brien
September 30th, 2010
6:20 pm
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.” Larry Drew .
The bench players have no excuse this time around. But I agree with MannyT. They should have gotten a backup SF because we will need JJ well rested in the fourth quarter.
And very move LD has made (and everything he has said) seems to be calculated, in a good way. He has it all planned out on paper, so it will be an interesting ride during the season to see how it all plays out.
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
6:20 pm
This is not good IMO. If you look at the first 2 months of the regular season the Hawks should go 14-4 with no problems and they will need to get off to a good start to even compete for home court with the improved East, but now you put this new offense in that is only gonna cause more turnovers then you cut that to like 10-6 and things aren’t looking good for ever getting home court advantage. Finally, it’s very disappointing to hear guys complaining about working hard and doing there jobs, I read from day 1 that Zaza and Marvin were grumbling. It does not surprise me one bit that two guys that really don’t contribute on the regular are two of the biggest female dogs on the team. Not looking good if you are objective and care for the truth over hype.
dstdeelite
September 30th, 2010
6:27 pm
MC-Thanks for the prompt response. Do you know if they’re going to have a Training Camp segment on NBATV like they had last year?
Rev in Tampa
September 30th, 2010
6:29 pm
@Rod from College Park – Co-sign your 5:20 comment, but without the sarcasm.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
6:40 pm
@dstdeelite: “MC-Thanks for the prompt response. Do you know if they’re going to have a Training Camp segment on NBATV like they had last year?”
there was an NBATV reporter there yesterday but she didn’t have a camera. i haven’t heard anything about a segment.
Rev in Tampa
September 30th, 2010
6:48 pm
@Rod from College Park@Rod from College Park – Also co-sign your 5:23 comment, but without the sarcasm.
Will Sev
September 30th, 2010
7:00 pm
@truthspitter
Even if the Hawks don”t get off to a good start like they have the past few seasons, I’m not going to write this team off. I’m not sure what you’re expecting. When a team needs to make some changes(like a new offensive system), it’s going to take some sacrificing….even if it means they lose a couple of games to less talented teams because they are still learning a new system. As long as it benefits the team in the long run, I won’t care for what happened at the begging of the season.
I would rather lose some games in the early part of the season than stick with the same routine we’ve had with Mike Woodson and get off to a good start only to falter later during the season. For once(I’m assuming) the Hawks improve as the season progresses and not the other way around.
Where did you read or hear that Zaza and Marvin were the ones complaining about the hard work they’ve had to put in during training camp?
http://www.thehighlightfactory.net
ryan
September 30th, 2010
7:08 pm
LeBron is already a distraction with his commits so if there some hope for the Hawks to beat the Heat is the huge egos .
Will Sev
September 30th, 2010
7:10 pm
@MC
Hey Mr. Cunningham, I’ve been really enjoying the reports and blogs recently.
Anyway, have any of the three invitees shown anything so far during training camp? Any of them showing flashes that they can be part of the team?
cp
September 30th, 2010
7:14 pm
I just hope the guys buy into the system. I was never a fan of Woodrow but he cant be used as the excuse anymore. I really didn’t like reading about guys grumbling already. The way these cats quit in the playoffs last year they should be doing everything the coach asks with no complaints.
Samuel
September 30th, 2010
7:14 pm
When I first heard of LD’s “new and improved offense” two things came to mind. Will these guys be able to sustain that type of running for 82 games and hopefully the playoffs. After all, LD isn’t the first coach to ever try the motion offense in the NBA. What happened to all the others who tried it. It’s easy to say the right things but getting Millionaires with guaranteed contracts to change is easier said than done. The players are already complaining. Not good.
How long will it take these guys to adjust and learn this new system. It’s one thing to have one or two new players come in and learn a new system but the whole team? The NBA doesn’t really give you that much time before you start playing. It’s not like Baseball and Football with spring training and mini-camps. You have less than two weeks before you start playing games then it’s gets tougher and tougher to teach something new. What happens if we get on a losing streak on a long tiring road trip. Will the players complain and rebel even more?
kwood
September 30th, 2010
7:17 pm
MC, sounds like what we’ve been waiting for! If all goes well during the regular season, then this type of offensive can be very effective in the playoffs. Hopefully they will really have the offensive really down by that time.
I see what everyone is saying about a backup to Marvin, but I’m not to worried because 3 guard offensives are all to common in basketball today. Besides if all goes well, when Mo comes in he won’t be guarding the starting SF, but the backup.
Grandad
September 30th, 2010
7:24 pm
MannyT:
“Sounds like there won’t be a need to go high tech with the playbook, like they are doing in DC”
In learning “motion” offense it’s not always the play itself
but the read. The sets will be varied but the screens & cuts
will will be fairly simple.
It’s the reads that take (basketball IQ) and timing.
**Plus Reversing The Ball
[changing sides of the floor with the ball]
Takes Commitment,Even Though It Seems Like Such A Simple Thing**!
truthspitter -&- others
Why do people think there will be a spate of turnovers
due to the offense. If LD stresses fundamentals then TO’s
should not be a problem.
RfCP -&- others
*Small forward – yawl are still thinking by the numbers.
LD has said “Josh will play some [3]“.
Plus I am averse to RfCP’s sarcasm, as I believe ‘Paps’
will contribute as a [3].
The Truth
September 30th, 2010
7:40 pm
MC: this statement
“3. Because of No. 2, it’s going to take some time for it to look the way L.D. wants.”
What does this mean? Are you asserting that JJ will be the hardest to transition based on observation? What did you see that caused this observation?
Also this statement:
“Already there has been a bit of grumbling among players but nothing too serious.”
Can you clarify so we don’t get the wrong impression? Did you actually see some confrontation or is this what you heard?
Samuel
September 30th, 2010
7:50 pm
Truth,
More than likely, “grumbling” was putting it mildly. I’m sure quite a few “F Bombs” were being hurled LD’s way today. We’ll see if he can withstand the onslaught from the prima donnas as the season goes on.
Astro Joe
September 30th, 2010
8:03 pm
Sounds encouraging. But he will need to drill some of the old plays out of their system. It will be interesting to see how things play out with the differences between coaches… kind of a chicken vs. egg theory. Did some guys not get consistent time because of the coach or because of the player? Did they run a simplistic offense because of the lack of creativity of the coach or because of the lack of player focus/intelligence/conditioning? Sometimes asking someone to answer a math equation like 4 times 3 is a lot easier than asking for the square root of 144.
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
8:16 pm
Will Sev
September 30th, 2010
7:00 pm
@truthspitter
Even if the Hawks don”t get off to a good start like they have the past few seasons, I’m not going to write this team off. I’m not sure what you’re expecting. When a team needs to make some changes(like a new offensive system), it’s going to take some sacrificing….even if it means they lose a couple of games to less talented teams because they are still learning a new system. As long as it benefits the team in the long run, I won’t care for what happened at the begging of the season.
I would rather lose some games in the early part of the season than stick with the same routine we’ve had with Mike Woodson and get off to a good start only to falter later during the season. For once(I’m assuming) the Hawks improve as the season progresses and not the other way around.
Where did you read or hear that Zaza and Marvin were the ones complaining about the hard work they’ve had to put in during training camp?
Will: I tried to post the links yesterday but Cunningham did not want me to expose the truth about Marvin and Zaza and there female dog ways toward hard work. I follow some guy who goes by the name Hawks PR Guy on twitter and he basically said it without saying it. Marvin asked him if he wanted to trade places and Zaza asked LD were they finished yet. I understand that some may take these type of things lightly but I don’t. You should never even insinuate that you don’t want to work hard or work anymore and that’s what both of them spoke. Things like that make a big difference in the mindset of teams coupled with the fact that they are two guys who really don’t put out on a consistent basis that just pisses me off.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
8:34 pm
@ Will Sev: “Hey Mr. Cunningham, I’ve been really enjoying the reports and blogs recently.
Anyway, have any of the three invitees shown anything so far during training camp? Any of them showing flashes that they can be part of the team?”
i haven’t seen much practice action but it doesn’t look like there is a roster spot open so i doubt they will stick around.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
8:37 pm
@ The Truth: “MC: this statement “3. Because of No. 2, it’s going to take some time for it to look the way L.D. wants.”
What does this mean? Are you asserting that JJ will be the hardest to transition based on observation? What did you see that caused this observation?”
on the very first possession today they reverted to Iso-Joe. he got the ball and suddenly everyone stopped moving. it wasn’t even that he was unwilling to pass it, it’s that no one moved to his side. it was uncanny. i just think it’s going to take time for them to get out of the iso habits, not because they don’t want to but because it’s what is comfortable for them and they did win a lot of games that way.
Fundamentals
September 30th, 2010
8:41 pm
MC – how do the Hawks feel about the snub Chris Webber and other analysts have been giving us lately. No playoffs, no chance, no good players? Shouldn’t that salt their wounds from last season and bring them out with more fire and determination? I personally thought it was short sighted and media hyped. We should have something to prove all season.
Thanks for the good coverage. Now that camp’s moving we’ll have alot more to talk about.
Any chance of a video or photo of Collins and Etan working down low? The previous article discussed the bigs wanting a role at C w/ Al at PF? Will it happen? How often? Enought to keep them inspired?
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
8:43 pm
@truthspitter: “Will: I tried to post the links yesterday but Cunningham did not want me to expose the truth about Marvin and Zaza and there female dog ways toward hard work. I follow some guy who goes by the name Hawks PR Guy on twitter and he basically said it without saying it. Marvin asked him if he wanted to trade places and Zaza asked LD were they finished yet. I understand that some may take these type of things lightly but I don’t. You should never even insinuate that you don’t want to work hard or work anymore and that’s what both of them spoke. Things like that make a big difference in the mindset of teams coupled with the fact that they are two guys who really don’t put out on a consistent basis that just pisses me off.”
[sigh] you really need to chill. as i explained to you in the comments yesterday, the blog monster automatically eats comments with more than one link. i actually went in and approved the comment manually when i saw it. so not only did i not block the comment, i made an effort for it to see the light of day. but, yeah, i don’t want you to “expose” the truth about something you didn’t even see.
i was there, and Marvin and Zaza were clearly joking. they both went hard like everyone else. Zaza, in fact, was keeping pace with some of the smaller players during sprints and the assistants shouted him out for it. but since those observations don’t fit your narrative, i am sure you will dismiss them.
JeJe
September 30th, 2010
8:46 pm
“and us media types got to watch. ”
Should say “we media types.”
“We got to watch” not “us got to watch”
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
8:46 pm
@ Fundamentals: “MC – how do the Hawks feel about the snub Chris Webber and other analysts have been giving us lately. No playoffs, no chance, no good players? Shouldn’t that salt their wounds from last season and bring them out with more fire and determination? I personally thought it was short sighted and media hyped. We should have something to prove all season.”
they’ve talked a little bit about feeling overlooked. i will get into that at some point.
“Any chance of a video or photo of Collins and Etan working down low? The previous article discussed the bigs wanting a role at C w/ Al at PF? Will it happen? How often? Enought to keep them inspired?”
i’ve got a new phone that supposedly has a nice video cam but i have to figure out how to integrate the video into the blog. stay tuned.
as for their roles, way too soon to say. let’s at least see some exhibition games.
Fundamentals
September 30th, 2010
8:49 pm
If ZaZa maintains focus and energy will LD have enough minutes for him? When inspired, he was the difference for us, when he’s in the doghouse we’re obviously lacking inside presence.
Can he headbutt Bosh this year in the playoffs? If so would he crumple up like a sissy, unlike KG.
Fundamentals
September 30th, 2010
8:50 pm
JeJe = when did you become and English major? How bout a take on the camp discussion.
Hmmm
September 30th, 2010
8:52 pm
“The great Pape Sy. (LOL)”
I’m Positive he’s better than Mo and Marvin just from watching him one time in summerleague. That’s how sad our SF’s are.
Michael Cunningham
September 30th, 2010
8:53 pm
@JeJe: “Should say “we media types.””
ha . . . “us media types” is a colloquialism . . .
Fundamentals
September 30th, 2010
8:55 pm
Sy is going to need time. He won’t come close to being ready to be physical enough to hold up at SF this year reliably. I love the kid, but give him time to adjust physically before we decide on his ability?
D-League may be the only minutes JC2 and Sy see for real time this year? I’d hate to see them rot on the bench. They’re not in the top 10.
Rotaciones Conferencia Este (I) « Manager Fantástico
September 30th, 2010
9:10 pm
[...] Nuevo sistema de juego: El nuevo entrenador Larry Drew está implantando un sistema ofensivo basado las penetraciones y aperturas para tiros de cinco metros en lugar del que venía siendo habitual con Mike Woodson en el que los jugadores exteriores retenían el balón y trataban se superar a su defensor driblando desde lejos de la canasta. Este sistema exige mucho movimiento y una excelente forma física. [...]
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
9:11 pm
Anyone that thinks that when inspired Zaza was the difference does not know a single thing about basketball. Zaza and Marvin are quitters and whiners with female dog ways. They are cancers to this franchise and should be moved at any oppurtunity. A big head soft tough guy in Zaza and a lazy funny walking looking idiot in Marvin. They should both be traded ASAP
Rev in Tampa
September 30th, 2010
9:11 pm
There is no way that JC2 ends up in the D-League. I believe he was drafted to replace JC1 when he is traded at the trade-deadline.
Fundamentals
September 30th, 2010
9:15 pm
What are we getting for Jamal at the deadline?
Who wants Marvin and ZaZa and for whom? Petty whining with no ways to improve. Truth is ZaZa has played hard, inspired and tough on the boards for us, but when he’s not happy he’s what you describe. Which ZaZa will we get? I know your opinion, but what of others?
Najeh Davenpoop
September 30th, 2010
9:17 pm
Anything that’s a “radical departure” from last season’s offense has to be an improvement.
“Marvin” and “confidently” in the same sentence? That’s a good sign.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 30th, 2010
9:18 pm
“There is no way that JC2 ends up in the D-League. I believe he was drafted to replace JC1 when he is traded at the trade-deadline.”
If anything, this may be a reason for the Hawks to send him down… if Jamal will be traded at the deadline and Jordan will have to take over, it’s better for Jordan to be playing meaningful minutes so that the Hawks won’t be throwing him in the fire with little to no game experience in February.
Hmmm
September 30th, 2010
9:19 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft1dhyBbEPQ&feature=player_embedded
^Marvin
Hmmm
September 30th, 2010
9:20 pm
^^Interview With Elle Duncan
Hmmm
September 30th, 2010
9:22 pm
Marvin says he doesn’t watch his game on tape (Highlights etc.) I think he should, maybe he wouldn’t trip so much if he saw how bad it looked on tape.
bigdave
September 30th, 2010
9:28 pm
“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.”
The Truth
September 30th, 2010
9:36 pm
This is a dreaded behavior of JJ that concerns me the most:
“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.”
JJ tendency is to pull-up for the jumper, because that’s who he really is, a natural jump shooter. In this motion offense, JJ needs to be more of a slasher which he really isn’t. In this example, when JJ reversed direction, he most likely was thinking about getting to his sweet spot to launch his jumper. LD is really asking JJ to reprogram himself which will not be easy. But the question is not if this motion offense works for the Hawks, the question is when. Since JJ was the Epicenter of the Hawks offense for the last 5 years, asking the team to quickly make a 180 degree turn in a few weeks, maybe too much. If this thing doesn’t happen gradually it will mostly likely not happen at all.
Bishop Eddie Long Accuser Jamal Parris Speaks Out
September 30th, 2010
9:47 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3ghX644NIk
Whooo!
Bishop Eddie Long to Fight Sex Charges Out
September 30th, 2010
9:50 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCSMxj_swYA
The Back Of Truthspitter's Mind
September 30th, 2010
9:56 pm
Chumps. all of ‘em. I’m smarter than all of these bloggers combined. I don’t even know why I waste my time here.
Oh yeah, it’s so I can put others down and really feel smart. And if anyone disagrees then they don’t know anything about basketball. Chumps.
JSS
September 30th, 2010
10:00 pm
@ The Truth…
Relax, Joe played with the National team enough to realize that he is going to have dive to the basket. That is what camp is for, if Josh keeps giving him the backdoor, the light will come on…
@ Rod in CP…
Just how many days have the Hawks been in camp? Are you tired of gnawing on the Marvin bone or something? Just saying, let’s not make the same mistake that was made with Diaw again…
That which is done in the Dark will come to the light
September 30th, 2010
10:00 pm
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/generic/news/bishop-eddie-long-allegations-new-birth
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
10:01 pm
Fundamentals
September 30th, 2010
9:15 pm
What are we getting for Jamal at the deadline?
Who wants Marvin and ZaZa and for whom? Petty whining with no ways to improve. Truth is ZaZa has played hard, inspired and tough on the boards for us, but when he’s not happy he’s what you describe. Which ZaZa will we get? I know your opinion, but what of others?
Exactly Fundamentals: You are very petty and don’t understand the Fundamentals of basketball or this franchise if you think Marvin or Zaza should be mentioned in the long term views of this franchise when you say yourself that Zaza has female dog ways. How can you respect a man who may play hard demands on how he feels about playing time or the way people are treating him. He is a female dog. So is Marvin. They get paid regardless don’t forget that. If I were GM I would trade them along with Jamal and Mo. For teams looking to get Jamal and Mo’s expiring deals one of the stipulations would be that you have to be willing to take a contract along with them, and the contracts would be Marvin, Zaza, and Bibby in that order because Bibby only has 1 year after this year
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
10:05 pm
Cunningham get this Eddie Long BS out of here please.
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
10:18 pm
I’m thinking about going to the Hawks Exclusive Preview Event just to spit in Marvin Williams face and smack Rick Sund. Then beat Zaza’s soft big head arse to the floor.
KevinM
September 30th, 2010
10:21 pm
Again, we are talking about a group of guys who have played a certain way the entire time they have been here. It won’t be so clear and concise for awhile. Expect turnover after turnover until the responsiblities get ironed out.
It all sounds good and optimism is at its peak. The season hasn’t started and the schedule favors a good start.
But it is still about Orlando, Miami, defense and rebounding.
This core had trouble beating LeBron without Wade and Wade without LeBron. I think the defense will determine their competitiveness.
I just looked at Celtic tickets in Nov. No way I am headed to Philips at $197/ticket to sit in the middle of Section 101. And that is a supposed corporate discount.
Is it me or is the ASG making sure increase their profits this year?
Ken Strickland
September 30th, 2010
10:28 pm
Everyone seems to think we’re going to rely exclusively on the motion OFF to score pts. LDrew has already stated we’ll still use the ISo approach if it’s the best way to exploit the DEF. Also, we’re still going to rely heavily on the fast break.
When we can’t run a successful fast break, or get an easy transition scoring opportunity, we’ll use our half court OFF. We’re not going to be a traditional team that relies heavily on its half court OFF to score, like the Celtics, Spurs, Magic and Pistons. The motion OFF will have its biggest impact at the start of gms and when closing out tight gms down the stretch.
Can you imagine the Celtics, with Shaq and JOneal, trying to keep up with what we’ll be doing? And how will the Bulls DEF, with DEF liabilities like KKorver, CBoozer and LDeng, be able to deal with our OFF? It’ll be very interesting to see how DHoward will provide the help DEF Orlando relies on, while constantly fighting over picks trying to keep up with AHorford. He’s already foul prone, and this will likely make him even more so against us.
Instead of providing help DEF, like they’ve both done so successfully in the past, both LeBron and Wade will have to dust off their weak man DEF skills against us and fight over picks. If you think all of this running will tax our players, imagine the affect it will have on the players trying to keep up with us on DEF. Just like we’ll have to go 9-12 deep into our rotation to keep our OFF and DEF going for 4 quarters, opposing teams will be forced to go just as deep into their rotation to keep up, or suffer the consequences of fatigue down the stretch.
What we see unfolding is exactly what I’ve been talking about, and why I feel we’ll finish as one of the top 2 seeds in the East.
truthspitter
September 30th, 2010
10:29 pm
Kevin M:
I just looked at Celtic tickets in Nov. No way I am headed to Philips at $197/ticket to sit in the middle of Section 101. And that is a supposed corporate discount.
Is it me or is the ASG making sure increase their profits this year?
The ASG is garbage. Where is that $3 million that they sold the 2nd round pick for? We will never see it as fans. It does not matter if the owners get a hard cap or not this organization is going to be garbage until we get new owners. The NHL has a hard cap and the ASG loses more money on the Thrashers than on the Hawks.
Ken Strickland
September 30th, 2010
10:50 pm
Will someone please tell me why there is so much concern and apprehension about the hawks buying into LDrew and his systems, and adjusting to a new style or approach? Will you also tell me why there seems to be absolutely no concern or apprehension whatsoever about Bull players buying into Thibodeau and his new style, OFF/DEF systems and approach?
And will you please explain why there is no concern whatsoever about DWade, CBosh and LJames adjusting to what, for them, will be a completely new style, approach, and way of playing?
Najeh Davenpoop
September 30th, 2010
11:05 pm
Someone needs to do the “Typical day on the blog” post again. Maybe I’ll give it a shot later.
HoosierHawk
September 30th, 2010
11:11 pm
@ Truthspitter
Agreed they are pretty steep, but that’s because you are looking at the celtics game. They switched the prices to demand-based, so the best games are really expensive. There are some decent ones though. $18 for the thunder is fair to me (upper level though). At least its not as bad as concerts. That two headed best of the livenation-ticketmaster monopoly has concert tickets at $50 for general admission shows.
KevinM
September 30th, 2010
11:12 pm
The only issue the Heat is going to have is who do they look to for in a tight game? My guess is any 3 of the 5 will work.
The Heat has fewer problems than LD has here. He has 3 Olympians that have played together and are used to doing what it takes to win. Not to mention they are multi-time all stars.
It really doesn’t bode well to compare the Heat to the Hawks.
I Heart Atlanta
September 30th, 2010
11:14 pm
Appreciate all the effort into the blog mc, keep it up
northcyde
September 30th, 2010
11:17 pm
Next time I see Elle at Compound, ima sop her up with a biscuit. So beautiful, and she likes sports.
As for the Camp Report, if what MC is true about the Hawks needing a deep rotation to run this type of offense, this is exactly what some of us have been talking about.
We’re going to need a fairly strong 2nd unit to be able to adequately give our starters rest ( like 6 – 8 minutes at a time type rest ). This means that the 2nd unit MUST learn how to play with each other . . ala what you see in Boston, Orlando and Phoenix.
If our bench is going to be Teague, Jamal, Mo, and Zaza . . along with ( insert starter ), then those 4 are going to have to develop some sort of offensive and defensive chemistry. Last year, the defensive chemistry was non-existant amongst this group.
That’s going to be Drew’s biggest challenge. Getting that 2nd unit to play defense.
Having said that, I like Drew’s attention to detail. But I would like to see him show that same attention to the defense, once the offense gets installed.
Now . . where Elle at? (( grabbing biscuit ))
Hmmm
September 30th, 2010
11:36 pm
Ken Strick, I agree with your assesment.
Astro Pride!
September 30th, 2010
11:54 pm
Go get Damper NOW! Let’s get him in shape.
_sturt_
September 30th, 2010
11:59 pm
I’m scared now.
I’ve been waiting all off-season for Sund to pull the trigger on some move that’s going to be meaningful for this team… and now, I’m quickly becoming persuaded his big move was to hire LD and run a different offense/defense.
As opposed to previous off-seaons when you could sit back a bit and be content in the knowledge that these guys were still maturing, and you could expect some internal growth… last season told us that there’s not a lot more of that to be had.
This team might very well compete with BOS and MIA, but there is no good reason right now to think ORL won’t totally befuddle this same team as they’ve always done. If you’re not going forward, you’re going backward. And Drew’s strategies may very well be a huge improvement, but if there’s no increase in talent, it will only bring about an outcry that his coaching is at-fault regardless.
_sturt_
October 1st, 2010
12:05 am
Dampier?
Dampier does almost nothing for us.
Run the head-to-head at basketball-reference, and you’ll discover as I did that among many who do not match-up well with Dwight, Dampier is among the worst.
The objective is not to just bring in a big man, but to bring in a big man who can actually compete with Dwight to a higher level than we’ve been able to do previously.
The bad news is that there aren’t a lot of those guys out there.
The good news is that a few of them are probably attainable.
The bad news is that, if they’re attainable, it’s largely because they have such a bad contract. (Elton Brand, for instance.)
And, it’s not that you’re going to find a guy who completely matches, let alone beats, Dwight’s stats. But you gotta have a guy who at least competes and to some degree mitigates Dwight’s numbers with his own numbers either scoring or rebounding.
cp
October 1st, 2010
12:12 am
What has Chris Bosh ever won? Dude is easily one of the most overrated players in the league plus he’s soft as hell. Dude quit on the Raptors last year.
tidog
October 1st, 2010
12:30 am
Did anyone notice Jason Collins in the caption picture. The dude worked out after the season and looks really fit. He ain’t Cheeseburger for sure. Collins, Thomas and Z just might work out quite well.
Basketball Maven
October 1st, 2010
12:34 am
MC:
Thanks for the good reporting. Just a couple of thoughts here.
First, the motion offense– I have to admit, it gives me the heebie-jeebies, mostly because I remember when Bob Weiss was here, and he installed the motion offense, and it… well, in not so many words, it totally sucked, especially in crunch time. So, any thoughts about the implementation of the motion offense? What do the players think about it?
Second, I am excited to see how Jordan “Lebron dunker” Crawford performs… I followed him a bit in the NCAAs, and I was very pleased when the Hawks picked him up. Any word from the coaches about his performance or if we can expect to see him in the regular rotation?
Thanks– keep up the great work.
MsDee
October 1st, 2010
1:09 am
Relax guys, this is ONLY what the 2nd day of camp? We have a few more days AND a pre-season game with the Wizards to get used to this OFFense and work out the kinks. Hopefully by the 2nd pre-season game, we will have more positive out-comes with the OFFense. And also those who are concern about the DEFense, isnt that what Conner was brought here for? Right now the top subject is this new offense, but dont think Conner isnt concern about the defense, he may have tricks under his sleeve as well when it come to the defense..Patience my FANS, PATIENCE!!
A Typical Day on the Blog
October 1st, 2010
1:18 am
Newkid : I’m not convinced that this ship won’t capsize. Too many drunk sailors, not enough oars. That’s realism, not pessimism.
KevinM : Most of the issues lie with the backcourt. We win through the frontcourt. And I don’t want to hear anything about JJ from anybody. Oh, and the ASG is a pile of cheap, retarded losers.
Niremetal : There goes that Rod character again. Why am I wasting my time posting here?
MannyT : How many links can I get into this post before the blog monster eats it?
Astro Joe : I still think hiring Larry Drew was a mistake. Anything short of an increase in wins is proof of this. I’m being sarcastic. No, really. By the way, it wasn’t Woodson’s fault that half the players on this roster suck, as they will under Larry Drew unless he has some magic juice to feed them. That was sarcasm as well. No, seriously it was.
Clyde : Is asleep in Rio de Janeiro, dreaming about Sean Williams in a Hawks uniform and a Brazilian hooker wearing nothing but a “Fire Billy and Woody” T-shirt.
Grandad : I have a trade idea! And it would work! By the way Mr. Cunningham, what is with your lack of emotional connection to the Hawks? You’re as bad about your passion for the team and the game as Doc is with his punctuation. Not that I should talk, what with my sentence and paragraph structure. I don’t care, I’m old! I’ll say what I want to! Where’s my girl Drmaryb? She don’t care how old I am! Ha!
DrmaryB : Tell it like it is! Preach it brotha! Take yo thong off and get yo scroll on! Ima hafta put my razor sharp cheetah thong on and get my Halle Berry on! Screw that, I’m better than Halle Berry! I love you Grandad, MWAH!!!! LMBoobiesO!
Rev in Tampa : I think I can outpreach Ken Strickland. C’mon Ken, let’s have a “preach off”, playa! You up for this? P.S., Marvin sucks, just not as bad as Rod says he does. But close.
dtsdeelite : D-Fence! D-Fence! D-Fence! The Hawks need to play defense, or they ain’t gonna win. Ya heard?
TS (stable…for the moment) : Do you think anybody will figure out that DUDLEY DO RIGHT is really me? P.S. – I think we should trade Al Horford, who is not even a quarter of the power forward that Josh Smith is. And Jeff Teague has two left hands, whatever the heck that is supposed to mean. Wait, was that a clue to who I really am? Aw nevermind, I’m getting attention, so who cares? ‘Smiles brightly’
Mz. Hawkdafied : Mmmm mmmm mmmm. I sure love me some Al Horford! Stay positive!
Ramon : Josh Smith is every bit as important as Al Horford, maybe more so. In fact, screw it, Josh is the man. Horford whines about his position too much. And I’ll drink and blog if I feel like it, dadgummit.
I am Soulstar : It’s all good baby, it’s all cool. You know why? Because I am the Soulstar. You won’t find a cooler blog handle than that. Like Freddy Jackson sippin’ a milkshake. Yeah, it’s that cool.
The Truth : I’m the real truth around here. And Joe Johnson is not a star. Ya feel me?
A Typical Day on the Blog
October 1st, 2010
1:40 am
TS (stable for a second) : Sund needs to trade the useless Al Horford for somebody else’s all-star center. Like, right now. Can somebody help me pick another name to post under?
Ms Dee : Why y’all trippin’? Everything will be fine.
Fundamentals : I would have more to say about basketball. Problem is, there is always some knucklehead who wants to peck at other people’s opinions and the beat writer too. What is up with that ish? Anyway, back to basketball.
Northcyde : The argument from the 23rd post of the 2nd page of the blog before this was a bunch of BS. And I’ll prove it with stats, because I am the KING of RESEARCH around here folks. I will reach out with the sceptor of facts and B-slap you from the throne of stats. Oh, and the Hawks fan base stinks like a pile of dog feces, which is why I live in Tennessee. You guys have real problems.
Sent from my iphone. Biznaznitches.
Big Ray : I don’t care what Northcyde thinks. Which in no way explains why I read everything he types, and then respond to most of it, while trying to pretend that I’m ignoring it. Where is TS at? I’m going to try for the Guinness World Record 8,000th time to convince him that Al Horford isn’t all that bad of a guy. Of course, I might have better luck if I bring an old priest and a young priest with me. ‘Cause this will definitely require an excorcism. At any rate, I think I’ll just wait around for someone to say something good, so I can co-sign it and look halfway smart for once.
Najeh Davenpoop : Uh-huh. What I know is, I better not get left out of this “Typical Day at the Blog” nonsense again. Last time that cat left me out. And I’m gonna slap him in the back of the head when I see him. Soon as I figure out who it is. Speakng of slapping, how many people are going to post with names that have “truth” in them? I would have something very insightful and intelligent to say right now, but the fact is, I’m bored to death, and well…it’s a typical day at the blog. Ya feel me?
TS (unstable…again) : I hate Jeff Teague. I hate Larry Drew. I hate Rick Sund. I hate Al Horford. I hate myself. Okay, copy, paste, and then repeat 45,000 times. Sweet! That’s a whole two pages of blog all used up. Bwahahahahahahahaaaaaa!
Ken Strickland : I sure love Larry Drew. Let me count the ways. Blah, blah blah blah blah blah Drew blah blah. Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, Drew blah. Blah blah blah blah Drew, blah? Well Drew blah blah blah blah blah blah! Larry Drew will not only lead the Hawks to a championship, but he will solve world hunger and change water to wine! Don’t you agree?
TS : Dear God, please trade Al Horford. He is not fit to live on this earth. Can we have Ghandi back?
Rod from College Park : What’s up y’all? I can’t stand Marvin. That’s about all I have to say. Tune in next time tomorrow, when I tell you about the song I wrote. It’s called “How I came to hate Marvin.” I’m out!
JeJe : Cunningham, you misspelled a word. By the way, I just discovered what the CAPS button does when you turn it off. Amazing!
Tidog : CAPS button? Is that what that was? Hey ya’ll, Rick Sund is the worst GM ever. Fuh Real.
Dudley Doo Right
October 1st, 2010
1:43 am
I guess I bring a can of raid arousal. Seem the only thing this page draws is fly’s. Its whey (that’s a word ) mo exciting and open mined on the other sights. Yea, this page is still run by the bubba crew. Gee, you guys couldnt make a full page with a few of you using 2 and 3 names….
and not fooling anybody but yourselves. Smell you guys later!
A Typical Day on the Blog
October 1st, 2010
2:08 am
Sautee : I would have a pretty good witticism to insert here, but the truth is that I’m down to one liners.
Doc : It’s JSmash, not JSmoove. And stop trippin about my punctuation cuz i dont care. By the way the BASG is cheap and thats all i need to send Niremetal on a tirade that would embarrass a sailor
Niremetal : Screw you, Doc.
Ken Strickland : ….and another thing about how great Larry Drew is….
Astro Joe : Sarcasm? What sarcasm?
Vava74 : Bill Simmons is brilliant. He’s smarter than the entire crew working for ESPN. That is, until he says something mean about the Hawks. I will then surreptitiously reverse my position and opinion on him.
Ramon : I’ll drink and blog if I feel like it, dang it! Josh Smith is the man. Al Horford is a whiner. Why did we give Joe so much money?
Northcyde : If I hear ONE more person say that Jamal is better than Joe, I’m going to lose my mind like DMX. I might even smash my iphone. Now that is some serious ish!
Drmaryb : Smashed iphones! Don’t smash yo stuff, just get your scroll on! It’s a touch screen, it’s simple fool! Where’s my Grandaddy at?? Gimme my thong back, you old clown!
GT Alum : Man, this is so much friendlier than the Georgia Bulldogs blog. I wonder why?
Rod from College Park : I’m back y’all, and I got something new for ya. Check it out: Marvin’s game stinks like 2 day old burritos from Taco Bell. You heard it here first!
Niremetal : Rod, you’re a bonafide idiot whose sole brainwave capability is as directionless as a retarded ant with no antennae. Why am I posting here again?
The Department of Unintended Irony : Somewhere, sometime, someone will post something stupid, and I will be there to expose it. Like Rod declaring that he watches Marvin in warm-ups. That was just too good to pass up.
truthspitter : the ASG is a pile of garbage losers. The ticket prices are garbage. Mike Cunninham’s blog is garbage. MC, stop erasing my posts!
Northcyde : See what I mean about the fans?
Ken Strickland : ….and then Larry Drew came down from heaven and handed Moses the Ten Commandments….
Grandad : I have another trade idea. Drmaryb, I swear I did not take your thong. But I do propose a trade….
Big Ray : Northcyde, what is with you and fans?! Give it a rest! That does it, I’m not reading your posts anymore, mister! I mean it this time!
Ramon : I’s not drunk. I’s jus’ havin’ a taste
Astro Joe : Define “sarcasm” for me.
Mike Cunningham : I’m only going to answer questions for the first hour. After that you cannibals will have to feed on someone else. Why in the world did I ever move here from Miami?
Northcyde : See? Crazy azz fans, man.
Big Ray : Northcyde! Ooops…eh…hee hee….
JeJe I LOST THE CAPS BUTTON AGAIN
Najeh Davenpoop : We need a new blog.
Rick Sund : It’s not really me. But I will say a few things to make my namesake look silly. Not that he needs any help.
truthspitter
October 1st, 2010
2:17 am
The above post is classic
MsDee
October 1st, 2010
2:33 am
Freakin FUNNY!!! LOL!!! “grandad & Dr Mary and the thongs…wow, and Ken S the love of LD..wow, are we really like that??
darrell starks
October 1st, 2010
3:06 am
The motion offense wow!!!!!!!!!! it doesn’t matter what you run if not enough talent then it’s a failure, michael jordan the greatest player 2 ever play the game made any offense design look good and successful.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
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”
vava74
October 1st, 2010
12:57 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek44tW0Dqig
vava74
October 1st, 2010
12:58 pm
yep, Rev, nice job.
maybe you should swap preaching for law enforcement
Hmmmmmm
October 1st, 2010
1:08 pm
Marvin Williams is Hawks basketball.
…pause…
Well at least we know what Rod focuses on.
northcyde
October 1st, 2010
1:44 pm
I thought I had a little writing talent. LOL . . I almost choked on my late breakfast reading those Typical Day posts. Hilarious. That was much better than my Drew – Sund – Horford skit about not bringing in quality big men.
A good writer can always poke fun at himself when he’s poking fun at others. Good job B.R. You need to be a Saturday Night Live writer.
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 1st, 2010
2:02 pm
Hahaha! A Typical Day on the Blog (Big Ray) hilarious comments.
I just wanted to comment that I’m sure everything will work out for the Hawks. No doubt in my mind. Coach L.D.’s theme is perfect cause it’s gonna take “hard work” for this new offense to work. The team is gonna need everybody committed and dedicated. No half stepping. Joking is okay but it’s important not to lose focus. And everybody needs to be healthy. Injuries can be a set back which is why I cringe when I see injury reports. So it’s good to know the injuries to Pape, Jamal, and Al aren’t serious and Mo will be able to come back soon.
Looking forward to seeing what’s happening in 2010-11. Go Hawks!
Rod from College Park
October 1st, 2010
2:43 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!!!
Do you honestly think I care about what you think? If your tired, then go kill yourself. That way, you can rest for eternity. If you don’t like what’s on TV, change the channel. SCROOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL. Take your hand out of your pants, stop watching how I move and get your own swag. When the republicans stop bashing Obama, that’s when I’ll stop bashing Marvin. I actually will stop bashing him, if he grows a pair and starts playing like a professional NBA 2nd round pick should. But what are the chances of that?
northcyde
October 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
Jerryd Bayless of Portland may be the player that Teague may reesemble the most next season, especially if Teague doesn’t win the starting job.
In 18 minutes of play, Bayless averaged 8.5 ppg and a little over 2 assists, while shooting 41 – 42% FG and over 80% FT.
Bayless did explode for a few monster scoring games, and non existant in a few others.
Honestly, these are Salim Stoudamire-esque numbers. But until Teague proves that he can run the team, I’ll take this from him off the bench.
Rod from College Park
October 1st, 2010
2:44 pm
It’s actually very easy to play along.
Matt
October 1st, 2010
2:56 pm
Pape Sy doesn’t speak French–the French speak Pape Sy.
ant banks
October 1st, 2010
2:58 pm
how will the “motion offense” work against the zone defense? everytime teams ran the zone against us, we wilted.
niremetal
October 1st, 2010
3:09 pm
Jerryd Bayless of Portland may be the player that Teague may reesemble the most next season
You mean he’s gonna gain 20 pounds and still not be able to hit a jumper? No thanks
northcyde
October 1st, 2010
3:29 pm
LOL @ niremetal. Jerryd has talent, but maybe not the dedication to take his game to the next level. And maybe that’s the exact reason why Drew brought in Van Exel . . to push Teague to be great and not let him become complacement, like how Acie somewhat got.
I wonder what kind of player Teague was like in high school? Was he one of those high scoring 30 ppg – 5 asst type of players? Or was he a 25 ppg – 8 asst high scoring, high assist type of players?
We know he was more of a scorer at Wake Forest than a playmaker. So if he was more of a scorer in high school as well, it may be in our best interest to try to develop his scoring ability, than his playmaking ability.
His “dog” may be that of a scorer, than as a floor leader.
Grandad
October 1st, 2010
3:50 pm
ant banks – attacking a zone?
“motion offense” in & of itself is immaterial.
However, ball reversal [changing sides of the floor]
with the ball -is- imperative.
*note – getting the ball into the middle of the floor
[free thow area] & into the hands of shooters/playmakers
whether by passing or penetration is the single most
effective strategic weapon vs a zone.
Astro Joe
October 1st, 2010
3:51 pm
northcyde, when the Hawks drafted Teague, I asked if he was the second coming of Lou Williams (who is clearly a scorer, first, second & third before he thinks about passing). While the jury is still out, my intuition says that he is FAR closer to Williams than he is to Tony Parker. And yes, the possibility is quite strong that his role may be that of the slashing combo guard off the bench (J. Pargo?). Some may feel that is a put down, but developing the 7th player picked at his position into a contributing player in the rotation is nothing to regret. But again, the jury is still out.
Grandad
October 1st, 2010
4:00 pm
northcyde
Jeff Teague’s greatest natural asset is his ability
to go by anyone. (I am quoting many)
He has lightning quickness.
LD’s offense does not require a traditional pg anyway
where the bulk of the offense is on his shoulders.
Offensively, he will be one of five.
He will have his own unique *skill set.
The ability to beat his man off the dribble & get into
the lane.
Defense, is where he is going to have the most impact
for the team.
The Truth
October 1st, 2010
4:17 pm
Teague proneness to TO will be exploited though; we must live with this during his maturation. Let’s hope the period is short.
Hawk n the Ham
October 1st, 2010
4:34 pm
LOL @ the Pape Sy ‘Most interesting man’ type comments.
KevinM
October 1st, 2010
5:11 pm
Teague needs a jumper and Rondo’s thievery skills.
Marvin needs to go get more rebounds.
Joe needs an accountant (hint hint) to keep his money safe.
LD needs the ASG to remain cheap so he can keep the gig.
JC1 needs to blow up and go get more money elsewhere.
Collins needs to play average more than 1 foul/min.
Zaza needs to pretend Garnett is the opponent every game.
Woody needs the ESPN gig so he can critique the team he sprouted.
There’s more to come.
Notso Fast
October 1st, 2010
5:20 pm
All a coach can do is to get the very best out of the players he has. He is trying something different and I wish the Hawks the best.
northcyde
October 1st, 2010
5:23 pm
@ Astro Joe . . . If Teague turns into Lou Williams, I’d definitely take that from him. It’ll be better than what all of the other guys turned out to be. Whatever it is that he does best, I want him to develop that to the best of his ability.
@ Grandad . . . Teague showed signs of being a good help defender, especially with the way he blocked a few shots of big people simply by hustling to the ball. If that’s going to be his defensive calling card, then that’s great. But while he’s a better on the ball defender than Bibby, I think people vastly overrate his defense in that area. He’s never been known as a good on the ball defender. But he should be adequate enough as to not have to be “hidden” on the defensive end.
Maybe Teague could become a 21st century Spud Webb . . . a guy that used to accelerate the pace of the game by pushing the ball up the floor every chance he got. Spud got a lot of his points and assists in the transition game. So if Teague becomes that type of player, once again, no complaints from me.
Grandad
October 1st, 2010
5:39 pm
northcyde
With this coaching staff, he will defend or
find himself following the A.L.IV career path.
Pape Sy will defend, guaranteed.
I doubt that kid will let an opportunity pass.
1st & foremost I believe the coaching staff wants
a [pg] that will stop the ball. (on defense)!
Hawk n the Ham
October 1st, 2010
5:45 pm
Pape Sy is the only person Chuck Norris has apologized to.
STEEL(Formerly VenomSpitter)
October 1st, 2010
5:48 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlwnu2srBDw&feature=channel
Nba 2k11 is gonna be good
Everybody look at 0:57. Dominique throws down a great dunk.
Coaching effects | Atlanta Hawks: Fan Nest
October 1st, 2010
6:09 pm
[...] to Hawks beat writer Michael Cunningham, there are some hiccups, some of which are probably to be expected. After all, the Hawks are doing things in practice as [...]
doc
October 1st, 2010
6:11 pm
in spite of all the canniblogging it is good to see someone in midseason form
Rev in Tampa
October 1st, 2010
6:12 pm
What type of player was Van Exel? Was he a natural scorer or a traditional point guard with high assists?
truthspitter
October 1st, 2010
10:06 pm
Marvin is one sorry SOB, I agree with anyone who states that because it’s the truth