Atlanta Hawks: L.D. says ‘commitment’ to transition D still lacking

LEGEND

October 8th, 2010
5:45 pm

we all know about the 3rd quarter collapses; but i’m a believer in the LD motion offence; top 5 for coach of the year; u hear it first; also this will be marvins career year for scoring in the motion offense; most improved player! LEGEND OUT

tyger

October 8th, 2010
6:09 pm

Why am I not excited? 1st time in 10-15 yrs. not excited about hawks basketball. This ownership group has really taken the wind from my sail. Good luck and see you in the playoffs.

Paddy

October 8th, 2010
6:20 pm

The only real lack of commitment is from ownership. You will not see alot of focus with this team as the ASG goes thru the Hawks offices counting how many paper clips his employees have wasted that week. Sorry gang, no employee appreciation day this year. It is just to expensive.

northcyde

October 8th, 2010
6:26 pm

Legend . . . we can all believe in the offense all we want. The fact is that Mr. Cunningham is right on the money with this article.

We were one of the worst transition D teams in the league last year. ( I believe THE WORST amongst playoff teams ). This team lost too many games last year due to poor transition D.

The most notable of those games, was the home collapse against Dallas. We had the Mavs dead to rights, but piss poor transition D, combined with bad shots, got them quickly back in that game.

The main culprits are Marvin Mo Evans, JJ . . but especially Bibby and Jamal. And even when our guards and forwards somewhat stop the ball, you’d see one of our big men get beat down the court, leading to an easy lay-up, or a screen set by the big man to free up the ballhandler for an open shot.

This is why it’s good to have a beat writer who isn’t “emotionally invested” in the team. He can serve up the red kool-aid and Long Island iced tea in one article . . and then dish out doses of epson salt in the next.

A game that should’ve been a comfortable 25 point win, turned into a 4 point loss. And it’s the speed in which we lost that huge lead in the third, that should be a major cause of alarm for Drew and his squad.

No excuse for losing a lead that big, that quickly.

And LOL @ all of the people who couldn’t or didn’t practice today. Al of these injuries do nothing but slow down the learning curve to learn the offense.

dstdeelite

October 8th, 2010
6:31 pm

Let’s get all of the injuries out of the way before the season begins.

hmmmm.........

October 8th, 2010
6:43 pm

twin?

Mz. Hawkdafied

October 8th, 2010
6:56 pm

More injuries.

I just want to send out get well soon wishes 2010-11 squad. Go Hawks!

A True Hawkes Fan

October 8th, 2010
6:59 pm

Yes all the injuries will slow down the learning curve for some but I’m with dstdeelite on this one. Let’s get the injuries out the way before the season. And for those of you who don’t know, Twin is Jason Collins (twin brother of Jarred Collins of the PHX Suns) a much better C IMHO!

Mz. Hawkdafied

October 8th, 2010
7:19 pm

If you don’t know who Twin is by now then you just slow. Injuries can just flat out make the season a not so good one.

Now is transition D something that needs to be learned or is it all or mostly about effort, northcyde, A True Hawkes Fan, or MC?

Mz. Hawkdafied

October 8th, 2010
7:21 pm

Now if you are injured, worried about a contract, ball watching, etc. does that affect your transition D?

Mz. Hawkdafied

October 8th, 2010
7:23 pm

Or do the Hawks need to learn how to play transition defense?

twin

October 8th, 2010
7:28 pm

just as i predicted, when we played off ball screens etc under the motion offense, we got better looks and open shots, which means more offensive production from the wing players. but is that enough to offset the things we lose as a result of abandoning the iso offense?

last year we were one of the best teams in not turning the ball over and offensive rebounding. having a motion offense means that we are more likely to turn the ball over (24, last game) and less likely to be in position to get offensive rebounds. i don’t know, but the improved offense may end up being a wash when compared to last year b/c although we may knock down more mid to long Js, we won’t have as high an offensive efficiency. sadly, a wash is not an improvement

the real problem will be transition defense. motion offense means that we’ll likely play at a quicker pace, b/c we wont have the luxury to dribble down the shot clock and shot selection will be based on the looks defenses give us. which means we will have to play more transition defense per game. which means we get worse on the defensive end.

a wash on offensive end, worse on defensive end…hard to say we’ll be a better team (theoretically)

oh and my soapbox: in my opinion running out on defense on a fast break cannot be taught at the NBA level, cause really, how hard is it to sprint down the court to close passing lanes or get out in front of your man?? getting back on transition defense is all about effort and ‘wanting it’ bad enough, which we do, from time to time, but the team needs needs that killer instinct to want to clamp down FOR ALL 4 QUARTERS….ALWAYS whether we are up or down big

Mz. Hawkdafied

October 8th, 2010
7:29 pm

How does coach L.D. get the team committed to transition D?

What’s up with Jamal?

Now this effort that was lacking in the third, could this be attributed to the double digit lead, and the team got too relaxed?

Should we as fans NOW get concerned with these injuries? Cause they seem to be piling up.

Is the new motion offense causing all these injuries or more attributed to this transition d?

Mz. Hawkdafied

October 8th, 2010
7:41 pm

Lol, I seriously need to go find something do. Too many questions. But I would like some answers about this transition d and motion offense. Oh yeah, and the injuries too. Not saying that I’m losing trust in the new plans for this year, just inquiring minds would like to know.

Go Hawks!

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
8:03 pm

samuel,

Just because Woody did not win COY and was let go, doesnt mean you have to criticize his replacement non-stop, despite the fact that we have only played 1 preseason game.

Give the motion offense some time. Did you ever consider that the Hawks may have to take one step back in order to take 2 steps forward?

drmaryb (*_*)

October 8th, 2010
8:15 pm

Practice Hurts!

Drew has this team working hard in practice, like a
Pat Riley team. They’re so worried about their check-book
balances, (ahem … Ahem) Jamal, until they can’t practice.
Now, Jamal does not want to travel with the team to Detroit?

I didn’t know it was a player option not to travel with team?
Isn’t that the Doctor’s call, typically for cabin pressure on the
knees? Say what you will, but Jamal is sulking big time!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 8th, 2010
8:23 pm

If these guys don’t want to run?
Then, sit them down and let their lazy azzes rest -
They are paid to run. That’s their only job as far as I can tell.

truthspitter

October 8th, 2010
8:25 pm

I can smell a big fall coming from this team and there lack of defense and depth. Those two things will kill the Hawks chances to do anything other than maybe make it to the playoffs and take a quick exit.

northcyde

October 8th, 2010
8:30 pm

Mz Hawkdafied . . that’s all about effort. Getting back on defense is a basic fundamental part of the game that is taught as soon as you learn how to play organized ball on the youth level. It’s just laziness to be honest.

JJ and Marvin get caught watching the ball, especially when they’re out on the wings and one of the bigs is trying to score. Bibby and Jamal are NOTORIOUS for not getting back, with their man usually scoring the basket on the other end.

But that’s an effort thing, not a scheme thing. If you’re one of the two furthest players away from the basket when the ball is shot, it is your responsibiity to get back on defense to at least slow a potential fastbreak down.

And what’s bad about our transition D, is that a lot of times, teams would beat us down the court even after we scored.

It’s just laziness.

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
8:45 pm

Watching OKC/Mia game… KD waste no time taking it to Lebron…

Ken Strickland

October 8th, 2010
8:45 pm

Come on! Some of you must get your jollies looking for any negative excuse you can find to b!tch about. You have got to be stupid to think LDrew, in one short training camp and 1 exhibition gm, can change all of the bad habits, especially bad DEF habits, that’s gone unaddressed for the last 6yrs.

At least he’s willing to openly acknowledge a problem and commit to making an effort to address it, which is certainly a different approach from the past. Like I’ve said, when the players get comfortable with the OFF and DEF requirements, and learn to instinctively make their reads, we’re going to be very hard for anyone to deal with.

The beauty of this OFF, when properly executed, is it doesn’t depend on individual talent to be effective, but individual effort and execution. Under LDrew’s OFF system and philosophy, the players will rely on the OFF, rather than the OFF relying on certain players, like JJ and Jamal.

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
8:46 pm

Wow. Cole Alridge block Bosh dunk…

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
8:51 pm

OKC looks scary good…

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
8:56 pm

KD is blowing by Lebron at will….

doc

October 8th, 2010
9:02 pm

oh boy, let me put down my “alternative” non-hawk hats from the suns and blazers and pick up the thunder hat. man, i loved what they did last year. i find kd the most intriguing player since the guy they called MJ. if he throws down the gauntlet at laqueen and doesnt back off he is golden. go okc! i dont care if it is pre-season. sorry, just never got on the train called laqueen.

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
9:11 pm

doc,

I’m a big fan of OKC. KD is a stud, and they have drafted well overall. They are what the Hawks were supposed to be.

But Marvin never became the stud BK and Woody thought he would be, we had to give up a decent player and 2 first round picks for JJ, we whiffed on Shelden, and then BK signed Speedy.

twin

October 8th, 2010
9:12 pm

agreed, purely an effort and mentality thing, you gota want to be THE guy that breaks up a fast break, every time…every time an outlet pass is thrown

on a side note, i wish i was jc1, i wonder how long i would last at my job, if i decided to do only half of the work they hired me to…

doc

October 8th, 2010
9:24 pm

ob “I’m a big fan of OKC. KD is a stud, and they have drafted well overall. They are what the Hawks were supposed to be.”

aint that the truth, took us six years and them 3. we got jj really at minimal cost over time, like getting a zero per cent loan on a car, and they got kd. after that we blew it, had many chances, josh smith awesome at 15, marvin, shels disasters at top five. just think where we would be if the lottery ball fell differently and we missed on al as much as he is trashed by simple minds here that miss the BIG picture. also the big picture is why BK is without work still, is my guess. guys with money putting theirs on the line see the same things we saw as simple fans.

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
9:28 pm

That’s why I’m excited about Teague (and Sy in the long term). They both seem like the type who would try and hustle back on defense.

Sautee

October 8th, 2010
9:32 pm

doc,

Yeah, just think, we could have drafted Yi.

Seriously, you are correct. What the Thunder have done with their draft picks has been impressive. (That sounds grammatically incorrect, but “What the Thunder HAS done” sounds worse, even if it’s right).

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
9:35 pm

Sorry to chime in as usual but Al said it best for me:

Al wasn’t buying the idea that poor offense led to bad defense.

“I think it had more to do with effort,” he said. “For some reason, our guys were ball-watching too much. We have to start getting back. There is no excuse for giving up layups and dunks. The first half we did pretty good [but] the second half it was like we stopped playing.”

If I got paid even what I make with my measly salary I’d give 100% every night. I never leave my job unattended and half way finished. I do my best to finish the job. It comes with being a professional at what you do. Obviously we don’t have those kind of people playing for us right now.

Very dissappointing. Grow up people! It’s heart check time in the preseason? VERY DISSAPPOINTING.

Thank you Al for having the decency to call it like you see it.

Sautee

October 8th, 2010
9:36 pm

Ramon,

Did you find a link to where Horford allegedly (according to you) said that about “not winning without him playing PF” yet?

C’mon man, if as you said, he said it repeatedly then it should be EASY to find.

Unless it didn’t happen that way and you hyped up what he said.

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
9:38 pm

Omar on base. Does Bobby bunt? Or mabe call a hit and run?

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
9:42 pm

wrong blog. My bad.

Sautee,

We could have drafted Conley at 3 too (instead of Al). That would have been horrible.

kwooden1

October 8th, 2010
9:45 pm

I really can’t say much about the game because I didn’t see it, but it sounded like Powell might not be an improvement over Joe Smith. I think this Detroit game should be another good evaluation opportunity because Josh Smith should probably sit out the game, maybe even the game against Washington. I hate to see the injuries but its a great opportunity to see what other guys will do. I hope that Thomas and Collins can get some good minutes against Detroit, they could be really X-factors for us during the season.

Najeh Davenpoop

October 8th, 2010
9:49 pm

“Yeah, just think, we could have drafted Yi.”

Haha… I remember going to the draft party that year and seeing one guy holding up a “Draft Yi” sign who just wouldn’t shut up about how good Yi was going to be. Wonder where he’s at now.

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
9:49 pm

Sautee, the fact that he keeps saying that he wants to play PF, and the fact that he’s stated the Hawks can’t compete unless they added more size to the lineup (which they really didn’t with the exception of Thomas) means he must think the Hawks would be a better team when he’s at PF. So if saying the Hawks need to add size that can make an impact on the game, how could the new acquisition have an impact without getting significant time on the court at C? As a captain, how does that sound saying your guys in the locker room can’t win as presently constructed? So you, Sautee, haven’t seen an article where Horford said they couldn’t compete without more impact size?

twin

October 8th, 2010
9:55 pm

can’t really blame the organization for drafting marvin from a talent/prospect point of view, but they utterly failed from a chemistry/attitude point of view…when building around a mellow future face of the franchise in jj (who was suspected to not have a killer instinct), it makes no sense to draft someone who is widely thought not to have the killer instinct also!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1105440/index.htm

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
9:57 pm

Watching some of the Bulls/Wiz game. It’s Fast vs Faster…. Rose vs Wall… I believe Wall is a tad faster than Rose but Rose knows how to get his sweet spots better in the halfcourt game. Rose also a better shooter. Nice matchup….

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
10:05 pm

Bobby Cox ejected in 2nd inning. lol

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
10:08 pm

Ramon,

Once again, i think you keep reading too much into Al’s statement.

The guy never said the hawks will be a better team if he plays PF. he said he would prefer to play PF. And he said he would like another big brought in to help him and Josh out.

he never said the Hawks cant win as constructed.

Didnt Kobe ask for more help before they traded for Gasol? hasnt LeBron complained about his supporting cast? Didnt Wade complain about his supporting cast in Miami?

What is wrong with the guy saying he hopes the Hawks can bring in more size to help him and Josh out?

Best case scenario, we get a center who is better than ZaZa. lets call him John Doe. We could have a scenario where Al, Josh, and John Doe take care of the 96 minutes available between PF and Center.

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
10:13 pm

From the SI article Twin posted: “He wiped the floor with Josh Smith”.

Remind me when they was praising Lenny Cook for dominating Lebron at a high school summer b-ball camp. I guess they never figure that some of these kids could have a bad playing day…

So I wonder would these same scouts would pick Marvin over Josh or Lenny over Lebron…LOL

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
10:14 pm

“That’s where we lost the game. We are a veteran ballclub. We can’t allow a team to come in here and come back from 20 points no matter who is out there.” – Josh Smith

Thank you! Now fix the problem, please!

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
10:16 pm

John Doe does not exist for this team to aquire. We’ve got to move forward with what we have cause nobody is going to deal us John Doe for who we have to offer.

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
10:19 pm

We have our next opportunity to draft Yi and Connelly next season. For now let’s be proud that:

Bibby is showing some pride, dedication and leadership.

Teague is going to fight for his spot.

Al & Josh can admit the real issue is effort.

Marvin and ZaZa actually feel like members of the team again.

I’ll admit to being absolutely pissed about the 3rd quarter melt down, but I still have a feeling LD is moving this team in the right direction. It’s going to take time. I just pray our kids committ to 100% night in and night out.

Does anyone think AC wanted to show off for Larry Drew who supported him during his tenure here. It’s time for him to make a real impression. Let’s see it in the regular season b/f we go giving AC the most improved player award. I hope he latches on. It would at least add some real credibility to Woodson wasting talent. To date no one has “broken out” after leaving Woodson.

Section 303

October 8th, 2010
10:20 pm

I just have a hard time getting worked up about preseason games. I was there last night. It is a little awful to get outscored 42-18 in a quarter. But, really, who will remember that when the ball is tipped in Memphis on the 27th? The answer is…no one!

Exhibition games are all about watching guys who are either new or won’t get as much PT in real games. Besides the 3rd quarter, last night sucked because Pope Sy did not play. I wanted to check him out. As far as who won or lost…who cares?

By the way, I think it is stupid that teams have to play back-to-backs in the preseason. That is something that needs to stop.

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
10:21 pm

O’Brien, Al said that a couple of weeks later. And maybe I am reading too much into it. By the way, when Lebron and Kobe said that they didn’t have another all star on the team with them, and a budding all star, to go with the 6th man of the year.

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
10:23 pm

It is preseason, but it’s also setting the tone and proving what you’re ready to do under your new regime. LD needs a solid effort from all to prove they are in fact buying into the system.

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
10:28 pm

We’re counting on those “sparse minute” guys to be impact players for us to win. They should be able to put Memphis away if they’re any count. At least show physical committed D. What else did we sign them for?

Looking forward to Mon night.

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
10:32 pm

Ramon,

Show me a quote where Al said “this team cannot compete as constructed.”

He said he we need a big buy to help us out, which I think he means specifically for when we play Howard.

SteveW

October 8th, 2010
10:43 pm

I think this is the quote from Al Horford you guys are looking for. It is from MC’s July 9th blog:

“We need to get another big guy, another center, that’s able to help myself and Josh out,” he said. “We need to have someone to come in and have an impact. I think that is the position we need if we want to be any type of contender in the East.”

So Al said if we wanted to be any type of contender in the East, we needed an impact Center. “Any type” to me in this context means “come close” or something akin. Dampier is still unsigned, and he would be the closest thing available to an impact Center still on the market. This was Al’s words. He could have just a “contender in the East”. But he didn’t. He clearly felt we needed an impact Center to come close. Etan/Collins/Powell do not fit the bill. I hope Al was wrong. But he’s the guy playing the game every night, not me.

So by not signing an impact Center (Al’s terminology), we are not going to be any type of contender in the East, at least according to Al. And with Jamal possibly pouting, that doesn’t bode well either. But Al will go to war with who he’s got, and I like that attitude. And I agree with Northcyde – really no scheme involved in not getting back on D, it’s just laziness. They learned about getting back on D in Middle school.

Big Ray

October 8th, 2010
10:43 pm

I have no problems with Larry Drew. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do. His job is to change the coaching approach, and he does that by simply being himself.

I think it’s reasonable to expect him to influence this team and it’s issues. I think it’s unreasonable to expect him to FIX the player rooted issues by himself. The players have to commit to doing things the right way. Or, it won’t get done. Kudos to Big Al for calling it like it is: lack of effort (on defense, as usual).

Two things:

Big Al, now you’re a captain. What are you going to do about it? Raise your voice in practice, in the huddle, in games? Be loud, be demanding, lead by example. Cajole your teammates until they are shamed into doing what they should, or simply because they wish you would STFU already. Whatever it takes.

As for Larry Drew fixing bad habits…he’ll lead the herd to the water hole. I have no doubts of this. But if you want to know who your horses really are, look and see who takes a drink at the water hole. Thorobreds always drink. JACKA$$ES always stand around, not drinking and complaining of thirst…and looking like JACKA$$ES.

Section 303

October 8th, 2010
10:45 pm

Fundamentals, season way too long to worry about a preseason game. I understand what you’re saying…the bench guys have to be ready to contribute. And, I think they will. Like Michael said, the combinations used last night will probably never be seen again (I hope, anyways!)

Don’t forget, lots of positives last night. Don’t know if you were there, but I think you would have liked what you saw from Teague. He was really good. Good ball movement for MOST of the night, too.

They’ll be fine. A team of vets. They will probably coast a bit during preseason games. Good for them, I say. I don’t want any major injuries during these games that mean nothing.

Big Ray

October 8th, 2010
10:47 pm

SteveW ,

Yeah, I remember that article. Al said what he said. But when he said he’d go to war with whomever he had, I hung my hat on that. That’s a warrior’s attitude. Long as he keeps it, I won’t begrudge him a very well-educated opinion on a position we have been playing tiddly winks with for so long.

Maybe Zaza will prove to be a better warrior than in years past, now that his “head is clear.” Maybe Etan will be able to help out effectively for more than a minute or two once in a blue moon. I don’t know. What I do know is that we have a batch of unknowns in the paint, outside of Horford (who has work to do of his own), and Zaza (a better attitude does not mean less flopping or a sudden ability to be an effective defender of the rim..or even the paint).

SteveW

October 8th, 2010
10:52 pm

BTW – I disagree with Al. I think we have a shot if Jamal or his replacement plays well, and Teague develops. Also, very few injuries.

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
10:52 pm

SteveW, thank you. I was going to peachtreehoops ( http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2010/5/25/1486247/its-come-to-this-another-links ).

Fundamentals

October 8th, 2010
10:57 pm

Big Ray’s got my point. Captains should step up and lead. Preseason or not, it’s time to put it together. Will the rest of the team to gel and work LD’s system. The alternative is to punk out yet again in the playoffs where we, the dedicated fans, dream it’ll all come together.

It is preseason, but every day is a new opportunity to put things to rest.

ryan

October 8th, 2010
10:58 pm

I will give them a chance but with Howard and the big three its going to be a long season .

Grandad

October 8th, 2010
11:02 pm

northcyde

Passion for one’s craft and being “emotionally invested”
in a team are two completely different principles.

doc

October 8th, 2010
11:12 pm

ok, i argued long and hard for yi, only i wasnt the one standing up with the yi sign. jhan and ando can attest to it. i wasnt disheartened in the least by the al pick but was by the acie one. felt once again we were trying to be very vanilla in our picks. i still think my argument for yi was sound since we needed a really big guy who could carry the ball away from the offensive basket and i still think it would help us. i havent given up on the big guy either just acquiesce that al is huge for us and yi couldnt fill those shoes.

Grandad

October 8th, 2010
11:14 pm

SteveW

There’s a difference between a center who can have an impact
and an impact center.
example = Shaq -could- have an impact?
2nd exp = D.Howard is an impact center!
Just to clarify.

*Dampier fits into the “might” possibly have an impact.
However, there must be a reason no one has signed him.[reckon]

2 FOR JOHN DREW

October 8th, 2010
11:16 pm

Big Ray
Spot on,my friend !

Grandad

October 8th, 2010
11:20 pm

doc

I would love to see Yi in a Hawks uni.
He fits my composite of a [stretch Big].
Yi could play [3] on Off. -&- 5 on Def.

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
11:23 pm

funny that folks are given doc a hardtime about Yi and the Wiz are considering signing him to extension. Heck, he may get his extension before Horford… SMH…

“Amid Wall/Arenas focus, Yi Jianlian’s solid start ignored. Heard this week extension for Yi by Nov. 1 deadline “under consideration” by Wiz Twitter”

Melvin

October 8th, 2010
11:29 pm

Another guy I see get drag thru the mud but I thinks he’s a solid player is Roy Hibbert…. check out some of these comments about him.

“”Roy Hibbert has had one of the best summers I’ve ever witnessed in my years of coaching,” said O’Brien, who has been in the business 31/2 decades. ”

http://www.indystar.com/article/20101008/SPORTS04/10080353/Pacers-Hibbert-surprises-teammates-with-transformed-body-improved-game

Grandad

October 8th, 2010
11:42 pm

Jamal not playing @ all???
I wonder??
Is a trade in the works?
Not playin’, to prevent an inj that would be a deal breaker.
Makes me wonder.

Now Paps, he seems to have some sort of mystery back-ache?
LD didn’t even know when he would return?
I was really, really looking forward to seeing him play.
Would like to know what we have??

O'Brien

October 8th, 2010
11:54 pm

Ramon, Steve w,

Thanks for posting the article. Al said if we want to a contender, we need a bigger Guy to help him and Josh out.

I’m ok with that comment though. Especially since he said later on that he is ready to go to war with whoever we got.

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
11:55 pm

@ Grandad, it’d have to be a trade that the Hawks truly feel comfortable in, if they’re that scared of it.

Ramon

October 8th, 2010
11:57 pm

O’Brien, he said that 3/4 months later when he didn’t have a choice but to goto war with who he has. But as I said, a team that basically has 3 all stars can’t be a contender now? Al Horford is a better CENTER than Luc Longley ever was. The need is for more perimeter defense than interior defense.

cp

October 9th, 2010
12:04 am

Good post at 10:43 Ray.. I still think the Hawks should go after Dampier. I just don’t think Collins or Thomas will give the team enough…Melvin the thing about Yi is that he is inconsistent. He has always had stretches where you can see why he was drafted so high then he will go in terrible cold spells where he is flat out terrible on the court. Maybe this is the year he puts it together but I guess only time will tell. I also hope Law continues to play well and get some significant pt. Ive always thought he just had some bad luck. I think he was playing well at one point here then got hurt. Then he had the family issues with his grandfather then he gets traded to a team where the coach wanted to play him at the forward position. Then he gets traded to two teams who didnt really need another pg. This is his chance because I just dont see it in Conley.

Big Ray

October 9th, 2010
12:15 am

Melvin ,

I remember the whoopins that Horford gave Hibbert all last year. And I was loving every minute of it. So pardon me sir if I don’t see Hibbert as underrated. Not one bit. He was a project. Only, he might turn out to be better than Brendan Haywood some day.

Now here’s where I get to put on my hypocrite hat: I’d take Hibbert over every big man we have not named Al or Josh. Ya heard?

Big Ray

October 9th, 2010
12:15 am

2 FOR JOHN DREW ,

Thanks!

CP ,

My man. Whatz good?

Big Ray

October 9th, 2010
12:21 am

CP ,

Law had some injury/toughness issues, in my eyes. But he also had some issues with where he was playing. I think he needed to toughen up mentally, and the adversity probably helped him grow through that. Now teams are looking at him again as a guy who can contribute in the NBA. Funny how Larry Drew said he was an Acie fan this whole time. Hmmmm. I can think of some other things to say, but I’m not gonna dwell on the past. I hope the best for Acie, Conley has limits, as you say.

But check it – both guys will serve well to fire each other up. It’s a situation I wanted us to have. Two young pgs who could push each other to be better. Either Conley establishes himself as a starter, or Law does. Meanwhile, we pin our hopes on Teague. Because we have no idea what management will do if he doesn’t pan out, and we know Mike Bibby is “past it.”

Melvin

October 9th, 2010
12:30 am

Oh my, Sheldon Williams had 21pts and 14rebs tonight…..

http://www.nba.com/games/20101008/PORDEN/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0011000026

Melvin

October 9th, 2010
12:37 am

Ray,

I think Roy is going to surprise a few people this year. Checkout the box score against the Magic tonight. Not a great night for Howard. I noticed he got his shot block 3 times and I noticed Roy had 3 blocks. Hmmm….

http://www.nba.com/games/20101008/ORLIND/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0011000027

Big Ray

October 9th, 2010
12:42 am

Melvin ,

Hey, if it’s like that, then it’s like that. Big ups to Roy changing his game….drastically. Still hope Al serves him a whoopin’ though, LOL. I only have one caveat: Brendan Haywood has had similiar games against Dwight Howard. Indiana’s problems lie elsewhere, just as Washington’s did (when they had Hawyood).

In the meantime, seems we can never get our hands on somebody big enough to give Dwight those kinds of problems. Maybe Collins will get it together enough to give Dwight the fits. He has the size. Last year, he lacked the mobility altogether.

Preseason ponderings | Atlanta Hawks: Fan Nest

October 9th, 2010
2:20 am

[...] team defense is still an issue for the Hawks, as evidenced in their 115-111 to Memphis. For all those hollering about Larry Drew’s [...]

vava74

October 9th, 2010
4:26 am

Rod,

Picking up on the last blog.

Although I disagree with your opinion on Marvin (whilst agreeing that his mental attitude is not right) since for me the jury is still out and we may still get good production out of him, I would not even flinch if we managed to package him for ‘Melo.

‘Melo is tier 1 talent and he could be a good #1 for us with JJ being a terrific #2. However, I would not trade for him using either Smoove or Al.

HOWEVER, I disagree with some of your commentaries:

1. ‘Melo has attitude issues: he does not bring his A game every day (in particular on D where he can do a good job but most of the nights opts not to).

‘Nique never had real attitude issues: his main problems were that he really did not know how to play D (even when he tried, which was often) and that he partied too much, even before huge games which caused him to fade late in the game.

Even so, I am nitpicking. I have been watching some playoff games between ATL and the Celts and there is no way that ‘Nique should have been excluded from the “Historical 50″.

He was super human and his game would remain 100% effective today.

2. Talent alne is not enough and your (9 out of 10 stat is way wrong): you cited SA and the Lakers as examples of bigger talent assemblies which was decisive in stopping ‘Melo from going further in the playoffs, saying as well that Utah has been playing a motion offense and going nowhere.

You are dead wrong here: Utah has been going pretty far with the limited talent that had (low payroll and some injuries and miscast/low effort players like Boozer played a factor in some bad seasons) AND SA and the LAL have paired TALENT WITH MOTION TEAM ORIENTED OFFENSES.

The triangle offense in LAL has been decisive in harnessing and giving purpose to Kobe’s talent and only when he embraced it and shared the rock things started clicking.

SA is another example of talent being coupled with ball sharing offensive sets: I lost count of the number of games where I marveled at looking SA play team ball to the point that they even passed too much when they had good shots just to get everyone involved.

So, coaching definitively is essential and with coaching we are talking about: TEAM PLAY not ISO (which is ‘Melo’s preference).

Finally, also on this point, when Utah had the talent, they went to the finals twice and lost to the best Bulls teams ever.

3. In relation to the teams you mentioned that have a better starting 5 than us… I’ll just say that you are forcing the issue, just forcing it…

rudy

October 9th, 2010
6:13 am

the hawks will be one of the worst teams this season…no chemistry or jamal crawford….

dap01

October 9th, 2010
7:33 am

I hope Jamal is really hurt. He seems to be sulking.

SadDawg

October 9th, 2010
9:41 am

“That is something I am going to have to stay on top of them about, learning how to work through adverse situations. The tendency is to kind of drop your head and your energy level goes down. It has been identified, clearly.”
**********************************************
Wouldn’t the best way to “stay on top of them,” be to sit their butts on the bench when start this crap. Surely there are players on the bench who will give 100% effort . . .

Keep it Real

October 9th, 2010
9:43 am

Wow one preseason game and the negative comments are raining on this blog..

The Hawks will be good this year….. Josh Smith is the key he must come to play everyday…

Fundamentals

October 9th, 2010
9:59 am

Keep it Real = I’m with you, but your comment is just as negative as mine were. We’re talking about same ole same ole vs special by knit picking. They’re that close to really becoming something special.

doc

October 9th, 2010
10:16 am

well ray, first it is acie, then shels. how is chills doing this preseason, anyone, know?

when is marvin going to have his preseason breakout game or was that it on thursday?

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
10:23 am

Karma is a mutha. No injuries the last few years and all of a sudden, here they come. You guys are the ones who said that the coach was the main problem, now you’re saying he can’t fix certain things. Duh. Face it we have decent talent but definitely not championship material.

You can forget about Jamal giving us anything the rest of the season. Some of you say the Hawks are in the driver’s seat. Not really, we’re paying this guy a lot of money to sit on the bench or stay at home when we could get somebody else in here to replace him. I say get whatever you can for him right now before this thing gets worse.

I wonder too if Al is saying all this to the guys faces and not just the media. We have 3 freekin captains and still the same problems. Just saying.

doc

October 9th, 2010
10:29 am

comments on installing an offense in miami:

Bosh said the Heat are still installing their offense.

“We’re just playing out of movement. I think that’s the best basketball to play. We’re going to have set plays. But most of the time we’re just going to be out there reading each other.”

if labron can win 60 in a season with what he had in the past what will they do with three of the top ten players in the league on the same team? all three are top three in their positions to the most skeptical or their worst days, even.

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
11:21 am

I’ve stated on a couple of occasions that while LJames and DWade are excellent help defenders, when allowed to roam, their one on one DEF is very weak. Add CBosh’s poor DEF, and Miami’s big 3 will have to score a lot of points. Their DEF certainly won’t be able to limit the scoring of teams that aren’t intimidated by their star power.

There’s another factor that we have to consider in the coaching change, the draft. Whether some of you want to admit it or not, part of our draft woes were due to Woodson, as well as BK. Unless forced to do so, there was no way he would accept drafting a rookie PG, hence we passed on drafting CPaul, DWilliams, and every other PG.

ALaw was BK’s decision, and Woodson showed his displeasure with the choice. He was finally put in a position of having to finally address our PG issues, and drafted Teague. Last yr JTeague was given extended mins and opportunities during preseason, the final regular season gm. This yr he’s been given extended mins and opportunities in summer league and our 1st exhibition gm. And in each instance, we’ve seen him consistently produce and show what he’s capable of doing.

He’s proven that last yrs inconsistency and lack of production wasn’t due to a lack of ability, maturity or confidence, but a lack consistent mins, opportunity, support, and confidence in him from his former HC. With LDrew as his HC, and with the commitment, support and confidence he seems to have in him, the only thing now standing in Teague’s way of becoming a quality PG in this league, is Teague himself.

Does anyone care to try and predict what his PPG, APG, SPG, RPG, and number of fouls per gm he’ll draw, as well as FT attempts he’ll generate? He could end up revolutionizing our PG position on both ends of the court. Let’s face it, the preferred starting PG’s over the last 6yrs, RIvey, TLue, AJohnson, RIvey and MBibby, are all either slow, one dimensional, nonathletic, lacking in DEF ability, and/or the ability to penetrate and break down DEF’s.

I have to admit, I honestly believe that any of the PG’s we’ve had over the last 6yrs would be better backups to Teague than Bibby.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
11:43 am

It’s some sweet Koolaid when a person is finding all the reasons why a team with 3 top 10 players won’t win and at the same time projecting a team with 1 top 25, a top 50 and a bunch of scrubbs will win the east. Koolaid with sugar an inch thick at the bottom of the glass. LOL!!

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
11:44 am

DOC-Lebron won 60 gms with Cleveland because he was allowed to totally dominate the ball and almost every aspect of their OFF, and provide help DEF, rather than playing one on one DEF. And, it was the same for DWade. Now, both will have to play more one on one DEF, which is a weakness for both, and both can’t individually dominate the ball or the OFF throughout the gm like in the past. The overall individual production of all 3 will be reduced.

To get the needed OFF production out of the big 3 throughout the season, all 3 will have to log heavy mins, because they aren’t going to scare anyone defensively. While some of you seem to see nothing but roses when it comes to Miami and the big 3, when it comes to their bench, the drop off in every respect is astronomical.

They definitely don’t have anything on their bench to even remotely approximate Jamal Crawford, and they’d be hard pressed to come up with a match for MEvans and Zaza. Their bench is rather slow, old and methodical. Watch as see, PRiley is going take over the HC duties as soon as he sees an opportunity. And he’ll wear the big 3 and the team down further with his demands and intense practices.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
11:54 am

LD>Pat Riley LOL!!

doc

October 9th, 2010
11:55 am

ken what you forget is both wade and labron dont mind sharing a bit as their assist numbers are up there. wade doesnt protect the ball well is the only negative. they will have some games with close to 15 dimes this year maybe in one game together. mark my word. they also both play defense. bosh has some hench men to back him up.

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
11:58 am

SAMUEL-You obviously don’t have an extensive knowledge of how basketball works. I don’t care how many top ten players you have, if they don’t function as a team, they won’t win it all. Tell me SAMUEL, how many top 10 players did the Lakers and Celtics have on their respective teams? And how did each team manage to make it to the NBA finals without having 3 top 10 players? Hell, you couldn’t say there were 3 top 10 players on both teams combined, yet they both managed to do pretty damned good, AND SO CAN/WILL THE HAWKS.

You’re trying to put all of these limitations on the Hawks based on your individual limitations and lack of overall knowledge and understanding of basketball.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
12:07 pm

Ken,
I admire your optimism. Whatever works for you dude but optimism is one thing and down right ignorance is another. Only time will tell but hey, do your thang. Stir that Juice.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
12:25 pm

Ken,
Over the past 20 years, how many teams have won a title without at least a HOF coach or two or 3 AllStars/HOF players. Hawks have “ZERO” of either.

doc

October 9th, 2010
12:37 pm

ken … “They definitely don’t have anything on their bench to even remotely approximate Jamal Crawford.”

we may not either.

i dont need to denigrate the miami team to make us look better. we have a good team, just not the caliber that can be better than the wiz were in their heyday of finishing forurth and getting only to the second round. it sounds nice but it isnt what i want to see. the GM has already declared he hopes we can remain fourth. that is his bar. why do you think he would want us any higher right now, work that hard for it and spend the necessary money and even expect it, but you seem to? it is about the money. if the miami team needs something along the way riles will get it. us? we will look for mario again.

Section 303

October 9th, 2010
1:12 pm

Guys, time to take some time away from Hawks talk. Today belongs to the Michigan State Spartans!! “Little Brother” going to end the Michigan lie today. Go GREEN!!!

bubbamumf

October 9th, 2010
1:14 pm

THAT’S RIGHT SECTION 303. GO GREEN GO WHITE!!!! AND OF COURSE GO HAWKS!!!!

doc

October 9th, 2010
1:17 pm

MC, seems i lost a post here, please check.

MsDee

October 9th, 2010
1:25 pm

Samuel and who ever constantly finds negativity on the Hawks,

Just like you guys sees the negative, Ken S. and myself chooses to see the positive..that’s all. There’s no Kool-aid drinkers here to be positive on what we have NOW going on with the Hawks, such as the new OFF, new HC and what he has in store for the players, the development of Teague and Marvin with this new system. And if we are Kool-aid drinkers to be positive, then you guys must not be Lemonade, but LIME drinkers cause yall face must HAVE to turn-up while being SO NEGATIVE ALL THE TIME when it comes to the Hawks!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 9th, 2010
2:16 pm

Ken Strickland

Just sit and watch, much of what you say will manifest in the
very near future. This team does still have a ways to go to
prove that last series will not re-occur and repeat itself ever
again. Demanding – Effort, isn’t asking too much.

Ms. Dee,

I am with you guys. I never drank kool-aide (too much sugar for
my taste). But, I do drink from the cup of optimism quite frequently.
I am cautiously optimistic about our team this year.

I would rather wait and see what happens before stating my
observations. I really hope our team performs well and compete
for the OBRIEN TROPHY this year!

Let’s Go!

O'Brien

October 9th, 2010
2:22 pm

Samuel,

One thing you and I agree on is I don’t think this team and coaching staff is good enogh to win a title. Rick sund always cites Detroit as an example of a team winning a title without a superstar.

But he does not acknowledge They are the only one, and he does not mention they were coached by LB,a HOF coach.

However, with LD as our coach, I think we will be better than we were with Woody, especially in the playoffs.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
2:23 pm

If you think being realistic is being negative, so be it. During the past few years I have been a big Hawks supporter but never did I “believe” that we actually had a chance to win a ring. Again, I believe we have had decent talent and have actually overachieved. Time will tell.

Damn, Terry Pendleton looks like Flip Wilson. Now let me get back to my lingerie football game. Go Tampa Bay.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
2:26 pm

OB,
What exactly makes you think we will do any better than possibly winning the 1st round. We will be playing either Boston, Miami or Orlando.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
2:34 pm

http://www.nba.com/celtics/

SteveW

October 9th, 2010
2:59 pm

I think the reason Damp hasn’t signed is he hasn’t found the combination of $, title contention, and playing time he is looking for. Houston offered 4m over 2 years, but he’s seeing what else is out there.

Good game for Shelden, would love to have him behind Smoove.

Hibbert certainly has the talent to become a beast…

Teague with the ankle sprain – been sayin’, the more you move, the more potential for injury. The Hawks may be a dinged up team some this year.

Wonder how the Al contract is coming? Jamal? If Jamal’s going to be a problem, maybe a trade is in the works. I know Boston was inquiring about him. Nate and Big Baby? I might would do that deal for Jamal. Gives us some more inside ooomph, if you know what I mean. And Nate may be a good one for the Motion O – he is instant offense just like Jamal.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
3:04 pm

Just think if this had been last year. All this running and then all these injuries. I’m just saying.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
3:10 pm

Watching “this is it” on STZE. Damn MJ has huge hands.

STEEL(Formerly VenomSpitter)

October 9th, 2010
3:11 pm

Samuel get off Woody’s Nutsac. His azz is grass.So kick rocks.

STEEL(Formerly VenomSpitter)

October 9th, 2010
3:12 pm

How much ya’ll wanna bet Samuel is actually Woody lol?

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
3:14 pm

We just need to Rebound and Defend and the offense will take care of itself.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
3:23 pm

I’ve never worried about my job. Every year, somebody has threatened the coach is going to get fired in Atlanta. It’s what it is. I just try to do my day to work with my staff and whatever happens is gonna happen. I can’t control that part of it. The fun part of this is that I’ve been able to grow a basketball team.”

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
3:38 pm

“Whatever karma I create, whether good or evil, that I shall inherit.”

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
3:40 pm

SAMUEL-I admire you for maintaining you composure in responding to my inappropriate response. I apologize for questioning your basketball knowledge and intelligence. I was completely out of line, and your response proved it to me.

Now, the fact that LDrew is a 1st time HC doesn’t mean he won’t be an outstanding HC. You must keep in mind that every HOF HC’s started out as a 1st time HC, JUST LIKE LDREW. And they usually started out with a number of new players, assistants, new OFF and DEF systems, and an unfamiliarity with the players, city and organization. So, the fact that LDrew is a 1st time HC is about the only thing out of what most new HC’s face that’s different for him.

In his short tenure as our HC, he’s already shown more perception, awareness, organizational skills, strategy, willingness to admit the existence of, and address obvious player and team problems. He obviously GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THE OFF, since he’s actually installing one. And he’s shown a willingness to share responsibility, by hiring assistants to take over previous areas of concern, and he’s more than willing to develop, play, and get production our of draft picks and younger players.

As you well know, but are probably unwilling to admit, Woodson was extremely weak in all of the aforementioned areas, yet you felt he was a candidate for COY, even though the players quit on him. LDrew has already shown he’s an upgrade over Woodson, so one would expect you to taut him as this yrs COY.

My biggest issue with Woodson was his unwillingness to do the simple and obvious things that would have made us a much better team the last 2yrs. But in hindsight I realized, just like he must have already known, he just didn’t have what it took to make it happen, for whatever reason.

Just his willingness to talk about the need to diversify the teams OFF and DEF, and its obvious OFF and DEF problems, the players attitude, under utilization of our bench, aa well as the need to support, play and develop our younger players, makes him a better HC prospect that Woodson.

I don’t know why you’re trying to make an issue of my optimism over new HC LDrew and this yrs team, when you were just as optimistic about Woodson and last yrs Hawks. Remember, EXTEND MY WOODY, and MIKE WOODSON COY.

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
4:01 pm

STEVEW-The injuries we’re now suffering aren’t any different than the ones our players suffered during the last 2-3 regular seasons. The difference is they played through those injuries during the regular season, but during training camp and regular season, they’re taking time off to make certain they’re fully healed.

With Teague, JJ, Marvin, Smoove, Horford, JaCrawford, Zaza, MEvans, Bibby, JPowell, JCollins and EThomas likely making up our 12 man roster,there’s little to no likihood of JoCrawford or Pape Sy being included, barring injury or a trade of course.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 9th, 2010
4:06 pm

Extend my Woody!

That ish is hilarious!

Go KenS Go!

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
4:40 pm

If Woody was weak in hiring assistant coaches then what does that say about LD. Wasn’t he one of Woody’s assistants?
How has LD shown he’s an upgrade over Woody in anything but talk since he’s only coached on freekin game and blew a 30pt lead in that one.
Ken, if talk won a game I would give both you and LD all the credit in the world but sorry it doesn’t.

MsDee

October 9th, 2010
4:47 pm

Dr Mary,

Hey girl..I do feel what you are saying and I TOO am playing the wait and see but in the mean time, I just choose to view the positive side of things instead of always focusing on what we dont have and what other teams do have.

Samuel,

There is nothing wrong with being realistic, but being negative is just unnecessary. There is a BIG difference between the two. Being REALISTIC is the Hawks is not going to when a title with THIS TEAM as in the present time, while being POSITIVE is that the Hawks still have trade options in Jamal/Bibby, TPE, 3mil we got from draft night and $$ we got from Chills to use before trade deadline to get the necessary players to BE ABLE TO WIN A TITLE THIS YEAR!! U see Samuel how that works?? It very simple. I COULD REALLY GIVE A FEW MORE EXAMPLES, BUT DANG, I JUST HIT THE NAIL WITH A HAMMER WITH THAT ONE, NO NEED FOR MORE!

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
4:49 pm

DOC-We could certainly make an issue of how we see Miami and their big 3, and the truth is, it could happen either way. I certainly hope your opinion ends up being invalid. In the end, they may be the team with the most talent, but I feel before the season is over, we’ll end up being the most talented team.

I know I’m excited about the LDrew, the team, the OFF and DEF, and the attitude and commitment of the players. There’s no way our players will quit on him, or develop attitudes towards the way he treats them. There might be 1 or 2 that might become disgruntled over mins, but it certainly won’t be because they were all but totally ignored, or punished for being rookies.

Even though we finished 3rd in the East last yr, I still look for us to be this yrs surprise team in the East.

MsDee

October 9th, 2010
4:54 pm

The purpose for not doing anything now is to first see what we DO need and what we Don’t need. Like Ken S has said, we have a brand new head coach who OBVIOUSLY saw all he needed to see while being under Woodson to make these HUGE changes for the Hawks this up-coming season. We have improved every year for the past 6 YEARS with basically the same players. WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU TAMPER WITH THE TEAM RIGHT NOW BEFORE TRADE DEADLINE WHEN WE HAVEN’T EVEN SEEN WHAT LARRY DREW CAN DO WITH THE SAME TEAM THAT HAS IMPROVED EVERY FREEKIN YEAR???????????????? Think, Samuel, THINK!!

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
5:15 pm

Improved every freekin year under who? Now we have changed coaches and don’t know how they will react. It’s really stupid to say what absolutely will or will not happen like KS just said. “There’s no way our players will quit on him, or develop attitudes towards the way he treats them.”KS. We’ll see after the losses start rolling in.

Again, it’s one thing to be the assistant and claim to know all the problems and how to fix them. It’s quite another to actually do it. Thus far LD has proven nothing other than be able to “SAY” the right things. Again, that doesn’t win anything. Sorry.

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
5:24 pm

SAMUEL-You try so hard to keep from admitting that you might be wrong, or that someone opposing view might be right, which is one of the reasons your boy Woodson was fired. You did just that when you deliberately took my statement and meaning out of context. I didn’t say Woodson was weak in hiring HC’s, and you know it. My exact statement was, “AND HE’S SHOWN A WILLINGNESS TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY, BY HIRING ASSISTANTS TO TAKE OVER PREVIOUS AREAS OF CONCERN”.

I don’t care if you hire the best coaching staff in the world, if you take the dictatorship approach, concern yourself more with exercising your authority rather than your responsibility, and refuse to share responsibility, and/or delegate meaningful and impactful responsibilities, as a HC you’re doing a sorry job.

The motion OFF is LDrew’s baby, and no one can impliment it better than he can, so he’s taking on that responsibility. We all know DEF has been our biggest problem over the last couple of yrs. And as a result, he’s hired a DEF assistant(LConnor) to take over that responsibility, as well as an assistant(Nick the Quick) to work with our young players, especially JTeague.

LDrew’s efforts and approach is a whole lot better than yelling and berating young players, punishing them if they make a mistake, treating them like yo yo’s and making up excuses for your uneven confidence killing treatment of them. I call LDrew’s approach one hell of an improvement.

SteveW

October 9th, 2010
5:42 pm

KenS – I used to coach basketball. I played basketball before that. Trust me, the faster the pace, the more injuries occur. It’s just a fact. Very few people got hurt playing the 4 corners offense. Hope nobody gets hurt, but expect the dings and bruises throughout the season, and hopefully nothing serious.

And that’s 1 reason why I’m such a big believer in a deep bench. A fresh 2nd teamer is many times better, or at least as good, as a tired All-Star. I have seen it too much.

But my idea of rest is a half court press rather than a full court press…that’s just me.

And it is hard for me not to like Larry Drew, I really liked him as a player. Kept up with his stats in the paper. KenS, you are so right that every HOF coach was at 1 time a 1st year coach. We really have no idea how good LD will be until tip-off and beyond. He could be the best coach ever – and I hope he is!

I’m wondering if the pace had something to do with our horrid FT % vs. the Griz. It is easier to shoot FT’s fresh than tired.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
5:45 pm

If LD and the Hawks win more than 53 games and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, I will have no problem admitting that I am wrong. I won’t have to, there will be proof for everyone to see.

SteveW

October 9th, 2010
5:47 pm

KenS – Keep up the positive side, you very well could be right. I try to be objective in everything, but everything could come together for us this season. You never know, and that’s why they play the game.

I will make a prediction about the Griz – barring injury or a stupid trade, in ‘011-’012 they will be competing at a high level in the Western Conference. Like top 4 seed high level, right behind OKC and the Lakers etc.

SteveW

October 9th, 2010
5:52 pm

LD can have a much better team this season, and not win 53 games, because the East has improved. The Lakers could only win 57 games in the West, while Cleveland won 66 in the weaker East last season, but who won the championship? Not a valid comparison comparing W’s from last season to this season. Maybe say if LD wins the 1st round in less than 7 games; or wins a game in the 2nd round, then you can say LD is a better coach. Maybe if he doesn’t suffer an historic beatdown in the 2nd round, then you can say he was better. But 53 W’s in the regular season is not a valid comparison point.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
5:57 pm

Again, if we win less than 53 games, we stand a good chance of falling to the 6,7,or 8th seed which would likely have us playing Bos,Mia or Orlando in the 1st round. You do know that don’t you?

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
6:06 pm

SAMUEL-your LOVE FOR WOODY won’t allow you to see the fallacy in a lot of what you’re saying. Here’s an example: You claim there’s a good chance the players will turn on LDrew once the losses start rolling in. Well, didn’t Woodson lose gms every yr? In fact, in his 5yrs here, didn’t we lose far more gms than we won?

We managed to finish 3rd in the East with 53 wins last yr, and with a bunch of disgruntled players who eventually quit on their HC. So, without any of those distractions, why would basically the same team, with more speed, quickness, athleticism, versatility, and better OFF and DEF options, do any worse. And please don’t give me that BS about the vast improvement of the other teams in the East.

That’s the same lame argument detractors and GLASS HALF EMPTY proponents have used to predict doom and gloom for the Hawks for the last 3-4yrs. And yet, each yr the team has managed to exceed all of their predictions, projections and low expectations. WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THIS YR’S TEAM WON’T MAKE LIARS OUT OF THEM ONCE AGAIN? And why aren’t simular concerns being voiced about the Bulls, who went outside and brought in a FIRST TIME HC, along with his new OFF/DEF, new players and coaching staff? Instead, everyone is tauting them as automatically being a better team, one that will easily over come last yrs 12gm deficit, as well as any improvements we’ve made.

WHERE’S THE LOGIC?

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
6:11 pm

1. Miami
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Chicago
5. Atlanta
6. Washington
7. Milwaukee
8. Charlotte

Ramon

October 9th, 2010
6:14 pm

Guys, I’m kind of confused about something. So many people say the Hawks don’t have much talent on this team. Yet at the same time they say last season the Hawks were terrible on defense and on offense execution. So in the National Basketball Association, how could a team without ‘elite’ talent, coached by a guy who was terrible at game management and play calling, still end up finished ranked fourth in the Eastern Conference? And we know it wasn’t the home court factor, because not many show up to support the Hawks on home games. So either Woody was a better coach then we give him credit for (which can’t be the case because he’s still unemployed), or this roster does have some serious talent on it. There are three all stars (Josh is an all star), sixth man of the year (currently), and some decent young players who can become great role players. If the Hawks improve on even half of the things that went wrong last year, how could they not end up winning 55 games?

STEEL(Formerly VenomSpitter)

October 9th, 2010
6:22 pm

@Ramon

This team DOES have talent. But Woody held them back.

@Samuel

Do u know what logic is?

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
6:31 pm

STEVEW-I agree. A half court, or three quarter court press can be far more effective than a full court press. It gives your players less area to cover, and the opposition less room to operate. I would love to see us consistently use the press against teams with dominant half court OFF and strong inside scoring. It initially forces the ball out of the PG’s hands, and forces their front line players to become outlets to help get the ball across half court. Once the ball is across half court, they have to reposition themselves and reset their OFF. All of this takes time off the clock and reduces their OFF options, not to mention giving us the possibility of generating turnovers and deflections.

SAMUEL-If, as so many seem to think, Eastern Conference teams like the Bulls, Bucks, Magic and Heat, have drastically improved, why do you think the Hawks will be the only team to win fewer gms as a result? Why can’t you understand that the so called improvement of each of these teams will have an equal affect on every other team, not just the Hawks.

With that said, doesn’t it stand to reason that each team will suffer losses due the the overall improvement of the other teams, which means the Hawks could win fewer than 53 gms and still finish 3rd or 4th in the Eastern Conference? Call me crazy, but it makes perfect sense to me.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
6:40 pm

Ramon,
Yes, we do have talent we just don’t have Eastern Conference Finals talent. Also, there are plenty of unemployed coaches who are better than the ones with jobs. Woody led his team farther than 20 coaches last year. To me that’s all that counts. I know you guys count stuff like pretty offenses, speaking ability and a lot of other things. Not me.

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
6:41 pm

One other thing. I don’t think LDrew has to win more than 53gms, or make it to the Eastern Conference finals for this team to show it’s improved. If he does a good job of managing, teaching and developing this team and its players, and getting them to play up to their full potential, it will be a job well done.

If the team makes it to the 2nd rd or the playoffs, and plays with the passion and enthusiasm we displayed against the Celtics in our rousing 1st rd loss in 07, he’ll prove himself to be a very successful 1st time HC.

jhan

October 9th, 2010
6:42 pm

It’s all about the playoffs. If we win at least one game in the 2nd round then we’ve improved. Not enough to satisy me but improved by definition.

jhan

October 9th, 2010
6:44 pm

Clyde – where you at today?

Ramon

October 9th, 2010
7:00 pm

Samuel, there are guys who can coach without jobs, but we didn’t hear any rumor of Woody being interviewed for a job. And also, if they have 2nd round talent, how come with better coaching and a better bench, they don’t have ECF talent? Honestly, I believe if it would’ve been Cleveland or Boston, Atlanta would’ve won their series last season in the 2nd round. Maybe I’m overrating the talent, but I think the Hawks have enough talent to come out of the East. No, I don’t think they have enough talent to beat the Lakers. But they’re just as talented as anyone in the East.

SteveW

October 9th, 2010
7:13 pm

Guys, don’t judge LD by: W’s and L’s this year. Unless it’s catastrophic, say below 45. The Bucks, Bulls, Wizards, Bobcats, Heat, Knicks and the Celts all got better. The Lakers at 57 W’s were better than the East teams with more wins (Magic, Cavs) because the West has had a strong balance of power over the East. Now talent is shifting East – Stoudamire, Boozer, Walls, Favors etc. So we can be a much better team than last year, and have a worse record.

Don’t judge him by a fast start. We have an easy schedule the first 20 games.

Don’t judge him by how often he plays Jordan Crawford. He is a lower draft pick than Teague, and we need JC2 a whole lot less than we needed Teague last year. Bibby was slowing down, and we really needed Teague. JC2 is playing behind an All Star and a SMOY.

Do Judge LD on: How he fairs in the playoffs. With the parity in the East, I could see us as a 4th seed with 46 wins. Or a 5th seed with that many wins. Then, we’re playing either (probably):
The Celts, who we matchup well with.
The Bulls, who we can beat.
Or the Bucks, who we can beat.

Let’s see how LD does in the playoffs. This “if LD wins 52 games he’s worse than Woody” is simply not true. Not a valid comparison.

doc

October 9th, 2010
7:18 pm

ouch jhan.

Ramon

October 9th, 2010
7:30 pm

It was sad to hear the news about Gwynn, really makes you think about Chipper.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
7:46 pm

So Ken I see you have lowered your expectations. If I read you right we only have to make the playoffs and play with passion to be considered an improvement in “YOUR EYES”. Am I right?

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
7:49 pm

Ramon,
Who said they have better coaching and a better bench. That’s only hoping and praying based on interviews.

Ramon

October 9th, 2010
7:53 pm

@ Samuel, for coaching, they at least have an offensive game plan unlike before. As for as the bench, the only players they lost off the bench were Joe Smith and Randmo (also Mario West). Unless Teague regresses the bench will be better than it was last season.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
8:05 pm

Again, i’ve never seen a game won on the whiteboard.
We had the 6 man of the year last year. This year he either won’t be here or very unhappy. So far he’s been nothing more than Speedy Claxton. Joe Smith and Josh Powell are basically a wash. You guys say Teague will start and Bibby is garbage. Ethan Thomas=Jamahl Magloire with dreds and Collins is nothing special. So we basically swapped JC2 for Mario. We gain some offense and lose some defense. Oh yea, I forgot Pepe Sy, whoever the hell that is.

O'Brien

October 9th, 2010
8:10 pm

Samuel,

If the hawks win 48 games, finish 5th, beat Chicago in the first round, and then lose 4-2 in the second round,would u consider that an improvement over woody?

I think LD will be better than woody even if we get bounced in the second round, because I don’t This k we get swept, and the games will be competitive. But if we lose in the first round (assuming injury is not an issue), then I will be very disappointed in LD.

However, You are quick to give woody credit for 53 wins, but you haven’t said anything about how we lost 4-0 to Orlando, and lost by an NBA RECORD 101 points.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
8:13 pm

So Ken, which is it? Are we basing improvement on 1st year head coaches or last year’s advancement to the 2nd round?

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
8:20 pm

Obrien,
Yes that would be an improvement because we would have won two 2nd round games. Injuries don’t count in the NBA. When we had injuries in the past, you guys blamed Woody for overplaying the starters so please don’t make excuses already. Every team has injuries.

I said all last year that Orlando was 20 points better than us. Check my posts. The players knew it too. Yall keep saying they quit on Woody. They quit on themselves. Woody wasn’t playing.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
8:24 pm

Some of you guys I can tell have never coached a basketball game in your life. When you are out manned you can sometimes get your players to “BELIEVE” they can win despite being obviously over matched. Sometimes you can’t.

Fundamentals

October 9th, 2010
8:55 pm

O’Brien & Samuel,

Comparisons to Woodson aren’t fair for LD. I feel like we should at least get to the 2nd round again. How they play and compete once there will dictate how we feel about the team and LD after it’s over. Competing would be a wonderful improvement. The team shut down just before the playoffs last year.

Woodson coached for the regular season record, home court and nothing after. We should’ve smoked the Bucks and competed well against whomever we met in the second round. Even if they lost all 4 games, they should’ve at least put up a good fight. Instead they just shut down on each other and gave up. It was an embarrassment that hopefully will never happen again.

It’s a new year. Leave Woodson and the past out of it.

Melvin

October 9th, 2010
9:04 pm

Clyde,

Tell the Tide to roll up out of Columbia,SC after that beatdown… The Old Ball Coach did it again… LOL

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
9:10 pm

We actually had about equal talent as the Bucks and it showed. Even though I believe we should finish ahead of them this year, I would not at all be surprised if they end up with a better record. Their key as usual is Andrew Bogut’s health.(I didn’t see them making any excuses for injuries to their best player). They also added Corey Magette, Drew Gooden and Chris Douglass-Roberts which is considerably more than our additions. Even Ken would have to admit that. Maybe not.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
9:11 pm

Yes, Bama got beat like the they stole a Government Mule.

twin

October 9th, 2010
9:50 pm

yeah, woody was god awful at making adjustments…we got demolished when we double teamed d.howard in the first game of the playoffs, ok fine, that did not work, i can live wit that. but then, we did the same exact thing the other 3 games; woody did not change his strategy at all….men in low post cheated to close of passing lanes and still double teamed dwight ALL FOUR games!! just a total utter refusal to look at the statistics, analyze the game and make improvements….(oh and we had a pretty good blueprint on how to make that magic squad sweat from their previous bobcats series, did they double team dwight every chance they got? no. did the celtics double dwight when he got the ball in low post? no. why you ask? b/c the bobcats and the celtics had better coaching).

HawkEye

October 9th, 2010
9:54 pm

Hawks will be fine. Give them time to gel under LD. However, what I am waiting to see is how they perform on the road. As many of you know, the Hawks have been a poor team on the road in years past. If LD can get them to play with the same amount of passion and focus they show at home, that’s a BIG plus. Additionally, it will help come playoff time if they can keep their focus in a hostile environment.

O'Brien

October 9th, 2010
9:57 pm

Samuel,

At the trade deadline and at the end of the season, I wanted the hawks to trade for Douglas Roberts. The bucks got him for a second round pick. But yet here we are, with no legit backup for Marvin (mo Evans is a natural SG and is too small to guard SFs).

By the way, you will not find anybody in the NBA to agree with You that the Buck’s were equal in talent with us last year.

We had 2 all stars, another Guy who was almost an all star, but was second in DPOY, and the sixth man of the year. Who did Milwaukee have?

Ken Strickland

October 9th, 2010
10:06 pm

SAMUEL-WOW! You say you’ve never seen a gm won on a white board, yet you don’t hesitate to rate teams according to how you predict they’ll finish during the regular season, and before a single regular season gm has been played. I guess you forget you’re own BS and started using that same white board, huh.

Samuel

October 9th, 2010
10:09 pm

I saw a PG who torched whoever was guarding him (not just Bibby), I saw a guy named John Salmons outplay our max contract stud and and Old Man named Kurt Thomas bully our AllStar (by default), Al Horford all series long. Home court saved our asses.

Melvin

October 9th, 2010
10:39 pm

Man, Josh Childress looks odd in a Suns uniform…

Ra'mon

October 9th, 2010
10:42 pm

@ Samuel, you just named the players the Bucks gained. Now list the players they lost. Also all of these teams who have added players still don’t know how the chemistry will be on those teams. We at least know despite the chemistry issues on this roster, they are still good enough to be a 2nd round team.

O'Brien

October 9th, 2010
10:50 pm

Samuel,

Just because Milwaukee outplayed us for games 3-5 in the playoffs, does not mean they have equal talent.

As for Orlando, i think they are better than us. But I do NOT think they are 20 points better than us.

If Woody had any clue about game planning and adjustments, the games against Orlando would have been closer.

It is interesting that nobody interviewed him for a coaching job. You would think a guy who should have been COY (in your eyes) would get an interview.

Even the Clippers went with the former Bulls coach (Vinny), who finished 41-41 in both seasons in Chicago, and never made it out of the first round.

Come to think of it, that may be a bad example, because the Clippers dont usually make sense anyway.

Anyways, I give Woody credit for getting us to where we are. But I think he reached his limit with us. Is LD the best man to replace him? Time will tell.

You’re right. Games are played on the court, not on the white-board, and not in the media. But this is the preseason, and I will give LD all my support.

I will re-evaluate when the games start for real.

Ra'mon

October 9th, 2010
11:03 pm

Samuel, the Hawks lost so badly because of ADJUSTMENTS, not because of the talent level. Because in your argument, the Hawks swept the season series of the team that dismantled Boston with NO problem. The key to beating Orlando is to not double team Howard. If Howard goes for 40 good, but don’t double team. If you remember when Detroit beat LA in the Finals, Shaq averaged over 30 ppg that series. But because they refused to double team, they still came out on top at the end of the game, because no one else was allowed to get open shots. The Hawks lost that series because of the wide open shots they gave away on the perimeter.

Paddy

October 10th, 2010
8:05 am

If you hear what Coach is saying is; we are about to start the season and my professional players are not going to play Defense the way I coach it. Not enough fingures to plug this dyke!!!!

Knuckles

October 10th, 2010
9:39 am

Dez Dam Hawk are so sorry that nobody really cares what they do this year. Who cares. they did nothing to better themselves as a team.

They did not address there # 1 weakness of a strong center. A weakness so glaring that even the starting center said the hawks need to get a real center.

The did nothing to find a suitable replacement for Bibby who is in the final year of his contract and career. They instead have move to put the error prone low basketball IQ teague as has next in line

They changed from a proven top ten coach who has done and out standing job to promote his understudy, who is experimenting with a new offense although the alarming weakness of the hawks is the lack of a defensive force.

With many trade and free agent opportunities,(not to forget the draft), the hawks accomplished absolutely nothing. The did not address any weaknesses or strengthen themselves in any way, however the teams in front of and behind the hawks made strong moves. Our sorry GM is proving his track record of ruining team is not going to be broken here.

Sund Sucks!

With all that in mind there it is clear why there is no excitement about the hawks in Atlanta. Who can get excited about mediocrity?

We are going backwards not forward and the time has come to get rid of Sund why there is still time to turn this program around

Sund = sinking ship!

Big Ump

October 10th, 2010
10:04 am

MS Dee

As you know I’m a Hawks fan win and lose. I also know you probably a wonderful oerson. Some of us compain about Samuel being negative. Could it be Samuel is donig the same things that you and some others were donig last year about JJ, Bibby and HC. Samuel was call a Woodson lover and other things
about defending Woody. now some of you are defending our new HC the same way Samuel was doing. So do that make you all LD lover? Of couarse not. All I’m saying you can’t spin it both ways.
I enjoy reading your post just like I do my favorite Big Ray and the wonderful DR Mary B.

KevinM

October 10th, 2010
10:08 am

I’d be careful to criticize the Heat. In our current form, we do not match up with them. Will we get better? We better. The Heat have no problem on offense…they look focused.

And those Heat-haters: the only reason you’re hating is because you know what’s coming? The Bulls 2.0 to arenas all season. You hope to compete and you hope to contain, but get real.

One thing I am confident on going into this season: we won’t lose a core player because of an injury while playing defense. That is not their MO this year.

What I am eager to see is how does LD handle the adversity that will come with this team? I have no issue with installing a new offense…and it doesn’t matter at this point, a new offense isn’t going to improve on last year’s ranking, despite it being up to Joe and Jamal to score. For the bucks these 2 guys get, they better produce or the ASG will end up giving them another bonus!

Back to serious, “drmaryb (*_*)
October 9th, 2010
2:16 pm

Ken Strickland

Just sit and watch, much of what you say will manifest in the
very near future. This team does still have a ways to go to
prove that last series will not re-occur and repeat itself ever
again. Demanding – Effort, isn’t asking too much.”

Spoken never more clearer, and this team has more questions than answers:

- Al looking for a big man to help he and Smoove
- Bibby or Teague – 1st assignment: John Wall’s intro into the league. Who ya got? I’m taking the Wildcat.
- Marvin breaking out of his perimeter only game.
- Depth on the bench. Did anyone bring the energy that Celtic-hopeful Mario West does? He just looks odd in that uni.

Same players, new daily blog, lots of the same versus coming out of the Hawks’ bible of basketball.
We are a veteran team, and what happened with Memphis should never happen.

Well, it happened, and I won’t be surprised to see it happen many times this year. LD can be the HOF potential coach some want him to be, but he still has to put the core on his lineup roster every game.

I can’t wait to see LD pull his first core player to the bench for not giving max effort. When that happens, I am confident that MC will point it out to us, because it just doesn’t exist here.

KevinM

October 10th, 2010
10:14 am

I know its only one game, but after watching the Rockets last night..if they can get Yao to stay healthy, that team has lots of pieces to compete.

And Dampier isn’t going there based on their depth. He isn’t going to get a lot of minutes with their interior rotation of Yao, Scola, Hayes, Jordan Hill and Brad Miller.

I like what Houston has put together and their salary numbers arent’ all that bad either. They know they have to go beyond the cap to be any kind of a threat.

Dampier in Atlanta wouldn’t be the worse thing to happen, especially if our min salary bigs can’t get motivated to earn some minutes.

terrell

October 10th, 2010
10:58 am

Samuel, you act like SUPERSTAR players grow on trees. Why dont you become a Heat fan and join the summit? lol!

Ken Strickland

October 10th, 2010
1:04 pm

While it’s a lot of fun projecting what we might expect from the Heat, with their big 3, but the team that should be the main focus for the Hawks is the Magic. Despite all of the projections and hopes for the Heat, no one actually knows if they can overcome the potential pitfalls they’ll have to overcome to become the team most people are projecting them to be.

No one knows how the Hawks will stack up against the Heat, no matter how you might feel about it, However, we all know how we’ve stacked up against the Magic over the last 2yrs. We have to get past the strangle hold the Magic have had over us before we start worrying about the Heat.

If we can overcome the dominance of the Magic, we can certainly deal with the Heat. When going down the stretch in tight gms, I love the fact we’ll have something other than Bibby, JJ and Jamal to rely on, going down the stretch of close gms. I also love the fact we’ll have something to fall back on when our key scorers are OFF. That something is the MOTION OFF. It’s a lot easier for a DEF to stop or limit the effectiveness of a player or 2, but it’s a lot harder for a DEF to stop or limit an entire structured OFF system.

I don’t see the Hawks having problems of the magnitude we had under Woodson. I see some potential frustration coming from certain players trying to learn and work the motion OFF to the point where it becomes instinctive, and fighting off the urge to revert to ISO. I don’t thing LDrew will have any serious issues correcting that potential problem.

If can remember MJordan having issues with the triangle OFF when it was 1st introduced, until he mastered it and made it work for him. The same issues were raised by KBryant when PJackson was hired and introduced the triangle OFF. And we all know how that eventually turned out.

The Hawks did pretty good last yr playing a style of OFF and DEF that weren’t good fits for their collective talents. The motion OFF, and playing a running uptempo OFF we’ll be consistently playing this yr is definitely a good fit for our collective talents.

All of the projected top teams in the East, Miami, Orlando, Milwaukee, Boston and Chicago, will likely have changes to their starting lineup. The Hawks haven’t changed their starting lineup in 2.5yrs, but this yr there’s a strong likelihood that will change. All of the players added to the starting lineups or the other teams have been brought in from outside the organization.

The Hawks’ lineup change will be made from within, and the same situation applies to our new HC. The Bulls went outside their organization for their new HC. With basically the same core players and starting lineup over the last 2.5yrs, the Hawks have improved and progressed far beyond the predictions and projections of so called experts and fans alike.

Keeping our core intact has really paid off for us. The only major additions or chances we’ve made over that period has been related to our 6th man. We had JChildess in 07/08, replaced him with RMurray in 08/09, and replaced him with JaCrawford in 09/10.

If Teague replaces MBibby as our starting PG, our starting lineup with have more speed, quickness, penetrating ability, versatility, and much better perimeter DEF. HOW CAN THAT NOT BE AN IMPROVEMENT.

SAMUEL-You mentioned in an earlier post that when we played the Bucks, you saw a PG the was able to blow by anyone who tried to defend him, not just Bibby. Well, with JTeague being given more mins and a real chance to start, we’ll have the ability at PG to do to the Bucks, and other teams, exactly what the Bucks and their PG did to us.

doc

October 10th, 2010
1:18 pm

ken, i think the magic will look like marshmellows compared to what the heat will do to us. talk about potential smashdowns? ech of the three individuals have given us fits over the years as individuals on teams without real support casts. how do you corral these guys without help? we could do it when there was one unfortunately there are three to try and double team. not enough guys on the court at a time to do this.

bulls seem to be taking to their new coach as well. they will not be as soft as last year and they will have an offense themselves rather than on on rose.

MsDee

October 10th, 2010
1:29 pm

@Big Ump,

I do understand your reasoning, but I’m not saying Samuel is a Woodson lover. What I try to convey to Samuel is that being realistic and being negative are 2 different things. He is being HIGHLY negative toward a coach who is DEMONSTRATING A VISION for the Hawks but is praising a coach who basically KILLED his top player in JJ and the rest of the starters by using a one-dimensional OFFense and DEFense. Samuel says Woodson has already proven something in this league by being the head coach for 6yrs with an improving record each year, but failed to realized that he has STUNKED IT UP for the past 3 yrs in the playoffs. He didnt just lose in the playoffs, He again KILLED the team the past 2 yrs WITHOUT MAKING ANY ADJUSTMENTS OR CORRECTIONS DURING THE PLAYOFFS!!

Now Samuel’s negativity towards Larry Drew is mind boggling because he feels LD will have the same issues his buddy Woody had based on ONLY 1 PRE-SEASON GAME!! Just because the Hawks has to get used to a new OFFense that is TOTALLY different from what they are used to for the past 6yrs, doesn’t mean the Hawks not going to eventually get it down pack HEADING into mid-season. An example would be let’s say a young child(Hawks) has been living with their biological parents(Woody) for the 1st 6yrs. The parents hasn’t been raising that child up healthy wise. The child has been used to eating chips, cookies, candy, basically junk food for 6 straight years without the parents EVER MAKING ADJUSTMENTS with the kids diet by adding fruit and vegetables(OFFense & DEFense). The child now get placed into a child’s care with a new set of parents(Larry Drew). Those parents provide the child with a healthy balanced diet with the necessary fruit and vegetables(OFFense Vision) the child needs. Now, that first few weeks(pre-season), the child may have a VERY HARD TIME getting used to eating vegetables since it’s THEIR 1ST TIME AFTER 6YRS. It doesn’t mean that child will NEVER grow up to get used to and enjoy eating fruits and vegetables in the long run.

drmaryb (*_*)

October 10th, 2010
1:37 pm

Scrappy – Dappy!

Last season on one of the very few occasions Mr. Johnson
gave a sound bite, Joe said this:

“We are a scrappy team, we have to play that way to win games.”

Of course I paraphrased that statement,
but here’s my point:

The reason we had/have to play scrappy is because:

1. We had no offensive identity.
2. All of our players except for Joe, do not play their natural positions.

We got 2 PF’s and one plays center, Maurice Evans plays SF
& SG, Jamal played PG & SG, Teague didn’t play at all, is he
like Acie Law a natural SG or a PG?

When you look àt the Lakers? All their pieces seem to actually
fit their roles perfectly, skills-wise and size-wise.

Yes, we have versatility but do we have compatibility at all
positions?

Heck No!

Did I see the Big-Ump?
Aaaaah …. All is right in the world!
Smiles & Mmmmwah! (Big fat wet kiss!)

Shout – Out! To KevinM … You Go Boy!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 10th, 2010
1:43 pm

We still need a Big agile center who can start and defend
Dwight and Bynum to win that – Big Thang!

Al said so and I concur!

Knuckles

October 10th, 2010
1:51 pm

Teague is dumb. He is not nor ever will be smart enough to break down another team. Teague is a ball hog. who doesnt no how to orchestrate the flow of an offensive attack. Teague is careless and doesnt have great ball handling ability so he is prone to turnovers, which he repeatedly displayed against the ya-hoos’ of the summer league. Yes teague is younger and thereby more athletic than bibby but hes not smart enough to lead a 53 win 2 round caliber playoff team. Having the right physical qualifications doesn’t equate to talent.

Speaking of talent. Samuel, is absolutely right on the money.

Get you fact in line with your mouth. Ken, you cant be the drum major for Woodsons firing saying there was enough talent to win the championship but now with the same team, Woody Jr is not expected to win a championship…. Hey, get a clue, its the same team that you swore was a lock to win it all except the alien Woodson was in the way. Is Woodson lite now in the way? Same team mr foot n mouth.

Samuel, This from T. S., You Rock! The reason you get so much flak from you statements is that a hit dog always hollars!

Shout to Big Ump from T. S.- Booty breath Cunningham has blocked The correct spelling of Truth- Sirum.

Keep up the good work Samuel , where theres smoke … theres fire!

cp

October 10th, 2010
1:54 pm

Big Ray whats going on man? I’m ready for the season to start. Great observation on Law…I wonder if LD was a big fan of Salim too.

I will be glad when Woodrow gets another job maybe just maybe it will bring some joy back in Samuels life… I don’t even see why some of you take that dude serious. He is the same cat who said Woodrow was a better coach than Larry Brown, said that when the Hawks win its because of Woodrow but when they lose its because of the players. These two comments by him made me not take anything he says seriously. From reading his recent post he is still on that silly stuff. To him its all about Woodrow and nothing else matters. Funny how a coach that great cant even beat out Vinny Del Negro of all people for a job. Woodrow lost his job for many reasons, some that have been pointed out already. He only cared about the regular season. All he talked about was the 53 wins and homecourt. It was almost as if he though you win a championship in the regular season. Add in his non adjustments and there you have it… I remember reporters asking him in the playoffs last year what adjustments was he going to make in the Magic series and Woodrow said none lol. He said he would stick with what got the Hawks there. The reporter then said something to the affect of well that isn’t working and Woodrow started his we won such and such games and blah blah blah. It was brutal to have a coach who only had a plan A but not a B when it was evident to anybody watching that what they were doing wasn’t working but he refused to change

Ken Strickland

October 10th, 2010
3:26 pm

DOC-you know what, I never thought about the rivalry that will surely develop between the 2 Florida teams. I also agree with you that Miami will likely dominant the Magic, because they have 2 players that can consistently attack the basket and DHoward. I see him getting into early foul trouble against them often. The rest of Orlando’s starters are below average defenders, and are very vulnerable without Howard to protect the lane.

My only concerns are how quickly the players pickup and start to feel comfortable with the motion OFF, and how quickly LDrew establishes his rotation. With the overall improvement JTeague will provide at PG, especially to our perimeter DEF, we’ll be a match up nightmare for anyone, including the Heat.

The motion OFF will make it extremely difficult for DEF’s with dominant inside defenders, like Orlando, to depend on that one player to stop us. Man, I can’t wait for the season to start. With all of the quality FA’s that’s changed teams, especially in the East, this has got to be the start of one of the most exciting seasons ever.

Knuckles

October 10th, 2010
3:29 pm

Al not only confessed he needed help but in an A.P. interview cosigned that he wasn’t a real center and asked that the hawks get one.

What a poor case for an argument to say a person is a “woody lover” and there fore their premise or argument is invalid. Loving or hating is irrelevant to the fact that woodson did an out standing job with a team that has marginal talent.

In true critical thinking or logic ( this is for the college educated, Ill speak to you in a minute ken) it is considered a fallacy to invalidate a premise because the arguer attacks the person of those who share the view, rather than attack the point), but of course what you expect from this site?

Argumentum ad Populum

Now ken, You were the drum major of the bubba crewww who said that woodson was under achieving with this hawk team. Lets see what Woodson lite does with pretty much the same team. Keep your foot right where it is, in your mouth, until we can see about halfway through the season whether these hawks are playing above/at/under the ascending levels woodson had them at.

Whether you like hate or love Woodson is not the argument. Was the coaching change necessary to take the hawks to the next level is the question. Are the hawks now a better team? Will we win more games and go further towards the goal of winning a championship? That is the question.

My speculation is weve taken steps backwards and wont be as effective as last year. We were a good team last year when compare to the rest of the league but now they’ve closed the gap and in a case or two we may have over taken us.

As it stands now, I cant see where the experts will pick us any higher this year than last, although we exceeded their expectations by making third seed, when most projected us 5th-8th.

Lets see Woody II take us to the championship! Good luck to Larry Drew. Go Hawks.

Ken Strickland

October 10th, 2010
3:35 pm

CP-Excellent points as always.

Knuckles

October 10th, 2010
3:53 pm

Ramon fired coaches rarely get offered a job the same year they are fired. They usually sit out a year or two before coming back into play.

Ken Strickland

October 10th, 2010
4:01 pm

KNUCKLES-Your attempt to make sense out of something that actually makes little sense falls way short. To try and create an argument over whether Woodson show have been fired is a waste of time and effort. How can anyone that saw: 1-our 1st rd 7gm struggle against a depleted Bucks team, 2-our players virtually quitting on Woodson in the 2nd rd against Orlando, and 3-Orlando handing us the worst butt whipping during a playoff series in NBA playoff history?

When you factor in management’s mandate to Woodson that his fate would depend on how well he prepared his team, and their performance during the playoffs, and then look at the way we stunk it up, HE DEFINITELY HAD TO GO, PERIOD. To continue making an issue of whether he should have been fired, especially with the season around the corner, shows you’re the drum major for the SPECIAL ED CREW.

MsDee

October 10th, 2010
4:05 pm

@Ken S. LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that’s FUNNY!

MsDee

October 10th, 2010
4:07 pm

@KNUCKLES

I think Ken S just placed BOTH your feet in your mouth with that one!!!!

Knuckles

October 10th, 2010
4:36 pm

Ken & the drummed up Special ED Crew

I not sure I understand this from ken… Woodson ” show” have been fired

What show is he referring too. But it must be difficult to speak coherently with your feet in your mouth.

Grandad

October 10th, 2010
4:54 pm

KevinM 10:08 am
“I’d be careful to criticize the Heat”
“In our current form, we do not match up with them”

To Kevin,
*How well do the Heat match up with us?

I’m not trying to argue with your perspective.
I just see everything through “coaches” eyes
and my *original query to you is how I look @ it.

In an article I read, it proclaimed the Heat as having
one of the top rosters in the East, yet did not mention
the Hawks. Beyond the super fiends, I find it interesting
that all of a sudden their roster becomes loaded.
The media (espn) being the biggest culprit is so anxious
to promote Miami that now everything involved with the Heat
is automatically better!

drmaryb (*_*)

October 10th, 2010
5:16 pm

No Comment!

Grand-Daddy! What’s up home boy?

Yeah … I agree, Miami is the sexy pick of the National Media.
They are the consummate Band-Wagoneers as always.

In the flip-side, the Heat will also be the most hated, watched and
most feared – for obvious reasons.

I have made NO comments, not-a-one comment about the Heat,
because I am a wait and see kind of girl. I need evidence before
emanating criticism of anything at all!

I got my popcorn, favorite beverage and a sideline seat to watch
the picture show. Like my Nanna’ says when people gossip:

“I’m just eating popcorn!”
I have eaten CROW and HUMBLE-PIE before,
trust me, POPCORN taste better!

We shall all see, very soon!

KevinM

October 11th, 2010
6:26 am

Grandad, all I can tell you about the Heat is not what the media is saying, even though no one disputes they are a contender for the EC Finals, yet zero prognosticators are considering the Hawks as contenders.
That ought to tell you something if everyone that talks basketball nationally is thinking the same thing. That’s not just Heat-mania; its sensible logic. Minimum thought here: last year’s Heat roster beat us 3 out of 4…..and I believe their roster has done nothing but improve.

Oh, and the 2 games I have seen the Heat play this season, they seem like they can score any time they want. And DWade hasn’t even been involved.
Bosh, LBJ and their supporting cast sure looked focused IMO.

Can’t wait to see the Hawks matchup with them next week.

KevinM

October 11th, 2010
6:27 am

DMB, the Heat look good…..if you’ve got NBA TV, you gotta just watch a portion of their game to know they will be ready out of the gate.

doc

October 11th, 2010
10:32 am

kevin agree said ot earlier wade and labrpn have our nimber playing with minomal support. now they have each other plus bosh. simple math and logic to me…. beat down city here we come.

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Atlanta Hawks: L.D. says ‘commitment’ to transition D still lacking

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