Atlanta Hawks: Wizards 107, Hawks 92
JaVale Mc Gee (16 points, 11 boards in 24 minutes) took advantage of Atlanta's weak D. (AP Photo)
Washington– You can go down the list of excuses for Atlanta’s atrocious defense: short roster, tired bodies, back-to-back, preseason.
– Al was offered all those outs but he wouldn’t take them: “There’s no excuse. I think we have a long way to go as far as defense if we are going to be an elite team.”
– The Hawks lacked energy and Smoove was the only consistent deterrent at the rim against Washington’s bigs. Al said the Hawks also lack something else: “It’s going to take time for us to trust each other. We’ve been playing together for a few years but when things break down, the next guy isn’t there.”
– The Hawks were slow to get out on shooters. They didn’t fight hard through picks. They gave up too many free runs at the rim. “The defense was not very good at all,” L.D. said. “There energy wasn’t there, the intensity wasn’t there.”
– L.D. didn’t like the 16 turnovers, either. The Hawks forced passes in the offense in the first game, got sloppy in transition last night and this time did both.
– Former AJC Hawks beat guy and current Washington Post scribe Michael Lee came up to me during the second half and said: “I’m sold on Jordan Crawford.”
– It’s not hard to see why. The Hawks play faster with Crawford at the point. He never stops coming, he’s confident and he’s skilled. And he tends to look the same no matter who he’s playing with.
– Crawford needs polish but the raw material looks promising. He’s a dynamic player who can get into the lane and make something happen once he’s there. He’s also a rookie, which means he sometimes immediately follows a very good play (drive-and-dish to Powell for a layup) with a bad one (forced runner early in the shot clock).
— “He’s a true competitor,” L.D. said. “He has a big heart. At times he gets blinded by wanting to get the shot up but I like his competitive spirit. We will continue to nurture him along.”
– JC2 poured in 30 points, distributed the ball well and went 47 minutes after playing 46 at Washington. He looked spent by the end of the third quarter tonight but he kept going. “I’m beat up a little bit,” he said. “But it’s fun. I’m the new guy on the team and the preseason is for me. Coach is letting me play a lot of minutes and giving me freedom”
– For a while in the second half it looked like Crawford and John Wall were trying to outdo one another. Did Crawford have extra juice facing the No. 1 pick? “Not really. He’s a good player and you want to play against the best, but it’s not like I was sitting in my room thinking, ‘I’m going against John Wall.’”
– Joe continued his hot play from the second quarter last night. In the first six minutes of the game he made his first four shots, had an assist and nearly got a steal. It was one of those games where he made scoring appear effortless. You can see him getting his game in shape and building up to the opener.
– It’s the preseason and he’s got stitches in his right hand but Smoove is playing hard. He thwarted a Wizards fastbreak in the first quarter by going low to strip Nick Young, diving to the floor to take the ball away, and then hitting Bibby in stride. The play led to Al drawing a foul at the basket and fired up the the Hawks bench.
– Al, Josh and Joe went to the bench early for Zaza,Powell and Brock. That’s when the game got away from the Hawks. Zaza and Powell had trouble with the tandem of Yi and JaVale McGee. This would have been a good time to at least see what the new-look Twin can do.
– Zaza gave what he got, too. He left McGee checking his nose for blood after a head-to-face collision in the first half, then cleared McGee out with a shoulder to score in the second half.
– This was to be the first home game for Arenas since he was suspended due to gun charges last season but he was a late scratch with a knee injury. Or at least that’s what the Wizards announced.
– After the game, Arenas told reporters he bowed out for Young: “I told him I’d go ahead and fake an injury or say something is wrong with me so you can start.” Michael Lee says Arenas wasn’t joking.
– Tomorrow the Hawks will enjoy their first true off day since camp. “Man, I am so excited,” Smoove said. “I can’t want to go to sleep.”
– “I’ve got some guys banged up, I’ve got some guys tired,” L.D. said. “I’m not going to run them into the ground so we will have a day off. But when we get together Thursday we are going to watch a lot of defensive clips.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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226 comments Add your comment
darrell starks
October 13th, 2010
9:14 pm
Are the hawks in a position 2 make a move for andris biedrins ? IF SO BIBBY, ZAZA, AND FIRST, FOR BIEDRINS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
Grandad
October 13th, 2010
9:31 pm
darrell starks
There were certain players I wanted when Wdsn was here.
Now, in LD’s system, some of those players don’t fit as well.
I fear Biedrins would be one of those.
Grandad
October 13th, 2010
9:49 pm
For Ramon
Yesterday you asked about a remark I made regarding Al’s
statement & your subsequent comment.
Your query was about Josh & Bibby talkin to refs.
my response: [a day late]
“other than what’s acceptable in pulic discourse”
*G-dad Oct 12th @ 6:10 pm*
(runnin’ one’s mouth to a referee is unacceptable)
*per his Coach LD & league mandate
Try again, referees were a bad analogy = pineapples -&- coconuts.
cdog
October 13th, 2010
10:21 pm
the hawks are going to wish many times coming that rick sund made a mistake letting mike woodson go.hen you wrong someone it coes back on you.the man won 53 games, turned the franchise around.then he is fired for a coach who wants to look pretty with x and os but can get his players to play hard and execute. well, like i said, what goes around, comes around.sund and others was involved in wronging woodson will pay for thi by the lord, is going to suffer dissapoints galore for wronging woodson
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
10:36 pm
Burned Bridges!
darrell starks I hear you loud & clear on my blue-tooth
-smiles-
Problem with Chilly is:
That slow boat had already docked & anchored
in China!
Like Jamal, Chilly felt freezed out in Atlanta by
first Billy then Ricky. He would rather play in
Grecce or China, than to ever don a Hawks Uni
ever again. That bridge was totally burned by
both parties!
If Jamal continue his course of action?
He will land there too. We can’t say send him to
the Clippers Purgatory anymore, that team is shaping
up pretty well. If they can keep all their organic talent
and get Byron motivated again, they may have a
better team than our stagnant Hawks.
No, Chillz was never an option here. And, BTW
I would have done Shaq for Marvin straight up,
based on Marvin’s past 5 years performance in
it’s totality.
We have got to do better down low against the
perennial Championship contenders!
Boston
Lakers
We don’t have to size to beat either of those teams
in a seven game series and they are the measuring
sticks right now.
I could care less about year after next!
All we have is NOW! Right NOW we don’t have
enough of the right pieces down low!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
10:39 pm
Sun City!
With all the scorers we have?
We will do no more than the Suns have with their
2X MVP PG & Amare with and w/o Shaq!
cp
October 13th, 2010
10:39 pm
lmao drmaryb I see you’re on fire tonight. I’m with you, I don’t care what teams passed up Dampier. We don’t have enough talented bigs on the bench to be passing up guys. If it wasn’t for the Hawks the guys we picked up probably wouldn’t even be on an NBA team right now.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
10:42 pm
cdog?
Never mind, not worth commenting on that sorry ish.
Would be a waste of time and energy …
smh
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
10:54 pm
Irreplaceable?
Marvin is tradeable – Not irreplaceable.
If we stay in the moment?
The Goal should be – Win Now!
Marvin is a constant only @ disappearing, I’m beginning
to wonder – is he all there between the ears. He looks
mentally slow/off to me.
He should have stayed in school to get that African Studies, BS degree.
He could have learned a lot about mental toughness
and heart from studying Mandela’s Real Life struggles!
No disrespect!
I’m dead serious. I’m done waiting on this guy to
crack an egg. Time to move on from this Marvin guy -
IMHO.
richbrave
October 13th, 2010
11:07 pm
drmaryb:
Sorry lady, had to go out dancin’ with my two grand-daughters. Some old school ‘COOL and the GANG’ for thirty then off to mommies and daddies for bed-time. Ain’t life grand?
What fools have been sayin’ “get JaVALE McGEE.” The guy’s locked up under contract longer than GILBERT ARENAS. I been telling anyone here who suggested a trade to fa’ gid’ da’ ‘boud ‘dit. Ain’t happenin.’
And speaking of GA, you know he lied about the knee last night to give NICK YOUNG minutes ’cause the coach wasn’t giving NY any love. DAMNED if the little weasel didn’t spout off to the press, and get GIL in dutch including a substantial fine from the club for lying. What passes for intellect in that brain of his I’ll never understand. I used the term ‘demented’ for ARENAS” thought process. Look it up it fits him to a “t.”
Ken Strickland
October 13th, 2010
11:08 pm
While most of us have focused on the MOTION OFF, and are either enthralled or appauled by it, it seems that LDrew has installed another OFF option, the HIGH LOW POST. It certainly seems to be working well so far. Let’s see. We’ll enter the regular season with the following half court options, the MOTION OFF, HIGH LOW POST, PICK AND ROLL, and ISO.
It will be a complete change for our players, and to the opposition, to see the Hawks actually make an OFF change and/or adjustment during a gm.
CDOG-Apparently your love and admiration for Woodson is so strong that you can’t seem to remember last yrs 1st rd struggles against the Bucks, and the record setting beat down in the 2nd round by the Magic. For anyone that’s not blinded by their own personal issues, or lack of knowledge, they would have noticed Woodson’s total inability to get his players to play hard, or play any DEF. Hell, he couldn’t even get them to play much OFF for that matter.
HOW IN THE DEVIL DID YOU MISS THAT? THE PLAYERS TOTALLY QUIT ON HIM BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T WANT HIM BACK. HOW IN THE DEVIL DID YOU MISS THAT? WHERE WAS YOU FACE BURIED WHEN ALL OF THIS WAS GOING ON, AS IF WE DON’T ALREADY KNOW?
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
11:09 pm
cdog!
Thanks for the shout out!
But, I changed my mind and will respond to what you said
when you said:
“he is fired for a coach who wants to look pretty with x and os but can get his players to play hard and execute. well, like i said, what goes around, comes around.”
Now, like you – I am a die hard Mr. Woodson supporter!
I cried when he was axed, he brought us soooo far from where
we came. However, he is gone now.
So, I have no choice but to support the next Coach of Change!
To be fair, LDrew hasn’t done anything wrong so far and has
said ALL the right things! He has yet to play his hot hand,
because:
1. He has yet to Coach one game with his starters healthy.
2. The pre-season losses are irrelevant.
3. The non-starters are also injured and are being evaluated.
4. The camp invites will not make this team & are here to practice.
Nothing has happened yet and to criticize Drew is unfair and
prematurely ejaculated.
-smiles-
richbrave
October 13th, 2010
11:10 pm
Gotta’ run. Big sonagram in the early a.m. to see if my fifth grandchild is a boy or girl. Two of each so far. This breaks the tie. NYTOL.
Big Ray
October 13th, 2010
11:11 pm
Woody would be SALIVATING all over Jordan Crawford, because he’s the exact type of guard that he likes. A guard who can create his own shot and score in a wide variety of ways. In fact, Woody would stir the waves so much, that Jeff Teague’s job would be in jeapordy if Woody was the coach.
Jordan is less talented than Jamal, but potentialy more talented than Flip. And all 3 do what Woody likes to see in a guard. Neither Teague nor Acie can score the ball like Jordan can.
Woody would’ve still been loyal to Bibby to a certain extent, but he would’ve given Jordan a legit opportunity to do his thing. Just like he did with Salim and Acie in their rookie years. At that point, it would be up to Jordan to play at a high level, to gain more playing time.
I actually agree with this. A couple of caveat-like exceptions, though:
1) Back when Woody and Billy were still friends (and not boss/employee), they both looked Deron Williams, Chris Paul, and Rajon Rondo in the fact….and agreed on Marvin. Paul was “too small”, Deron was “too fat/slow”, and Rajon “couldn’t shoot.” Yep, have that one on good authority from a VERY reliable source, and don’t expect ANYBODY to believe me. Doesn’t matter now, anyway, as we still hope and search for our lead guard of the future (hoping Teague can fill the shoes somehow).
So I agree that Woody would have liked Jordan Crawford. But I’ll bet he learned from listening to and agreeing with a GM who once said he laughed at the notion of needing a point guard. Of course, this is the same Woody who said that he thought Teague had all the necessary tools (sans the jumper) to get the job done. He even added “no offense to Acie.”
Oh well. Woody will get another job sooner or later.
Big Ray
October 13th, 2010
11:11 pm
Richbrave ,
Congrats!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
11:15 pm
Brent Barry!
Qoute of the Day!
What he said to Peja Stoiyacicic-sp:
“You know you are getting old, when, your back goes out
more that you do!”
Great spinal joke for ole’ drmaryeb!
(rof – lol & kicking the couch)
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
11:28 pm
Forever Young!
Richbrave, congrats! Those Grand-Chittlins’ will keep you
forever young!
KenS
I saw some really good things on offense last night from the starters!
I expect to see better spacing and more accurate passing
angles, once the team gels on offense. Give it 15 – 20 live
games.
Defensively, the effort has to make some strides among the
starters and bench players.
We will go to war, with what we’ve got – per Al!
Big Ray
October 13th, 2010
11:29 pm
cdog ,
I had to laugh at what you posted. If you wanted to prove karma is real, look at Billy Knight. He tried firing Woodson several times, and got the ax himself. Sund never fired Woodson. He even extended him for a couple years when he first came here. Instead of cutting him loose, he let him walk away. I guess Sund tricked the karma gods.
In the meantime, the idea that Larry Drew had anything to do with Woodson’s plight is hilarious. Because if it’s true, then it took him six whole years to do it.
Big Ray
October 13th, 2010
11:30 pm
Drmaryb is on fire again, LOL…
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
11:36 pm
Three Strikes – You’re Out!
Blu-Ray
(Clear Image)
CP3, Deron & Rondo?
If those knuckle heads had just gambled on one of those guys?
We would ALL be jumping for Joy!
Of those three?
Rondo ended up in the best possible situation, he prolly
would have gotten no PT under Mr. Woodson, sad to say!
We shall never know!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 13th, 2010
11:47 pm
Fire Sale!
Blu-Ray
(Picture Perfect)
My fire is reduced to a flicker!
I’m done now.
I will be on your blog 1st thing in the morning.
Ready to go at it again!
-smiles-
truthspitter
October 14th, 2010
12:59 am
I’m appalled at how stupid most of the Larry Drew supporters are sounding right now. Those realistic ones of us will look real smart by the end of November. The Hawks have a soft beginning schedule for a team that is suppose to be a playoff team but they will not capitalize on it and will end up not making the playoffs and its all because there new coach is focusing too much on offense.
The Hawks were one of if not the worse road teams to make the playoffs last year. When has anyone heard Drew addressing that as an area that needs to be improved on? The Hawks were one of the best offensive teams last year when you count the # of points they scored per game and the few turnovers they made which made them incredibly efficient. So, if numbers don’t lie you can make a good argument that offense was not the problem, and turnovers were definitely not the problem. So, it is easy to see that intangibles and defense were the two major issues with this team and neither issue has been addressed.
Intangibles would need to be addressed by someone stepping up and being a better leader and defense would need to be addressed by getting better personnel. You people are fooling yourselves if you think Teague or Jordan Crawford are defensive stoppers. They may be slightly better than Bibby but when you take into account the unneeded offensive change and totally new defensive scheme the overall results will be worse because Al and Josh will get exposed on the inside now rather than on the outside and that is like a team running the ball down your throat in football. If you ever played football it is way more demoralizing to let a team run it down your throat than it is to beat you with finesse. You thought they quit on Woody wait to the all-star break when they are 15-30 and your two young studs in Smoove and Horford are getting pounded every night they will be holding player only meetings to get this cheap scape career backup coach out of town. Mark my words this is a lottery team this year which is not so bad because maybe then we can get a legit C.
MsDee
October 14th, 2010
1:06 am
Truthspitter,
Our OFFense last year is what cost us most of those game..ISO JOE/JAMAL and switching DEFense ALL THE TIME. But now we have a coach who has put together a proven winning OFFense cause the Lakers knows how to share the ball, Boston knows who to share the ball, Orlando knows how to share the ball…you want to hate on LD?????????
MsDee
October 14th, 2010
1:10 am
truthspitter,
Yeah, you right the Hawks were one of the best offensive teams last year when you count the # of points they scored per game and the few turnovers they made which made them incredibly efficient. But you fail to realize NONE OF THAT MATTER DURING THE PLAYOFF CAUSE IT WAS STOPPABLE!!!!!!!! Teams knew exactly what the Hawks were going to do..throw it to JJ and let him have at it!
northcyde
October 14th, 2010
1:13 am
I think it’s virtually impossible for this team ( if healthy ) to be 15 – 30. But if things don’t go right, we could be 25 – 20, and fighting for our lives for positions 4 through 8 in the East.
In our first 18 games, I said that we’d go 14 – 4. We can’t afford to be 9 – 9 in those first 18, because the December road schedule may eat us alive. We need to at least have a little cushion, just in case these guys haven’t learned how to win on the road yet.
The problem IS defensively though. While I don’t agree with truthspitter’s “doom and gloom” prediction, I do agree on what is the main problem with the Hawks. And it’s not offense.
*************
I tried to post something earlier in the day, talking about how the good Dr was preachin’ like she was Juanita Bynum today. She’s been bringing the heat all day.
(( fanning her with an old cardboard Mahalia Jackson church fan ))
truthspitter
October 14th, 2010
1:13 am
MsDee
October 14th, 2010
1:10 am
truthspitter,
Yeah, you right the Hawks were one of the best offensive teams last year when you count the # of points they scored per game and the few turnovers they made which made them incredibly efficient. But you fail to realize NONE OF THAT MATTER DURING THE PLAYOFF CAUSE IT WAS STOPPABLE!!!!!!!! Teams knew exactly what the Hawks were going to do..throw it to JJ and let him have at it!
Sounds nice Ms. Dee but watch how many people complain about it when it lands us in the lottery this year. Just hope we get a true C out of this
northcyde
October 14th, 2010
1:16 am
Wrong MsDee.
All of those collaspes were coupled by horrific defense in which we couldn’t stop the other team.
A quality NBA team should be able to hold onto a 10 point lead, only score 16 in the quarter, and still win the game.
We would have a 10 point lead, and lose by 5, because we’d get outscored 31 – 16.
When teams like Boston and San Antonio go into scoring droughts at the end of games, their defense stiffens tremendously. That way, if they only score 17 in a quarter, they’re making damn sure that their opponent is only scoring 20 or 21 points, thus, the Celtics and Spurs would hang on to victory.
That’s what the Hawks need to learn to do. When things don’t go our way offensively, learn how to also shut the other team down defensively.
Big Ump
October 14th, 2010
1:17 am
drmaryb
3 strikes you out is my call (smile). Just having fun. Enjoying all your post tonight.
truthspitter
October 14th, 2010
1:18 am
Northcyde: think it’s virtually impossible for this team ( if healthy ) to be 15 – 30. But if things don’t go right, we could be 25 – 20, and fighting for our lives for positions 4 through 8 in the East.
In our first 18 games, I said that we’d go 14 – 4. We can’t afford to be 9 – 9 in those first 18, because the December road schedule may eat us alive. We need to at least have a little cushion, just in case these guys haven’t learned how to win on the road yet.
I thought we would go atleast 14-4 myself because I thought we would be better this year than last but I don’t agree with my early thoughts. This team will not be better than last years team until early December at the earliest, but that is the tricky part because that’s when the schedule picks up. We will be well under .500 going into All-star break. We will have 0 all-stars and guys will start wanting Drew gone because he will have messed up the team on the floor and off the floor when it comes to money and things of that nature. Al will start to not look so good as a FA, Josh will wonder if he will ever see an all-star game and Joe’s streak will be broken. Watch and see
vava74
October 14th, 2010
2:40 am
Northcyde,
Our D sagged during those 4th quarter meltdowns when the switching and the non existing D by Bibby and/or Crawford was being exploited at will.
Since neither was hitting his shots down the stretch our offense was too reliant on JJ. Getting his points on ISO plays with results we all know (pretty mixed, at best)
Big Ray
October 14th, 2010
5:45 am
Truthspitter,
Why don’t you call the problem where it’s at? Is Larry Drew really making our team worse? Or is the situation above his head? Here’s a clue: he has about as much to do with the makeup of the roster as the last coach.
By the way, I think you’re wrong. We’ll have two all-stars, possibly three. I know you want to hate Drew for the decisions of those above him, but I think you’re taking it well out of proportion. But hey, to each his own. I don’t drink koolaide, but I don’t drink sour puss mash, either.
JoJo the Godfather
October 14th, 2010
6:03 am
Ajiinca is blocking some shots in Dallas these days…2nd round pick would probably get it done.
I’m hoping Patrick Beverley gets cut loose in Miami as well…We could use his defense at PG…Plus Riley loves the kid, it would be great to snatch him up if they are forced to cut him.
O'Brien
October 14th, 2010
7:31 am
Offense and defense consistency are big problems for the Hawks. But as we have seen in the playoffs, defense wins championships. Just ask the Suns.
However, I dont think the Hawks have the personnel to be a great defensive team. Good? Yes. Great? No. And that is why LD is also pushing offense, because I dont think the Hawks will be able to play lockdown defense like Boston could.
But if we can play good defense, and supplement it with good/timely offense, then we will be fine.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 14th, 2010
7:50 am
Great Defense!
Good defense us not good enough.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 14th, 2010
7:59 am
* … Is not good enough.
jason
October 14th, 2010
8:18 am
MC how sick is marv? Does he have a cold or a another form of sickness.
Not trying to be mean but marvin stay sick. JC2 deserves the start. If u saw him play @ washington u will know what i mean.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 14th, 2010
8:52 am
Jason
Marvin prolly needs a Nutritionist!
These guys need to stop eating them KFC Double Downs!
LOL! Delonte West was free-styling @ KFC while parked
ahead and waiting for his $56 order to come up & out!
Check it out on You-Tube!
Seriously, Marvin does seem to catch the Flu about this time
yearly.
wordsmithtom
October 14th, 2010
9:14 am
drmary, there is a rough upper resperatory bug going around. My whole family has it, or has had it over the last week. Not a flu, but a 3 day sucker….
But, yea….a look at nutrition might be a good idea….hire a “team chef”/personal trainer to look at overall fitness. Cheapazz management would never go for it, but it would help.
Hey, even GOOG uses a chef for their top performers…..just sayin’
drmaryb (*_*)
October 14th, 2010
9:47 am
wordsmithtom
Hope you and the Family feel better. Yeah, I heard about the
nasty little bug making it’s hospital rounds.
Remember fellas:
Wash your hands,
Cover your mouth & nose when you/others cough/sneeze.
Don’t touch door handles & then your face.
Don’t kiss the kids – they’re nasty little things. (LOL)
Keep your sanitary pads close by. (He He)
Hand Sanitizers are great to keep around.
Tuck a handkerchief in your pocket. (Old Skool & Classy)
Be Well!
-a public service announcement-
Hey tom: what is a GOOG?
wordsmithtom
October 14th, 2010
10:08 am
LOL,
GOOG is the stock symbol for Google, the internet advertising giant. Ad guys eat large~!
i_am_soulstar
October 14th, 2010
11:09 am
Trade proposal #573
Jamal Crawford for Devin Harris STRAIGHT UP.
Only makes sense because we have Jordan Crawford
-AND-
we know that New Jersey is willing to part with Devin Harris from the ‘almost-four-team-trade’ of Carmelo.
Hollinger says both teams win totals increase, a rarity on the trade machine.
Bibby becomes our Jason Kapono.
Grandad
October 14th, 2010
11:31 am
wordsmithtom
Hawks have a team chef.
Grandad
October 14th, 2010
11:34 am
Marv pockets his per diem and eats on the cheap.
Seriuosly.
Article [AJC] about he and Childress used to both
do the same thing and save their meal money.
Grandad
October 14th, 2010
11:36 am
*Seriously, I have lost all ability to spell.
Grandad
October 14th, 2010
11:56 am
G-dad’s {{{Trade O’ the Day}}}~[when the season starts I'll stop]
Toronto gets:
* Jamal Crawford
Hawks get:
* David Andersen (former Hawk draft choice)[7-ftr]
** Leandro Barbosa – backup pg (pos starter) *upgrade def.
**(the Brazillian Blur) supposedly the fastest guy in NBA.
IF we must trade Jamal this makes sense.
Andersen fits LD’s offense.
Works on trade machine.
Honestly, this makes all kinds of sense.
vava74
October 14th, 2010
12:07 pm
Just to put a few things in perspective:
The Suns lost to the Raptors BY 51 POINTS in their pre-season opener with almost everyone available (minus Frye and Warrick).
Is anyone questioning Gentry and asking for his head??
I thought so.
Also,
The much loved Garret Siler played on that match:
10 minutes, 6 fouls, 4 rebounds, 2 points
Isn’t this the guy who people around here swore was the “guy we need to defend Howard”?
Again, I though so.
Get a grip people!!!!
Fundamentals
October 14th, 2010
12:31 pm
We can’t judge anything until all pieces are in place, playing consistent rotations for a couple weeks. It’s too early to judge anything other than JC2 should find some minutes this season, Marvin seems more comfortable in the new offense and Teague should be able to carry the load.
The Truth
October 14th, 2010
12:44 pm
LD
here is talking the talk; but is he walking so far?
“The focus of the preseason is going to be defense. We are going to look at numbers like [defensive] field-goal percentage and the whole defensive realm. That is what is going to take us to another level. We have the athleticism, size, speed, and quickness to be a top-echelon defensive team.”
The assistant coach, Lester Conner has also been
talking about Defense; So far though, just talking
“Conner said the coaching staff looks to “bring the toughness and energy” out of the Hawks to help them break through to the Eastern Conference finals. He said the Hawks would pattern themselves after the Celtics and Magic, who made the East finals the past two seasons largely due to their consistently tough defense.”
wordsmithtom
October 14th, 2010
12:54 pm
Grandpa, I once saw Barbosa put up 21 in a quarter. Nobody stops him from getting where he wants to go. Anderson’s a bit limpid for my tastes. I want a 7 footer with an azz, not a 3 point threat. Barbosa probably not enough head up, so I’d take Anderson to get the Brazilian flash…. Imagine him running with JSmooth and Horf….scares the beatlejuice out of me.
Ken Strickland
October 14th, 2010
1:06 pm
It’s amusing to see how the WOODY LOVERS and LDREW HATERS go back an forth with their contradictions. Out of one side of their mouths they talk about how much better the Hawks were under their beloved Woody, and how the Hawks will falter this yr because of LDrew and the tremendous improvement of the Eastern Conference.
Then, out of the other side of their mouths, in order to cover their collective butts in case LDrew and the Hawks are successful, we start hearing this BS about how easy the 1st part of the schedule is. EITHER THE EASTERN CONFERENCE, AND THE TEAMS IN IT, ARE IMPROVED OR THEY AREN’T.
I believe part of Jamal Crawford’s DEF problems stemmed from him being used primarily as Bibby’s backup PG, which usually required him to defend the opposing PG, that is, when he wasn’t switching off on PF and C’s. LDrew will likely use Jamal Crawford and Bibby as backup PG’s, assuming he’s still with us, which means Jamal will be defending SG most of the time.
There are few NBA SG’s that can match the overall speed, quickness and penetrating ability of the average NBA PG. Bibby, on the other hand, just lacks the physical attributes needed to effectively guard anyone. Until a determination is made on Jamal’s situation, we can’t determine which Crawford will be our 6th man.
I seriously doubt if both will be included on the 12 man roster, unless there’s a trade of injury. Without a trade of injury, our 2010/11 12 man roster will likely be: STARTERS: JTeague, JJohnson, MWilliams, JSmith, AHorford, BENCH: JaCrawford/JoCrawford, MEvans, ZPachulia, JPowell, EThomas and JCollins and MBibby. Bibby seems to be the most expendable, due to his OFF/DEF limitations, as well as JJ and both Crawfords ability to function at PG.
Once the regular season starts and our starters get their regular mins, and the bench rotation is set, we’ll see an entirely different Hawks team than the one we’ve seen so far this preseason. When the season officially starts, I think the players that make the final 12 man roster will be far more aggressive, assertive and enthusiastic than has been demonstrated so far during preseason.
How many of you have read the article CONNER ADDS NEW VOICE? Here are 3 comments from that article, and I want to get your opinion on their meaning.
1-”PLAYERS SAY IT ALSO HELPS THAT CONNER MAKES HIS POINTS WITH ENCOURAGEMENT RATHER THAN PUT DOWNS”.
2-”IT’S NOT LIKE HE WILL CALL YOU OUT AND TRY TO EMBARRASS YOU, HAWKS FORWARD JOSH SMITH SAID.”
3-”IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING HE SAYS TO HELP THE TEAM OUT.”
It appears as if the Hawks really do have a new and different voice in LConner, as well as a familiar voice in LDrew, but his is coming from a different direction, and has far, far more significance.