Atlanta Hawks: Lots of talk about ‘D’ but few results
Since camp opened on Sept. 28 L.D. has laid out some specific defensive goals he wants from the Hawks.:
Get back in transition and then stop the ball and protect the basket.
Defend the pick-and-roll by showing hard with the help.
Block out.
Play with energy.
More than two weeks later, what he’s gotten is players showing “no energy as far as stopping the ball and protecting the basket” in transition, “kind of swiping at the ball from the help position” on pick-and-rolls and not boxing out.
Is L.D. disappointed his preaching hasn’t yet led to results?
“No,” he said. “It has to become habit. Doing it the old way, we could possibly finish somewhere in the middle of the pack defensively. But I am looking beyond that. I think we should be one of the top 10 teams in the league defensively if we make the total commitment of taking care of our responsibilities. That is something I am teaching every day and I am not going to let up.”
So L.D. broke down all those issues during a video session today and said the Hawks then had “one of the better practices with the energy and the responsibilities on the coverages.” It also helped that he had more bodies.
Jamal, Twin, Mo, and Marvin all returned to practice today. Teague (ankle) is still out and may not play Saturday vs. the Hornets in Johnson City, Tenn.
The injuries have nothing to do with effort, of course, but they’ve affected everything else. It’s been tough to get a read on the Hawks because, outside of parts of the first half of the exhibition opener, they’ve had a patchwork group on the court
That’s contributed to the ragged play. It’s also scuttled many of L.D.’s plans like playing Teague with the starters, Al at power forward, and keeping Jordan Crawford at two guard while not playing him crazy minutes.
“That part of it is tough,” L.D. said. “But that’s just the way it is. You have to deal with it. When they [the injured players] get back we’ll spend more teaching them to try to get them caught up.”
There will still be issues when the full group is intact. In addition to facing the tough task of molding this group into the kind of gritty defensive team they’ve never been, L.D. is hamstrung by personnel.
Bibby’s issues with lateral quickness were on full display against Detroit’s Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum. L.D. didn’t even bother trying him on John Wall.
Sure those are some young, fast guys but the problem for the Hawks is the league has a lot of those. If they can’t somehow find a way to contain ballhandlers on the perimeter it’s hard to see how they can make the defensive leap L.D. is seeking.
That’s why the Hawks need Teague to rise up. Otherwise, L.D.’s other options include letting J.J. spend significant time guarding point guards (which J.J. doesn’t like because he wears down), play Bibby only in lineups that also include Marvin, Josh and Al, or hope Jamal can do better.
The injuries have prevented L.D. from sorting those things out.
“I understand we don’t have guys, but I still want the mindset to be every single night we are going to make it tough for people to score against us,” he said. “I’m looking at transition ‘D,’ I’m looking at how we defend the pick-and-roll, and are we in position when the ball goes up on the glass to rebound. Once we get that part consistent, it becomes habit-forming. I think we have enough to score baskets.”
If not for Teague’s injury, he would have gotten a lot of those minutes JC2 has been playing at point guard.
“It’s frustrating,” Teague said. “I played well in the one game, though we didn’t win. And then I got hurt in practice the next day. But it happens. I’m just glad it’s not worse.”
By the way, L.D. said Jordan Crawford is not a realistic option at point guard, so he’s not in competition with Teague to either back up Bibby or supplant him in the starting lineup.
“I’ve made no bones about it as far as how I see Jeff,” L.D. said. “My expectations for him was to come in and push Mike for the starting role. Jeff has had a good camp and then unfortunately he had the ankle injury.
“I look at Jordan as who he is. He is not a point. He has the ability to play some point but he doesn’t have those natural point-guard instincts. He’s a good passer. That being said, I just view him more as a two than a one.”
Injury report
Teague ran on the treadmill for 19 minutes and said he felt fine but he’s being cautious.
“Wally [Blase]told me to take my time and don’t rush it,” he said. “An ankle is nothing to mess with. I don’t want to tweak it and make it worse.”
Jamal said his back is at 75 percent.
“It felt pretty good,” he said. “It’s better and better. The worst is behind me.”
Collins said he might play Saturday.
“I hope so,” he said. “It’s a little sore, which is to be expected on the first day back from a sprain.”
Mo and Marvin should be ready to play Saturday.
Pape Sy (back) is still on the shelf. L.D. said he had no update on his status.
MC
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167 comments Add your comment
vava74
October 15th, 2010
9:40 am
As for Che, he was an idiot, a woman beater (well documented), a guy with no respect for human life, who used fancy left wing words to live a grand life, the life of a gunslinger and of a hoodlum.
His speech and all his “ideals” were mere justifications for him to satisfy his blood lust and to be adored by illiterate masses.
Che is more than anything one of the first pop culture products: an extremely lucky photo (the one you see everywhere nowadays) by a guy called Korda generated what we have now: Che is an image, to which people project qualities and ideals which are either not real, or wrong and lies.
vava74
October 15th, 2010
9:41 am
As for Che, he was an idiot, a woman beater (well documented), a guy with no respect for human life, who used fancy left wing words to live a grand life, the life of a gunslinger and of a hoodlum.
His speech and all his “ideals” were mere justifications for him to satisfy his blood lust and to be adored by illiterate masses.
Che is more than anything one of the first pop culture products:
an extremely lucky photo (the one you see everywhere nowadays) by a guy called Korda generated what we have now: Che is an image, to which people project qualities and ideals which are either not real, or wrong and lies.
vava74
October 15th, 2010
9:43 am
Without that photo, people would still know Che, as an historical figure, but he would hardly be a household name as he is right now.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 15th, 2010
9:49 am
Soul_Star
Hey, if I were you? I would keep in touch with Elle Duncan too.
I would have to take a look @ a switching teams if I had her
or Beyonce’s phone number myself. (lol). I’m just sayin’.
Astro Joe
Balloon Boy? Don’t forget about The Fan Man too.
Anyway, it’s all good stuff and unbelievable too.
Agreed about all the outa’ natural positions players on this team.
Why Stop Now?
He He ..
vava74
October 15th, 2010
9:52 am
I still wanted to say that it’s ironic that Che’s recognition nowadays is a product of capitalism: the reproduction of his image as if he was a soap or a cereal brand.
i_am_soulstar
October 15th, 2010
9:54 am
Lol @ Dr. Mary B.,
She is finer than frog hair split four ways.
But it’s too late for me… trapped in the twilight (friend) zone.
vava74
October 15th, 2010
9:57 am
drmaryb,
I think that my sarcasm caught you off guard.
I know perfectly well that Delk, Brock and Marsh are nothing but fillers.
My point was that, since they have played EXTENDED minutes in the previous two games, to draw ANY CONCLUSIONS on LD’s work is a pathetic.
If he fails to deliver, I will be the first on the line telling things as they are.
Until we have a decent sample, we should be a bit more moderate.
O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
10:12 am
“Strange how many of our other main players are forced to play “unnatural” positions for the good of the team but JC2 can’t even attempt to get PG minutes unless there is a west nile virus epidemic amongst the “natural PGs”.”AJ .
Do you want LD to come out and say he will play JC2 minutes at PG, even though he currently has 2 PGs on his roster who he is hoping will get the job done?
Didn’t Jamal play some PG last year when the other PGs were not getting the job done? I think it will be the same scenario this year.
If Bibby and/or Teague cannot get the job done, then our SGs (JJ, Jamal, JC2) will see minutes at PG, no matter what LD says (imo). But I still think he is saying the right things.
ILL-Logical
October 15th, 2010
10:38 am
*She is finer than frog hair split four ways.*
Whoa,haven’t heard that one since the last time. Talk about about old school.(and judging by the pix I have seen of her,it is an apt description)
El Bravo
October 15th, 2010
10:43 am
vava74, I appreciate your disdain for Che’s ideals but do not over-simplify the man because of them. We may disagree with his Communist ideology but Che was an erudite; born of a well-off family, a top-of-the-class physician and well-rounded individual who willfully sacrificed all of the privileges he was born with to his ideology. I don’t much care for his ideology but there is some virtue on his actions…
On a separate note, is it time for the Hawks to cut their loses on Bibby? I just don’t see him being a useful member of this team under the new system…
KevinM
October 15th, 2010
11:24 am
Our PG situation is anything but sensible. We have a guy (Bibby) who obviously is either waiting for the regular season to start or he isn’t going to change his ways for LD. But right now, he is the starter.
It doesn’t help that Teague can’t stay on the court for him to take charge (anybody remember Acie’s issues when he was trying to make a statement?)
Now if JC2 is going to get minutes at the 1, which right now is his best opportunity to get minutes, I think we have some real issues on this team going forward. Without Teague, there is no on the ball pressure. Neither Joe nor JC1 nor JC2 is slowing down all the quick PGs in this league.
Rondo/Rose/Wall/Jennings/Harris….these guys are going to shred our soft defense if we don’t start applying ball pressure and forcing these guys into bad decisions.
Not all teams have that quick guard, but Orlando/Miami have ways to compensate. Those teams have guys who lead their teams though. Right now, our leader isn’t bringing the ball up the court.
Please, don’t think our 2s can guard other 1s……I have seen that backfire every playoff season.
I am starting to buy into what so many have said about the need for a much improved perimeter defensive strategy. Since we don’t have a defensive specialist like DMaryB is pining for(and who can blame her?(we have ignore the need at this stage), there has to be a plan that has puts our guys in a good position for transition.
LD is still trying to figure it out, and while the players can say, yes, we will do whatever you indoctrinate, but we just aren’t used to it after 6 years. It is a WIP……work-in-progress. The schedule is in their favor to get it right before the tough portion comes up.
But don’t take these lower East teams lightly; there’s a renewed life in DC with Wall…there’s huge optimism in Chicago, where guess what? they are running a motion offense and getting away from iso-Rose…watch out! The issue is, the players are apparentiemyWatch out for Boston and their depth they have acquired and a full offseason from Super Nat in Doc’s system! Milwaukee has the vets this year to wrap around their wonder boy.
DMaryB, that list of specialists is just too sensible for Sund to consider. These are the guys who make big plays when you need a big bucket or steal. We still don’t get it in Atlanta. The Braves get it…they continue to look for punch from their role players.
Seriously, what defensive specialists has Knight or Sund brought us? I thought Mo was that guy. Wow, he has been a big disappointment because he was getting Orlando. Side bar: you think Orlando would like to have Trevor Ariza back, who they traded to get Evans and Brian Cook? Yikes.
We still need specialists off the bench….so far, we have had Zaza, Flip and Jamal give us some semblance of a boost to the starters. IMO, that’s been it.
That is more critical to the success of this team than retaining the core IMO. I just would like to see Teague and others threaten the core.
i_am_soulstar
October 15th, 2010
11:25 am
El Bravo,
Someone on here said it before me (could’ve been Ken Strickland), but I think at this stage in his career, Bibby should be playing the same role Eddie House plays.
Ken Strickland
October 15th, 2010
11:28 am
NORTHCYDE-I read your posts because you have some good insight, usually, but sometimes you can really come up with some BIGGUNS. How do you have the nerve to say LDrew is trying to hold Jordan Crawford back, especially at PG, when he’s averaged over 40+MPG over the 3 preseason gms? And over the last 2gms, he’s left him on the court for 47.4mins and 46.52mins respectively? And then you ignore the fact he’s played primarily PG during those last 2 gms. In fact, Jordan Crawford has played more mins than any other Hawk during preseason.
Again, as I’ve pointed out before, you’re making statements and assumptions with absolutely no facts, logic or history to back them up. Come on NORTHCYDE, I know you can do better than this, you’ve proven that already.
With preseason rapidly coming to a close, teams will be cutting some pretty good talent, and the Hawks have both EThomas and JCollins under minimum contracts. For me, what we decide to do with Bibby, if he continues to struggle, is the biggest issue. It appears that with the emergence of Jordan Crawford, especially at PG, the Hawks have already decided to move on without Jamal Crawford, unless he wises up and starts playing ball, instead of playing possum.
KevinM
October 15th, 2010
11:29 am
The issue is, the players are apparentiemy
Should read, it sounds like the players are buying into the changes from TT and appear to be picking up the new system. What does that say about this team? I mentioned questioning their IQ in an earlier post, and I hope I am ignorant on that thought, and I have been wrong before.
I would just like to see a refreshed team ready to go after the East title, which is as open as its been in a while. You have to take opportunities when given to you….does LeBron get everyone focused in soon enough? DHoward only has to improve his FTs IMO and that team will be tough to beat.
Astro Joe
October 15th, 2010
11:37 am
OB, on the heels of JC2 showing some potential as a short-duration PG, Drew says that dude isn’t competing for PG minutes. Essentially because it isn’t his natural position. That seems counter to what this team is all about… natural positions has never been a requirement before… maybe that is part of the master plan of the “new sheriff in town”. Good luck with that (for this specific roster).
vava74
October 15th, 2010
11:42 am
El Bravo,
“willfully sacrificed all of the privileges he was born with to his ideology”
That is where you are completely wrong, he did not sacrifice anything.
Living a productive life within society and within legality, making an honest living and providing for your family is much more difficult and hard to be good at than to indulge in a life of free roaming around the world spitting hatred in self serving exercises and go into free wheeling killing whenever he thought that someone was “too privileged”.
He basically liked to live free from society’s conventions and limits, to kill and to live as an outlaw, a womanizer and consequently there was no sacrifice from his side.
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
11:44 am
Still hopeful that folks will get up to speed with LD’s practices and start plugging in. We need a good look at this team with all pieces of the puzzle to evaluate where/how to move forward.
MC – Ask Bibby straight up, what’s up? The guy is not 85 years old? How does he expect to start, much less play showing that kind of effort and intensity? The guy isn’t worth giving Eddie House minutes based on what we’ve seen thus far.
Why can’t Jordan back up Teague? Seems to be showing promise. Also could use Sy at PG and SF for spot minutes as he develops.
Win or lose I like the idea of pushing our new talent to see what they’ll have late in the season. Doesn’t matter the seed, we need them ready. Something Woodson never did. He played for the seed and nothing else. We’ve got to be ready!
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
11:46 am
Good point Astro – when has anyone played their “natural” position on this distinguished bunch of tweeners? I see JC2’s efforts at PG as proof positive we need to utilize talent and think outside the box for once.
wordsmithtom
October 15th, 2010
11:54 am
DrMary,
About switching teams: I hear it’s not all it’s cracked up to be….
As for Chairman Mao: “If you been carrying pictures of Chairman Mao, you ain’t goin’ to make it with anyone, anyhow” John Lennon
i_am_soulstar
October 15th, 2010
12:23 pm
I don’t mind Larry Drew saying that he doesn’t see Jordan Crawford as a point guard.
I doubt it means that he won’t use him at the position.
He probably said it because the coaches would like to see Teague develop a mental edge, and having to look over his shoulder at Jordan Crawford might be counter-productive to establishing Teague’s confidence.
Although I always think competition for the same spot is motivation. But they know him better than I do.
cp
October 15th, 2010
12:26 pm
Good post O’Brien. Folks on here always tend to overreact to everything. As you and Ray pointed out, if guys are struggling I’m sure LD will play JC2 at some point if need be. I’m guessing LD wants Teague at the point because he has seen the work he has put in and has confidence he can get the job done. The one game he played he put up 20 and 6… And yea I don’t understand how northcyde can talk about shot selection with JC2 when he spent so much of last season telling us how terrible Jamals shot selection is. People on here always want it both ways. If a guy is performing well then its “oh well its just preseason”. If a guy is playing terrible then the its just preseason excuse seems to go out the window. You cant have it both ways folks. How can it be just preseason with certain players or certain aspects of the game but count with other players and other aspects of the game.
Melvin
October 15th, 2010
12:46 pm
Looking at the Eastern conference, I wouldn’t be surprise if the entire SouthEast division makes the playoffs along with Boston, Milwaukee and Chicago to fill the other three spots…
wordsmithtom
October 15th, 2010
12:52 pm
cp,
Good points. 20 + 6 was nothing to sneeze at. Then Teague turns an ankle. Suddenly, LD is forced to use Jordan at point where he puts up 30. Well, great….but did the action look like the play of a point guard or of a 2 playing point? LD must be careful not to undermine Teague’s psyche, talking up JC2 too loud might cause Teague to try and rush back too quickly from his injury. He knows what Teague can do…he doesn’t want to hurt his confidence. JC2 obviously has confidence in his shot and scoring ability…saying he’s not perceived as a natural point guard is no secret. I’m sure he knows that too. Teague, however, has made a lot of progress into developing the point skills. We need him…don’t undermine that because the rook went for 30 in his absence.
JoJo the Godfather
October 15th, 2010
1:11 pm
Trade a draft pick to Dallas for Ajiinca & soon…Dallas fans are starting to turn in his favor…Picked up 3 blocks in Wednesday’s game.
O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
1:34 pm
KevinM,
Mo Evans is a decent defender if he is guarding SGs. The problem is he is a 6′5″ SG who is being asked to guard SFs who are 6′7″ and 6′8″. Mo just isnt big enough.
I agree about us needing another PG, especially for defense. I have confidence in Teague, but that does not mean he will be ready for 30 mpg right away. But Sund and LD have put almost all their eggs in Teague and Bibby’s basket. Thats a big risk for a team that wants to make the ECF.
AJ,
JC2 is a rookie SG who has bad shot selection at times. LD wants him to work on his shot selection, and his defense of other SGs as his priority.
He doesnt want him to have to worry about learning how to run an offense (when to pass, when to shoot), call plays, and guard opposing PGs too.
Maybe LD does not want to throw JC2 to the wolves just yet
Big Ray
October 15th, 2010
1:36 pm
Now I’ve heard it all. Samuel, you’ve outdone yourself:
Many people in the history of man have done that: press the most basic buttons of human nature in order to trigger the hatred and fear of the masses and use that in their favor.
Kinda like Ken and many others did here that resulted in the firing of an honorable man and a good coach who took the doormats of the NBA to 53 wins and a 2nd round playoff appearance.
The blog got the coach fired. I repeat, the blog got the coach fired . I guess we’re also responsible for the intelligence reports that said there are WMDs in Iraq, Lindsay Lohan’s addictions to everything she touches, and we also framed Roger Rabbit.
Holy Moly….
Big Ray
October 15th, 2010
1:37 pm
O’brien ,
Your posts have been off the chain today!
Grandad
October 15th, 2010
2:25 pm
Samuel
You said you wanted five coaches who used a moving offense.
You also elaborated that I failed to name but two.
Since we are using an historical context, here goes.
Five old “coaches’ whose offensives were both moving & attacking:
(1) Genghis Khan
(2) Alexander (now he was Great)
(3) Attila the Hun
(4) Napoleon (French, but still…)
(5) Dick Cheney (just kiddin’)
*** Leonidas (I put him in for defense)
*** [even though he used a packed in zone]
cp
October 15th, 2010
2:26 pm
Samuels man crush on Woodrow has been nothing short of disgusting
Astro Joe
October 15th, 2010
2:55 pm
OB, we’ve read accounts of Jordan demanding that veteran players get in the right set, we’ve heard about nice passes, and we’ve seen the results of a good assist-to-turnover ratio. I’d suggest that Teague needs as much refinery as Jordan irrespective of their “natural positions”. But on a team chock full of tweeners, the notion that JC2 is locked into an SG box seems silly AND premature. And my guess is that if the previous head coach had made such a statement (essentially locking JC2 behind Joe & Jamal in a 3rd string at best role while showing intense loyalty to a preferred player… in this case Teague), well, you know how folk would have reacted. It feels like our rookie “player” is being sent to the back of the line of the position that includes a 4-time All-Star AND the reaigning SMOY. Meanwhile, that same player just flashed some ability to play spot minutes at a position of need.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 15th, 2010
2:55 pm
Celebrity Justice!
T.I. In court right now and V-103 is broadcasting Live?
2 Live Stews reporting that you can not access their
building without security access. So, T.I. Saving
Joshua’s life is shaping up to be a staged event to
alter his 14 Month sentence being sought by prosecutors.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 15th, 2010
3:01 pm
ws-tom, but JC2 also had 7 dimes to go along with that 30 pts. And, he played with
D-Leaguers while doing it. He was the only scoring option on that crew.
He can play the PG, based on pure instincts and heart, no thinking
required. He is a scoring machine – Not a Thinker, IMHO.
doc
October 15th, 2010
3:02 pm
samuel, genocide is genoside whether in austria of jews by hitler, africa by tribal leaders or in china by mao. you need to read about mao or maybe talk to some chinese willing to talk of how devastating the tactics of mao were. your lack of either insight and/or depth on that topic are sad. i am truly sad for you in your lack of either knowledge or compassion on that one.
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
3:08 pm
cp . . don’t lie on me man.
I had very little problems with the play of Jamal Crawford last year. Most of my Crawford complaints came when we acquired the dude, and during the Milwaukee series.
But what I don’t like about the dude, is that when he is ice cold, he still takes the same types of shots . . . long jumpers. That’s the bad shot selection I’m talking about. That’s the bad shot selection everyone talks about, when discussing Jamal.
He has the ability to be a great pentrating guard, along with him possessing the ability to take and make tough shots. When he’s making those shots, you won’t hear a peep out of me about shot selection. Skill wise, the dude has top 20 in the league type talent.
But the guy has historically been one of the streakiest shooters in NBA history, because he will be 1 – 8 FG, and STILL jack up an off-balance 21 footer.
All I’m saying about Jordan, is for Drew to not be trying to supress what he does best . . and that’s score the basketball . . whether it be from the 2 or the 1.
********
SMH @ all of this talk about not hurting Teague’s confidence. A “baller” is ALWAYS confident. There are no mental hangups with ballers. So you’re telling me that he not only needs a “dog”, he also needs to have as little competition as possible for the PG job, in order to build his confidence?
Hell, even Salim didn’t lack confidence. He just wasn’t efficient.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 15th, 2010
3:18 pm
Unless Aijinca blocked 3 shots against Dwight?
Does it really matter?
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
3:22 pm
@ Ken . . . Drew told you straight from his mouth that he had no intentions of playing Jordan at the 1. If healthy, Teague would’ve easily played 30+ minutes at the point, while Jordan played the 2.
He didn’t play the point in the first preseason game, so what makes people think that there were plans to play him at the point if everyone was healthy?
And people may not like the negativity that truthspitter spouts, but he made a valid point about Jordan early this morning.
At 6-4, Jordan may be a 2, but he’s an undersized 2 that may have a little difficulty shooting over guys who are 6-6 and taller. At the point, he’s Jason Kidd’s height, and can shoot right over the average 6-1 to 6-3 PG.
He was 5 – 15 FG in game 1 when he played SG. When he played the 1, he was a combined 20 – 37 FG and dropped 12 assists in 2 games . . mainly playing with scrubs.
But I know . . . it’s just preseason.
No lack of confidence in that kid. And he doesn’t need a “dog trainer” to bring it out of him.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 15th, 2010
3:25 pm
Astro Joe
Enthusiastic Co-Sign!
I love JC2 … Just play him!
“The Pre-Season is for me!”
-JC2-
drmaryb (*_*)
October 15th, 2010
3:29 pm
JC2 is a Scorer! Period!
cp
October 15th, 2010
3:45 pm
Nobody is lying on you. Plenty of times last year you came with the if Jamal is cold Woodson has to pull him out the game comments. So how is it wrong for LD to want Jordan Crawford to work on his shot selection? As O’Brien pointed out, his first game he didnt shoot yet he kept jacking up shots. I guess its to much for the coach to want the player to work on his shot selection. They have been talking about his shot selection since the summer league. LD clearly said he wants him to play his game but not take a lot of bad shots. So i dont see how you can be critical of Jamal jacking up jumpers when he is cold when Jordan is known to do the same thing. As O’Brien also pointed out, his college coach was pretty much saying the same thing. And once again Jordan will get minutes you guys are just reading too much into what LD said about him playinig pg. Grandad had a great post during the summer league about how Jordan is not a pg…. Grandad could you please break it down again. As a matter fact he pointed out some instances against the Wizards were you see Jordans mentality as a scorer rather than a pg.
cp
October 15th, 2010
3:47 pm
That should have read he didn’t shoot well but he kept taking shots. I think he did the same in the second game.
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
3:48 pm
2-guards on the Hawks:
Joe
Jamal
Mo
Jordan
Both Mo and Joe can play SF, be Mo’s best position is SG because SF’s eat him up. JJ can equally handle both positions
Jamal’s best position is SG, but he can play the PG in a scoring role.
So if Drew doesn’t view Jordan as a 1, how is Jordan going to get on the floor at SG, without Drew pretty much cutting Mo completely out of the rotation?
Grandad
October 15th, 2010
3:53 pm
mc
Come on, yawl are making a mtn out of a mole hill.
LD said:
— “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 said:
- “Coach is letting me play a lot of minutes and giving me freedom”
MC said:
– “For a while in the second half it looked like Crawford and John Wall were trying to outdo one another.”
drmaryb said:
“He can play the PG, based on pure instincts and heart,
*[no thinking required]*.”
*(I’m sorry darlin’ but I must disagree on that one) [G-dad]
* “@ times he gets blinded by wanting to get a shot up”
What’s so hard to understand about that?
* “he has a big heart & I like his competitve spirit”
Sounds like high praise to me.
* “It looked like JC2 -&- Wall were trying to outdo one another”
The most damning statement of all. *(in this context)
* “no thinkin’ required”
Mary Ellen, I’m not gonna debate you ’cause you play dirty.
Grandad
October 15th, 2010
4:00 pm
Mary Ellen 3:18 pm
“Unless Aijinca blocked 3 shots against Dwight?”
“Does it really matter?”
Yes ma’am, I think it does.
AA would really fit here.
Rotation player initially.
J-Cheese & Zaza + Etan have 18 fouls to use vs D.H.
AA, Josh, Al = super front line (somewhere down the road)
Astro Joe
October 15th, 2010
4:01 pm
northcyde, the only other reasonable explanation, given Bibby’s slippage and Teague’s inexperience (is he ready to play 30+ minutes a game?), is that either Joe or Jamal will be spending some time running the point. And that will open SG minutes for JC2. We may see some sets with Jamal and Mo in the backcourt together or Joe and Jordan.
O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
4:08 pm
“So if Drew doesn’t view Jordan as a 1, how is Jordan going to get on the floor at SG, without Drew pretty much cutting Mo completely out of the rotation?” northcyde .
Exactly. Which is why I have been saying we should have traded JC1 and signed a backup SF. That way, JC2 and Mo Evans would handle the backup SG spot, our bench would be more balanced, and JJ would spend all his time at SG.
And I dont see anything wrong with LD telling him to work on his shot selection, and that he doesn’t see him as a PG. JC2 is a good passer, yes. But so is JJ, and I dont want to see JJ play PG either (on offense or defense).
AJ,
When push comes to shove, I think JC2 will get minutes at PG if Teague and Bibby dont play up to par. I think too much is being read into LD’s comments about JC2 and PG.
The Truth
October 15th, 2010
4:12 pm
The Friday Truth Award is awarded to: Northcyde
“No lack of confidence in that kid. And he doesn’t need a “dog trainer” to bring it out of him.”
If he plays like a baller, scores like ballers, barks at people likes a baller, HELL HE MUST BE A BALLER!!.LOL
We must remember that playing JC2 at the point is not an indictment against Teague (hell I like him too). It’s nothing more than an optional situational lineup to close out games as I mentioned in my previous post; a dual-combo-guard lineup with JC1, JC2 and JJ as a SF. Last year, we closed-out games with JC1 at the point instead of Bibby though Bibby started. This new wrinkle could put the most offense pressure on an opposing defense. Most coaches would probably salivate at the idea. If we want to start discussing unconventional lineups, look at Lebron playing PG for Miami. The only thing that really matters is the win, not how you get there. If LD pass this up because of some ego issues with Teague, then that puts him in a whole new perceptional limelight which would be unfavorable in Hawksville. Again, this is just one of perhaps many other offense options and not a permanent installation.
KevinM
October 15th, 2010
4:20 pm
What I am reading here is that Mo is not going to be Marvin’s backup. LD sure hasn’t said that we have 4 2’s?
I still see Mo as a 3, no matter if its a size issue he isn’t successful…if that is the case, what is Marvin’s excuse? Why hasn’t Marvin just dominated that position because of his size and length?
Frankly, whomever we put at the 3 could very well be the worse play in the starting lineup or off the bench. While our optimism may come out, we know what we are getting with Marvin. No need for him to go through the motions of the preseason though…..its a long season….does anyone else get tired of hearing this?
We accept more mediocrity than possibly Utah…..does anyone really despise Utah and the way they play? I don’t think so…all you hear are ‘nice’ things about Jerry being a great coach, yet he can’t get over the hump in any season.
It just gets old to accept the limitations that come with this roster. I would like for one period of time to hear teams that don’t like to play us because of our aggressiveness or we are impossible to contain.
The only thing we can hang our hat on for positive results is Jordan Crawford playing out of the 1 because of our limits. Funny, a 53 win team that doesn’t have a solid 1.
Oh, and take notice not that it means anything to the ones keeping track………the worse preseason record……….0-4 belonging to Charlotte…phew….we’re only 0-3. The only 2 to not taste victory this preseason….no worries…Orlando on Monday….
Rev in Tampa
October 15th, 2010
4:22 pm
I wish we could transplant JC2’s “dog” into Marvin. All Marvin lacks is a mindset (heart) and a layup.
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
4:23 pm
Grandad – been calling for Ajinca since last summer. Good 7′ prospect w/ youth and skills. I think he’d fit here well at a Spirit Prices too.
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
4:26 pm
I say JJ and Smoove can fill up the 3 spot if need be with or without Marvin. Use Mo at SG or move him. Bibby and Mo should’ve been outta here for a SF who could rebound and hit the 3 or for a big who could develop into someone to stop Dwight…or at least a young athletic 7′ prospect to run with.