Atlanta Hawks: Rookie Jordan Crawford can score but . . .
JC2 scored at Xavier and he's scoring in the NBA presason. (John Biever/SI)
The preseason has shown that Hawks rookie Jordan Crawford is, as advertised, a scorer.
After three games, he’s fourth in the league with 21 points per game and the leading scorer among rookies. Yeah, he’s playing crazy minutes–break it down per 48 minutes and he drops down to 64th in preseason scoring– but he’s shooting 48 percent.
That’s nothing but good news for the Hawks, who need to develop young players for a time when their “core” philosophy runs its course. But it’s not so valuable now because of the way Atlanta’s roster is built. As it stands, Crawford actually would be more valuable to the Hawks if he were a stopper rather than a scorer (and better still if he were three inches taller and played small forward).
The Hawks don’t lack for guards who can score. J.J. is an All-Star scorer. Jamal is a Sixth Man Award scorer. Bibby isn’t a dynamic scorer but spot him up at the 3-point line and he will score.
The way Crawford could differentiate himself from those players is to become an effective defender. Then he would have a specific role off the bench this season with the Hawks not losing anything offensively and maybe even realizing a net gain.
That’s going to take some time.
“My challenge with him is defensively,” L.D. said. “He needs to take more of a challenge. Every rookie that comes in the league, that is where they have to establish themselves first so they can send out the message that they are not going to be a liability on the defensive end. He can score the ball. We all know we can do that.”
JC2 already has gotten a taste of what it’s like to defend the perimeter in the NBA. He’s banged against hard screens set by big men while chasing the likes of O.J. Mayo, Rip Hamilton, Ben Gordon, Nick Young, and Kirk Hinrich.
The constant motion and contact is a physical challenge.
“More importantly, good defensive players anticipate the action before it happens,” L.D. said. “His tendency if he is away from the ball is to relax. He has to get better at being ready to defend. If I am watching our last two games, if I’m the opponent, that would be a glaring thing I would see right off the bat. His tendency on the weak side is to relax, therefore he becomes an easy target to screen.
“What I am trying to work with him on is, first of all, the mindset. You can’t relax on defense. Your mindset has to be to defend for 18, 19, 20 seconds. The minute you relax, you get popped with a screen and now the separation takes place and now you are scrambling.”
L.D. showed JC2 clips of times that’s happened to him in the preseason and he said the rookie was receptive. For Crawford to get better on defense, L.D. said “the instincts have to kick in and the basketball savvy has to kick in” but he also has to see situations more often so he can anticipate them.
As an example, L.D. said a point guard should know that when his man dribbles to the wing, there’s a high probability the play is a pick-and-roll. The defender should be prepared to execute his defensive coverage before the play happens but (understandably) JC2 isn’t to that point yet.
“I kid around with him and tell him at Xavier they just wanted him to score and defense became secondary,” L.D. said. “Whereas here it’s got to be the flip side. He has got to be thinking defense. I know he can score. He’s got to get better defensively.”
Injury report
Bibby (back) didn’t practice today and is questionable to play tomorrow vs. the Hornets. Teague is out. Jamal, Twin, Mo and Marvin all practiced and are expected to play. Al said his ankle is getting stronger and he plans to play more minutes . . .
Word is the return of more regulars has meant spirited practices the last two days. The second team won today’s scrimmage 18-6 with Jamal leading the way.
“Intense,” Al said. “The two best practices this year, really. Guys are really getting after it. It’s been getting heated out there but that’s what it’s all about. That is showing signs of us getting better and caring, and that’s encouraging to me.” . . .
No news on extension negotiations between Al’s reps and the Hawks.
“We are still talking to the team,” he said. “I just hope it gets done.”
They’ve got until Nov. 1.
MC
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187 comments Add your comment
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
4:59 pm
Good to hear some fire in practice. GO HAWKS!
Najeh Davenpoop
October 15th, 2010
5:00 pm
So in other words, more evidence that Jordan Crawford’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall game are basically a mirror image of Jamal Crawford.
If Sund waits more than a month into the season to deal Jamal for big men and/or small forward depth, he’s not doing his job.
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
5:01 pm
JC2 is a mirror image of the offensive skills, but let’s give the kid time to develop on the defensive side to become much more than JC1 is…unless JC1 can get pissed off and show us he can compete just as well on both ends instead of on just one.
Fundamentals
October 15th, 2010
5:03 pm
I like the feeling that LD is going to get the most out of JC2, Teague and Sy. It’s refreshing to see talent developing and change on the horizon. We need their youth, their energy, they’re fire to complement the seasoned vets we’ve been grooming for 5-6 years.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 15th, 2010
5:04 pm
Jamal is at best the team’s second-worst defender. I have a hard time seeing how Jordan could be significantly worse to where he would have a net negative effect on defense if he takes Jamal’s minutes.
cdog
October 15th, 2010
5:06 pm
jordon crawford is a player. he just went to the wrong team but that won’t stop him from greatness
dstdeelite
October 15th, 2010
5:09 pm
My words…what’s with all the back injuries?
dstdeelite
October 15th, 2010
5:10 pm
word*
Publix
October 15th, 2010
5:13 pm
JC1 needs to go. I loved him last year, but now that he can’t get what he wants, he is upset and not being very professional about it. That’s not how you get a contract!
We need to realize that he is still of value and trade him for something. Since we are obviously not making a push for a true C, then at least get a first round draft pick for next year.
What happened with the promises when they signed JJ??? Weren’t we supposed to make a push for more quality?
The most upsetting fact are the ticket prices, what is up with them jumping up so high. I don’t care about Bosh, Wade, James, Kobe, or Amare if they are going to come in here and run us in to the ground!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What sense does it make to raise prices when we have the same team that ORLANDO killed, as far as I can remember.
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
5:51 pm
@ Publix . . . during the season, we beat every team except the Knicks, Thunder, and Cavs at home. Just because we don’t match up with Orlando, doesn’t mean that over the course of a 41 game home season, that the Hawks aren’t a good and entertaining team to watch.
When you win 34 home games, and 90 in the past 3 seasons, ticket prices aren’t going to stay the same or decline, no matter what we did in the playoffs.
@ Najeh . . . Exactly. Jamal has those same issues. Teague did too last year, even though people are acting like he’s a defensive stopper at PG.
I do like the fact that Drew is pushing Jordan to get better defensively. And I agree with MC’s assessment somwhat, that if Jordan was a defensive stopper, that he may have a better chance of getting on the floor.
******
With Teague out for a 3rd straight game, we’re going to get a glimpse of if the backcourt of Crawford & Crawford can really do some damage, or simply see them be inefficient on both ends of the floor.
I guess this means that Mo Evans starts at the 2 or 3 tomorrow night.
Rev in Tampa
October 15th, 2010
5:59 pm
Najeh, I think it is premature to hang the verdict on Jordan that he is a mirror image of Jamal. He is inexperienced at the NBA level on defense, not deficient on defense. I see Drew’s comments as laying out a challenge to Jordan that Drew expects him to meet. Drew is trying to change Jordan’s mindset. In other words, it is NOT his face up defense that is suspect, but his away from the ball mindset. That is all I am reading in MC’s article.
I would like to know what MC meant in the one sentence paragraph: “The constant motion and contact is a physical challenge.” I wish MC would have elaborated on that a bit more.
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
6:11 pm
I keep forgetting that we beat Cleveland in that final game of the season.
Hawks home losses:
Knicks ( twice ), Orlando, Miami, Cleveland, Dallas, OK City
That’s it.
And had a shot to win all of those games except the Miami game, who blew us away.
Even with the Thanksgiving debacle vs Orlando, we actually had control of that game until the 3rd quarter. Then “Dad” ( Avery Johnson ) destroys us in the 4th. LOL . . couldn’t stop AJ. That’s the ultimate testament to our perimeter defense woes right there.
Flat out gave away the 2nd Knicks game, and the Cleveland and Dallas games.
OKC simply outworked us on MLK Day.
And the Knicks shot the 3-ball like they used to do on the old NES game Double Dribble, to beat us.
So we had 2 stinkers out of 41 home games last year.
Clyde
October 15th, 2010
6:26 pm
I got a feeling Sund is on the phone trying to deal Jamal Crawford.
The Truth
October 15th, 2010
6:36 pm
“I kid around with him and tell him at Xavier they just wanted him to score and defense became secondary,” L.D. said. “Whereas here it’s got to be the flip side. He has got to be thinking defense. I know he can score. He’s got to get better defensively.”
It looks like LD is building a case as to why the kid won’t see much PT during the regular season. I hope he also save that same speech for Bibby who gets a pass for his defense or lack there of LOL
Rev in Tampa
October 15th, 2010
6:39 pm
I wish Marvin were going to be out the next couple of games so that Sund would realize that the Hawks really need another SF.
The Truth
October 15th, 2010
6:40 pm
Atlanta Hawks: Five Reasons Why They Should Extend Jamal Crawford’s Contract
4. The Atlanta Hawks ownership would be showing a continued sense of loyalty to their players if they decide to re-sign Jamal Crawford. Loyalty is something in previous offseasons (specifically with Joe Johnson) that the Hawks have been inconsistent with due to financial constraints involving the ownership debacle that plagued the franchise for years.
They first must re-sign Al Horford—that is understandable—but the next person in line should no doubt be Crawford, as there are very few game-changers off the bench in the league. The lack of Crawford’s production on the court would leave a huge void in the offense going into next season.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/487421-5-reasons-why-the-atlanta-hawks-should-extend-jamal-crawford-a-contract?utm_source=newsletter
Ken Strickland
October 15th, 2010
6:53 pm
I seriously doubt if any decision on Jamal Crawford will be made before Horford’s extension is finalized. Until that happens, ownership won’t know how much they can commit to Jamal, assuming they intend to resign him. I believe once Jordan gets some regular season seasoning, and demonstrates he’s settled down and still effective, we’ll see the Hawks start to shop Jamal.
I’ve made no pretense about my concern for MBibby’s DEF, along with his OFF limitations. But, I’m starting to wonder how much of his troubles have been tied to back problems. He’s always looked stiff, and I do know back problems will certainly make it difficult to do the things he has trouble doing.
Here’s what I’ve been wondering about. We all know how LDrew wants Jordan Crawford to improve his DEF, and how much he’s been working with him personally on the issue. But why haven’t we heard anything about anyone working with Jamal Crawford and improving his DEF? Is it because LDrew knows Jamal’s days here are numbered, and feels his time is better spent working with someone who has a future here?
With 4 of our 6 injured players back, we should see a change in the way we play tomorrow. I believe they’re being extra cautious with Teague, since he’ll be the teams engine and difference maker. I think LDrew and his staff have seen enough of him to know they can rest him for at least another gm, maybe 2 if necessary.
FROM THE PREVIOUS BLOG: SAMUEL-Like BIG RAY said, you’ve out done yourself. If I thought for one second I could have influenced the firing of your BELOVED WOODY, it would have taken place just before the 09/10 season started. That’s when he went public with his concerns over not receiving a contract extension, even though it was made clear to him he’d have to honor his full 2yr contract, and have a good playoff showing before any talk of an extension would be forth coming.
You do add humor to our blogs. I’m not mad at cha.
Rev in Tampa
October 15th, 2010
7:00 pm
Truth, what are you talking about? You are taking the art of negativity to a whole different level.
Seems logical to me that Drew would make those comments, as his coach, to prepare him to play.
Rev in Tampa
October 15th, 2010
7:03 pm
Truth, what are you talking about?
Seems logical to me that Drew would make those comments, as his coach, to prepare him to play.
Rev in Tampa
October 15th, 2010
7:08 pm
Opps! Sorry Truth, I accidently posted the less edited version.
Greg
October 15th, 2010
7:24 pm
Al says “That is showing signs of us getting better and caring”. WTF? The Hawks have very few players with professional work ethic and that is why they will NEVER be taken seriously by the league’s elite. Big step backward this year….7 or 8 seed, if they’re lucky.
Michael Cunningham
October 15th, 2010
7:26 pm
@Rev in Tampa: “I would like to know what MC meant in the one sentence paragraph: “The constant motion and contact is a physical challenge.” I wish MC would have elaborated on that a bit more.”
your wish is my command: all i meant is that a two guard in the NBA has to deal with chasing fast guys and getting hit with hard screens. it’s not easy. you can see JC2 getting banged around when he does that. well, maybe you haven’t seen it yet since the Hawks are getting little TV time so far but you will.
Michael Cunningham
October 15th, 2010
7:29 pm
@twin/I Mus Write: hate on me as you please using whichever handle you like but please tone down the vulgarities.
The Truth
October 15th, 2010
7:31 pm
Rev
I know it’s Friday so what are you drinking to cause that kind of response?
“You are taking the art of negativity to a whole different level.”
Really, because I said this:
“It looks like LD is building a case as to why the kid won’t see much PT during the regular season. I hope he also save that same speech for Bibby who gets a pass for his defense or lack there of LOL”
Believe this not or I don’t necessarily oppose he comment I just speculated of his reason, useless you got a problem with the Bibby part LOL
The Truth
October 15th, 2010
7:46 pm
*oppose the comment
truthspitter
October 15th, 2010
7:58 pm
This team will never see the playoffs again as currently constructed.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 15th, 2010
8:01 pm
“He is inexperienced at the NBA level on defense, not deficient on defense. I see Drew’s comments as laying out a challenge to Jordan that Drew expects him to meet. Drew is trying to change Jordan’s mindset. ”
My post wasn’t a criticism of Jordan as much as it was meant to show why there’s no point in keeping him and Jamal around together. Both of them do the exact same thing. The Hawks don’t have that kind of luxury when there are glaring holes at other positions.
I’m not trying to imply that Jordan can’t get better defensively, just that his current defensive deficiencies wouldn’t make him much worse in that category than Jamal already is.
Sautee
October 15th, 2010
8:15 pm
Samuel,
From the last blog where you (unbelievably) said this:
“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.”
Samuel, were you in any way serious?
So you think Ken and other bloggers “pressed the most basic buttons of human nature in order to trigger the hatred and fear of the masses and use that in their favor.” So now bloggers are able to trigger hatred and fear?
And somehow THIS, not:
The fact that he lost the team
The fact that he lacks the ability to adjust an untied shoelace
The fact that his team played down to an inferior team in the first round for the 2nd year in a row
The fact that his team lost by an epic margin in the 2nd round
None of those matter. It was that meanie Ken and his roving band of button pushers that got Woody fired.
Samuel, you have now lost any shred of credibility you ever had. The day a blogger can get a coach fired is not anything that happens in the real world. Only in the world of one who has lost touch with reality.
Get some help. Seriously, if you think Ken or any other blogger had ANYTHING to do with Woodson not being re-signed, then I truly think you need professional help.
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
8:44 pm
Hawks season preview is up on NBA.com
Has an interesting read about Jamal’s situation. Also, make sure you watch the 5 minute season preview clip, and the clip of the “secret scout” describing Drew’s offense.
Brent Barry and Dennis Scott are the featured analysts.
Sautee
October 15th, 2010
9:01 pm
Ken Strickland,
How’s it feel to have that awesome power?
O'Brien
October 15th, 2010
10:14 pm
Najeh,
After resigning JJ to the contract that we did, I dont understand why we need the SMOY making $10 mil and backing him up, when we are unbalanced at other positions; Especially after drafting Jordan, and especially since we probably wont resign JC1 next year.
I just dont get it. We need a legit backup SF, and our 2 PGs are one over the hill vet, and one second year player who was inconsistent last year. Oh, and we also need more size in the paint.
But hey, we are stacked at SG though, so we’ll be fine. SMH
Grandad
October 15th, 2010
10:28 pm
Najeh,
The only way I can see to best utilize both JC’s (1 & 2)
is to play Joe @ the [3] which would move Marv to rotation
status.
Joe & Jamal are more versatile @ this time than Jordon.
Joe @ [1,2,3] & Jamal @ [1,2] both working around JC2.
With Jeff strictly a [1] we retain versatility.
[Bibby = situational player / spot up shooter]
We need a Big more than a [3]. My opinion.
|||If We Trade Jamal|||
Ramon
October 15th, 2010
10:36 pm
JC1 is in a hard position because SG is the easiest position in the league to replace, especially when your only pony is scoring. If JC1 is willing to re-sign for under $7-8 million a year, than I say go for it. But if a 3 year $23 mil deal isn’t good enough for him, then go ahead and trade him.
big sam
October 15th, 2010
10:57 pm
Soon you will all see what kind of coach we have after about the 40th game of the season, there is alot of things un decided about this team with the new regime. with woody you know what he wanted and what he was trying to do with this group, but now now every thing is in flux interesting to see how long before josh cops his famous attitude and the implosion starts
CONFEDERATE DAWG
October 15th, 2010
11:11 pm
COME ON HAWKS!!!
WE LOVE YOU JOE!
cdog
October 15th, 2010
11:18 pm
CLYDE, HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO BET ON THAT? RICK SUND DON’T HAVE A CLUE HOW TO RUN OR PUT TOGETHER A TEAM.DEFINITELY NOT TO MAKE A TRADE.THE HAWKS ARE STUCK WITH MEDIOCRITY WITH SUND AS THEIR GM.I FEEL SORRY FOR THEM HAVING HAVE SUND TO TRY AND RUN A TEAM.THATS A JOKE.
rusty
October 15th, 2010
11:32 pm
how the hell can ld speak of jc2 defense when we have bibby out there playing. jj has to play more at the 3. mo & bibby dont need to play when we have jt & the crawfords. jt & jc2 are the present & future of the hawks
cp
October 15th, 2010
11:34 pm
Is Teague’s ankle that bad or are they just being over cautious? Good to see that we are getting almost everybody back . And lmao@bloggers on here getting Woodrow fired. WOW smh and lol all at the same time.
richbrave
October 15th, 2010
11:43 pm
Hey doc:
See our boy J-CRIT didn’t make LARRY BROWN’s hit parade. Guess it’s d-league time with the CLIPPERS.
P. Bull Terrier
October 16th, 2010
12:06 am
Who is Twin?
I’m not sure why I still care about the Hawks. They have done so many things to disappoint, and now, between the slang and the nicknames, I can hardly even follow news reports about them.
truthspitter
October 16th, 2010
12:07 am
northcyde
October 15th, 2010
8:44 pm
Hawks season preview is up on NBA.com
Has an interesting read about Jamal’s situation. Also, make sure you watch the 5 minute season preview clip, and the clip of the “secret scout” describing Drew’s offense.
Brent Barry and Dennis Scott are the featured analysts.
Thanks Northcyde I find it interesting that the “secret scout” is basically saying that smart teams are going to simply make the Hawks shoot a lot of jumpshots. That kinda makes Josh and Teague if he ever becomes the starter ineffective. We don’t need to be more of a jump shooting team and we don’t need to be forcing passes while people sag off to try and push it into the paint. We also need to kill forcing high post passes that lead to fast breaks. This offense is really not tailor made to this teams strengths. It is like Drew said whenever I get a team this is how I am going to run it but that’s what happens when you higher a career backup. This team is lost. They would be better off going pick and roll heavy and high post heavy but not trying to feed the high post from the 3 point arch in which leads to turnovers when the guys overplay. Drew is bad and lost no defense and the offense has too many unnecessary elements in it.
Ken Strickland
October 16th, 2010
12:46 am
SAUTEE-how would I know, since that alleged power exists only in SAMUEL’S delusional head. I know I’ve taken shots at him on the matter before, but I was only being sarcastic. But now, I’m convinced this guy really does have a serious man crush of Woodson, and he hasn’t come close to getting past his personal loss.
I’m guessing what makes it so much harder for him to deal with is the realization that Woodson won’t likely get another HC job anytime soon, if ever. With his 6yr history of unwillingness to commit to developing draft picks, especially young guards, no GM who wants to rebuild through the draft will give him a 2nd thought.
And with his poor record of preparing himself and his team for the playoffs, considering his team’s poor showing during the last 2 playoffs, no GM with a vet team and expectations of making noise in the playoffs would give him a 2nd thought either.
CDOG-Use some COMMON SENSE and tell me how a team that won 53gms, finished 3rd in the East, made it to the 2nd rd of the playoffs, and is returning 10 of the 12 players that accomplished those feats, IS STUCK WITH MEDIOCRITY just because their GM didn’t make a trade?
If GM RSund had signed Shaq, MBarnes, JBoone and EDampier, or certain others that were preferred by some of our fans, would you still say the Hawks were STUCK WITH MEDIOCRITY? I ask that because Sund could have signed either or all of them without making a trade.
We have a YOUNG All Star C(AHorford), a YOUNG SF(MWilliams) a YOUNG All Star caliber PF(JSmith) and a potential YOUNG All Star caliber PG(JTeague), all with the potential to improve. Add to that a still YOUNG 4 time All Star SG(JJohnson), the reigning 6th MOY(JaCrawford), and a new HC to put it all together, and you can’t figure out why management didn’t feel the need to make a trade or sign an expensive FA in order to see improvement?
Ken Strickland
October 16th, 2010
1:05 am
TRUTHSPITTER-during a similar segment they said teams will basically do the same thing against the Miami Heat, since CBosh is the only starter that’s proven to be a consistent outside shooter. That scouting report could also apply to the Bulls as well, since they don’t have anyone on their starting lineup that can consistently beat you from the outside.
The Hawks proved last yr they can win 53gm and finish in the top 3 in the East with this yrs team. The teams that made all of these changes, especially to their starting lineup, have yet to prove what they can do. I’ll take the Hawks to finish in the top 3 in the East again. Look for JSmith to get serious All Star consideration, MWilliams to have a bounce back season, and JTeague to ease the doubts of the DOUBTING THOMAS’ among us.
I don’t see LDrew getting COY, because the team he inherited did so well during the regular season last yr.
truthspitter
October 16th, 2010
1:17 am
Ken: You are okay with me but why do you feel the need to try and respond to everyone? Seriously, we all have differing opinions we really don’t need you responding directly to everyone that is a little overboard and I stick to my guns this team is totally going down the wrong road
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
1:46 am
truthspitter
Secret Scout said:
Princeton runs out of a 2-1-2 set.
*[probably more of a 2-3 set]
That perhaps may be a base set, but I guarantee
will not be the only set.
Alot of Princeton teams start out of a 1-4 set.
But any motion team “Princeton” or others use multiple sets.
As a HS coach I used a minimum of 18 dif sets.
*[moving one player 8-12 ft in the post changes a set]
Sets are nothing more than alignments to create angles.
It’s kind of like [football] may use 15 or 20 dif sets but
run the same play.
Some of it is deception, while other times your changing angles,
or even adapting according to personel.
Secret Scout said:
The defense will counter the “Princeton” by…..doing this or that, (tilt), ensuing explanation, etc.
The scout never mentioned that the offense can counter-punch.
*[That's why the players must learn their reads]
Coaches counter-attack the “Triangle” but it doesn’t mean
PJ stopped running it, only some ways are more effective
than others in defending it. Like anything else.
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
1:53 am
truthspitter
The previous was for you but actually I was responding to
Secret Scout’s assessment.
Hang in there, evenin’
G-dad
truthspitter
October 16th, 2010
4:29 am
I can’t see the Memphis Grizz keeping all of there FA’s this summer. Mike Conley, OJ Mayo, Thabeet, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Hamed Haddadi are all FA’s. Haddadi, Thabeet, and Gasol are all 7ft players and I think Gasol and Thabeet could both help the Hawks a whole lot.
We should be keeping a close eye on the Grizz and there willingness to trade Thabeet because I don’t see us being able to afford resigning Al and going after Gasol. Thabeet may become expendable if he does not progress pass the stage of experiment because Haddadi will simply be a cheaper expirement.
truthspitter
October 16th, 2010
4:51 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=283c9rc
Memphis is one of the few organizations that are cheaper than Atlanta and I don’t see them resigning all of there FA’s this summer. Just offer them cheaper alternatives and they will make a move.
Memphis gets: Bibby, Teague, Zaza
Hawks get: Thabeet, Conley, Sam Young
New lineup
PG Conley/ JC2/Jamal
SG Joe/Jamal/JC2
SF Marvin/Sam Young/Mo
PF Smoove/Powell/Al
C Al/Thabeet/Collins/Etan
This also does not hurt our salary cap going forward and we still have Jamal and Mo’s expiring’s plus the trade exception if some can’t pass deal comes up.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:05 am
You’re Fired!
I don’t believe anyone on this blog has leveraged the Firing
of Mr. Woodson. But, if that were true? I would give that
award to CLYDE & JEJE.
Those two had FIRE WOODY set on speed dial from their
desktops! CLYDE probably made a living from printing his
chant on T-Shirts from here to Rio and beyond.
This team has too many of the same pieces at SG & PF,
But no punch at PG & C & SF. We have no Role players
to come in and do any specific dirty job, like:
Defend
Rebound
Enforcer
To help this team win anything of value.
These issues sit squarely at the feet of the GM & Owners!
The Coach can only Plug, Play and Srap his parts to resemble
a Model T Ford, since all our parts are Made in America.
We don’t have the Parts to make a Maserati or Porsche.
Oh, he can prolly make a Smootie or a Chocolate Milkshake too.
I’m more like Al, “we’ll go to war with what we got!”
Samuel
October 16th, 2010
8:09 am
Not just Ken but the rest of you “scrubbs” who don’t really know the realities of the NBA and think a coach can get Hawks level talent to go to the Eastern conference Finals.
When you have owners that don’t know their as_ from a whole in the ground, stuff like this happens. Again, let’s just see how the season turns out and the proof will be in the pudding. NO EXCUSES!!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:25 am
Best Available!
Looks like the Hawks chose the Best Player Available with
their late 1st Round pick, when we needed. PG & C for the
last 15 years straight? Again, we chose neither.
Pendergraft had already proclaimed there would no value
at our selection slot prior to the draft. However, if we chose
a project Center with our pick and he became a useless piece
while Jordan Crawford became DWade 2.0? This blog would
started another Coup de Gras!
Here’s my point: When we selected our pick, we had no Mr. Johnson
would do, (since there was no team contact from his Agent),
nor did we feel Jamal could out-right replace Joe in every way,
(Jamal plays no defense), We had no money to gamble in FA
(LeBron was never coming here – see Chicago & NY). Draft
Picks are always an unknown even at #1 & #2, (see Oden &
Marvin).
BTW, How would you like to be Portland with a #1 Pick?
See Sam Bowie taken ahead of MJ
See Oden taken ahead of Darantula.
Oh, and Oden was reported yesterday on “The 2 Live Stews”
as OUT indefinitely with injury for the upcoming season!
(When did he ever play to begin with?)
I think he has that Old Man’s Disease and his body parts are
100 yearls old at age 5. The Draft is always a Gamble!
So, again, we go to war with what we got.
Meanwhile all these players are all Millionaires -
no gamble for them.
kent
October 16th, 2010
8:37 am
I’m assuming that L.D. is the coach. Can we refer to him by his name instead? He’s a coach, not a player and should be addressed in the formal.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:48 am
Trueness!
Samuel said:
” … and think a coach can get Hawks level talent to go to the Eastern conference Finals.
When you have owners that don’t know their as_ from a whole in the ground, stuff like this happens. Again, let’s just see how the season turns out and the proof will be in the pudding. NO EXCUSES!!”
Amen Bruh! Doc Rivers was on his way to being RUN outa’ Boston
then here comes KG when The Celtics tanked some games to
get that Lottery Ping-Pong Ball for Dwight Howard and eneded
up picking at #5 or was it #8? They chose Rondo I think?
Here’s my point: Like The Lakers got Gasol for a bag of socks,
The Celtics got KG gift-wrapped by McHale to his boy Ainge for
a bag of sweat towels!
Until, Doc got some talent: KG & Ray Allen, He won’t absolutely
NOTHING! Maybe 18 Games that previous year.
A Coach can NOT win without Talented Players!
See Phil Jackson Bulls & Lakers!
See Pat Riley’s Lakers!
The Hawks and their Coaches have NEVER had one HOF on
Any team, much less 3 or 4! We will NOT, NOT, NOT win a
Championship with THIS team! But, we can hope to be
entertaining and fun to watch. But really, Who on this blog see
a space on the Trophy Case for an OBRIEN?
Do we even have a TROPHY CASE? If so, what is in it?
Let’s just Keep it Real!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:54 am
Detroit Happened!
Detroit Happened – (but don’t get it twisted)
Detroit does not Happens!
If, that were the case? Clyde could print Bumper Stickers to say:
Detroit Happens
But, we already saw that bumper sticker in the 80’s
S h i t Happens (that’s real!)
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
9:05 am
Re-Tooling!
The Hawks are re-tooling:
New Coach
New Offense
New Defense
Glaring holes at every spot on the floor, I’ve been reading
the smart bloggers play GM & Coach. Moving Mr. Johnson from
every spot … between PG to SF. Jamal from PG to SG.
Maurice from SG to SF. JC2 from PG to SG ….Al from C to PF,
Josh from PF to SF. Marvin from SF to Outa’ the Door …
And, it just don’t stop!
Just Stop It! It seems like mass confusion!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
9:12 am
Things that Happened!
In life, there are three types of people:
1. People who Watch things Happen.
2. People who Makes things Happen.
3. People who sit on the curb & when all is said and done say,
“What Happened?”
911 Happened!
Katrina Happened!
Gulf Oil Spill Happened
Detroit Happened!
I prefer option #2.
wordsmithtom
October 16th, 2010
9:55 am
drmary, did you eat glass for breakfast? You spittin’ fire this morning.
I want to add to the JC2 not showing PG characteristics. Yes, he does “make things happen’, but I’ve seen several things that suggest he has a lot to learn before he can log much quality time at point. Example: game 1 he gathers rebound and slowly brings ball up court to take last shot instead of running it up and seeing what the best option was. He had his mind made up from jump street. I like his fire, don’t get me wrong, but that’s not the stuff of a PG.
We all have crud in our gizzards from that Orlando series and so far we’ve seen little in preseason to flush the poison out. Don’t get too caught up in the negatives. We’re no where near the playoffs, so why are we debating whether we have the talent to get to the finals when we haven’t gotten to the first game?
With the exception of Bibby, we’re as strong or stronger than we were last year. Let’s enjoy the journey, not debate the Prom Date. Hell, it’ ain’t even Halloween!
truthspitter
October 16th, 2010
10:43 am
Zaza is 6″10 at best. I have my question on rather he is just another PF in the overcrowded list of PF’s for this team that include 2 of the 3 best player in Smoove and Al. We really should be looking to move Jamal, Bibby, and Zaza. I would like to keep Jamal but he would bring more to the team in a trade and Zaza is not some big brut nor is he a legit 6″11 to 7ft no matter what his attitude may be. We have to stop fooling ourselves with the personnel we have.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
10:52 am
The Plane!
No ws-tom, no chards for breakfast just grits and ketchup!
The Breakfast of Champions!
No tom, I don’t live on Fantasy Island. Conversely, I don’t live on Gilligan’s. Island either. No, I prefer living on Land! I like solid ground and
pragmatic prognostication. I have very little use for emotions
when it comes to staking claims.
I see Boston from the East, with our Magic right behind and
I see The Lakers out West. Then, I look at The Hawks and I see
more questions than answers. We are on the cusp of a new season
and I see a very good team, but, in no way are we a dark horse
with some hidden secret, who is gonna’ slay some dragon.
I do expect my team to be very entertaining and fun to watch.
What are you seeing and why?
truly1
October 16th, 2010
11:24 am
Is there anyway to watch the game tonight?
cdog
October 16th, 2010
11:44 am
drmaryb, as usual, you are right but the wrong one got fired for the team lacking at those positions, rick sund should have been gone instead of mike woodson.he knew those areas needed strengthing to compete with the other contenders but his stupidity and holding on to money has put the team in a bad position.when the smoke clears this season, you will see what i mean.sund and the owners hold money and does nothing with it.the hawks has gone backward with sund in charge.you’ll see
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
11:54 am
wordsmithtom
Well stated my friend.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
12:25 pm
Maybe the play called was to walk the ball up & take the
last shot? With all the TO’s? Not a bad idea.
Besides, that is the common play called to end a quarter.
IMHO
O'Brien
October 16th, 2010
12:28 pm
Ramon,
You said SG is one of the easiest positions in the NBA to replace. And we already have JJ for 6 years, $123 mil. And we just drafted a SG in JC2. But you think we should resign JC1 for $7 mil?
Not to mention that Horford is in line for a big raise next year, and we are financially challenged organization?
I think JC1 should have been traded already, but I am okay with keeping him this season while JC2 gets his feet wet. At the end of the season, let him walk.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
12:38 pm
Team Ford!
Correct me IF wrong?
But, isn’t this the same exact team that struggled to beat
The Bucks in 7-ven Games? And, went on to set a NBA
records for worse loss in ANY series in History?
My team ran completely out of Gas! For whatever reason
you surmise. It is Not unreasonable to be cautiously
optimistic.
Not overly pessimistic – Not overly optimistic is about
right. IMHO
Meanwhile, since following this team from 1986,
I’m resigned to Hawks Basketball as
a form of entertainment – only.
Let’s not go crazy over a BB team.
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
12:48 pm
truly1,
Game is supposed to be on SportsSouth
Ramon
October 16th, 2010
1:38 pm
O’Brien, I’m just not one who believes that you let a player walk at the end of the year for free. Horford is clearly the first priority. However, after his deal is done (I’m thinking it will be done soon), $6-7 million for 3 years isn’t too much to pay for your sixth man. You have to remember that the Hawks will be losing Bibby and Evans off of the pay roll next year. That is only a little more than the mid level exception. By saying sg is the easiest position to replace, meaning JC1 doesn’t have anything to really back him demanding more money or the same salary he’s getting now.
O’Brien, if you remember the championship teams of San Antonio were always stocked at the wings position. Bowen, Barry, Ginobli, and Finley were always in and out of the game, and it lead to the second unit being just as strong as starters. If JC1 is willing to agree to that price tag, then he and JC2 can work well together on the second unit (especially when you think about Horford will be playing PF a lot of times with that unit- hopefully at the high post).
Ken Strickland
October 16th, 2010
2:00 pm
TRUTHSPITTER-why would you say “WE ALL HAVE DIFFERING OPINIONS” and then criticize me for offering my DIFFERING OPINIONS? Isn’t it obvious that I respond to various people/comments because I feel that I either have something to add, or a DIFFERING OPINION. Remember that phrase? Why is that so difficult to understand, and why does it bother you so much?
DRMARYB-what’s up? When the Hawks selected Jordan Crawford, they might have had in mind a potential replacement for JJ, if he didn’t resign, or Jamal Crawford, if he’s either traded or can’t be resigned due to the amount committed to resigning AHorford. It’s also possible they saw enough to believe he could function as a PG from time to time.
With LDrew and his new OFF and OFF philosophy, they might have felt that drafting a #3 or 4 developmental backup C didn’t rank as high as a potential replacement for the loss of our leading scorer(JJ) and/or reigning 6th MOY(JaCrawford). The fact that LDrew’s OFF and OFF philosophy don’t require a traditional C or PG to function effectively might have played a part in their decision.
Keep in mind, this is just speculation on my part, and I’m just offering my opinion, IF I’M STILL ALLOWED TO DO THAT ANYMORE.
Defensively, the goal is to run, run, run, and then run some more, and put pressure on the opposing C to do things he’s not accustomed to doing. Usually fighting over picks, and/or following his man out of the lane, aren’t what most NBA centers are accustomed to doing on a regular basis. Defensively, it appears we’ll use conditioning/running/continuous motion etc, perimeter DEF and team DEF, along with a 4 headed center by committee, to deal with teams that are bigger and/or have dominant centers.
This idea of a acquiring a designated DHoward stopper just isn’t realistic. In last yrs 1st rd series with the Magic, the Bobcats probably did the best job of stopping or limiting DHowards effectiveness as any team has done to this date, yet they still got swept. DHoward didn’t even come close to leading the league in scoring, but his teammates did lead the league in 3pt shots taken and made.
Their entire OFF is built around DEF’s trying to stop DHoward. So why continue to give them exactly what they want by focusing on stopping him? You make him run and move on DEF, use your 4 centers to work, pound, frustrate and wear him down Then you force him to carry the OFF and limit his support. THAT’S HOW I THINK WE’LL USE WHAT WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF DHOWARD AND THE MAGIC.
wordsmithtom
October 16th, 2010
2:22 pm
DrMary,
Yes, a very entertaining team. I see stronger fourth quarters with H/L post and backcuts to augment iso plays. Keep others guessing, instead of focusing on JJ. More shots for Marvin, better guard play with Teague, more bench minutes from Collins/Powell/Etan. JC2 a + with JC1 a mystery….stay or go? I say he stays till mid season, but WTF do I know. ZaZa more involved in offence. You mentioned we wore out in late season….I say our lack of bench play wore down starters and the big men also tired of covering for poor guard defence. Teague will help, and if JC2 can buy into defence, he could as well.
I think we are at least one piece from being a championship team….but that piece would be a role player, not a starter. Our starters match up with Miami and played the Lakers solidly last year. This is a solid team…on the cusp. I believe Woody did his best, but carried us as far as he could. We needed new vision, new thinking. I’m seeing it already, even if injuries have kept us from seeing a finished product.
Mz. Hawkdafied
October 16th, 2010
2:54 pm
Is this game on the tele tonight? Can’t find it. Checked the guide and did a smart search.
Rev in Tampa
October 16th, 2010
2:57 pm
Ken & wordsmithtom, I appreciate your posts. I too believe the Hawks are a top-tier team in the East. I wish we had more depth at pg (Bibby appears only to be a liability on defense) and sf (I wish the Hawks had a quality back-up for Marvin).
But the greatest question mark is their mental toughness. They need to learn how to play shut-down defense all game, get back on transition defense more quickly, not give up when they fall behind, get distracted when a call goes against them. Most importantly, when it comes to mental toughness, they need to learn to win on the road. The good news is that Coach Drew is making mental toughness his priority with all his conditioning.
That being said, I believe that the Hawks can rise to the occasion. What I already see leads me to believe they are already a better team than last year without even cosidering Jordan Crawford. But I have been very pleasantly surprised with the upstart rookie. Wow, what a talent. He gives an already strong quite a boost.
I am really looking forward to the Orlando & Miami games next week. I foresee some good basketball being played by Atl! Maybe it will change some attitudes around here.
Rev in Tampa
October 16th, 2010
3:02 pm
*an already strong **Hawks team** quite a boost.
Rev in Tampa
October 16th, 2010
3:08 pm
Mz. Hawkdafied, someone said it was going to be on Sports South, but I don’t get it here in Tampa. If anyone knows where it might be televised on the web, I’d be grateful if you told me.
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
3:12 pm
I’m pretty sure Bibby isn’t in Rick Sund’s long term plans. If he could package him in a trade w/ a desirable player and utilize the 3.6 mil trade exception, we could free up some cap space and backcourt space and keep Jamal once Mo comes off the books.
And Evans isn’t the worst back-up 3 in the world. In fact, he defends 3’s better than several starting small forwards on decent teams (Peja, Rudy Gay, Carmelo Anthony, Richard Jefferson, Al Thornton), but I’m honestly more concerned with what Sund won’t do once his 2.5 mil is off the books.
Will he let Mo go, keep Jamal, call Joe the backup 3 and keep it moving like the law of inertia?
I’m fine with it if he gets QUALITY BACKUP BIGS. I’ll take Brandon Bass or Ryan Anderson for 400 Alex. Really Rick, I’m not picky, just a get a backup big of starting caliber at least.
Can’t wait to see the birds tonight on SPORTSOUTH. Watching the game on the laptop was killing me, especially having to hear the other team’s announcer only get excited for their plays. Although each one came away impressed with Jordan.
O'Brien
October 16th, 2010
3:31 pm
Ramon,
Bibby is under contract for 2 more years, so next off-season, Jamal and Mo are the only 2 expiring contracts (not counting the vets who are signed for the minimum).
I understand your point, but the hawks just dont have that kind of money to spend on one position, especially since Drew does not see JC2 as a PG, so he needs PT backing up JJ.
And I think for us to take the next step to ECF and better, we need to balance the roster better. We need a legit backup SF, we need help at PG (given Bibby’s decline) and Teague’s uncertainty, and we will still need frontcourt help.
So that $7 mil could be used elsewhere in my opinion.
Hmmm
October 16th, 2010
4:26 pm
How many points do you think JJ is capable of putting up in a game if he set his mind to it? Under or over 60?
Even when JJ has those 40pt games it’s because he HAD to in order for us to win. He never really sores in excess of what is needed, but hypothetically speaking, I think he could probably hit 60 if he was hot and just kept going. He sas better tools than JC1 & JC2 he just doesnt KEEP SHOOTING.
I bring this up because MJ just said he woud score 100pts easy in todays NBA.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2010/10/16/could-jordan-score-100-today/?ls=iref:nbahpt1
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
4:58 pm
Power Ball! MegaMillions!
Hmmmm …
I don’t doubt MJ could score 100 pts because, since he left the
Game (on the court), nobody plays defense or belly-up to the
floor for any loose balls in the 50/50 Game. Period.
Today’s player contracts make them like:
Power Ball Winners!
And, we all know about The Curse of the Lottery – right?
Money corrupts – A Lot of Money corrupts Absolutely!
Seems like when, Bird, Magic and Michael played?
The Coaches played players 1 – 15 nightly.
The better benches were often credited for winning the Championships
and, the storied franchises had/have 15 – 20 Championship Banners
donning the rafters. Those elite teams won for decades long.
Those type teams are all but gone now.
These Generation – X are like in-breeds.
The goal now is to make the ESPN Top-Ten plays nightly.
Fundamental BB skills have been replaced with individual:
Egos
3 Pointers
Dunks
Fundamentally? No one sets screens, roll over picks nor defend
as though their life and pride depended on it anymore.
The days of Fundamental BB Skills ended with the MJ Era.
This is NOT our Grandfather’s Game anymore.
That’s why I LOVE Doc Rivers huddles … No X’s and O’s …
It is all about TOGETHER we play and TOGETHER we win!
jerrywest
October 16th, 2010
5:05 pm
MC
Those defensive instincts that JC2 doesn’t have yet, did Wade/Wall/JJ have those when they came into the league?
What can we do to accelarate JC2’s learning curve?
Isn’t that extremely important as this team isn’t built for championship this year anyway?
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
5:22 pm
Triple XXX
The X-Factors are rarely ever mentioned anymore:
Anthony Mason
Xavier McDaniels
Otis Thorpe
Charles Oakley
Tyrone Hill
Rick Mahorn
Bill Lambieer
Trevor Ariza
Ron Artest
Matt Barnes
Raja Bell
Jerome Kersey
Adrian Dantley
Terry Cummings
A.C. Green
Vinny Microwave
Craig Hodges
The Bucks Enforcer (he harassed Al last season?)
Where have they all gone?
It seems like those guys are extinct. They sulk now because they
like Maurice Evans, feel under paid for what little they do now.
They play down to the level of their perceived paychecks.
See Jamal Crawford sulking over 10M? Because he wants more
than that for his SMOY Trophy! What about DEFENSE Jamal?
Oh! My Bad … Defense cost extra !!!!
cp
October 16th, 2010
5:36 pm
You guys sure its on Sports South? I have directv and don’t see the game listed at all. I see it listed on ATDHE.NET but last time they had a game listed they didn’t show it. I rather watch it on tv but if i have to look at it on the computer that’s fine but thats if they show it.
truly1
October 16th, 2010
6:05 pm
thx i am soulstar but i hope its on the net because i dont have fox channels until dish net pays fox there money
Hmmm
October 16th, 2010
6:07 pm
drmaryb (*_*) ,I agree, It’s a darn shame. These players get drafted for how flashy they are and have people kissing their butts all through grade school. Then when they step on the court with the big boys they turn into chumps. If they cant dunk it or get to the rim, they’re useless.
Honestly, the last grat Bench to go almost 15 deep was th Pistions benchin 2004. Now that was a great bench. Full of enforcers and X-factors like Lidsey Hunter, Mhemet Okur, Corliss Williamson and Mike James. Shoot, even Elden Cambell.
*The Bucks Enforcer (he harassed Al last season?)*
^ Dan Gadzuric. And its pitiful to even mention he worked us over in the playoffs smh. I gotta give him credit though. He had that hunger that our squad lacked.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 16th, 2010
6:09 pm
myp2p.eu usually has streaming games too, but you usually have to have a plugin installed to see them (either vShare, StreamTorrent, or Veetle).
I don’t see tonight’s game there though, so it’s either ATDHE or bust.
Ramon
October 16th, 2010
6:15 pm
O’Brien, I understand what you’re saying. I’m all for trading JC1 for the right help. Yet, I can’t say I trust Sund to spend $7 million in a better way than with JC1. We’re still waiting to see Sund spend the cash that he received in selling the draft pick. Also, I know Bibby has another year on his contract, but I imagine he will be traded next season (and probably cut) to a team in the luxury land.
Here’s a name for you ladies and gentlemen, Terrence Williams. I wonder what it would take to acquire him from the Nets.
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
6:17 pm
Football on SportSouth!
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
6:18 pm
cp,
It says Sportsouth on the Yahoo NBA site, and also on the Fox sports site http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/schedule. So unless they’re mistaken….
truly1,
Sorry man, Best of luck with the net. ATDHE is usually dependable.
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
6:22 pm
On SportSouth Hawks 360 @ 6:30 pm then Iowa St. v Okla. @ 7:00 pm
[college fb]
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
6:24 pm
I hope it’s really on, I’ll be hella disappointed
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
6:26 pm
Hmmmmmm …
Amen Bruh!
You named some awesome super glue guys.
I forgot all about Corliss Williamson … Mehmet Okur …
that was the last crew I remember too.
To me on these teams you got LeBron and everybody else.
Except now, he has Taken his Talents to So. Beach!
I guess the great players gotta’ build their own teams now,
becasue these GM’s ain’t doing ISH!
Can you really believe what Sund has drug In here to help
Josh and Al with? He literally passed on Shaq and Dampieer.
Are you Effin’ kidding me?
N.D.T.K.A. that what we got was better than what we passed on.
Melo is still out there too. We didn’t even make an offer to see
what we could do to get a bona-fide SF in here.
Say what you will about Billy Knight, at least he stirred the
sugar in the bottom of the Kool-Aid pitcher.
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
6:30 pm
Game not listed on Hawks web site as being on TV.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
6:37 pm
Hawks 360 is on CH 649 Direct TV
It’s an inside look at Hawks Practice for only 30 mins.
Coach Drew ia a phenomenal teacher – WOW!
JJ interview up next to discuss next season … Kewl
But not The Game though.
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
6:44 pm
I’ve been sold a dream. Fiddlesticks.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
6:47 pm
Mr. Johnson’s interview pretty much summed up what
Mr. Ken Strickland has been preaching all Summer long!
Shout Our to Mr. Strickland for staying the course and not
backing down from his stance. We could use another guy
with Ken’s attitude on this team.
Zsa Zsa boxing training up next!
That fits Zsa personality. He will be our Enforcer off the bench!
All he has to do is one thing! Put them small Guards on their
freakin azzes when they troll into the paint. Make ‘Em Bleed
Zsa. That’s all you gotta do and get them Offensive Boards too
- Stick ‘Em Back in the hole Zsa!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
7:02 pm
Dang!
Bulls & Magic on Direct TV CH 655 CSNC
But, no Hawks. Guess, I’ll watch superman and Rose!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
7:07 pm
* CH 665 Direct TV for Bulls & Magic
northcyde
October 16th, 2010
7:09 pm
It’s still 90 minutes until gametime. Maybe it will show up. If the football game is on now, then no. If not, there’s still a chance. LOL . . I’m actually afraid that I’m going to get the Grizzlies game on SportSouth instead of the Hawks.
northcyde
October 16th, 2010
7:20 pm
And will somebody tell Auburn and Arkansas that 100+ point games are forbidden in this conference.
This is the SEC . . . . not the WAC.
What a 4th qtr collapse by Arkansas.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
7:50 pm
Jordan C!
This kid gives me goose bumps! Jordan is so exciting to
watch! Like Donkey said, “You can’t measure effort!”
How did he fall to the Hawks late first round @ #27.
Didn’t we draft Damian Jones a SF ahead oh him?
Why did we gamble he would still be there and why was he?
Is Damian doing anything for the Nets?
I bet they would re-do that trade now.
westga
October 16th, 2010
7:55 pm
nba audio league pass just came on with hawks game.
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:08 pm
i can hear the fans scratch there butt it is so quiet in the athletic center.
MsDee
October 16th, 2010
8:11 pm
Do anybody know if the Hawks will be online?
jason
October 16th, 2010
8:16 pm
i tried but it siad the video wasnt up
MsDee
October 16th, 2010
8:17 pm
Yeah, I noticed that too
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:26 pm
LOL!
Ms. Dee,
Game Time is 830 PM. It’s not time yet?
Down Girl … LOL!
Hopefully it will come up at Game Time.
Too Funny …. Hawks Fans are a rabid bunch …
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:26 pm
on the box score they have J Crawford and J Crawford. that is going to be confusing!
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:28 pm
game is on right now drmaryb. listen on audio feed from NO.
Rev in Tampa
October 16th, 2010
8:30 pm
westga, no worries. You can tell who Jordan is by who scores the most points!
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:30 pm
9-4 Atl run!
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:32 pm
oh oh. 5-0 NO run.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:33 pm
LOL! Dwight got a technical for complaining after 3rd Foul called blocking
Noah on the base-line in beginning 3rd Qrtr.
Magic is Killing the Bulls!
23 – 51 half time score.
25 – 55 now. 30 pt lead
Where is Ken S. He called the Bulls out! Not better than Hawks!
cp
October 16th, 2010
8:33 pm
smh well it looks like atdhe removed the game.
jerrywest
October 16th, 2010
8:35 pm
radio link?
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:37 pm
nba audio leage pass.
it listed the NO Ind game from yesterday so I clicked on NO and 10 min later the hawks game came on.
Rev in Tampa
October 16th, 2010
8:40 pm
Now that the game has started, can anybody tell me where to find it televised online?
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:40 pm
audio league pass is free unlike video league pass. just have to sign up if not already.
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:41 pm
game is almost at half time rev.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
8:42 pm
Respect The Game – Technicals!
That’s what the commentators are calling the Dwight
Technical called against Noah.
These refs ain’t playin’.
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:43 pm
Marvin with 3 at buzzer to half time!
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:47 pm
13-0 run by Hawks to end 1st half. 43-37 hawks lead
The Truth
October 16th, 2010
8:48 pm
We may have to call Marvin the difference this year. He is showing the Hawks how much they missed him. 10 pts 4 rebs 2 ast in 16:31 min. JJ leads all scores with 12 pts
The Truth
October 16th, 2010
8:50 pm
Hawks are playing much better defense tonight (at least for now: @ half)
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:51 pm
Marvin 5 for 5 from the line too.
truly1
October 16th, 2010
8:53 pm
whats up with bibby he is not puttin any numbers up
The Truth
October 16th, 2010
8:54 pm
Defense picked-up with the starters in the game late in the 2nd. TO’s even @ 10 (still too many though)
westga
October 16th, 2010
8:57 pm
Bib mus be saving himself for the playoffs.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
8:59 pm
Wish I could see this game.
Glad to hear practices have gone better.
LD is being realistic in the case of Jordan Crawford. The kid is a more natural 2 than he is a 1, and that’s all the man is saying.
In the meantime, I’m curious as to whether or not an extension gets done with Horford, how Jamal looks when he gets back on the court, etc…
Rev in Tampa
October 16th, 2010
9:00 pm
81-43 at the end of 3 quarters in Orlando. Chicago is looking disoriented.
northcyde
October 16th, 2010
9:13 pm
3 turnovers each by JJ and Jamal. JJ has become a preseason turnover machine all of a sudden. I guess he’s forcing too many passes.
I’ll assume that Jamal is playing the point for the 2nd unit, and is simply trying to do too much, as the cause for his turnovers.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
9:14 pm
Rev in Tampa
I know, I am watching that game too.
Bulls aren’t impressive at all, like KenS said, no way they
are a better team than Hawks! Not since MJ left really.
But, as usual, the pundits have them ahead of us in the
Power Rankings? Go Figure!
My only concern are the Magic, Heat and Boston now.
We still should do no worse than 3 Seed!
westga
October 16th, 2010
9:14 pm
Jamal ran some with 1st team too. in place of Bibby.
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
9:17 pm
Man I hope Marvy Marv’s getting it in like this during the regular season.
MsDee
October 16th, 2010
9:18 pm
I think the reason JJ is making so many TO’s is because he just found out that he IS NOT the baby’s father!
i_am_soulstar
October 16th, 2010
9:21 pm
Lol @ MsDee,
That ain’t right
westga
October 16th, 2010
9:22 pm
Smoove just got tech for yakkin at ref. capt can’t do that!
Najeh Davenpoop
October 16th, 2010
9:27 pm
Chicago is missing Boozer. The Hawks are missing Teague. New Orleans is missing West. The results of these games mean nothing. The only thing that matters is how well the players are picking up and buying into Larry Drew’s schemes on offense and defense, and unfortunately there’s no way to know that for sure without actually being able to watch the games.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:28 pm
Out comes Jamal, back in the pocket goes Jordan. The good news: Jamal is playing like he started to when he first came here – passing the ball instead of taking all the shots.
Maybe Drew won’t do like Woody did, and tell him to quit passing it and start scoring. Well, that’s how I saw it, anyway.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
9:29 pm
Captain Krunch!
Captain Krunch will learn, this new rule is called:
“Respect the Game!”
Dwight just got one too earlier for the same thing.
I like this rule though, it will make Josh a much better player
and it will force him to get back on defense.
His wife will get tired of him paying them 1K fines real quick!
Najeh Davenpoop
October 16th, 2010
9:29 pm
And I’m happy to see Marvin being productive, but not if it is at the expense of Al Horford getting touches. 12 shot attempts for Marvin and 5 for Horford isn’t the ideal way to distribute shot attempts for this team.
westga
October 16th, 2010
9:31 pm
every game is different. you gotta go to the open man. Marv must be it tonite.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:31 pm
Bibby doesn’t act like a man who wants to remain a starter.
Judging by the boxscore, Marvin is still looking quite good (and comfortable) on the floor. But as others say, this has to translate to the regular season or it’s same ol’, same ol’.
westga
October 16th, 2010
9:34 pm
cp3 is not putting up any nimbers tonite either.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:36 pm
Northcyde ,
My guess is a combination of forced passes and guys not quite getting to the spot that the pass is supposed to be going. Joe is not historically a turnover machine. At the same time, we have to remember that he was getting his assists from being THE main ball handler every game, and from isolation sets. He’s been away from the type of offense that requires passing the ball from totally different sets, for years.
Najeh ,
Last I heard MC say, Horford is still not 100%, which may be limiting his mobility. That might explain the lack of touches, as they have to work him back in slowly. I know I don’t want him starting the season any less than 100%. And if this serves to help get Mavin back in a groove as well, then it doesn’t bother me too much. Otherwise, I’d be barking about it, too. Said another way, I don’t want to see Marvin’s production increase at Horford’s expense unless dude is getting us a steady 18 ppg… in the regular season, that is . Even then, I also want at least 6 rpg and some steady defense. Otherwise, keep feeding the all-star pivot man.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:37 pm
I’m beginning to think that Josh Powell is the newer, shorter version of Lorenzen Wright.
He seems to get as many fouls as he does rebounds.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
9:38 pm
Marvin has to string together 15 games before I drink his
Hunch-Punch.
I am very proud of his first two games played though.
I hope seeing his name on the trading block has lit a fire and
Maybe the whole team was just ready for a new voice too.
Seems that way, seems they tuned Mr. Woodson out last
season. I sure hope they run through a brick wall for Coach
Drew this season. I don’t Joe getting less touches, he isn’t
paid per basket.
I like the balanced scoring of Boston, where the Big Three
averaged like 15 pts per game. That’s ball sharing to me and
moves us closer to The Championship Ring.
westga
October 16th, 2010
9:38 pm
Smoove is missing a lot of shots. the hand must be bothering him. he’s a trooper.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:40 pm
CP3 is probably still on the mend. Bibby is on the decline.
Here is what I don’t like about this game, more than anything else: Hornets don’t have much of a front line. Yet, they are holding a decent advantage on us in rebounds.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:41 pm
Drmaryb ,
Well said, Sista…well said.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:42 pm
Heh. If I was CP3, I’d be depressed just by looking at who I have to play with. LOL…sorry, but it’s the truth…
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:44 pm
Both teams shooting like crap, but Joe Johnson is a bright spot for us. I’ll take the 3 turnovers, even in a tight game, with shooting like that. Of course, as long as the turnovers aren’t “end of a tight game” type, that is.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 16th, 2010
9:44 pm
* I don’t mind Joe getting less touches …
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
9:46 pm
But what is with our free throw shooting? I think Mark Price has a collection of voodoo dolls, and all of them are wearing Hawks jerseys…
Ramon
October 16th, 2010
9:48 pm
Big Ray, I don’t think Hornets could win an NCAA March Madness tournament without Chris Paul, lol. And I’m being serious.
Truth se rum
October 16th, 2010
9:52 pm
Teague suck JC 2 is a better point guard than teague will ever be.
Truth se rum
October 16th, 2010
9:54 pm
“He seems to get as many fouls as he does rebound” reminds me of Horford
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
9:54 pm
79-70-Hawks with 2 min left…looks like they are going to get rid of the goose egg. They needed a win.
Marvin sounds like he had a all around game tonight…..the starters look like they needed major minutes together.
Still a thin bench at this point…..lots of banged up players.
westga
October 16th, 2010
9:55 pm
I wonder who the color guy is for NO radio?
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
9:57 pm
I agree, that J Crawford and J Crawford box score thing is going to be annoying if someone doesn’t correct this.
Is it me or is our backup SF going to be Joe? Looks like he and Al are interchanging tonight.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:01 pm
I see Big Al and J Powell picked it up some on the glass, making it more of a competition in rebounding. Still, we’re lacking in that area.
And, we closed the game out.
Truth se rum
October 16th, 2010
10:02 pm
Bulls are impressive l, the pundits have them ahead of us in the
Power Rankings
Seems like the experts are more often right than wrong. The hawks were really a middle of the pack team that woody took to the next level. They did nothing to get better over the summer and lost ground in coaching, center and the point guard position. The only area they improved in was a slight improvement from the bench. The experts are right. This team will do well to win 44-47 games.
Fire Sund. Hawks went backwards!
O'Brien
October 16th, 2010
10:03 pm
Ramon,
I suggested the Hawks get Chris Douglas Roberts from the Nets to be our backup SF. And I would be ok with Terrence Williams too.
Big Ray,
I hope we wont have to hear about Josh Powell dumping pop-corn in JC2’s ride.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:05 pm
Kevin M ,
They’ll probably change the box score to Jo.Crawford and Ja.Crawford at some point. Heh…besides, it won’t be a problem for long. Jamal will be the guy with more playing time, assuming he remains a Hawk.
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
10:05 pm
Very interesting, win by 10 despite missing 11 FTs and only 20 of 84 points in the paint tonight.
Looks like Powell finished the game with the starters…..was JC1 or JC2 in the lineup at the end?
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:08 pm
O’brien ,
I’d have taken either one, but we moved slow (or not at all) on that front, as we did on many others. Bucks got CDR, and the Nets aren’t likely to part with Terrence Williams. He’s a young draft pick, and they like his talent.
Lol…Powell doesn’t strike me as a trickster.
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
10:08 pm
Chicago playing tonight on the end of a back to back…..they could have won that Dallas game last night…the starters for Dallas were getting big minutes and DRose played throughout.
Big Ray, that makes sense, but you would think it was in place already? Looking at the play by play stats, you see Crawford with a missed shot….that’s even more vague.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:09 pm
Kevin M ,
Hold your cursor/pointer over the name in the boxscore, and the full name comes up at the bottom of the screen, where the web page is described. That’s how you tell who is who.
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
10:11 pm
Big Ray, to the rescue!! Kudos, but it doesn’t work on the play-by-play tab.
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
10:13 pm
Ken, I saw your prediction for the Hawks to end up 3rd in the East.
I gotta know who you see being left as the 4 seed…….I got the Hawks possibly being 3rd in their own division, so that won’t get them the 3 seed.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:15 pm
Kevin ,
I guess it’s because they figure it’s preseason, so they’re being lazy. Who knows.
Bulls look like crap. Yeah, they could have beaten that schizophrenic Mavs squad, but without Boozer and Gibson, they aren’t going to get anything done. Gibson will be back soon, but Boozer is out for a while. They aren’t going anywhere without a decent front line, and the front line they had last year wasn’t enough to do much against us, so nothing changes without Boozer. Even then, Boozer hasn’t consistently done well against Josh Smith.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:16 pm
LOL…sorry bro’…NBA.com is lazy like that sometimes. Like when they don’t always have the video highlights up, or their in-game boxscore doesn’t keep up. Maybe it’s a software problem, but methinks the monkeys in the tech room are the issue.
Big Ray
October 16th, 2010
10:19 pm
I’m out…catch y’all later…
KevinM
October 16th, 2010
10:21 pm
Ray, while Chicago might not have a strong backline, and very similar to ours, They have an advantage at PG at this point. They will need Korver to have his best pro year though.
I don’t necessarily annoint Chicago as a big threat to a higher playoff slot than us, but they easily could split the games we play with them…they are not without talent on that team.
O'Brien
October 16th, 2010
10:29 pm
Ray,
And the bad part is the Bucks got CDR for a second round pick.
I know the Hawks have injured players, but once again, they struggle at the FT line. 23-34 (68% tonight).
I will also look up their 3pt FG% so far this season, and I am guessing it is not going to be good.
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
10:49 pm
As for who gets how many touches;
the defense kind of dictates that a bit.
The offense is reading whose open & not
calling plays for predetermined players.
truthspitter
October 16th, 2010
11:19 pm
Happy to see a win tonite but Paul and Ariza played 12 minutes and Okafor and David West did not play. On the other hand, we played our starters all over half of the game and still only won by 10 and turned the ball over 16 times. Not so encouraging if you look in depth.
kwooden1
October 16th, 2010
11:31 pm
Its good to get a win, and good to see some defensive, but Orlando’s coming Monday. I think Monday’s game is one we should try and win. Either Powell, Etan or Collins needs to get a tech. fouling Howard. We need to send a message that we’re not scared or even intimidated. I hope Teague is ready to go, because were going to need his speed.
Grandad
October 16th, 2010
11:45 pm
The win tonight should foster some positive appraisal
and perhaps galvanize the blog in some measure.
There will always be naysayers but:
38% from the field, 13% from 3, and 74 points, by N.O.
was impressive def.
Even w/o two key players [N.O.], we still had to defend someone.
Surely the half empty folks can @ least see improvement.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 17th, 2010
1:25 am
Ripped Van Winkle!
Just saw Marvin’s game photo on Hawks website.
Man, Marvin looks ripped up! Chest and Arms looks very lean.
I guess with age, he is filling out his huge frame and is looking
stronger. Wow! I hope he stays away from cheesburgers and
fries, because at SF, Marvin should be unstoppable size-wise.
No one league wide should be able to match him up, not even
an older Lamar Odom. We still got to get by Bynum (when
healthy and the finesse guy Gasol.
Buþ, I really hope Marvin finds his inner-dog and make it fight
hard this season. Joe Johnson stated he loves playing with
Marvin after tonight’s game.
Let’s Go Marvin Gaye Williams!
I think that’s his middle name? He was named after the singer?
lewis
October 17th, 2010
2:20 am
i listened to the game while watching dallas/la on nbatv. didn’t sound great. their commentators were like, “holy shi*, their spacing on the fast break looks horrific. no passing lanes whatsoever. hope the hawks get that taken care of for their sake before the season starts”
Is bibby really starting to get on anyone else’s nerves? I’d rather see Jamal or Jordan start at PG Bibby is a complete failure @ defense.
I’ve never missed Marvin so much. I hate his attitude at times but you can’t lie, he’s a solid defender and good FT shooter an seems to be maturing a bit.
Joe Johnson looks great, nothing to worry about there hope he stays injury free.
Wished something was televised so I could tell if Powell was decent, can’t make up my mind about him. With Collins injuerd and Etan kinda sucky, it looks like we have 2 useless players again who won’t be stopping Dwight.
Zaza is doing well. His play is dependent on those around him for the most part. He seems to be in good shape tho and motivated.
Mo Evans, Zaza, Jamal, Powell, Whos the SF off the bench?
lewis
October 17th, 2010
2:54 am
*Denver
Truth se rum
October 17th, 2010
9:43 am
As for who gets how many touches;
the defense kind of dictates that a bit.
The offense is reading whose open & not
calling plays for predetermined players.
and they are still losing regularly because nothing was done to address problem areas of the Hawks. LMAO!
This team marginally makes the play offs and is done in the 1st round. Trade sund to any of the 3 or 4 teams in our “division” who are better than us, so the can Fk them up like he did this team!
Lottery in 3!
Truth se rum
October 17th, 2010
9:48 am
Trade sund to any of the 3 or 4 teams in our “division” who are better than us, so that he can Fk them up like he did this team!
Theres is less and less excitement about the Hawks because Its clear that they arent as good as last years team and Woody lite is showing why he was a assistant and understudy to the real Woody. It tired of rooting for scrubs. Poot butts, wantabees
Go LAKERS!!
Dezz nuttz
October 17th, 2010
9:50 am
galvanize and measure Dezz Nuttz!
i_am_soulstar
October 17th, 2010
1:16 pm
“This is a huge season for me personally, huge. Every other guy on this team has had that season where it all comes together and they take that proverbial next step. I think my time is now.”
—F Marvin Williams, on his grand expectations for this season.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 17th, 2010
3:01 pm
Now is The Time!
I_am_soulstar … Great Job! On finding that qoute.
That’s what we fans need to hear from Marvin.
He is what, 24 years old now? His physique looks impeccable
this year. Looks like Marvin ate his: MJ – Wheaties!
Let’s Go Marvin!
Grandad
October 17th, 2010
5:21 pm
I’m fixin’ to open another can o’ worms.
Here we are ten days until opening of the season.
(I understand this is a blog)
AJC, no write-up on N.O. game. It’s pre-season you say!
Okay, If it were spring training or exhibition fb,
would that matter?
Perhaps it was in the [paper] paper, which I cancelled
for obvious reasons.
Is it any wonder why the Hawks are a stepchild in Atl.
Heaven forbid I criticize Mr. Cunningham.
We on the blog should be so happy for the scraps that he
throws us that we only throw bouquets in his direction.
Yet he’s still the beat writer…no story that I can find.
Oh yeah, they played on the weekend.(as did the Falcons today)
Someone said, well “he’e better than Mb & JS the columnnists”.
I agree, in that cobwebs are growing on their columns.
Still, what a comparison.
Well it’s fb season.
I say it was baseball season when everyone (AJC) was covering
the Falcons, Dawgs, & Tech [fb practice] in August.
Someone else said; “It’s the same in other cities”.
No, that is not true.
I’ve been in Washington DC, Dallas, Indy, and even Nashville
and seen better coverage from their newspapers than the AJC.
Once again it’s no wonder the Hawks don’t draw.
“Indy Star” covers HS basketball better than AJC covers the Hawks.
Who knows, MC may be writing movie reviews, covering HS fb,
and ghost writing for the Georgia Tech “WarCraft” team IDK.
He may be so busy @ the short staffed AJC that we are lucky
to even have a beat writer.
All I know is, It’s Basketball Season !
And by the way, where the heck is Pape Sy?
Do we need to call the “Macon Telegraph”
& have them send a reporter in to check on PS?
Well it’s been nice knowin’ yawl.
They’ll probably send me off with the “Hatter” now.
G-dad.
i_am_soulstar
October 17th, 2010
6:48 pm
yeah Dr Mary B,
It’s just good to hear him have that kind of attitude this season. I feel like Josh was talking the same way at the beginning of last season. Of course, I’ll reserve judgment until he shows and proves. But still, great to hear that come out of Marvin’s mouth.
Tune-ups and Statements | Atlanta Hawks: Fan Nest
October 18th, 2010
7:32 pm
[...] how contract extension negotiations go for center Al Horford. Hawks beat writer currently reports no movement, but there is time yet. There isn’t much else to be heard on the subject, other than opinion. [...]