Atlanta Hawks: Bobcats 99, Hawks 66
L.D. could have avoided a waste of time by staying in Atlanta. (AP Photo)
Charlotte–The Hawks were in Charlotte but they didn’t really show up. Can’t see how they got anything out of this.
– “Zero,” L.D. said. “Zero. Nothing whatsoever.”
– There were lots of ugly numbers but a few that stood out: Atlanta had 23 turnovers and 22 field goals and was outscored 50-28 in the paint. Sure, the bench guys played a lot of minutes but so did Charlotte’s reserves–and when Matt Carroll and Derrick Brown are taking it to you something is up.
– So much for that glow from beating the Heat. “The only thing we do get out of it is we’ve got to be a better club in these type situations,” L.D. said. “We can watch film and coverages and all of that but the bottom line is we didn’t bring energy, we didn’t bring any since of urgency. That is totally, totally unacceptable. We have got to be a team that comes out and is ready to play every single time we step on the floor. I don’t care what the situation is. We are paid to come out every night and compete and to leave it all on the floor.”
– If that’s the case, not many guys earned their pay tonight. “They seemed disinterested,” Larry Brown said. “They played last night, but still.”
– As in, but still the Hawks at least could have given a professional effort no matter the circumstances of the back-to-back preseason games (which ought to be outlawed if you ask me) and drop off in opponent star power. If the Hawks cared it didn’t show.
– “This is what you call being able to handle success,” Al said. “Throughout the years I’ve been here we have not been able to do that. It shows a lot of immaturity for our team. Now it is for real. Now we have got to really get it going.”
– Are the Hawks ready to start the season Wednesday at Memphis? “It is all going to be determined by how well we practice,” Al said. “As of right now it is uncertain to me how we are going to be.”
– “We will be all right,” Teague said. “You have games like this. It is better it is the preseason.”
– “We still have work to do but I am confident,” Smoove said. “Preseason is preseason. You can go 7-0 preseason but when it is all said and done it is 0-0. You have just got to be ready and geared up. I think we will be OK. We’ve got a couple more practices before we have to go to Memphis and play. We have just got to bring it.”
– The Hawks couldn’t score because they couldn’t protect the ball or generate good shots in the offense. Charlotte got all the layups they wanted because the Hawks were a step slow defensively and, aside from Smoove, couldn’t protect the rim.
– There were several times Josh was frustrated because someone blew their assignment and allowed an easy basket. Once again the Hawks seemed confused about their coverages. “We have just got to communicate,” Josh said. “I am glad this is a preseason game. I don’t see us having a lot of games like this. We have got to communicate more and learn how to do it on the defensive end when the offense isn’t there.”
– Teague’s jump shot still needs a lot of work. He missed all five of his 3-point attempts and about four other long jumpers. Only one or two even came close to going in. Teague also had six turnovers.
– At least Teague matched D.J. Augustine’s quickness. If only there were some way for the Hawks to combine his speed and defense with Bibby’s shot making, ball protection and vet savvy.
– Etan checked in late and played with energy. If only he could get more lift around the basket.
– Jamal had seven turnovers. One time he lost the ball with no one near him. He still remains the Hawks guard most likely to get to the free-throw line.
– After that strong game against the Heat J.J. took it easy for his 17 minutes. He had three fouls and two field-goal attempts.
– Al had some strong moves around the basket. His jump shot looked better, too.
– JC2 had his moments but was kind of all over the place. It’s about what you expect from him in a blowout game where everyone is winging it.
– Mo (knee) stayed behind in Atlanta. Bibby got the night off, which means he did about as much as most of his teammates.
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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123 comments Add your comment
KevinM
October 23rd, 2010
11:53 am
Didn’t see it, and glad I didn’t because it doesn’t sound like anyone gave effort.
No positives may cause this team to be like this all season.
Notice how emotional Josh still is when he is supposed to be the one the others follow?
My main question from all this: If LD is going to play JP, where are the minutes going to come from if Al is going to slide to the 4? Am I missing something here, or are we going to have the flex-all rotation out there where teams will have a hard time matching up with us? This concept came here with Knight and Woodson and we are still believing we can just switch guys from their strongest position and play them anywhere.
Josh/Josh/Al on the frontline: that leaves me asking a lot of questions.
As I’ve said before, we are set at PF and SG. The problem is the other 3 slots are open for debate and for anyone to step up with consistency.
And guess who our PG will be Wednesday? Yes, Mike Bibby, until futher notice.
O'Brien
October 23rd, 2010
11:54 am
Doc,
I think its too early to consider Teague a bust. However, I am concerned about his laid back attitude. For a second year player, he should be eager to prove himself, and to earn the trust of his teamates, and show some leadership, especially from the PG position.
But I havent seen that from him. However, it doesnt mean he wont be a solid player for us. First and foremost, he has to get his shot fixed.
But I will reserve judgement until we are about 20 games in (a quarter of the season).
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
12:15 pm
The Hawks have just enough talent to make the play offs but not enough to take them deep in the water. You can only coach to the level of your talent. Woodson got the most out of the hawks. As far as their ability can take them.
With 2 missing pieces (a 5 and a 1) the hawks actually exceeded both their talent level and the expectations of the pro analysts last year. Woodson was fired because the he could not extract more from a team that has limited talent resources. You are not going to win the Indy with a turbo charge Volkswagen. Get real.
The right move should have been to get woodson the talent he needs to get to the next level since he brought us as far as he did. He had earned that right to coach with a “real center”- Al horford.
Mike Cunningham said yesterday that there was a free pass to the rim yesterday and that has been stated more than once this preseason. Its is Woodson’s switching that’s causing Al to be out of place so he cant protect the rim like a real center? Hard to imagine since woody nor the switch is here. Or Is it the same song and dance regardless of what scheme is being employed.?
Woodson is no longer here, but protecting the rim is still a short coming for Al. I agree with Al. Hes a better PF than a 5. His problem is Josh is much better offensively and defensively than Al at the 4.
What this means to me is, if we are going to increase our talent level, Its time to sign and trade Al before the fluke of his all star selection has worn off and his trade value diminished.
Trade Al so he can find the peace he seeks at the 4 spot.He will be a very effective piece for some team and can start on many teams. He can be a dangling carrot in our need to pursue a center that can score and defend the post. Al has did the best he can and I applaud him for his selfless team effort. But the bottom line is we will never advance to the deep rounds of the playoffs as long as Al is the center.
Sund, you can experiment with this theory of winning a championship without a center as long as you like but the bottom line is…
you are pissing in the wind.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
“If we get to the second round, and win one game, isnt that an improvement over Woody?”
I concur. If we make it to the second round and win a game or two we can then justify the idiocy of Sund argumentatively. It would not hurt to win 53 games or more. Of course this is all predicated on keeping the same basic talent level that was given to Woodson. Getting a real center will put that bet off, and the expectations are increased.
The flip side of that is; if Woody lite is not able to get us to the second round and win 50+ games then we have went undeniably backwards, and a change is necessary to get us back in the right direction.
Perhaps we can start with Sund’s job.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
12:27 pm
o’brien, right now is a bust when it comes to having a dog in him and showing the maturity it takes to go to the next level. his attitude from summer league and pre-season is a bust, for sure. he needs to sfu and just play. so we agree, in concept.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
October 23rd, 2010
1:09 pm
SFU = show focus & understanding ?
doc
October 23rd, 2010
1:25 pm
2, 2 funny.
cp
October 23rd, 2010
1:37 pm
O’Brien I think Teague might need to change his shot release. Dennis Scott was talking about it during the summer. He said Teague has to have a higher release. I know the 3pointer in college is closer but he still shot a good percentage from there and he is a good free throw shooter. He is being given a great opportunity so he needs to step it up. All the tools are there but he might be like Marvin as far as not having that fire.
Grandad
October 23rd, 2010
1:43 pm
doc
I’m not catching on.
I’m the same person, I just reacted like a Coach.
Firemen, police officers, physicians, pharmacists, teachers can’t coast.
Why the heck can a guy makin’ $120 mil coast.
I don’t give a dang if it was an exhibition game.
Folks paid to see whomever was on the floor – - – perform !
That’ why I said Al should kick his ass.
To – * * *{{{ ‘Not so casual observer’ }}} * * * -enthusiastic- Co-Sign !
TS – Thank you sir.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
1:48 pm
doc
Co-Sign that! Cranial Nerve XII working hard!
lol
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
1:58 pm
Stop the Presses!
Yall know 2 things:
1. All – Star Games are for the fans!
2. Pre – Season Games are for the rookies & benches!
The 7-0 teams have great benches & are contenders.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
2:10 pm
grand dad if that is so i may see a lot more of the coach this season.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
2:13 pm
cp
Seems like if Teague was hitting that college 3, then he should step inside the NBA 3 pt line and continue to do that. Apparently he doesn’t have the NBA range. That’s just the common sense God gave a dog! Right?
He might leaving a crack in the line-up for Jordan, if he’s slipping.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
2:17 pm
* be
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
2:41 pm
*A; has done the best he can
Big Ump
October 23rd, 2010
2:55 pm
TS
Is that you? What’s up.
O'Brien
October 23rd, 2010
3:00 pm
Doc,
In terms of attitude, leadership and maturity, we agree.
cp,
If teague needs to change his release, the offseason is the time to do it. With the season starting in a few days, its too late now.
To make up for his inconsistent offense, he better play very good defense, protect the ball, and be able to run the offense.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 23rd, 2010
3:00 pm
Co-sign doc,
coasting, cruise control, neutral, takin’ it easy should not be attributes of the franchise player. that trickles down to the lesser talented teammates – JOe better show his arse in the dayum playoffs. Shoot, he better avg 25 ppg, 7 reb and 7 assists this season.
Astro Joe
October 23rd, 2010
4:22 pm
If you practice giving poor effort in the pre-season… More than learning offensive schemes, this team needs to learn discipline and focus. No excuses should be expected from a team that hasn’t won anything… they’re a group of players with an embedded culture that isn’t likely to change with Drew at the helm.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
4:31 pm
Watz up Big Umps? This is whatz left of me player….LOL
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
4:40 pm
http://slumz.boxden.com/f13/third-nba-2k11-tv-commercial-get-postered-mj-1423051/
Section 303
October 23rd, 2010
5:33 pm
Geez…I can’t believe some of the stupid things I am reading based on a preseason game. Some of you need to know how sports work. Preseason games do not count. The Hawks are not the only team ever to give less than a sh#t about the last preseason game.
Some of you need to just stop. Really, just stop. Come back on Wednesday and get excited about the opener. To worry at all about last night is a waste of time.
By the way, GO GREEN!! MICHIGAN STATE = 8 and 0, for those keeping score at home.
O'Brien
October 23rd, 2010
6:40 pm
AJ,
Given the culture of this team under Woody, a culture which Drew was a part of, I can’t help but wonder if they would have been better off with a headcoach from the outside, someone who had no attachment to these players…
Also, it would have helped to make a trade or a free agent signing to bring in a guy who does not know how things were under the previous regime.
We are just too lackadasical sometimes. We talk a good game sometimes, but at other times, we dont even show up. I think a guy like Shaq, or even Matt Barnes, would have made a difference. Someone with experience under good coaches, someone who has been to a conference final, or in Shaq’s case, won multiple championships.
But according to Sund, I should be happy with this team since we are operating under the luxury tax…
sam'l
October 23rd, 2010
7:12 pm
this is a test…this is only a test…..
sam'l
October 23rd, 2010
7:23 pm
Hawks should care more….Sund should care more…..Drew obviously does care….if he’s already apologizing for his team’s performance…..(Section 303 take note…..Drew thinks the game had meaning as a pre-season game…he’s already counting his days) Wasn’t there another pre-season game where we lost a 20 point lead? (Oh injuries…I forgot….) Somewhere in the back of each player’s mind, there should be a level of competence that kicks in when they get out on the floor…..some sort of pride.. …..
where is it?
Lower the salaries…..raise the game…..
Ramon
October 23rd, 2010
7:29 pm
O’Brien, but isn’t that the total opposite of before? I remember the last two preseasons where Woody constantly played the starters more than 30 minutes a game, and didn’t go deep into the bench even in the preseason for long stints. Woody kept saying he wanted to win every preseason game.
Majority of the players were coming off of the injury list this past week. You can’t blame them for having the number one goal of getting through the last game of preseason with no injuries. Al and Smoove are both still banged up. Teague is playing through discomfort in his ankle, and JC1 doesn’t play hard on the defensive end even when it is the regular season. Joe took few shots, so other players could have more attempts to get there confidence going for the start of regular season. If JC2 and Teague went out and scored 23+ points that would’ve been more instrumental than JJ/Al/Josh going out and combining for 75 points. Unfortunately, the shots didn’t fall.
Ramon
October 23rd, 2010
7:31 pm
O’brien, Sund and ASG don’t want to dig deeper in their pockets than they have to to put a contending team on the court. However, they want the fans to dig deeper in our pockets (budget) to buy tickets for something that we can watch on TV in our living room. Irony…. lol
Section 303
October 23rd, 2010
8:02 pm
sam’l, since when is it important to win in the preseason? I’m not saying this team does not have some issues, but what there aren’t any perfect teams.
Season starts on Wednesday. Let’s talk about it then. That’s when the games actually count.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
8:05 pm
section 303, i am using the pre-season to sharpen my game as it seems other fans have done as well. we are bringing our a-game. sorry to see the players arent giving it a bit themselves. orlando sure didnt see that they had it made and were able to waltz through the pre-season. they have gotten deep, a lot deeper than our young immature squad and know what it tastes like. so, let me and my bros do our thing and get ready. speaking of stupid, to use your pronoun, you seem to only get ready for the season to trash jj for a statement you really didnt hear and may have gotten out of context. well anyway, get ready however you need to and we will do the same. see you at the games.
o’b, i dont know if you have seen some of my statements recently. i have alluded to the fact they are not giving LD much attention when they are to put it on display. i think to promote within has its pitfalls as there is no fear or intimidation that comes with a new coach from the outside. you pointed them out as well. these guys play like they dont care what the new coach thinks of them. it doesnt seem they are giving him much respect at this point. that is what i am going to look for early as to how much they really listen and do what he says he wants. we know as ld is quite candid, so it shouldnt be hard t see who is falling short.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
8:51 pm
Drew was there as Woodson’s assistant so the players are very much aware of him.
Respect is something you earn.
Drew did not earn his way but was given the job because Sund got rid of Woodson without a clear plan to improve on what woodson had already accomplished.
Most of the other coaches on woodsons level who were available wanted a center and more control of the team plus a guaranteed contract. Sund wasnt about to meet those requests so as a last minute desperation he hired Woody Jr. There was no long thought out logical plan to improve the hawks and get us to the championship rounds by hiring Drew. It was more like closing your eyes and picking one.
So dont get it twisted. You dont win championships by stabbing in the dark. You have to have a plan and a vision not a hail Mary…
No offense Drmaryb
The players no this and you can expect they will respond to it in their own way. Like they did last night.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
8:53 pm
*the players know this
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
9:02 pm
TS
Aye … none taken.
Section 303
October 23rd, 2010
9:07 pm
doc, whatever….you want to get all bent out of shape about a game that doesn’t count..be my guest. But, I’ll stand by this: you won’t give a sh#t about Friday’s game once the ball is tipped on Wednesday.
I have called a truce on the Joe Johnson comment, so I won’t respond to that, but know this…I have something to say.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
9:39 pm
Eggs, Carrots and Coffee Beans!
A mother named Myrtle invited her troubled daughter, Mary Ellen to her home for breakfast to discuss some life changing issues that were going on.
Upon the kitchen table sat three bowls each filled with:
Fresh Eggs
Fresh Carrots
Coffee Beans
On the stove sat three pots of vehemently boiling water upon high flames. Myrtle instructed Mary Ellen to place an egg, a carrot and the bowl of coffee beans separately into each pot and wait three minutes before removing the egg and carrot only.
Three minutes passed and the two women sat at the table to examine the outcomes. Mary Ellen peeled the egg and it was hard, she touched the carrot and it was soft and limp. The kitchen became filled with the sensational fragrance and aroma of pure coffee. Mary Ellen placed the pot on the table and noticed the water was rich and black in color, but the coffee beans remained unchanged.
What does all this mean, Mary Ellen asked her mother?
Myrtle replied, Mary Ellen, LIFE is like a pot of boiling water on high flames! Your c h a r a c t e r is the only thing that will determine how you come out of it.
Are you like the egg, soft on the inside and when life becomes hard and unpredictable, does it turn you into something hard – like the egg? Or, are you like the carrot which started out rigid and firm and became wilted and soft, when things heated up and got real hot?
Be like the coffee beans, which used the heat and steam to spread it’s fragrance and released a sensational aroma and not only that – the coffee beans changed the flavor and color of the water and the bean itself remained u n c h a n g e d.
Mary Ellen, thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become character and your c h a r a c t e r determines your destiny!
Don’t let LIFE change you – You change LIFE!
_________________________________________
This story was paraphrased and was taken from a collection of books titled:
“The Red Hat Society”
-arthur- Sue Ellen Cooper
doc
October 23rd, 2010
9:40 pm
t-s
“Drew did not earn his way but was given the job because Sund got rid of Woodson without a clear plan to improve on what woodson had already accomplished.”
amen to that, said it a few days ago. how could the guy in house have to be the last interviewed be the one? poor planning by the askg and sund. kind of how the falcons during the rankin smith era ran things.
303 just dishing it back at you.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 23rd, 2010
9:54 pm
After 18 years as an assistant and payer, L.D. has certainly earned and toiled for this opportunity. Others, assistants have done less and received more.
Section 303
October 23rd, 2010
10:05 pm
doc, fair enough…see ya’ Wednesday!
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
10:07 pm
What other teams requested the right to speak to Drew? LOL
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
10:14 pm
By the way don’t get me wrong, I wish Drew well. But yes, I think woodson is better and unless we could have upgraded from Woodson there is no justifiable rational to get rid of him. Sund’s moves were stupid @ best. That’s all I’m saying.
No offense to Mr. Drew.
Doc I dont recall a long line of GM’s requesting permission to talk to Drew. I know there was for the Celtics assistant. The reality is Drew was an after though when everyone else was gone.Never made anybodies short list.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
10:19 pm
303 just playing a bit, it was tongue in cheek.
t-s LD may deserve more than he gets. i really like what he says and how he approaches the job. he communicates well with the fans and i like it.
rusty
October 23rd, 2010
11:00 pm
ld is & has to be better than woody, nothing personal woody
Ramon
October 23rd, 2010
11:18 pm
TS, you asked what other teams requested to interview LD. Two or three seasons ago a few teams asked for permission to speak to Drew (Minnesota, Seattle, and someone else). But BK, Woody, and ASG each denied him permission to go to the interview. After that, no other teams have asked to speak with any of the Hawks assistants any more. So the question for you, what coaching interview have you heard about Mike Woodson having?
Section 303
October 23rd, 2010
11:22 pm
Doc, I know! But, I’m just ready for Wednesday. Seriously, it can’t get here soon enough.
By the way, guys, show up at Taco Mac early next Saturday. Going to be there early for Michigan State vs Iowa game. Then, on to the home opener. I will be easy to find….I’m the one in the Horford jersey, Spartan hat, and boot on my foot (achillies issue).
Samuel
October 23rd, 2010
11:25 pm
Who’s shot is uglier Jeff TurnOver (JTO) or Speedy?
Ramon
October 23rd, 2010
11:31 pm
Samuel, that’s a trick question. We never saw Speedy in the game long enough to shoot. lol
doc
October 23rd, 2010
11:39 pm
ramon, drew was asked or rather asked to be an assistant on another team not to move up to the head coaching position. the hawks denied him that privilege as he was under contract to them which is par for the course for an assistant and that was that. dont confuse that as an opportunity to be the head guy. he was never denied that by my accounts and that would be very unusual if he had. sorry what you just put out there was flat wrong unless you can back it up with a few references.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
11:39 pm
Ramon Id like to no who is the unnamed “other” team that always finds its way into arguments…lol in fact can you link me some proof of teams requesting permission to speak to Woody lite or did you expect me to except “facts not in evidence”?
In almost all cases Head coach who are relieve of a tenure sit out a year or two before being sought out. Woodson is definitely marketable and like most true coaches with Woodsons pedigree, hell be back if he chooses to.
Samuel I think that ones a draw, but Speedy had less turnovers.
Doc, JD seems like the nicest guy that ever lived. He is very nice. In fact when woodson would put his foot down the players often went to Drew for a soft sympathetic ear, which may be his Achilles heel. He too nice to be a head Coach.
The bottom line bloggers, Drew is an experiment and was chosen as an “if all else fails” default.
Fact guys. Hes not in woodsons league because he has until now, never been a head coach nor taken a 13 win team to 53 wins in a few season. He may prove to be head coaching material….he may not. Right the D in drew means by DEFAULT.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
11:42 pm
section 303 seems your injury is quite common right now as i am treating three folks for a similar problem. dude your color schemes just wont work either.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
11:46 pm
too funny, t-s asking the same thing of ramon.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
11:54 pm
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