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
Ernest
October 22nd, 2010
10:37 pm
Looking at the box score was mind boggling. As Josh said, at least it’s preseason…
N.D.T.K.A.
October 22nd, 2010
10:44 pm
In watching the Hawks play these last 3 games, I am getting the same sick feeling like I had last year. I will give them the benefit of the doubt but this looks an awful lot like the same team from last year playing the same way they played last year. Too many jump shots, no defense, and no leadership or pride about getting taken to the woodshed by opponents.
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
10:46 pm
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2010/04/16/20100323_jsmith_top10.nba/
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
10:47 pm
This team is going nowhere. Can we change the subject?. LMAO
Rev in Tampa
October 22nd, 2010
10:51 pm
Oh well. The season starts next week. MC, thanks for suffering through it for us.
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
10:53 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–iCGQJMZeM
Section 303
October 22nd, 2010
10:59 pm
I’m just not that alarmed by this. I’m not surprised. The game that mattered was last night. The Hawks won a game in which both teams were trying to win. It’s a shame this game tonight was even played. Who cares, really? Come Wednesday night, no one will be talking about the final preseason game with the Bobcats.
I will admit, though, reading what Josh Smith said bothered me. He talks about it just being preseason, basically saying games are not important so max effort isn’t needed. Fine. But, he really has never shown the ability to handle that. When that guy decides to not try as hard as he should, he is awful. I would rather he just work hard and keep his mouth shut sometimes.
ryan
October 22nd, 2010
11:01 pm
I don’t no what say anymore this team is not ever going to get a big name as long as the ASG owns this team its a dead end team the only thing i can say is they could play for 8th or 7th playoff spot .
Najeh Davenpoop
October 22nd, 2010
11:02 pm
“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.”
1. Build a time machine
2. Go back five years
3. Draft Chris Paul
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:02 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_knIWQf1NY&feature=related
Najeh Davenpoop
October 22nd, 2010
11:03 pm
The comments from Teague and Smoove pretty much confirm to me what I thought when I saw the box score — the Hawks put it on cruise control today, coming off a big game at home and knowing that the real games are right around the corner. I’m not saying it’s right, but I am saying that this game probably isn’t an accurate representation of what this team can or will do.
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:04 pm
Did some one say the hawks are going no where?
Co sign that .
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:05 pm
gee 99 is 66 upside down….
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:06 pm
thats 33 points of an aze whooping.
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:08 pm
this game probably isn’t an accurate representation of what this team cannot or will not do.
That is win 53 or more game nor make it out of the 2nd round. It may however make lottery in 3 years.
northcyde
October 22nd, 2010
11:11 pm
Honestly though @ 303, it’s these types of games that keep a team from being “elite”. Even Charlotte beat some great teams at home last year, on their way to 31 home wins. But they couldn’t beat much of anybody on the road to save their lives.
This game doesn’t “alarm” me, but if they would’ve brought more effort and won the game, it would’ve told me that maybe they can regain their focus and play a good game on the road against a quality home team.
Instead, they just gave up. After the reserves let the game get out of reach, everybody else just gave up.
Like Drew said . . this is unacceptable for a team supposedly of our caliber.
The bench has been my concern all summer, and they’ve done nothing this preseason to ease my concerns. I just hope Drew doesn’t stick with those guys if they’re playing like garbage.
O'Brien
October 22nd, 2010
11:12 pm
Samuel,
I didnt see you on here criticizing the motion offense last night when they beat Miami. But I guess thats how you are.
When the Hawks won last year, you were quick to come on here and promote Woody as COY. But when the Hawks would blow a lead and lose a game, you were absent.
Likewise, you are quick to point out Woody and his 53 wins, but you hardly mention the sweep to Cleveland in the second round 2 years ago, and the NBA record blowout sweep by Orlando.
Lakers down by 10 at home to the Warriors. Oh Oh. Whatever happened to the great triangle offense? Phil Jackson sucks.
northcyde
October 22nd, 2010
11:15 pm
Hawks have won 90 home games in the past 3 seasons
They’ve won 47 road games during that same time.
Time to toughen up on the road boys. That’s why I’ll be in Memphis on Wednesday night, to see if you will toughen up.
O'Brien
October 22nd, 2010
11:17 pm
Lakers making a run. meanwhile, Suns down by 14 at home to the Nuggets.
It happens.
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:24 pm
Is 99 upside down of 66 or is 66 up side down of 99 ?
Either way a contender doesnt get BLOWN out by wanna beesss like this. The hawks got up for a team with out Dwade but go flat two games out…. Good teams dont have those issues because of pride and too much talent.
Deep inside the hawks no they arent going anywhere. Sure there will be some surprising upsets and some foolish blowouts like tonight. At the end of the season this team wont win better than 46 games.
get a center and a coach and you can get back to the 50+ mark
cp
October 22nd, 2010
11:26 pm
Spot on with your 11:12 post O’Brien…. Good points north and 303. The Hawks had quite a few games like this last season. They have to be better on the road this season we already know they are a good home team.
Truth-Se rum
October 22nd, 2010
11:27 pm
didnt see you on here criticizing the motion offense last night – LMAO
I saw the motion of people throwing up tonight at this vulgar display of basuda!
Stuart
October 22nd, 2010
11:32 pm
What happened!!??? If the Hawks can’t even show up against teams other than the Heat, this will be an awful season…. Flat out embarrassing…
Samuel
October 22nd, 2010
11:43 pm
Obrien,
Let me say this again. Never, have I even entertained the thought that we could win a second round series with the talent we have. What I have continued to say all along is that Woody got these guys to play beyond their capability. You guys are the ones who believe that a coach can get our talent past the second round. Yall can spin it however you want. Blame it on preseason, whatever, but we shall see in a few days, won’t we.
Again, we’re not the Lakers so why keep making that analogy. I don’t get it.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
12:25 am
co-sign Samuel ^2
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
12:57 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf9h–ihrg8&feature=channel
Cant touch this
The Truth
October 23rd, 2010
12:57 am
Teague’s Attitude
“We will be all right,” Teague said. “You have games like this. It is better it is the preseason.”
Josh Smith’s Attitude:
“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.”
Can you see a resemblance? I’m beginning to wonder was it such a good idea to make Josh a captain. This example of his leadership is certainly not a benefit. With Teague having such a horrible performance when he is competing with Bibby for the starting PG position, I would have expected him to be more prepared and/or upset with himself about the loss. Instead, he’s Déjà vu adopting his captain’s attitude of “No Big Deal It’s Just Pre-season”.
Notice how responsible Al Horford is about the loss:
“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.”
Maybe Teague should start hanging out more with Al then Josh when preparing for games. Since he hasn’t accomplished much in the NBA yet, it seems inappropriate for Teague to downplay this blowout. Where is his proud? If Teague is not careful and subscribe to complacency, he could become the next Acie Law 2.0. Contrary to what he might believe about his favoritism status as the Hawks future PG, if he is not “The Truth”, eventually it will show. I am pulling for him though; I just hope he gets his act together. He is drinking from the wrong fountain right now. The only way Teague is going to get better is to be his own worst critic. Never accept mediocrity even though its just preseason.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
1:16 am
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.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
1:18 am
How did Al handle it other than with his mouth?
“Charlotte got all the layups they wanted because the Hawks were a step slow defensively and, aside from Smoove, couldn’t protect the rim. “
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
1:19 am
If you are going to talk the talk at the least back it up! Al.
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
1:22 am
Turnover Teague with 6 tour over and Dunk on me Al did not protect the rim but both were running their mouths to reporters after the game….
“Can you see a resemblance?”
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
1:24 am
turn overs
Grandad
October 23rd, 2010
2:23 am
“We are paid to come out every night and compete” -LD-
Yessir !
I usually come on board and talk about primarily the positives.
Ain’t none.
Josh, Teaguer, et al can say pre-season this, we can fix that, we’ll be all right…
Bullcrap.
Al says:
“It shows a lot of immaturity for our team”
” Now it is for real. Now we have got to really get it going.”
Again I say ‘Bullcrap’ to Al.
Go in the locker room & kick Joe’s ass.
Why Joe?
["J.J. took it easy for his 17 minutes"] per MC
Your leader / Captain is on cruise control, why should anyone else care?
["There were several times Josh was frustrated
because someone blew their assignment"] -MC-
["Once again the Hawks seemed confused about their coverages."] -MC-
“We have just got to communicate,” Josh said.
LD’s answer:
“We can watch film and coverages and all of that
but the bottom line is we didn’t bring energy.”
-LD- again, “unacceptable”
Mr Cunningham,
I disagree that back to backs in the pre-season “ought to be outlawed”.
They, the Hawks & everyone else will have to do it come regular season,
they may as well rehearse the situations they will see during pre-season.
Isn’t that what these practice games are for.
Tonight the Hawks wasted an opportunity to learn and improve.
Nothing good to say.
At least LD realizes it!
Big Ray
October 23rd, 2010
2:36 am
I’d be upset if it was a regular season game, though I didn’t like the effort. I’d be upset if they hadn’t just shown that they CAN play well under Drew against a good team.
It’s what it always has been. Larry Drew knows what the issue is, so does JJ, so does Al Horford, and none were shy about it. Good.
The games start to matter on Wednesday. Until then, got nothing else to say about preseason.
Big Daddy
October 23rd, 2010
6:04 am
I don’t like the effort any more than most of the people who post here. The Hawks showed what they could do in the Miami game. Unfortunately, they also showed what they could do on the road, just as they have the past few seasons. They have got to learn how to win on the road and how to squash teams that have less talent than them. The score should have been the other way around given the starters played significant minutes in the first half but there was little spark in them for their time.
This is preseason and I am glad that Drew got a chance to take a good look at the reserves to determine who makes the team and who doesn’t, who fits in with his rotation and who will have DNP besides his name most nights and who to go to if someone gets injured. Besides that this was just a poor effort by a number of guys who still don’t seem to get that there are regular people who pay their hard earned money to see them play and who follow the team. We cheer for them, wear their jersey’s and defend them against our friends and co-workers who favor other teams. We expect the same kind of effort from them as if they came into our establishments or paid for our services.
I am glad no one got hurt and we can begin the season with a healthy team. I sincerly hope that these hiccups are just the growing pains of them executing the new system. We all know they can’t win every game, but we expect for them to come out and compete. We can live with a loss if the team is putting out the effort. Finally, JJ, you are one of the highest paid players in the NBA. Teams should fear you suiting up every night. You need to step it up, the others will follow.
The Truth
October 23rd, 2010
7:30 am
This bad attitude of “No Big Deal It’s Just Pre-season” from the team leaders reminds me of the infamous quote by Allen Iverson, “We talking bout practice man”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI
Ramon
October 23rd, 2010
7:57 am
Hey guys, how about Sheldon Williams scored 27 last night for Denver.
jerrywest
October 23rd, 2010
9:09 am
The important thing is nobody got injured last night.
When the coach gave Bibby the day off and only played JJ for 16 minutes, everybody got the message of how important this game was. Energy level goes up when you have reason to fight. Having said that, Teague had a reason to fight last night. Can’t miss all those shots.
At the end of it all we are 0-0 and we know that these players can execute the offense and defense when they want to. Not a well oiled machine, but we know these players enough to expect them to show up in the regular season. The easy schedule early is a god send.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
9:46 am
co-sign samuel, t-s, jw and truth.
laugh with najeh.
see grand dad is catching on.
echo t-s, can we change the subject?
this subject comes up too often lately, four blowouts in championship series and what three in seven pre-season games? you play like you practice is what they told me.
etan no lift? geez, that sounds like what my coaches used to say to me in my youth. my buddies called it white boy disease. zaza has it. now we have to know that etan has it as well.
teague is a bust, looks for excuses.
this is what shaq was talking about when he didnt want to come here, too immature to win and believe it or not, he wants to be with a winner.
simply f’ugly,sums it up.
jerrywest
October 23rd, 2010
9:52 am
Memphis has more wins than Lakers and Heat combined. Let’s not get carried away. They will show up in the regular season.
doc
October 23rd, 2010
9:53 am
disinterested? hmmm, doubt larry would have said the same if woody was still around though this team could do it just as well to woody as they showed to cost him his job?
Not so casual observer
October 23rd, 2010
10:11 am
Pride.
Jordan and the Bulls had pride, as do the Lakers and Celtics.
Unfortunately the Hawks play as if they have no pride, but they do have their pay checks!
No excuse for their performance, whether JJ or Bibby played or did not the Hawks should not lose to one of the worst teams in the East.
Winning has to become an attitude and a habit.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 23rd, 2010
10:12 am
Ahem :s
My prediction for the upcoming season: 50 – 32 but I have a hard time thinking they will survive the second round with the same lackadaisical mentality against mediocre teams and continued road woes-preseason or not. Hard to be optimistic but it is just preseason.
Ted M
October 23rd, 2010
10:24 am
wow what a dud…what if the Hawks go 47-35 and go out in the first round as a 5 or 6 seed? Will they can LD?
sam'l
October 23rd, 2010
10:36 am
Bad bad game. Drew will have his chance….but it may only be 10 games or so. Woody really was a bad coach, actually a horrible coach….let’s not forget Dallas last year….but maybe it takes a seasoned veteran with great skills to coach this team. Look for one of these types to make an appearance in December.
I hope I’m wrong….but the Hawks got clobbered…..coach Drew is already using “old material” in his apology, and the players indicate an extraordinary cluelessness. (Sigh) GO HAWKS (Maybe to Vegas, Seattle)
truthspitter
October 23rd, 2010
10:58 am
Sports and entertainment really is overrated especially when people don’t put on good performances. Someone is going through life threatening situations and needs something to temporarily take them away from there pain and eventual destination but they go out there and play like this.
I.MUS WRITE
October 23rd, 2010
11:12 am
No big deal -theres nothing to see here people keep it moving. Its preseason, but we need to pick it up with only 5 days left until opening night.
Ive been say’n it for a while -right now all Teague offers us is speed, which really doesnt help alot unless he’s pushing the ball on the break. In half court sets teams will sag back into the lane and dare the guy to shoot. That jumper is broken…..AC Law Part Deaux
Why do we always draft PG’s that cant shoot-who’s in charge of scouting -jeezuz
Ishmel Smith teagues running mate at Wake Forrest is looking good in Houston- I think he is going to be a good one- Plays like Kyle Lowrey but faster……
Truth-Se rum
October 23rd, 2010
11:42 am
Doc, Ditto on the f u g l y – LMAO
Good post Grandad
sam’l Woodson did an excellent job. I hope thats your last can of hateraid.
rusty
October 23rd, 2010
11:48 am
the hawks are a bunch of spoiled brats with no pride. i am not basing that on last night. i am basing it on there playoff collaspses. they give jj a max contract when he disses the fans & destroys team chemistry often plays like he has a load in his pants & SHOWS AS MUCH INTEREST as the man in the moon. js who rather be a slick outside player & when he drives to the hoop rather put up a finger roll than a dunk. the way this man dunks & jumps he should have 15 rebounds a game . who could stop him if he used his great jumping ability under the rim. he prefers often to play like a puss. a gm who dont gve a crap & a bunch of cheapass owners who dont give a crap.
O'Brien
October 23rd, 2010
11:51 am
Samuel,
Woody had 2 seasons where he led us to the second round, and both times, we got swept. One of those times, we got swept by an NBA record 101 points.
LD hasnt had his chance yet. Will he help us get past the second round? I dont know, but what I do know, is Woody never did. So I will give LD (or whoever our new coach would have been) a chance.
Plus, LD does not have to get to the ECF to be considered an improvement. If we get to the second round, and win one game, isnt that an improvement over Woody?
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
Enter your comments here
Truth-Se rum
October 24th, 2010
12:13 am
sorry guys did not mean the last transmission.
doc
October 24th, 2010
12:15 am
t-s a little trigger happy there?
Truth-Se rum
October 24th, 2010
12:21 am
LOL Doc good post tonight by the way.
Ramon
October 24th, 2010
12:36 am
Doc, yea it was for an assistant position, on each accounts. I’ve never heard of Drew being interviewed for a HC position. I am one who truly believes Sund and ASG stupidly made a smart decision by hiring Larry Drew, lol. If that makes sense. I think Sund and ASG are so stupid together, that it will end up working out on this deal. And that’s the scariest part to me. If they end up going to ECF, that means Sund will not be relieved of his duties. And if they goto the Finals, that means Sund is here for the next ten years, lol.
On Drew, answer this, please. Would you rather had a coach who had been interviewed for 4 head coaching positions before, and never received a single offer? Or a coach who nailed the first interview for a head coaching position he ever received? And of the available head coaches who are unemployed, which one wasn’t fired at their last gig?
So I stick by my thought that ASG stupidly made a smart decision.
TS, I truly looked for the articles, but the archives on ASG only date back to 2008. But those requests took place BK’s last off season with the Hawks. I actually believe then, BK knew that he wanted to try LD as the next head coach and that was why he denied permission. Also if you remember, it was only 4 months into the season that BK was lobbying to fire Woody.
Truth-Se rum
October 24th, 2010
1:12 am
Ramon I have a bargain for you. I would like to offer you beach front property in Somalia.
Ramon
October 24th, 2010
1:13 am
@ Truth, I would take that deal, and start drilling for oil.
Truth-Se rum
October 24th, 2010
1:29 am
Thats if the pirates dont getcha.
I wonder, when people play the lottery do they expect to win, hope to win. or do they realize that there is better than a 10 million chance that they dont win.
Sure I hope Larry Drew is at the least as effective as Woodson prove to be, which will mean 53 wins and a second round playoff appearance this year followed by 4 years of steady growth from that point. But at the same time…i aint buying no lottery tickets.
Ramon
October 24th, 2010
1:53 am
Lol, I wouldn’t have hired LD. But of course, I wouldn’t have hired Sund either. But strategically, LD seems prepared.
KevinM
October 24th, 2010
3:21 am
No more excuses, preseason or just trying to pick up the new scheme. The players have had plenty of time to establish some consistency and a long road is ahead.
What this team does on the defensive end and their rebounding will determine their success.
Looking to Wednesday, Memphis on the road will be tough.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 24th, 2010
8:52 am
rotoworld
Shaquille O’Neal-C-Celtics
Oct. 23 – 5:02 pm et
Coach Doc Rivers said that Shaquille O’Neal is in the first unit right now ahead of Jermaine O’Neal.
Jermaine is behind because of all practices nagging injuries have caused him to miss. It won’t be long before Shaq is dealing with nicks and aches of his own. Both these guys are going to give owners more headaches than they are worth while locked in a timeshare.
Source: Jessica Camerato on Twitter
Related: Jermaine O’Neal
doc
October 24th, 2010
9:36 am
yeah ramon it is scary that they might get lucky again just like pulling ball three to get al when any number higher would have meant no draft choice that year except 11 which was acie.
yeah t-s fun day at the blog.
Ted M
October 24th, 2010
9:50 am
I just read Cunningham’s piece in the Sunday print edition (I couldn’t find it online). He interviewed everyone from GM to coach to the primary players about why they are going to be better this yr w/ the same team. Every single response from everyone was nothing more than a cliché and a meaningless cliché at that.
Ted M
October 24th, 2010
10:05 am
No offense MC but the NBA Preview section in Today’s print edition pretty much sucked.
JeJe
October 24th, 2010
10:20 am
Proofread?
SadDawg
October 24th, 2010
10:48 am
I just wish the Hawks could get the “eye of the tiger” against the lesser teams, as well as the Celtics and Heat . . .
Just be pros.
O'Brien
October 24th, 2010
10:52 am
Ramon,
Woody would play his starters 30 mins or more in the preseason game, like you said, because he wants to win every preseason game. That’s one approach.
I like LD’s approach, play the starters as needed, and give the bench plenty of PT. What I dont like is when Drew plays the starters 20 mins, but the starters and bench players “coast” when they are out there. And thats what the box score and comments look like they are doing.
All I want is for the players to play hard, even if they are only out there for 20 minutes.
Doc,
I was skeptical of the LD hire, but the one positive for me, was that because he has been here 6 years, he knows first hand what the problems are (Josh and his jump shots, too many ISOs, Josh whining, switching everything every game etc). So that would give him a head start (imo).
The players need to step their game up to meet LD’s expectations. Because he sounds very prepared, and he has a plan. I just hope it all comes together.
I am looking forward to the real games on Wednesday. Go Hawks.
Truth-se rum
October 24th, 2010
12:27 pm
Woody lite actually likes and gets along well with josh. Thats why he made him captain. I have no problem with Josh’s passion for the game even if he gets an occasional tech for it .
Keep the passion!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/25/josh-smiths-game-winning_n_512782.html
Ken Strickland
October 24th, 2010
12:47 pm
I think the players are coasting, particularily the starters, because they know HC LDrew is using the preseason as an extention of training camp. The starters know they’re going to get limited mins, and they pretty much already know who’s going to make the 12 man roster, so there’s not a lot of competition for roster spots that aren’t available.
But against the over hyped Miami Heat, LDrew obviously wanted to make a statement and unleashed the dobermans. The team demonstrated what it could do against a quality opponent and definitely sent a message, as everyone rose to the occasion and played both ends of the court with energy, and prevailed. We’ve seen the Hawks lose during preseason, and we’ve seen them win. If you have a negative attitude or approach, you’ll focus exclusively on the losses and ignore what you saw when the team decided to take a regular season approach against a quality opponent.
It’s revealing how some NEGATIVE MINDED ANTI HAWK fan(s) continue to think everyone is as narrow minded as they are. Otherwise, why think Hawk fans wouldn’t see through their obviously redundant BS. One actually used DWade’s absence as his reasoning for Miami losing to the Hawks. Yet, when the Hawks lose, he never once mentioned, or factored in the 6 players(JTeague, MEvans, JCollins, JaCrawford, MWilliams, Pape Sy)the Hawks were missing due to injuries, or the 2 starters(JSmith & AHorford) playing through injuries. WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
It’s no secret JSmith spent the off season working on a midrange jump shot, so why wouldn’t he use it under gm conditions during the preseason? It’s what he does during the REGULAR SEASON that counts. THE ATLANTA HAWKS SHOULD BE JUDGED BY HOW THEY PERFORM OVERALL AT THE START AND FINISH OF THE “REGULAR SEASON”, INCLUDING THE ENTIRE PERIOD IN BETWEEN, NOT THE “PRESEASON”.
Ken Strickland
October 24th, 2010
1:19 pm
I was a big fan of the LDrew hire. In fact, I suggested he be promoted back when former GM BKnight was trying to fire Woody. Since PG was an issue under Woodson his entire 6yrs here, I felt LDrew would be the perfect choice since,
1-his NBA career as a PG was based on speed, quickness, and the ability to provide pressure perimeter DEF, which has been the teams #1 problem,
2-he was familiar with the players, the team, and the positives and negatives of both, and
3-hiring him would minimize the adjustments and changes that could potentially create problems for a team with so many young inexperenced players as part of their core.
Woodson did a very good job of improving the team within the atmosphere of the regular season, but he just wasn’t equipped to function in the thin air of the playoffs. It appears LDrew will use the regular season to prepare the team for the playoffs, much like he’s used the preseason to prepare the team for the regular season.
While the Eastern Conference has improved once again, it would be foolish not to include the Atlanta Hawks as part of that improvement. The Bulls and the Bucks haven’t added nearly enough to overcome the 12gm and 7gm advantage the Hawks had over them last yr. The Celtics certainly didn’t do anything to overcome our dominance over them last yr. In fact, by adding the 2 ONeals, and losing KPerkins for a large part of the season, they’ve become older, slower and more injury prone, and may actually have taken a step backward.
THE ORLANDO MAGIC WILL BE THE TEAM FOR US TO BEAT IF WE’RE GOING TO GET PAST THE 2ND RD.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 24th, 2010
1:55 pm
Ken S
Amen Brotha! Preach that Truth.
BTW, how are you coming along? I see you’re keeping it positive as always!
Great to see.
Go hawks Go!
Ken Strickland
October 24th, 2010
7:09 pm
DRMARYB-I’m doing just fine, except for these darned HOT FLASHES. It’s hard to get a good nights sleep when you’re constantly kicking cover off and then scrambling to pull it back up shortly there after.
The Hawks start the season with:
1-a new head coach with a handle on last yrs problems, like:
A-the need to employ multiple OFF options,
B-an actual concern for both OFF and DEF
C-a commit to playing uptempo
D-a willingness to seek help
E-the need to get better OFF/DEF play at PG
2-Players that are preoccupied with learning and winning, rather than being preoccupied with getting rid of the HC,
3-Players that are in far better physical and mental condition than in previous yrs,
4-A roster that’s younger, quicker, faster, more athletic and versatile,
5-ACCOUNTABILITY, EQUITABLE TREATMENT AMONG ALL PLAYERS, A WILLINGNESS AND ABILITY TO MAKE CHANGES AND/OR ADJUSTMENTS WHEN CALLED FOR, and
6-the return of a core group of players that will be improved mentally, physically and skill wise.
Yetta
October 25th, 2010
9:32 am
Why are we always talking about J-Smoove? What’s the rest of the team doing; nothing as long as they are allowed to miss shots and get away with it. Josh shoots only a few jump shots a game and misses; how many do the others make and game and miss. Seems like Josh is playing when the others are on vacation. Josh is right to get frustrated when the rest of the team doesn’t follow thru with their part. Al is nice, but we need a tough guy with an attitude to play center.
Season opener | Atlanta Hawks: Fan Nest
October 25th, 2010
9:08 pm
[...] with serious adversity. Al Horford feels the same way about these issues, and he is beginning to express his concerns more vividly, now that he too, is a team captain. But what of Josh Smith, the third team captain? While he has [...]