Atlanta Hawks: Offense will be fine . . . defense will define
Despite some of the uncertainty surrounding the Hawks on the eve of the regular season, I think they they will end up being very good again offensively.
The Hawks must be about D. (Curtis Compton/ ccompton@ajc.com)
There’s the talent, of course. J.J., Jamal, Al, and Josh will score. I think all are willing to share the ball, including J.J. When the motion breaks down or when the Hawks play more traditional sets (which they still will do a large percentage of the time), J.J. and Jamal can score with the best of them.
The preseason turnovers were a function of playing too fast in transition and trying to figure out all the “reads” that are part of L.D.’s motion offense. Once they get a feel for the latter, I think the Hawks will be tough to guard late in games. You could see it at times when the regulars were playing together. The open shots were there. It looked really good.
With more motion sets Bibby won’t just be standing on the weakside watching and he’s so good at slipping into space and making shots. I think Zaza and Mo are going to benefit from the motion, too. So will Marvin, who must have said “I know where my shots are coming from each night” 30 times during the preseason.
But then there’s the defense. I’m not sure the Hawks can meet L.D.’s goal of being a legit top 10 defensive team. He’s saying a lot of good things about defense, including not switching on screens.
“It puts ownership on us guards to really guard our men and get over picks and fight through them,” J.J. said. “That’s pretty much it.”
“Chasing around little point guards and stuff kind of took us out of what we wanted to do defensively,” Al said. “I think it’s good he’s got everyone staying with their man.”
The Hawks are fine on the backline. The problem will come in those games when Bibby, Jamal, or J.J. (is there any way to avoid regularly matching him on point guards?) can’t contain the perimeter that way. Then what for the Hawks? The answer can’t just be as simple as more Teague, can it?
Woody talked a lot about defense but never got this group to play it a high level consistently. L.D. said he’s ready to back up his talk about defense becoming Atlanta’s “staple” by awarding playing time based on defensive effort.
“We have a plan in place as far as expectations where we want to be as a team defensively and where we want to be defensively individually,” L.D. said. “As I told the guys at the beginning, they are going to be held accountable. We go into every game with a defensive game plan and schemes and I expect them to put forth all the energy into it. If we have to make adjustments, we’ll make adjustments. But no matter the coverages, guys have to put in the effort.”
That last part figures to be repeated throughout the season by L.D. He’s put in a defensive system that theoretically won’t create terrible mismatches for the guards or the bigs. But it won’t work if the Hawks fall back into the lax habits the switches sometimes encouraged.
“I think we are at our best when we play with energy defensively, when we are flying around and doing something,” L.D. said. “I think one of our attributes is we are athletic and we have to utilize that to the best of our capabilities. It’s easy to gauge when we are in our spots, making the right rotations. We have a blueprint of our defense and where people should be. It’s very easy to see when guys are not putting the forth the effort.”
It will also be easy to see what L.D. handles it when they don’t. The Hawks won’t be a serious contender until they can defend like Boston, Orlando and Miami, nor can they count on staying ahead of Milwaukee and Charlotte unless they get tougher on D.
The Hawks are going to score. The next step is getting stops when things get hard.
MC
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157 comments Add your comment
yodaddy
October 27th, 2010
3:34 pm
Boston’s Defense looked amazing…Shaq was dishing out the pain on his fouls…another underrated aspect of defense from a big center. That hardwood hurts. The Hawks as a team don’t really have the fortitude to knock someone on their behinds when they start getting happy. Wade going for a layup against Shaq gets blocked and he gets knocked down, LBJ got smacked clear across the face challenging shaq at the rim. And they wonder why Miami were taken contested jump shots instead of driving the lane. Glen Davis, Rondo, KG, Perkins…those aren’t nice guys…they aren’t friendly…and that’s why they’re winners.
That’s what the hawks are missing. Al Horford is way too nice…I need him to flip somebody like a Dennis Rodman or somebody….when they come through the lane wreckless they need to end up on their back. Marvin Williams is too nice…need a Matt Barnes in your face type of guy. Joe Johnson is a stone face so I don’t know if he’s upset or happy or what. Which brings the convo back to Josh Smith. Josh Smith is not having that and hopefully his push for DPOY will help the others on the team
terrell
October 27th, 2010
3:35 pm
“The Hawks never won a championship with 7ft Tree Rollins as their center. What’s your point?” Hahahahaha! True dat.
terrell
October 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
MC, Why isn’t the game on TV,or the radio? Wtf?
Rufus1
October 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
@Northcyde
I remember the game he played against CP3, I think he can defend, but he is injury prone. He currently has a BAD HIP.
terrell
October 27th, 2010
3:39 pm
Stop it with the Shaquille Oldneal love fest. He’ll be on IR in no time.
northcyde
October 27th, 2010
3:41 pm
Ken . . what about the preseason game? Or did that game not matter to the point that we can just totally throw that game out?
The fact is that Horford needs to start to BATTLE these big dudes. If he knows he’s undersized, then he has to either match them physically, or outsmart them. Instead of blaming the coaches for Horford’s shortcomings, how about blaming Horford himself?
And that goes for Josh’s jumpshooting . . . JJ’s lack of drawing fouls to get to the FT line ( because he doesn’t drive hard enough to the hole ) . . . Jamal’s pizz poor perimeter defense . . . Marvin’s flat out lack of desire at times out on the court.
You act like all of these things can be coached into players. When in reality, these players have to WANT to do it themselves.
We really need Al or Josh to become a dominant rebounder on this squad. Both of those guys have the ability to average 11+ rebounds a game. But do they have the DESIRE to do that?
Or does that need to be “coached” into them as well?
It’s bad enough Teague has to be “coached” into finding his “inner dog” and be a leader . . now we gotta coach Horford to play like a big dog vs Horford too?
I know . . . Horford should listen to this song everytime he goes to play a big center. Maybe that will motivate him to play a lot tougher than what he does. Let Smith listen to this too, so that he can turn into “Smash” and kill off “Smoove”
Matter of fact . . . the Hawks promotional team should make this the Hawks opening game theme song. Do a video to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvXaTfoJqWA
northcyde
October 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
vs Horford = vs Howard
Then again . . . this may be a battle within himself. Horford now ( vs ) how Horford should play at center.
Fresh
October 27th, 2010
3:45 pm
Marc Gasol to miss tonight’s season opener for Grizzlies
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/oct/27/marc-gasol-miss-tonights-season-opener-grizzlies/
Fresh
October 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Terrell,
The game is on Sportsouth
northcyde
October 27th, 2010
3:46 pm
Astro Joe . . . it’s a partial obsession because Orlando is the main roadblock in our way. We’re not even close to figuring out how to be successful against that team, without them missing a ton of open looks to keep us in a game.
Orlando is like that level on a video game that you can’t beat. No matter how many times you play the game, you always die on the same level and at the same place.
northcyde
October 27th, 2010
3:47 pm
Fresh . . . no excuses for not taking this game now. What a big break we got with Gasol out. Now Thabeet’s soft a’zz will have to play. Horford will probably foul him out.
Rufus1
October 27th, 2010
3:48 pm
@Astro Joe
D12 isn’t just the Boogeyman for the blog, his is the boogeyman for anyone who writes about the Hawks. They act like the Magic can put 20 loses on the Hawks alone.
Their is a chance we miss the Magic in the Playoffs, because the season hasn’t played out.
terrell
October 27th, 2010
4:00 pm
TV says the game’s on Ssouth. Yes! NBA.Com didnt have it on local TV or the radio.
ryan
October 27th, 2010
4:01 pm
We can wish and wish for a trades its not going to happen just let the season play out we need new owners is the only way things can change we have to give Drew a shot at it that is all we can do .
O'Brien
October 27th, 2010
4:03 pm
KevinM,
Big Baby would not have replaced Marvin. He would have been our backup PF. When he was a FA, we didn’t even make him an offer. Just like we didn’t make Bass an offer. Joe Smith didn’t get the job done, but hopefully Powell will.
As for Chills over Jameer, nobody had Jameer rated that high. The beef (imo) was picking Chills over Deng and Iguadala. Josh over Jameer was not a bad choice. Josh, was a potential top 10 pick, but his stock fell mostly because there was concern about his attitude, not his talent. We got a steal at 17.
Put Jameer on a team that doesn’t have Howard and see how average he looks.
O'Brien
October 27th, 2010
4:16 pm
northcyde,
We were bad at rebounding. There were numerous opportunities where even our guards (JJ included) did not even make the effort to go after a defensive rebound.
It’s like they just assumed that 1) Al or Josh will get it or 2) The ball is out of reach, so why bother.
And I agree about our frontline. ZaZa is a good backup, but not what this team needs.
He is another one who seems extra motivated to get the offensive rebound (usually off his own misses), but on defense, his rebounding falls off.
Ramon
October 27th, 2010
4:33 pm
O’brien, I think we were terrible at rebounding also. I don’t know if it was more of an effort or a scheme that left our numbers down. Many times they would have Josh leave as the shot goes up to try and get him out on the break. I personally think it would be better to get Josh out on the break, and have Marvin and Joe attack the defensive boards to help Horford out.
cp
October 27th, 2010
4:37 pm
Our guys dont block out. That’s what frustrated me not just last year but also previous years. Guys on our team rely to much on their athleticism to rebound rather than getting in position and blocking out. Not having to deal with Gasol should help us but I expect to see Zach have a big game. Dude gets after it against us. It will be a good game because the Grizz are much improved.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
4:39 pm
ryan
Yup! Pretty much.
Astro Joe
October 27th, 2010
4:42 pm
northcyde, IMO, the Magic was just the most recent superior team to squash us in the 2nd round. Is it possible that we’re just not a top 2 team in the conference with this smallish roster of players with fluctuating attention spans?
Meanwhile, we have 82 games to play against 29 teams over about 6 months. And it all starts tonight.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
4:43 pm
Grand-Daddy
What’s up baby? How is sweet little Mamma doing in Tennessee?
northcyde
October 27th, 2010
4:52 pm
Hawks catch another break for the home opener.
Gilbert Arenas is out for Saturday’s game.
- So that’s tonight @ Memphis – w/o Marc Gasol
- @ Philly
- vs Washington w/o Arenas
A good start to the season is right there for us.
J.J.M.
October 27th, 2010
4:53 pm
I have a link for the game if you have dish…I will just use my HDMI cord and stream it on my tv
Grandad
October 27th, 2010
4:57 pm
yodaddy
I agree in general with your post sir!
I too, since that an enforcer and an angry attitude near the basket
would enhance our overall identity as a team that takes personal responsibility for defending the basket, as well as overall defense.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
4:57 pm
Gracias!
I just want to take a moment to say Thanks – a – Million:
To MC for all the kind updates and breaking team news, and to all the fellow bloggers All of You: new, old, indifferent, kind and not-so-kind.
At the end of the day, it’s all good and it proves one thing!
We are all Hawks Fans, regardless of how we view the team and approach the conversations. This blog has made the off-season not seem so long and fun!
Let’s Go Hawks!
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
5:02 pm
Boon – Docks!
JJM
Do you live in the Boonies? lol
Grandad
October 27th, 2010
5:03 pm
Mary Ellen
She’s hangin’ on. (old school) “full o’ faith”
We’re back home for the time bein’.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
5:23 pm
G-Daddy
Well Lil’ Mamma is in my prayers and thoughts. I’m glad you made it home safe.
I hope her favorite G-Daughter makes it home from Peace-Corps in time.
Hey Ken S,
You too, Mr. Graciously Optimistic, you take care of yourself and Get Well Soon!
KevinM
October 27th, 2010
5:31 pm
O’Brien
October 27th, 2010
4:03 pm
Those thoughts about Big Baby playing PF might be right, but I still see him as strengthening the frontline and would have been a good addition here. All he does is turn on his motor and makes things happen. He would have been very affordable, starter or bench player.
That energy would have taken some of the uptick the C’s get when he gets in the game.
I felt the same with Shaq; I just think keeping him away from the C’s would have been a better move than letting him go there and fill a role whether its 10 min or 1 game/week. He would have helped us no doubt.
And all that Jameer Nelson does is improve his team. They are in the mix, and no one is threatening his position. He has turned away Rafer Alston, who I liked very much, Jason Williams and Duhon. Not much of a threat, but Jameer has a good stroke and keeps moving the ball to the guys who need it. I do remember he wasnt rated that high, but isn’t that what the brass is supposed to determine: who are the guys that will last a long time and benefit us the most? We give up on Chills and just eat that pick as a mistake.
FYI, Bibby had an interview today on 680 with Chuck and Chernoff. Basically, he gave us his thoughts on Marvin, (tall, athletic, and a good FT shooter) and Smoove ( getting better every year ). He stayed away from the controversy between Woody and LD differences, only to say LD will hold people accountable to the systems….says he doesn’t feel as much pressure with LD at the helm.
Finally, he says Teague brings things that he doesn’t to the team and he is helping him any way he can. Bibby says he is on the best team in the East and his job is to make everyone else happy giving the ball to the right person at the right time.
It doesn’t sound like Bibby is worried about his job at all. He sounds very confident as a 13 year vet that he has held off many other guys to keep the PG job and doesn’t expect anything different.
Hmmm
October 27th, 2010
5:56 pm
smh Bibby needs to sit down somewhere…preferably on the bench where his bad defence and decreasing ball-handling skills wont hurt us.
Hmmm
October 27th, 2010
5:57 pm
Luckily, He wont be abused by conely and Acie LOL.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
6:01 pm
KevinM
Bibby must be a Politician if that’s all he could find to say about Marvin.
vava74
October 27th, 2010
6:23 pm
There is an offer of the NBA LEAGUE PASS for free until the 1st of November (included).
If it works it will not be necessary to use a feed from elsewhere.
richbrave
October 27th, 2010
6:35 pm
northcyde
October 27th, 2010
4:52 pm
Hawks catch another break for the home opener.
Gilbert Arenas is out for Saturday’s game.
- So that’s tonight @ Memphis – w/o Marc Gasol
- @ Philly
- vs Washington w/o Arenas
I don’t think ARENAS’ absence is going to make that much difference. Thye weren’t starting him anyway. But even if they had……….well, the WHIZZIES will wet themselves in my opinion right out of the box with or without GIL. I mean we-e-e-e’ve got YI. Whew. Gonna’ take a while for all the new names and faces to settle in. Say like another top lottery pick next spring, then purging players like YI from the squad.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 27th, 2010
6:44 pm
I’m just glad the long offseason of rehashing beaten down arguments is over.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 27th, 2010
6:47 pm
By the way, Marc Gasol is out for tonight’s game.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 27th, 2010
6:48 pm
Never mind, I see it’s been mentioned already, my bad.
O'Brien
October 27th, 2010
7:08 pm
What’s the key tonight? Is it turnovers? Is it rebounding? Who gets the game ball? My guess is JJ, and it will come down to rebounding (Randolph is very active on the glass).
MC,
I hope we can get a blog at least a few minutes before game time. That way, we can read your comments, and comment, before the game starts.
Hawk n the Ham
October 27th, 2010
7:13 pm
If anyone is interested. NBA League Pass is free for the next week.
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
7:18 pm
I got my popcorn and cherry-coke all cheesed up and ret-2-go!
JeJe
October 27th, 2010
7:18 pm
LOL @ those Bibby comments. Good job improving, Marvin!
Melvin
October 27th, 2010
7:21 pm
Watching the Heat/76ers. Spencer Hawes look terrible…
JeJe
October 27th, 2010
7:24 pm
Memphis has a very scary starting lineup and always scares me, but defensively they suck. We do well against this team usually (think we lost a garbage game to them in April though). Just can’t take them for granted, and no 9 point quarters please
JeJe
October 27th, 2010
7:25 pm
Melvin,
It’s Philly who is terrible. Why the heck did Collins, a highly respected guy in the NBA World, take this job? He had a sick Bulls offer 2 years ago…..
Mike is back
October 27th, 2010
7:29 pm
Ken, What’s up broooooooooo…I know it’s been a while since I posted…but let me get this right…we are celebrating cuz Mark Gasol is not playing…Daaaaaang. I mean…dude got a nice game…and he is a 7 footer…but daaaaaaaang…when did this cat become a dominate force in the league…I must have missed summin…While I was gone.
No doubt we will take our lumps…but once we get everybody back healthy…especially BIG AL…just like last season…ESPN, TNT and now the NBA channel…will be back pedaling and eaten crow…at lease until the second round of the playoff. lol
LET THE GAMES BEGIN……….GO HAWKS…LET YO HATERS…BE YO MOTIVATORS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O'Brien
October 27th, 2010
7:32 pm
JeJe,
I think he took the Philly job because thats who drafted him years ago, so its probably his hometown team
As for Philly sucking, they made a big mistake not signing Josh Smith, choosing Brand instead, and I dont think AI2 and Turner will work.
I would have considered a trade of Jamal for Iggy
truly1
October 27th, 2010
7:33 pm
whats the link for the game I have dish?
Mike is back
October 27th, 2010
7:52 pm
truly1, I’m watching the Hawks on channel 759 on Direct…I guess they want you to get league pass…just to see your home team…dang…I didn’t even know…the channels went up that high. lol
drmaryb (*_*)
October 27th, 2010
7:54 pm
Josh was a RFA, Philly was never in control of signing Josh Smith.
The Hawks were going to match ANY offer sheet Josh signed and not many teams bidded for that reason!
O'Brien
October 27th, 2010
8:00 pm
drmaryb,
Philly gave Brand 5 years, $80 mil. I’m not so sure the Hawks would have matched.
Memphis offered Josh 5 years, $60 mil. That was much easier to match.