Atlanta Hawks: Nets 107, Hawks 101 (OT)
This was never good for the Hawks. (US Presswire)
Newark, N.J.–There’s not been much in between for the Hawks when they lose. They have seven Ls and they’ve all happened in two basic ways: Surrender from the start, or falter at the end.
– This one was in the latter category, and what does it say about the Hawks that losing in a competitive effort at New Jersey represents progress? That’s how it goes when you show any life at all the night after melting down to the Celtics.
– Better effort, but it’s still a loss. That’s three in a row and seven in nine games since the the 6-0 start. Can’t use the good opponent crutch for this one, either.
– “As long as we stay together, we will be all right,” said Bibby, stoic as always. “You lose some games. You can’t win all 82. We’ve got a lot of games left. We can’t get down.”
– You had to figure Atlanta’s tendency to earn tightrope Ws in these road games against also-rans would eventually go bad. Unfortunately for them, it happened the night after the Celtics debacle.
– “The effort was there,” Jamal said. “It just didn’t go our way. We expended so much energy getting back in the game we didn’t have enough to finish.”
– The Hawks rallied to force overtime after trailing by 10 in the third quarter. They never could take the lead because once they got close in the fourth quarter they traded baskets and turned over the ball.
– “It was difficult [to lose] when you fight that hard after that game last night,” L.D. said.
– Too bad for the Hawks it took them until the second quarter to find some fight. The Nets led 31-21 after a quarter because they had clear passage to the basket and exploited one of their two clear mismatches, feeding Brook Lopez for 15 points on 5 of 7 shooting.
– “We did everything we could to give Al help on Lopez,” L.D. said.
– Jason Collins and especially Zaza provided some resistance for Lopez after the opening period. Then the inevitable happened and Devin Harris started zigging and zagging around Atlanta’s guards while scoring 23 points after halftime.
– “Harris has always been a tough guard for us because of his speed and quickness,” Drew said. “They run a lot of pick-and-rolls for him. He’s clever with the ball, shifty with the ball. He knows how to create contact. When he’s making his jump shot he’s difficult to stop.”
– The Hawks went retro with some Iso-Joe and Jamal. It was a mixed bag. They rallied behind a combined 14 points on 5 of 6 shooting from those two in the fourth quarter. But costly turnovers by both cost them possessions when the game was there to be taken late in regulation.
– “I wanted Jamal and Joe to be aggressive,” L.D. said.
– Josh took 21 shots and missed 12. Lots of jumpers in that tally.
– Joe continues to be miserable on 3-pointers. He did grab six rebounds. No glove tonight.
– Marvin made 3 of 4 shots, including a 3 that got Atlanta within 70-67 at the end of the third. But he had just two rebounds in 24 minutes on a night when Al and Smoove needed all the help they could get.
– Zaza (six rebounds in 11 minutes) lended a hand. He was strong in keeping Lopez off the boards and even frustrated him a couple times.
– It was one thing for Harris and Lopez to get theirs. Anthony Morrow made a couple key open 3-pointers in the fourth, but let that slide because Farmar and Harris broke the Hawks down off the dribble to set him up.
– But Kris Humphries getting 12 points and 14 rebounds by basically being physical and persistent? That’s just not cool.
– The Hawks were griping a bit about the free-throw disparity (33-13) and it’s true they didn’t get a couple calls when things got tight at the end. Josh appeared to get hacked on two straight possessions when they were down 93-88.
– But the Nets weren’t getting calls by that point, either, and they earned those 19 attempts in the first half.
– The Hawks squandered chances to take control early in the fourth quarter. They were down 72-69 when Teague and Jamal had turnovers on consecutive possessions. Jamal’s came after a timeout; his pass for Al in the post was off the mark.
– Another Teague turnover led to Morrow’s 3-pointer to make it 80-77 and Morrow made a second 3-pointer after Crawford threw away a pass following a Hawks timeout.
– Joe was so intent on bullying Harris to the basket he got called for a travel with the Hawks down 91-88.
– Avery Johnson has two talents in Lopez and Harris and a top prospect in Favors. He’s got the rest of the Nets playing scrappy ball.
– “I’ve been saying all along how much I love this team,” Avery said. “I love working with them on a day in and day out basis and you can see why. The team played their heart out, and they really deserved to win tonight. Nothing against Atlanta, they’re a great team, but we deserved to win.”
– “They are definitely not the same team as last year,” Jamal said.
– As for the Hawks, well . . . ah, nevermind.
– “We just have to keep working,” L.D. said. “We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. Throughout the season you are going to have ups and downs. You have to learn how to handle adversity and it makes you stronger.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
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208 comments Add your comment
Bama Brave
November 24th, 2010
9:45 am
Joe Johnson Is A JOKE. A ball hog and WASTE OF MONEY!!!!!!!!!
O'Brien
November 24th, 2010
9:50 am
Except for Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, who else do the Nets have that are considered really good players?
Mike is back,
Josh is part of the problem. But he is a big part of the solution. He does many things well, and the mistakes he makes can be corrected, so I dont think he should be traded either.
JJ is a vet, but he is not a leader. And I dont think Bibby is a leader either. Bibby’s comments after the game?
“As long as we stay together, we will be all right,” said Bibby, stoic as always. “You lose some games. You can’t win all 82. We’ve got a lot of games left. We can’t get down.”.
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
10:00 am
Man, I sure am glad we didn’t sign Shaq or Dampier when we had the chance. Etan, Collins, and Powell wouldn’t be able to keep the low post occupied in such an unbelievable way on a nightly basis – not!!!
Our depth – Teague – no clue yet, but I’m hopeful for a couple of years down the road.
Jamal – OK – but is it time to trade him?
Mo – OK
Bigs – bad on a nightly basis, including ZaZa most nights.
JC2 – Not ready for consistent prime time – but we may have a keeper for the future.
Starters – Bibby – Old and slow – but playing decent ball on Offense.
JJ – Hurt
Marvin – Pitiful – but somehow or +/- is good with him in the game many times.
Josh – All Star
Al – All-Star
Chemistry – LD has lost control of this team it seems.
Prognosis – It doesn’t look good – we may make the playoffs – hope so. We may even make some noise when we get there, who knows?
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
10:09 am
I’m almost wondering – is it time to keep Josh (with no jumpers – bring back Woody!!!), and Al – and trade everybody else to compliment them?
Can we get a real PG, a good backup C/PF, and some tough SG/SF types by trading Teague, Bibby, JJ (after Dec. 15th), Jamal, Marvin, and ZaZa? It’s almost, but maybe not quite time to rebuild. Sund may better get into position to trade!!
moBmo
November 24th, 2010
10:10 am
it will take time for the offense to come along. the guys are still learning the ins and outs of the new scheme. but the D should not take time, it is all about effort. try one of those shock collars on the players and if they are standing up and not in defensive position shock the s–t out of them till they get a clue. if you look at the players most of the time they are just standing there. not in a defensive stance ready to go where needed in a nano second like they should be. must be nice to be paid millions to stand around and watch the other team shoot and rebound uncontested. You can see the other team get defensive rebounds and there is not a Hawk on the TV screen, anywhere to be seen!
Mike is back
November 24th, 2010
10:16 am
For all you trade Josh folks…what’s make you so sure…that Sund and ASG…want screw that too!@! lol
Hey, nobody on the Hawks team is untouchable…if it makes your team better…you should always be willing to listen to trades, and make trades.
I guess trading Josh will make JJ all sudden start playing like a Super Star…and Give Bibby some mobility back…and improve Jamal’s defense…Cuz these are the guys that 90% is offense is designed for…this team is still a perimeter oriented offense…which leads to poor transitional defense…How do trading Josh fix that????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
When we were committed to the motion offense…life was good…now that we have reverted back to the heavy ISOs…not so much…In fact…right now it stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!just saying.
J from the A
November 24th, 2010
10:21 am
So, Joe sucks and is a ball hog? Well, he still leads the team in assists per game and points per game. He is the only one of the guards that can play defense, and he is often asked to cross-match against the other team’s best offensive player, whether that other player be a PG, a SG, or a SF.
Yes, offensively, he has had a few off nights. However, like him or not, Joe is still the Hawks best all-around player.
Mike is back
November 24th, 2010
10:36 am
I had some bleeps on in that last post…but you get what I’m saying. LD has basically reverted back to running the same offense as Woody.
We are always going to have problem with transition defense…as long as we are a perimeter oriented defense. I like and respect both Bibby and Jamal…but their defensive deficiencies’ are magnified when they are both on the floor at the same time…Well coached teams are going to exploit that matchup…you can count it.
DAChef
November 24th, 2010
10:49 am
Perhaps if Mr. Sund would make the EFFORT there are some available players that can help this team with one of their weakness REBOUNDING and protecting the lane as in Earl Clark who can be had for little or nothing in PHX…Mr. Sund you can”t continue to have a blind eye, ear or nose to the urgent needs of this team..Earl Clark could help in some areas but so much more is warranted…Let us see your EFFORT Mr. Sund.
Mike is back
November 24th, 2010
10:57 am
OB, I agree…most of Josh issues are correctable…the comments from Bibby are starting to sound like a broken record.
I respect Bibby for what he’s meant to the Hawks…I pass on taking shots at him…because in Bibby’s case…it is physical limitations that is slowing him down…the effort is there…ole father time catches up with all of us…why not go with Mo in some situations…instead of always going with Jamal…Heck, if it fails…you are still getting same results…A BIG L. Go Figure!!
AG
November 24th, 2010
11:07 am
time for a change. I know everyone was happy that we got rid of Woodson. I was to, but I did not want to get his assistant. We have to shake it up. I agree, get Etan in shape and bench Marvin. Bench Bibby as well…. what do we have to lose?
Sautee
November 24th, 2010
11:18 am
GrymmDaReaper,
You said this: “Crap man, centers can not wait to come in the highlight factory to boost their fantasy numbers.”
Well, maybe that goes for centers who haven’t played there yet. Because, of the ones who HAVE played at the Highlight Factory, only Shaq and Al Jefferson have even broken into double figures. I’m not sure what your point is, but here;s how opposing centers have done so far:
10/30 J. McGee 7 pts
11/3 B. Wallace 0 pts
11/7 R. Lopez 7 pts
11/10 A. Bogut 8 pts
11/12 A. Jefferson 15 pts
11/14 D. Milicic 2 pts
11/20 T. Chandler 8 pts
11/22 S. O’Neal 13 pts
I don’t see a lot of Fantasy numbers there, do you?
No Woody for Me
November 24th, 2010
11:24 am
You had a modestly successful team and coach. You changed one element (the coach) and it looks like he was not the problem. So, you now know that it is the players, and you can move on to making changes in the roster. Oops, no you can’t because you have sewn up this rogue’s gallery for several years with long-term, above-market salaries.
We need to bring back Billy Knight so he can make more trades for the Hawks’ perennial MVP of the 1990s, i.e. Mr. “CapSpace
rusty
November 24th, 2010
11:32 am
if jj is our best player when the hell is he going to play decent ball,he wasnt our best player last year. it seems that that a lot of players on the opposing teams out play him & most of them arent even stars.
tidog
November 24th, 2010
11:52 am
The slump and sloeful play may be the beginning of Teague earning the starting spot officially by December. This could be a very good thing for if LD has faith in Teague.
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
12:12 pm
Stats:
Jason Collins is averaging 3.5 Rebounds per 36 minutes.
With 18.3% of the season gone, JJ’s PER is 15.5, down from 19.5 last year.
Jamal’s PER is 14.5, down from 18.5 last year
Teague averages more steals per game than Bibby, playing less than half the time.
Teague averages almost 5 times as many Blocks per game as C Josh Powell, playing less minutes.
Teague averages 3 times as many Blocks per game as C Jason Collins, playing less than 5 mpg more.
Both Teague and Jordan Crawford have a better PER than Marvin
Teagues Blocks per minute is almost identical to ZaZa’s.
Jordan Crawford average more Steals per game than Marvin, playing about 1/3 of Marvin’s minutes. Teague more than doubles Marvins Steals per game, playing about 1/2 the minutes.
Josh Smith has already shot 11 more 3’s than he shot all of last season.
Josh is down from last year in: PPG, RBG, APG, and Shooting %
Teague averages almost twice as many Steals per minutes played than JJ, and almost 3x as many Steals per minutes played as Horford.
The Hawks have lost 7 of 9, and have played one of the easiest schedules in the League.
JJ has never shot 3’s this bad (25.8%).
JJ is having his worst shooting year since ‘02-’03.
He is having his worst scoring year since Phoenix in ‘04-’05.
Conclusion, Men – we’re in trouble!
jlewis
November 24th, 2010
12:15 pm
Blame Joe all you want, the problems are with Josh Smith, he drains the energy from the team. The article from peachtree sums it up great.
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
12:19 pm
More stats:
Jamal has not averaged this low in points (13.6) since ‘02-03 with Chicago. Not good in a contract year for a 30 year old SG. Maybe Sund was smarter than we think not signing him yet.
We are 26th in the League in rebounding.
Ken Strickland
November 24th, 2010
12:24 pm
NAJEH-you’re correct, it’s not looking too good for the Hawks, at least not for the 1st 15gms of an 82gm season. While the Hawks are currently having problems, at least they weren’t predicted to win the NBA title like the struggling Miami Heat. I can’t say much about the last 2 gms since I didn’t get to see either. However, based on the results, I don’t think I missed much.
After reading some of the comments, it seems the blog has been inundated by people who were silent during the Hawks 6gm winning streak. But they seem have crawled out of hiding to launch one tirade after another during their troubles. The Hawks and LDrew are going through adjustment and growing pains. He has to get certain players to rethink what they’ve become accustomed to doing, thinking, and expecting for the last 5-6yrs. Making the adjustment from Woodson, and the way he did and handled things is more mental than anything else, and that’s always the hardest part or any adjustment.
The much hyped Miami Heat are struggling just as much as we are, but I don’t see any of the those, who spent the entire off season proclaiming them the next NBA champs, saying a word about the cause(s) of their struggles. What about their poor interior DEF, poor PG play, or sudden struggles on DEF? In fact, didn’t they replace 6′9″ JAnthony with 7′3″ Ilgoukas as their starting center? AND AREN’T THEY STRUGGLING NOW MORE THAN BEFORE? I guess the idea shared by some, of getting bigger and taller at center, doesn’t automatically make things better does it. Even for a team with as much talent as the Miami Heat.
There have been several comments made in the past about micro managing. Well, that’s exactly what some of you are doing when you judge the talent, potential and capabilities of the Hawks based on the results of short winning or losing streaks. I don’t see anyone making the same negative projections and predictions of doom and gloom about the Miami Heat, based on their current struggles. THE HAWKS WILL DO JUST FINE OVER THE COURSE OF THE “ENTIRE” SEASON.
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
12:24 pm
For LD to get this team back, I think he’s going to have to go back to Iso-Joe and Jamal. I think the players need their confidence back, and that’s how they have won in the past.
Somewhere, Woody is smiling……
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
12:25 pm
And as good as Horford is, I think this year proves once and for all we have 2 very good Power Forwards on this team, and no Center.
lewis
November 24th, 2010
12:28 pm
hawks are lazy
they need switching d and iso joe // jamal so they can stand around most of the game
SteveW
November 24th, 2010
12:30 pm
KS – I think I was the one on this blog stating how the Heat had no PG or Inside play. And also made the observation that if Wade or Haslem got hurt, they would be toast. They happen to have Mike Miller out also.
If they sign Dampier, keep the Big 3 healthy, when Haslem and Miller get back they will be beasts, and Title Contenders. Mark it down.
But I also said if a team had good inside play, and a good PG, they would give the Heat fits. Also said they did not match up well with Boston at all. I think I was correct in those assesments.
But I’m with you, hoping the Hawks will be fine over the 82 games, and into the playoffs. I could see us making a run…
JustAThought
November 24th, 2010
12:30 pm
Oh well, there’s a thought…………focus on what the team down the road, around the corner or up the street, then it won’t hurt so bad. Is that what you are saying Ken?
JeJe
November 24th, 2010
12:35 pm
I’LL GIVE AN AUTOGRAPHED J.SMOOVE JERSEY AND $200 IN CASH TO ANYONE ON HERE WHO CAN LIST ONE POSITIVE THING MARVIN CONTRIBUTES TO THIS TEAM AS A STARTER
JeJe
November 24th, 2010
12:40 pm
PEOPLE THROW AROUND THE WORD ACCOUNTABILITY, TRYING TO SOUND SMART LIKE THEY KNOW WHAT IT MEANS.
THIS IS WHAT ACCOUNTABILITY MEANS:
1) BENCH BIBBY IF HIS DEFENSE SUCKS. AS SOMEONE ELSE SAID, OTHER TEAMS WITH GOOD PGS OWN US. GIVE TEAGUE MORE MINUTES
2) DO NOT LET MARVIN PLAY 24 MINUTES IF HE SUCKS. 7 POINTS AND 2 REBOUNDS FROM A STARTING 6″9-6″10 SF? ARE U F’ING SERIOUS? AND WHO IS THE NETS’ SMALL FORWARD AGAIN?
STOP GIVING THIS GUY A FREE PASS. THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING – THAT HE’S YOUNG, THAT HE’S HURT. STFU. THE GUY IS GARBAGE
honest_abe
November 24th, 2010
12:46 pm
jj is at his best when he has the ball in his hands and the offense runs primarily through him. he just hasn’t looked in sync this year. having said that he doesn’t look like he spent the offseason going through a rigorous training program. i don’t blame him. why would he? he just got PAID!
i was never a big fan of the switching defense but i’m starting to see why woody used it all the time. as coach gattison pointed out yesterday our perimeter d is so bad that our frontcourt players have to step up leaving all kinds of open looks inside. bibby is serviceable when he’s shooting the ball well but he’s such a liability on defense that its counterproductive to have him on the floor. the effort on defense is sorely lacking. as many of you have already pointed out and it has been brought up many times on this blog josh smith is a great help defender but he doesn’t give enough effort on every play. he lags and mopes when calls don’t go his way. he doesn’t run back on d. and he always gets blown by when he tries to go out and guard someone on the perimeter. he doesn’t guard pick and rolls well. so overall josh smith is average at best as a defender. horford is undersized and it shows on most nights. marvin and jj have been the best defenders from a pure effort standpoint but when you only have two guys giving it all they got on defense the results just aren’t going to be pretty.
i don’t think LD is a horrible coach. it’s too early to make a conclusion one way or another. but i will say this the discipline on this team is bad. it was bad enough when josh brings the ball up and turns it over but now we horford trying to play the point as well. who and what is going to take to nail into these cats that they are most effective filling the lanes on a break. i’ve already seen horford and josh turn it over on numerous occasions this year trying to be lebron james. there’s only one lebron and those two don’t come close to imitating him.
when all is said and done the hawks will still be one of the top 6 teams in the east. the ceiling is the 2nd round for these hawks and nothing was done to change that in the offseason. i’ve been to more exciting funerals than phillips arena this year.
need to trade josh smith now. his lackadaisical attitude and low basketball iq kill this team!
JustAThought
November 24th, 2010
12:47 pm
Hey Ken! Here go buddy, knock yourself out……..even tho it’s a link to the MIAMI HERALD (which is only a minor co-winky dinky). ENJOY!
http://blogs.herald.com/random_evidence/2010/11/letdown-city-what-is-miamis-most-disappointing-team-with-poll.html
Geemack
November 24th, 2010
12:53 pm
The difference between the Miami Heat and the Hawks is the Heat have 4 guys from that 09-10 team. The Hawks brought back basically the same roster.
yessir
November 24th, 2010
12:55 pm
@Ken this a Hawks blog not Heat!!!!! Fire LD
JustAThought
November 24th, 2010
1:04 pm
I’m not sure if LD has what it takes to make this team play defense. Woody had to “dog” these guys into playing defense (and I understand that….it ain’t “sexy” to be a great defensive player), so with that being the mindset of this team, he “dog” them to play better defense. This what they are doing now is what you get without Woody. LD is not going to gain these guys respect until he does something to shake them up. They play like they are just going thru the motions, no urgency and no energy. They should have destroyed the Nets last night, but when the game started and the Nets made the first move to take ownership of the floor, the hawks didn’t even respond. It was like oh well, we’ll let you guys drag us thru this game, and if “YOU” slip……..I guess we will take it, but at the end the Net had their confidence up.
Fundamentals
November 24th, 2010
1:06 pm
On the heat blog 47% of the fans say the Heat are Miami’s biggest flop this year. Wonder how many Hawks fans would vote the Hawks a flop compared to the Braves and Falcons….99.9%?
Fundamentals
November 24th, 2010
1:10 pm
Ken, I have to admit it, but I don’t think I crept out of a crack. I let my 99% full glass spill last night. Not sure what’s left. Not sure if I even want it anymore.
Face it folks, our team doesn’t care. They don’t want to win. They’re playing selfish, lazy basketball for the $$. They don’t listen to LD, they don’t want to play defense.
Will a new coach, owners, GM or even new players fix the problem? Hard question when the cancer has spread so far. It’s time for the entire organization to meet and decide who stays, who goes and who will unite towards a goal, and who they want to lead them there.
To date, no one in this organization is stepping up.
Fundamentals
November 24th, 2010
1:15 pm
Win or lose it’s time to:
Start Teague
Start Jordan till Joe is 100%
Move Smoove to SF
Move Al to PF
Reward Collins for actually coming in ready.
2nd Unit
Bibby
Jamal
Mo
Marvin/Powell
ZaZa/ Etan
See what they can produce, be ready to deal folks in Feb. Can’t be worse than 2-7.
Section 303
November 24th, 2010
1:17 pm
Ken, keep the Heat out of this (or any other team, for that matter). There is not a team in the league that is having the effort related problems that the Hawks are. So, yeah, the Heat may be losing right now, but they are trying at least. They are just not as good as everyone thought.
As for the Hawks….how inspiring! I am so inspired by a$$holes making millions patting themselves on the back for giving effort. That’s wonderful! That’s why I buy season tickets every year…just so I will be there for the games these d-bags decide to try in (tongue firmly in cheek, by the way).
Section 303
November 24th, 2010
1:18 pm
Fundamentals, I’m all for shaking up the playing group. But, I beg of you, no Jeff Teague minutes. He is terrible (and don’t give any of this bullsh#t about him needing more time. He sucks.).
If I never see Jeff Teague play again, it will be too soon.
O'Brien
November 24th, 2010
1:26 pm
Geemack,
Exactly. Heat are breaking in a bunch of new guys (and some of them are really old), including one (LbJ) who needs the ball a lot. Plus they have dealt with injuries to Mike Miller, Wade, and now Haslem.
What’s the Hawks excuse? Missing Marvin and Mo? I think we lost 2 games without them. But we have had the same starting lineup for almost 3 years, and we cannot put all the blame on Woody.
We’re learning a new motion offense, and stop switching on defense, but that has very little to do with our issues.
It has nothing to do with playing with Energy (I’m sure Woody would tell them to play with energy). It has nothing to do with rebounding (I’m sure Woody would tell them they need to rebound better), and it has nothing to do with defense (I’m sure Woody would tell them to defend better).
I’m not worried about LD, I’m worried about the players and their mentality. LD is trying, but the players are tuning him out like they tuned Woody out. And if they dont get it together by the trade deadline, then Rick needs to make a move.
Hawks are 17th in ppg, 26th in rebounds per game, and 14th in points allowed. Unacceptable.
JeJe
November 24th, 2010
1:27 pm
“”They told me that it was all false,” Smith said Monday in an interview with FanHouse about the trade rumors. “That they want to keep this team and this nucleus together because they feel we have something special going.””
LOL! SOMETHING SPECIAL GOING? WHAT? LOSING?
THESE IDIOTS GAVE DUCK A CONTRACT AND WON’T GET RID OF HIM
GOOD LORD
AG
November 24th, 2010
1:28 pm
reading what Avery said about his team, you wish LD would one day say about the Hawks “I love being with these guys everyday, they put their hearts in this game.” Also, keeping the nucleus together were based on Teague improving and Williams doing well under LD. NEITHER has happended so if management will not make trades, you have to shake up the lineup
O'Brien
November 24th, 2010
1:30 pm
Ken S, Fundamentals,
We will know a lot more about the Hawks in December, because our road schedule gets rough.
In december, we play @Miami, @Orlando,@Spurs, @Boston, @New Orleans, @Milwaukee, @OKC and a home game vs Orlando.
At the end of december, we should have a pretty good idea of where the Hawks stand. If they struggle in December, then Rick should make a move January 1.
JeJe
November 24th, 2010
1:32 pm
THE HEAT WON’T WIN A RING THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR BUT THEY WILL IMPROVE. WE ARE GETTING WORSE
Broken wing
November 24th, 2010
1:36 pm
First nobody in the NBA has played defense since the 1980’s, the Hawks including I block 2 or 3 shots a game Josh Smith do not play defense.
Fundamentals
November 24th, 2010
1:37 pm
303 – I agree Teague isn’t seeming to pan out. We need to know what we have 100% by Feb. Throw him in the fire. Pray he surprises you. At least he’ll play D. If not Teague start Jordan at PG w/ Mo and Jamal at SG. Rest Joe till he’s 100%. Give him no excuses when he comes back except the 124 million dollar “burden” he’ll have to carry.
It’s not about win/loss now it’s about seeing what you have and where they want to play 100%. Fill your slots, trade for what you need in Feb.
Right now we’re praying this team gels and makes the playoffs. W/O some change we’re destined to completely implode.
Joe, Al, Josh can forget any aspirations of being an All-Star. They can’t even handle being a Captain on this team.
I’m with you JeJe. Marvin just doesn’t fit in here. He should’ve taken over when Joe and Jamal were down. Instead he’s horrible.
JeJe
November 24th, 2010
1:39 pm
IF U WANNA TALK ABOUT GOOD BENCHES, LOOK AT BOSTON
OR DALLAS….HAYWOOD, JASON TERRY, AND MARION COMING OFF BENCH (AND BAREA)
WE GOT JAMAL AND SCRUBS
O'Brien
November 24th, 2010
1:40 pm
Section 303,
This is only Teague’s second year, so I think its too early to give up on him. I have not been impressed by his play so far, but this is essentially his rookie season, so I’m willing to wait until the end of the season to see how he does.
However, if Rick can make a move to bring in a better PG, I will be all for it. Its interesting that around the league, some of the best PGs in the game have solid backups.
Deron Williams has a solid backup in Earl Watson, Chris Paul has a solid backup in Jarrett Jack, Derrick Rose has a solid backup in CJ Watson, Tony Parker has George Hill.
But we’re stuck with Bibby and Teague, despite the fact that PG play is one of the most important positions on the court.
Fundamentals
November 24th, 2010
1:43 pm
O’Brien – even IND has Collison & Ford. Sad thing is we’d be happy with most teams back-up PG starting while we pray Teague can make it. If the rest of the team was settled I could see it, but with such unrest, Teague is doomed. He has no chance of running this team, b/c right now the best PG in the world couldn’t make sense of this nonsense.
honest_abe
November 24th, 2010
1:48 pm
the veterans don’t respect teague. one example against boston al rebounds teague is ahead of him calling for the ball. al ignores him and chooses to dribble it himself up the court. the play results in a turnover. whenever teague comes in the game he calls for the ball whether it be after a rebound or after a made basket but the problem is none of the veterans give him the ball. when he does get it he tries to do too much. always trying to put his personal stamp on the game instead of letting it come to him. this usually results in turnovers and ugly shot attempts. i dont’ know what the solution is but it might start with the attitude of the players…..
Fundamentals
November 24th, 2010
1:56 pm
honest_abe – proof that everyone is playing selfish basketball instead of their role. In the first 6 games things were shakey, but they stuck to their roles and ended up winning alot of close games. Now they just do whatever they want.
Teague does try too hard. All we need is solid D, and get it over mid court. It shouldn’t be that hard. Quit trying to make the all rookie team. You missed your chance last year! Now you’re hoping to prove something before the end of next year.
Like all the others. Teague thinks he has to do something spectacular. All we need is old school dirty work…the basic fundamentals of good winning basketball.
jimmymack
November 24th, 2010
2:07 pm
The Hawks have problems all over and a trade might be the only solution. The point guard with Bibby at the helm is to slow on defense and Teague on offense is lost(maybe we can DH Teague).
The off guard position needs psycho therapy, Joe inflated contract and a new offense that wants him to play like a regular Joe and Jamal wants a contract like Joe and a new offense that wants him to play like a regular Joe(pass and move forget about the open shot). The power forward position with Josh who came out this year ready to do business as team player unfortunately the team is not a team. The small forward with Marvin Williams don’t have time to make comments(TOO MANY). Last but not least the center position with Al I want to be the leader(supported by AJC writers)but I keep getting treated like a boy against man on defense end of the court that I can’t back up my wishes to be a leader.
honest_abe
November 24th, 2010
2:08 pm
fundamentals: i hear you. first six games the were trying to buy into LD’s system. the d still stunk but they had enough movement on offense to win some games against lesser opponents. but once they lost a game they got away from the concepts entirely. now they just look lost.
the problem with teague is everyone wants and expects him to be a chris paul. everybody’s sayin he needs to dominate when he comes into the game. physically he has the attributes to be a strong contributor. but mentally i think he’s a mess. he doesn’t know when he needs to try to score and when he needs to be aggressive. you made a good point that this year is more like a rookie year for him but he needs to mature fast. seeing him a few weeks ago against milwaukee dancing on the bench showed me he has a long way to go. he needs to slow down, like you said play solid d and attack on offense but learn to get others involved.
biggest thing though. josh smith needs to get the boot.