Atlanta Hawks: Sund still patient
Toronto–Rick Sund’s style as GM has been to be patient and take the long view, so it should come as little surprise that his outlook on what’s been an up-and-down start leans to the “up” side.
The Hawks haven’t been consistent but Sund noted the season is less than one-fourth complete.
“When we hit on all cylinders, we can really play well,” he said. “We are shooting the ball pretty good, obviously. We’ve either led the league or are second in field-goal percentage the whole season.
“When we pick up our defense, that is probably one of our biggest keys. When we play with energy, it helps our defense. I think Larry has done a really good job of getting them ready. Most importantly, I keep my fingers crossed we stay injury free. That is a big key for teams.”
Teague waits turn
Teague said L.D. hasn’t spoken to him about his reduced role lately. He plans to have that conversation with Drew when the team returns to Atlanta.
“It is part of coaching; it is part of the game,” he said. “I thought he was doing what is best for the team. We are on a winning streak, so I’m happy the team is winning.”
Teague said Lester Conner has helped keep him focused.
“I’ve got to be a professional,” he said. “You’ve always got to be ready.”
Injury report
Apparently Marvin isn’t out of the woods in regards to his knee. He looked more assertive and explosive vs. the Knicks but L.D. said that was in spite of soreness.
“He played through it,” Drew said. “I think by going to him early it kind of got him into a little bit of a rhythm and I definitely plan on doing the same thing today.”
Reggie Evans (foot) is out for the Raptors. He’s the best rebounder among Toronto’s regulars. His replacement in the lineup, Joey Dorsey, has played just 42 minutes this season.
MC
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80 comments Add your comment
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:06 pm
As Soulstar said at the end of the last blog, we should pound the ball inside. Look for a huge game out of Horford today.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:09 pm
Also, watch how JJ plays if his shot is on . . or if it is off. If it’s on, he tends to be more assertive offensively. If it’s off, he’ll look to pass a lot more.
It’s funny watching Hawks Live right now.To open the show, Mike “Stinger” Glenn pointed out EXACTLY what I was talking about, even showing 4 clips of JJ drawing the double and kicking it out to wide open shooters.Stinger: “Joe WILL sacrifice his own shot to get shots for other people”.Exactly.People like to cite that contract number like he’s supposed to be a top 5 player because he’s paid that much. Anyone who paid attention to the offseason and the potential situation we were in, knows exactly why JJ got that contract.We all know that JJ isn’t one of the top 10 players in the league, despite being paid like one, so why talk about him making 124 million ( 15 mill this year )?O’Brien said that we’re not paying JJ for rebounds and assists. No, we’re paying JJ to win games by any means necessary. Most of the time, it’s by being a versatile scorer, passer, and defender.It is what it is though. When you get a contract like that, people will expect superstar type play, even if they know good and well you weren’t a superstar in the first place. So JJ simply needs to start making shots.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:11 pm
Damn . . I didn’t mean to repost all of that, just a snippet of it.
I say Horford goes for 18 pts – 15 rebs today.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:17 pm
Horrible call by the ref. Marvin off to a quick start. His “fans” will hate that.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:20 pm
LOL @ Josh Smith . . . looking like Magic.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:24 pm
Oh I forgot it’s a Falcons home game. No chance as the Hawks competing with the Falcons on TV. No wonder no one else is posting ( smh ).
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
1:26 pm
nc,
Yeah, you’re on your own today, bud. Some of us will check in during commercials.
Keep us posted. Thanks.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
Both teams getting what they want on offense and shooting well. Toronto has had Bargnani isolated on JJ a few times off of a switch because JJ is trying to guard Calderon.
Not sure how strong the Raptor bench is, but our bench needs to hold the fort as they start to come into this game.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:30 pm
NC,
I’m here with ya… Josh passing in the half-court look good early but he’s settling for the jumper instead of stayin in post where he’s cause the Raps a few problems early in this qtr.
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
1:32 pm
Dang, they already have 4 offensive rebounds?
Step it up guys
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:34 pm
Oh my, Teague is in the game…
O'Brien
November 28th, 2010
1:35 pm
Good start for Al and Marvin.
Can marvin have 2 good games in a row? Is it possible?
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:37 pm
A Jeff Teague sighting with 36 seconds left to go in the 1st quarter. Hawks seem to be in control, but are only up 4.
No Reggie Evans or Peja Stoyokovich for the Raps today.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:41 pm
My goodness, Jamal hit a lonnnng 3 falling out of bounds…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:41 pm
LOL @ Jamal with that 3.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:42 pm
Jamal may have found his swagger….
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:46 pm
Uh oh . . Drew calls a timeout right after the Teague turnover. Does he stick with Jeff, or get him out of the game?
( waiting )
And he did pull him . . damn
O'Brien
November 28th, 2010
1:50 pm
I think the more and more we get into the season, is the more and more Woody similarities I am seeing from LD
Eric
November 28th, 2010
1:50 pm
Here goes dumba*s Larry Drew with the Horford treatment again. He’ll probably leave Al out for the rest of the half and get the team in a hole that they have to dig out of. I can’t stand this guy’s foul management strategies. No coach in the league annoys me as much as this guy.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:51 pm
Thats two layups missed that could have been Josh assist
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:52 pm
Nice follow up dunk by Marvin…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:52 pm
Interesting lineup by Drew.
Horford gets his 2nd foul and this is currently the lineup:
PG – Bibby
G – Jamal
F – JJ
F – Marvin
F – Smith
Toronto’s bigs ( Bargnani and Kleiza ) can shoot from 20+ feet, so Drew counters with the smallish lineup for the Hawks.
OOOOOOOOOH Marvin with the rebound slam . . a possible another Top 10 play of the day for him.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
1:53 pm
OB and Eric, agreed…
Eric
November 28th, 2010
1:56 pm
Bargnani has the same number of fouls as Al, but his coach is stupid enough to sit him for he rest of the half.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
1:59 pm
O’Brien . . I wonder if Drew called Woody during the losing skid to get some advice.
WWWD ( What Would Woody Do? )
- shorten the rotation
- revert to more ISO
- extend Bibby’s minutes
Marvin with another solid game.
Eric
November 28th, 2010
2:00 pm
Correction : I meant to say “his (Bargnani’s) coach isn’t*, not “his coach is” in my previous post.
The bench/starter lineup is doing okay right now, at least. I just hope we don’t go into halftime without the lead.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:05 pm
Listening to these Raps annoucners talk about how Marvin really improve his game. Little do they know, this could be one of Marvin good games out of 10 bad ones…lol… Anyhow, Marvin has played well this half…
Bailey
November 28th, 2010
2:06 pm
L.D. sure is having Marvin log some heavy minutes in these last two games. Marvin has already logged about 22 minutes so far today, in just the first half.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:07 pm
Eric,
Bargnani did pick up his 3rd foul. I guess LD win this argument this game…lol
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
2:07 pm
Josh Powell . . wtf?
Horrible turnover to end the quarter that could’ve enabled Toronto to cut it to 3.
lukas
November 28th, 2010
2:10 pm
Well, that would make Samuel happy, Woody is back!!!
This is not a good sign from LD. He’s coaching to keep his job, and we all know where that path goes. On another note, Marvin is on his way to get his usual every-2 months outstanding performance.
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
2:12 pm
lukas,
Coaching for his JOB after 18 games?
Gimme a freakin’ break. What EVER LD is doing, it’s NOT coaching for his job THIS early. Remember that he is Gearon’s choice.
O'Brien
November 28th, 2010
2:13 pm
northcyde,
Another WWWD? – give Teague a quick hook
Eric
November 28th, 2010
2:19 pm
Melvin,
I don’t know if Bargnani picking up his third foul was really that big of a problem. Three fouls in a half is not really reason to be in crisis mode. I’d say that coach Triano made the right move doing what he did. If he would have sat Bargnani after picking up that second foul, the Raptors might be down by 20 right now. He’s basically their primary scoring option. Also, I doubt that Bargnani will foul out of this game anyway. Worst case scenario is that he picks up a 4th foul in the third quarter and misses a few minutes of playing time. In the grand scheme of things, Bargnani may play 4-5 less minutes that he would usually play if he continues with foul trouble in the second half. On the other hand, Al has already played about 7 minutes less than he would have due to his coach virtually fouling him out. I think L.D. made the wrong decision. At least the team still has the lead, though.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:24 pm
Eric,
Good point.
O'Brien
November 28th, 2010
2:26 pm
3 fouls in a half is not a big deal, but it depends on the opponent and the kind of game being played, and how the refs are calling the game.
Thats why coaches need to analyze it on a case by case basis. But so far, LD hasnt. 2 fouls, and you’re out the game.
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
2:27 pm
Eric,
If it turns out that we have the lead and Horford can now play more aggressively, how was it the wrong decision?
lukas
November 28th, 2010
2:27 pm
Sautee,
Tell me something: Does a rookie, unexperienced coach, who was part of the past coaching staff (which was fired), was the least expensive choice among possible coaches, and his team is not only is going through difficult times but haven’t beaten a single playoff team this year, wouldn’t be thinking about getting fired?
These are facts so far after 18 games: the team hasn’t bought entirely into motion and has somewhat turned back to ISO’s in the last games, he is shortening the rotations, he is giving rookie treatment to his “2″ rookies, is sticking with the invisible starter, the team has deep troubling issues and are not commited to play at a high gear every night. The only things i see different from last year coach right now is his williness to make adjustments in certain moments.
lukas
November 28th, 2010
2:30 pm
*willingness
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
2:31 pm
Hawks slowly taking command of this game. The entire team is playing well on both ends of the floor. If Jamal can come in and duplicate what he did in the 1st quarter, we’ll have full control very soon.
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
2:32 pm
lukas,
You are missing the point. LD is Gearon’s choice. He likely has two years before he should coach scared.
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
2:37 pm
Toronto self destructing due to great Hawks defense. A bad 3 by JJ with the clock running down. Drive the ball and see if you can draw the foul.
If it wasn’t for a few questionable jumpers and careless turnovers, we’d be up 18 instead of 12. We need to put this team out of their misery before they make a run.
Eric
November 28th, 2010
2:41 pm
Sautee,
In this case, L.D.’s decision hasn’t hurt the team, but in general, I’m saying that his decision to automatically bench Al (or Josh) in the first half when they pick up 2 fouls is a bad move. He’s not assessing the situation at all,he’s not showing trust in his players to play through foul trouble, and most of the time, his decision to do so has hurt us. If you have a foul-prone player and you are up by a large amount, it might make sense to sit your big man when he gets into early foul trouble, but in close games, you at least need to assess the risks/rewards before you make your decision. L.D. from what I can tell, is just automatically benching when a starting big picks up 2 fouls in the first half. I don’t like that at all.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:44 pm
Horford would really be unstoppable if he develops a countermove back to his left hand. He has the right hook and short jumper already…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
2:45 pm
Sautee, I disagree.
Drew is one of the lowest paid coaches in the league. His deal is only guaranteed for 2 yrs at about 2.5 million. If the ASG wanted to just fire and pay the dude off and bring in, umm . . maybe Dwayne Casey . . they could easily do it.
I wouldn’s say that Drew is coaching scared. He was just not willing to let the season get out of control with those tough December road games coming up.
Drew had to realize for himself that the bench couldn’t be trusted. So he’s playing the guys he knows that can play, and isn’t wasting a lot of time with bench players who mess up on a consistent basis.
Lead quickly back up to 20. Excellent defense combined with great inside-outside offensive play.
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
2:47 pm
Eric,
I don’t disagree. I’d rather Horford be out there with two. But after the fact, when what LD did WORKED, how can it be the wrong choice?
Melvin,
Agreed about his need for a left hand move.
Sautee
November 28th, 2010
2:50 pm
northcyde,
Maybe you have knowledge that I don’t about Gearon, but I’ll say this: His ego wouldn’t stand LD being let go UNLESS the team tanked and they were losing revenue. Otherwise, IMO, LD will be here for the next two years.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:50 pm
A WOW fact by the Raps broadcasting crew. Hawks are the 4th best in league history in playoffs appearances…. Behind the Lakers,Celtics and Philly…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
2:52 pm
Josh Smith needs to ask SportSouth for a recording of this 3rd quarter. He dominated the Raptors on both ends of the court. He deserves to get that triple-double today. I hope he get it. 1 board and 2 assists away.
Bailey
November 28th, 2010
2:53 pm
The Hawks only gave up 11 points in the third quarter. That’s impressive. Whether it was the Hawks defense, the Raptors just missing shots, or a combination of both, that is an impressive stat.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:54 pm
Powell is awful…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
2:57 pm
Sautee . . Nope . . no inside knowledge. So if you think Gearon’s ego wouldn’t let him make that type of move, I’ll have to take your word for it.
LOL @ Powell with the green light. Pass the ball dude. Drew calls a timeout, so I hope he’ll do what he did to Teague, and sit Powell down.
And Teague needs to watch Bayless, and how he attacks the rim and draw fouls.
Samuel
November 28th, 2010
2:58 pm
I know I have been the master of gloom and doom here lately. The more I look at the NBA right now the more I realize how many “BAD” teams there are. The Hawks should have no problem making the playoffs. I stand by my prediction that they probably won’t make it out of the first round and have no chance of winning a second round series. I’m getting sick to my stomach watching A Bargnani carrying on like he’s freekin Pistol Pete or somebody. I wouldn’t have a “scrubb” like that on my team. Please get rid of this so-called European Model that Colangelo has poisoned the league with. Bad, Bad basketball.
{MAC-Town Georgia 478}
November 28th, 2010
2:59 pm
whats goin on with Marvin…..hopefully this “spurt” will last
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
2:59 pm
Powell just miss a layup that would have made a triple double for Josh
{MAC-Town Georgia 478}
November 28th, 2010
3:01 pm
lol powell
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:01 pm
Powell just missed another shot that would have been Josh 10th assist. That clown…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
3:02 pm
And of course, as soon as I talk about dude, he scores 4 straight points.
Wow @ the shots Toronto is taking. Horrible shots.
Smith wants that triple-double bad. He’s fully aware that he’s one assist away.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:03 pm
where was the foul on that shot????
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:04 pm
21pt lead with 7mins remaining in the 4th and no Teague. Some development plan…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
3:05 pm
The game is too fast for Zaza, so he hasn’t been in this half. So that means that Drew has only played 8 people this half.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:05 pm
And we wonder why the Hawks can’t find a young guard PG…
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:08 pm
How is it benefiting to have Bibby, Jamal, Mo, Al and Josh (i can understand b/c he only need 1 more ast for a triple double) playing in a 20 pt blowout with 5mins left in the game…. This is not coaching scared, it’s coaching stupid…
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
Oh my goodness, LD just put Joe in the game. Uh, do he know the Hawks are up 21pts with 5 mins left..
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:11 pm
Ok, Josh has his triple double. Take the starters out…
northcyde
November 28th, 2010
3:15 pm
Nice to see the old Hawks back. That bizarro team of last week I didn’t even recognize. Not a single bad performance today.
LOL @ the Georgia Meth commercial. Kind of graphic, but effective. Don’t do meth kids.
Teague with the floater.
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:16 pm
Although it their job, I can’t blame the bench players if they are not too inspire to play the final 3mins of this game. They should have gotten more playing time than this…
ignition
November 28th, 2010
3:16 pm
Brent Grimes I love you, but you just too small…
Oh Congrats Josh !!!!!
Melvin
November 28th, 2010
3:18 pm
Oh another interesting fact by the Raps crew. Only one .500 or better teams (Suns) bench is in the top 10 of production…
ignition
November 28th, 2010
3:22 pm
I love it … Go inside with Josh & Al then kick out.. Perfection !!
wordsmithtom
November 28th, 2010
3:58 pm
15 yard penalty on the Marvin Hater’s Club. MW leading scorer.
Josh great game.
Good win Hawks.
JeJe
November 28th, 2010
4:00 pm
“When we pick up our defense, that is probably one of our biggest keys. When we play with energy, it helps our defense. I think Larry has done a really good job of getting them ready”
LOL which Hawks team is Sund watching?
MARVIN WILL FOLLOW UP THESE 2 GAMES WITH 10 AWFUL GAMES
dapluva!
November 28th, 2010
4:32 pm
Jamal Crawford and Josh Smith need to be All-Stars this year Vote for them hawks fans I will!!!
O'Brien
November 28th, 2010
4:34 pm
Did not see the game, but Great game by the Hawks.
Great game by Marvin (2 in a row). if he can keep it going, it will make the Hawks a better team, with more options.
Great game by Josh.
One complaint is JJ was 1-5 from behind the arc. On the year, he is 21-82. That’s really bad…
dapluva!
November 28th, 2010
4:37 pm
Marvin Bring that same intensity every night shawty you Yammed on amar’e and turiaf yesterday and today that nice lil Yam from the crawford assist was nice too bring that tar heel out and lets win some more games!!!!! Go Hawks!!!!!!
JeJe
November 28th, 2010
5:30 pm
When Marvin attacks the basket, gets to the line, and hits open jumpers, this starting lineup is almost impossible to stop.
MARVIN KEEP ATTACKING THE BASKET. JUST B/C U HAD 2 GOOD GAMES IT DOESN’T MEAN U CAN GO HIDE TIL JANUARY.
KEEP ATTACKING, EVEN IF U ARE VERY AWKWARDLY ATHLETIC AND CAN’T STAND UP STRAIGHT
JeJe
November 28th, 2010
5:36 pm
1) Joe needs to score or be the facilitator
2) Smoove needs to stop with these horrendous fast break turnovers
3) Teague needs to get a jumpshot
4) ZaZa needs to wake up
5) Marvin needs to hit jumpers and attack
6) Bibby needs to keep playing as he is and maybe lose weight
Do those things and this team will be in fine shape
L-QUE
November 28th, 2010
8:23 pm
GREAT WIN HAWKS ;I WATCH THE GAME and again was impressed with the intensity the team played with. Would have commented but cant type that fast.So i flip to the Falcon at every dead ball or time out. I say again the Hawks will handle teams that dont have a big physical center Boston,Orlando,and a few more teams.Thats why I feel Twin should get the blow out floor time. this helps his game we will need him again.LETS SAY ,NEXT WEEK, if another seven dont come thur the door Twin has to play.We already know what Zaza will do
buckhead benny
November 28th, 2010
10:27 pm
Hey- I think the Hawks players need to quit spending so much time out when they are home- Hell a lot of them are out at the Bottle Bar in Buckhead Zaza’s Bar, and the other time they are out hanging at most night clubs in the ATL- That’s a fact. Word on the street the Boston game most hadn’t slept much.
I think they need to trade a couple of those freaks- Its okay to have some freaks on your team they just can’t be a majority like they are now.
Need some leaders and some stability
Rick Sund’s Comments | Soaring Down South | An Atlanta Hawks blog
November 29th, 2010
10:52 pm
[...] Sund stated his thoughts on the Atlanta Hawks this season in Michael Cunningham’s blog at the AJC. “When we hit on [...]