Atlanta Hawks: Practice report
The Hawks practiced today at Philips. I was there. I talked to them and wrote down the things they said. Here are some examples:
- Al sat out because of the sprained right ankle. He said it’s possible he could play tomorrow against the Hornets. “It is still kind of up in the air,” he said. “I’m just going to get a lot of treatment and see how it feels tomorrow at shootaround. Kind of taking it day-by-day.”
- Marvin participated in the (non-contact) practice. “That is the first time I’ve ran around with the team in a while,” he said. “It felt pretty good.”
- Marvin plans to test the back again tomorrow. L.D. sounded as if the Hawks still want to give him more time. “With the back, it may still be a little weak,” Drew said. “I don’t think there is any pain or discomfort, but it’s something we want to take our time with. We want to make sure he is as close to 100 percent as possible. We will see how he is tomorrow.”
- Hawks PR Guy Arthur Triche later tweeted that Al and Marvin would probably miss at least the next two games.
- Bibby didn’t get an assist for his sweet, sweet pass to Smoove on the game-changing dunk at Miami. “Can you believe that?” Bibby said.
- Triche said the Hawks inquired with the league about crediting Bibby for what clearly was an assist but were told errors of omission can’t be retroactively fixed. In other words, the powers-that-be will take away an assist that shouldn’t be, for example, but won’t credit an assist that should be. OK, then. . . .
- L.D., Jamal and J.J. all said it’s still too early to pay the East standings much mind.
“Everybody is bunched up,” Jamal said. “That can change daily. You can drive yourself crazy.” He added that the real jockeying doesn’t start until after the All-Star game, when the serious teams lock in and the also-rans fade out.
Drew said he doesn’t even look at the standings: “Just tell me when our next game is and we get prepared for it.” But at some point the Hawks will have to start thinking about positioning.
“When do I look at it? I don’t know,” L.D. said. “This is my first time being in this position. After the All-Star break and after that long trip, I know we have a favorable home schedule in March. I am sure at some point I will start looking at it.”
Joe said the Hawks “just have to try to maintain and stay up there near the top.” As long as the Hawks finish in the top four and get homecourt advantage in the first round, the exact order may not matter so much.
“If we are trying to do anything, we have to deal with Miami and Boston and Chicago and Orlando,” J.J. said. “Those are the teams that are right there at the top. You are going to have to go through those guys one way or the other.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks blog
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133 comments Add your comment
Rufus1
January 20th, 2011
4:08 pm
1st…
rr
January 20th, 2011
4:14 pm
We MUST get a BIG and a POINT!
ClassicHawks
January 20th, 2011
4:18 pm
I Can See Us DOing BIG Things This Year If We Stick To The BIG Lineup and start bringing Marvin Off The Bench. We Need To Get Great On The Defensive End Which We Are Capable Of Doing With The BIG Lineup. I Like How LD Has The Team Playing For The Most Part. They Are Maturing Before Our Eyes, I Just Don’t Think We Have Enough BIGS To Beat Boston or L.A.
billybob
January 20th, 2011
4:20 pm
So I guess Etan might get some pt then these next two games
terrell
January 20th, 2011
4:38 pm
Wonder if Marvin’s inviting CP3 over for dinner when they arrive on Friday? Just a thought.
terrell
January 20th, 2011
4:38 pm
I meant when they arrive?
Mark
January 20th, 2011
4:51 pm
The Hawks are doing a great job this year and are providing to be contenders in the eastern conference. I believe that when Marvin becomes healthy to have him come off the bench to help Jamal with the scoring for the second unit. Also, they will help Marvin play a bigger role for the teams because he would have to start scoring more when Josh, Al, or Joe is out of the game. And I really think the hawks need to trade Jeff Teague because he is not playing any role in the Hawks rotation. I would like to see him traded for Jason Thompson because he can provide scoring and rebounding whenever LD takes Horford or Josh out of the game. Having Thompson along with Jamal, Marvin, Zaza, and Mo will become a huge upgrade for a second unit and will help the Hawks contend for a champion this year. Teague is a good player but it is time for the Hawks to make moves so they can compete for a title this year. Teague for Thompson will be a steal for the Hawks and they should consider this trade.
terrell
January 20th, 2011
5:15 pm
If it’s such a steal, then why is Sacramento after Teague, when they already have Evans and Udrih?
Ra'mon
January 20th, 2011
5:18 pm
Mark, the Hawks need some more help upfront. However, they don’t need another finesse player (which Thompson is). They need a B. Wallace, Okur, or Kaman type of player who can come in, and have a lot of experience in going against D12, Shaq, Perkins, and all. They need a backup c who isn’t scared to whack a player across the head.
Jamillion
January 20th, 2011
5:19 pm
Keep teague he is gonna be way better than thompson. Trade marvin mo and that pick for nash
terrell
January 20th, 2011
5:23 pm
Why would Phoenix want Marvin and his bad back? They’ve already overpaid for one of our terrible draft picks. Why do it again?
terrell
January 20th, 2011
5:24 pm
Ramon, Thompson is a finesse player, but Okur isnt?
Ra'mon
January 20th, 2011
5:29 pm
Terrell, have you seen Okur play in the post season? Okur is a great shooter, but he’s also physical when needed on defense, the same with Kaman.
Ra'mon
January 20th, 2011
5:33 pm
In 08, when Utah made their run to the WCF, Okur averaged 15.4 ppg/ 11.8 rpg.
Rufus1
January 20th, 2011
5:38 pm
ClassicHawks
The only one BIG DOG in the east is Boston…because we have figured out the Magic and they have gotten smaller and softer.
With our current roster the only team we may not be able to beat is Boston…. So what do we need to beat them.
hawks_4_life
January 20th, 2011
5:38 pm
Ra’mon but thats over two years ago, isnt he injured? Last thing we need is an injured big when we already have a limp duck.
Hawks 1 fun
January 20th, 2011
5:43 pm
Rick Sund need to try a get a center, trade Mervin, Zaza, EVan and the 1 st round pick, but this Gm has not done any thing. All the starters were build by Knight and if we can not afford to sign JC we should get some body for return. This team is not going anywhere the way they are now any way.
Rufus1
January 20th, 2011
5:43 pm
Ramon
I would like Okur, but he hasn’t been healthy in about 2 years.
terrell
January 20th, 2011
5:43 pm
Ramon, that was 08? lol!
Jamillion
January 20th, 2011
5:49 pm
Believe it .One man’s trash is anothers treasure. Then he want the trash back. Like yo old girl, now u want her but she doing better now
Ra'mon
January 20th, 2011
5:50 pm
Rufus, hawks_4_life, Okur played in 73 games last season. And he’s been active the last two weeks, coming into game shape. When you have as many wings as we have, a Marvin and pieces trade for Okur, would be great for play off basketball. And his shooting allows Josh and Al to spend more time on the block, because he’s a better shooter than both. Not to mention he’s 6′11, 265 with only 2 seasons left on his contract.
Ra'mon
January 20th, 2011
5:51 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=45sdyzr
Jamillion
January 20th, 2011
5:58 pm
Cause terrel that’s who they wanted along wit mo and a pick. And sund don’t wanna do it. Look it up it’s old news.
Jamillion
January 20th, 2011
6:01 pm
Ramon i been for a okur trade and for the same reasons. Great minds think alot
drmaryb (*_*)
January 20th, 2011
6:06 pm
Jason Thompson = Solomon Jones!
No Beef! We don’t need a bean pole in the post! Who’s gonna’ bother the:
Celtics
Lakers
No one, people … We passed on Shaq! And, to our competitor, no doubt!
See Sund!
ICECOLD
January 20th, 2011
6:25 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine
Hey..this is a good trade.. Just saying… It will solve every team problems…
ICECOLD
January 20th, 2011
6:28 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4r65958
I mean,.. Here is the trade
Mark
January 20th, 2011
6:32 pm
Jason Thompson average 11ppg with 7rpg for his career. Teague average 4ppg with 1rpg and 1apg for career (Acie Law the Second). Thompson is a post present who can score down low as well score with his mid range game. Thompson is a 100 times better than solomon jones. The hawks honest need a big man who can defend and score. Thompson can at least provide the Hawks with scoring off the bench and play the center at times, too. He is also a banger in the inside and can defend post and hold his own. The hawks problem is lack of depth and JC is the only threat of the bench for the team. With Zaza, Powell, Etan, coming of the bench they only average 10.5ppg between the three. So I really don’t think another big man who can’t score will help the hawks compete. The only way Teague will be a better player if he gets traded because if he can challenge bibby for the starting pg job then it should show he is not good enough to have minutes on the floor. Put it like this, at least Thompson will help the hawks immediately than teague. For Williams, I really don’t like him but have him come off the bench.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 20th, 2011
6:37 pm
Beating New Orleans, the 6th best defensive team in the league, is going to be tough without Al Horford, the Hawks’ most efficient offensive player.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 20th, 2011
6:38 pm
If the Hawks manage to include Zaza in a trade in which they don’t take back an equally terrible player with an equally terrible contract, it would be a miracle straight from the heavens.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 20th, 2011
6:40 pm
As far as Bibby’s dime/non-dime is concerned, it’s well established that NBA official scorers are not always entirely unbiased and accurate.
O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
6:44 pm
From the previous blog;
I am ok trading Jamal to help improve the overall depth on the team. However, I think the bigger problem is with LD, not necessarily with Jamal.
LD needs to keep Jamal on a leash based on his performance. if he has it going, then let him lick his fingers, and do what he does. But if he is struggling, LD needs to limit his minutes. Both LD and Woody have not done a good job of that at times.
As for Marvin, LD’s offense has helped him, and he was playing better before he got hurt. He will get his opportunity in the playoffs to show once and for all what he can do.
Rod from College Park
January 20th, 2011
6:56 pm
O’Brien,
You can’t keep a leash on a player like Jamal. One minute he’s cold, the next minute he’s hot. We don’t have enough true scorers to be able to put him on a leash. A couple of weeks of good play don’t determine if LD’s offense has helped Marvin. Wait till the end of the year to make that determination.
Dept. of Unintended Irony
January 20th, 2011
6:58 pm
“Thompson is a post present who can score down low as well score with his mid range game.”
LOL! Wouldn’t “post present” mean “past”?
Ramon
January 20th, 2011
7:03 pm
O’Brien, in your mind, who’s the worse contract, Al Harrington or Marvin Williams?lol I say Al’s but not by much.
Dooley
January 20th, 2011
7:08 pm
Sign peja stojakovic to come off the bench because honestly he still can shoot and we need that.Let damien wilkins go and put peja on the playoff roster.This may sound crazy but we are desperately in need for scoring at the 3.Plus hes 6-10.That stretches the floor
Ramon
January 20th, 2011
7:10 pm
Dooley, that’s not a bad idea. I look at it as if you sign Peja, it allows you to package Marvin and Mo together. Or it allows you to package Marvin, Mo, or Zaza together for front court help. But Peja can’t expect to play more than 14 min a game max.
Ramon
January 20th, 2011
7:11 pm
I wonder if Bibby and Peja has a good relationship after their days together in Sac.
Dooley
January 20th, 2011
7:19 pm
That would prolly be a good pickup and i forgot about him and peja in the sac days but the hawks are not going to do this because they are very stingy when it comes to spending money and peja is close to a buyout with the raptors and the teams who are interested are the mavs,lakers and hornets.I wish we had better owners.You have to spend money to be a winner.All the contenders are over the luxuary tax but the hawks are determined to win without going into the luxary but its not going to happen ther’ye missing too many pieces
Ramon
January 20th, 2011
7:20 pm
Too bad, Dallas has an agreement with Peja, once he clears waivers.
Ramon
January 20th, 2011
7:22 pm
Grandad, Ajinca is about to be traded to Toronto, to make a spot for Peja, lol. Ajinca is being traded for NOTHING! .lol
Dooley
January 20th, 2011
7:25 pm
dang.hawks another loss.Almost like they not trying to get better
Najeh Davenpoop
January 20th, 2011
8:58 pm
Why can’t the Hawks’ goofy Eastern European big man be as athletic and defensively effective as the Bulls’ goofy Eastern European big man?
yoursporthouse.com
January 20th, 2011
9:02 pm
You mean the goofy Eastern European big man that just got his sh#t swatted 3 times?
dsee
January 20th, 2011
9:09 pm
Now is the perfect time to send Joe, Josh Powell, M Evans to NJ for D Favors, A Morrow, T Murphy and 2 draft picks. New Jersey gets a franchise (face), Atlanta gets another high energy guy (Favors) to play D./rebound, a good 2nd team Shooting guard & a power foward with range.
Next, send Jamal C., Ethan Thomas & draft picks to Phoenix for Steve Nash & Robin Lopez.
We have more scoring/assists and more defence. A young Center and 2 veteran Point guards. Favors/Lopez/Smooth/AL have more energy than most teams. Offence will not be a problem with the addition of Morrow/Nash/Murphy.
That team can Win this year and have cap space next year.
yoursporthouse.com
January 20th, 2011
9:15 pm
dsee, stop smoking, nobody wants Joe’s contract.
slimjr
January 20th, 2011
9:31 pm
“dang.hawks another loss.Almost like they not trying to get better”
Naw Master Sund thinks his squad is an elite or right on the cusp!…News Flash SUND your gonna get another beat down if you don’t make a move for the playoffs upcoming…Its going to get real nasty again and again and again and again…..Blah Blah Blah……………………………..
Dept. of unintended Irony
January 20th, 2011
9:32 pm
Who am I SUND?
Slimjr
January 20th, 2011
9:33 pm
ZAZA=THE BIG STIFF, Just sorry…WOW….
Slimjr
January 20th, 2011
9:36 pm
Trade Marvin for Spike Lee darn it!
O'Brien
January 20th, 2011
9:40 pm
Ramon,
Al might be a better scorer, and maybe a tougher player, but I think Marvin has the better contract. Marvin is younger, a better defender, and not known for taking too many shots (or bad shots). And Marvin can still improve. Al Harrington will probably only get worse.
Rod from CP,
Jamal’s situation is the reason why we need Marvin to step up more consistently. because although Marvin is a much better defender than Jamal, he is more inconsistent on offense.
If Marvin is able to score more consistently, then when Jamal is 4-13 with 4 turnovers, Marvin could get some of jamal’s minutes.
Slimjr
January 20th, 2011
9:43 pm
Marvin is not built Ford Tough inside or out! Trade is butt while he still has good value….
Major de`Coverly
January 20th, 2011
9:44 pm
Mister or misses dept untended irony great minds think a lot specially at one minute after six o’clock at night. i saw your cach 22 post yesterday and told my friend clevinger about it.
yoursporthouse.com
January 20th, 2011
9:46 pm
Slimjr, that’s the problem, he has no value. No other team in the union wants Marvin!!
Slimjr
January 20th, 2011
9:48 pm
“Slimjr, that’s the problem, he has no value. No other team in the union wants Marvin!!”
ON point Sir….
DawgBoi
January 20th, 2011
9:54 pm
this trade makes more sense: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6fxo7nl
yoursporthouse.com
January 20th, 2011
10:01 pm
Dawgboi, it looks good for the Hawks but why would Utah want Pachulia? Why would Phoenix want to give away Nash for Bibby and Marvin? That trade won’t happen, good wishful thinking though.
DawgBoi
January 20th, 2011
10:03 pm
New starting 5: Nash, Johnson, Smith, Horford, Collins
New Bench: Crawford, Okur, Evans, Teague, Wilkins, Powell, Thomas
Ramon
January 20th, 2011
10:05 pm
That would be a nice deal for the Hawks. And would cut cap space for the Jazz. But don’t see why the Suns would take that without at least a draft pick coming their way.
DawgBoi
January 20th, 2011
10:07 pm
it is wishful thinking but Pachulia is cheaper than Okur and can give Utah good minutes and the rumors about Nash will continue bc the Suns are out of it and Marvin would be an upgrade over any of their forwards and Bibby can still run a team a shoot.
Grandad
January 20th, 2011
10:17 pm
Trade chips:
*Marv
*Zaza
*Teague
*JC2
*Mo
Some sort of pkg of these players plus a draft pick is what we have to offer. -Now- We Must find a rebounder. Regardless of anything else…
we absolutely -MUST- find a rebounder. We saw it in Miami! We are 24th
out of 30 teams in rebounding.
**We are tied for -4th- in assisted baskets.
***Therefore, we don’t need a pg as much as we need a -BEBOUNDER-!
Use a pkg of the aforementioned players and find one [Mr. Sund].
Rev in Tampa
January 20th, 2011
10:20 pm
For all those who were speculating on Howard coming to Atlanta next year:
http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page/dime-110114-16/howard-qa
He is certainly motivated by the desire to win a championship and nationwide recognition. Most people think he wants to team up with Kobe.
Grandad
January 20th, 2011
10:24 pm
Bebounder…I guess if one is gonna use all caps then he should at least spell the word correctly. What the heck is a Bebounder anyway.
What a BORK!
Rev in Tampa
January 20th, 2011
10:25 pm
Grandad,
I think the Hawks need a point guard more if they are not going to develop Teague. I think the Hawks low rebounding totals are more a result of strategy than ability. Drew is so intent on not giving up transition points that he is not asking his bigs to stay under the basket and fight for offensive rebounds. I am surprised how many times the Hawks shoot the ball, but when the rebound comes off the rim, there is no one Hawks player visible on the screen because they have already headed downcourt.
yoursporthouse.com
January 20th, 2011
10:30 pm
Dawgboi, Marvin is the worst small forward in the NBA. He’s not an upgrade on anybody’s team.
DawgBoi
January 20th, 2011
10:46 pm
yoursporthouse, we are talking about the same team that took Josh Childress and pays him $6.5 million a year.
Da Vinci Code
January 20th, 2011
11:05 pm
Enough of the Marvin bashing; how many ways can you say “YOU HATE MARVIN”?
LOL, this hidden “Man Crush” thing for him is beginning to show through the obsession. You know you have an addiction for him if every single blog entry is a direct or indirect suggestion of contempt for him. If these emotions continue and are uncontrollable, then perhaps you need to seek professional help. Just saying …
dsee
January 20th, 2011
11:16 pm
yoursporthouse.com
Joe is tradeable & N.J. is a great fit. The big Russian has bank. He can ISO/shoot 20 times per game. Lopez/Harris/Joe/Humphries/Outlaw is a big start.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 20th, 2011
11:31 pm
“You mean the goofy Eastern European big man that just got his sh#t swatted 3 times?”
Well, that’s why I called him goofy. Unlike Zaza, though, Asik is solid on the defensive end and has the length and athleticism to alter shots.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 20th, 2011
11:32 pm
There is no way in hell anyone is going to trade for Zaza unless Rick Sund takes them out to a bar and slips a roofie into their drink. It’s not going to happen. Y’all might as well stop including him in potential trades.
Grandad
January 20th, 2011
11:35 pm
Rev;
Several points of which I hope some are lucid.
(1) Bibby is our #2 player in terms of (+/-)
[the value of that stat is debatable]
*(it held great value to me as a Coach)
Therefore Bibby’s great season lessons the need for a pg.
Jamal’s improved defense as a back-up is an asset,
even though Joe occasionally guards the pg and Jamal defends the [2].
(2) When Al and Josh are not on the foor together, we are often left with one rebounder. Zaza is an inconsistent rbndr. Collins is a great
defender (and a good boxer outer) but a poor rebounder.
Therefore, if Al or Josh is out of the game [re Miami game] we only have one rebounder in the game.
Conclusion = we don’t have a complete player at the [5]!
(3) Our *[defensive rebound %]* is below our four main competitors
in the East: Orl, Miami, Boston and Chicago…in that order.
**[Chi will raise their % when Noah returns]
*Defensive Rebound Percentage*
In my opinion…We Need Another Rebounder! – More than a pg.
Humbly spoken my good friend,
G-dad
Da Vinci Code
January 20th, 2011
11:47 pm
************ ATTENTION TO ALL THE MARVIN HATERS*************
Here’s a song to finally get this “Man Crush” thing out of the closet. I hope this help in your therapy of denial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4A9xZlDhtM
Ra'mon
January 21st, 2011
1:04 am
Grandad, the funny part about the rebounding is no team in the top 5 Eastern teams have two players ranked in the top 15 of rebounders, except for the Hawks (Al and Josh). And the only team in the league that has two players in the top 15 besides the Hawks are the LAL (Portland has Camby and Aldridge, but Camby is out).
Because we’re not looking for a starter but someone who can be a role player, I immediately looked at the per48 rebound averages. Out of the centers you would assume that would be available (not superstars, or not on a rivals team, and not on SAS), the names that come up are : Dalembert, Thompson (surprised to see his name there, but he’s a pf), Shelden Williams, Ben Wallace and Haywood. So it seems as if it would pretty much be a choice of those players to come in off the bench. I probably could see a deal of Josh Powell for Shelden Williams, and could see Denver being for that deal. Gortat is a dream, but he would have to be in a straight up deal. And I couldn’t see Phoenix taking Marvin for Gortat.
B'Red
January 21st, 2011
1:18 am
I got he Hawks finishing 6 in the conference. All the serious teams are making moves and jocking for position. I got the Hawks making an early exit in the playoff in the first round.
KevinM
January 21st, 2011
3:49 am
Remember all the unsurety when the Cavs wanted Marvin for Shaq? Who saw these stat lines coming? Shaq has more games under his belt than our starting SF:
Shaq – 32 Games / 10.5 ppg / 5.1 rb in 21 mpg
Marvin – 30 Games / 11 ppg/4.8 rb in 30 mpg
Oh, and the numbers for our 3 headed C: (Zaza/Cheeseburger/Etan)
6.0 ppg / 6.2 rb in 25.8 mpg – I didn’t even put Etan’s numbers in there…close enough to 0 to round them.
So Marvin at 6.7M, Zaza at 4.2M, Cheeseburger and Etan at 2.5M =13.4M
Shaq makes 1.3M
Yep, I believe in Rick Sund.
Double Zero Eight
January 21st, 2011
7:15 am
Many bloggers have posed some excellent trade options.
It “ain’t gonna happen”. There will not be a trade of any
significance this year. Sund was on the “Buck and Kincaid”
show yesterday. He gave no indication whatsoever that he
was considering a trade of any magnitude. In addition, he
appeared complacent with the current roster.
We are not an elite team, and it will take a trade to make
us one. I do not think we can beat Boston and win the
eastern conference title.
slimjr
January 21st, 2011
9:40 am
Sund=complacent=early exit playoff beat down again…..
Grandad
January 21st, 2011
9:46 am
Ra’mon
I saw the same stats [per 40 min adjusted].
Nene is reportedly available???
Grandad
January 21st, 2011
10:02 am
Sund goes on the B & K show for their Hawks min.
Buck or K-caid know as much about basketball as I know about lettuce.
I reckon Rick Sund has resigned himself to suckin’ hind tit.
KevinM
January 21st, 2011
10:44 am
Well, the Sund gospel is spreading across the league. Golden State now has annointed Monte Elis as the ‘core’ to their team.
Ugh….Hawks and Hornets tonight at Philips…who you got w/Al & Marvin out? Give me the Paul treatment!
KevinM
January 21st, 2011
10:47 am
I was watching TNT last night and Paul was in person on the show. Let me tell you, this guy knows the league and he knows who skipped over him in the draft. He will have a lil extra mustard for the ASG tonight.
It will be nice when we get a real basketball GM in here, if we can ever attract a legit talent.
Rick Sund in an interview: what a waste of time to listen to. He gives you nothing of substance.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:02 am
As weird as it seems:
People in the know tell me ZaZa is highly desired as a back up big around the league. And we saw what he did to Gortat in the Summer Basketball Championships.
Many teams salivate for Marvin. A young, athletic F, with big upside potential, and a modest contract by NBA standards.
Many, many teams want Jeff Teague, and will give up decent players and/or a 1st pick to get him. They also think he has great upside potential.
I research alot of blogs and opinions around the league, and that’s the word amongst folks who quote League GM’s etc.
These same guys seem to say Al is a lock for the All Star team, replacing Noah, and barely beating out Bogut.
And they also say JJ and Ray Allen are locked in the battle for the last G spot on the roster, now that Felton has swooned.
Interesting stuff to me….
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:14 am
The Motion Offense is probably the perfect storm against Jeff Teague. The guys measurables’ are off the charts. Against anybody in the league, he’ll usually be the best athlete on the court when he’s in the game. But the reason LD keeps emphasizing Teague’s ability to break down a D, is because in a half court O, that’s what he needs. Unfortunately, Jeff’s giftedness is his athletic ability. He does not have a good basketball IQ, which is needed to run the Motion O. Bibby does, so Bibby starts and plays, regardless of his physical limitations.
Put Teague on the Knicks or Suns, and he rocks. Hopefully, he’ll learn the 1/2 court game, break down defenses like LD wants, and become a force in the League. He did spend his summer honing his defense, so with his athleticism, I think his D in a couple of years will be fine.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:17 am
“People in the know tell me” I phrased that wrong in my 1st post. It is supposedly people in the know that I read, that did not tell me personally! Sorry! Didn’t want to leave the wrong impression. But I have read this stuff from enough sources that have proven reliable to me over the course of time, that I think there is truth in it.
DawgBoi
January 21st, 2011
11:18 am
KevinM, Shaq was not going to play in Atlanta for less than the mid-level exception which would be in the neighborhood of $5-$7 million. Maybe ownership did not want to pay a luxury tax this season but I think Shaq would have helped ticket sales and given the fans a sign that they were serious about winning a championship. Larry Drew will take this team farther than Woodson ever could so I still have a lot of hope for this season. Josh Smith should make his first all star team to join Al Horford. Johnson and Crawford a two spectacular scorers. Bibby will make any big shot in the fourth quarter. Drew draws up some of the best sets to get open & easy to make shots. The key is how well the defense plays which is why I am glad Josh Smith is a captain this year. If we continue to improve on defense then maybe Smith can win that Defensive award to go along with the Championship Trophy! This could be a fun ride..
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:18 am
KevinM said, “Rick Sund in an interview: what a waste of time to listen to. He gives you nothing of substance.” That is true. He is as even keeled as any guy I ever seen.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:21 am
Unless the Knicks get Carmelo, I don’t see them moving up. And whoever said they would take Shelden Williams over JP, I 2nd that motion.
And have you seen Kwame Brown lately? Guys gettin’s solid, like 10.2ppg and 9.2rbg over his last 5 games. Probably still turning the ball over too much. Talk about a low BB IQ!
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:25 am
Josh probably ain’t goin’ to the All Star game as a player, no matter how deserving. Stoudamire, Bosh, Garnett have that PF spot locked up. And as a SF, I think LeBron and Peirce are locked in there. You can definitely make a case for him, but I don’t think it’s happening.
And with Doc picking the team (doesn’t he? Can’t remember), and Josh going for 2 and 1 pts against the Celts this season, I don’t think he’s on the team.
JJ and Al should be though.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:29 am
I hope Josh is not like Mike Bibby, and becomes one of the best players to never make an All Star team. The All Star game would be more exciting if Josh was there. Blocks, dunks etc. But it may never happen.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
11:32 am
Grandad – I heard Nene was available earlier in the year, but now the Nuggets are saying that he’s one of the pieces they are going to build around.
But Kaman is available, and I think we have pieces the Clips would like. Could you imagine Teague and Gordon in the same BC? The Clips want a young replacement for Baron Davis.
Ra'mon
January 21st, 2011
11:39 am
SteveW, I don’t know if I would take Teague over Bledsoe.
yodaddy
January 21st, 2011
11:52 am
you people come up with the most bogus trade deals….the more this team plays…the more you should realize that a trade is not needed.
We have a very good team here and once they start to believe (like in the Miami game) we have a chance to be a great team.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
12:06 pm
Ra’mon – I don’t know if I would either, but Teague/Bledsoe would be a very good, young start to that team, with Gordon and “The Big Man” Blake Griffin.
I still say, if Blake improves, he can be a 40/20 guy in the League.
Ramon
January 21st, 2011
1:44 pm
Steve, 40/20? You have to be kidding me right now.
KevinM
January 21st, 2011
2:16 pm
SteveW, when Sund talks, you think you might get some nugget of good information. It sounds to me like he is not even watching the games or listening to insiders or the public…a total disconnect. Nice gig if you can get it. It’s worked for him for 30 years…amazing.
And Steve, Zaza just doesn’t do much for me…..he seems very replaceable at a fraction of the cost…..I give those minutes to Powell to try and make him a more influential piece.
DawgBoi, I brought all that up to show how much we get for what we have, and yes, I would have paid Shaq that MLE. He is very much worth that $5M number.
There is still a profit compared to what exists on our roster instead. And I see you didn’t promote Marvin in your comments…Shaq has played more games than Marvin….really?
Shaq is a huge billboard for any franchise , add up the $$, you would see jersey sales rise, heck the city might even take a liking to Joe again. But as the story goes, when the opportunity arises….come 2nd round, Mookie is probably watching to see if his legacy stays intact.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 21st, 2011
2:18 pm
Who will be the X-Factor tonight with Al and Marvin injured and out?
____________________
Maurice Evans or Josh Powell? Who will score and Who will rebound?
Grandad
January 21st, 2011
2:57 pm
Mary Ellen…prediction;
JC2 shows up with a big game tonight [out of nowhere].
Small line-up:
Collins and Zaza @ the [5]
Josh @ the [4]
Joe @ [3]
LD may even do something unconventional & starts JC2.
“LD pulls the rabbit oughta the hat”
Now thats the kind of maneuver this wiley ol’ vet would pull???
As Munson would say:
“Run the shoes right off their feet”
MsDee
January 21st, 2011
3:08 pm
Will be heading to the game tonight..section 117!! I sure hope Horford plays tonight. Not only cause he is averaging around a double double but that I FINALLY bought his jersey for the game tonight about a month ago, AND I REALLY WANTED TO WEAR IT FOR MY CUTIE BALL PLAYER!!
Freshfromatl
January 21st, 2011
3:15 pm
Atlanta Spirit is involved in another lawsuit lol!
http://www.ajc.com/sports/lawsuit-thrashers-owners-have-811606.html
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:16 pm
Ramon – Blake did a 47/13 the other night, the guys a beast. He’s a special talent, if he stays healthy, and continues to improve.
As a 21 year old rookie this year – 27 straight double doubles.
22.6 ppg 12.8 rbg shooting % of 51.9.
At 21.
Dwight at 21
20.7 and 14.2 playing slightly longer minutes per game, and shot 59.9%
I think Blake in a couple of years, with Gordon on the outside, can be absolutely dominant at the 4. If he keeps working, if he averaged 30 – 15 in a couple of years it wouldn’t surprise me. But he may be a 40 – 20 talent. A generational talent, if he stays healthy and works hard, and develops his game.
BTW the Clips are 11-5 in their last 16 games, including wins @ Chicago and against the Lakers.
DrMary B – I would hope ZaZa, Etan, JP, and Collins gets some work tonight. I doubt JT will, but one can hope.
KevinM – I’m not a big ZaZa fan (not like I was a few years ago), but the League is so desperate for Bigs right now, people would take a chance on him. Look what the Nets gave Petro, the ‘Wolves gave Darko, and the Mavs gave Haywood.
ZaZa is actually 23rd in the league in scoring for C’s. Only 11 C’s in the League are averaging in double figures.
ZaZa is 24th among C’s in rpg, tied with Joel Anthony, who plays 5.5 mpg more than ZaZa.
There is a dearth of quality bigs in this league.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:22 pm
ZaZa’s rebounds per 40 minutes @ 12.5 outperforms:
Al Jefferson @ 11.9
Nene @ 11.5
Marc Gasol @ 10.4
Brooke Lopez @ 8.2
Bargnani @ 7.8
Darko @ 10.5
Joel Anthony @ 8.9
There is a dearth of quality bigs in the NBA
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:25 pm
And these stats on bigs are for 30 teams. You would hope each team had at least a good C and a decent backup. That’s 60. ZaZa’s 23rd and 24th in points and rebounds among C’s. He’s valuable in this League, but still not a good NBA’er.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:26 pm
That should be rebounds per 48 minutes.
And ZaZa is 27th in minutes played by C’s.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:34 pm
To show you how bereft of talent certain positions are in the NBA, Marvin is 5th in shooting % among small forwards, 14th in rpg, and 20th in ppg.
Once you get outside of the top 10 at a postion, not much talent in most spots. Some exceptions to that however.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:38 pm
So Collins, Smith, Johnson, Evans, and Bibby are the starters tonight (probable). Jamal, Wilkens, and ZaZa will get some extended minutes. Maybe Etan and Powell also. They might even throw JT or JC2 out there, you never know.
But his is why spots 11-13 are so important on a team, even though some don’t think so. And the Hawks have very good end of bench guys. Better than most teams in my opinion.
Chirs Paul and Jarret Jack vs. Mike Bibby. It got ugly last time. It may again this time.
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:44 pm
Grandad – I thought you might like this, “The Mavericks have been shopping Ajinca almost from the moment he arrived this past summer as a throw-in to make the salary-cap math work in Dallas’ deal with Charlotte for center Tyson Chandler. Although the Mavs like Ajinca’s shooting touch for a big man, they have three centers ahead of him — Chandler, Brendan Haywood and Ian Mahinmi — and promised Ajinca’s agent (Dallas-based Bouna Ndiaye) months ago that they would try to find a new home for his client. The Raptors, sources said, have been tracking Ajinca for some time.” Source ESPN
I wouldn’t have minded letting Josh Powell go maybe for Ajinca. But I know Josh Powell is here for the 2 rings and leadership he brings, more than his BB abilities really. But still….
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
3:46 pm
I think Ajinca will fit in nicely next to Barnani.
And I think the Nets were smart to stop that trade with Denver Can you imagine Lopez and Favors at 4 and 5 in a couple of years? Nice nucleus.
Turthspitter
January 21st, 2011
3:54 pm
dsee,
Have you gone Mad!
Jamal for Nash or D. Harris. A PG is main need. Unfortunately, Nobody wants Marvin.
rusty
January 21st, 2011
3:57 pm
Jc2 has to play to do anything & how about playing jt,please. They probably wil not get 5 between them
rr
January 21st, 2011
4:06 pm
Jamal Crawford for Steve Nash straight up works. The Hawks get there PG and Bibby becomes a strong player off the bench. The Suns get the expiring contract of Crawford.
rr
January 21st, 2011
4:11 pm
Then Marvin Williams for Marcin Gortat.
rr
January 21st, 2011
4:14 pm
Nash
JJ
J. Smith
Horford
Gortat
Bench:
Bibby
Teague
Crawford
Mo
Pachulia
Ramon
January 21st, 2011
4:50 pm
Here we go again! ASG is involved in another lawsuit! This ownership SUCKS! The Dream owner needs to purchase the Hawks. And the only ones who suffer now are we, the fans.
Ramon
January 21st, 2011
5:08 pm
Its sad that ASG wanted to sell the Thrashers. But all of the Hawks’ fan want ASG to sell the Hawks! And I don’t think it would be difficult to sell the Hawks.
KevinM
January 21st, 2011
5:16 pm
SteveW, my point is that all we had to do was go out and take on Shaq. Then we would be getting more production out of that slot, and I would have no issue having to start Shaq. At the expense of Marvin, yes.
And on Zaza and the 48 min stat, no way Zaza can play 48 min…he would have 11 fouls…
Think the ASG and their assets are stretched a bit thin these days? How about the last 5 years? Good thing Kovi didn’t sign that mega deal huh? I guess they didn’t want to miss with Joe the 2nd time around.
Ramon
January 21st, 2011
5:37 pm
The addition of Shaq would have lead to more production for Joe, Josh, Al, Bibby, and JC1. Shaq still demands a double team, which would have lead to more open shots. And Shaq was always one of the most unselfish bigs in the league.
JoJo the Godfather
January 21st, 2011
5:49 pm
One thing about Ajinca is that Dallas turned down his option for next year. He’ll be a free agent. I’ve watched him get in a couple of games and look lost on defense (not man to man, but rather rarely being in the right place).
JoJo the Godfather
January 21st, 2011
5:57 pm
I like the way “rr” thinks as far as Gortat…I’d be targeting Gortat & Pietrus, who are more half court players that haven’t really fit in in Phoenix…ZaZa & Marvin would be much better fits in that system.
I like Gortat because he can actually play above the rim, something Pachulia, Powell, Thomas & Collins can’t do.
I’d take a 3-guard rotation of Bibby, Jamal & Joe…a 3-big rotation of Josh, Horford & Gortat (Collins against Shaq & Howard)…with Wilkins, Evans & Pietrus rotating through the wings.
KevinM
January 21st, 2011
6:05 pm
Over the summer, I was pushing for Shaq heavily. LD wanted him, but it didn’t work out. Even Sekou was going to do a Shaq rally downtown.
sam'l;
January 21st, 2011
6:05 pm
Shaq may make his mark……like to see him at the foul line with the score tied against us in a best of 7. Shaq disrespected the Hawks. He wanted to start every game. They would have been very bad. Plus, I don’t dislike Shaq personally even though he seems a little weird, but he is slow and probably is a little injury prone at this point in a career. What bothers me is some of you think he is the answer. Yikes!
Was it ten years ago Jerry West traded away his center to clear room on the roster for Shaq? How did he know Shaq would go West unless he….TAMPERED. And the fate of Staples being built rested on getting Shaq.
That was the time we could have used Shaq.
Pavlovik(sp?) looked pretty impressive for Dallas two nights ago…..on a ten day contract, he fit right in……revives hope that the Hawks could find someone floating around and stick them in the lineup.
I don’t know how the Hawks will do tonight……I think they’ll lose, but I sure hope not…….
SteveW
January 21st, 2011
6:06 pm
KevinM – I just realize I posted under your name!!!! Sorry man, I was in a hurry, and wanting to respond to your post. Oh well, accidents happen.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 21st, 2011
6:28 pm
So Sue Me!
The ASKG are at it again, now they are suing their Lawyer for 200M for messing up their Thrasher’s Contract. Claiming that they have not been able to sell the Hockey team for the past 6 years, due to the way the contract is written?
What liars, they are! Just, this past Summer, they all claimed The Thrashers are not for sale?
If these owners would just stay out of court and away from the operations offices, maybe they could field a decent Basketball Team that can actually contend for a title, before I die!
Aye Sund! I’m 40 years old, so hurry up and fix our roster so we can contend in my lifetime! And, before all the money runs out!
Guido
January 21st, 2011
6:31 pm
Hawks should trade for Stephen Curry somehow. Golden State’s new management just said they don’t think he should be on this team anymore because between him and Ellis. Send Marvin packing
Guido
January 21st, 2011
6:34 pm
They could use the trade excpetion from the Childress transaction to get him straight up. Now you have to Bibby somewhere West I guess.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 21st, 2011
6:43 pm
“ZaZa’s rebounds per 40 minutes @ 12.5″
How many of those are rebounds of his own misses? I say at least half.
niremetal
January 21st, 2011
6:49 pm
drmaryb,
The way I see it, the complaint reveals dishonesty on ASG’s part one way or another, because one of the following two things must be true:
1) They were lying before when they said the Thrashers weren’t for sale; or
2) ASG actually never did try to sell the Thrashers…in which case the complaint is dishonest.
My guess is that it’s option #2: They will try to square the complaint with their past statements by saying something like “the uncertainty from the lawsuit kept us from even trying to sell the team because 1) we knew we wouldn’t be able to get a good price; 2) there would be concerns about our right to dispose of the team; etc.” But the complaint certainly implies that they were actively trying to sell the team, which would be dishonest if they never were. Either way, they BSed.
Frankly, since I work for a court and get more than a bit annoyed when people file complaints filled with BS, I hope it’s option 1. I’m personally much more ok with people telling lies to the public (and they are the types of lies expected of businessmen – if you’re trying to sell a team, you’re stupid if you look overeager to sell it) than I am with people lying to a court.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 21st, 2011
6:50 pm
Volleyball!
So, Najeh are you saying ZaZa is playing one-man volleyball? LOL!
Actually, ZaZa is our best offensive rebounder, problem is he doesn’t kick the ball outside for a higher percentage shot. Because, all his point blank shots are blocked. Why doesn’t he dunk it? Does he have at least a 3″ vertical?
At nearly 7′ you would hope ZaZa could explode 3′ for a dunk. He should be doing plyometric training in the Summers or get him a foot stool down there.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 21st, 2011
6:52 pm
“Its sad that ASG wanted to sell the Thrashers. But all of the Hawks’ fan want ASG to sell the Hawks! And I don’t think it would be difficult to sell the Hawks.”
I actually think the DASG ownership might work out for the Hawks if they sell the Thrashers. With the Thrashers out of the picture and Gearon (an ATL guy) heading an ownership group fully committed to the Hawks, the situation for the Hawks stands to improve. I just hope they get the Thrashers deal done soon so they quit wasting money on them that they could use for the Hawks’ bench.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 21st, 2011
6:58 pm
Wilt Chamberlain is the only player in the history of the league to average 40 points per game. Blake Griffin is great, but he ain’t that good.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 21st, 2011
7:02 pm
Niremental
Thanks for that insightful post. I agree with you 100% on that assessment.
Najeh
Enthusiastic Co-Sign. I hope the contract doesn’t yoke the two teams together for life! I don’t see why they can’t separate the two franchises? Is it because of the arena contract tied to the City? I know most of those leases are for 99 years. Any legal thoughts on that – niremental? I would love to see them shed the Hockey Team and find an owner to take over those arena rights!
drmaryb (*_*)
January 21st, 2011
7:34 pm
Game Blog?
slimjr
January 22nd, 2011
12:09 am
Sund you suck wind…31 years and won nothing…Tonight’s loss is on you…..This is what your playoffs will become real soon…..
Q
January 22nd, 2011
2:00 pm
CAN WE PLEASE GET A @@$#% CENTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!