Atlanta Hawks: Video: Talkin’ Teague and defensive toughness
I discussed the Hawks with CineSport’s Noah Coslov. This is my first crack at this video thing so don’t judge too harshly, blog people. There’s a reason I write instead of talk.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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137 comments Add your comment
Jed
January 25th, 2011
7:39 pm
FIRST!
Jed
January 25th, 2011
7:46 pm
Can’t believe I got first on here–long time reader, first time poster. I was bummed when Sekou hopped on out of here, but have been very, very pleased with the reportage, MC. Thanks for posting this video. I come away feeling clearer about Teague than with any of your comments in print. Reading between the lines, I had gotten the feeling that either Drew & Teague were being diplomatic about the topic and/or maybe you were having to be diplomatic in what you wrote.
I do understand, though, what Drew is talking about: it’s not just the ability to stay in front of your man, but the attitude: Having enough nastiness–enough Exel-ness?–to disrupt the ballhandler no matter what. And if he isn’t mad about not playing, maybe that’s what Drew is looking for–for him to ball his fists up a little bit.
William Sevidal
January 25th, 2011
7:56 pm
MC vlogging now?!
Sad to hear about Teague being passive and basically not caring about how much minutes he gets. If Teague continues to develop this way, the Hawks have got to look at Free Agency or via trade for a better young point guard prospect. Mike Bibby has shot lights out this year (he should make the 3 point shootout by the way), but like MC said, the Hawks’ defense is a big part from what separates the Hawks from the contenders. With Bibby continuing to play pretty heavy minutes, the defense will continue to be slightly above sub-par.
niremetal
January 25th, 2011
7:56 pm
Dude, you need a haircut.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 25th, 2011
7:59 pm
Good stuff. You need a better microphone, though.
ATL FAN
January 25th, 2011
8:02 pm
lol nice MC
Oldtimer
January 25th, 2011
8:06 pm
Love the talk. Thank-you for great stuff. I second Najeh, please invest in better microphone
Kozlov
January 25th, 2011
8:07 pm
DUDE YOU SUCK no jk nice job MC
Oldtimer
January 25th, 2011
8:07 pm
Enter your comments here
Nookah
January 25th, 2011
8:09 pm
Thanks MC.
Remember this guy?
http://www.nba.com/dleague/playerfile/pape_sy/game_by_game_stats.html
Go Hawks!!
Astro Joe
January 25th, 2011
8:29 pm
MC, next time wear something that doesn’t look like a prison shirt. Good stuff, otherwise.
northcyde
January 25th, 2011
8:33 pm
That’s the difference between Teague and even Acie . . and Salim. Salim used to get pizzed about not playing, and when he got onto the court, he’d at least give the effort. He just couldn’t get it done.
Law and Teague are/were just way too passive out on the floor. It’s like I said yesterday, even if Teague doesn’t have control of the ball on offense, he could at least take it upon himself to be the defensive leader of the 2nd unit.
But that’s the problem . . . he’s not a defensive player. He’s just slightly a better defender than Bibby . . which doesn’t necessarily make him a good defensive option to put out on the floor.
It’s incredible that Mario West, a dude that was complete garbage on offense, played so hard, that people instantly noticed when he was out on the floor on defense. Even if he committed a foul, it wasn’t a foul because he was lazy. It was a foul because he was a little too aggressive.
Another high quality professional job done by MC. Good job man.
Section 303
January 25th, 2011
8:36 pm
Good work, Michael. I would like to see more stuff like that.
Might be time to write off Teague. In recent Hawks history, guys who do not play are usually guys who just aren’t that good (Stoudimire (sp?), Law). I’m not counting on Teague. It’s time to look some place else.
I still think there will be a trade sometime before the deadline. I just do not see the Hawks not making some sort of move.
O'Brien
January 25th, 2011
8:39 pm
AJ,
Good point by MC in that even if LD hasnt said anything to Teague in a while (which LD said he has), Teague should be in LD’s office everyday asking LD “what do I need to do”, basically showing that hunger for PT.
But Teague seems really laid back, and passive. And we need more aggressiveness from him.
Tweets that mention Atlanta Hawks: Video: Talkin’ Teague and defensive toughness | Atlanta Hawks -- Topsy.com
January 25th, 2011
8:41 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Atlanta Hawks Buzz, Michael Cunningham. Michael Cunningham said: Atlanta Hawks: Video: Talkin’ Teague and defensive toughness http://bit.ly/fSY18n [...]
i_am_soulstar
January 25th, 2011
8:50 pm
Lol everyone’s a critic
The Truth
January 25th, 2011
8:54 pm
So in conclusion, AC Law = Jeff Teague 1.1
Najeh Davenpoop
January 25th, 2011
9:00 pm
If the problem is that Teague is not good enough or doesn’t care enough, then the Hawks have an issue to address at GM and in the scouting department. They cannot continue to p-ss away first round picks forever. We don’t need this team to do with point guards what the Detroit Lions did with wide receivers.
Blast
January 25th, 2011
9:09 pm
Obama! State of the Union! Much love, Mr. President!
Big Ray
January 25th, 2011
9:13 pm
If the problem is that Teague is not good enough or doesn’t care enough, then the Hawks have an issue to address at GM and in the scouting department. They cannot continue to p-ss away first round picks forever. We don’t need this team to do with point guards what the Detroit Lions did with wide receivers.
YEP
The Truth
January 25th, 2011
9:15 pm
LOL, Seems like LD is disappointed about the discovery that Jeff Teague inner dog is turning out to be an inner pssy (cat that is) ROF!!
ILL-Logical
January 25th, 2011
9:17 pm
MC: nice piece-now we know what you look like,how you sound and how you respond in an interview session albeit on the recieving end.
ILL-Logical
January 25th, 2011
9:17 pm
*receiving*
Ra'mon
January 25th, 2011
9:32 pm
The funny part about Acie and Teague is they both were aggressive before their injuries. The first few months, Acie was truly looking promising and playing aggressive. But after that first injury, it never seemed as if he regained his confidence. Teague was reportedly playing wonderful in pick up games and showing improvements. But after his injury in preseason, he hasn’t shown that same ability. I was one who really believed Acie was going to be a Rod Strickland type of point guard during his career.
Ra'mon
January 25th, 2011
9:37 pm
Pape Sy seems like he’s adjusted to the D-League finally. Seems as if he’s getting used to the speed of the game in the States compared to Euro. He shoots high percentages from the field. And is doing extraordinary from the free throw line as well.
brigadierjerry
January 25th, 2011
9:38 pm
I am not sure it is demeanor with Tague as much as is with skill. I can remember backup point guards such as Charlie Ward, Earl Boykins who is still playing Speedy Claxton, even Mike James. You have to excel at one aspect of the game. If it isnt making a jump shot consistently then it is pushing the ball or setting up teammates or playing defense. Teague is probably best in an uptempo system. He has to bring something to the table to be able to last in this league. If he is willing to work hard at different aspects of his game he can be an adequete backup. There isnt any reason he cant be a Lindsey Hunter type of player who played good defense and can hit a jump shot ever so often
Michael Cunningham
January 25th, 2011
9:40 pm
@Jed: “I was bummed when Sekou hopped on out of here, but have been very, very pleased with the reportage, MC. Thanks for posting this video. I come away feeling clearer about Teague than with any of your comments in print. Reading between the lines, I had gotten the feeling that either Drew & Teague were being diplomatic about the topic and/or maybe you were having to be diplomatic in what you wrote.”
thanks for the compliments. . . . certainly Drew must consider how his comments might affect the team but i am free from such considerations. i’ve been asking the questions about Teague but it seems much of the dissatisfaction among my blog people re: Drew’s explanations are because you disagree with his reasoning or don’t understand it. i get that.
Michael Cunningham
January 25th, 2011
9:42 pm
@niremetal: “Dude, you need a haircut.”
or better hair, perhaps. there’s only so much my barber can do.
Gutz
January 25th, 2011
9:42 pm
MC, is there any truth to the rumor the Hawks have contacted/discussed a trade for Melo with Denver?
KevinM
January 25th, 2011
9:43 pm
LD is sucking the energy out of JT for every time he gets a DNP and watches JC2 get PG minutes.
If JT is confused about his role, then not much anyone can tell him. All the preseason and summer league hype again doesn’t transfer under the current Hawk head coach.
A perception north of Atlanta…Falcons gear on sale 25% off after their season ending loss…
And Hawks jerseys are on 75% clearance north of the city at a retail store near you…come get your captain Joe and captain Al jerseys…big time savings. Its not even the all-star break!!
What does that tell you about the support for the current makeup of this roster?
Michael Cunningham
January 25th, 2011
9:43 pm
@Najeh: “Good stuff. You need a better microphone, though.”
yeah, the audio sucked. or maybe i’m not loud enough. either way, we will work on that for the next vid.
Michael Cunningham
January 25th, 2011
9:45 pm
@AJ: “MC, next time wear something that doesn’t look like a prison shirt. Good stuff, otherwise.”
ha . . . an effect amplified by those shadows across my chest. i tried to tell them about that but they wouldn’t listen.
Leo
January 25th, 2011
9:53 pm
Just because a guy is not overly aggressive does not mean the guy isn’t hungry. I disagree with Drew on Teague, just like I disagreed with Woodson on Law. Give them a chance to play. Help these guys develop and stop f-ing there careers up before they get started.
Subhas Nair
January 25th, 2011
9:57 pm
This video cannot be viewed in my current country or location. Do you guys have an alternate link to the video? I would love to hear your take on our point guard/Teague situation. Thanks MC. Leggo ATL!
pinoy hawk
January 25th, 2011
10:10 pm
+1 @ Nair. can’t view the video from my location.
MC any update on the”preliminary talks” for Melo trade stuff?
Section 303
January 25th, 2011
10:12 pm
Najeh, don’t forget, Teague was the 19th pick in the draft. How many guys picked at #19 have really turned out.
I’m far from a Sund fan, but I can’t knock him for missing on a 19th pick. But, I did want the team to draft Maynor, who is way better than Teague.
dap01
January 25th, 2011
10:13 pm
Yeah and Bibby is a great defender (actually Bibby is probably the worst in the NBA and that is not an exaggeration).
dap01
January 25th, 2011
10:16 pm
AC and Teague were both agressive PG’s before there tenure with the Hawks. Perhaps the common thread is Larry Drew.
Reguardless, with our present pg situation we will again suck in the playoffs. There are no short cuts in the NBA, you can not win with a jump shooting team with poor defense.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 25th, 2011
10:24 pm
“I was one who really believed Acie was going to be a Rod Strickland type of point guard during his career.”
Same here. I can’t say I’m shocked that Teague has struggled a little; I thought he was a very talented scorer in college who would be a work in progress as a point guard. (Didn’t think he would struggle this much though.) But I really thought Acie was the real deal. The guy straight up carried his team in college, made big shot after big shot, made his teammates better… pretty much everything you want in a point guard. I thought he would be Chauncey Billups. So much for that…
Worldwide Clyde
January 25th, 2011
10:30 pm
I suppose Drew wants Bibby to play better defense too.
westurd
January 25th, 2011
10:35 pm
Yo MC…..don’t forget to breath dude.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 25th, 2011
10:40 pm
“Najeh, don’t forget, Teague was the 19th pick in the draft. How many guys picked at #19 have really turned out.”
Off the top of my head, Darren Collison was picked after Teague in the same draft and he is a solid if unspectacular starter in this league. Rajon Rondo was picked #21. Jameer Nelson was picked #20. Even Steve Nash was picked outside the lottery, something like #16 or #17. I’m pretty sure Sam Cassell was picked in the 20s somewhere. And I’m only talking about point guards here — there is a laundry list of players at other positions who have been picked at #19 or later and have succeeded in the league.
It’s one thing to give the GM a pass for missing on a second round pick; the second round is more or less a crapshoot. First round picks, though, are given guaranteed contracts. In any pro sport that has a rookie salary scale, first round draft picks are the single biggest bargains in the league. A good GM should be able to hit on a majority of his first round picks.
Here are Sund’s first round picks this decade:
Detroit, 2000: Mateen Cleaves, #14 overall
Seattle, 2001: Vladimir Radmanovic, #12 overall
Seattle, 2003: Nick Collison, #12 overall
Seattle, 2003: Luke Ridnour, #14 overall
Seattle, 2004: Robert Swift, #12 overall
Seattle, 2005: Johan Petro, #25 overall
Seattle, 2006: Saer Sene, #10 overall
Atlanta, 2009: Jeff Teague, #19 overall
Atlanta, 2010: Jordan Crawford, #27 overall
Granted, he’s had much better success over the past decade when it comes to trades, having pulled off the Ben Wallace trade in Detroit and the Jamal Crawford trade here. But still, that’s a pretty p-ss poor draft record if you ask me.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 25th, 2011
10:54 pm
In fact, just going through the last 6 years, I can point to Darren Collison, Rodrigue Beaubois, Toney Douglas, Taj Gibson, Ryan Anderson, Courtney Lee, Nicolas Batum, George Hill, Serge Ibaka, Jared Dudley, Wilson Chandler, Rudy Fernandez, Aaron Brooks, Arron Afflalo, Rajon Rondo, Kyle Lowry, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, Hakim Warrick, Nate Robinson, Jarrett Jack, Francisco Garcia, Linas Kleiza, and David Lee as first round picks picked at #19 or later who developed into at least solid rotation players. And none of this includes second round picks who developed into solid players, like Carl Landry or Monta Ellis.
kwooden1
January 25th, 2011
11:11 pm
Jed, I agree with you on Teague. I think Drew is trying another motivation technique with Teague. They all started out with encouraging Jeff and letting him know that he’s wanted and needed. Now they are saying shows us that you really want to be needed and wanted. I think that Jeff is slowly starting to get a better understanding of his skills and what he needs to do on the court, I just think it will take sometime for him to put everything together. To me its similar to watching JaVale McGee avg only 8 rebounds a game. His talent is obvious, but JaVale just hasn’t figure out how to use his abilities. I think Jeff’s in the same boat.
GO HAWKS!
kwooden1
January 25th, 2011
11:15 pm
With all that said, I think LD just wants Jeff to play better defensive. If he does that, I guarantee he’ll never get another DNP!
northcyde
January 25th, 2011
11:18 pm
That is absolutely scary that the best Sund pick in the last 6 years, is Luke Ridnour.
Leo . . yes it does. Because you have to be aggressive out on the court. Even if he’s not the most outgoing person in the world, the switch has to flip out on the court, and show in his play.
Mike Singletary was as mild-mannered as could be outside of the field. But get him on the field, and he was a MONSTER.
Point guard is a position of leadership in basketball. You show me a non-leader at PG, and I’ll show you a guy whose team possibly struggles.
As much ish people talk about Bibby, it is not a conicidence AT ALL that the Hawks finally started playing winning basketball, when he arrived.
After years of tossing out a young Jason Terry, Tyronn Lue, Tony Delk, Royal Ivey, Salim Stoudamire ( out of position ), Anthony Johnson ( who was a leader, but just didn’t have the talent ), even Josh Childress at times . . as soon as Bibby arrived, things started to change.
Not immediately, because he was hurt. But after about 2 weeks of being here, this team has won at least 60% of their games since his arrival.
Why? Because he’s a leader. Maybe not the best PG in the world, but he does have leadership abilities.
northcyde
January 25th, 2011
11:21 pm
And I was the biggest Acie Law fan in the world. But there were times where I would go to games, and he’d come on the floor, and I would be screaming “TAKE HIM!! TAKE HIM OFF THE DRIBBLE ACIE!!”
And he wouldn’t do anything but do a hesitation dribble, and pass the ball off. Then, when he would finally decide to go to the hole, he’d either commit an offensive foul, or miss the layup at the rim.
But the last straw was when he let Anthony Johnson basically outplay him, and take the rest of his playing time. After that, I just had to give up on dude.
BosnianBaller
January 25th, 2011
11:23 pm
Forget teague let me just say that Chris Kaman is avaialble for trade. And we need a big man.
cp
January 25th, 2011
11:25 pm
Teague just needs to get it together and play. I think at times he is trying not to make mistakes and in doing so he is making mistakes. Dude needs to look at the tape of that Boston game and play with that type of energy and passion all the time. That was the only game ive seen from him where he showed some of the aggressivness he had at Wake. Its on him to turn it around.
Rufus1
January 26th, 2011
12:33 am
It is the coaches…not Teague!
It has been 7 years and we have not developed a young PG yet, but some of you are still saying it is the players fault. Do you expect me to believe, that of all the PG that were drafted with Teague, we picked the ONLY BAD ONE……REALLY??
If both your both of your 1st draft picks are having the exact same problems and we are told the exact same reasons….I AM SUPPOSED TO BELIEVE IT IS JUST COINCIDENCE….REALLY???
Utah is a PG factory….but in 7 years we have developed one, and it is the players fault….REALLY?
Go back and chack the quotes from Woody about Law, they sound just like LD and Teague.
IF HE DIDN’T GET IN THE ROTATION AFTER THE BOSTON GAME, THAT IS NOT HIS FAULT.
He doesn’t know LD wants. Bibby goes 1 for 5, 2 pts, but plays 35min….Then Teague scores 7pts, in 10min in the 1st half, but doesn’t play in the 2nd half or for the next 4 games….WHAT IS HE SUPPOSED TO THINK, HE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO, HE IS CONFUSED…………… AND SO AM I.
slimjr
January 26th, 2011
12:35 am
DWILL and his coach are not seeing eye to eye. He is unhappy in Utah now…Sund needs to make a play for that guy ASAP.. PG problem solved for years to come..
slimjr
January 26th, 2011
12:38 am
“That is absolutely scary that the best Sund pick in the last 6 years, is Luke Ridnour.”
Who? WTF????
Hawks=Write off…………………………..
Sund=Fail
Ra'mon
January 26th, 2011
1:15 am
I would trade Al Horford, JC1, and a first for D Williams in a blink of an eye and take my chances. Al becomes the new Malone under Sloan. And Williams becomes half of the best back court in the NBA with Joe Johnson. In a short instance, you just balanced out your roster, and upgraded your half court offense.
Worldwide Clyde
January 26th, 2011
1:32 am
My Boy JeJe is M.I.A.
I guess another sweep in the second round is the only thing that will force management to make some changes.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 26th, 2011
1:34 am
MC You’re HOT!!!
Good thing I have on my mini skirt tonight!!
Jed
January 26th, 2011
2:23 am
@MC: it’s not your volume; it’s either the mike quality or placement or (lack of) EQ.
Grandad
January 26th, 2011
2:24 am
MC says the thing keeping us from being elite is our defense.
In a sense I agree withg him since his answer did not offer
specifics, only saying [defense] in a broad sweeping statement.
Well rebounding is generally considered one of the five *parts
*[components] of defense. Therefore I agree that improving our rebounding is one component that could put us at the elite level.
Also a [Big] that can help clean up on the inside would also aid
our defense. [a sidekick for Al and Josh]
i.e. a shotblocking rebounder.
As my Coach used to tell me;
“Grandad – get in there and clean out the lane!”
Well he actually didn’t call me Grandad back then…but you…
get the picture. (I had very little skill so I played *rugged)
*[that's if rugged rugged means Harvey Dahl was a basketball player]
Back on topic – What I’m saying is;
it’s personnel and not effort or coaching.
Plus I think a [Big] is needed more than a pg.
Grandad
January 26th, 2011
2:29 am
rugged rugged means twice as rugged.
*or it may have been a typo.
NCBravesFan
January 26th, 2011
5:18 am
Good stuff, MC … as others have said, get a better webcam/microphone and you’ll be a YouTube star!
O'Brien
January 26th, 2011
7:22 am
@ Grandad,
Right now, Hawks are 25th in rebounding in the league. That’s horrible.
That being said, to improve our defense, the biggest need is a PG (imo). Sure, it would be nice to have Dwight playing center, but if we replace Bibby with Rondo, and everybody else stays the same, I think our defense improves dramatically.
Just yesterday, Dwight (reigning DPOY) was complaining about their perimeter defense, because it was so bad in their loss to Detroit.
And thats one of the issues LD has with Teague. He needs to be more aggressive on defense when he picks up the opposing ball handler on the perimeter.
If we can’t get the defense at PG, then the big you mentioned would be next on my wish list.
O'Brien
January 26th, 2011
7:25 am
Despite Shaq, JO, KG, and Perkins missing a lot of games, the Celtics were able to remain #1 in the East. If they stay healthy, they will be a tough out in the playoffs.
Ironically, they are 30th in rebounding, but 2nd in points allowed. I think they are top 5 in defense though.
UGASlobberknocker
January 26th, 2011
7:32 am
Great stuff for a guy who has a face for the print media
haha jk keep up the great work.
terrell
January 26th, 2011
8:05 am
Sunds draft picks are laughable. JC2 might be his best pick ever. lol! Think I might go with Collison over Ridnhour though Northcyde. lol! Mateen freakin Cleaves in the lottery? Wow! How can we expect anything from Teague after looking at that list?
terrell
January 26th, 2011
8:14 am
Good point, Rufus 1(12:33 am). I got a good laugh reading that one. Hahahahahaha!
terrell
January 26th, 2011
8:21 am
Slim Jr, you giving up Horford for an OVERWEIGHT DWill? Cause thats what it’ll take. Oh yeah, they dont need Horford in Utah with Milsap and Jefferson, so you can forget about that one. Unless you think Josh Smith is a Sloan type of player?? lol!
terrell
January 26th, 2011
8:26 am
Did the ASG even look at Rick Sund’s resume before they hired him? Shows what kind of ownership we’re dealing with people.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 26th, 2011
8:33 am
“drmaryb (*_*)
MC You’re HOT!!!
Good thing I have on my mini skirt tonight!!”
__________________________
Ignore the Trolle! I didn’t post that comment.
____________________________
I’m done with talking about Teague, I told yall he has no fire and a I don’t really care attitude. He left school early to make money, he is doing that now, mission accomplished. I hope he can budget the 3.5M wisely over the next 60 years.
terrell
January 26th, 2011
8:47 am
Dr. Mary B, isnt that why every player leaves school early?
drmaryb (*_*)
January 26th, 2011
8:55 am
Most leave because they don’t want to learn anything, and view school as get rich quick scheme. I dint leave until I graduated. It all depends on your intentions and motivation. Al stayed 4 years and came NBA ready, look at his pay check verses what Teague’s will be after 3 years.
PG is the one position you should get good at before coming to the NBA. Teague could have been a starter for four years, but he didn’t choose that option. So, why cry for him?
dukester
January 26th, 2011
8:56 am
I wish I could leave for some money.
hawks_4_life
January 26th, 2011
8:58 am
I for one hope the blog doesnt go to video. Im stationed in Belgium and couldnt access the video because its not supported in this country. I hope this is not going to be the normal because its would suck being me.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 26th, 2011
9:06 am
Some players avoid school all together. Kobe, LeBron, Josh Smith, the difference is they could all ball. Of course, there was an adjustment period for them all, but we all saw the promise every time they were on the floor.
Teague may get there eventually, problem is The Hawks need to win now, not later. This team is no longer in rebuilding and developmental mode. Playing is college is light years from the competition level in the NBA. If you come early, you better bring that “A” Game or be prepared to sit for a while.
I really don’t care why Teague left school early, or if he plays, personally. That’s his problem not mine.
Scoop
January 26th, 2011
9:15 am
First of All, good job on the interview MC. You did seem very well informed, but I do not like that there was no mention of the amount of injuries the Hawks have had to endure. That Hornets game was the first all year without Horford and we got our lunch eaten(so to speak), but we made adjustments and owned Charlotte the very next game(back to back I might add). That is the theme of the year-making the necessary adjustments. In prior years, that kind of loss could easily have lingered for weeks, but it is different this year.
Furthermore, you talked about statistics(defensive efficiency) but the fact is that the Hawks have as many road wins as any team in the entire NBA with 15, have played more back-to-back games so far then anyone(with a 9-4 record) and have an impressive 14-8 record at home. Considering all the injuries I do not think the season could be going any better and the Hawks are playing their best ball right now(8-2 in January) and it is no coincidence that so is Joe Johnson.
Astro Joe
January 26th, 2011
9:15 am
Najeh, I would even question the scouting department if the issue is one of “fire in the belly”. Who is interviewing these guys? I would not be surprised if Teague was incapable of looking someone in the eye for more than 10 seconds during an interview. I also wonder if they bothered to check on his work ethic (which is another sign of ambition and drive). As they draft later in the first round, they have to consider more variables other than talent and physical attributes. The thing that you often find in the “draft sleepers” is ambition, work ethic and maturity. Guys like Landry Fields or Dajuan Blair may not have the physical tools but they have the intangibles to make a surprising contribution from jump start. When I watched Teague play last year and again this year, I simply don’t see the fire. He seems like the kind of guy who wants to make a great play as opposed to play great. It’s like if he gets one dunk or blocks one lay-up attempt, he is satisfied. And if that is true, that is likely one reason why he has become a borderline rotation player. I also suspect that these guys aren’t used to “not being the man”, so they may have no idea how to deal with athletic adversity. Teague was probably the best player (or real close to it) every time he stepped on the court until he reached the NBA. He may not be able to hear the coaching until he gets his bruised ego under control. Whatever the cause, dude is well on his way to a Rashard McCants/Gerald Green career.
terrell
January 26th, 2011
9:31 am
Dr. Mary, Teague couldnt of been a starter for 4 years at pg. Ishmael Smith was the starter. Teague started when Smith got hurt. Teague was the sg. And btw, just a few seconds ago, you said he left early to get paid, and now all of a sudden you dont care why he left. lol! You woulda left early too if you had 3 mill staring you right in the face. lol!
terrell
January 26th, 2011
9:33 am
And Dr. Mary, an adjustment period for some, but not Teague? Why in the hell did we draft him then, if wanted to win now? You’re confusing the heck out of me this morning.
terrell
January 26th, 2011
9:36 am
Correction: Why in the hell did we draft him then, if we were’nt going to let him develop? The Spurs are in “win now” mode. Does that stop Pop from developing players? Hell to the naw!
yeahhhh
January 26th, 2011
9:47 am
Yeah I agree with terrell!
KevinM
January 26th, 2011
9:49 am
Section 303
10:12 pm
“Najeh, don’t forget, Teague was the 19th pick in the draft. How many guys picked at #19 have really turned out”
I got curious as to how many #19s there were in the association for any amount of time…based on this list…..OUCH!
All-time NBA #19 draft picks-since Michael Jordan-#3 in ‘84
Avery Bradley-BOS
’09-Jeff Teague-ATL
JJ Hickson-CLE
Javaris Crittendon – LAL
Quincy Douby – SAC
Hakim Warrick-MEM
Dorrell Wright-MIA
Aleksandar Pavlovic-UTA
Ryan Humphrey-UTA
Zach Randolph-POR
Jamaal Magloire-CHA
Quincy Lewis-UTA
Pat Garrity-MIL
Scot Pollard-DET
Walter McCarty-NYK
Randolph Childress-DET
Tony Dumas-DAL
Acie Earl-BOS
Don McLean-DET
LaBradford Smith-WAS
Dee Brown-BOS
Kenny Payne-PHI
Rod Strickland-NYK
Ken Norman-LAC
’86-Billy Thompson-ATL
Steve Harris-HOU
Bernard Thompson-POR
Anyone remember high flyer Billy Thompson? 6 seasons, 8.5 ppg, 300 career games, and not one game played as a Hawk…traded to Lakers on draft day and won 2 championship rings. That was when the league had 7 rounds in the NBA draft also.
Not that this makes us feel any better about the future of Teague, but Utah, Detroit and Boston had their share of clunkers as well. This tells you in advance if the have the 19th slot, trade it, quickly! The odds are horrible.
Rufus1
January 26th, 2011
9:57 am
KevinM
That was a PG heavy draft, the only reason he was drafted 19th, was because of the high number of PG.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 26th, 2011
9:59 am
Aaah… The Hawks are not The Spurs. And, Pop has never yearned for a PG and Center. Heck, he was so Lucky, he had Twin Towers his first year as Coach!
Make a better argument, Terrell. Why the obsession with Teague, he’s a millionaire, he’ll be just fine without your tears. I don’t see him complaining about any playing time.
KevinM
January 26th, 2011
10:21 am
Rufus1, what does that mean? If he wasn’t drafted that year, he would have been drafted higher? That’s what you get when you come out…you get the best slot available. As it stands now, Eric Maynor is a better PG than Teague…he is getting regular rotation minutes on an equally good or possbily better team and he has Westbrook in front of him. No excuses can be made why Teague isn’t playing here…he has the slowest, least defensive PG (perhaps Baron Davis rivals him) starting in front of him, and the guy keeping him nailed to the pine is 41st in ranking in the league? Does that mean that there are better NBDL PGs than what we have?
I think Teague should be playing more, but that doesn’t mean he would have normally been a 10th pick because that’s wrong. He was the best talent available according to Sund at that point.
My point in that like Section 303 said is how many players really come out of that slot?
Teague made a bad decision coming out that year apparently. To go to a team who has little faith in you and they pick up your option for the remaining 4 years? Sounds like he might want to turn to coaching as his future because if he stays here, it doesn’t look like much time on the court.
If I was Teague, I would possibly ask to go the D-League to get some game time in…if he truly wants to make it long term in the league.
i_am_soulstar
January 26th, 2011
10:23 am
Melo would be nice, but I’d rather the Hawks work a trade for Gerald Wallace. That is the highest quality player that fits what the Hawks are doing, and that we could obtain without having to give up JJ, Josh, or Al.
He provides a need with rebounding and defense, and with he and Josh in the starting line-up, the Hawks instantly become an improved defensive team. On top of that, the guy just makes very good decisions, which is my biggest knock on Marvin sometimes. He would put the Hawks right up there with the Celtics and Heat (IMO).
And it may be more likely to get done because the Hawks could remain under the luxury tax.
ESPN Trade Machine says we’d drop down 2 wins if you trade him straight up for Jamal, but i don’t see it happening if you bring JC2 into a consistent off the bench scoring role.
KevinM
January 26th, 2011
10:32 am
So, Iamsoulstar, you think Jordan will trade within the division to move Wallace? Doesn’t he fit there for them? If they take JC2, they take on redundancy behind Jax, who sounds like he is staying in Charlotte. I think they want more than just JC2…but we dont’ have much to help them.
I don’t think Wallace will help us with Boston or Orlando much. We need more from the PG slot to get past those 2. We need to neutralize Rondo and Nelson, and have a shot at matching up with DHoward and the starting to look deep Boston frontline….but Boston has time to get healthy too. We might even have to slow down Rose before we can consider a shot at the ECF. Joe can’t defend PGs.
We have 2 huge holes that Wallace really doesn’t help push us closer to the ECF.
kwooden1
January 26th, 2011
10:38 am
O’brien, Boston is died last in rebounding, so I don’t think that stat has much meaning! I think MC is right in that offensive and defensive efficiency is more telling.
drmaryb (*_*)
January 26th, 2011
10:44 am
terrell (don’t call me te-relle)
Hey terrell, If you’re not the lead dog? The only view is another dog’s azz.
ROF – LOL!
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
10:48 am
How ironic that another Wake Forest PG was a #19 pick ( Randolph Childress ).
To this day, he’s still put on one of the best shooting performances I’ve ever seen in a conference tournament. It was the ACC Tournament I believe in 1994 or 95, and Randolph looked like the best shooter on the planet. That dude was knocking down 3s all over the place and virtually willing Wake Forest to victories in that tourney. I remember watching him in college, and was just in awe.
He got to the pros, and couldn’t even get his shot off against the quicker PGs in the league. And he had no shot defending them. He didn’t even score a total of 125 points in his brief 2 year career in the NBA.
Here is a good write-up on Randolph along with a youtube clip of his game vs N. Carolina in that ACC Tourney. This is very good stuff. But it proves how great college players sometimes don’t pan out at all on the next level.
Rufus1
January 26th, 2011
10:53 am
KevinM
I agree Teague came out to early…what I don’t agree with some people about, is that it would be different if we drafted any of the players behind him.
What is going on with Teague is a coaching problem, no a player problem. I want people to stop blaming Teague because LD has no intention of developing him.
He doesn’t fit LD offensive system, because he isn’t a good shooter. Teague’s offensive style requires he dominate the Ball….LD’s offense is about ball movement. BIBBY PROBABLY HAS THE LOWEST % OF TIME WITH THE BALL IN HIS HANDS AND HE CAN STILL BE EFFECTIVE.
Bibby standing around waiting for the ball, is his skill set. Teague waiting around for the ball, he is not being aggressive…so when he attacks the rim, gets his shot blocked or turns the ball over..HE HAS TO RIDE THE BENCH.
Rod from College Park
January 26th, 2011
11:02 am
I have stated many times, that defense is not what has kept us from advancing in the playoffs. We have been destroyed in the second round the last two years because we can’t score. Teams double and triple Joe, leave Marvin open, and live with Josh, Al and Bibby taking jumpshots. We averaged in the high 70’s one series, and the low 80’s in another series. The Hawks are too easy to shut down by teams who really understand how to play defense. We have no player in the starting lineup who can consistently take his man off the dribble and get to the rim. Joe can, but he does not want to attack the rim for some reason. We have a team full of jumpshooters, and if the shots are not falling we will continue to be dominated in the playoffs. All we really need is a point guard or a wing player who can take his man off the dribble, and get to the lane and finish. You can’t win shooting jumpshots the majority of the time in a series.
lewis
January 26th, 2011
11:10 am
TJ Ford is available @ 8.5m expiring
he would be our best perimeter defender and averages like 39% from the 3 for his career.
Ken Strickland
January 26th, 2011
11:12 am
I’m still finding it extremely hard to believe the Atlanta Hawks are somehow better off keeping a young, quick, fast, talented, athletic PG with potential firmly attached to the bench, because he’s not considered aggressive enough on the court or in knocking LDrews door down and asking why. This is especially puzzling when the alternative is a slow, unathletic, way past his prime PG that doesn’t penetrate, play DEF, create for others, and is limited to shooting 3’s.
How can Teague be punished for not being aggressive enough on OFF or DEF, when Bibby isn’t aggressive. I wouldn’t call:
1-bringing the ball across half and routinely handing it off the either JJ or Jamal beyond the 3pt line, or
2-seldom driving into the lane or going below the 3pt line with the ball, or
3-limiting his OFF contributions to shooting 3’s, or
4-grabbing and fouling players as the blow by him being aggressive.
There’s absolutely no way you can say that an NBA PG is or has been aggressive if he’s averaged 30+MPG over the last 1.5yrs and managed to total 9.1/10PPG, and 3.9/4APG respectively.There’s definitely a reason every team, when on OFF, targets Bibby above all other Hawk players. There’s also a reason every team, when on DEF, uses whoever’s guarding him to execute double teams.
The only way for the Hawks to improve without a specific upgrade at PG is to utiliize the combined skills and talents of both Bibby and Teague, not just one or the other. It’s also amazing to me how quickly some of you are so quick to ASS-U-ME Teague doesn’t care just because he isn’t making a big issue of what’s going on. I guess based on that ASSUMTION, JJ doesn’t care about getting fouled and not getting the call, since he doesn’t make a big issue of it by arguing with the refs.
KevinM
January 26th, 2011
11:20 am
lewis, heads up….if you didn’t read Rufus1 interpretation of the LD scheme…he hits it dead on….Teague doesn’t fit here and once you see TJ Ford’s 3FG%, you know he won’t be considered:
.194 – that is horrid and no way Sund brings him in.
TJ is getting 20mpg but I gotta think their offense is much dependant on the PG, hence the Collison acquisition. That is who I wanted once CP3 was deemed healthy. I thought Indy stole one there.
Thinking more about it, the only type of PG that is coming in here to play under LD is gonna be a guy who is a jump shooter and doesn’t push the ball up the court. Why has this taken so long to sink in my noggin?
LD wants a backcourt of jumpshooters, and not one who leads the team up and down the court. He has exactly what he wants in the backcourt, and isn’t looking to improve from outside sources.
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
11:40 am
Total rebounding isn’t the most important stat about rebounding, because if you’re real good offensively, you’re normally not going to have a lot of chances to get offensive rebounds.
We were the exception last year, with our great offensive rebounding rate. But look at the teams who rank in the bottom 1/3rd in total rebounding:
BOSTON is kind of an anomoly. They’re dead last in rebounding. But that’s mainly because they’re far and away the best shooting team in the league. They’re #1 in eFG% ( and overall FG% ), but 29th in offensive rebound %.
They don’t miss as many shots as other teams, thus, they don’t get many offensive boards. We’ll see if this changes with Perkins back in the lineup, and especially when their entire frontline is healthy.
When it comes to rebounding, the big thing is DEFENSIVE rebounding.
Boston is 9th in defensive rebounding % . . and 3rd in defensive eFG%. Most of your real good defending teams, also rebound the ball well on the defensive end. This is what makes Boston tough ( and damn near unstoppable, if they can get all of their big people healthy at once ).
The Hawks currently rank 10th in defensive eFG% and 14th in defensive rebounding %. Last year, we were 16th in defensive eFG% and 24th in defensive rebounding %.
So far, we’re trending in the right direction defensively, despite all of our “issues”. But we’ll see how much this changes, when we consistently start playing better teams.
By the way . . .
Chicago, Miami, and Boston are #1, #2, and #3 in defensive rebounding %. Orlando is #7.
slimjr
January 26th, 2011
11:41 am
“Right now, Hawks are 25th in rebounding in the league. That’s horrible. ”
Josh and Marvin= major Fail in playoffs..The beatdown is coming in full force!!!!!!
25th in rebounding= no trip to ECF for the 24th consecutive year. Hawks BITE big time!!!!
Teague is a buster……………………………..No jumpshot…
Marvin, JC1,,cash,drmary”the hot chick on the pole”,1st rd. pick for DWILL yesterday…………
STRETCH
January 26th, 2011
11:49 am
The Pacers are trying to move Ford now that they feel comfortable with Price and rookie Lance Stephenson as the second and third point guards.
Ford declined the Pacers’ offer to buy out his contract for about $3 million less than his current salary last summer. He is receptive to a trade instead of spending the rest of the season on the bench.
“By making the decision (of sitting me), I would hope that’s the case,” he said. “I don’t see why it would be best for me to be here the whole year. That’s their call. Either way it goes, I’m here and I’m going to still stay ready because anything can happen at any given moment.”
No Pacer has had more of an up-and-down relationship with O’Brien than Ford. At the end of the 2008-09 season, Ford was benched in favor of Jarrett Jack. Two months into last season, Ford lost his job to Earl Watson.
Ford hasn’t been a locker room distraction, and he’s a huge supporter of Price and Stephenson.
“That’s not me. I’m not going to make it all about me,” Ford said. “Things haven’t gone the way I would have liked them to, but that’s the way it goes.”
A few weeks ago, Ford was one of O’Brien’s favorites.
O’Brien preferred to use Ford in the fourth quarter of close games over starter Darren Collison because Ford had the experience advantage.
“T.J. Ford has played very well for us,” O’Brien said. “He’s our best defender from the point guard spot. But A.J. has certain things he can do that T.J. can’t do. You have to attempt to win every game and develop a nucleus.”
Ford is averaging 5.8 points and 3.6 assists in 19.5 minutes a game this season.
“Pretty much, I understand that the time is up here,” he said. “I can just sit here. I was in the same situation last year. I’ll continue to cheer guys on because I want to see A.J. and Lance do well. They’re part of the future. Under the circumstances, I’ll still come to work every day and be professional about it.”
lewis
January 26th, 2011
11:50 am
yeah i must have been looking at someone else’s numbers, thought his 3pt% was higher
Rufus1
January 26th, 2011
11:51 am
KevinM
LD has his future PG in JC2, but he can’t tell ASG that after he promised to develop Teague. Do you any coach was going to get this job without the promise of developing Teague….HELL NO!
ASG saw what he did in the Cavs game last year and are probably convinced they got a steal at #19.
Catch22
How does LD justify give quality minutes to his real PG of the future JC2, while not giving minutes to ASG’S PG of the future….HE CAN’T, SO THEY BOTH RIDE THE PINE.
LD is probably hoping to have greater post-season success, so he can have enough leverage to trade Teague… If he can win more with Bibby as his PG, then JC2 is an easy sell(Bibby Clone)
STRETCH
January 26th, 2011
12:00 pm
Rufus,
i with you on that. I really like JC2 and his aggresiveness. Got more spunk than Teague, thats for sure!
Section 303
January 26th, 2011
12:06 pm
Najeh, I stand corrected. You’re right. Plenty of solid players have been drafted at #19 or lower. I knew that. Dumb comment by me.
As for Sund’s draft history, I guess we should not be surprised it is not that good. The guy said himself that he “does not watch much college basketball.” I’m sorry, how can you be an NBA GM and not watch much college basketball? I cringed when Sund said that.
JSS
January 26th, 2011
12:07 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
January 25th, 2011
9:00 pm
“They cannot continue to p-ss away first round picks forever. We don’t need this team to do with point guards what the Detroit Lions did with wide receivers.”
Sorry, but’s too late!
JSS
January 26th, 2011
12:12 pm
And this is not being negative and I’ll say it again. Jeff Teague = Randolph Childress…
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
12:13 pm
All of you who cry and lobby for Teague, routinely fail to mention the other guy who plays the point for us.
JAMAL CRAWFORD
While he’s not the defender we need on the perimeter, he’s the attacking player in the backcourt that makes Teague’s limited skillset completely expendible.
As much of a turnover machine Jamal can be, he still doesn’t commit as many turnovers per 36 minutes as Teague does.
Teague’s mediocre defense is not enough to take minutes from either Bibby nor Jamal, because Teague doesn’t consistently make a defensive impact on a game. It’s funny how those defensive stats I posted are basically dismissed by the Teague backers. Talking that dude up like he has the potential to be Mookie Blaylock, when he actually defends like Eldrick Recasner ( who was a far better overall player than Teague )
As knowlegeable as some of you guys are, I’m baffled how some of you continue to believe that coaching is holding Teague back, and not Teague himself.
You’re expecting that kid to develop into an NBA caliber PG, when he didn’t even run the point for his college team. The leadership intangibles are nowhere to be found in tlhat dude. And it’s OBVIOUS.
And yes . . this is a situation in which you have to question the decision making in the front office, when you have a beast like Dejuan Blair staring you in the face that was a projected lottery pick, but you opt to take the 7th PG in the draft.
Teague is a management mistake, more than anything else. And that’s the same management that will NOT make a major trade before the trade deadline, pissing some of you off even more.
SteveW
January 26th, 2011
12:15 pm
Teague will be OK. LD and that whole Larry Brown coaching fraternity has high standards for young PG’s inparticular. Just give him some time. He’s working hard, and we took him as the “project by high upside pick”. If you remember, we really wanted Ty Lawson, who went 18th to Denver. Then it was a choice between Maynor and Teague. And since Maynor is basically just a younger Bibby wtih less talent than Bibby had at that point in his career, we went with Teague.
Teague’s going to be good if LD doesn’t destroy him.
Boston and rebounding – when it counts, Perkins, Shaq, O’Neal, and Garnett, with Big Baby and Pierce thrown in are going to be hard to rebound against. Think Doc’s worried about the stats right now? Nah.
And whoever wrote about the Hawks scoring in the playoffs, I co-sign that. That’s been a major problem our last 2 seasons, especially against the Cavs and Magic.
Ken Strickland
January 26th, 2011
12:16 pm
While WE all have our pet peeves when it comes to the Hawks, and WE complain about them endlessly, me included, I would like to state how proud I am of this team. They’ve had to deal with:
1-a new HC
2-a new OFF/DEF system and philosophy
3-injuries
4-an improved division and conference
5-the NBA’s 2nd toughest schedule
6-a 1st half schedule that’s been road heavy.
None of these were major issues last yr, yet we’ve managed to maintain last yrs won/loss pace. We’ve also managed to:
1- go from being dominated, and even embarrassed, in our matchups with Orlando, to defeating them 2 out of the last 3 meetings.
2-go on the road and convincingly defeat Miami, the team everyone was willing to annoint the new NBA champs before the season even started.
3-Come close to winning almost as many road gms at mid season as we managed to win all of last yr.
3-Become a much more accomplished half court team that does a good job of closing out gms, and seldom loses after surrendering huge leads, like the last 2yr.
WE can all whine, cry and complain all WE want, but LDrew has this yrs version of last yrs team doing an excellent job of overcoming a lot of obstacles, and a lot of what ailed us lthe ast 2yrs, to become a better team, especially on the road, and keep pace in wins. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
SteveW
January 26th, 2011
12:20 pm
Northcyde – I agree about Jamal. Once Jamal walks however (that Russian guy probably overpays for a 31 year G – 45m for 5 years is my guess), Teague will have had another summer to work and Bibby will be even worse next year (probably, unless he gets one of these elite Personal Trainers or something), and he’ll be ok next year, and ready to be the starter the next year.
Teague is really right on course. I think we all just wanted him to exceed expectations. But he was a project pick, and everyone acknowledged that at the time.
SteveW
January 26th, 2011
12:21 pm
Schedule – We also have more Home games the remaining part of the schedule than Chicago (like by 5 more) and the Magic.
Section 303
January 26th, 2011
12:29 pm
Sorry, guys, but I don’t get those of you who argue that Teague will work out. He won’t. There’s a reason guys don’t play. They’re not good enough.
Teague has his flashes of good plays, I’ll give you that. But, I could go to the D-League, blindfold myself, and pick a player at random who would have flashes of good plays, too.
Teague was a bad pick. That’s pretty much all that needs to be said.
Also, I’m still betting the Hawks make a move at the deadline.
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
12:30 pm
LMAO @ the NBA’s 2nd toughest schedule.
Try again Ken.
http://espn.go.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS
But I guess people will dispute this as well.
Rufus1
January 26th, 2011
12:32 pm
Northcyde
You said the same about AC Law and I accepted your reasoning, but this is too much off a coincidence.
Very few 1st year PG would be skilled enough to take minutes from Bibby or Jamal, but as a coach you have to see the bigger picture…We are not going to win a title with Bibby or Jamal running the point.
I have not accepted your defensive numbers about Bibby because we have never had a true sample of Teague as the starter, playing with the starters. The Bulls, Celtics, Heat and Magic all have younger more athletic PG. With Teague as the starter we might be a top #5 defensive, I don’t know, but I did watch the end of the Spurs game…..That is what we will face in the playoffs.
With that said…..I AM VERY HAPPY WITH LD AS OUR COACH AND I THINK IT WAS A GREAT HIRE
Section 303
January 26th, 2011
12:35 pm
Ken, good point.
I think we are all happy about where the team is (minus what I call the three debacle losses: Boston (Thanksgiving), at Detroit, Friday’s Hornets game). Their record is solid. A far cry from seasons of the not-so-far-in-the-past.
But, the East is going to be a battle (so tired of talking heads still ripping the conference). They need to get home court advantage in the first round. They’re going home quick without it. They cannot have another playoff flame out. Just can’t.
Section 303
January 26th, 2011
12:40 pm
northcyde, I really don’t give a sh#t about the schedule strength arguement. I don’t see where that fits in the NBA.
However, I will point something out….a lot of the teams at the top of that schedule strength are teams that are either not going to make the playoffs or go home quick. Minny strength of schedule is high. Could it be high because they don’t get to play Minny?
Bad teams are usually high on that thing just because they are bad team. All their games are hard. When you suck, you gain in the strength of schedule by simply not being able to play yourself.
That’s all I got on that. Really could, as Joe Johnson would say, “care less”.
O'Brien
January 26th, 2011
12:41 pm
@ SteveW,
I think Jamal is more likely to end up with his hometown Knicks. They can give us a trade exception (that we will never use) and a second round pick for him. Imagine the offense with Amare, Melo, Jamal and Felton. And imagine the defense.
@ MC,
As we get closer to the trade deadline, could you ask Rick or LD about the TPE they got from the Childress deal? Do they plan to use before the deadline, or wait until the season ends?
@ Ken Strickland,
According to some reports, the Hawks have played the second easiest schedule (in terms of the records of the teams the Hawks have played).
bigdave
January 26th, 2011
12:43 pm
different athletes go to college for different reasons. you can play, you’re good, so they give you a scholarship. most cases attending a college or university that you couldn’t afford otherwise. when the coaches recruit, they know potentially if the player can go after freshman yr. sophomore etc. college sports is a business. u can be a kid that values education/college experience pulling in a 4.0; coach can come in and say we’re changing our style of play, you might need to consider transferring. if you can take advantage of the deal and make it pro.. congrats. too many dont, and even fail to graduate.
O'Brien
January 26th, 2011
12:44 pm
Section 303,
I think Rick should bring in a PG on a 10 day contract to go up against Teague. That PG will work his tail off to get another 10 day contract, and maybe that will force Teague to step up his game even more in practice.
O'Brien
January 26th, 2011
12:47 pm
It has been reported that Woody and BK were not fans of drafting CP3 or Deron.
When Teague was drafted, Woody was still the HC, so I wonder how he felt about Teague. Did he think he was the right guy at #19, or was it completely Rick’s decision?
And if Woody was consulted by Rick, did he (in turn) consult LD?
I guess we’ll never know.
niremetal
January 26th, 2011
12:51 pm
O’B,
I think Jamal is more likely to end up with his hometown Knicks.
Jamal was born and raised in Seattle, not New York.
They can give us a trade exception (that we will never use) and a second round pick for him.
The Knicks have neither a cap space nor a trade exception. They cannot acquire Jamal unless they send us a player of comparable salary in return.
Miles D
January 26th, 2011
12:54 pm
The problem is not soley on Teague! How is a first round draft pick to get confidence by sitting on the bench? How can Teague be consistently effective without consistent MEANINGFUL minutes or a consistent role incorporated in the game plan on a nitely basis? Or, when he comes in the game and makes a mistake or two, coach immediately takes him out? Or, how about when he does come in the game and plays lights out.. doesn’t get rewarded with more PT but with DNP(coaches desicions) for the next couple games or so? Yet…when guys that have been in the league six, seven, or more years make the same mistakes coach leaves them in with no reprecussions! It’s like he’s scared to upset them!! LD is playin that favorites bullsh** and don’t have the balls to grab hold of the team! When JS is taking ill advise shot after shot, crying to the refs after every call, and wanna shot 3’s better than he can FT’s without a consistent post game at the PF position! When JJ and JC1 both don’t make enough committment on the defensive end (if you watch closely they just try to get in the way and purposely get cut off by picks for a convient excuse instead of fighting over it)! And its not just Teague, as we all know, but he does the same thing with JC2 and Josh Powell! If you wonder how Belichick wins games consistently with rookies its because of how he incorporates and tailors the game plan so that they know their roles!! Thats why the Hawks can be a team like Miami but get blow out at home against NO! THEY SIMPLY DON’T KNOW THEIR ROLES AND HOW TO EXECUTE BECAUSE THE GAME PLAN DOES’T SUITE THIER STRENGTHS!! Which in turn help gives them an identity! At some point LD needs to make a decision. Whether to coach a TEAM or MANAGE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS! LET’S GO HAWKS!
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
1:02 pm
Rufus . . the numbers I cited on Sunday night, were those of Teague compared to other backup PGs in the league. Teague isn’t even slowing down backup PGs, so how in the world is he going to slow down the elite guys?
You guys are picking the few good plays he makes, ingraining them in your minds, and hoping he plays to that level. Key word: HOPE
But you dismiss the 75% of plays in which the kid is either a non-factor, or just isn’t getting the job done on offense or defense.
He’s nowhere near as good as even Mario Chalmers in Miami, who is a pretty good defensive PG.
So the logic is . . we’re not winning a title with Bibby or Jamal, so let’s hand over the reigns, or at least try to turn a guy who didn’t even run his college team, into a legit NBA PG.
( We tried to do that with Salim, by the way. And right now, Teague couldn’t hold a candle to Salim. )
Let’s live through the turnovers, the missed shots, the lack of defensive awareness . . because one day, this kid is going to be the next Rajon Rondo, even if he doesn’t have 5% of Rondo’s leadership intangibles.
But I’m done. I’m going to try my best to not to trash the kid anymore after this post. Just don’t be shocked if the Hawks don’t pick up the option on his contract after 2012 . . or if they decide to trade him altogether before then.
Coach Drew has my full support. He’s handling the Hawks exactly how they should be handled right now.
Ken Strickland
January 26th, 2011
1:16 pm
NORTHCYDE-You made the following comment:
“TEAGUE’S MEDIOCRE DEFENSE IS NOT ENOUGH TO TAKE MINS FROM EITHER BIBBY NOR JAMAL, BECAUSE TEAGUE DOESN’T CONSISTENTLY MAKE A DEFENSIVE IMPACT ON A GM.
WOW! Tell me, what kind of DEF impact do you think Bibby makes on a gm? Can you honestly say you’ve seem him make an actual DEF impact on a gm since his 07 midseason arrival? Like I said before, there’s a reason all NBA teams target him.
The reason your stats have been dismissed is because they’re very SUBJECTIVE, and don’t come anywhere close to overcoming what we’ve seen of his MATADOR DEF, gm after gm over the last 3ys with our own eyes. You’re saying Teague, who’s quicker, faster, more athletic, less experienced, but with more potential, should not be allowed to take mins away from Bibby, even though he’s our best DEF option at PG, even though as bad as you say Teagues DEF is, it’s still better then Bibby’s.
Keep in mind, Bibby’s DEF is crippling despite all of the gimmicks and gimmick DEF’s we;ve had to employed to hide his DEF liabilities. At least Teague’s DEF is good enough that we won’t require a host of defensive gimmicks to compensate for him. Giving Teague more mins, and using him in conjunction with Bibby and Jamal, is very simular to starting JCollins at center over Horford when the matchup is favorable.
Collins’ one on one DEF helps eliminates the need for double teaming the post, and allows everyone to stay with their man. This is done routinely with Collins and Horford, even though it’s a known fact that when we start Collins, he won’t provide much rebounding, scoring, or help DEF in the lane.
NORTHCYDE-Until you start actually watching Bibby’s attempts at playing DEF, and stop glossing over his defensive struggles and conjuring up some subjective arbitrary stats in his defense, you aren’t in a position to question anyone’s support of JTeague.
Mike is back
January 26th, 2011
1:18 pm
MC, I know I have been MIA…however great commentary on Teague. I think I kind of have a since of what LD is looking for from Teague…it’s about a mindset and defensive aggression.
My question is…how much preparation does Teague do before each game…how much time does he devote to studying the weakness of the opposing PGs in this league. Regardless, of whether he going to get some burn…HE SHOULD JUST DO HIS DO DILIGENCE AND BE READY…Heck, another teams GM…could be eyeing you…U NEVER KNOW.
It obvious Teague is lacking in preparation…Cuz he always attacks his opponents the same way on offense and defense no matter what their liabilities are…So we can’t blame everything on lack of PT…that something Teague can control.
Teague knows he has the talent and skill to play PG in the NBA…and I agree…But, what he lacks is the Mindset to be a starting PG.
Think it would behoove LD…to exercise a little more patients with Teague, Clearly dude confidence is shot.
In the NO game it was clear…when Teague went up against CP3…dude looked like he was on a recruiting trip at WF or sumin…he acted like didn’t he want any part of CP3…never showed any aggression. I’m thinking I’m about to see Teague and CP3 go at each other…it never happen…I would have thought that Teague would have relished an opportunity to go up against a legend from his old school…especially if you are trying to partition for more PT…got to admit I was surprised.
Teague it’s a long season…Keep your head up…AND JUST PLAY YOUR GAME…whenever you are on the floor…Word UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lewis
January 26th, 2011
1:36 pm
Trade Marvin before he gets injured again
Section 303
January 26th, 2011
1:38 pm
O’Brien, I think that’s a good idea. I have three questions, though: 1. Do the Hawks have room? 2. Would bringing in a D-League PG impact a potential trade move? 3.(probably most important question) Is Teague even good enough to bring a D-Leaguer in to try and push him? Teague may not be worth the effort.
I tend to pull for the D-League guys that come up to the league. That’s only natural, I guess…most people probably do.
Ken Strickland
January 26th, 2011
1:43 pm
OBRIEN-Since the Hawks play the same NBA teams with the same won/loss records that other NBA teams play, how can a teams won/loss record be the deciding factor in determining the difficultly of schedule? What makes the schedule difficult is when you play these teams, (back to backs, 4gms in 5 days) and to some extent where(home or away).The Hawks are 2nd only to the Bucks in the number of back to backs and 4gms in 5 days played in the 1st half of the season, and has played one of the highest number of 1st half road gms.
I’m not advocating benching Bibby and treating him the way Teague’s getting treated. But I am advocating using the talents and skills of both to get the job done. Both players have strengths and weaknesses, and we should be taking advantage of all each has to offer. I question the motives of anyone who criticizes Teagues DEF while making no mention of, nor showing any concern for, Bibby’s obvious DEF liabilities, and the gimmicks this team has had to employ over the last 2+yrs to try and compensate for them.
WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
1:57 pm
Like I said . . even when the strength of schedule fallacy is blown to bits, people still try to spin it some other way.
Everybody and their mama knows that we’ve played an extremely weak schedule so far. This has been documented with the Lakers as well.
So why even try to put a spin on it?
We’ve already played Jersey 3 times, but haven’t played the Bulls once. We’ve pretty much fed off of and dominated the lower half of the East. The same goes with the lower half of the West.
We’re taking care of business againt the weaker teams. But our SOS is what it is.
Hopefully all of this winning will still continue, once the competition gets a little stiffer.
I have no problem with our Boise St. like schedule.
I thank God for this schedule so far, because Lord knows that the schedule makers have flat out screwed the Hawks in the past.
terrell
January 26th, 2011
1:59 pm
Dr Mary, so now I’m obsessed with Teague? Whatever. lol! Way to go Mary B. Just making a point girlfriend.
terrell
January 26th, 2011
2:08 pm
Jeff Teague CANT = Randolph Childress. Chilldress stayed at Wake all 4 years. Aint that right Dr Mary? Just kidding. lol!
terrell
January 26th, 2011
2:12 pm
Once you ruin a young pg’s confidence in the NBA, he’s basically TOAST! Same thing woulda happened to most pg’s had we drafted em. Hell, why yall think we passed on Deron and CP3?
terrell
January 26th, 2011
2:14 pm
Not comparing Teague to those 2, but we’re not known for player development. Hell, Horford only got to start when Zaza got hurt. That should be enough evidence right there. And Woody had no choice but to start Josh, or I’m sure he woulda rode the pine his damn self..
Rufus1
January 26th, 2011
2:17 pm
New blog up
northcyde
January 26th, 2011
2:20 pm
The REAL QUESTION IS
Why doesn’t this damn management utilize the D-League? We’ve had a number of players that were just rotting on the bench, that could’ve used a stint or two in the D-League.
Guys like Solo, Acie, Teague and Jordan should’ve definitely spent a few weeks ( or months ) in the D-League, just so they can hone their skills in live game action.
Forget Pape Sy . . send Teague to the D-League, and see if he can run a squad and excel on that level. Maybe then he’ll come back with some of those intangibles that he’s missing as a player. Jordan should already be down there.
ICECOLD
January 26th, 2011
3:04 pm
For those who bash Jeff league for not getting all this time and magically be a superstar ( or even a starter his first two years in the league… here are derrick fisher stats…. 6 championships!!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3125/career
Some of the best point guards in the league in history didn’t even start until they third or fourth season!!! Not everybody can be a Chris Paul, d Williams, d rose, or even john wall, who by the way where all top 5 picks…. some players have to actually be molded to fit a team perfectly enough to support a team of all stars !! ( rajon rondo )
I know derrick fisher is not a hall of fame’er , and do believe Jeff teague is better then him, or eventually will be…
I rather get him in their when he is truly ready, then throw him in their because of raw talent… his time will come.. bibby deserves to be the starter and if we didn’t get him a few years ago… we wouldn’t be a elite team now!!! ( yeah I said elite )
Now on the other hand… Marvin gotta go, and zaza gotta go!!! They are too up and down.. they are not consistent , and for some reason, when zaza is in… it seam like the game slows down, teams start catching up, and the game gets harder for the hawks !!!
Just sayin…
slimjr
January 26th, 2011
3:24 pm
“According to some reports, the Hawks have played the second easiest schedule (in terms of the records of the teams the Hawks have played).”
They’ve played a ton of stiffs. But New Orleans was a warning of things to come real soon!!! Playoffs? PLAYOFFS???
Astro Joe
January 26th, 2011
3:59 pm
Strickland, if last week, the Hawks played the Celtics, Magic, Spurs and Lakers and the Bulls during that same week played the Nets, Wizards, T’wolves and Cavs… who would you say played the harder schedule? Sure, at the end of the year it all evens out (at keast within conferences), but during the course of the season some teams may have played better competition. It really isn’t a hard concept to understand. The Hawks can’t be blamed for playing the schedule the league gave them but let’s not debate the fact that they have played a softer set of teams through January 26 than all but one other team in the league.
Ken Strickland
January 26th, 2011
6:30 pm
ASTRO JOE-I see the point you’re trying to make, but 5 consecutive gms against winning teams does not a 1st half schedule make. Your 5gms stretch only represents a small part of a whole(season), or even a small part of a half(season). Actually, you made my point about WHEN you play these teams being a bigger factor than just playing them.
Now, a case can be made in favor of the Hawks having one of the easiest schedules for the rest of the season, since we’ve already completed 15 or 16 of our scheduled 23 back to backs, 4gms in 5 days, and the majority of our scheduled road gms. The only way for us to have an easy 2nd half schedule is for us to have had a difficult 1st half schedule.
If one follows NORTHCYDE’s way of thinking, playing the NBA’s 2nd highest number of back to backs gms, and 4gms in 5 days, along with more road gms than home gms, makes for one of the NBA’s easiest 1st half schedules. And anyone that dares to consider those factors in determining difficulty of schedule is simply SPINNING BS.
I realize some of you, in trying to make a point, are going to rely on any report or abitrary comment made by some so called expert, but I’m not afraid to think for myself and draw my own conclusions based on my knowledge and observations. My knowledge and observations tell me it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that playing on the road, playing back to backs, and playing 4gms in 5days, are the most difficult aspects of any NBA schedule, no matter what the records of the teams you’re playing might be. And if the Hawks rank at or near the top in each of those categories of DIFFICULTY, it makes for a DIFFICULT SCHEDULE..
rusty
January 26th, 2011
10:35 pm
MilesD I agree 100% with what you said. Nortcyde I agree about 5% what you say with your stupid stats
rusty
January 26th, 2011
10:45 pm
Yea nortcyde mb is perfect. How the he’ll can you say jt ever gets a fair chance?
yodaddy
January 28th, 2011
11:30 am
The problem with the Hawks Defense is CONSISTENCY. Consistency Consistency Consistency.
We’ll play some good defense for the first 3 quarters and then let Earl freaking Boykins, alll 5 foot nothing of Earl Boykins dominate and score 11 points in the 4th and the worst offensive team in the league to score 30 points in one quarter looking like the Harlem Globetrotters.
We’ll play good defense in the 1st quarter and then in the 2nd quarter completely collapse.
Josh Smith should play for the Cryami Heat because he is the league’s biggest crybaby. He’s crying after every play and when he’s not motivated the team looks horrible (Boykins blowing by Bibby and Josh pouting with his back turned as Earl makes a layup in the 4th quarter).
We get killed with Bibby, Jamal, Joe, Al & Josh in the game…call a timeout…and those same suckers are in the game when a substitution for Damien, Mo Evans, Jason Collins, Marvin Williams needs to be made.
Jason Collins rarely plays in the 4th quarter which is just dumb to me because he stabilizes the defense.
Lastly…our team is too nice. We need people that will get in your face. Someone needs to fight Josh Smith at practive….someone needs to take it upon themselves to stop a run with an unneccesarily hard foul. Somebody needs to get upset because we are taking these losses a little too lightly. Get beat by 41 at home and all you can say is “this happens sometimes in the NBA” ???????????
No the FREAK it doesn’t….it rarely happens and it’s some bulljunk when it does happen.