Atlanta Hawks: Larry Drew says lineup change, trades may be needed to disrupt team’s ‘comfort zone’
Larry Drew looking to upset team's 'comfort zone' (UPI Photo)
In the immediate aftermath of another home beatdown, L.D. sounded the alarm about the Hawks and said changes to his starting lineup may be in order.
But after sleeping on it, watching the game video and holding a team meeting this morning. . . well, L.D. basically turned up the volume on the alarm. He said he’s still looking at changing the starting lineup and added that a trade might be necessary before the Feb. 24 deadline to shake up the status-quo.
It seems that team meeting didn’t go as Drew had hoped. He said he asked every player and coach why the Hawks seem to play with more urgency on the road. There were a variety of answers, Drew said, but he concluded the Hawks too often fall into a “comfort zone . . . a safe zone” at Philips.
So Drew has that in mind as he looks at possibly changing up his starters.
“Just to give us a jolt,” he said. “Just to get us out of a comfort zone. We are 50-plus games into the season and I think at this stage we need something to give us a jolt, to wake us up. We have, in my opinion, fallen into a bit of a comfort zone with everything. It may be time to do something just to rattle the cage a little bit. ”
L.D. said he hasn’t made up on his mind about changing the lineup and didn’t get into any specifics about what they might be. He said it’s possible he could experiment with different lineups in practice over the next couple days.
Drew didn’t sound like a coach who was simply ticked at his team for a bad loss. Rather, he sounded like a coach who has come to realize that sending out the same players in the same roles is good enough to be on pace for 52 Ws but isn’t going to lead to a much better ending for the Hawks than last spring.
“I am not one to react on emotions but I have had this feeling for a little while,” L.D. said. “I have been in situations where it has been like this, where a team has had to do something just to shake the cage a little bit. It’s something I’ve been thinking about. Will I do it? I have a couple days to practice and make a decision.”
L.D. already has shown a willingness to be flexible with his lineup, sending out six different groups of starters when all of the candidates have been healthy. But if the right mix of players just isn’t on this roster, then it’s out of Drew’s hands and in the wheelhouse of Hawks GM Rick Sund, who has said he’s always looking to improve the team but isn’t interested in “lateral moves.”
The Hawks are a good team so a blockbuster deal isn’t necessarily in order. But Drew acknowledged there have been internal discussions about how to shore up the team’s weaknesses through the trade market.
“With the trade deadline coming up, there is always discussion about possible trades, personnel changing,” he said. “There is always that dialogue going on about looking to improve the team. ‘Would this be a good fit? Would that be a good fit?’ There is always that possibility. Certainly at this stage we have to continue to explore those possibilities.
“I don’t think at this stage . . . at least I don’t feel comfortable, totally comfortable with where we are after 52 games. We have had some bad losses here at home. That may be a sign, I don’t know. I never want to throw out the possibility of making our team better.”
Atlanta’s weaknesses have been pretty obvious for most of the season. The Hawks struggle with defending dribble penetration, defending in transition, rebounding, and scoring consistently in the post or at the rim when they aren’t making their favored jump shots. The Sixers, hardly contenders, exposed them all last night by competently executing a sound game plan, and certainly the East contenders are capable of doing the same no matter how much energy and effort the current Hawks regulars might generate.
It’s getting late in the season for the Hawks to still be trying to shore up their issues. So it’s understandable that Drew might be feeling that the only way to change things is by drastically altering the way he uses his players or through acquiring different players.
“At the end of the day, regardless of what happens [with trades], we still are going to have to go out there and improve our club,” he said. “After last night’s loss, I do believe we do have to look at our situation very seriously and possibly look at a lineup change, possibly doing something that will jolt this team. Because I don’t want this team to get into a comfort zone. The minute we get into a comfort zone, what happened last night, that is the end result.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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460 comments Add your comment
Hoops
February 10th, 2011
11:13 am
Rick Sund,
You should go sit on the pottie. You’re full of it!
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:13 am
How has Teague not been impressive in practice?
WTF is he doing on the practice court?
Damnit
ag
February 10th, 2011
11:16 am
Cosign with EVERYTHING atlgent!!! A lot of these guys never played organized ball with a coach and I be some never really even played ball enough to understand this game. I have been saying this over and over, a good point guard will make this team better because he puts players in place. Also, these trades people are coming up with will not happen. Even if you tried to do these tradeson your playstation they will not go through. Again, we have to try to get somebody’s else garbage (Thabeet) give them ours Marvin – NOBODY WANTS BIBBY, because both are young projects. Al this Etan, Collins, Wilkins, Bibby for Carmelo crap WILL NEVER HAPPEN. See example below and thanks Atlgent
Hmm…Think of it like this—you got your 3 year old honda accord with car notes and your neighbor has an 8 year old lexus LS 400 no notes, walk over there and say, “hey, i will trade my Honda, my Scooter and my 16 year old Cadillac for your lexus, WHATS Up???
Let me know what he says
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:17 am
Is Teague has not deserved to start 1 game yet this entire season, he really should not be on this team. Pathetic a guy cannot beat out Bibby for the starting spot
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:18 am
When LD talks about people being in a comfort zone, he’s talking about how Joe and guys love playing with Bibby and would resent Teague starting
Shake Something
February 10th, 2011
11:18 am
E from tha C hit the nail on the head..Josh Smith’s potential has started blossoming these last few years as he has helped this team go from 13 wins to what they are today, and his stats this year shows he is improving.In the past, his off the wall, no sense at all 3’s would brick more often,but this year he is shooting a solid 35% and avg 16 and 9.True he isn’t the 20&10 guy we are paying for but his defense alone makes up for that plus he is maturing some what..He avg 2.2 blocks for his career and even gets considered for DPY..
Honestly you give up a potential DPY, who is avg 16&9, that is 25 year old,and can really play both Forwards for a 37 year old former MVP PG(those days are behind him),that actually makes the team better,but only has maybe 2 years left
No ones untouchable but some players just make more sense to keep,and potentially seeing Nash retire in 2 years leaving another void at PG and seeing Josh Smith go on to become an even better player in Phoenix or where ever, not to mention losing his defensive presence, which no one including Al Horford cant match will only drop this team back to the streets of the east and playing the lottery only to bust again on players like Shelden Williams or have guys not live up to the hype, like Marvin Williams..Since we are playing GM, why not trade your pointless draft picks,Mo Evans and J.Collins for Omri Casspi then Zaza&Teague plus picks for O.J Mayo and Gasol and play Mayo at the point
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:19 am
FIRE SUND
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:24 am
Van Exel needs to make Teague made and let’s start Teague
slimjr
February 10th, 2011
11:27 am
Enter your comments here
slimjr
February 10th, 2011
11:30 am
“A lot of these guys never played organized ball with a coach and I be some never really even played ball enough to understand this game. I have been saying this over and over, a good point guard will make this team better because he puts players in place”
Billy Knight played in the NBA and new this organization was in need of a talented elite type of pg so what does he do with his #2 lottery pick in 2005? He picks this buster Marvina over CP#,DWILLand RFELTON!! What’s his excuse??
Next…………………………………………….
Dr. W.
February 10th, 2011
11:33 am
I’ve had this thought for several months. Here’s the deal.
Put all Boston Celtics starters (Pierce, Allen, Rondo, Garnett, Davis) and all Atlanta Hawks starters (Bibby, Horford, Smith, Johnson, Williams) at midcourt. We are going to have a pickup game. You will coach one team and I will coach the other. The winning coach gets a million dollars. You can pick the first five and I’ll take whoever is left. It’s one game, winner takes all.
The question: How many of your five players will be Celtics? Is there anyway in hell you would pick any Hawk other than Al Horford?
Big D
February 10th, 2011
11:34 am
More on Josh for you haters… In the playoffs his average was about the same as regular season, except he rebounded better. Across the board, EVERYBODY’s stats were worse. This year, he is second in scoring, rebounding, 4th in assist and 1st in blocks and steals (oh are those defensive categories? (stats amoung his teammates).
Vs. all forwards in the NBA he is 22nd scoring, 12th rbs, 13th steals, 3rd blocks, and 5th ast. 32
—-
Yeah a real impact player in the playoffs…LOL
Rufus1
February 10th, 2011
11:35 am
KevinM
I am not With the current version of Josh and Bibby as the starter, but with a slashing type PG(eg.Teague) breaking down the defense, I am more comfortable. An attacking PG changes the mentality of the team and I think Josh is best when he attacks the rim. The beaking down of the defense will give him more chsnce to attack the rim.
Marvin off the Bench…
I think marvin is the best bench option because he is and efficient scorer who will score 12pts a game, wether he plays 20min or 30min. He also allows greater versatility in the substitution pattern.
For all you Marvin Haters…He shoots 48% from the field and has(I think) the highest PPS(points per shots) of any of regulars. So I don’t know how many wide open shots he is missing. Plus he is the 5th highest paid player on this team.
Joe 16mil
Al 5.4 /12mil(next year)
Josh 11.6 mil
Jamal 10.8mil…43% FG
Marvin 6.7mil
Bibby 5.5mil
If Marvin’s contract is terrible and he is overpaid, then everyone except Al is overpaid.
slimjr
February 10th, 2011
11:37 am
Problem with Josh and its major. He will disappear at crunch time in the playoffs because of his limited offensive skills so he literally becomes a liability! He has improved but he’s still not good enough to take this team to the next level..Sorry but true…..Still has no handle….Not fluid in his motion..It’s just the way he’s wired can’t change that now at 25. Its too late……Do something else to help em win the big games!!!!
ag
February 10th, 2011
11:38 am
Slimjr.. we have established BK was an idiot!!!! Who would draft a with the #2 pick a player that does not even start on his college team? Also, a team that started Anthony Johnson, a journeyman point guard, then the following year draft a “tweener” instead of a point guard since you plan on starting Tyrone Lue.. a career backup on EVERY team he ever played on.
KevinM
February 10th, 2011
11:38 am
ag, I get your support for Smoove, but here we have 2 positions where we have duplicate talent and not a lot else. There needs to be some influx of leadership/talent here. We know that Smoove is talented, but exactly how much is he worth in the league? To me, the PF is one of the easiest positions to fill…we happen to have 2 very good ones.
We just don’t have the salary structure to support both and continue to grow.
My wish this past offseason was 2 things:
1) Let Joe walk instead of paying him enormous years of salary
2) Find a way to get DeMarcus Cousins on this roster.
We did neither, and here we are….this roster has peaked. Changes are simply needed, and I prefer to keep Al and JC1. I can’t keep Smoove also and get something of need in return.
A lineup change for the Hawks? Let's start by sitting Marvin | Mark Bradley
February 10th, 2011
11:39 am
[...] you’ve read the post by esteemed colleague Michael Cunningham in which Larry Drew says he’s contemplating a lineup change for his Atlanta Hawks. Which sounds fine. But who should [...]
ICECOLD
February 10th, 2011
11:40 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6h6f6j3
starters
Mike Bibby
Joe Johnson
Carmelo Anthony
Josh Smith
Al Horford
bench would be ( very strong bench )
Jeff Teague
Damien Wlikins/Jordan Crawford
Al Harrington
Josh Powell
Jason Collins/ Etan Thomas
Al Harrington would be our 6 man who can play small forward or Power forward.. its not a strong bench based off thrownin all five in at the same time.. but different combination’s during the game could be overwhelming
super scoring threat
Joe Johnson
Melo
Josh Smith
Al Harrington
Al Horford
big line up
Joe Johnson
Melo
Josh Smith
Al Horford
Jason Collins
defense
Jeff Teague
Damien Wilkins
Joe Johnson
Josh Smith
Al Hordord/ Collins
run and gun
Jeff Teague
Joe Johnson
Melo
Josh smith
Al Hordord/ Harrington
small ball
Jeff Teague
Jordan Crawford
Joe Johnson
Melo
Harrington/ Smith
crunch Time ( 4th quarter )
Joe Johnson
Melo
Josh Smith
Al Harrington
Al Horford
different combo’s if somebody gets injured, literally, nobody would be missed too bad..
yeah it sounds like a dream.. but who ever gets melo, will have to get al Harrington.. he has a big contract, but its not like he is a bad player.. he is a upgrade from josh powell, marvin williams, mo evens, zaza, and any other big back up on the hawks right now….
and i think that trade is worth it for both sides… they get two expiring contracts, a small forward, a back up center, and a first round draft pick…. Hawks would be a true contender, and Melo would realize how fun it is to be in atlanta and he would resign..
well what about a true center and a point guard?
I think getting melo would balance it out
Now yall go ahead and say.. thats a stupid trade, why would they do that, you stupid ICECOLD.. but look at who they might trade for , andrew Bynum, ( injury prone ).. and those chandler and who ever in new york.. those are nobodies!!!.. at least this trade im trying to do will help both teams, and Marvin gets to be the go to guy and see how good he really is !!
ag
February 10th, 2011
11:40 am
Big D name ONE, just ONE impact player in the playoff series who played for the Hawks! Name just ONE player who improved over the regular season.
E From tha C
February 10th, 2011
11:41 am
Big D,
Once again you don’t know basketball.You must not watch the game?Maybe you need some googles like amare to see what going on, on the court.Who else plays defense in the playoffs?Nobody!Who else brings energy to everyone else and make them play better?Ask anybody on the team.When josh is at his best everyone else is at there best
slimjr
February 10th, 2011
11:43 am
BK also passed up on Brandon Roy, Rudy Gay and Rondo for that bum Sheldon Slum Lord Williams!!!
Genius……….BTW that was a #5 LOTTERY PICK….OUCH!!!!
Sund=Billy Knight
ICECOLD
February 10th, 2011
11:45 am
or get lou williams
Lou WIlliams
Joe
Josh
Al Horford
Collins
Collins dont need to score if we got Lou williams.. jus play defense
ag
February 10th, 2011
11:47 am
KevinM, the Highlight Factory does not exist without Josh. Josh began his career as a SF. That is why he worked on his shot this off season. I remember in the playoffs against Cleveland, they dared him to shoot and he missed. Now he has improved his game so they have to at least check him. He really needs to start from the inside out. Also, we have one of the fastest most athletic teams with the slowest point guard. Imagine how many easy dunks Josh and Al will get with Teague running the point. Also the drive and dish will compliment all three players. An athletic running C (Thabeet or Odom) – although I wish we had K. Brown, with that athletic center focusing on rebounding and defense.
Rufus1
February 10th, 2011
11:49 am
ICECOLD
We start JJ at the point now and have one of the Biggest line-ups in the game…Now that is a shake-up I could believe in. Imagine Jameer or Rose trying to guard JJ on the block.
Rufus1
February 10th, 2011
11:49 am
correction..”We could start JJ at the point now
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:51 am
FIRE RICK SUND.
ag
February 10th, 2011
11:56 am
Looking at Brown, he is doing okay for Bobcats
JeJe
February 10th, 2011
11:59 am
Kwame confronted Perkins the other night. I don’t see anyone on this team doing things like that besides that fluke Marvin fight
FIRE WOODY
Trojan
February 10th, 2011
12:00 pm
Marvin is not the weak spot on this team. Our PG and backup center is not up to even the bottom third of the position players in the league.
We paid a premium for Joe, which ensures us of being average until the Hawks are broken up again to start over.
ICECOLD
February 10th, 2011
12:03 pm
Rufus1
February 10th, 2011
11:49 am
ICECOLD
We start JJ at the point now and have one of the Biggest line-ups in the game…Now that is a shake-up I could believe in. Imagine Jameer or Rose trying to guard JJ on the block.
* Link
* Report this comment
Rufus1
February 10th, 2011
11:49 am
correction..”We could start JJ at the point now
that would be crazy.. he always said that Magic Johnson was his favorite player.. and he already lead our team in assist!!! why not.. it would only help. because all bibby do is sit around waiting on the three… Joe Johnson can do that.. and he can drive and dish.. or drive and finish.. especially against point guards ..
Grandad
February 10th, 2011
12:04 pm
Dr. W.
Co-Sign – best post of the day!
You nailed it:
Winners v losers
Joe wouldn’t even be picked in the 1st five, ha.
KevinM
February 10th, 2011
12:07 pm
ag, now give me the things we do to improve this team in the 1/2 court because if you aren’t fluid in the 1/2 court, your days are numbered.
You want us to run up and down and be the highlight factory….well, that doesn’t work in the playoffs. Ask Phoenix because their roster is not last year’s roster for a couple of reasons.
The highlight factory, as much as I enjoy the moniker, is not a highlight factory in the postseason. I have no issue playing it out as is, but we all know and we all have little hope for any success.
Other teams got better, we stayed the same. And even other teams TRIED to get better. Our moves didn’t dictate improvement. Our bench is not any stronger than last year.
Double Zero Eight
February 10th, 2011
12:19 pm
Teague is intimidated by the starters and is afraid
to take control. He has the athletic ability, but lacks the
take charge mentality. I thought Nick Van Exel was suppose
to help him, but apparently LD has made his mind up that
the project has failed.
Biby is trying, he is just too old and tired to run with
the young bucks. He should be coming off the bench.
His legs are tired as a result of the excessive
minutes he has already played.
Double Zero Eight
February 10th, 2011
12:23 pm
Spelled Bibby incorrectly in last paragraph of previous post.
Sautee
February 10th, 2011
12:26 pm
Ramon,
about this: “If Saturday comes, and there are no changes to the starting line up, then you have to stop trusting ANYTHING that LD says.”
Slow down buddy, slow down. LD did NOT say he WOULD change the starting lineup.
Here’s what MC said: “L.D. said he hasn’t made up on his mind about changing the lineup and didn’t get into any specifics about what they might be.”
Here’s what LD said: “I am not one to react on emotions but I have had this feeling for a little while,” L.D. said. “I have been in situations where it has been like this, where a team has had to do something just to shake the cage a little bit. It’s something I’ve been thinking about. Will I do it? I have a couple days to practice and make a decision.”
So while he raised the POSSIBILITY of lineup changes, he did NOT promise them.
This is obviously an over-emotional time for the Hawks and fans, but let’s not be unfair in our emotions. LD is the coach and he will do what he feels is necessary. For one, I’m hoping for a lineup change, but it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t happen. Perhaps just raising the possibility would be enough to light whatever fire is needed.
Rod from College Park
February 10th, 2011
12:27 pm
Big D,
You have been destroyed on numerous occasions after your crazy post. If you make a statement, be prepared to back it up with facts. If you don’t like Josh, that’s your perogative, but at least be prepared to defend you position.
“Yeah a real impact player in the playoffs…LOL”
That won’t cut it. If you say Josh was terrible in the playoffs, then what was Joe, Marvin, Bibby, and Horford? The team was terrible, not one player. Everyone else played worse also. No one on our team was an impact player.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 10th, 2011
12:29 pm
Fire Rick Sund
Hire the fake Rick Sund from this blog
Rufus1
February 10th, 2011
12:32 pm
ICECOLD
Why not, LD’s offense doesn’t require a true PG and he has to guard the quick PG’s anyway. That would be a change that would truly take advantage of our players. They paid that brother 120mil, at the PG he would be a true difference maker…If he averaged 20pts and 9ast, people would stop complaining about his contract.
It would also make the switching defense much more effective.
G.Rhone
February 10th, 2011
12:39 pm
“The bottom line is we have to just step it up and not worry about who is in the stands [at home], leave the distractions alone on and off the court,” Smith said.
Are you serious? This team is actually worried about who is or isn’t in the stands? Signs of a VERY immature team with NO leaders…except Al of course. But what’s up with the other guys? This is terrible…..
KevinM
February 10th, 2011
12:42 pm
True PG or not, we need elite talent.
Billups needs to be on the demand list. His contract runs as long as Larry’s contract….sounds like a fit to me.
Speaking of Larry’s offense, who says his offense will work in the playoffs in the 1/2 court? The best we can do right now if Joe and JC1 in the backcourt. Don’t they need some help?
We are a jumpshooting team and that will kill us come playoff time.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 10th, 2011
12:48 pm
Dream Land!
Phoenix is NOT trading Gortat! The Magic made that horrible mistake and now they need what everyone needs and Big serviceable Center/Back-up!
Even is The Suns go to rebuild? They will not part with a PG and a Center. Prolly Nash before Gortat – but never both! It makes no sense for their team! How does our useless pieces help them? They already regret taking Josh off our hands and prolly Joe too!
Keep dreaming though!
Scoop
February 10th, 2011
12:48 pm
On the subject of Smoove…….
I dont think anyone would argue he is not a very good player with great potential, BUT……..He is in his 7th year in the league and I believe he has regressed this year for the following reasons:
1-His blocks, steals, and FG percentage are all down this year while turnovers AND 3 point attempts are up
2-I still dont think he knows his identity. This year, he has taken more jump shots, more 3 point shots, more awful fadeaway’s and whatever else along with contributing more turnovers than anybody on the team. He should know he is most effective being active on defense and on the glass, but when he camps out on the perimeter it’s hard to get to rebounds.
3-He complains too much. It is one thing to plead your case against a bad call, but literally every call I see Smoove whining. I understand he’s passionate and everybody can respect that, but it is literally having an impact on this team directly and indirectly. Case in point against the Bucks when we blew that huge lead in the 4th-in transition on defense Smoove was caught with his back turned arguing with an official and Boykins drove to the basket uncontested. Not only that his body language carries over to the rest of the team when he complains: instead of expending that energy complaining use it for resiliency like we did against the Heat when we beat them and the refs that night.
I am a big fan of Smoove but the dude has to know his limits and ways he can help this team win. We dont need him shooting 3’s we have plenty of guys who can do that. We dont need him threading the needle with passes that ultimately lead to turnovers. We need a defensive presence inside and a beast on the glass. Whatever offense is complimentary. That is a huge role that somebody on our team has to fill if we want to contend.
Rod from College Park
February 10th, 2011
12:48 pm
“Are you serious? This team is actually worried about who is or isn’t in the stands? Signs of a VERY immature team with NO leaders…except Al of course. But what’s up with the other guys? This is terrible…..”
Please help me understand what makes Al a leader, but nobody else is? If there are NO leaders, then Al can’t be one. At this point is his career can Al Horford really lead Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby and Josh Smith?
drmaryb (*_*)
February 10th, 2011
1:04 pm
“Why not, LD’s offense doesn’t require a true PG and he has to guard the quick PG’s anyway.”
_________________________
That’s prolly because Drew ain’t got what Woodson NEVER had!
A PG!
mykhalc
February 10th, 2011
1:06 pm
what’s the deal with Pape Sy? is he travelin’ with the team now? is there ANY chance he’ll see the court? i have not seen him play at all so what kinda game dos he bring…if any?
Rick Sund
February 10th, 2011
1:11 pm
Al IS a leader. He is EXTREMELY VOCAL and is NOT afraid to talk to players.
I have 5 criteria for what makes an ELITE player:
1) Someone who wears flashy shoes
2) Someone who is fast
3) Someone who has made a 3 pointer in his career (or attempted one)
4) Someone who shoots above 50% from the foul line
5) Someone who tells the media after the game that he tried his hardest
These concepts all consolidate into my proverbial elite criteria, as stated before.
In order to slice into my proverbial “economic pie,” we are looking for rental players. I have recently visited all the QT Gas Stations and McDonalds in the southeast looking for 6″8 people who have touched a basketball before. This trait is all I need in assessing whether the player would be a worthy fit for our team.
Again, I am a SEASONED GM with LOADS of experience. I have not won a ring, but I view making the playoffs as the ESSENTIAL EQUIVALENT to winning a championship. Making the playoffs means the team is in ELITE company.
Last year, we lost to Orlando ONLY because they had homecourt advantage and because fans started booing the players (we were beating Orlando and as soon as they took the lead, the fans started boing…WTF?!?!)
2 years ago, we had injuries. Marvin and Joe were hurt, as was Horford
3 years ago, Speedy Claxton was hurt. OUR BACKUP PG WAS HURT!
That’s all for now. I’m going back to the Bahamas since I’ve earned my paycheck.
Best,
Rick
O'Brien
February 10th, 2011
1:12 pm
it was not a bad pick,
You may not want to read Mark Bradley’s article. Some excerpts;
”And it’s not that Marvin isn’t capable of making an imprint on games; it’s just that, for 5 1/2 puzzling seasons, he has been content to do the minimum.
It’s time for the Hawks to stop running him out there as a matter of course and expecting more and better. It’s time for this organization to change the dynamics of a career that hasn’t been dynamic.
One big season as North Carolina’s sixth man prompted Billy Knight to take Marvin No. 2 overall in 2005. The Hawks have lived with that lemon of a draft pick for more than half a decade, and they need to see if redeployment might yield lemonade.” MB.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2011/02/10/a-lineup-change-for-the-hawks-lets-start-by-sitting-marvin/?cxntfid=blogs_mark_bradley_blog/
Rod from College Park
February 10th, 2011
1:13 pm
Scoop,
“1-His blocks, steals, and FG percentage are all down this year while turnovers AND 3 point attempts are up”
You think playing the 3 has anything to do with that? What should he do, tell Larry Drew that he is not playing if he has to play the 3.
“2-I still dont think he knows his identity. This year, he has taken more jump shots, more 3 point shots, more awful fadeaway’s and whatever else along with contributing more turnovers than anybody on the team. He should know he is most effective being active on defense and on the glass, but when he camps out on the perimeter it’s hard to get to rebounds.”
Maybe he is camped out on the perimeter because that is what the offense call for? He also is 1rst in blocks, 1rst in steals, 2nd in rebounding, and 3rd in assist on our team. Interesting that he is shooting more 3’s, but is shooting a higher percentage from 3 than Joe, Marvin, Jamal, and Mo. Maybe nobody on the team should shoot threes except Bibby.
“3-He complains too much. It is one thing to plead your case against a bad call, but literally every call I see Smoove whining. I understand he’s passionate and everybody can respect that, but it is literally having an impact on this team directly and indirectly. Case in point against the Bucks when we blew that huge lead in the 4th-in transition on defense Smoove was caught with his back turned arguing with an official and Boykins drove to the basket uncontested. Not only that his body language carries over to the rest of the team when he complains: instead of expending that energy complaining use it for resiliency like we did against the Heat when we beat them and the refs that night.”
Intersting that this keeps coming up. If he complained too much, I’m sure he would be leading the league in techs. The NBA did implement a new rule to curb complaining. It’s funny I don’t see Josh’s name at the top of the tech list. Maybe Orlando should get rid of Dwight Howard. All his complaining about calls is really hurting his team. By the way, he is at the top of the list. On the play that keeps being brought up with Boykins, you do realize that Boykins was Bibby’s man right. Did Larry Drew not empahsize that he would hold everybody accountable for guarding their man? Some of you guys rationale is amazing. If you don’t like Josh then you have that right, but don’t blame the issues with the team on him.
O'Brien
February 10th, 2011
1:13 pm
Another excerpt from the article;
“I would note that Teague’s workload has risen only two minutes a game from last season, and we don’t have Mike Woodson to kick around anymore.
Apparently Drew is seeing the same things — or, perhaps more precisely, not seeing the same things — in Teague as did his predecessor. Which suggests that Teague might not be as good as Rick Sund had hoped.”MB.
I MUS WRITE
February 10th, 2011
1:24 pm
We arent trading josh so stop with the BS……. A trade Idea i would like to see is
Mayo/Gasol for JC1/Marvin/ ZAZA
or
Monte Ellis for JC!/Teague ZAZA/MO for Turriaff
Mo has been horrible this year andTteague is an Ac Law clone- So much for our PG of the future JT0 i think he’s called……………..LMAO
At this point anybody can get it-the only person I wouldnt give up is Horford -the real leader of this team.