Atlanta Hawks: Is running the right recipe?
L.D., coach of Team Disarray, thinks one way for the Hawks to tighten up offensively is to let them loose. Because, really, if half court execution takes discipline, precision, and patience then doesn’t getting out and running require abandon, aggressiveness and instinct?
“We’ve got to get back to running,” Drew said today. “We’ve been walking the ball too much. We haven’t been sprinting the lanes. We haven’t been seeking the easy transition points and what that has done is put more pressure on our half court set.”
Said Jamal: “We just have to get back to having fun and being loose. When we do that and can get out and run, we are at our best.”
Added Josh: “We’ve just got to get stops, get deflections, get rebounds and run. And not have to worry about our half court sets.”
In some respects, there is merit to that view.
The Hawks have slipped to 18th in offensive efficiency. All of the teams ranked ahead of them play at a faster pace (and only the Lakers, Blazers, Bulls and Rockets do so by virtue of a superlative offensive rebounding rate).
Also, the Hawks have the horses to run and they are pretty good at it (in spite of themselves).
According to Synergy Sports Technology, the Hawks rank 11th in transition scoring with an average of 1.17 points on 727 possessions. But, and here’s the rub with L.D.’s plan to get out and run, the Hawks have turned it over 14 percent on those plays–the only Synergy play type in which they have a higher turnover rate is pick-and-roll ball handler (14.3 percent) and no other play type is higher than 9.3 percent.
So it seems the Hawks have the ability to run but aren’t better at it because they get a little too loose on the break.
“We have the luxury of having five guys that can get the ball off the board and bring it out on the dribble,” L.D. said. “I said it before and I said it again: that is where we are most effective. When Al and Josh Smith are playing with that type energy it makes us more effective. Yeah, we take a chance on coming down and them making the wrong decision. But I trust in them.”
At this point L.D. laughed a bit before continuing: “Josh has to work on it a little bit more. I was talking to him this morning. Against the Lakers [last game] he tried two lob passes that had no chance of being executed. No chance. He and I kind of chuckled about it this morning. It’s just those type plays. We have to stay in the attack mode but we have to be more selective.”
The numbers confirm what Drew said (and what you think): In 167 transition possessions, Smoove has turned it over 24 percent of the time while averaging 1.14 points. The numbers for the other regulars:
Al: 16.7 percent turnovers, 1.38 points (ranked 27th in the league) on 48 possessions.
Joe: 15 percent turnovers, 1.1 points on 107 possessions.
Marvin: 5.2 percent turnovers, 1.26 points on 78 possessions.
Jamal: 13.2 percent turnovers, 1.16 points on 115 possessions.
Teague: 11.9 percent turnovers, 1.08 points on 59 possessions.
Those numbers suggest that if the Hawks are going to run, it’s probably best for Al, Marvin (who also gets to the free-throw line much more often on the break than his teammates) and perhaps Teague to get more involved. Josh clearly is an asset on the run but probably should be encouraged to fill the lanes and go hard to the rim instead of making decisions with the ball.
Even if the Hawks figure out how to run more efficiently, they eventually are going to have to execute in the half court for long stretches of the game. The promise of the motion offense seems to be a fading memory. Remember when L.D. used to say over and over that movement would be no problem since the sets force the ball and players to move?
So why the stagnation late in games, with the Hawks showing no clear purpose or plan of attack? Too much iso? Are guys cutting off the sets L.D. calls? Are they not bring patient enough? Said L.D.:
“A combination of a lot of things. We’ve kind of fell back into that standstill, watching each other play. I think more than anything we have just gone back into playing half court basketball instead of seeking the fast break opportunity and still seeking the easy baskets. We don’t want to play out of a half court game if we are able to rebound and run. We don’t want to fall into being seduced into playing slower. Even in the fourth quarter, we have to use our speed and athleticism to get out and run, to get out and get easy baskets and get out and attack the rim.
“And another thing is we’ve been settling for jump shots. Teams that double team Joe or come down on Al and force Smoove into being a passer, we space it well. But even when that ball comes out we can’t settle for jump shots. You’ve got people running at you, you’ve got to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket or put the ball on the floor and force the defense to collapse and then make the extra pass. As of late we have just been swinging it and sitting on the 3 and then launching the 3. You just can’t play like that, particularly when the 3-ball hasn’t been falling. And it hasn’t been falling.”
Maybe we all (or maybe it’s just me) should have seen this coming sooner. The Hawks have always settled for jump shots. Only the Wizards and Heat attempt more 16 to 23 footers per game. When the Hawks were moving the ball, there wasn’t much of a fuss (even now only Utah, Houston, Boston and Charlotte make a higher percentage of long jumpers by virtue of assists). With so many capable scorers, the thought (or maybe it was just my thought) was the Hawks would usually be able to find the guys who were hitting if they kept sharing the ball.
Now the stakes are higher, the competition is better and the Hawks aren’t making those shots. They don’t seem to have a Plan B and so they just keep taking and missing jump shots.
“It’s nothing new, [but] now it seems like we are falling into doing it more,” Drew said. “Sometimes when you get 60-plus games into the season, you do take the path of least resistance. And in this case, the path of least resistance is to just sit out there and let them fly.
“Our staff, we have brought awareness to the guys. We show them on tape: ‘You did this when you could have drove it and made the pass.’ It’s going to always be there. Guys are not going to make the right play all the time. What we don’t want is for them to fall into a pattern of solely spacing the floor out and solely looking for the 3-pointer.”
Better to run than do that.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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115 comments Add your comment
J from the A
March 8th, 2011
2:45 pm
First?!
K.W.
March 8th, 2011
2:50 pm
So the team store is selling Lakers gear now.
joe
March 8th, 2011
2:52 pm
is there a starting SF ( or any other position, for that matter) in the NBA that has less affect on the outcome of a game than Marvin W. ????? He is truly invisible……
Section 303
March 8th, 2011
2:56 pm
I am so tired of reading quotes from these clowns. Does there ever come a point where they just know to “have fun” or “get stops”? These guys aren’t exactly new to this anymore. I didn’t mind hearing/reading these things back in ‘04 or ‘05 when they were young and new. But, here we are, 6 years later, and it is the same nonsense.
They’re taking a beating tonight. I’m going with a 20 + point loss.
Betting this team wins 6 more games this year, at most. 4 or 5 probably more likely.
Hollywould
March 8th, 2011
2:58 pm
Running? Has anyone seen JJ on a break this year? Highlight factory/what a joke
Section 303
March 8th, 2011
3:04 pm
I’m picturing Coach Drew showing the players tape of them letting loose with a 3-point shot instead of driving to the hoop. In my mind, while Coach Drew is doing that, the players are asleep or playing on their phones. I don’t think they listen to anything he shows them. They continue to settle for jumpers. That isn’t going to change.
Oh, well….at least the Lakers will be fun to watch. I might be in the minority here, but I actually like Kobe. I love all the work he puts into the game and how badly he wants to win. Traits not one player on our team has.
joe
March 8th, 2011
3:05 pm
I agree Hollywould, JJ is slow and can’t take it to the hoop. 120M, yikes !!!
Matt
March 8th, 2011
3:06 pm
Do we have new owners yet? This season blows.
El Bravo
March 8th, 2011
3:10 pm
It seems pretty obvious that the team simply does not listen to LD. I doubt they respect him as a head coach or see him as nothing more than a one year (maybe two) stopgap on that role. Otherwise, I don’t see a way to justify a comment such as “It’s nothing new, [but] now it seems like we are falling into doing it more” or “Our staff, we have brought awareness to the guys. We show them on tape…”. I swear I have seen those comments at least 30 times each during the season and no change (actually, the only change we see is for the worse). This is going to go down as a totally wasted year…
Trojan
March 8th, 2011
3:10 pm
This is the result of the rebuilding process, many lottery picks, massive salary cap space and trades. Sigh….
Double Zero Eight
March 8th, 2011
3:11 pm
Lakers 111……..Hawks 89
Grandad
March 8th, 2011
3:11 pm
Two factors:
* lack of discipline
* Joe’s refusal to adapt
I challenge anyone to to refute this claim.
This is why LD`s motion off stalls !
Grandad
March 8th, 2011
3:13 pm
If memory serves…LD wanted the team to slow down -vs- Denver.
J from the A
March 8th, 2011
3:17 pm
LD usually asks team to slow the pace on the road.
Why? Good question.
J from the A
March 8th, 2011
3:22 pm
I have the Hawks winning 10-12 of their remaining games. I don’t think this will be one of them.
I will, of course, still be watching the game, pulling for the Hawks every moment of the game.
GO HAWKS!
joe
March 8th, 2011
3:22 pm
the best part is when you sit your best ( most consistent) player (AH) in the second quarter because he has 2 fouls and then you lose the game and that player ends up with only 3 fouls at the end of the game….. brilliant !
northcyde
March 8th, 2011
3:24 pm
I would bet that JJ has more assists on fast breaks than any other Hawk, unless he’s surpassed by Smith.
Even in the Knick game, he and Josh had a pretty fast break which JJ threw a lob to Smith for the dunk. And that happens pretty frequently when JJ has the ball and Smith is out running with him.
Samuel
March 8th, 2011
3:24 pm
LD is full of sh_t.
slimjr
March 8th, 2011
3:29 pm
past 12(4-8). Last 19(6-13) freaking brutal………..Not playing like a playoff bound team at all…….._
Guido
March 8th, 2011
3:29 pm
I agree with Grandad. This is becoming fools gold. You cannot run in the playoffs you have to execute eventually. This is the same non-sense that killed Woody going into the postseason. Stop changing the game plan and run the offense when necessary. They need to stop acting like they’re inept to run a half-court set. Blah blah blah blah!!!!!!!!!
slimjr
March 8th, 2011
3:29 pm
Your Hawks will be one and done…………………….Playoffs????
Guido
March 8th, 2011
3:31 pm
Oh it’s a wrap for this poor team they just keep making things too complicated.
Grandad
March 8th, 2011
3:32 pm
In my Coaching career I never said;
— nor —
when I played,
did I ever hear a Coach say;
” winning basketball is built on having fun “.
I don’t recall seeing ” having fun ”
as a block on John Wooden’s ” Pyramid of Success “.
Discipline, hard work, defense, dedication, teamwork, sweat,
hustle, pride, competitive spirit, toughness, heart, fundamentals,
Yessir…..but havin’ fun?
I thought the fun part was after the game when you won the game.
doc
March 8th, 2011
3:34 pm
what were bibby’s numbers and what does capt kirk bring to the table?
doc
March 8th, 2011
3:34 pm
what were bibby’s numbers and what does capt kirk bring to the table?
Guido
March 8th, 2011
3:36 pm
Kirk is solid but turned the ball over a lot in that Knick game
slimjr
March 8th, 2011
3:37 pm
this team does not know how to play smart basketball..They play like a bunch of gym rats…Just clueless out there. They are going to get dismantled tonight!! I am going to watch this ish for real………….7th seed in 3 weeks….
Rufus1
March 8th, 2011
3:45 pm
Those stats…
Those stats confirm an obvious truth… If Josh passes the ball and runs the break it will create an easier chance too score, because team have to respect him as a FINISHER.
If he is leading the break, team know he is suspect on the dribble and will attack him. He also needs to realize that Bibby is in Miami and the other can actually RUN.
mykhalc
March 8th, 2011
3:49 pm
absolutely NOTHING in that article has ANY leadership in it ANYWHERE!!!
Rufus1
March 8th, 2011
3:49 pm
Guido
Kirk turned the ball over Twice….Jamal and Josh turned the ball over 4 times each…Twice is acceptable for your starting PG.
O'Brien
March 8th, 2011
3:55 pm
Samuel and I disagree on a number of issues. However, I must give him some credit.
From day one when LD was hired, Samuel has consistently said the motion offense will not work, because LD will not be able to convince the players to stick with it (especially in crunch time), and the players will revert to what they’re used to. Jump shots, and ISOs.
And thats exactly what they’re doing.
Hollywould
March 8th, 2011
3:57 pm
Northcyde, If Joe leads the team in assists on the break they are in serious trouble. Yeah, he had one assist to JS on the dunk but that guy cannot run a break. He can’t finish unless you count that
floater which is short most of the time. Lakers – 31/2 take it!!!!
O'Brien
March 8th, 2011
3:58 pm
At this point L.D. laughed a bit before continuing: “Josh has to work on it a little bit more. I was talking to him this morning. Against the Lakers [last game] he tried two lob passes that had no chance of being executed. No chance. He and I kind of chuckled about it this morning. It’s just those type plays. We have to stay in the attack mode but we have to be more selective”.
Does Josh know how to be more selective though? Hasnt that been one of his weaknesses, which is why LD called him kamikaze?
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
4:00 pm
Larry Drew got Jokes?
JeJe
March 8th, 2011
4:00 pm
Where is the weekly LD “I am thinking of switching up the starting lineup?”
LOL I lost a LOT of faith in LD after the Knicks game the other night. The team just went to sleep in the 4th and he didn’t even call a time out
This team’s in trouble if it does not win tonight
LOL this homestand is looking horrendous already
Abe the Fan
March 8th, 2011
4:03 pm
If LD would demand that Josh get the rebound, immediately give the ball to a guard, and run his butt downcourt to get ready to post-up, things would change–JUST THIS ONE TWEAK WOULD MAKE A WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE!
Abe the Fan
March 8th, 2011
4:06 pm
what in the world is JOSH’s issue about bringing the ball downcourt . . . i just don’t get it. he’s the baddest interior player we have AND HE WANTS TO PLAY OUTSIDE OF THE LANE!
Trojan
March 8th, 2011
4:09 pm
I wonder if LD sits downs and laughs with Teague when he makes a bad decision. His lack of consistant leadership is starting to sink this ship. Why can’t Josh be disciplined, why can’t JJ be disciplined? Why can’t JC ever play as a team?
Astro Joe
March 8th, 2011
4:19 pm
So roughly 25% of Josh’s transition possessions end in a turnover? And he is likely a top 5 finisher in the NBA? So the guy who learned all of the plays for all of the positions in the offensive scheme (that hasn’t been very successful) hasn’t figured out that he can help the team sooo much more by filling the lane as opposed to imitating Michael Ray Richardson (with pipe in back pocket)? And I guess this head coach is powerless to do anything about the 25% (as he chuckles about wayward passes that had no chance to turn into points). Wow!
So be honest, MC, don’t you sometimes want to take your recorder and just bang it upside the head of some of these folk you interview? We won’t tell.
vava74
March 8th, 2011
4:20 pm
To run you need to defend and get stops.
To defend and get stops you need to limit Jamal’s minutes.
LD says many right things and then does the exact opposite.
mykhalc
March 8th, 2011
4:21 pm
it’s becomin’ more and more clear that LD has NOT made the changes in his relationships with the players goin’ from an asst to HC.
@Trojan…co-sign!!!
TONE
March 8th, 2011
4:30 pm
Lakers by 30 tonight hawks in the lottery next year
tom
March 8th, 2011
4:31 pm
JJ had a break for a dunk in the final seconds of their comeback win against the bulls
Abe the Fan
March 8th, 2011
4:32 pm
It would seem to be that LD could convince Josh to try, for one complete game, getting the rebound, immediately giving the ball to a guard, and hustling downcourt to get position. Josh might have one of the best games of his career if he listened. And tell Marvin the same thing, except he shouldnt post up because he’s a disaster at finishing a play…anyone ever seen him make a move and score or even a layoff on a fast break? Marvin should imitate Ray Allen, hustle to get in position to get the ball, about 20-25 ft out, wait for the ball, catch, set your feet, and shoot it! It’s not that hard people.
J from the A
March 8th, 2011
4:33 pm
re: Josh’s turnovers on the break: To be fair to Josh, the Hawks often didn’t have a guard capable of running the break, so all too often Josh and Al ended up running the break. [Remember Bibby? & It's already been pointed out that JJ's strong points don't involve running the break.]
Now with Kirk and more Teague, perhaps Josh and Al will handle the ball less on the break and will be able to focus on “filling the lanes” on the break.
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
4:37 pm
Doesn’t the POINT in PG mean: The point of attack?
Apparently this organization is the only franchise in the league that doesn’t see the inherent value of a true PG.
Mr. Naismith would roll over in his grave if he knew how his fundamental game has been watered down to a collection of dunks and iso-hero plays.
Learn to play the game the right way. See Larry Brown.
This team got jokes?
Abe the Fan
March 8th, 2011
4:38 pm
Come on “J from the A”, JJ can run a break and Bibby couldnt run but he could pass. Think about it, if Josh and/or Al are running the break, who’s going to finish?!? That only leaves JJ–Bibby and Marvin can’t do it.
John Moe
March 8th, 2011
4:39 pm
I’m so tired of coach Drew. He says all the right things, but when it comes down to actually executing those things, he fails to even come close. Anyone can talk the talk, but, clearly, L.D. can’t walk the walk. Until he actually addresses the issues on the court and takes some disciplinary measures with his favorites to get the point across, I will continue my trend of having zero respect for him.
joey
March 8th, 2011
4:40 pm
the hawks have the talent to beat any team in the nba, but they lack maturity and heart to do it consistentley in a 7 game series in the playoffs
Michael Cunningham
March 8th, 2011
4:41 pm
@ AJ: “So be honest, MC, don’t you sometimes want to take your recorder and just bang it upside the head of some of these folk you interview? We won’t tell.”
usually i just give them the confused, furrowed-brow look.
John Moe
March 8th, 2011
4:41 pm
If I were Al Horford, I would be seriously regretting the fact that I signed that extension earlier this season, especially considering the fact that I am treated as a 4th option on offense and ignored by my teammates on the court half of the time.
ag
March 8th, 2011
4:42 pm
slimjim, your math is off. They are 9-10 during that stint.
Michael Cunningham
March 8th, 2011
4:43 pm
@J from the A: “re: Josh’s turnovers on the break: To be fair to Josh, the Hawks often didn’t have a guard capable of running the break, so all too often Josh and Al ended up running the break.”
true. limiting this was supposed to be another benefit of the trade. Josh actually can be a really good passer in the half court but on the break his decision-making is all over the charts.
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
4:43 pm
“His lack of consistant leadership is starting to sink this ship”
_____________________
* consistent. (can anyone spell this word?). Uuggh!
Astro Joe
March 8th, 2011
4:43 pm
mykhalc, I was just thinking that Uncle Larry is still in full effect. This type of report makes you wonder if Uncle Larry was consoling Josh when the big bad Lucifer was berating him. Josh would run to Uncle Larry who would say “there, there… that guy doesn’t know how special you are. Don’t listen to him, just keep being true to your multi-talented self”. Someone “enabled” Josh for the previous 6 years and I previously blamed Woody. Now I’m thinking that Uncle Larry was the one… which may be why Josh came out so strongly in support of Drew as the new head coach. What a F’ing mess.
It feels like LD has conceded virtually every “coachable moment” to Josh. They will continue to bump heads about shot selection. He has to accept the passes in the stands. A good chuckle about poor passes against the world champs. They sound like father-and-son… nothing shall come between them… not turnovers, not bad shots and not poor transition play. Mr. Accountability is really and truly Uncle Larry – The Enabler.
joey
March 8th, 2011
4:43 pm
that is ther problem its not about the regular season its about when you get to the playoffs against elite teams, can they produce, they have not yet……..
Abe the Fan
March 8th, 2011
4:47 pm
The second thing that LD could encourage that WOULD CHANGE THE GAME for the Hawks is to encourage his players to follow their shots. IT IS A MYTH THAT YOU CANNOT FOLLOW YOUR SHOT IN THE PRO GAME–supposedly because you have to get back on defense because of the speed. KOBE BRYANT is the best shot follower in the NBA (shots he takes within 15-20ft) and there are others–watch KOBE tonight and see. JJ and JC NEVER follow their shots–they stand their and look at it. Some of have played the game and even the pro game is different, it’s not that different. Man I can’t take it. If we could get 4 of our 5 to play near the top of their game each night, we would be very very good! But right now we’re either not coachable or not disciplined or BOTH!
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
4:48 pm
“consistentley” (really) does anyone have spell check?
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
4:48 pm
“consistentley” (really?) does anyone have spell check?
joey
March 8th, 2011
4:49 pm
when the hawks can play hard nosed defense every game they will never have to worry about the offense bc that will come with great defense, the hawks are not consistent enough
Grandad
March 8th, 2011
4:52 pm
Mary Ellen
consistently
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
4:53 pm
“If I were Al Horford, I would be seriously regretting the fact that I signed that extension earlier this season, especially considering the fact that I am treated as a 4th option on offense and ignored by my teammates on the court half of the time”
__________________________
Then why does Al keep passing the ball out to the perimeter. He can make a play and move to the paint. What is stopping him? I doubt very seriously Al regrets signing a 55M contract. He will get his first paycheck next season. Al regrets getting paid? That would be a first!
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2011
4:55 pm
As usual, LD sounds like a smart guy when he talks. As usual, I expect none of his astute observations and good ideas to be put into action.
Running more sounds like a good idea, especially against a team like the Lakers who have the discipline and length to murder the Hawks in the half court. The problem is that to run the Hawks need to box out and get defensive rebounds, and they have struggled at this big time against Gasol and Bynum.
I’ll be at the game booing when the Kobe fams inevitably start up the MVP chants. I’m just hoping against hope this time around the Hawks will give those fans a reason to shut up.
joey
March 8th, 2011
4:55 pm
123
W.R. Terrell
March 8th, 2011
4:59 pm
What? LD is going to turn his horses loose, let them run? Where are they going to run to, “Outside the Arena?” We have a group of horses and one STALLION. I must ask this question, how can they run with that “smoove” person thinking he’s a point guard? Has anyone seen ISO run lately? As long as no basketball IQ (smoove) is in the lineup, forget running, as long as ISO is on the floor, forget running and all Marvin ever does is jus run around without any thought. Does this mean Jamal will hog the ball even more? The “SOFT’S” do not have it, will not have it and cannot have it work until someone tells that “smoove” fella to STOP being whoever he’s trying to be. The boy is not a point guard or shooter and to afraid plus soft to play toughball on the inside. Smoove and Marvin have the same disease, “FEAR”. I am hoping we do not lose by 50 tonight but if that ball is in that “smoove” persons hands to much we’ll lose by 60
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2011
5:02 pm
“Then why does Al keep passing the ball out to the perimeter. He can make a play and move to the paint. What is stopping him? ”
Co-sign. Al’s lack of aggression and tentativeness are just as much of a problem as his teammates’ inability to get him the ball consistently, and this was one of the primary reasons the Hawks’ offense couldn’t get on track against the Knicks. Yes, Al is a very gifted and efficient player. He needs to start acting like it.
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
5:02 pm
There IS Crying in Basketball!
When the locker room first opened to reporters after the game, Stoudemire and Anthony were bantering and laughing about players on the Miami Heat crying after their loss earlier Sunday to the Chicago Bulls, with Stoudemire fingering Chris Bosh as the watery-eyed one (although Bosh, when asked by reporters in Miami whether he had cried, said he almost had but did not). “I heard Chris Bosh was crying tears,” Stoudemire said. “Tears?” Anthony asked. “Yeah, tears,” Stoudemire replied. “Wait ’til I call him, man,” Anthony said. “I’ll be like: ‘What are you doing?’” ESPN.com
Miami Heat, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony | share 
Though he had been unaware of Erik Spoelstra’s revelation that some of his Heat players had cried after losing to the Bulls on Sunday, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich offered support to the young coach. “I didn’t know anything about it,” Popovich said. “Every team is different. The only person that knows about their team is their coach, and Erik knows what he’s doing, and he has the pulse of his team. Whatever he says, I believe. Other than that, I don’t know anything about it.” San Antonio Express-News
Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Erik Spoelstra, Gregg Popovich | share 
The Heat have endured five losses in their last six games, including a 30-point blowout loss to the Spurs on Friday. Popovich refused to offer an opinion about the emotional struggle that seems to have gripped a Miami team that has three All-Stars, including two-time Most Valuable Player LeBron James. “I don’t judge what people do,” he said. “That’s dangerous ground when you judge other people. If I’m going to judge anybody, it will be myself and my team. Beyond that, it’s not my place.” San Antonio Express-News
Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Gregg Popovich | share 
On MSG, at halftime of Knicks-Hawks, Kelly Tripucka accused Spoelstra of lying. “I’m not believing that (players were crying),” Tripucka said. “I mean they played bigger games than a regular-season game. There’s no reason to be crying now.” New York Daily News
Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra, Kelly Tripucka | share
_________________________
Funny stuff right there.
mykhalc
March 8th, 2011
5:03 pm
@Joe…exactly!!!
ag
March 8th, 2011
5:04 pm
I think most of us agree that the obvious is starting to come out, LD was not the right choice. Again, if I wanted a supervisor, would I like the laid back guy who befriended me, or the strick dictator who is paying attention to every detail? The team has tuned LD out. Again, I cannot think of three players who can stop Josh in the lane, and honestly, I think of only one player in the NBA who can stop Josh, and he is #5 on the Hawks! Someone like Avery would have told him inside/out. Josh will be an All-Star for years! He will average 20 -10 easily. He needs to stop wanting to be like LeBron and be a power forward.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2011
5:07 pm
As far as Smoove on the break is concerned, prior to the trade he had a valid excuse to handle the ball on the break since Bibby and Joe were more comfortable bringing it up slowly and settling into a half court set. Not to say either one never got the break going, and maybe Synergy can confirm or deny this, but most of the breaks led by Bibby and Joe came against at most one transition defender by my recollection. It’s the 3-on-2, 4-on-2, and 4-on-3 fast break situations where Smoove would try to capitalize while Bibby and Joe typically wouldn’t.
Now that the Hawks have Kirk and Teague manning the point, though, Smoove needs to make the necessary adjustment in his game and realize that he’s better suited to finishing on the break. It’s not his passing skills that are the problem on the break as much as his ball handling, which is still woefully behind the rest of his game.
doc
March 8th, 2011
5:09 pm
@ MC, too funny.
ok MC, i’ll ask again, what were bibby’s numbers and what does capt kirk bring to the table?
joey
March 8th, 2011
5:14 pm
345
Abe
March 8th, 2011
5:23 pm
Hey!
Blast
March 8th, 2011
5:26 pm
Finally, my posts are showing. All is well with the world again! All is not well with the Atlanta Hawks, though. Way they have been playing lately, I’m just not looking forward to another beatdown at home by LA. Come on, Hawks. Prove me wrong.
slimjr
March 8th, 2011
5:29 pm
Hawks are the Joke………..
ISO JOE=MICHAEL RAY RICHARDSON “THE SHIP BE SINKIN” HUH???????????????
JOSH= I WILL NEVER GET IT!!
MARVIN= I’M SCARED MOMMY
JAMAL=DEER IN HEADLIGHTS MOST OF THE TIME..
AL= PLEASE SHIP ME OUTTA THIS MOTHER_______!
LD=JIM MORA, WAY OVER HIS HEAD……………YAWN
SUND=RETIRE YESTERYEAR…………………
MsDee
March 8th, 2011
5:31 pm
The ONLY tape LD needs to be showing his team is the game against UTAH in UTAH. That was the best executed game EVERY this season with the HawkS. Forget showing them the games they played horribly on and show them the games where they excelled on!!
Heading to the game tonight, WISH US LUCK U GUYS!!
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
5:33 pm
Claritin XR!
Spolestra is back peddling now?
He followed up the Crying-Game with, ” It was just misty eyes?”
An hour ago, he said, “It was seasonal allergies?”
____________________
I guess the team trainer will stock up on some RX strength Claritin for the
next game? LOL!
Let’s Go Hawks! Win a Game tonight!
Michael Cunningham
March 8th, 2011
5:35 pm
@doc: didn’t see that. include “MC” and i will know you are talking to me.
i didn’t include Kirk because he only has 55 total possessions with the Hawks and his numbers with the Wizards would be out of context.
Bibby’s numbers in transition with the Hawks: 55 possessions, 1.29 points, 10.9 percent turnovers
Blast
March 8th, 2011
5:35 pm
To be a running team, you first have to get stops, secure the rebound, and then run. One of the biggest problems I have seen with Hawks this year is getting out rebounded and out hustled by the opponent. Hawks might make a good initial defensive stop, but they give up waaaaaaaaay toooooooo many defensive rebounds. Guys are not blocking out, and Hawks are getting murdered on the defensive glass.
Also, Horford is differing too much. At this time, Al is Hawks best shooter. Not Joe, not Jamal, and certainly not Josh Smith. Taking only 8 shots vs Knicks is unacceptable. Al must stop being hesitant and just play his game.
mykhalc
March 8th, 2011
5:37 pm
WHEW!!!! i actually thought ESPN was showin’ the game tonite!!!! WHEW!!!!
Aaron
March 8th, 2011
5:41 pm
It isn’t funny that all of the things that Drew is saying we need to do to be successful were the heart and soul of Woodson’s old strategy? I’m not saying that his strategy always worked or that the players executed it correctly each night, but “defend, rebound, and run” is a pretty good theoretical premise.
It’s sad that the longer the season goes on, the more I am reminded of how terrible L.D. is as a head coach. When Mike Woodson starts to look like a pretty good head coach, in retrospect, you know something is seriously wrong with your current head coach.
Aaron
March 8th, 2011
5:42 pm
mykhalc,
During the regular season, ESPN never shows NBA games on Tuesdays, unless it’s some rare, special occasion. ESPN shows NBA games on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, typically.
John Moe
March 8th, 2011
5:51 pm
“Then why does Al keep passing the ball out to the perimeter. He can make a play and move to the paint. What is stopping him? I doubt very seriously Al regrets signing a 55M contract. He will get his first paycheck next season. Al regrets getting paid? That would be a first!”
In case you haven’t noticed, Al is one of the few guys on the team who actually plays like a “team player”. If he doesn’t have a good shot, he passes the ball. Yes, he sometimes hesitates and passes up an open look, but the majority of the time, he makes good decisions with the ball. Also, as far as moving to the paint, Al gets low post position on numerous occasions during each night, and his teammates fail to deliver him the ball. If you don’t believe me, watch any Hawks game closely. Even tonight, against the huge front line of the Lakers, it’s likely that Al will get low post position against Gasol and Odom early in the shot clock on several possession and will be entirely ignored. Just watch closely, you’ll see what I’m talking about..
As far as regretting getting paid, I don’t think getting paid would be an issue for Al. If it weren’t for the new CBA, he could probably get that money easily from any team which would sign him. I don’t think Al regrets getting a paycheck, but I wouldn’t doubt that he has mixed emotions about signing a long-term contract with a team that fails to address their faults and continues to make mistakes that are out of his hands. That sort of thing is frustrating for any player.
J.J.M
March 8th, 2011
5:55 pm
“Those nimbers suggest that if the Hawks are going to run”
Roger
March 8th, 2011
5:58 pm
Who wants to bet that the Hawks go completely perimeter-oriented in their attack against the Lakers tonight? I bet that Josh will once again lead the team in field goal attempts and shoot below 50% while Joe takes the second most shots and shoots a miserable percentage. Meanwhile, Al will be ignored again and probably get less than 10 field goal attempts. Then, after the game, L.D. will say that the Hawks settled for too many jump shots, and failed to get to the free throw line.
Does anyone disagree?
J.J.M
March 8th, 2011
6:01 pm
Lakers are too big for the hawks and it will be a mental thing for the hawks to play
drmaryb (*_*)
March 8th, 2011
6:23 pm
If Al only got 8 shots up against his new nemesis Amare on Sunday?
Then, that is Al’s fault. I saw him consistently pass the ball out to Marvin
and Josh on Sunday. It really irked me. He must have passed that thing out to the perimeter 10 times. Clearly, Al was not looking for his game nor shot.
Conversely, when Josh get’s the ball on the block? He is a pit bull gfoing inside. Josh just doesn’t do that enough. If Al wants some looks, he better take it to the hole and demand the damned ball. Stop being passoive. Play like he did against The Bulls! Al was unstoppable and then disappeared against Amare and the Knicks.
I hope Al steps up tonight and play fierce! Al needs to play selfish to assert his own will tonight. No more excuses. Nobody passed me the ball my azz! Go get it!
JeJe
March 8th, 2011
6:29 pm
I wish Woody had a PG to work with (Hinrich)
If our owners had any money at all or weren’t so cheap, LD would be gone
Blast
March 8th, 2011
6:32 pm
Hawks should write a petition letter to the Commish asking for ESPN to stop showing their games, because it seems like Hawks lose everytime ESPN features them. I know we all complain about Hawks not getting enough national exposure, but what is the point of getting that exposure if you are only gonna get embarrassed?
Blast
March 8th, 2011
6:35 pm
If Al, Joe and Jamal do not have a good game, Hawks have no chance tonight.
Who wanna guess how slow Hawks will start off tonite? 15-0? 20-0? Or will they, for once, start off well at home for a change?
lewis
March 8th, 2011
6:37 pm
We beat Chicago on natl tv
Najeh Davenpoop
March 8th, 2011
6:38 pm
Three Laker hats on the MARTA train right now. Zero Hawks jerseys or hats of any kind.
This should be fun.
Eric
March 8th, 2011
6:39 pm
drmaryb,
So, what you are saying is that you want Al to make a move toward the paint to score or shoot the ball everytime he touches it? Also, if someone doesn’t pass Al the ball, how exactly do you expect him to get it, unless he pulls down a rebound and brings the ball up court himself or gets an offensive rebound and converts on the putback? Just because you demand the ball, doesn’t mean you are going to get it. The only guy on the team who always gets the ball when he wants it is Joe. I think you need to think some of these things through before you post them.
Art Vandelay
March 8th, 2011
6:45 pm
This team is being held hostage by Josh Smith and his insistence on proving to everyone that he’s actually a SG in disguise.
Assuming the 1.17 points per possession stat that MC mentioned, every time Smith shoots a jumper that results in a long rebound (because let’s face it — they’re total bricks and bounce 16 feet from the rim), it’s likely that the opponent will end up with an easy break and layup/dunk. That’s a 3.17 point turnaround right there. He’ll have to block a dozen shots a game to make up for the amount of points he costs the team with his horrific shooting. After seven years in the league, it’s as though he still hasn’t realized that the defenses leave him open out there for a reason — they KNOW he won’t make those shots with any consistency, and they can basically play 5-on-4 when he’s standing out there at the 3-point line waiting for a chance to chuck up another hopeless shot.
I love Josh’s talent and athletic ability, but I’m afraid he’s just never going to “get it” until the Hawks have a floor general who will refuse to pass the ball to him out there, and a coach who’s not afraid to sit his pouting butt on the bench if he refuses to listen to reason and buy into the team philosophy. We have no leadership on the court most of the time; Al is a fiery competitor, but not nearly vocal enough. He should be up in Josh’s face regularly. Joe is paid like a premiere scorer and team leader, but unfortunately he’s only a very good scorer and has absolutely no interest in leading anyone. Heinrich just got here and probably won’t be able to establish himself as a leader this year either. Marvin…well, never mind.
The Hawks need someone who plays the game like Avery Johnson did: no nonsense, no fear of ruffling feathers, no patience for individual egos.
slimjr
March 8th, 2011
6:47 pm
“We beat Chicago on natl tv”
Wow! One game???
slimjr
March 8th, 2011
6:48 pm
Al will get into foul trouble early banging with those trees….It’ll be over quick….
The Real Slim Shady
March 8th, 2011
6:55 pm
There’s a new blog up, guys.
cp
March 8th, 2011
6:59 pm
I was just saying in the blog the other day I wish guys would give the pg the ball and fill the lanes. I understood why they tried to run the break when Bibby was here but now it no excuse. Give the pg the ball. run the lanes, and finish at the rim strong. I wont be shocked if the Hawks go jump shot happy again tonight though. I wish LD would stop all this talking and get to doing.
northcyde
March 8th, 2011
7:13 pm
Hawks 93 . . . Lakers 88
And Horford hesitates because he’s not a good one on one scorer. He can’t score on big centers in the post, which is the reason why he hangs in that 15 foot area to shoot a jumper.
His game is dependent on people getting him the ball for him to shoot the jumper. 70% of Al’s shots are assisted.
Melvin
March 8th, 2011
7:14 pm
Kobe dont want any part of guarding Joe.. Artest has that assignment
Blast
March 8th, 2011
7:24 pm
That Chicago game Hawks won I believe was played on NBATV. They are not ESPN.
At least, Hawks did not start slow.
Blast
March 8th, 2011
7:25 pm
Next to defensive rebounds, turnover is Hawks biggest problem.
Blast
March 8th, 2011
7:34 pm
Save for that 3 by Blake and 6? turnovers, Hawks played a decent quarter.
Little Fawkers
March 8th, 2011
8:55 pm
Watching these Hawks is like watching the Vick led Falcon teams back in the day. A lot of talent but no heart. Horford deserves better than playing for Atlanta.
leear1n
March 8th, 2011
11:23 pm
I was going to comment but what the use the players have given up,I will find something better to do with my time and money can not take stupid plays anymore.
Guido
March 9th, 2011
12:48 am
Groundhog’s Day the movie with these Hawks
allofus
March 9th, 2011
2:26 am
Jordan Crowford is scoring big time
Big Ray
March 9th, 2011
4:35 am
“We have the luxury of having five guys that can get the ball off the board and bring it out on the dribble,” L.D. said. “I said it before and I said it again: that is where we are most effective. When Al and Josh Smith are playing with that type energy it makes us more effective. Yeah, we take a chance on coming down and them making the wrong decision. But I trust in them.”
At this point L.D. laughed a bit before continuing: “Josh has to work on it a little bit more. I was talking to him this morning. Against the Lakers [last game] he tried two lob passes that had no chance of being executed. No chance. He and I kind of chuckled about it this morning. It’s just those type plays. We have to stay in the attack mode but we have to be more selective.”
Yes, by all means. Let’s just have a laugh about that over morning coffee. After all, turnovers aren’t killing us, and we’re not scoring an all new low in points per game…..are we?
myrak43
March 9th, 2011
7:31 am
I am tired of this team. I now believe there needs to be a major shake up. we need to get rid of two of the core players, I don’t care who leaves. that goes for Horford, Smith, JJ, and JC.
The Point Forward » Posts The Opening Tip: Wednesday, Mar. 9 «
March 9th, 2011
8:27 am
[...] Michael Cunningham, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “L.D., coach of Team Disarray, thinks one way for the Hawks to tighten up offensively is to let them loose. Because, really, if half court execution takes discipline, precision, and patience then doesn’t getting out and running require abandon, aggressiveness and instinct? “We’ve got to get back to running,” Drew said today. “We’ve been walking the ball too much. We haven’t been sprinting the lanes. We haven’t been seeking the easy transition points and what that has done is put more pressure on our half court set.” Said Jamal: “We just have to get back to having fun and being loose. When we do that and can get out and run, we are at our best.” Added Josh: “We’ve just got to get stops, get deflections, get rebounds and run. And not have to worry about our half court sets.” In some respects, there is merit to that view. The Hawks have slipped to 18th in offensive efficiency. All of the teams ranked ahead of them play at a faster pace (and only the Lakers, Blazers, Bulls and Rockets do so by virtue of a superlative offensive rebounding rate). Also, the Hawks have the horses to run and they are pretty good at it (in spite of themselves).” [...]
ASHCAN.
March 9th, 2011
10:10 am
Atlanta have the sorriest fans in all sports.Never have i seen or shall i say heard the visiting fans drown out the home fans in big games.Then the home fans sit there amd look at each other when this is going on looking stupid.Lakers,NY,bulls fans ect…fans always drown out the phillips arena hawks fans.Then they(hawks fans) sit there like there at the movies eating popcorn.What a bunch of sorry no spirit fans,if your not gonna represent DON’T COME TO THE ARENA!!!!
ASHCAN.
March 9th, 2011
10:30 am
Hawks should or should have traded joe johnson and marvin williams to the cavs for baron davis,antawn jamison,and anderson varejao and a 2nd round pick.Then sign hinrich and crawford for 3 to 4 year deals.Whats the use of giving up a 1st round pick if hinrich don’t re-sign after the season when his contract is up? Im sorry to all the joe johnson fans but he’s not worth the $$$ he’s making a year and definately not a take charge leader on the court or on the side lines when it comes to motivating his team mates.Ill say get rid of him now.
bronkelliott
March 9th, 2011
10:31 am
I stopped watching this team about a month ago. I could see a decline coming. Sorry, but JJ is not worth the money right now and was a waste to resign. And Drew is not the answer for coaching this team. Too much culture on this team. People would rather be partying than playing ball. The Hawks need to be the ones crying not the Heat. At least the Heat have won something but the Hawks and the Phillips arena these days is a dead zone! Love Al,but feel as though he has no support. Should have kept Jordan Crawford and built around him and Al..Here’s hoping for not being embarrassed!
jeffrop
March 9th, 2011
11:01 am
new name…Joke Johnson! 4 of 14!!!! awful. he signed that huge contract and now he has no drive. Joke Johnson….keep it going
tyger
March 9th, 2011
1:34 pm
WHO CARES!!!