Atlanta Hawks at Bulls: Drew says low post is priority

Chicago–Plan A hasn’t been working for the Hawks’ offense.

What does L.D. want to see tonight instead of jumpers?

“First, establish ourselves in the low post,” he said. “If the ball does come on the kick out, everything doesn’t have to be a three. We are sitting outside, sitting at that 3-point line, [and] we can move in closer. Instead of turning it into a 3, turn it into an 18- to 20-footer. Our drive-and-kick game has to be up to par, force them to not just defend a shot on the closeout but teams have to have a fear about closing out and putting the ball on the floor.”

Even considering their poor 3-point shooting as of late, this season the 3-pointer has been (not surprisingly) much better for the Hawks than long 2-pointers. Then again, Bibby is gone and J.J. is in a slide, leaving Smoove as the team’s best 3-point shooter (not counting Al’s 2 for 4 and Twin’s 1 for 1).

L.D. dismissed Al’s back injury as a factor in his game moving outside.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I think sometimes players they stay with what’s comfortable to them. Obviously he is making jump shots but both he and Josh have to establish themselves down in the low post still. We run plays to get them involved in the post and they have got to establish themselves in there.

“Just keep mixing it up. I don’t want them to be predictable in what they do. I want their overall offensive game to be hard to predict because they both have the ability to play inside and out.”

Game notes . . .

  • “Normal” lineup for Hawks: Hinrich, J.J., Marvin, Josh, Al. Etan and Pape are inactive.
  • Boozer is out for the Bulls and Kurt Thomas will take his place. Luol Deng is a game-time decision.
  • Even with Boozer out, the Bulls still have Thomas, Noah, Omar Asik and Taj Gibson on the front line. No wonder they managed to keep winning despite Boozer missing 15 games and Noah sitting out 30 (of course it also helps to have D-Rose and that Noah’s absence from Dec. 18 to Feb. 17 coincided with a soft spot in Chicago’s schedule).
  • Said Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau: “We’ve had injuries before with with Boozer and Joakim out. We feel like we have quality bigs up front and all of them have started.”
  • After Al went off for 31 and 16 in the first meeting, Thibodeau said Gibson would be part of a gang effort against him: “At different times he will guard him. All of the bigs will. All four guys give us different looks. He’s a tough matchup.”
  • Hinrich was asked how the Hawks held down D-Rose last time: “He missed shots.”

Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat

401 comments Add your comment

Samuel

March 11th, 2011
10:44 pm

Maybe LD is throwing in the towel. Watch him finally come out and say……………………………………………………………………………………………..”We settled for too many jumpers tonight.”

JSS

March 11th, 2011
10:44 pm

I wasn’t going to say a thing about “Falcons Blog.” That is just sad… “Facts!” Man please…

Dept. of Unintended Irony

March 11th, 2011
10:45 pm

“12% of total population, majority of jail population. I guess that’s ignorance on my behalf.”

No, your ignorance is in everything you have posted.

Here’s a fact for you: Racists live shorter lives. Look it up. And please die soon.

welikebaseball2

March 11th, 2011
10:45 pm

@terrell: That’s my biggest gripe about L.D. this game. How do you justify allowing Crawford to guard Rose as he burns him possession after possession? At what point do you say, “Hmmm…Jamal’s having a hard time staying w/ Rose. Maybe I should put Joe on him or give Teague a shot”? Coaching gets as much blame for this one as the players. They’re all a hot mess right now. Frustrating. Embarrassing.

JSS

March 11th, 2011
10:46 pm

@ 303…
Where are you sitting at MSG?

Tremaine

March 11th, 2011
10:47 pm

Wow, even Michael Cunningham was ask about Teague tonight. What is the world coming to?

Rafa

March 11th, 2011
10:48 pm

Did you see Josh just loafing and watching on someof those possessions?
I was screaming at my tv!

O'Brien

March 11th, 2011
10:49 pm

Teague would not have stopped Rose, but we have seen Jamal fail time and time again as the backup PG, but yet LD continues to go to him at that positon. Whatever happened to giving Teague more burn since he played decent on defense after the trade? Is this how you build his confidence?

It’s like LD is saying “Jeff, sit and watch our backup SG (who probably wont be here next year) get torched on defense playing backup PG (which happens often), even though you are a better defensive option. Oh dont worry, we’ll get you some garbage minutes when the game is out of hand. BTW, I still like what you bring to the table.”

Tremaine

March 11th, 2011
10:49 pm

Watch LD say we just didn’t make shots and don’t even mention the fact that Derrick Rose torched them tonight.

drmaryb (*_-)

March 11th, 2011
10:49 pm

terrell (don’t call me Te-Relle)

Man, I should have stayed in the john. I guess my bowels knew the outcome! Damn! LOL!

Hey man, I don’t even get mad anymore. Just apathetic now a days.
It’s tuff being a fan. Since 1986 man, you prolly wasn’t even born yet.
Talk about loyalty or is it stupidity?

I can’t explain it any more. We just are playing awful. I guess after the trade deadline came and went, everybody said, “whew! We dodged that bullet!”. Or, the players have taken on the personalities of these owners.

We got our money, so Fck everybody! To hell with this city and these fans! Because, we don’t come to the games and cheer? If they play better? T.I. would come if, he wasn’t on lock down. He’ll be out this Summer – right?

JSS

March 11th, 2011
10:50 pm

@ Welike…
Do you think Drew was under the assumption that he would trading firepower-for-firepower by letting Jamal take Rose?

cp

March 11th, 2011
10:52 pm

Najeh I forgot about 2004 but hell they gave us great choices the next year and we straight up blew it..D Williams, Paul, Bynum, and Granger. I’m sure I’m probably leaving some guys off but we had chances to get a great player and we ended up with the invisible man. Hell they got it wrong in the second round that year too. Might be a long time before the Gods give us another opportunity like that. That shows you how missing at the top of the draft can haunt you years down the line.

Not Sund

March 11th, 2011
10:56 pm

We all know the players will let you know when they are done with a coach.
Message received guys.

Right Poop, The Spirit group ain’t ready for prime time and they will try to avoid paying two coaches at the same time, but they can’t take an empty arena everynight either.

If the Spirit don’t pay a legit coach we will sink back into the swamp we were in for 10 long years of losing.

welikebaseball2

March 11th, 2011
10:56 pm

@JSS: Good question. I mean, the ONLY way I could POSSIBLY go with Drew on that decision would be if Jamal was trading baskets with Rose. He wasn’t…Rose was torching him..and it served to be the knockout punch.

Booo!

March 11th, 2011
10:59 pm

“Alright, trivia time. Can anyone name ONE thing Marvin brings to the table on a consistent basis?”

Scoliosis, Two left feet, and a Big Booty

Fundamentals

March 11th, 2011
11:03 pm

Absolutely dissappointing. No effort, no intensity. This team has quit, PERIOD!

Jumpshooters? Get real, it’s an excuse because they just don’t care.

Don’t know where ASG will pull the $$ to pay these cats cause they ain’t getting any of mine.

This has to be the most pathetic moment in Hawks history. Even the 13 win team showed heart every night. This team since prior to the All Star break is absolutely a JOKE!

James

March 11th, 2011
11:07 pm

Does anyone on this board still like L.D. as a head coach? Personally, I’ve pretty much lost all confidence in him as a head coach, but does he have any supporters left?

JSS

March 11th, 2011
11:14 pm

@ Welike…
Well, he must have been missing something about Jamal against non Western conference teams… Jamal has just been scouted abd discovered I guess… They know he’ll jack it and never consider driving and dishing…

brad

March 11th, 2011
11:16 pm

ok so the hawks suck. first thing is we should get rid of that crack head looking coach! i swear i seen him on dill avenue the other day buying a nick sack of crack!!!!!!!

drmaryb (*_-)

March 11th, 2011
11:16 pm

Sautee!

Sorry, that was TMI. I’m just so frustrated with my beloved hawks.

JSS … LOL!

_____________

Yall already know who the trolle is – right? Same guy different log on. He ’s just looking for some attention, not enough hugs growing up.
____________________

Hey fellas, we are all just puzzled as to why our team is regressing. I just hope that deep down, they care. I really think they do.

For the love of basketball, IDK why the PG doesn’t primarily bring the ball up for this team to initiate some set plays and execute a game plan?

Why is this? Isn’t that fundamental Naismith?

Section 303

March 11th, 2011
11:18 pm

JSS, somewhere in the 200’s. My buddy has the tickets. I will post on here when I find out, if you are interested.

Najeh Davenpoop

March 11th, 2011
11:19 pm

“Scoliosis, Two left feet, and a Big Booty”

LMAO

Najeh Davenpoop

March 11th, 2011
11:20 pm

I’d rather watch drmaryb taking a dump than watch Jamal try to guard Rose for an entire quarter.

Najeh Davenpoop

March 11th, 2011
11:21 pm

In other news, I found a nice birthday present for “it was not a bad pick”

http://www.amazon.com/President-Times-Illustrated-Books-Awards/dp/0689863772

HawkEye

March 11th, 2011
11:21 pm

Alot of people on here metion the “what if” draft scenarios with marvin and others. What makes you guys think that if CP3, DWill, and/or Bynum came here that they would be developed into the players they are now? Just because they are great now does not mean they would’ve been great here. I am actually glad they did not come here because they would not be where they are today if they did. You want proof, look at Jordan Crawford. Granted he is on a bad team, he is now getting the opportunity to develop, one thing he could not get while he was here. It takes great coaching and oppertunities for rookie players to blossom into all-stars and unfortunately we have neither.

JSS

March 11th, 2011
11:22 pm

All I know was when they were using so much of camp on fitness and stamina, they are the most ragged bunch I’ve seen in that account in a long time… I mean Doug Edwards and Chris Washburn ragged!

SteveW

March 11th, 2011
11:24 pm

A 14 point loss to the Lakers at home is good. I’m sure an 18 point loss away to the Bulls is acceptable to LD.

JSS

March 11th, 2011
11:25 pm

@ 303…
Thanks, make sure you get uptown early enough to get a quality meal… Enjoy yourself!

HawkEye

March 11th, 2011
11:27 pm

correction: It takes good ownership, great coaching, and the opportunity to learn and grow for rookies to blossom into all-stars and unfortunately we offer none of the above.

JSS

March 11th, 2011
11:29 pm

Ain’t nothing wrong with a big booty when you know how to use it! Marvin’s in like a a water anchor that you use to keep a ship from drifting!

drmaryb (*_-)

March 11th, 2011
11:31 pm

Sautee

I was dropping the “Cosby kids off at the pool”, in that third quarter.
I hope you didn’t get the wrong impression. -smile?-

I’m just playing. Sorry?

Willy

March 11th, 2011
11:34 pm

COACH DREW TELLS THE HAWKS HOW TO PLAY (TAKE IT TO THE PAINT) AND JJ SAYS MAYBE! YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! THE HAWKS THINK THEY’RE DOING EVERYONE A FAVOR BY PLAYING BASKETBALL! DUMP THEM ALL AND LET’S START OVER!

O'Brien

March 11th, 2011
11:34 pm

Steve W,

LD will probably say “the Bulls have the best home record in the East, so we knew it would be a struggle. We just ran out of gas in the second half”

WILLY

March 11th, 2011
11:36 pm

Coach Drew tells the Hawks how to play (get in the paint) and JJ says MAYBE. Let’s trade these jokers and start over!

roger Myers

March 11th, 2011
11:37 pm

PLEASE SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING ANYTHING CHANGE THIS ROSTER AND START WITH THAT DOG JOSH SMITH DOES HE EVEN NEED TO TAKE A ShoweR AFTER THE GAME?

drmaryb (*_-)

March 11th, 2011
11:40 pm

Flush It or Rush It!

Aye Najeh! Thanks for your support. I promise you, that watching me:

“Dropping the Cosby kids off at the pool?”. Would have been far more entertaining.

I had them kids greased up with SP 45 and smelling like a “Rose”!
The most fun I’ve had all day.

LMBAO!

JSS

March 11th, 2011
11:40 pm

I hate what the Hawks are giving us; but I can’t tolerate going 2004 or 2005 again… I just can’t take that “blow it up” mentality….

[...] of the reins to this stagecoach.  Tonight’s game clearly showed that once again, he’s talking to nobody in particular when it comes to his game plan. Are his days numbered as [...]

Rashod

March 11th, 2011
11:45 pm

Its just painful to watch a Hawks game now a day.Lord help me !!!

Buddy Grizzard

March 11th, 2011
11:48 pm

Look how soft New York’s schedule is the rest of the way. No question they overtake the Hawks. First round sweep by the Heat?

O'Brien

March 11th, 2011
11:50 pm

From MC’s article;

“The Hawks are 4-10 since Feb. 8 and dropped to 10-18 in games against opponents with winning records.” MC .

That’s a 36% win percentage against teams with winning records. I wonder how they compare to other playoff teams.

Turrible team loss tonight.

STRETCH

March 11th, 2011
11:50 pm

WHAT A JOKE. LARRY DREW IS THE ULTIMATE BUTT KISSER. HE TALKS “AFTER” THE GAMES INSTEAD OF “DURING” THEM!

1. JOSH SMITH – WILL NEVER MAKE AN ALL STAR TEAM
2. JJ – WILL BE IN A WHEEL CHAIR PLAYING FOR THE HAWKS AND GETTIN PAID
3. TEAGUE, MARVIN AND ZAZA SUCKS
4. JAMAL – NO DEFENSE AT ALL
5. SUND – DUMBEST GM IN THE GAME!!!!!!

Worldwide Clyde

March 11th, 2011
11:58 pm

Time to start things up. I declare that its time for Drew to go. He had his chance but he refuses to make the adjustments needed to win basketball games. We need a coach that will play people based on performance not favoritism.

FIRE DREW

AJC.COM you need to stop crashing my internet browser everytime I get on this blog.

FIRE DREW

Najeh Davenpoop

March 12th, 2011
12:04 am

Does this mean new T-Shirts?

Section 303

March 12th, 2011
12:06 am

JSS, thanks. I’m looking forward to the trip. Staying at the Hampton Inn, one block from MSG.

drmaryb (*_-)

March 12th, 2011
12:15 am

Worldwide Clyde!

Fire it up! Get them presses rolling man.
Hey Clyde, you must be on that fire-fox search engine. Did you try Internet Explorer? I can’t think of that newer one. MC said, he didn’t do it though.

Clyde, I’m with you now, I’ve been converted: Fire ASKG!

Buddy Grizzard

March 12th, 2011
12:32 am

What makes you guys think that if CP3, DWill, and/or Bynum came here that they would be developed into the players they are now? It takes good ownership, great coaching, and the opportunity to learn and grow for rookies to blossom into all-stars and unfortunately we offer none of the above. – HawkEye

DUMP THEM ALL AND LET’S START OVER! – Willy

I can’t tolerate going 2004 or 2005 again… I just can’t take that “blow it up” mentality…. – JSS

The problem with your argument, HawkEye, is that DWill and CP3 came into the league playing at an all star level. They weren’t developed by Utah and New Orleans. They were top 5 point guards the first moment they set foot on NBA hardwood. Instead of taking one of the two most highly-rated point guards in a generation when point guard was the Hawks’ most glaring need, they gambled everything on “potential” and picked Marvin. The need vs. potential argument has been solved for all time.

Here is my rebuilding plan for the Hawks. Fire Sund and LD immediately. Sund cannot be trusted to make another coaching hire, and LD obviously has to go. For the new GM, hire anyone on R.C. Buford’s staff. Then trade Joe to the Nets for draft picks. I know the Hawks have done horribly with draft picks but we’re going to bring in a GM with personnel evaluation talent. Joe’s contract has to go, though. He’s already fading badly in the first year of the contract, and $20m a season under a new collective bargaining agreement and a smaller cap is like a boat anchor.

Next, we trade Smoove. He will cost too much to resign and he and Horford have duplicate rolls. They’re both big men who are not bangers and who like to shoot jumpers. Horford is the better shooter and all star, so we build around him. Jamal is gone after this season, Hinrich is gone after next season, Teague is your point guard of the future under a new coach. Keep Damien. Trade Zaza and Marvin if you can find a taker.

Not Sund

March 12th, 2011
12:49 am

Stretch, lay off the Sund now.

You get what you pay for, and sometimes you don’t. What I’m trying to say is, pay a legit coach, commit to him for some years and give him the security to develope players. Pro players will not play for interim (2 year contract) coaches.

Either the Spirit go all in and spend the doe or we Hawks fans are smucked!!

[...] were just either missing shots or turning the ball over deep inside. However, the Hawks did attack (like L.D said they would), which was a good sign.  The Hawks eventually did settle for jumpshots, but they were good shots, [...]

daffy duck

March 12th, 2011
8:58 am

first off my best bud joe overated need to be traded he sucks we need money. we need to get my buddy dwight howrad. he will be the real superstar . he can’t dribble so there’s going to be lots of air in the ball