Atlanta Hawks: What happened to Joe Johnson’s 3-point shot?
Speaking of jump shots . . .
J.J. is having his least efficient season scoring since he came to Atlanta (while still leading the team in usage percentage). A big part of the reason for that is his 3-point shooting, which is at a career-low 28.9 percent for the season.
If the elbow injury explained the poor shooting before, it doesn’t seem to be a factor now.
Since January, a month when Joe was on a tear, he’s 38 of 122 (31 percent) on 3-pointers. The more time that passes since the surgery, the worst J.J.s 3-point shooting gets: 23 of 65 in January, 13 of 39 in February and 2 of 18 to start this month. He’s 2 for 23 on 3s in his last five games. With his free-throw rate still so low, all of those missed 3-pointers are dragging down J.J.’s efficiency (not to mention his production).
Joe said weeks ago that the elbow feels better. He also says he feels fresher this season because of the games he’s missed–he’s on pace to play 2,642 minutes, his fewest for a full season since he came off the bench for the Suns in 2002-03.
J.J. said open looks haven’t been a problem. So if J.J. is getting good shots and he’s feeling good, why aren’t his 3-pointers falling?
“I don’t know,” he said. “It just happens, man. They will fall [eventually].”
He said he doesn’t change his routine during times like this.
“Playing in this league, this is my 10th year, I just try to keep a short memory,” J.J. said. “I don’t worry about the last game. I just move forward. That’s the kind of attitude you have got to have. So that’s my approach.”
L.D. isn’t sure that’s been working for J.J.
Drew said he went back and looked at video of J.J.s last several games to analyze his 3-point shots.
“If there is one thing that I notice with his 3, at times, he hesitates,” Drew said. “There is kind of a pause there before he lets it go. I don’t know if that if affects him or not. We went back and looked at some tape as far as Utah. We looked at his feet position, his shoulders; whether he is leading with his right side; is he hesitating, is he bunny-hopping into the shot, is he ‘one-two’ into the shot.”
Lester Conner met with J.J. after Thursday’s practice to show him what the video breakdown of his 3-point shots.
“[They were better] when he caught it and went into rhythm and let it go,” L.D. said. “I’m not saying they are always going to go in, but I really want him not even thinking about it. I want him catching it and going right into his shot. A lot of players when they are wide open they will take their time going into the shot. I think that is one of the worst things you can do. You have got to shoot that thing like someone is coming at you.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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155 comments Add your comment
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
5:23 pm
Tid – Bits!
_________
League rescinds Amare’s 16th technical foul

The league has rescinded Amare Stoudemire’s 16th technical foul, which leaves him one shy of a suspension at 15 for the season.
Technicals were negated for both players involved in the incident, Amare and Brendan Haywood, though obviously Amare’s availability has exponentially more fantasy impact. Hopefully this brush with a mandatory DNP will inspire Amare to keep his temper in check over the final weeks of the season.
Source: Jonathan Abrams on Twitter
_______________
And, David Stern does not play favorites? Where is equal justice when it comes to doling out these faux-punishments?
_________________________________________
Mar 11, 1:59 PM
Chris Paul awaits test results, may play Sat.

Chris Paul practiced and scrimmaged without incident on Friday, and is now awaiting test results to determine whether he’ll play on Saturday.
The best news here is that CP3 is fine despite his scary injury and subsequent stretcher ride into the locker room. His return will take the shine off Jarrett Jack’s excellent recent play, though Jack could still be valuable in 25-30 minutes off the bench.
Source: Jim Eichenhofer on Twitter
___________________
CP3 Get Well Soon! We sure miss you and what could have been in Hawksville.
______________________________________________
Mar 11, 1:31 PM
Nash iffy w/ sore groin, back, and hamstrings

Steve Nash took “a big step back” with his pubic symphysis injury on Thursday, and is now questionable to play Sunday.
Nash is also battling back and hamstring issues — he’s as tough as they come, but owners should brace themselves for a potential DNP. The game will be played early, and Nash said that he “can’t move…[there is] too much pain and immobility.” If you still own Aaron Brooks, get ready to plug him in. And if he’s available in your league, think about adding him in case Nash misses more than just one game.
Source: Paul Coro on Twitter
___________________
Steve Nash is beginning the last stage of his swan song. His age has finally tapped him on the shoulder and he said, “Uncle!”
Steve Nash was diagnosed three to four years ago with a: Spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. (Google that on webMD). That diagnosis is directly related to what’s going on now. The hamstrings attach/originate to the bottom of the pelvic bone (ischial tuberosity), that’s the bone you sit on. The front of the pelvis where the two sides meet in the middle (the pubic symphis) is a very sensitive bone/joint. They say he is very sore in there. And, of course that low back vertebrae @ L5 is slipping forward on top of the Sacrum (S1).
This is generally called, pelvic instability/unleveling. I see and treat this all day/ every day in my practice. Steve will be ok with Chiropractic Care (which he is a fan of) and some rest and re-hab. Knowing him, he will try to come back and play through the pain. I pray he feels better. On the flip side, I’m glad we got Hinrich instead of him now.
_______________________
All I want know is for The Hawks top compete and play hard like the Heat did last night. We too, should have beat the Lakers at home! Losing is never good and ok. I don’t care how hot the other team is – cool ‘em off then. Splash some ice water on them next time.
O'Brien
March 11th, 2011
5:26 pm
Najeh,
doc and I also wanted Tom to get an interview way back when, but I doubt if he would come here.
Samuel,
How many games did the Hawks miss last year due to injury? If I’m not mistaken, they were the healthiest team in the NBA last year, so Woody did not have to deal with players being hurt.
This year, Josh, Marvin, Mo, Jamal and JJ have all missed games, but the Hawks are still in 5th, and on pace for 47-48 wins (only 5 less than last year).
Out of the 3 guys the ASG interviewed (LD, Casey, or Avery), I would have chosen either Casey or Avery. Why? Because LD was woody’s assistant for 6 years, and he was buddy-buddy with the players.
I think this team needed to hear a voice from the outside, because they are too comfortable with each other and with the HC. They tuned Woody out, and I think they have tuned LD out to some extent already.
O'Brien
March 11th, 2011
5:26 pm
Phil,
vava…I wouldn’t go near Phillips, and haven’t since it opened, because of the likes of JJ. No thanks…can’t stand no defense playing whiners like him..
JJ used to guard PGs because Bibby was too slow, and he has even guarded SFs, but yet you call him a no defense playing whiner? C’Mon man.
give me the larry bird’s of the world, the michael jordan’s, the guys who went out and kicked your teeth in and didn’t offer excuses for failure….
You must not go to many basketball games anymore then, because MJ, Magic, Larry Bird…those guys are not walking through that door. And today’s players are not of the same mold as those guys.
terrell
March 11th, 2011
5:29 pm
Guess I’ll tune in at around halftime, to see if it’s the game’s worth watching or not. And in fairness to Woody(and Samuel), LD should be on the hot seat. Especially if we lose tonight in blowout fashion.
sam'l
March 11th, 2011
5:34 pm
How come we can’t hire Don Nelson. I would love to see that….
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2011
5:38 pm
LD’s effectiveness as a head coach has been inconsistent this year, no doubt, but I would rank the stronger competition within the conference, the increased games missed due to injury, and the regression in Joe’s offensive efficiency as more significant than LD’s coaching when it comes to the Hawks’ lower projected win total.
ag
March 11th, 2011
5:39 pm
Well we go through a slump like almost every team in the NBA did (see LA Lakers prior All-Star break, see Miami up until last night). Also, Jordan scorers 22 and everyone wants him back. Marvin has scored over 20 three times this season, but he is still garbage. Let’s see how consistent Crawford is before crowning him the next Jordan.
When Portland beat Miami, coach McMillian applauded Gerald Wallace effort and intensity. Not one time did he back down to LeBron James. The Hawks appear to be galvanized by other great players. I will give it to Joe, he is the only one that will take the tough assignment. I just don’t think all the guys leave everything on the floor every night and that is a coaching issue. The coach does not have the basketballs to sit his players when they are in their “comfort zone.”
prison mike
March 11th, 2011
5:39 pm
Agreed Je, that little spurt of good play conveniently a few weeks before the all star game that his supporters always brings up. And now his terrible play must be another undisclosed injury, he hasn’t fully healed for his elbow. blah blah blah blah yada yada yada.
Smith just had a sprained knee and has come back less than a week and has never made an excuse for an injury.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 11th, 2011
5:42 pm
Is tonight’s game on TV? It doesn’t show up on the TV schedule…
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
5:42 pm
Be Careful Who You Call DUMB?
“It starts with a “D and ends with a “B” with a vowel and syllable in the middle.”
_________________
A consonant is NOT a syllable. -wink-
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
5:45 pm
Direct TV CH 649 @ 8:00 PM. Pre-Game @ 7:30 PM. (Sports South)
terrell
March 11th, 2011
5:49 pm
Good point Najeh. Conference is tougher no doubt. Injuries have been an issue also. But dont tell Samuel that. lol! Dont know what to think about the Joe Johnson situation. Maybe we should turn him back into” iso Joe??” Just kidding. The cat is missing wide open shots, so it cant be the new offense tha’ts making him struggle. Can it? I’m blown away as to how bad he has looked lately. Mid-level player at best. And what happened to the new and improved Marvin Williams in the “motion offense”? Yeah right. lol!
tyger
March 11th, 2011
5:51 pm
Not that I care anymore but…
Isiah Thomas was widely criticized in NY for taking on huge contracts of Marbury, Hardaway, Tim Thomas, etc. But Zeke knew that in a year or two in each case, the franchise would get huge chunks of cap space in return, $14M, $20M, in some cases $24M. Now, the Knicks are reloading for a championship run. Most won’t give Isiah any credit, but I knew then what he was doing.
It’s going to take some Isiah Thomas like vision to fix the Hawks. The Hawks are going to have to take back some “walking dead” to rid themselves of JJs contract and its going to cost Smoove or Marvin or both. That’s the price. This team isn’t going anywhere. The seeds didn’t germinate and spring is here.
Big question is who’s contract is worse? Richard Hamilton, Rashard Lewis or JJ’s? What else is on the table? Kenyon Martin, Andre Iguadola? Can the Hawks brand withstand falling backwards again to hopefully get better?
Other than Horford, what real pieces do we have? I would suggest none. Hawks made huge mistake in off-season by not getting a true center. That was the obvious weakness and everyone knew it.
Now, it’s festering again like an open sore. How many times do we have to be punked down low before realizing you need real active 7fters? I won’t even go down the Shaq road, it’s already been said enough but somebody ought to be fired behind that, that’s the difference between being a 7/8 seed vs. 3/4.
We cant get a board, easy buckets or stops when we need them and its trickling over into the offense. They cant keep up cause the other team is getting layups and we’re shooting 3’s.
Ahhhh….but why should I care???
Samuel
March 11th, 2011
5:53 pm
Why are all of a sudden certain coaches are getting excuses. Every team has injuries. Wasn’t JJ and Al injured in the playoffs. Give me a break. Face it guys, we took a huge step back as very “few” here predicted by firing a guy who had improved every year and hiring a turncoat who sweet talked his way into a job by: saying all the right things in interviews, cozying up to the players and our stupid as_ GM and owners. All of a sudden his talk don’t look so sweet. get this bum outta here now. He’s in way over his head.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
5:56 pm
Brave Heart!
Steve Nash is that rare type of player, who has an unbelievable sized Heart! Like Dennis Rodman, Steve is “sneaky strong” not an overwhelming physical specimen, by any means.
Like Walter Payton aka “sweetness” and Dennis Rodman aka “the worm”, Steve Nash will just pick up his ball and walk home one day.
His unbelievable stat numbers will never fall of and decline. No, he will stroll off into the 1st Ballot HOF, with all his numbers in tact.
Like a Porsche 944 rolling along one day and just runs out of gas and stops in the middle of the road. A beautiful, flawless looking car just sitting there. Too bad, he was never a Hawk.
Imagine how Mark Cuban feels, he traded his soon to be 2X MVP for a lesser talent. Oh, how elusive that O’Brien Trophy is.
Samuel
March 11th, 2011
5:59 pm
Tyger,
The Knicks hired good Ole Boy Walsh who can’t draw a fly with cat sh_t. Isiah assembled one of the best rosters in the NBa in a long time, he just messed up by hiring that “crazy as_” Larry Brown who was stuck in the 70’s. Now they are calling Zeke back up after he landed the “Big Fish” of the year in Melo. Hawks should call Woody up to fix this mess, NOW.
Samuel
March 11th, 2011
6:00 pm
Please don’t ever mention Steve Nash and Walter Peyton in the same breath again.
Sautee
March 11th, 2011
6:01 pm
Samuel,
“Sautee,
Are you saying that getting a job makes you a good coach?”
No I’m saying that a bad coach doesn’t even GET interviews.
And Woody hasn’t gotten interviews. Deduce for yourself what that might mean.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
6:10 pm
doc
Oh! Ok Thanks. What’s up doc? How you doing baby boy?
I gotta’ come over to the bright side and catch up with the
“Anti-Liars Den!”. The Grown Folks Blog. LOL!
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
6:17 pm
Mention This!
I said it once AND I will say it again!
_________________
Like Walter Payton aka “sweetness” and Dennis Rodman aka “the worm”, Steve Nash will just pick up his ball and walk home one day.
___________________
Samuel, what part of this statement is a fallacy?
Did not Walter Payton walk away at The Top of His Game?_
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
6:23 pm
Like Walter Payton, Steve Nash will never digress to scrub status. He is too gifted a basketball player.
Like Lena Horn, A real lady always knows when to leave the party.
Only “chicken heads” stay at the party till the lights come on only to hear the bartender say, “You don’t have to go home? But, you have got to leave here!”. That’s usually when the bartender confiscates your drink that he just sold you one minute before he turns the lights on.
_________________
Learn to read and comprehend before you pop-off at the gums.
lewis
March 11th, 2011
6:42 pm
In other news, Al Horford up for a Joakim Noah Award – http://www.nba.com/bulls/news/smith_110307.html
JeJe
March 11th, 2011
6:44 pm
Boozer out tonight. I bet we lose by 25
JeJe
March 11th, 2011
6:45 pm
CAN SOMEONE PLEASE ASK JOE WHY HE HAS BEEN GARBAGE THIS YEAR IF THEY SEE HIM?
THANKS
lewis
March 11th, 2011
6:46 pm
Kurt Thomas starting – he owns our weak boxer-outer’s. Lucky he got a DNP when we beat them last game.
lewis
March 11th, 2011
6:49 pm
JJ = rip hamilton
lewis
March 11th, 2011
6:49 pm
‘09-’10 rip hamilton 18ppg on 40%, 29% 4 and a half assists and 2.5 boards
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
6:50 pm
Disarray!
Why shouldn’t this team be in disarray? The owners are leading the way.
In defense of Coach Drew, Sund said he was hired in part, because ASKG didn’t want to disrupt the team’s chemistry. And, something about familiarity between the players and Mr. Drew.
Also, remember, Joe was in LA and not returning any calls to the ASKG.
I think part of the rationale was that Joe would come back to play for Drew as well. Of course, Joe did say he had nothing to do with the hiring process of our new coach. That was not a concern to him at that time. He was enjoying being sought after and courted by all.
That whole time frame was sketchy at best. I’m sure operating on the cheap also was a huge factor of the hiring process as well. I just hope the new group is serious about buying this team, so we can spend some money and not worry about luxury taxes.
Our team needs some rescee’s pieces with nuts.
Sautee
March 11th, 2011
6:51 pm
“LD’s effectiveness as a head coach has been inconsistent this year, no doubt, but I would rank the stronger competition within the conference, the increased games missed due to injury, and the regression in Joe’s offensive efficiency as more significant than LD’s coaching when it comes to the Hawks’ lower projected win total.”
Great point Najeh.
As O’Brien said we’re on a pace to win within 4 or 5 games of last year with (as you said) Joe playing like sh!t, a new system for the players to digest, many, many more games lost to injury, and an improving conference. Not to mention the adjustment needed to Hinrich.
Within 4 or 5 games of last year with all of that. We’ll see in the playoffs if we are less predictable than last year, and if that makes a difference. If it does NOT, then that’s the time to doubt LD’s ways. For now, I’m willing to remain patient, let him learn, and let the team adjust to a new point guard.
Worldwide Clyde
March 11th, 2011
6:52 pm
This is for everyone that is saying bring Woody back.
May 4th vs Orlando – Lost 71-114
May 6th vs Orlando – Lost 98-112
May 8th vs Orlando – Lost 75-105
May 10th vs Orlando – Lost 84-98
Yes Drew may be worse but bring Woody back isn’t the answer.
Sautee
March 11th, 2011
6:55 pm
Clyde,
Thanks for the perspective.
genius
March 11th, 2011
6:57 pm
Since Mark Price left, neither Joe Johnson or Marvin can shoot from the outside–2s or 3s. Both have digressed quickly in the past two years.
lewis
March 11th, 2011
7:00 pm
I’d be okay if Marvin and Josh never took another 3 –
I would like to see Al add it to his game simply because I he’s proven of these 3 players that he’ll work the hardest at it and be most selective with it.
JeJe
March 11th, 2011
7:00 pm
Wow no lineup change again
I am convinced LD is the worst coach in this league, possibly worse than Spoelstra
IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE THE LINEUP, THEN CHANGE IT
JeJe
March 11th, 2011
7:01 pm
No player on this roster would come close to starting for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Larry Drew would never even be interviewed for any other coaching job in this league
Sautee
March 11th, 2011
7:02 pm
lewis,
I’ll admit that I’m concerned that Horford will rely overly much on his outside shot and not put time into developing a go-to post move and a left hand counter. IMO he needs those MUCH more than extending his range to 3.
lewis
March 11th, 2011
7:04 pm
good point. no counter.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 11th, 2011
7:22 pm
“No player on this roster would come close to starting for the Los Angeles Lakers.”
________________
This is a “Pants on Fire” Lie.
To play devil’s advocate for a minute, if this statement were true? Then, what difference would it matter who Mr. Drew plays, starts or rotate?
Pick a Side and please stick to it! Stop all that emotional jibberish! Enough already. You sound like a 13 year old girl, grow some pubic hair.
Ron
March 11th, 2011
7:23 pm
“I’ll admit that I’m concerned that Horford will rely overly much on his outside shot and not put time into developing a go-to post move and a left hand counter. IMO he needs those MUCH more than extending his range to 3.”
This is a good point. I really admire the fact that Al Horford has put the time into developing such a remarkable jump shot for a big man. It’s very impressive and it’s a huge advantage to have. The ability to stretch the defense is very underrated. However, considering the fact that this Hawks team has become incredibly reliant on hitting perimeter shots for success, I have to agree that I feel like it would be more beneficial to the team if Al could become more of a threat in the low post, rather than at the 3 point line.
Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with Al developing 3 point accuracy to go along with his offensive arsenal, but I think that he should put more emphasis on developing his moves in the post before he focuses on 3-point shooting.
I have to point one other thing out. This could be off-base, but I get the feeling that Horford being forced to play center sort of encourages him to work more on his outside game than his interior game, since he may believe that he will have more success using those advantages rather than trying to bang in the post against guys who have height and weight advantages over him. Again, I could be wrong, but I just get the feeling that we’d see Horford post up a lot more if he played at the PF position full time, where he would not have a size disadvantage.
JSS
March 11th, 2011
7:26 pm
I’m not saying “bring Woody back.” His ship had sailed… But it is obvious that a lot of his obstinate, stubborn, and insular nature served as a lightning rod that protected a very mentally fragile roster…
The more these guys feel pressure, the deeper they burrow into the proverbial ground… It is really sad to watch…
jason
March 11th, 2011
7:28 pm
Isn’t Mike Brown, former “COACH FO THE YEAR!!” looking for a job? Deandre Jordan, free agent. Equals starting center for the hawks.
lewis
March 11th, 2011
7:35 pm
lol @ kirk hinrich’s nba tv interview.
kinda seems like he should be in a straight jacket
lewis
March 11th, 2011
7:35 pm
“oh this team will be without carlos boozer” boozer boozer boozer
but nothing about when Josh was out and we beat them
uh
March 11th, 2011
7:46 pm
anyway to watch the game online?
JSS
March 11th, 2011
7:50 pm
jason
March 11th, 2011
7:28 pm
“Isn’t Mike Brown, former “COACH FO THE YEAR!!” looking for a job? ”
Funny you mentioned Brown…
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/03/11/report-former-cavs-coach-mike-brown-heads-pacers-list/
ICECOLD
March 11th, 2011
7:59 pm
Soooo.. no hawks on tv tonight …?
ICECOLD
March 11th, 2011
10:10 pm
I really feel like giving up on this team.. this don’t make any sense how sorry they are.
KevinM
March 11th, 2011
10:29 pm
Hawks were SportsSouth, but they would have been better to be blacked out. Lost by 18 to Chicago…76 points for the entire game?
This team is officially struggling.
joe
March 11th, 2011
11:15 pm
wouldn’t walk across the street to watch the Hawks play, bunch of guys just collecting a check. Worst part is there is no light at the end of the tunnel……
slimjr
March 12th, 2011
12:40 am
4-10 last 14,8 out of 10 losses are by double digits! It’s safe to say this team has officially imploded?????? You think???
That playoff run will be real short and painful for some in about 4 weeks…… Shoot………….