Atlanta Hawks: Teague’s time?
There was a time when there was no question mark on that headline.
By December it had a qualifier.
Eventually the question faded away as the DNPs and cameo appearances piled up for Teague. This happened even though Teague had shown enough promise and production to warrant more opportunities, at least in my view.
And now here we are again. Teague was impressive against the Blazers and now he’s the talk of (true) Hawks fandom, which of course includes my blog people.
One great game doesn’t mean Teague is The Man, especially since there will be tougher match ups. But you’d think this at least means no more DNP-CDs or quick hooks from L.D.. If L.D. wants the Hawks to run and play sound defense, which they must to have any kind of a chance to be better, then don’t Hinrich and Teague have to get all of the minutes at point guard?
No doubt some of L.D.’s concerns about Teague are (were?) legit. Teague doesn’t seem to have much “dog” in him. He doesn’t (didn’t?) always pressure the ball full court, attack the rim or push the pace the way L.D. wanted. Teague does (did?) tend to defer to his teammates too often.
In other words, Teague has had plenty of games where he didn’t do any of the things he did on Saturday. But the constant question has been: How can Teague gain confidence, and how can the Hawks know for sure what they have, if L.D. doesn’t let him play through some rough patches?
I’ve always felt L.D. sincerely wants Teague to succeed. He’s said the kind of things he did after Saturday’s game all along (I figured my blog people would pick up on some of the contradictions in those statements and you didn’t disappoint). But even as Drew praised Teague, he continued to jerk him in and out of the rotation for reasons that weren’t always clear and even as the Hawks struggled with in areas where Teague’s skills could help.
(I’ve seen theories among my blog people that perhaps L.D. hasn’t given Teague more of a shot because he concerns about job security made him stick with Bibby. That wouldn’t make sense considering Woody’s reluctance to give Teague more burn was a strike against him in management’s view.)
In any event, Teague says the sporadic playing time hasn’t weighed on him.
“I don’t think my confidence wavered,” Teague said. “It’s difficult when you go back and forth but you have got to be a professional and stay ready. Smoove and those guys told me, ‘Just play your game.’ I went out there and I played my game [Saturday].”
Said Josh: “He stayed with it. It’s easy for a guy to hang their head. He’s had every excuse and every reason to not play confident.”
J.J. has been a consistent supporter. Each time Teague has flashed the kind of ability he did Saturday, J.J. says the Hawks just need to trust in Teague.
“I was in a similar position as Jeff,” Joe said. “Back in my first and second year in the league, my minutes were sporadic. Whenever I got a chance to play I always produced and tried to do my best. When Phoenix traded away Penny and Steph, I just kind of blossomed.
“I look at Jeff as the same way. He’s got unbelievable talent, speed, explosive. He has all the tools. He’s confidence is the only thing left. Once he gets his confidence he is going to be a beast.”
Perhaps dominated the Blazers will be the thing that brings out Teague’s inner dog.
“Every time I get on the court I feel like I play with a little fire,” Teague said. “I’m a laid-back person; I have a laid-back personality. But when I go on that court I think everybody plays with emotion and a chip on their shoulder.”
Now we’ll see if L.D. is finally ready to give Teague regular minutes.
“I just have to keep being that little birdie on his shoulder and keep letting him know how good he can be for our team,” L.D. said. “I don’t want him hesitating; I want him being vocal. He was out there [Saturday], which was shocking. I saw him clapping and having both fists in the air and that was a welcome sight.
“I don’t want him to bow down to any of our other players on our team. Joe is a captain, Josh Smith is a captain and Al is a captain. But [Teague] is the head of that snake at the top of the floor and I want him to know that I have all the confidence in the world in him.”
Check back later for updates from practice today.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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121 comments Add your comment
Leo
March 14th, 2011
10:46 am
First
Melvin
March 14th, 2011
10:49 am
“But [Teague] is the head of that snake at the top of the floor and I want him to know that I have all the confidence in the world in him.” -LD
Well play him regular rotational mins and live with his growing pains. DNP-CD is a result of the coach decision not players, fans or management. Stop with all the double talk and play the kid….
Keep Playing Teague (KPT), LD…
Leo
March 14th, 2011
10:49 am
Wow I was first. I have always thought Teague was the better guard on our team. I look at him as a 15 and 8 guy every night with the talent he is surrounded with. Larry Drew needs to put these guys in a position to win. Make the older guys respect him so we can get out of this funk. I see go plays drawn up sometimes and others the guys just settle. I believe that comes from lack of focus and not listening.
MAKE THEM LISTEN LARRY
I MUS WRITE
March 14th, 2011
10:55 am
Teague needs to be the starter at PG for the rest of the season. He’s had his ups and downs but we wont know how good that yungn can be until he gets consistent minutes. I believe he wasnt comfortable with bibby here,knowing that he would get the hook after a turnover or bad play. heinrich should be the back up teague 28 min/heinrich 20…… Stop playing jamal at PG -we can all see he is a different player playing at the 1 -he should be coming off the bench for JJ.
I MUS WRITE
March 14th, 2011
10:58 am
Damien>>>>>>> Marvin Gaye Williams………………………. This guy is horible,Lol at everyone saying he neeed time to develope-well its been 6 dam year. GAME OVER-
Rufus1
March 14th, 2011
11:05 am
Playing Teague might get LD FIRED!!!
If Teague continues to play at a high level, ASG is going to be very upset. They just gave up 2 1st rd picks to solve our PG problem and the solution may have been on the roster……I would be PISSED!!
LD’s stubborn insistance on trying to make Jamal” The turnover” Crawford a PG and the lack of control over Josh, won’t help his cause. Also, JC2 playing at a high level in Washington, plus the terrible offensive play lately(LD is an Offensive coach)does not look good for him.
Prediction #1…. Teague will play because LD is coaching for his job now.
Prediction #2…LD will be coaching highschool next year.
Geemack
March 14th, 2011
11:06 am
I agree Teague needs more burn, but not at the expense of Kirk.
3 stacks
March 14th, 2011
11:07 am
A fast point guard who can penetrate and distribute the ball has been this teams biggest need. Teague who has demonstrated those skills at times has been sitting on the bench for the majority of two seasons. Like many have said play the kid. Notice the term kid because kids will make mistakes but coaches and teamates help that kid became more mature so in the real season, the playoffs, he’ll be ready to help. But thats so simple it wont get done. Why? because the coaches are too busy trying to overthink and be rocket scientist. I imagine that if LD read this he would say “it can’t be that easy”. Teague’s energy and effort, sadly, is the only hope we have of any type of post season run, and because of what we gave up for HInrich, Teague is our hope for the future as well. SO LET HIM PLAY!!!!!!!!!
Rufus1
March 14th, 2011
11:10 am
“Each time Teague has flashed the kind of ability he did Saturday, J.J. says the Hawks just need to trust in Teague.”
MC
That sounds like code for LD needs to trust him.
niremetal
March 14th, 2011
11:14 am
Right out the gate against Portland, he was hawking his man and driving the ball aggressively. Same was true against Phoenix and GS a couple weeks ago. But no one can say with a straight face that he’s always done that. You don’t need minutes to move your feet on defense or even to take the ball to the rim instead of simply handing it off to Jamal. If Teague had come out every time really getting after his man on defense, that would be one thing. But he didn’t. He defended with his hands (resulting in lots of reach-in fouls) and then handed the ball off to Jamal on the other end.
He played well Saturday night. He’s played well several times before. The problem is that he hasn’t been consistent even with the things that you don’t need minutes to do consistently, and young players on playoff teams can’t expect to be gifted minutes just to build their confidence.
All that said, he beasted Saturday night and I hope he keeps it up. We need him to.
Rufus1
March 14th, 2011
11:17 am
Teague Runs…
Teague gets the balls and starts RUNNING, that forces the athletes on the team to chase him= FASTBREAK, transition basket.
Starrman
March 14th, 2011
11:21 am
LD.Teague can make you look good JJ and JS and MW are going to get you fired.You have JJ and MW who have this look of I dont care if we win or loose on their face every game.You have a PF who should only shoot 3’s and bring the ball up the floor only at practice.LD you sound good on paper but I don’t think they are listening.
Freshfromatl
March 14th, 2011
11:27 am
Teague’s time…finally?
Best news I’ve heard all morning!!
niremetal
March 14th, 2011
11:29 am
Btw MC, nice find on the Marbury-to-Knicks trade article. It’s hilarious to read Dr. Jack’s breakdown of that trade 7 years later knowing how things turned out:
I’m surprised that the Phoenix Suns would give up Stephon Marbury. He’s a great acquisition for the New York Knicks.
This trade immediately benefits the Knicks. I have a high regard for Marbury — he’s a tremendous talent. I believe Marbury is the second-best point guard in the NBA (behind Jason Kidd; remember, New Jersey traded Marbury for Kidd in 2001).
With this deal, it appears Phoenix is throwing in the towel on this season. Can the Suns do something profitable with the two first-round draft picks from the Knicks? Only time will tell.
But the Knicks (14-21) are much better prepared now for a potential playoff run. To earn a playoff spot in the East, I expect that a team will need at least a .500 record. The Knicks would need to go 27-20 in their remaining games to finish at .500 exactly.
Clearly, new president/GM Isiah Thomas is going to work in New York. Marbury and Allan Houston should be a great backcourt combination. Marbury will give the Knicks a shot in the arm. He can create his own shots and create opportunities for teammates.
Of course, the trade turned out to be a hamstringing disaster for the Knicks, and the Suns were in the WCF two seasons later…
Rod from College Park
March 14th, 2011
11:37 am
Teague should get more burn period. That is not even in question. Marvin Williams should never start another game for the Atlanta Hawks. I have been saying this for the last 3 years. If Joe continues to play terrible, you can not afford to have Marvin on the floor with him. Marvin was one of the reasons that Woodson got fired, and if LD continues to trot him out there every game as a starter, it will be his downfall also. Either move JJ to the 3, or start Damien at the 3. If you ask the players or the coaches if they read the blogs, all will say no, except for maybe Jamal, but the funny thing is, if they did, the Hawks would be in a much better position right now. GIVE TEAGUE MORE MINUTES, NO MATTER WHAT, AND BENCH MARVIN WILLIAMS.
3 stacks
March 14th, 2011
11:46 am
We as observers can say what kind of playing time a player needs, or we can say that a player should know this or that and execute those things when given a chance even if it is a few minutes every so often. But the truth is we dont know, each player is different, and yes some great players have come to fame because of taking advantage of an oppurtunity, however the mental aspect of sports and athletes is of most impoirtance and should not be overlooked. If a young player is thinking(mental aspect) that he will get pulled if he does this or that he’ll play like that probably even with his physical abilities. If he knew that he was going to get consistent minutes to play he probably will perform like he did against Portland. He could suck consistantly as well but how do we really find out? LET HIM PLAY!!!!!!!!
hmmmmm.........
March 14th, 2011
11:48 am
i agree the team should put marvin on the bench and move JJ to the 3 spot and let jamal and kirk rotate sg and kirk and teague splitting minutes at pg
Ken Strickland
March 14th, 2011
12:08 pm
MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM-Maybe you can explain the logic behind some of LDrews decisions when it comes to JTeague. He says he wanted more fire, aggressiveness, consistency, and more of a take charge attitude from him, yet he certainly didn’t demand that from 2 of his starters(Marvin and Bibby). He said he felt he deferred too much to his teammates, but Bibby was definitely guilty of that as well.
We’ve entered the stretch run to the playoffs, which natually brings about a certain degree of pressure. As a result, we’re seeing LDrew make many of the same ill advised decisions, and excuses, that characterized Woodson’s tenure.
If you have one of the NBA’s quickest, fastest and most athletic teams, why would you insist on giving major mins to one of the NBA’s slowest, least athletic and productive PG’s, who’s also a total DEF liability? This is especially puzzling when you consider he was in rapid decline for over a 1.5 seasons.
Yet, you make excuses for not playing, or seriously trying to develop, one of the NBA’s quickest, fastest, and most athletic young PG’s, even though you claim to have confidence in his abilities and want him to become your starting PG of the future. Why rely on one PG who’s in obvious decline and can only get worse, yet all but ignore a young PG with all of the needed talents and abilities you covet? WHERE’S THE LOGIC?
I MUS WRITE-I like the lineup of SF-JJ, PF-JSmoove, C-Horford, PG-Teague, SG-Hinrich. If Jamal comes in to replace Teague, Hinrich slides over to PG. If Marvin comes in at SF, JJ slides to SG, and Jamal, if he’s in the gm, sits, or Hinrich either sits or slides over to PG. JJ slides between SF and SG, Marvin slides between SF and PF, and Hinrich slides between SG and PG, Horford slides between PG and C, and JSmoove slides between PF and SF.
tyger
March 14th, 2011
12:13 pm
Good for Teague…
he has the goods: speed, athleticism, hops – its the intangibles you worry about – hoops IQ, decision making, tenacity – probably will never be a “shooter” but you don’t have to when your getting layups. Admittedly, I’m not sold, but better late than never. Let’s see what he does vs. quicker competition.
The Key....
March 14th, 2011
12:15 pm
Teague is the key to any run we might make in the playoffs. He should have been given this role a two months ago when Bibby’s three’s started missing. Starters should be Al, Josh, Joe, Kirk, Jeff. Play your best five LD, it’s all the hope you have…
joelmarable
March 14th, 2011
12:18 pm
Take the chains off teague at let him go. josh needs to stop bringing the ball up court thinking he’s a point. josh your handle is no where near good enough to b a point.u r not a 3 point shooter. l d. needs to yank josh out when ever he takes a bone head 3 , or try 2 b magic johnson at the point. josh should let the game come to him. j.teague should play all out aggresive every time out and go to the hole and force the action.marvin’s time should b very limited mayvbe it will piss him off to the point he comes to play every nite instead of once every 2wks. why play the guy coach.
I MUS WRITE
March 14th, 2011
12:19 pm
KS -I like the Teague,Kirk,JJ,Smoove,AL line up. solid defensively and capeable of scoring alot of pointsd in transition. It would work with smaller teams like GS etc… against bigger teams snatch kirk and relace him with Armstrong or ZAZA.
Im not convinced that LD is a better coach than Woody at this point so we’ll probably be looking for another coach soon… WTF topnotch…. PG….C……HC has eluded this team for years. the curse of nique continues.
NIMBERS BABY NIMBERS………………….
Rufus1
March 14th, 2011
12:22 pm
LD’s Desperation….
I don’t think LD knows how to coach a ball dominate PG. I think Teague is playing because he doesn’t know what else to do.
I MUS WRITE
March 14th, 2011
12:23 pm
Joemarble-I totally agree-josh needs to give the ball up more, he is a great passer but his handle is still suspect IMO. The last game he trew the ball away tryn to hit JJ on the baseline while kirk was standing next to him calling for the ball. this is a HC issue….LD doesnt have the ballz to get at josh verbally.
Worldwide Clyde
March 14th, 2011
12:37 pm
In the next 3 games we will see if LD is true to his word. Remember entering training camp he said Teague needed to play more but he was benched for old man Bibby. Then after All-Star break Teague had 3 solid games on the road but was benched after that.
So why should I believe Drew now when it comes to Teague?
prison mike
March 14th, 2011
12:38 pm
Cunni, how often do you cover or watch the practices??
K-Dogg
March 14th, 2011
12:52 pm
Woody and LD have been the ones to blame for all this point guard mess the last 4 years!!!! You cant do this to these guys who are use to being the man and then expect them to play at a high leval all the time. they have to gain experince and take their lunmps but for some reason we the only team in the NBA that will need a point guard!! Draft im and then do this to him!!! Bibby has been a backup since after his 1st year with this team but we never played these guys and it comes back to biat you!!! I dont know if Teague will pan out but i do think we would know at this point had we been playing him alot more!!! We should always play guys like this anyway b/c worst case you know asap if they are good or not im surprised we have not in doing this babying players traded away someone and they end up being real good!!! Then again get back with me in 2 years on lil Crawford who we just shipped off!!!!!!!!! Our owners and mangers cant do common sense stuff right!!!!!
SteveW
March 14th, 2011
12:52 pm
After screaming for Teague last year, over the summer and this season, and watching one of the worst in the history of professional sports try to destroy him and this team, all of this has turned sadly funny.
LucasOflaretty
March 14th, 2011
12:55 pm
Teague had his “breakout” game against Portlant and now Teague has the confidence and poise to be a starter and an all-star in the league. Teague should be getting a ton of minutes so that Teague can develop into another NATE “TINY” ARCHIBALD. Teague has all the makings of developing into another Nate Archibald or Spud Webb. Both were great players in the NBA. Spud once won the slam dunk contest and Tiny Archibald was a hall of fame player. Teague is gifted and his speed is unmatched anywhere. Teague is the fastest player in the league.
W.R.Terrell
March 14th, 2011
12:57 pm
Jeff Teague made a difference last saturday but he could have made a difference last year. The “SOFT’S coaches have ruined some decent point guards confidence. We play Milwaukee tuesday. Do you think LD will leave that sorry ass Marvin on the bench and start someone who is dying to play. There’s Hilton Armstrong to start at center moreso then Zsa Zsa and we do need the athleticism, Al could move to PF. My fear is that the “smoove” person will continue to be DUMD and play STU-PID ball like he’s some perrenial allstar, the dummie will never make an allstar team because he has no Basketball IQ. The “smoove” still hasn’t learned to give the ball to the point guard because he wants to distribute and make a great pass (basketball idiot). He’s such a loser and it has hurt us all year. ISO has got to stop POUNDING the ball, either go to the hoop or pass the damn thing. We should beat Milwaukee and if STUPID (that smoove thing) starts launching threes and jump shooting then pull his sill ass out and put someone with basketball sense into the game. “SMOOVE” ain’t nothing but a drama “QUEEN” and a sorry ass one at that. Let’s see what LD does, he pulled him for a good moment the other night and we flourished and we will continue to flourish as long as “smoove” sits and watches, he is really no better then a garbage time player. As far as Jamal you live and die with him, he is truly a gamble. We need to win tuesday and if LD has any sense he will cancel the MOZO and BOZO show(Was that a good shot?) I still can’t believe that a grown man does not know what a good shot is and don’t understand where his game should be played. I can tell you this much, if LD does not harness the “smoove’s” silly ass he will definitely be out of a job next year.
SteveW
March 14th, 2011
12:58 pm
Sund and ASG may look back and wish they had fired Ld before the All Star break and kept Jc2 and the first pick, while hiring an NBA Head Coach.
tony
March 14th, 2011
1:02 pm
Nothing else works other than using Teague’s speed to create offensive havoc for foes. LD need to make JS play near the painted area where Teague can dish the ball off or shoot his floater. If LD let JS have his way one more time, they need to make a coaching change.
HIRE BILL LAIMBEER!
Ra'mon
March 14th, 2011
1:04 pm
Tony, Josh plays in the lane MORE than our starting center, and supposedly leader.
ICECOLD
March 14th, 2011
1:08 pm
Great….. now all we need to do is get rid of Marvin , and zaza for a starting point guard. And then we would be in a position to be a contender. Oh and a true hack up small forward …
SteveW
March 14th, 2011
1:11 pm
MC – Do you have any thoughts on why LD has been so inconsistent with Teague to the clear detriment of the team?
Just a flaw in LD, since he was doing the same with Mo over Wilkens also?
Also, any word on his relationship with Smoove, and how he intends on getting Josh in the post more? It was so funny, against Chicago, the writeup is we gotta get in the post. So like the first possession of the Hawks, Josh jacks up a 26 footer. Like in your face Coach!
Just curious on your take if you can give it. And again, thanks for the openness and honesty in your reporting. Much appreciated.
Rev in Tampa
March 14th, 2011
1:13 pm
For those of you who have more league-wide knowledge than I…
How does Teague match up with Brandon Jennings since the Hawks are playing the Bucks tomorrow night? I’m not asking about statistics. I am asking about the physical aspects of their game and about their past match-ups.
Wabe
March 14th, 2011
1:13 pm
Geemack
March 14th, 2011
11:06 am
“I agree Teague needs more burn, but not at the expense of Kirk.”
I think you have your logic backward Geemack. Kirk should get minutes, but not at the expense of Teague.
This team has been in “win-now” mode, or so it seems like it based off how the coaches use their rotations, for a couple of a years now. Nobody can explain why because the Hawks don’t have the talent on their roster needed to be a real threat to win the Eastern Conference. The Hawks weren’t good enough when they were fighting 3 teams, and now you look at the East and it could 6-7 other teams that are currently as good or better than the Hawks. Therefore, “I’ll go out on a limb” and say the Hawks aren’t going anywhere this postseason, with or without Kirk getting minutes.
The real problem the Hawks have been trying to address for what seems like forever is their PG issues. They bought in Mike Bibby to fill the hole at PG until the Hawks could find their PG of the future. Bibby came, he went, and the Hawks still don’t have their PG. They trade for Kirk Hinrich, whose come in to provide the Hawks the same thing Bibby did. A veteran prescence at the PG, but someone whose here just to provide a stop-gap to our current PG woes. What the Hawks should really be focusing on right now if they learned anything from the Bibby situation is, they need to find themselves, develop, groom (WHATEVER) a PG that will fill that position for a long time.
Nothing against Kirk whatsoever. I like his game. I like what he brings to the table. But, we have a guy in Teague who has shown more than enough flashes and can fill the Hawks PG role. The problem though, when Kirk got here, LD basically gauranteed him the starting PG role, even though Teague seemed to be playing pretty well, even though it seemed our bench might look better with options like Hinrich and Jamal coming off of it, even though it seemed that it would balance both units out, LD still went with Hinrich. LD needs to get the stones to put guys in the right spots. He needs to make decisions that will benefit the entire team. Right now, it’s pretty obvious that Teague deserves more PT. Whether it’s at the expense of Hinrich or Jamal or whoever, I don’t care. Because those aren’t guys that are part of this teams long-term future. Those are guys that’ll be a gone a handful of years from now and we’ll still be caught in the same predicament we’re in now, with no PG.
This team needs to stay consistent with its message. They keep screaming “core…core”. Ok, well, Teague’s apart of that core. He’s a late addition, but he should be given the opportunity to earn his spot now. He won’t give you 24 – 3 dimes – 5 steals – and 3 blocks every night. But, he deserves chances to duplicate that performance consistently now.
Rev in Tampa
March 14th, 2011
1:14 pm
I haven’t heard any word on Al’s ankle. I assume he is planning on playing tomorrow night. Is he 100% yet?
northcyde
March 14th, 2011
1:18 pm
niremetal
March 14th, 2011
11:14 am
Right out the gate against Portland, he was hawking his man and driving the ball aggressively. Same was true against Phoenix and GS a couple weeks ago. But no one can say with a straight face that he’s always done that. You don’t need minutes to move your feet on defense or even to take the ball to the rim instead of simply handing it off to Jamal. If Teague had come out every time really getting after his man on defense, that would be one thing. But he didn’t. He defended with his hands (resulting in lots of reach-in fouls) and then handed the ball off to Jamal on the other end.
He played well Saturday night. He’s played well several times before. The problem is that he hasn’t been consistent even with the things that you don’t need minutes to do consistently, and young players on playoff teams can’t expect to be gifted minutes just to build their confidence.
All that said, he beasted Saturday night and I hope he keeps it up. We need him to.
**************************
Couldn’t have said it better myself. It’s almost like people think that Teague needed permission or something to play like he played on Sunday. The coach had literally been begging him to play like that since preseason.
Now that he’s shown once again his potential, it’s now time for him to start doing this on a consistent basis. Not putting up those stellar numbers, but putting forth that type of effort. And to me, it shouldn’t matter if he’s a starter or a reserve for him to play like that. But I guess it obviously does matter, because he doesn’t play like that as a reserve.
There have been too many guys in the NBA whom have had great games, only to revert back to their inconsistent selves.
People look at Teague as a potential Rondo, but I’ve always looked at Teague as a Spud Webb type. If he could give us what Spud gave us back in the day ( plus a little more defense ), I’ll be happy with that.
LukeSpencer
March 14th, 2011
1:18 pm
Teague can use his speed to create havoc for opponents the same way that Spud Webb used to do the same thing when Mike Fratello was coaching and Dominique Wilkins was playing during that era. The Hawks would win 50 games each year, they won several divsion titles and were a threat to win the NBA title under Mike Fratello and Hubie Brown. Spud Webb was so fast he was lightning quick. Teague is at least as fast as Spud or maybe faster. TEAGUE SHOULD RUN THE FASTBREAK EACH AND EVERY TIME HE IS IN THE GAME. TEAGUE PUSHES THE BASKETBALL UP SO FAST I THINK HE CAN GET DOWN THE ENTIRE COURT IN ABOUT 2 SECONDS. THIS WOULD LEAVE THE HAWKS OPPONENTS ON THEIR HEELS AND THEN THE GREAT PASSERS CAN GET THE BALL TO THE CUTTERS, JOSH, JAMAL, AND MARVIN and those guys are athletic enough to make easy baskets. I wish the Hawks had discovered their secret weapon (Teague) earlier, but this will give the Hawks a chance to win the remaining games on their schedule and go into the playoffs with a head of steam. The Hawks can now go all the way (win the NBA championship) if Teague continues to push the ball down the throats of the opponents.
northcyde
March 14th, 2011
1:18 pm
On Saturday, not Sunday
Rev in Tampa
March 14th, 2011
1:19 pm
I do like a rotation that puts Hinrich and Teague in the game together with JJ at SF. This is an instant upgrade on our perimeter defense – which has been this team’s achilles’ heel the past two seasons. Furthermore, it puts more pressure on the oppositions defense with the increased quickness.
northcyde
March 14th, 2011
1:21 pm
Looks like Luke and I were thinking the same thing at the same time. But it’s not about the Hawks discovering their “secret weapon”, it’s about Teague realizing that he can play that way and make an impact on a nightly basis.
If he comes out tomorrow night and gets clowned by Brandon Jennings, people ( and the coach ) may doubt him again. So it’s important for the kid to continue to play at a high level. He needs to prove that he can be the consistent difference maker that Spud was.
Dr. Phil
March 14th, 2011
1:24 pm
Another great aspect of Teague playing great basketball is that I think that the ENTIRE TEAM SETTLES DOWN AND PLAYS MORE RELAXED. Most people may not have noticed this, but I think that when Teague is playing that well, he has created such a mismatch for whoevers guarding him, because of his increadible, lightning speed its almost like having Mike Vick quarterbacking the Hawks as a point guard as it were. I know most people hate Mike Vick, but I use his analogy because Teague has unique talents that no one has. Teague is the fastest player in the league. Just like Vick is a dual threat on the grid iron, Teague makes the Hawks much better and Teague is like an undeveloped Rondo completely unharnessed. In a couple of years from now, Teague will become like a Tiny Archibald as Teague becomes more proficient at drilling the jumpshot.
Time
March 14th, 2011
1:29 pm
I’m not sure if there’s a faster on the dribble player in the league than Jeff Teague. Wall maybe. But regardless his speed with the ball in his hands is special. I think starting him with Hinrich at the two is a perfect situation to finally do what should have been done last year, which is work to install him as the full time starting PG. Hinrich can help to take some of the pressure off of him handling the ball sometimes.
I also believe that having Marvin coming off the bench will be a boom to his value. I’ve always believed he has the talent to be a factor. But I think he’s got too much nice guy in him and deferred to Joe, Al, Josh, Crawford and Bibby over the years. Now, coming off the bench he can be told to be more selfish in his game when he’s on the court and look to score rather than to help facilitate as he does now.
Freshfromatl
March 14th, 2011
1:37 pm
MC Tweeted:
#Hawks C @Al_Horford (ankle) says he will play Tues. vs. #Bucks
welikebaseball2
March 14th, 2011
1:39 pm
Kirk can remain the starter (after all, we just gave up essentially 2 1st round picks for him…ugh), just please oh please allow Teague to be THE backup point guard…not Jamal Crawford. I’d push for Teague to start, but considering the price we just overpaid for Kirk, I don’t see L.D. getting away with that.
ICECOLD
March 14th, 2011
1:40 pm
I meant to say a starting center….. and I believe that the hawks still have a plan.
Rick sunds plan in theory…….
Develop Jeff teague
Stay a contender until teague is developed
When he is developed , hire a coach that is a truly good coach that can lead a developed team to a championship
Instead of just getting any center , get a center that actually fits the style of play of the hawks , until then keep saving money by signing center players to vet minimums …..
Let your bench be straight specialist … jamal (scorer) damien ( defender ) Collins ( big big mam ) Marvin ( energy ) ( kirk ) vet leader , defender , and a mentor
This plan is understandable if u break it down like that. Because to me , it looks like either sunds is real smart or real dumb. So I’m hoping real smart…
I mean if u cant get a couple of true super stars and take the easy way out , why not take your time to boulder a team to win a ring or 5 …. because if u haven’t noticed. In the last 10 years.. only 4 teams has won a ring. Even the teams that try to rush and get super stars still don’t have a ring.( except Boston…. but they still had to develop their point guard …
And you know what other team had a plan like this…. Detroit !!!!!
( after they added r Wallace and developed billups, thy won a ring.!!!!
Mr. Phil
March 14th, 2011
1:40 pm
I have been struggling to find the words to express how frustrating it has been watching L.D. coach this team. Let’s just say–let the d@#$ kid play—and leave it at that.
doc
March 14th, 2011
1:48 pm
northcyde:
People look at Teague as a potential Rondo, but I’ve always looked at Teague as a Spud Webb type. If he could give us what Spud gave us back in the day ( plus a little more defense ), I’ll be happy with that.
though i wanted to picture rondo, a name that came to me as i watched it live saturday was if jt0 doesnt have more of the jason terry in him. now why did we let him go and why were people so down on him? go figure.
tony
March 14th, 2011
1:53 pm
Ra’mon, are you serious? To me, JS spend more time outside the painted area than anyone. He did a better job(12 rebounds) against Portland with Horford out. I prefer to have JS control the paint where he is a much better rebounder, shot blocker and scorer. Al shoots a higher percentage around the perimeter than JS. I have no problem with him taking those shots. This team needs discipline, balance and stability. Those are the areas where LD failed to bring to this team in my opinion.
tyger
March 14th, 2011
2:02 pm
FVSU’s Ricardo Lockette ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds and he bench pressed 225 pounds 22 times today at his campus Pro Day workout, according to a league source.
hbcuclassics.com
Rev in Tampa
March 14th, 2011
2:07 pm
I have been one of the loudest voices calling for Teague to get more playing time but I am not expecting him to become the next Rondo or even a top tier point guard.
My calls for Teague have been so loud because the defense on the perimeter has been so bad. I don’t care if his offense is mediocre as long as his perimeter defense is also mediocre – since it would be such an improvement over Bibby and Jamal. For LD to talk about playing tough defense while he is responsible for their porous perimeter is just maddening. Its just plain maddening!
This one aspect of LD’s gameplan has caused me to tune him out completely. I remember how I swooned over his ever pronoucement in the preseason, but now when he speaks all I hear is Charlie Brown’s teacher. I believe his approach to perimeter defense this season should get him fired. It cost the Hawks several embarrassing losses, it cost the Hawks the fourth seed in the playoffs, and it cost the Hawks Jordon Crawford unnecessarily.
Rev in Tampa
March 14th, 2011
2:09 pm
ever = every
drmaryb (*_-)
March 14th, 2011
2:14 pm
“if jt0 doesnt have more of the jason terry in him. now why did we let him go and why were people so down on him? go figure.”
______________________
I’ll take a stab here, Jet Terry was unhappy here and feuded with Terry Stotts. Back then, we were only winning 13 games and this team needed to rebuild.
Jet Terry is not the type of player to rebuild around. While, he was a pure shooter? He did nothing else. In Dallas, he has always been a 6th man, (scorer off the bench). Terry doesn’t play a lick of defense and he turned the ball over like butter fingers. We lost a ton of games in the last minutes due to all his turns. Also, we traded him for a #10 Lottery Pick, which turned out to be a lesser version of him and not the PG we needed: Acie Law.
Another reason, I’m a little OK with trading Jordan Crawford is that he needs development at a time where we are built or trying to build a team that can win it all right now. We never needed Jordan, with Joe and Jamal here to win it now. We don’t need any more rookies!
We need some seasoned, hungry vets. Kurt Thomas or Shaq would have been better moves. As of now, we need some old hunting dogs! No more puppies. We can’t rebuild forever! See The Clippers.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 14th, 2011
2:15 pm
I don’t think Teague is any faster than, say, Rose or Westbrook or Rondo. We are just so used to seeing tortoise-like point guards that Teague looks like a blur by comparison. He is, however, just as athletic as any of those players, which is what helps him so much defensively as he’s able to recover quickly even if he momentarily gets beat or gets screened.
I think it’s funny, though, how wrong most of the scouting reports about him were (and for that matter how wrong I was about him). The general pre-draft consensus about him was that he would come into the league and be a very good scorer with a sweet shooting stroke who may never learn how to play the point guard position and probably would be an inconsistent defender at best. A year and a half into his career, I think it’s fair to say his shooting and scoring ability lags behind pretty much every other aspect of his game, including his ability to pass and set up teammates with shots.
MelFromSW_ATL
March 14th, 2011
2:22 pm
I don’t think the the Hawks beat guy should be referring to the coach as “LD”. Unprofessional! Stay classy MC and refer to the man by his whole name.
ole hawk's fan
March 14th, 2011
2:28 pm
LD, NOW HEAR THIS……………………………DO NOT PLAY JC at the POINT. I Repeat…………..Under NO CIRCUMSTANCE do you put JC @ The Point. He should ONLY Play the SG!!!!!!!! Most On HERE for the last two years have been calling for Teague to get some PT. Sit MW down and let him come off the bench. Tell JJ to stop the Woody ISO and pass the ball. Ball Movement will get you better LOOKS on Offense!
PaulWarfield
March 14th, 2011
2:49 pm
I read in some of the blogs that Larry Drew is gambling by playing Teague. If Teague doesnt help us win in the playoffs it might cost Drew his job. If Teague had been playing all year, Teague might have developed into an all-star and the Hinrich trade probably would not have been made. I always thought we needed more scoring punch than getting a point guard since we already had teague backing up Mike Bibby. I think the Hawks are just one relaible jump shooter (2 and 3-point shooter) away from contending for a championship. I think if the Hawks were to trade Kirk Hinrich and Marvin Williams for Rashad Lewis, the Hawks would be poised to win the NBA title this season. Rashad is a scoring machine from the 3-point line, which is exactly what the Hawks need when their offense stagnates.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 14th, 2011
2:56 pm
“My calls for Teague have been so loud because the defense on the perimeter has been so bad. I don’t care if his offense is mediocre as long as his perimeter defense is also mediocre – since it would be such an improvement over Bibby and Jamal. ”
Haha word. Exactly my thoughts. DNPing Teague would be so much more justifiable if the Hawks didn’t have a washed up corpse starting ahead of him all season. Teague doesn’t have to “ball” or play consistently to be an improvement over what the Hawks had at the point guard position until the trade deadline. Even an inconsistent version of him would have been fine. And the fact of the matter is that no matter what people want to say about him, whenever he has played over 20 minutes in his career he has been consistently solid. It’s only when he comes in for 5-10 minute stretches with scrubs who can’t finish his passes that he looks bad.
O'Brien
March 14th, 2011
3:00 pm
I am not sold (yet) on Teague as being a starting PG on a potential 50 win team.
However, I think he deserves more PT than he has been given. There is only 48 minutes available at the PG position, and I am fine with Teague getting a consistent 18-24 mpg (with the starters). Hinrich can get the rest of the PG minutes and can also get extra minutes at SG depending on matchups and game flow etc.
If Teague is playing well, then LD can give him more minutes (like he did against Portland, where Teague played almost 44).
terrell
March 14th, 2011
3:17 pm
“At least in my view”. I say at least in EVERYBODY’S view.
Ra'mon
March 14th, 2011
3:18 pm
Tony, you are ok with our starting center being on the perimeter more than Josh? Josh goes to the lane and on the block way more than Al does in any game. And the main time Josh is on the perimeter is when Joe is on the block posting up. But you never really see Al post up more than 2-4 times a game. And as far as rebounding is concerned, Al only averages less than a rebound more than Josh a game, even though Al gets more rebound opportunities on the offensive end than Josh does.
LD makes the comment that he doesn’t want Al to start shooting a 3, because he has that problem with Josh. So what does Al do the VERY next game? Goes one on one, and instead of driving, launches a 3 pointer. Look at the stats and see how many times Al has had more than 7 free throws in a game. Then turn and look at how Josh leads the team in free throws on a nightly basis (majority of the games).
terrell
March 14th, 2011
3:18 pm
JAMAL IS NOT A PG!
MelFromSW_ATL
March 14th, 2011
3:19 pm
[EDIT]
I don’t think the the Hawks beat guy should NOT be referring to the coach as “LD”. Unprofessional! Stay classy MC and refer to the man by his whole name.
terrell
March 14th, 2011
3:20 pm
Teague/Joe/Damien/Josh/Al
Hinrich/Jamal/Marvin/Zaza/Collins
Bench helluva lot deeper
Do it LD!
Do it LD.
Ra'mon
March 14th, 2011
3:21 pm
Najeh, I think Teague is faster than each of the point guards you mentioned. The problem is, each of their handles are better, and that makes them quicker in basketball settings. End to end, Teague was said to be the fastest point guard in his draft. I just think he’s not as polished with the dribbling as other point guards are, and that hurts him.
Ra'mon
March 14th, 2011
3:24 pm
MelfromSW, this is a blog, not a news article.
K-Dogg
March 14th, 2011
3:26 pm
Teague at the end of the day may be good enough to where we can stop taking point guards in the 1st round for the next two years but all im saying is im sure we will end up playing him 15 min a game on average for the rest of the year which will not help in us elvalutating him at the end of the year. Right now their aint a person on this blog who can say what the think he will end up being b/c we dont see enough to know which to me like i said is dumb b/c since we have drafted him we have had min available for him but have not given them to him b/c our coaches, coach in fear and dont trust these guys with their jobs.. You have to play him major mintues for the rest of this year or at the end of the year we will be crying once again about trying to decide on a true big our point this offseason when the truth is we still need both but could have a servicable one on our team right now!!!!
terrell
March 14th, 2011
3:26 pm
Only an idiot would play Teague with Jamal.
mykhalc
March 14th, 2011
3:30 pm
WHATEVER and WHOMEVER gets Marvin OFF the court…PERIOD!!!
got missed feelings on Teague startin’ tho…
1) Kirk/Joe/Josh/AL/Hilton (why HA…causes he’s an active big that deserves a look)
2) JT/Kirk/Joe/Josh/Al…ok since Marvin’s on the bench
3) JT/Joe/Josh/AL/Hilton…worth a look and Marvin is still on the bench
4) Kirk/Joe/Damien/Josh/AL/…yep…works too!!
5) JT/Joe/Damien/Josh/AL/
and of course Collins can replace Hilton in these scenarios too. my wish, more than Teague startin’, is Marvin NOT startin’…PERIOD!!!
mykhalc
March 14th, 2011
3:36 pm
mixed feelings…
drmaryb (*_-)
March 14th, 2011
3:38 pm
MelFromSW_ATL
_______________
There is a Radio ICON named “MelFromSW_ATL”.
He has been a platinum caller on the “Buck & Kincaid” Show for over 20 years. They mostly talk Braves Baseball and very little Hawks.
I doubt very seriously if this guy here is the original “Mel” and is more than likely an impostor. He knows it, now so does everyone else!
_________________
Get a handle on yourself, Sir.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 14th, 2011
3:45 pm
Hands On!
Rondo has gorilla sized hands. Teague has small hands. That’s the difference in ball handling. IDK what type hands J-Smoove has, he just needs to hand the ball to the PG.
terrell
March 14th, 2011
3:52 pm
Rashard Lewis? No thanks. Got enough bad contracts.
Grandad
March 14th, 2011
3:52 pm
MelFromSW_ATL
This is a blog.
Note, I’m probably MC’s biggest critic.
But the ” LD ” thing on a blog;
take my advice:
” pull down your pants and slide on the ice ” !
By the way you callled MC…..MC.
Is that not the same?
Edit:
I don’t think you should not be calling MC…MC,
should you not, not call MC, MC as he called LD…LD,
or should he not have not called LD …LD, or not?
drmaryb (*_-)
March 14th, 2011
3:54 pm
Excitement Abounds!
Boy, did this city need something exciting to happen!
I just left LFETIME FITNESS and while in the locker room, I heard and older white woman say, “My husband bought tickets to the Hawks game Saturday night and it was so exciting and awesome. I had never been to a Hawks game and my husband surprised me with these tickets.
They are really good.”
_________________________________
I just smiled and walked on by. I have never heard anyone mention my Hawks at my gym. Much less a 60 something year old white lady.
This team, if properly managed has that type of ability, to ignite this entire city and fill up that bandwagon.
We are just 2 to 3 players away from doing the damn thing!
Come on Sund and ASKG! Let’s Go!
Just Do It! Play Teague, start Damien and add some girth in the post!
Grandad
March 14th, 2011
3:55 pm
Has anyone considered that Hinrich
may be having a positive effect on Teaguer ?
terrell
March 14th, 2011
3:57 pm
Hey Mel, are you the Mel from 680 the fan? lol. Drinking already are you? LD. Larry Drew. Woody Jr. Who cares?
Worldwide Clyde
March 14th, 2011
4:05 pm
With that Hinrich trade we gave away Jordan Crawford, a first round pick and increased our payroll by 2 mill. All this could have been avoided if Woody Jr would have swallowed his pride.
Grandad
March 14th, 2011
4:06 pm
Joe will [help/improve] this team more as a small forward
than a two guard due to keeping Marvin off the floor.
Three guard rotation of Teaguer, Hinrich, & Jamal.
D.Wilkins backs up Joe.
Bigs rotation of primarily:
Josh, Al, Zaza;
with Collins & Armstrong pitching in as needed.
10 man rotation;
*(no Marv…no Powell)
Worldwide Clyde
March 14th, 2011
4:07 pm
This summer will be real interesting. With no money and no draft picks how will the Hawks fill out their roster.
Rachel
March 14th, 2011
4:11 pm
You know, this is really a messed up situation. You draft Teague in the 1st round, then you don’t play him at all hardly. He is the only one on the team that can be explosive at the point position. Here is some advice to LD. Start coaching, i know JJ makes the money, but he is not getting more than 12 pts a game (jump shooting team). He and Marvin needs to come off the bench. Truly, you should figure out a way to trade Marvin and bring in somebody else. Go and get Pape Sy from the D-League and add him to your rotation. Develop your young guys. Another thing, look at how other coaches play their young guys, and figure out a way for these hawks.
R-Chal
March 14th, 2011
4:17 pm
Develop Teague and call Pape Sy up from the D-League and develop that talent. LD should look at how other coaches play their young talent. Take notes. Also, when the hawks get down and cannot score, sad to say that somebody should tell them to stop shooting from the outside and take the ball to the basket. That is how other teams do it when they are going through a slump. These guys make toooo much money and should know that. After a few misses, start taking the ball inside and get the basket then the free throw. It is that simple.
Scoop
March 14th, 2011
4:18 pm
Teague is a starter.
Look at his games and you will see his best production came as a starter then from off the bench. Teague is a defensive-minded, up-tempo, point guard and he needs to be with the best players to be effective. He is not a one man offense like Jamal(not an insult) so he plays best with starters.
Al is not a center.
It is not coincidence Al is getting banged up this year and that is a result of playing too many minutes at center undersized. We lose nothing starting Zaza at center because he runs the floor better then any true center I can think of. Plus Za is our best rebounder.
Marvin has no dog in him.
Everyone questions Teague’s confidence, why not Marvins? I have been a big supporter of his and had high hopes this year for him, but no improvment. Sadly, he may have regressed. He does not deserve a starter’s spot-he has too much talent to be limited to a mid range jump shooter and even that he cant do well…..Honestly, coming off the bench would be the best for Marvin. He wouldnt have to compete for shots from the starters and he can improve his offensive game vs sub-par competition.
The starting lineup should be: Teague, J J, Smoove, Al, Zaza
No Crying
March 14th, 2011
4:19 pm
The only way LD keeps his job is to start Teague and giving him major minutes the rest of the season. It isn’t happening without him! We need him to drive the tempo. His speed will keep the pressure on and create more transition opportunities. As Teague goes so go the Hawks. The team was spiraling down the drain and something had to be done. Hopefully we can salvage some pride from the rest of this season.
O'Brien
March 14th, 2011
4:35 pm
Najeh,
I’m sure you were pleased when you read the following twitter update;
•#Hawks: F Josh Powell declined comment on arrest in traffic incident. Apologized to team for distraction. Status with team unaffected. .
I know how hurt you would have been if the Hawks lost their only player with championship experience
Rufus1
March 14th, 2011
4:46 pm
Teague is a PG on a 50win Team…
Once he perfects that “floater”, he might be our future star. Teague combines a scores mentality with Super quickness, he will be an 18 to 20pts scorer with time….and when Josh Smith figures out he isn’t a scorer or a PG.
Teague will also be top 5 in the league in steals…
SWAT Native
March 14th, 2011
4:47 pm
I wanted to make this comment about Teague. I was impressed with his performance, but I was even more impressed by his comments after the game. It seemed like every compliment he got he tried to deflect it into a team thing. For example, I think he was asked about the energy he brought to the game, and he said, WE wanted to come out and show more energy from the start. He even said about one of his steals that all came from his effort, “I got lucky”. Refreshing.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 14th, 2011
4:53 pm
“I know how hurt you would have been if the Hawks lost their only player with championship experience”
Oh yeah. I was sweating bullets hoping he’d stay. What would the Hawks ever do without his locker room leadership?
joey
March 14th, 2011
4:58 pm
124
Mac-Town, Georgia (urban-macon.blogspot.com)
March 14th, 2011
5:04 pm
“I look at Jeff as the same way. He’s got unbelievable talent, speed, explosive. He has all the tools. He’s confidence is the only thing left. Once he gets his confidence he is going to be a beast.”
Agreed w/ Joe
Mac-Town, Georgia (urban-macon.blogspot.com)
March 14th, 2011
5:04 pm
“I look at Jeff as the same way. He’s got unbelievable talent, speed, explosive. He has all the tools. He’s confidence is the only thing left. Once he gets his confidence he is going to be a beast.”
Agreed w/ Joe
DelorisWatkins
March 14th, 2011
5:31 pm
Teague will become EVERY BIT AS GOOD AS TONY PARKER OF THE SPURS, once Teague learns that patented “teardrop” shot of Parker’s. This is a copycat league so I’m sure Teague will watch a ton of films on Parkers famous shot and it is looking very favorable for the Hawks all of a sudden. It seems as though Teague as kept a low profile and didnt really show us a ton of skills. Then against Portland the other day, all of a sudden, ‘BAM’ and this guy is playing like an all-star, just like that. Teague is the missing ingredient that the Hawks need to generate offense and to energize the Hawks offense. Whats more, when Teague is pushing the ball down the court, thats one less turnover for Josh Smith since Smith loves to dribble the ball as a guard, although he seems to forget everyy night that he is not a guard. Keep the ball out of Josh Smiths hands on out-of-bounds plays and it will at least 30 fewer turnovers for the Hawks every night. I’m pleased with what I saw of Teague against Portland. I hope Teague builds on that and Teague should be starting every game for now on. Go Hawks, go out and win the NBA crown.
MannyT
March 14th, 2011
6:03 pm
I’m with @terrell…don’t play Teague with Jamal. Crawford take the “dog” out of Teague quicker than any opponent. Watch Teague the next time he & Jamal come into the game about the same time (or Jamal is in 1st.) Teague let’s Jamal take the ball up court & initiate the (ISO) offense. Teague stands on the far wing & watches. Because he isn’t a real 3 pt threat, he’s just getting a reality show view of NBA basketball.
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
6:29 pm
Everybody’s gone on to root for other teams. Sorry.
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
6:33 pm
Teague is a Scrubb and will always be a 3 tier, 7th guard taken type player. When his youth is gone teague is done. He has one of the lowest BasketBall IQ’s in the game. No one other than rick sund and Michael Cunningham has a lower IQ. Trade Teague Sund and Cunningham for a center!
Ken Strickland
March 14th, 2011
6:39 pm
I MUS WRITE-In certain ways, and certain areas, Drew is a better coach than Woody. He’s more willing to consider and make changes and adjustments, utilize his bench, create and take advantage of favorable matchup, and GIVE DAMN ABOUT THE OFF. However, in far too many critical ways, he’s shown himself to be little more than a carbon copy of Woodson.
The speed, quickness and athleticism of the starting lineup we used against Portland gives us a solid DEF frontline and backcourt that can defend against anyone. It also gives us an additional ball handler, OFF weapon, as well as more speed, quickness, and much needed penetrating ability.
It’s way past time Drew stopped following in Woodson’s foolish footsteps when it comes to making stupid excuses for not committing to developing and dealing properly with JTeague, and taking advantage of a PG with his skills. We might not have the star quality of Eastern Conference teams like Miami and Orlando, but we can become a better TEAM.
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
6:59 pm
Drew is Woody lite and it is clear why he was Woody’s assistant rather than a head coach. The moves the hawks have made would be only made by an Idiot.
Hawks Suck.
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
7:03 pm
Woodson was the best coach the hawks have had since Lenny Wilkens and Woodson may be as good as him. He took nothing and got us in range and now we are sliding backwards.
Whos idiotic idea was it to let Woodson go any way?
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
7:06 pm
This is a blog.
Note, I’m probably MC’s biggest critic.
But the ” LD ” thing on a blog;
?
Excuse me?
That would be me..
Mike Cunningham is an Idiot!!! period. And I guarantee this post will be removed shortly by the idiot in subject.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 14th, 2011
7:18 pm
Trolling!
Yall know who the troll is: content reveals character. TS has been harrassing MC for over a year re: using abbreviations and nick names.
It’s a blog for crying out loud!
The troll ran out of his meds again.
SMH
Nick P.
March 14th, 2011
7:36 pm
it needs to be, look we are not really going anywhere this year as a team, so why not invest in Teague and make him the starter for a year and find out if he will do or not! with the insignificant minutes he has been receiving and making roster decisions based on practice and scrimmiges i dont think the fan base has even remotely seen what this kid is capable of, we never really saw what Acie Law could do either, but should he not at lease get a season worth of action on a team that has this particular glaring issue with its roster?
Bird
March 14th, 2011
8:32 pm
Forget all the jiber jabar LD, START TEAGUE!
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
8:34 pm
Yeah I agree Truth Sirem Is Mike Cunningham greatest critic. Got to admire the truth.
Mike Woodson for COY!!!!
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
8:37 pm
Actually are recent AJC poll Proved that more readers and bloggers have left the AJC since Mike Cunningham took over. He like Sund and Drew have the hawks on a downward spiral…
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
8:41 pm
Ok im out of her Mary the fake dr in Drag is still haunting the house here. No wonder readership is way down. The few sponsors should ask for a refund. There are many better sites that this loser….
Smell you later Drmarb buttbreath.
Nobody Cares
March 14th, 2011
8:42 pm
Teague Sucks!
superiorblogman
March 14th, 2011
10:22 pm
Teague is going to be better than Rondo if he ever gets consistent playing time. He took 17 shots and made 11. You don’t take that many shots if you are not confident. Confidence is not the thing Teague needs. He needs playing time.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
March 15th, 2011
2:53 am
Right on superiorblogman. Anymore DNPcd for Teaugue and I am on the Fire TUE, MAR 15, 2011 bandwagon because that’s just negligence and incompetence.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
March 15th, 2011
2:58 am
I agree superiorblogman. Anymore DNPcp for Teague this season will push me to the “Fire TUE, MAR 15, 2011″ crowd because that would be negligence & incompetence.
Tremaine
March 15th, 2011
7:26 am
TEAGUE!!!!!! MVP! MVP! MVP! Nice article Michael. I pushed the ignore button on LD along time ago. The guy has contradicted himself all season. Teague should have been starting at the beginning of the season. When everybody in the league knew that Bibby was a liability, Teague sat on the bench. When he finally played him, Teague would make one mistake and LD would give him the hook. Yeah, that’s a real confidence builder. I don’t expect Teague to put up huge numbers every night. I just expect him to push the ball, get to the basket, and play defense. Something we haven’t gotten from the point all year.
Tremaine
March 15th, 2011
7:30 am
I knew when Dominique finally started giving Teague props it was Teague time. The guy is the LD of broadcasters.
W.R.Terrell
March 15th, 2011
9:09 am
LD made a very good decision in inserting Jeff Teague against Portland. I hope the wisdom continues. There’s an old saying “You can’t make a silk purse out of a sows ear” and LD has to realize that with that “smoove”person. Hilton Armstrong will be more then adequate because of what he will bring to the table, which is; strong defense, rebounding and he does not have to be the quote, unquote “SUPERSTAR”, but, a steady player with heart and love for the game. Josh Smith does not have that ability, he has talent true enough but we all know that the most talented ball players are the ones who stole their chances to be great by using drugs, alcohol, or doing jail time. Basketball is as much as knowing how to play as well as having good skills, both are needed to be a superior player. That’s where the “smoove” loses it all, he will never be a Hall of Famer, because “STOO-PID” will never make it. Tonight he will continue to play dumb basketball with no real understanding of the game. The “SOFT’S” may be able to overcome his narrow mindedness but more then likely his idiocy will make it a very close game. LD needs to sit Marvin down and forget he’s in uniform, he is definitely not a pro basketball player. LD should be fired after this game if he lets that idiot “smoove” launch dumbass shots and not bench his silly ass. We’ll see if LD’s job is important to him, will be interesting to watch.
ICECOLD
March 15th, 2011
10:31 am
I know this might not happen, but can you imagine..
Jeff Teague
Joe Johnson
Josh Smith
Al Horford
DWIGHT HOWARD
bench
Kirk Hinrich
Jamal Crawford
Marvin Williams
Josh Powell ( or Al Harrington )
Zaza Pachulia ( or any other center…
3rd
pape sy
Damien Wilkins
Collins
now tell me thats not a championship squad down to the T!!!! I bet Jeff Teague becomes Rajon Rando with his other 4 starters 2 starters All stars ( josh smith , Joe Johnson ) and two super stars ( Al Horford , Dwight Howard) and two time 6 man of the year Jamal crawford… and a starter thats now on the bench Marvin Williams…. thats 48 minutes of straight Defense and getting killed in the paint by two guys… Alley oops all day.. might not be as much jump shooting….. until Jamal Crawford get in the game!!!!! You have to play everybody 1 on 1…. everybody…
and we can afford to give Dwight Howard the same amount of money we gave to Joe Johnson
and we can give Jamal Crawford 8 million a year for 2-3 years!!!!
because everybody else would be getting the veteran minimum or the rookie scale, except marvin williams… and zaza would be traded!!!
PopeyeJones
March 15th, 2011
10:36 am
Regardless of what anyone says, does or thinks and no matter how many STUPID BLOGS show up on this outlet, playing Teague has been a BRILLIANT MOVE FOR L.D. In fact, that move has saved Larry Drews job this season and will enable Larry Drew, Joe Johnson, Al Horford and Jamal Crawford to hoist the championship trophy in June when the ATLANTA Hawks will be CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF THE WORLD.
ICECOLD
March 15th, 2011
12:15 pm
Etan thomas is faster , stranger , and more aggressive and athletic then Collins , why doesn’t he play… or start. He is better then Collins
Ken Strickland
March 15th, 2011
12:44 pm
DOC-To answer your earlier question about why and who turned on Jason Terry. Well, it was Lenny Wilkins. He desperately tried to turn Terry into a pure PG like he was in his day, and Terry really struggled with that burden. Lenny didn’t have the patience that he displayed when he developed that Cleveland team of MPrice, RHarper, CEhlo, BDaughtery, JWilkins, LNance.
With the Hawks, he was more focused on breaking the record for most career wins by a HC than developing players. As a result, he actually took the Woodson approach of relying heavily on his vet players and using his bench and younger players sparingly. And like Woodson, that approach got his butt dismissed.
I don’t believe Teague when he says he hasn’t been affected by LDrews uneven treatment of him. After a dominant OFF and DEF performance like the one he had against Portland, LDrew is still hesitant about making a committment to giving him every chance to build upon that performance. How can Teague not be affected and concerned when almost every solid performance has been routinely followed by LDrew giving him the WOODY TREATMENT(a DNP CD, or 3-5 meaningless mop up mins)?
Can you imagine how many contradictory excuses LDrew would have made if Teague had put together a gm like the one he had against Portland while Bibby was still on the team?
tj painter
March 15th, 2011
1:00 pm
why u mad rest of the nba. u mad cuz u aint got jeff teege? i personally kno him and hes an extremly chill person and a very good friend
Tremaine
March 15th, 2011
1:52 pm
Question, are you guys going to applaud or boo Bibby?
O'Brien
March 15th, 2011
2:00 pm
I am pleasantly surprised that LD is going with the Teague-Hinrich combo.
I just hope LD (and the fans) dont expect Teague to put up 24 pts again. However, Teague definitely needs to play solid if he wants to keep starting.
And LD needs to juggle the rotation so that a PG is always in the game with Jamal.