Atlanta Hawks: What happened to Joe’s mojo?
Sorry for the late post, blog people. Don’t ever believe ‘em when they tell you the pupil dilation wears off in an hour . . . .
The Hawks aren’t going anywhere if J.J. doesn’t get in a groove. OK, they may not go anywhere even if he does, but they’ve got no chance if his form doesn’t improve as he finishes up his least productive year since his first one in Atlanta and his least efficient year since his days in Phoenix.
The problem is opponents aren’t making it easy for J.J. to find his form. He still draws swarming double teams most nights and it’s seemed to knock him off kilter. There are times when J.J. looks as if he’s not sure what to do, and I think that’s a big reason why he’s sounded so despondent lately.
Clearly the Hawks need Joe (and Jamal for that matter) to find a way to score. Passing off every time he gets doubled isn’t the answer, since it takes Atlanta’s most talented scorer out of the offense and plays into the strategy of the defense.
What’s J.J.’s thinking when he gets doubled?
“Early, I just try to make the right basketball play and get guys in position to where they can make baskets,” J.J. said. “But if it’s not going right I do tend to force it every now and then because I just feel I have to do something other than just sit there and accept the double team and pass the ball.”
Is that because as the Hawks’ top scorer (and top dog) for so many years he feels a responsibility to lift them out of their current funk?
“Yeah,” he said, “but there is only so much I can do. So I just try to give em what I’ve got.”
I asked L.D. if the only way J.J. will find more rook to work is if the Hawks make opponents pay for the doubles by making the right plays when J.J. passes out. He said that’s only part of the equation and he stumbled upon another factor when he couldn’t sleep the other night.
Drew turned on the television at 3 a.m. and came across a replay of the Thunder-Heat game from a couple weeks back:
“I am sitting there watching Kevin Durant and they are double-teaming him all over the place. But he goes quick. He gets his shot quick. He comes off the screens looking to shoot it quick. And he’s accepting double teams and making plays out of double teams. Sometimes it calls for showing a willingness to make the right plays out of double teams. If they see you are a reluctant passer the heat will be turned up even more. Not saying that’s what’s happening with us but those are the things you have to do with double teams. If you are a scorer, knowing that you are going to be double-teamed you have got to go into your shot and your offense a little quicker. If not, you have to make a play out of a double team. The other thing that affects double teams is where you are on the floor. It’s a lot easier to double team when you are on one side of the floor than when you are in the middle of the floor. We’ve gone to where doing more things out of middle of the floor.”
Sounds good in theory, but “quick” has never been J.J.’s style. He’s been at his best deliberately setting up his opponent and using his size to get off his shot (which obviously doesn’t work against double teams). I’m not even sure J.J. can play a more dynamic style like Durant, D-Wade, et al.
The good news is Joe says his health is not an issue, so at least you can scratch that off the list of potential problems.
“You are always going to have your nick-nacks from the first month until the season is over with,” he said. “That’s common.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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221 comments Add your comment
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
9:30 pm
Joe came here because he wasn’t going to be the man in phoenix because they knew he wasn’t good enough.also for the money as they weren’t going to give that much to him. He stood here for the money as he couldn’t get it anywhere else. Joe lives to shoot the basketball & to be the man but is not a big time player under pressure.
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:30 pm
Van Gundy appears to be resting players on a rotational basis already, with their seeding basically set.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 25th, 2011
9:32 pm
” And Joe was traded here so he pretty much didnt have a choice but to come here.”
_______________
This is not true! Joe told Phoenix, “Do Not match the ATL offer!”
He demanded a trade to Atlanta and no where else!”
He did exactly what Melo did with NY. He refused to sign an extension anywhere else! Atlanta was the only team on his list. A sign and trade had to be done for both teams. We gave them Diaw and our #1 pick which was lottery protected fro 1 to 3.
We got lucky and Nique drew the #3 ping pong ball. I forget who we selescted with that #3? But, don’t you remember the BIG Lawsuit where Belkin filed a 6 year lawsuit to block that trade for Joe?
It was just settled last year, in year 5! The rift was so big, the owners turned on Belkin. Didn’t you see the FRONT PAGE of the AJC where Billy Knight refused to shake the “EVIL HAND” of Belkin down at the court house? Even after the lawsuit, we fans all feared Joe would change his mind and come here where he was not wanted?
When Joe was offered the Max this past off season, Gearon, JR said, “We fought our partner to get Joe here, we paid over 13M in legal fees to get him here. We will pay whatever we have to to keep him here. He is our franchise player, this whole team was built for him!”
That’s why Joe got The Max Contract! New York, Chicago and other teams were lined up with 5 years 95M to pay him. “Bird Rules” allowed us to go 6 years 119M. That’s what he got, the annual raises may push that to 124M … But Joe will pay nearly 40% – 36% in Federal Taxes depending on the Tax Codes from year to year for his income tax bracket.
In Miami, they don’t pay State Taxes. So, actually LeBron will probably take home more than Joe! He is NOT the highest paid player in the NBA!
Gilbert Arenas makes 20M per year for ar more years. See Rashard Lewis and Michael Redd, they don’t play at all due to knee injuries!
__________________
But, get your facts straight. Joe hand picked the Hawks and demanded a trade here as an UFA and a S&T was his CHOICE!
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:32 pm
Bucks keeping ahead of the Knicks. Those that said Carmelo and Billups game were better for halfcourt than the run and gun appear to be correct. Wrong players for the wrong system.
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:34 pm
And Kobe is a true Max player, making 27m and 30m per season in a couple of years. JJ is only a secondary max player.
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:37 pm
Lou Williams is eating Mike Bibby and House alive – 22 pts in 16 minutes, 8-9 shooting.
I’m sure Lou is not a problem for the Heat either!
drmaryb (*_-)
March 25th, 2011
9:38 pm
Joe Johnson LOVES Atlanta, he moved his entire family here. They all love it here! He purchased Shariff Abhur Rahim’s house for 3.5M? When he got here. Word on the Street is he is currently building a new mansion from the ground up right now.
He has always wanted to be here! What he needs now is the same thing LeBron needed – some damned help! He has no problem with not being the Man! Robin is fine with him, just like it was fine for DWade.
Miami is still trying to figure out who should take the last shot down there. There can only be one Batman on one team! If you want to win a championship, who cares who takes the last shot?
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:38 pm
Miami goes on a tear and pulls ahead of the Sixers. But it is at Miami however. Don’t count the Sixers out yet
drmaryb (*_-)
March 25th, 2011
9:41 pm
Just Stop It!
For all yall that want to trade Smoove for a Kenyon Martin is crazy!
That’s like trading a shiny red Ferrari for a high mileage Camry!
________________
You asked for it – You got it! TOYOTA.
(Be very careful)
___________________
We need a Coach first! Then a Real GM!
Grandad
March 25th, 2011
9:44 pm
Al is the only player on the team who catches & shoots
[quick decision] in rhythm.
Putting Joe in the middle [LD] is almost the right idea.
He should put Joe in the center of the floor.
What do I mean ?
I think LD is saying mid as opposed to the side,
whereas I’m talking about the center if the defense.
_____________________________________________
Much like what MannyT said earlier,
get Joe in the center of the def before he gets the ball
so that he doesn’t waste half the shot clock dribbling
to get to the exact same spot.
In motion offense Joe can/should be able to move w/o the ball
& get open in these spots. Giving him a quick shot, move,
or almost entirely eliminating the possibility of double teams.
_____________________________________________________
Therefore Joe would no longer be the one initiating the offense
but the one consummating the offense.
______________________________________________________
Advanced Basketball Concepts -601- ___ by __ G-dad
*[foot placed squarely in cheek]
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:51 pm
Sixers begin to wilt late…
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
9:52 pm
Joe would be a better shooter if he didn’t always play iso ball. Take the shot quickly or drive to the
hoop quickly. His problem is all the dribbling & hestitation.
drmaryb (*_-)
March 25th, 2011
9:54 pm
* Arenas has 3 years left on his deal @ 20M per.
Jermain Oneal made 20M last year in Miami, he barely plays ever, since Indiana over paid him, Rahard makes 20M per for what 2 more years and he’s done for the season…. Etc.
Joe is the 17th highest paid player this year, correct me if I’m wrong, but, you get the point. Joe’s salary has nothing to do with how he plays, he was paid for how he played in the past.
His teammates have all played worse and horrible this year.
We are lucky that he doesn’t demand a trade or sulk, like Jamal is doing!
Yall really need to stop being so emotional! We are not that good this year. See Drew about all that stuff! He has digressed all the good Woody accomplished. And, ASKG did nothing this Summer to upgrade beyond resigning Joe. This team has other bad contracts that hurts this teams cap number, besides Joe. You know who they are! The untradeables and the bench filled useless players, not named Teague.
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
9:56 pm
But that is how he always played
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
9:56 pm
And always will
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
9:58 pm
Knicks lose
Cavs win – uh oh
And if we can’t beat this team of outcasts called NJ by 20, we don’t deserve the playoffs I don’t think
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:03 pm
Whew! – Sixers lose. Still up by 3 games on them.
And wow! ‘Cats outscore Boston by 15 in the 4th at the Garden, and win by 2
Alot like that ‘Cats ATL game in ATL.
5thwardtexas
March 25th, 2011
10:05 pm
faglanta sucks
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:06 pm
Memphis and Chicago about tied in the 4th – Memphis w/o Rudy Gay for the season still playing well.
Just like Chicago, Boston, Lakers etc.
Unlike the excuse machine ATL Hawks
Jordan not doing so well tonight – 2 pts in 11 minutes.
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:08 pm
I credit Woody, not as a good coach, but for getting the most he could out of Jamal and JJ last season.
And I credit Drew for the regression. Bad coaching
Worldwide Clyde
March 25th, 2011
10:10 pm
When will the Hawks retire “Kiss Cam?”
Let’s Go Hawks
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:10 pm
Man, the Nuggets can start some guy I’ve never heard of at F, Gary Forbes, and Karl still has them truckin’. Good Coach.
5thwardtexas
March 25th, 2011
10:10 pm
hawks suck why dont they just put on dresses like the rest of you men in gay-t-l
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
10:12 pm
Watching the end of first half Washington game. Announcer said wa coach said wall & jc2 mesh well together have a lot of the same skills, jc2 is a very good passer.
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:15 pm
The Hawks have the same record as the 8th seed in the West, Memphis. But Memphis is beating Chicago in the 4th right now.
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:16 pm
JC2 is a very good passer, with good court vision
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
10:17 pm
Jc2 first half. 17 min. 3for 7 ,1 3pt , 3 assists
SteveW
March 25th, 2011
10:19 pm
Poor David West, torn ACL right before his big FA days.
Hope LD is watching.
Grandad
March 25th, 2011
10:22 pm
A word for Ms. ” 5thwardtexas ”
Ma’am they’re called kilts.
I prefer a kilt rather than my nut-bra.
Ethan
March 25th, 2011
10:30 pm
You cant lose what you never had.
James on Pharr Rd
March 25th, 2011
10:35 pm
I think LD is getting fired regardless. Woodson was screwed over: in all honesty with the MO of pro sports, he should have been fired after getting a contract extension, and then a buy out. He is probably mad as hell at Rick Suund and the basketball gods of Atlanta pro sports…..
As for LD, he’ll be hard stretched to ask for the money owed to him on his 2 year deal come May 6th after a 4-0 sweep of the Hawks.
ant banks
March 25th, 2011
10:37 pm
JORDON CRAWFORD SCORED 25PTS IN THE LAST GAME. HE HAS 10 PTS TONIGHT, MIDWAY THRU 3RD QTR.
stupid to get rid of his 1mil dollar salary. dude is averaging 22pts in his last 10 starts. shoulda traded jamal and kept jordon, but the hawks wouldn’t have played him anyway.
Worldwide Clyde
March 25th, 2011
10:56 pm
FIRE LD
O'Brien
March 25th, 2011
10:57 pm
The Sixers lost, so the Hawks are back to 3 games up in the loss column.
With the Nets playing (and losing) tonight, and without Williams, and the Hawks well rested, Hawks should blow them out of the gym tomorrow, right?
Jordan Crawford having a solid game tonight. 7-14 from the field, 16 pts, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover in 30 minutes.
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
10:58 pm
LD has really screwed us pretending to be a basketball coach & I really thought he would be good listening to him. He had me fooled.
ant banks
March 25th, 2011
11:02 pm
RUSTY,
he had all of us fooled. lol
James on Pharr Rd
March 25th, 2011
11:03 pm
Rusty, what exactly did he say that had you believe in him? You get what you pay for and that’s exactly what he is worth: a 2 year deal and a one and done Head coach. Nothing against him, but he is at best an assistant coach on a non championship caliber team. Have you seen the Assistants on the contending teams?
P. Bull Terrier
March 25th, 2011
11:07 pm
You mean the threat of Josh Smith throwing up a 35 footer when Joe passes out of the double team isn’t enough to stop teams from doubling Joe?
James on Pharr Rd
March 25th, 2011
11:07 pm
Did you ever hear Phil, Pop, Doc or ANY SERIOUS head coach consistently give non substance-like answers:
1. We just need to work as a team
2. We need to push the ball more
3.Shots just did not drop tonight for us.
4.We are going to run a more motion like offense.
5.We are not playing hard
No philosophical substance to the man, coaching is more than yelling, reiterating the same point, and saying PLAY HARD.
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
11:11 pm
God I hope they listen to us or at least realize how hopeless he is,just to think of another season with him will be unbearable & disatorable to the hawks
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
11:14 pm
James. Did we get what we paid for by giving iso Joe all that money. I certainly knew better about that
James on Pharr Rd
March 25th, 2011
11:17 pm
Rusty I am with you on that. I think the GM has to go first-he’s contract is up too in June. After Rick is gone, we need to figure out long term plans for this team: we don’t have the talent to compete with MIA/ORL/BOS and we lack the pieces to trade for such caliber people. We have drafted too poorly before, and because we don’t quite lose enough-wont get good enough talent in the draft. So, we just have to pick a direction and honestly it is long term planning because we are not winning any time soon.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 25th, 2011
11:18 pm
“Sounds good in theory, but “quick” has never been J.J.’s style. He’s been at his best deliberately setting up his opponent and using his size to get off his shot (which obviously doesn’t work against double teams). I’m not even sure J.J. can play a more dynamic style like Durant, D-Wade, et al.”
Joe doesn’t have the explosiveness of either player, so he’s never going to be able to individually beat double teams the way they do. It does not, however, require superior explosiveness to see the double team coming and quickly and decisively make a pass before getting swarmed by the extra defender. Smoove understands this; Joe either doesn’t or can’t process this information quickly enough to get the ball out of his hands in a timely manner.
Now you can say part of this is players not coming to the ball or whatever, but there have been several occasions on which Joe has gotten doubled with a wide open player on the perimeter near him and he still has taken forever to get rid of the ball. Nothing is preventing him from making quicker decisions with the ball.
Nowhere is this more evident than when he gets doubled in the post. When Smoove gets doubled in the post, the ball gets out of there and into the hands of the open perimeter guy. When Joe gets doubled in the post, he backs the ball out to the perimeter and either shoots a contested jumper (when the extra defender goes back to his man) or tries to make a tough pass while being swarmed by the extra defender.
mykhalc
March 25th, 2011
11:23 pm
Joe might be a lotta things…outta shape ain’t one of ‘em…
Najeh Davenpoop
March 25th, 2011
11:26 pm
And the fact that he is so slow — or “deliberate” — making decisions with the ball is part of the reason I want the responsibility of creating his shot out of Joe’s hands even more than it is now. Let Kirk and Teague run the show, and let Joe’s open looks come from the point guards getting in the paint and drawing defenders and/or Smoove’s post ups.
One play they run every now and then that I like is when Joe comes off the pin down screens and catches the ball 15 feet away from the basket with an opportunity to do something with it. It gets him the ball close enough to where he can take a makeable shot or set up one of his teammates, and for whatever reason it seems like he tends to make decisions with the ball more quickly when he gets the ball in this area.
Najeh Davenpoop
March 25th, 2011
11:29 pm
From the previous blog…
“Listened to the Marvin interview, and you know what I think about Marvin. It was not as bad as was reported. He was not jocking Lebron, but stated he likes to watch him when they are not playing the Hawks. He seems to know more about movies, than basketball. In typical Hawk fashion, he answered the questions correctly, but every answer ended with wev’e just got to do better, or we have to stop taking so many jumpshots…….”
Rod, what interview are you talking about?
Rusty
March 25th, 2011
11:29 pm
Najeh the reason jj don’t get the ball out quick is because he don’t want to, he wants the shot, that’s his mentality
Man Man
March 25th, 2011
11:30 pm
If he would catch and shoot instead of dribbling all the time he wouldn’t get doubled team.He wouldn’t have the ball to get doubled.
Al needs to man up.Another Center Ben Wallace 6′8 and they won a championship.Stop Crying Al
Najeh Davenpoop
March 25th, 2011
11:33 pm
“All these Super-Stars yall pine for? They don’t want yall!
Because yall don’t even show up for a game and when you do?
You’re in the stands being disrespectful, chanting MVP for the other team and buying Kobe’s Jersey. The only games yall show up for is the:”
If Kobe was a Hawk, all those people would be buying Hawks jerseys.
Joe deserves our appreciation for choosing to come here and go through the rebuilding process with this franchise. One day, when he comes to Philips as an opposing player, he deserves to be applauded, just like Bibby. But let’s face it — we know what this team’s ceiling is now, and we cannot expect this team to advance much farther than they have as long as Joe is the centerpiece of this team. If the Hawks want to blow up this team, they have to start with him.
slimjr
March 25th, 2011
11:34 pm
That is an interesting observation Najeh, JJ coming off the screen bout 15 feet from the rim an seems to be comfortable in that area. I am going to zero in on that tomorrow night!