Atlanta Hawks: Practice report
Adding to the notebook that appears in print . . .
- Al is of the mind that if he’s going to play, he might as well play his regular role: “We need to stay sharp. Being honest, one game sitting out, I don’t think it’s a bad idea. Especially Joe; he has little nick-nacks. He is not going to say anything but I know it would be good for him to get some rest. But at the same time we need to be in rhythm so I can understand why [L.D.] maybe just wants to reduce minutes. But we are still trying to win games.”
- Twin and Smoove also suggested Joe is hurting more than he’s letting on, which obviously wouldn’t be the first time. Both mentioned the elbow could still be an issue. J.J. still frequently ices the right thumb.
- Josh on he and Joe playing with nagging injuries: “Certain people have a high threshold for pain. We’d rather be out there playing than dealing with that training table and rehab. I think that’s more of a pressure. You really do more things doing that than on the court. So you’d rather be out there helping the team and contributing. But we understand that right now we have to get healthy. Especially Joe because he’s our offensive leader.”
- Josh said he would play Monday against the Heat: “That’s a good game to come back to.”
- Twin on the ankle: I will be all right. Injuries are a part of the game. I will be OK. I have had lots of sprained ankles in my basketball career and this is another one on the list.”
- L.D. on his reaction to Twin going down: “I was very concerned. I am just glad that he got right back up. We all know that he is going to be a very important piece in the first round against Orlando, as all of my bigs will be. We hope we can keep guys as injury-free as we possibly can.”
- Drew on the Hawks being two games shy of the franchise record for road Ws: “I was not aware of that but I think our team has accomplished some things on the road. We’ve shown spots of showing how to play on the road and with some consistency. These last four games I don’t want to change anything. I want to do what’s been good to us: control tempo, take care of the basketball, and the shot selection has to be good. Normally when we do all three of those things, that’s been the big reasons we’ve had success on the road.”
- Drew on the Teague-Hinrich backcourt: “I like it. With both of those guys out there, in Jeff I have speed, I have quickness and a guy that can really get up and harass the ball. That’s one of his strengths defensively. Offensively, [it's] his ability to get in the paint. So any combination with Jeff out there with Jamal or Kirk or even Joe I think it’s good for us. From what I have seen, both Jeff and Kirk play off each other pretty well, too. So that’s something we could see down the stretch.”
- Teague on playing alongside Hinrich: “It’s a lot easier. Defensively, you know he’s going to have your help and I am going to have his back. He’s easy to play with. He passes the ball and gets everybody involved. It makes your job a lot easier when you know a guy is willing to give up the ball. He’s a good player.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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149 comments Add your comment
Worldwide Clyde
April 8th, 2011
2:23 am
#Ifthehawksgetswept
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
2:37 am
Vava76
“Put Jordan Crawford’s performance in perspective. At least for the moment (hey, I think he is really talented but if he does not improve shot selection and learns to play D, he will be just an undersized SG amassing points with no conscience”
Actually, if you compare JC2 with his rookie class of guards and pick some stats categories in the area that you mentioned, you’ll find he stacks up favorably with the best of them:
Steals – Ranked 5th
Blocks – Ranked 13th
Rebound – Ranked 7th
Eff – Ranked 4th
Pts/Reb/Asst – Ranked 3rd
These stats numbers include his time with both Hawks and Wizards. I’m sure if the numbers were isolated for just his Wizard time, he probably would have higher rankings in these categories. But sure, there is always room for improvement, but (again), for a guy that’s been riding the pine for most of the season, these numbers are impressive among his peers.
Chatter about accepting Hinrich declining numbers to be a learning curve and acclimation with his new team. JC2 numbers seems to conflict with that logic. Of course there are special circumstances such as the playoff team vs. the lotto team, the rookie HC vs. the season HC, rookie vs. season player etc. But even factoring all that in, there still should be some kind of comparable adjustment for both players that would translate in their initial performance. Hinrich has been negative, JC2 has been positive.
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
2:42 am
When I say “Hinrich has been negative” that’s relative to his time with the Wizards
James on Pharr Rd
April 8th, 2011
4:28 am
vava74
About JC 2-well said.
James on Pharr Rd
April 8th, 2011
4:32 am
MC
Who draws the offensive plays for the HAWKS?
Do we have a Defensive coach on this team?
Because “we seriously” imagine that they are somewhere in Phillips drafting a strategy for the Magic…..
Buddy Grizzard
April 8th, 2011
5:07 am
The Truth:
Just in case you missed Tom Ziller’s article, here’s the relevant passage:
“But there’s a cost for each shot Crawford takes, and the fact remains that he is wildly inefficient, even by rookie standards.
In the last five seasons, one other rookie has taken at least 10 field goal attempts a game and had a True Shooting percentage under .475: Adam Morrison, the No. 3 pick in 2006 and a player currently out of the league. Extend that back 10 seasons and you can add only Dajuan Wagner to that list.”
WILDLY INEFFICIENT.
Not inefficient.
WILDLY INEFFICIENT.
Only three rookies in the last ten years have been as WILDLY INEFFICIENT as JC2. ADAM MORRISON compares to JC2’s production. Dwade, with a vastly better FG%, does not enter into this conversation.
Buddy Grizzard
April 8th, 2011
5:27 am
http://bkref.com/tiny/9ZHIR
Rk Player FG% 3P% FT% TS% FGA
1 Adam Morrison .376 .337 .710 .450 12.1
2 Jordan Crawford .389 .264 .864 .467 11.6
Big Ray
April 8th, 2011
5:51 am
Drew on the Teague-Hinrich backcourt: “I like it. With both of those guys out there, in Jeff I have speed, I have quickness and a guy that can really get up and harass the ball. That’s one of his strengths defensively. Offensively, [it's] his ability to get in the paint. So any combination with Jeff out there with Jamal or Kirk or even Joe I think it’s good for us. From what I have seen, both Jeff and Kirk play off each other pretty well, too. So that’s something we could see down the stretch.”
Yeah, ok Larry. That’s why you play Jeff Teague so inconsistently, huh?
terrell
April 8th, 2011
6:33 am
LD talks like he loves Teague. Fool wont even play him. Clown.
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
6:37 am
Hawksville, I’m being blocked from telling “The Truth” while Buddy Grizzard is free to downgrade JC2
Buddy Grizzard = Rick Sound
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
6:40 am
Buddy Grizzard
IMO, in an attempt to pigeon hole JC2 with the likes of ADAM MORRISON , The Tom Ziller’s article is basing his whole point on one stat metric (FG%) to define his game.
Jordon set of circumstances is quite different compared to ADAM MORRISON as the MP bared that out (JC2 MP = 883 vs. Morrison MP = 2326). Also Jordon MP includes inconsistent MP with the Hawks. This guy use the term “WILDLY INEFFICIENT” after watching JC2 over a span on 2 months after he had been riding the pine for 6 months coming to the Wizards where he should have been cold as ice. If that same set of circumstance was extended to Morrison and other rookies, I’m sure that list would be much larger than those two players. With Sund (no doubt) desperate to save his name, it wouldn’t surprise me if he paid Tom Ziller to write such a bias article when clearly JC2 has impacted the Wizards in a positive way. Yes, nitpicking one stat to defining him is bias IMO.
I looked at JC2 body of work using 7 metrics (not just one) mixing some defense and offense interest. By doing this, you get a better picture hence it should be Morrison that shouldn’t be in the conversation with JC2 as the numbers bared that out.
BTW, just in case you missed my previous comment comparing JC2 to his rookie guard peers with some sample defense related metrics, again here is his ranking:
Steals – Ranked 5th
Blocks – Ranked 13th
Rebound – Ranked 7th
Eff – Ranked 4th
Pts/Reb/Asst – Ranked 3rd
Unless you are Sund himself, these numbers should show you more about JC2.
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
6:51 am
I got though
“Hawksville, I’m being blocked from telling “The Truth” while Buddy Grizzard is free to downgrade JC2
Buddy Grizzard = Rick Sound”
I can’t blame BG for this, I now know what happen. There is a word that you can’t used in a comment but I can’t say it (more like repu@#$Tion)
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
6:52 am
*I got through*
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
6:58 am
Buddy Grizzard
Rk Player FG% 3P% FT% TS% FGA
1 Adam Morrison .376 .337 .710 .450 12.1
2 Jordan Crawford .389 .264 .864 .467 11.6
Still bias since these numbers include his time with the Hawks. Try starting him as a Wizard.
tremaine
April 8th, 2011
7:26 am
Drew on the Teague-Hinrich backcourt: “I like it. With both of those guys out there, in Jeff I have speed, I have quickness and a guy that can really get up and harass the ball. That’s one of his strengths defensively. Offensively, [it's] his ability to get in the paint. So any combination with Jeff out there with Jamal or Kirk or even Joe I think it’s good for us. From what I have seen, both Jeff and Kirk play off each other pretty well, too. So that’s something we could see down the stretch.”
Clearly Larry Doo has Alzheimer’s disease! When was the last time you seen Kirk and Jeff in the backcourt together?
tremaine
April 8th, 2011
7:46 am
These guys need to sit for the next 2 or 3 games and try and get healthy. This team hasn’t been “sharp” all season so they are going to need to be healthy if they have any chance.
O'Brien
April 8th, 2011
7:48 am
The Truth,
Warriors win championships.. Not the Golden State Warriors
Steals – Ranked 5th
Blocks – Ranked 13th
Rebound – Ranked 7th
Eff – Ranked 4th
Pts/Reb/Asst – Ranked 3rd
Unless you are Sund himself, these numbers should show you more about JC2..
Was this ranking based on per 36 minutes totals? Because JC2 is playing a ton of minutes for a very bad team, and he has a green light to shoot at will. He has tons of potential, but by no means is he a lock to be a star.
O'Brien
April 8th, 2011
7:50 am
MC,
Could you ask LD about his plan (if any) for Sy?
With Josh and Collins missing the next game or 2, I fully expect Pape Sy to be active. And I see no reason why he shouldn’t get minutes.
Chances are he will struggle, but at least playing him now will give him a jump start into the offseason.
Or maybe LD is saving him until next year because he will be his secret weapon (assuming LD is back)…
Trojan
April 8th, 2011
8:17 am
When I see MC quoting LD, I quickly scan past the quote. It is not worth reading. He will reluctantly play Teague, Teague will play well and LD will act like he liked him all along. LD’s words are hallow, they mean nothing.
What about Jerry Sloan for next season? The Hawks are going to have to go in an entirely different direction. He would be a great way to start. Oh, I forgot, the ASG will hire the cheapest option available.
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
8:20 am
O’Brien
“Was this ranking based on per 36 minutes totals?”
These rankings were based on the stats performance of rookie population from NBA.com. Here is a sample of 1 result: Steals
Steals Leaders> 2010-2011> Regular Season> Guard> Rookies> Per Game> All Conferences> Raw Stats
http://www.nba.com/statistics/player/Steals.jsp?league=00&season=22010&conf=OVERALL&position=5&splitType=9&splitScope=GAME&qualified=N&yearsExp=0&splitDD=All Teams
bob
April 8th, 2011
8:38 am
AL – nick-nacks are little dust collectors that sit on a shelf. they are not minor injuries.
The Truth
April 8th, 2011
8:39 am
O’Brien
The Truth,
“Warriors win championships.. Not the Golden State Warriors”
Since A warrior is a person experienced in or capable of engaging in combat or warfare, that means the Golden State Warriors wouldn’t qualify based on their current record.
But to be fair to Golden State Warriors, they have won NBA titles: 2 (1956, 1975). So technically, they have been Warriors once upon a time.
PEDEE
April 8th, 2011
8:40 am
what will the hawks do without their 6′10″ shooting guard that hangs around the perimeter on both ends of the court.
Rev in Tampa
April 8th, 2011
9:34 am
Drew is resting Pape Sy for the ECF.
doc
April 8th, 2011
9:44 am
vava only you could tie mullins’ placement into the hof with jc1. pretty sorry hof group this year as a whole.
Trojan
April 8th, 2011
9:47 am
I wonder why Pape is not in the Developmental League working on that 2 ppg average?
doc
April 8th, 2011
9:54 am
vava thib’s has sure helped boozer’s game. hard to believe he was once a second round draft pick. he crushed josh the last time out. josh wanred nothing to do with him after two encounters. it was ole the rest of the way.
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
10:04 am
“Steals – Ranked 5th
Blocks – Ranked 13th
Rebound – Ranked 7th
Eff – Ranked 4th
Pts/Reb/Asst – Ranked 3rd
Unless you are Sund himself, these numbers should show you more about JC2.”
That JC2 give away is looking worse ans worse by the day…!
Adam Morrison=Bust
JC2= emerging Star! apples and box cars these two are…..grasshopper…
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
10:10 am
‘what will the hawks do without their 6′10″ shooting guard that hangs around the perimeter on both ends of the court.”
Hopefully shop “ALLSTAR AL”….Test the waters see what hes worth out on the market? Your not getting to an EFC with him as a 4 or a 5…Wakeup……..
After the sweep…Start making phone calls..Make it so…….AYE Captain….
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
10:13 am
At this time is it safe to say Boozer is a more advanced and skilled player than ALLSTAR AL?? Just asking…..B was a 2nd round pick??? Wow…..
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
10:20 am
The Hawks are a reflection of the HC and GM..When you look at these two men and their stature, the first thing that comes to mind is they are soft and not leaders!!!!!!!!! Even before they open their mouths..
THE BEATDOWNs ARE COMIN, just hold on…………………………………..
O'Brien
April 8th, 2011
10:23 am
doc, vava,
I wish the Basketball HOF was split up into NBA HOF, College basketball HOF etc. As for Mullins, he was a very good player, but the fact that his teams didnt play well should have factored into the decision (imo).
As for Thibs, some of us wanted him to at least get an interview, but I think Chicago is where he wanted to be all along (and I dont blame him). Who wants to work for 8 cheap owners who cant even come to a decision swiftly.
He got his players to buy in, and think defense first. I dont think LD has gotten his players to buy into anything, but then again, as Woody’s assistant, he doesnt have the credibility that Thibs does (NBA champion with Boston, well known for his defense etc).
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
10:39 am
up next tonight: Indiana by 6…..
O'Brien
April 8th, 2011
10:40 am
From ajc.com;
Former NBA referee Rashan S. Michel’s much publicized fight with Atlanta sports icon Dominique Wilkins March 30 was not his first encounter with a member of the Atlanta Hawks over an alleged debt for clothing.
Michel had a similar, though non-violent, confrontation with then-Hawks rookie Solomon Jones in 2007, according to Atlanta Police Department records.
Jones noticed Michel arguing with Jones’ father in a Philips Arena walkway after a Friday game in January 2007, according to the incident report. At the time, Jones and Michel were engaged in an ongoing dispute over a $12,000 bill for “business attire” that Michel had shipped to Jones’ locker unsolicited, Jones told police.
Michel had previously threatened civil action, the report says.
Jones told police that as he approached the argument to find out what was going on, Michel told him “that he didn’t need to handle the situation civilly, but would take care of [Solomon Jones] with ’street justice, take care of this problem out in the street!’”
Jones said he felt threatened by Michel’s words. He reported the incident to police the following Monday, not because he wanted an arrest but “he wishes the verbal threat be documented in case anything happens to him or his family.”.
I MUS WRITE
April 8th, 2011
11:03 am
JJ complaining, LD showing he is a horrible head coach, Teague glued to the bench,Al playing soft in the middle, yada yada yada……..Who the hell cares.
Derrick rose man-Fast Dont Lie this man is the truth- If he wasnt on his rookie contract I would trade any 2 players we have for him. When u make Rondo look silly on D u are really doing something. Asik Boozer Gibson Noah KThomas-The lakers better watch it their big front line isnt so big against these guys. D Rose is probably thinking …..Dam ATL paid JJ 124 million, Im better than that guy he is average at best -how much am i worth on the open market……
Can we stop with this JC2 garbage- He was never gonna play here -he barely got out of his warmups. LD really is Woody Light -When JJ and Jamal were struggling he should hv played the guy but that would hv upset sum players maybe so he stayed on the bench.
CAn we trade our roster. Everybody can get the ax.Keep teague,Smoove,Al……..
Bruce Mac
April 8th, 2011
11:36 am
Yea baby, who the hell cares? Baseball has started.
James on Pharr Rd
April 8th, 2011
11:50 am
Bruce Mac:
Did you watch the cricket world cup?
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
11:52 am
YEA BOBBY FINALLY WENT FISHING, now hopefully they wont give away a couple of World Series again????? LOL
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
11:53 am
Hawks should shop everybody after the sweep……………LOL
The Game Has Changed
April 8th, 2011
12:04 pm
@Slimjr-First of all Bobby was a great coach. You must have been out fishing when we were going to World Series after World Series. Yes, we may have only won one but atleast we went to 5. Thats cool with me. I wish it could have been more but just because you go doesnt automatically equals a win. And as far as the Hawks why break up a 5th seed team. Lets bulild from that.
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
12:14 pm
Bobby should have been canned after giving away that 1999 World series that should have been a sweep against the Yanks..But he belong to the club so he got the pass…………..
The Game Has Changed
April 8th, 2011
12:14 pm
@Slimjr-Boozer has played with better point guard but he hasnt won anything either. So thats a mute point.
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
12:18 pm
mute point????????????? The question has nothing to do with excuses about point guard play..Stay on point…Boozer greater than AL at this point, point?
Slimjr
April 8th, 2011
12:20 pm
excuse me that was 1996 not 1999..We had no shot and got swept in 99…
Rev in Tampa
April 8th, 2011
12:29 pm
I don’t understand those telling us to get over the JC2 trade. Complaining about trades is essential to being a fan. People are still complaining about the Wilkens/Manning trade.
At this point in Jordan short 2-month career nobody can know for sure who he will develop into by his third year in the league. So in the meantime I will keep enjoying the JC2 game updates.
What frustrates me about the trade is how much Sund gave up to erase his overpaying for Bibby. We gave up last year’s first round (JC2), next year’s first round pick, Evans, and Bibby for a back-up point guard on a lousy team.
What’s really sad is that Bibby’s contract was so bad (almost as bad as his perimeter defense) that it makes the Hinrich trade at least understandable.
So every time Jordan scores over twenty points or more (even if he has to take 40 shots to do it) I’m going to complain about trading JC2 because he is a symbol of the inept management and coaching.
I could understand trading JC2 if the Hawks had a defense-first identity or if the played a team-oriented offense. Instead Drew has made it clear that he values JJ’s and JC1’s iso games and he will put up with inefficient scoring from both. So why not keep Jordan as a suitable and cheaper replacement for Jamal (unless, of course, Sund plans on re-signing Jamal – which would be maddening!!!)
The Game Has Changed
April 8th, 2011
12:30 pm
Thats why my name is The Game Has Changed. A point guard is suppose to make everybody better. EVERYBODY. Can you imagine is Al played with Magic or Stockton or Kidd. Thats the point playboy. And as far as Bobby, he was the heart and soul of sports in Atlanta for 20yrs. Back off. Yea we did lose some that we should have won. The 91 world series was one of the best of all time. I was there. I attended 4 world series and I shall treasure them forever. Thats my point.
darrell starks
April 8th, 2011
12:33 pm
I really would like for LD 2 suceed but some of the decision making as a coach have been hard for me as a GM.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rufus1
April 8th, 2011
12:44 pm
http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/knicks/cal_to_the_bullpen_L33AvGz7jkmW3ClIRtwkNI/1
Page 2 of this article talks about if LD will return.
darrell starks
April 8th, 2011
1:01 pm
If the hawks are going 2 have a chance in the playoff, lineup must be change.
1. Teague must starte he is a better defender than hinrich, and plus he give you more of a transition game when everything is half court in the playoffs.
2. Collins must starte, he give you that big in the paint that will bang and box out and defend the paint, defense is the key.
3. Horford should play powerforward only the hawks are a better team with a big beside him.
4. Josh at the 3 give you and a advantage in the playoff, that no other team have josh will score at will at the 3 in the post.
5. Jamal have 2 stop taking difficult shots, and penetrate more towards the basket 2 create a foul or and easy assist for his teammates.
6. Coach LD have coach big, keep the team big and roate your center, COLLINS, ZAZA, HILTON.
7. Joe must pass the ball or make a quick decision for a better play.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
terrell
April 8th, 2011
1:09 pm
(Assuming LD is back) Hell to the naw!