Atlanta Hawks: Would they be hopeless without Hinrich? (Update: Hinrich doubtful for series)
7:30 p.m. UPDATE: Hawks say Kirk Hinrich is doubtful to play in series vs. Bulls because of “significant strain” to hamstring.
Kirk Hinrich had an MRI this afternoon. The Hawks haven’t released the results yet but say they expect to announce something today. I’m told it didn’t look good for Hinrich last night but there was more optimism today because he was moving better.
If Hinrich can’t play or is very limited, the Hawks are in serious trouble against the Bulls. I’m assuming they can’t suddenly change their offensive habits to the point where they can score efficiently against the league’s best D. They need Hinrich for scoring, too, because if you are going to be a jump-shooting team it’s best to send out as many jump shooters as possible, especially one capable of getting his own.
So it seems Atlanta’s best chance in this series is to play rugged defense and pull out some grinding games. They did that against the Magic but the Dwight Defense is null against Chicago, which plays through D-Rose instead of the post. Among Atlanta’s guards, Hinrich is their best chance to slow D-Rose–if not by staying in front of him, then by going under screens and then recovering to challenge his (so-so) jump shot. As Hinrich showed during the Orlando series, he’s pretty good at that.
Hinrich’s availability is so crucial, in fact, that L.D. and his staff couldn’t really make a lot of decisions on their game plans today because they didn’t know if they’d have Hinrich.
“It certainly changes things,” Drew said. “Hopefully he will be able to go but if he’s not we will have to make an adjustment. Not knowing what we will do at that point, we will talk about it as a staff and then make a decision. We are looking at matchups to see what will work best for us and not really knowing if Kirk can go, can’t go, play some or can’t play at all—a lot of that will change things.”
If Hinrich can’t play or is ineffective, the other options to defend Rose are Teague, J.J., Jamal, and Damien.
L.D. hasn’t put much trust in Teague all season and now would be asking him to guard the best offensive point guard in the league.
“We’ve been talking to Teague already, getting his mind prepared,” Jamal said. “He understands the challenge at hand. I think he’s prepared himself for the opportunity. I think he got a little down when he was not paying as much. Sometimes things work out in strange ways. Now he gets his change to play.”
J.J. doesn’t like checking points and has proven to be effective at it only in small stretches. Plus the Hawks are going to need all the points they can get and tasking J.J. with chasing Rose through screens and also carrying his usual offensive burden is a lot to ask.
“I am sure through course of the series he will spend time on [Rose],” Drew said. “There is a high probability a few guys will see time on him. [The Bulls] put you in a situation where they do force you to switch. Joe has guarded point guards before; he’s comfortable defending point guards. Hopefully it won’t be much. I’d like to keep him off of him.”
Damien generally has fared better against opponents he can body up rather than those who require quick feet. Jamal had his moments playing acceptable team defense against the Magic but clearly this is not an assignment for him.
The pick-and-roll alignment the Hawks used against Jameer and the Magic probably doesn’t make sense. Noah isn’t a big threat on the roll–he’s scored 1.09 points per possession, according to Synergy Sports Technology, but only had 61 attempts. Rose is generally less concerned with kicking out to 3-point shooters than with getting to the basket for scores (he was third among point guards in field-goals per game at the rim with 3.8 and averaged five against the Hawks) or drawing fouls (.35 free-throw rate overall, .32 against the Hawks).
And, anyway, Rose has been much more efficient scoring in isolation (1.09 points per possession, ranked No. 4 in the league) than on screen-rolls (.87 ppp, ranked 45th). It could get ugly for the Hawks if the Bulls clear out for Rose and an Atlanta guard is forced to defend him in space.
There’s some sentiment in the Hawks’ locker room to play a zone against the Bulls. Good luck keeping the Bulls off the glass with that strategy. They were the fourth-best offensive rebounding team this season and they hammered the Hawks on the board in all three meetings this season.
“We have to come up with a game plan to try to slow down the potential MVP,” L.D. said. “It won’t be an easy job; it’s going to be tough. He’s seen probably every conceivable defense there is. One guy won’t do it. It will take a total team effort.”
True, but that effort would appear to be doomed without Hinrich.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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425 comments Add your comment
Michael Cunningham
April 29th, 2011
7:37 pm
blog updates with Hinrich doubtful for series vs. Bulls
SteveW
April 29th, 2011
7:38 pm
Greg – Just not true. When your 2 coaches have been Woody, who hated you, and Larry Drew who loathed you, what was Jeff supposed to do, insert himself into games?
And just as Collins boxscore doesn’t show his value to the team, neither does Teague’s. He was a defensive beast this season, just like Collins on Dwight.
And Marvin was a #2 pick, Teague a #19. Just a little difference there.
And LD could have let Jeff have a little burn against DRose when Chitown when up by like 47 against the Hawks, but not LD.
It’s pathological with LD if you have followed them this season.
SteveW
April 29th, 2011
7:42 pm
Now it’s time for LD to earn some more of that paycheck.
You know the Bulls played long stretches without Noah and Boozer, and kept on ticking. We can do the same, but it’s up to LD to grow up and show some confidence in Teague. He and Jamal can make a serviceable backcourt.
But you know Rose is licking his chops at a chance to get at Jamal. But Jamal is slightly better than Bibby.
ag
April 29th, 2011
7:59 pm
Steve W, I agree. I don’t know were these guys are coming up with turnover machine. I really hate to say it, in the back of my mind LD will not start JT. He will go with Joe at PG and start Twin and Marvin. I have a feeling. Then he will bring Jamal in. Marvin has played well at the two, but Twin starting is not good in this series.
For those of you who don’t know, JT had 3 games when he scored at least 20 points. Marvin had 4. KH has not done it this season. I posted what each man did against Chicago, and JT’s numbers are better in limited minutes.
All season people have begged to play Teague to prepare him for this moment. We won 44 games, and JT had more DNP’s than last season. If Woody-Lite plays JT and he plays poorly, I will be the first to man up and say he does not have it and apologize in the blogs to Woody-Lite.
If he plays well, and gets the Hawks to the ECF….I would want to fire Woody-Lite for being so stupid all season and to keep him because he is the only Atlanta Hawk coach to get them to the ECF.
JT has to step up and us this opportunity. The kid has game. He should not worry about missing shots ( everytime he misses, you see has head drop as he says damn!). Play your game JT.
ag
April 29th, 2011
8:05 pm
Greg and all the rest of you haters are not Hawks fans and do not watch the games. Jeff outplayed KH (statistically) in the three games vs Bulls. If the coaching staff would have given Jeff the opportunity they gave Marvin, Bibby and JCII would still be Hawks. After Monday, a lot of people will be eating humble pie.
ag
April 29th, 2011
8:07 pm
Hats off to Memphis, about to eliminate the Spurs without their best player!
RA
April 29th, 2011
8:07 pm
If Teague is EVER going to be a starting point guard for Atlanta, he NEEDS to make his case NOW!
Franchise-KCMO
April 29th, 2011
8:07 pm
I have to laugh at the posters who make comments on coaching or a players def…with the NBA rules on Def. and contact on a star player..Kirk Hinrich is the best on man defender in the NBA..with the rules allowing moving screens and no hand checking..Kirk can only direct the player to a predetermined position on the floor. In order to do that, he has to take a beating from elbows and knees and fight for every inch he can get to close on the player who, is always the NBA’s poster child and guaranteed to get the call, if they miss a shot..Atlanta appreciate what you have, and hope he can come back..if not, make vacation plans in two weeks!!!
Sleepy
April 29th, 2011
8:25 pm
You start Craw and you trap and get the ball out of Roses hands as much as possible in fact I would even break out the zone while Korver is out . Anything else is just silly because ONE GUY IS NOT GONNA STOP ROSE .
Booo!
April 29th, 2011
8:30 pm
LOL @ Gearon getting on Mark Bradley, Ha!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9lP9zBI0HU&feature=channel_video_title
For, me this next series against the Cows rests on Jeff Teague. If he has a coming out party, I see positive things for our future. Hopefully someone will give LD the memo.
Free The Teague!
BosnianBaller
April 29th, 2011
8:31 pm
I wouldnt mind activating Pape Sy and just let him play D coming off the bench. Couldn’t hurt as the third guy behind Teague and Crawford. I would give it a try for at least 1 game. Just D him up
brigadierjerry
April 29th, 2011
8:32 pm
This Bulls team reminds me so much of a better offensive version not much of that 2001 sixers team. What hurts the Hawks though is that they do not have a point guard that will make Rose work on the defensive end like the Pacers did with Collison and AJ Price. Rose is not a good defender. Make him get his and worry about the other players not getting off mainly Korver and Deng. If those two can be contained and Horford and Smith outplay Noah and Boozer than Hawks have a chance. Also this series will be won on the boards and in the paint. Defense will have to be a staple for the Hawks in this series because we know the Bulls will win it.
Lastly, I hope this series is competitive like the series I believe the year was 1996–97 with the Blaylok Steve Smith team then the 1992–93 Wilkens Koncak teams. Anybody remember that team?Was ole defensive against that Bulls team and ended up getting swept
JMo
April 29th, 2011
8:36 pm
You sure it’s for the whole series or just for Game 1??
ESPN article seems to indicate it’s just for Game 1 and that he might be back
Later in the week.
Booo!
April 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
This is the saddest damn thing i’ve ever seen Smh!
When asked about Teague larry is saying “yes” but shaking his head “No”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lstyLvlt4w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
If teague doesnt get significant burn in this series’ he’s gone after the playoffs. If I have to march up to ASG HQ, i’ll make it happen.
Buddy Grizzard
April 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
Las Vegas Larry can’t stupidly give Teague the cold shoulder anymore. He doesn’t have a choice. Welcome to your first playoff start, JT.
Slimjr
April 29th, 2011
8:39 pm
blog updates with Hinrich doubtful for series vs. Bulls!!
Oh well Larry you coached yourself into a box..No Hinrich!!! Ouch!
Now you have no choice but to give Teague huge minutes….
Go Teague…kick azz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Booo!
April 29th, 2011
8:42 pm
The ONE game we won against Chicago this season, Jason Collins started at Center. Just throwing that out there. Smoove will contain Deng.
Booo!
April 29th, 2011
8:45 pm
MC, I disagree Jeff Teague is the best defensive PG on our roster. It’s not even debateable. Maybe Kirk has more intagibles because of experience, but He can’t hang with Rose like Jeff can.
Marcus
April 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Seems like every year we make to the Conf. Semis, we have nagging injury concerns. I can’t remember who, but I thought someone was dinged when we played CLE in 2009, and someone else was iffy when we played ORL last year.
northcyde
April 29th, 2011
8:54 pm
Booo!
April 29th, 2011
8:37 pm
This is the saddest damn thing i’ve ever seen Smh!
When asked about Teague larry is saying “yes” but shaking his head “No”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lstyLvlt4w&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
If teague doesnt get significant burn in this series’ he’s gone after the playoffs. If I have to march up to ASG HQ, i’ll make it happen.
***************************
LOL . . that video is hilarious. Talk about body language saying something other than what your mouth is saying.
So if Hinrich is doubtful for the series, that means that Larry’s job is safe for next year. Now we have a somewhat legit excuse for not advancing past Chicago, seeing that the guy we traded for to put us past this round, got hurt.
This is either catastrophic . . or a blessing in disguise. Because until proven otherwise, the Teague – JJ – Marvin – Smith – Horford lineup is our BEST lineup statistically. No, that lineup didn’t play vs the elite of the league, but they did play well in the 5 games they mainly played together in ( Phoenix, Golden St, Denver, Portland, and Denver ).
Drew has to start Teague now. And start him out playing like Woody did Royal Ivey. But if Teague shows that he can produce, you extend his minutes without hesitation.
Here’s your chance Jeff. Prove all of your critics ( which includes myself ) wrong. If Drew plays you, you won’t ever get a better chance to prove your worth, than in these next few games. And while the excuse can definitely be said that any sort of poor play on your part is due to you not playing, you STILL have to take advantage of this.
If you don’t, you may never be the starting PG for the Atlanta Hawks . . EVER.
Seize the moment young fella.
ATLER ( ramblin wreck )
April 29th, 2011
8:57 pm
YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bring on Teague and I hope Kurt hurries back also. We need them both!!!!!!!!
The Game Has Changed
April 29th, 2011
8:59 pm
We just need to go with a big line up. Thats the only was Rose will be put on the blocks the entire game. That way he wont be able to start the break so fast. He will be backed in on the post. So the line up should be Joe, Marvin, Josh, Al, and Twin. Therefore you could bring Teague, Crawford, Za, and Wilkins off the bench. Go Hawks
Dept. of Unintended Irony
April 29th, 2011
9:00 pm
WindyCity Winner
April 29th, 2011
5:36 pm
“I believe that the Bulls will have a god series against the Hawks.”
Which God? Jehovah? Vishnu? Buddha? Inquiring spiritual minds want to know. Are the Bulls praying to win? Are you?
See Truth, now there’s an example of a misspelling with some irony.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 29th, 2011
9:01 pm
Dang!
Can we sign a D-Leaguer to replace Kirk? He is done for the year!
Will Pape Sy and Teague see some action. Hey, this is a golden opportunity for some one else to step up.
tyger
April 29th, 2011
9:05 pm
Najeh Davenpoop posted a nasty virus – do not click his post!
Dept. of Unintended Irony
April 29th, 2011
9:10 pm
“And stay on the shooters. They are not creatures.”
Well, if they are inanimate, they sure will be easy to guard.
The Real Mandingo
April 29th, 2011
9:16 pm
Watch Hinrich’s injury get continually upgraded prior to Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi’s…Now KH is considered doubtful, next he will be considered questionable, then considered probable, and then, after that, considered likely. By Game 1, KH will be ready to go at 85% (healthy) and everyone will be riding his jock calling him a gamer. What a joke.
tremaine
April 29th, 2011
9:18 pm
What up people, it’s finally time to “GIVE TEAGUE A CHANCE!”
tremaine
April 29th, 2011
9:28 pm
Gearon is delusional.
JASon
April 29th, 2011
9:38 pm
If Kirk Hinrich doesn’t play you might as well not even watch the bulls series.
Ant banks
April 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
Ever see Heaven can wait, with Warren Beatty? Well, when it is your time to shine God has a way of moving folks outta the way. See bledsoe/Brady or montana/young. It’s teague turn now.plain and simple. Hinrich will be ineffective the whole series. Teague will shine
James on Pharr Rd
April 29th, 2011
10:03 pm
How about we shoot for a big lineup of: JJ,MW,AH,JS & Twin? Joe plays Rose the way Pierce plays Lebron, or Kobe plays Wade…… Teague should be first off the bench for Marvin & he can switch onto Rose
Mike is back
April 29th, 2011
10:22 pm
MC, Captain Kurt will be sorely missed…it is a huge lost…I wish Kurt a speedy recovery.
As long as LD can get over his self…and understand that Teague is going look really bad at times…than all is not lost.
I have yet to understand why LD sets the bar so high for Teague…and not the entire team.
I think if LD tells Teague something simple like…don’t make foolish gambles…keep Rose in front of you…and make him work for everything he gets…Teague can handle that…Heck, Rose is performing at MVP level…its not like Kurt was going to shut him down.
LD doesn’t has to come up with some funky line-up…give the kid his chance…Teague has handle his DNPs with class…now its time to show some confidence in the young fellow.
Harpie
April 29th, 2011
10:33 pm
Well, now the Hawks may have the excuse they need; Atlanta’s teams always have an excuse of some kind for why they stink!
myhawks
April 29th, 2011
10:36 pm
First off good job my hawks i knew they could do it.. so this is a perfect matchup for us..why may you ask its really simple we have more experience..history is on our side..its been shown that experience out shines talent in the playoffs..true enough alot is going to depend on Teague doing good but we all know he has the talent and what better time to set up..i predict myHawks in 6..again..ohh I almost forgot Josh please stay in the post we really need you this series…
Ellen
April 29th, 2011
10:37 pm
I don’t want to layer on excuses for Teague if he’s unable to step up, but can you think of a worse thing to do to a young player. Never give him consistent minutes, completely bench him for much of the year, ignore him during the first round, and then hey kid we need you to guard the probable MVP.
I wouldn’t fault Teague for being unprepared and LD should have had the foresight to imagine a situation like this where Teague would be needed.
Ms.Chi-City
April 29th, 2011
10:57 pm
bulls will have a god series against the hawks? hmm i think he meant the bulls will play like gods lmao GO BULLS!
Ms.Chi-City
April 29th, 2011
10:59 pm
you are seriously stupid if u think the bulls will lose this series
Tech Man
April 29th, 2011
11:02 pm
Jeff Teague doesn’t play much because he makes poor decisions with the ball. He does not read the floor well and therefore ends up forcing the ball away from the most obvious open situation.
He has not stepped up to be the “floor general” the Hawks need him to be.
northcyde
April 29th, 2011
11:10 pm
Tech Man . . I agree. But that’s all the more reason why you play him alongside a guy like JJ, who will be the one making the decisions anyway. All Teague has to do is play a complimentary role and slash to the hole on occasion when he has the chance. And on defense, play as hard as he can.
He’s the one player that if he gets out in the open court, could really energize our fast break.
Ra'mon
April 29th, 2011
11:15 pm
Tech, when is the last time you’ve seen Kirk be the floor general of the Hawks? He even defers to Crawford to bring the ball up.
northcyde
April 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
The Memphis crowd is great tonight. That’s a college town at heart that supports the Memphis Tigers to the death, like Georgia fans may support the Bulldogs in football. But they’ve transferred all of their energy to the Grizzlies. This is nice to see for a franchise that many people want to fold, because of their economic issues.
Their defense is incredible tonight, with only Tony Parker saving them with his shot making.
And WOW . . Zebo is a KILLER. If only Horford or Smith had a low post/midrange game like Zach, we’d be set to take the East.
Damn . . looks like I may have to do a Saturday in Memphis, and a Sunday in Atlanta next weekend.
cp
April 29th, 2011
11:31 pm
Good post from a lot of people on here. The Hinrich injury is the reason why so many on here have said you have to develop your young pg. His pt has been up and down all year now he will be asked to defend the mvp of the league. I doubt LD has any confidence in him but hopefully his teammates do and more imporantingly he has confidence in himself. He cant put his head down if he makes a mistake. Its his chance to shine hopefully he steps up.
Buddy Grizzard
April 29th, 2011
11:32 pm
“I wouldn’t fault Teague for being unprepared and LD should have had the foresight to imagine a situation like this where Teague would be needed.” – Ellen
Seriously, the Hawks tanked the regular season anyway. Why not play Teague? Las Vegas Larry has a personal problem with Jeff Teague and does not want to see him succeed. He has set him up for failure at every opportunity.
Buddy Grizzard
April 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
“you are seriously stupid if u think the bulls will lose this series”
I’m seriously stupid in six games.
Harpie
April 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
Ellen – you’re right…
cp
April 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
Damn, Z-Bo putting in work
northcyde
April 29th, 2011
11:35 pm
WOW @ ZACH . . . KILLING THEM. Creating his own shot and making extremely difficult shots.
Harry Hawk
April 29th, 2011
11:41 pm
The Hawks aren’t going to get any better than this. That’s why I can’t get excited about anything this team does. They are a second-round out. That is their role. That is what they do best.
Buddy Grizzard
April 29th, 2011
11:43 pm
Imagine this Memphis team next year with a healthy Rudy Gay.