Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 103, Bulls 95
Chicago–It’s not hard to figure out why lots of people don’t like the Hawks.
- The numbers guys disdain them because they don’t compute on some things they hold sacred, like victory margins and inefficient shot selection. Old school fans don’t like the Hawks because of the way they’ve dogged it at times. Those who like their offense fluid scoff at Iso-Joe.
- I’ve been as hard on the Hawks as anyone. They deserved the scrutiny with so many home beatdowns. They don’t play to their strengths often enough. Some of L.D.’s ’s tics are hard to figure, like the two-foul rule and the banishment of Teague and Zaza to the end of the bench.
- But, at some point, don’t the Hawks deserve some credit? If one of the knocks against them was that they too often lie down, then why don’t they seem to be getting any Ps now that they keep rising up?
- “People talk about Boston, Miami, Orlando and Chicago in the East and nobody talks about the Hawks,” Jamal said. ” We kind of like it that way. We don’t get the glory. We just come out and try to win.”
- Truth is, the Hawks didn’t give anyone much good to talk about until they flipped that switch in Game 1 at Orlando. They’ve won 5 of 7 playoff games since then, though, and yet it seems people still don’t know what to make of the Hawks.
- “If you looked at us in the regular season, we are a roller coaster,” Al said. “We come out and play great, the other game we get blown out by 50, and so people are saying, ‘Same Hawks again.’ And I can understand that. But I think the guys have come to realize we have an opportunity to do something special. We are just embracing our chance to still be in the playoffs.”
- After the game, the questions for the Hawks from Chicago media types were along the lines of: “Now that you’ve got the Bulls’ attention, how do you expect them to react?”
- I would have thought the Hawks beating the Magic in six would get Chicago’s attention even with Hinrich out. And if it didn’t what does that say about the Bulls, who had an excellent regular season but have proven even less than the Hawks in the playoffs?
- The Hawks scored 103 points on 89 possessions against the best defensive team in the league. That’s with Al scoring just seven points on seven shots and Josh skewing the numbers with an assortment of poor shots (but making a key jumper and getting a key block late).
- The Hawks shot just below their average on long 2-point jump shots but got more baskets from 15 feet and closer.
- “We did a much better job in our shot selections,” L.D. said. “We had some moments where we started playing too much isolation basketball and it gets us in a bit of trouble but we played out of it.”
- Teague was thrust into what looked like an impossible situation and flourished. He’s almost as quick as D-Rose, might be even more athletic and showed no fear.
- “Jeff was absolutely phenomenal,” L.D. said. “He played like a seasoned vet. His aggression, his attack state, his ability get into the paint–he played like a kid who has been playing a lot of minutes for me. He really stepped up big with the assignment he had and having to deal with the pressure of being in the playoffs.”
- Teague’s speed makes Atlanta’s half-court sets more dynamic. He turns the corner so fast he demands a hedge from the big and tonight he was good at threading the traps with his passes.
- Teague also looked for his own shot and was much more assertive with the floaters and runners. “I think that’s how I play,” he said. “L.D. came to me and told me to play my game and don’t just focus on guarding him. Make him guard, too.”
- “On the offensive end, not being shy, not being timid and just playing the way I know he is capable of playing,” L.D. said. “I told him, ‘I want you to play like Jeff Teague.’ I don’t want you to bow down to anyone you are playing with, I don’t want you to bow down to your teammates. You are just as important.”
- D-Rose was strangely passive at times. Perhaps he was trying to get his teammates involved but have you seen some of those teammates try to score?
- Rose was 4 for 9 at the basket, 7 for 18 from 3 feet and out and didn’t attempt a free throw.
- “The game plan was to just try to contain him,” Drew said. “We didn’t want to trap him off the bat to open things up. I think my big guys did a really good job at showing out on the screens. Our guards were good as well at corralling.”
- Al and Josh were strong on the boards and with protecting the rim and combined for eight assists against just one turnover. That’s a testament to Atlanta’s sharp ball movement through its big men.
- Zaza, Damien and Twin didn’t play much but made their minutes count.
- Damien was energetic and had a couple steals and baskets. Twin helped the Hawks get through foul trouble with five rebounds and two made jumpers.
- Zaza had some garbage buckets around the basket to keep the Hawks afloat in the second half and finished with five rebounds.
- “We were kind of dead in the water,” L.D. said. “He got his hands on a couple balls around the basket. They were a couple busted plays but the ball was in his hands and he laid them in. Zaza is my energy guy. I need his physicality. He’s a banger and when he plays like that it just makes us a better ball club.”
- I know what you are thinking: The Hawks tried to trade Zaza and Teague was buried on the bench behind Bibby. Better late then never, I guess.
- The same thing can be said for all of the Hawks.
- “We came together before the Charlotte game,” Smoove said. “We had a team dinner and we was talking amongst ourselves about how talented this ball club is and what we are capable of doing. We understood and knew the focus that we had to have to go into the postseason. Guys are playing all out for each other. We are playing with nothing to lose.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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317 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
2:13 pm
dem Hawks beat down da Bulls..love that Ginos East DEEP DISH PAN PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Yeah…..
Professor X
May 3rd, 2011
2:15 pm
Anybody here that can translate ebonics ?
DrSlimjr
May 3rd, 2011
2:19 pm
Go Hawks in 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
May 3rd, 2011
2:28 pm
I didn’t think we were that complacent in game 2 vs. Orlando. I thought Orlando came out desperate as hell and naturally just had more fire than us. That happens. Ideally, you want to come out with fire and win every game, but Orlando was fired up. We just gotta try as much as possible to match Chicago’s intensity and not let D.Rose’s MVP Presentation psyche us out
ROAD WARRIORS
STEAL GAME 2
HAWKS, TAKE US TO THE HOLY LAND
JeJe
May 3rd, 2011
2:29 pm
IMAGINE IF MARVIN WASN’T AN AWKWARD STIFF AND IF SMOOVE PLAYED TO HIS STRENGTHS
WE WOULD SWEEP OUR WAY TO THE ECF (WOULD’VE SWEPT ORLANDO)
JeJe
May 3rd, 2011
2:32 pm
Marvin has played exactly 22 minutes each the last 3 games and has exactly 6 FGA
FIRE LD
Tyger
May 3rd, 2011
2:44 pm
Hawks in 7, here’s why?
1. LD will devise a D to neutralize Rose. I suggest a zone blitz.
2. Hawks mentally/physically/spiritually tougher after Magic series.
3. Individual matchups are pretty even overall.
4. JJ’s playing better, his domination of Korver/Brewer is key.
5. Teague contributes after watching Rocky I, II, III, IV.
6. Damian ain’t scared to throw ‘dem bows.
7. Smoove/Deng is a good matchup, younger legs prevail in 7.
8. Horford has Noah’s number.
9. Big lineup will neutralize Noah, Thomas, Boozer.
10. Watson scares me.
drmaryb (*_-)
May 3rd, 2011
2:45 pm
Najeh & Northcyde!
I got it! I’m headed over there to stir up some ish.
See if I can’t piss a few people off, start a fight and fight dirty!
Naw … I’m just kidding, I’ll try and be nice with my “pile – driver” and head – butts. LOL! Thanks fellas.
Rufus1
May 3rd, 2011
2:52 pm
The Bulls are an illusion…
They have been playing with playoff level effort and defense all year…In the playoffs everyone plays at that level so experienced, talented shotmakers are the difference and the Hawks have more.
They get their points from turnovers, offensive rebs and DRose(One players ISO-Players). Those things are the easiest to solve in the playoffs and we have alot of knowledge on how to stop one “ISO player”.
When the Hawks beat the Magic(Their true Bully) the Bulls were just bunch of overconfident, overachievers, who now stand in their way.
They don’t have a 2nd gear and the playoffs are played at a different speed.
CapedCrusader
May 3rd, 2011
2:59 pm
I know that commish David Stern would love for there to be a Boston/Lakers rematch and he feels this would be great for his league. But Im looking for the Hawks/Grizzles matchup that would give the Hawks the championship trophy. That is the only matchup in which the Hawks have a chance to become champions. If we have to face anyone else, we wont make it. Dont look now, but the Hawks are about to join the Braves as this city’s only world champions as we gear up for the final stretch of the season. Stay tuned. Hawks over Bulls in 4.
I'm A Bad-Balla
May 3rd, 2011
3:03 pm
Your finals matchup will feature the Los Angeles Lakers against the Miami Heat. Get your tickets today.
WreckingBall
May 3rd, 2011
3:06 pm
I know most fans have given up on Josh Smith, but SmooveDog is going to be something else when next season rolls around. I think Smoove is going to take his game to another level and he will finally play like a normal NBA player. Currently, Smoove is playing at such a low level that I cringe every time the ball touches his paws. In fact, Smoove has been mostly an AUTOMATIC TURNOVER the minute he puts his mitts on the basketball. Next year, I believe Josh will take my advice and hit the gym taking at least 1000 jump shots per day. Then when he comes into training camp if he is slashing to the basket and finally making his outside straight-on 3-ball, then the Hawks should benefit from his dedication over the summer. Next year, SmmoveDog will give us some quality minutes from his small forward slot and should be a solid candidate for a possible MVP award.
JeJe
May 3rd, 2011
3:12 pm
drmaryb,
What’s the link to the Bulls’ blog site? I always have trouble finding these things
Arty
May 3rd, 2011
3:18 pm
DinasaurFenton
May 3rd, 2011
10:55 am
“The key to this Hawks season was far has been the Hinrich trade. Basically whether they admit it or not, Hinrich has taught (by his own example) how to play steller defense that many of the lazy Hawks were not playing before Hinrich arrived on the scene. Since Hinrich has been here the Hawks have played much better defense and we are up 1-0 on Chicago (the team with the leagues best record). Thats pretty good for a traditionally pitiful Hawks franchise that normally gets their butts handed to them on a silver platter. Go Hawks. Take down Bulls in 6.”
Well said!! Without Hinrich, you don’t know whether the Hawks could beat the Magic and have a chance to play in the second round. Hinrich had never injured during the playoff. He is injured in game 6 because he gave his all to refuse letting the Hawks lose. He was the smallest guy on the court (among the Hawks), but he was brave enough to drive against Howard to make that critical 2 pt because he saw the lead was slipping away. Without his critical 2 pt (while risk injuring himself), the Hawks would be down 1 pt instead of up 1 pt and may not win game 6 (because the Magic’s strategy would be different). Maybe his courage inspires Jo-Jo and other Hawks a little, since I have not seen the Hawks play this type of tough defense and inspiring playoff basketball for the past 2-3 yrs.
I hope the Hawks will keep up their good playing on both ends of floor and knock out the vastly overated Rose (the most undeserving MVP I have ever seen; the Bulls won most of games because his teammates played good/great defense) and the Bulls. I’m so sick and tired of the media hype the volume shooter Rose (Hey even Teague could score that many pts if he took that many shots) and I don’t watch the basketball game anymore. If the Hawks eliminate the Bulls, I’ll come back to watch the Hawks in ECF. Hope Teague keeps his confidence high and playing well.
northcyde
May 3rd, 2011
3:21 pm
Wrecking . . what we need Josh Smith to do is not work on his jumper, but work on his post game. Horford too, for that matter. If either of those two guys had just a little above average post game, the Hawks would be less dependent on the ISO guards that people tend to hate at times.
The fact is that since Christmas, Smith’s jumper has failed him . . and it’s failing him something terrible during these playoffs. All people want the guy to do, is play to his strengths, not be tempted to prove that he can do something that most people think he’s weak at.
Instead of 1000 jumpshots, how about trying to develop 3 go-to type post moves? That would do more to help the Hawks, than Smith trying to make jumpers.
@ JeJe . . . http://www.blogabull.com
Grandad
May 3rd, 2011
3:32 pm
If I may;
I would like to put to rest,
the whole debate concerning “All-star Al”
-&- whether or not he merits or did merit All-Star status.
Al is the 8th ranked player in the East based on “Efficiecy for 2010/11″
At the time of the All-star game he would have been 6th, due to:
Melo & D.Williams being in the West.
2010/11 Efficiency Rankings NBA Eastern Conference:
1. LbJ
2. D.Howard
3. D.wade
4. Amar’e
5. Rose
6. D.Williams
7. Melo
8. Al Horford*
__________________________________________________________
Another interesting item; *(last eve)
our best five man combo according to (+/-) was:
Teaguer…..Jamal…..Joe…..Al…..Zaza
Grandad
May 3rd, 2011
3:33 pm
3. D.wade
* 3. D.Wade [corrected]
Rod from College Park
May 3rd, 2011
3:34 pm
SteveW,
“He’s had 20 assists the last 4 games.”
When Joe and Jamal are shooting the way they have been the last couple of games, everybodies assist will be up.
“No chance against Howard. As Josh said, “He’s too tall!”.”
Howard is 6′11, Josh is 6′9, Horford is 6′10. Who should be guarding Howard, Josh or Horford?
“Did you read the article I posted about Al’s defense last night? They said it was one of the reasons we won the game.”
If the article you posted referred to Al’s defense as the reason we won the game, and did not mention Josh’s defense, then there is no reason for me to read that article.
“He’s a solid, All Star Center, in a League starved for Centers.”
He states that he is more confortable being a power forward. He has not guarded any centers in the playoffs. Josh was on Noah most of the game last night.
“Want what you want, but it’s just a smokescreen so people won’t criticize Josh, and you know it.”
There is nothing me, you, or the Lord could do to keep people from criticizing Josh Smith. He deserves the criticism, if he continues to try to do things that he is not good at. He also deserves credit for things he does well. But lets remember, Josh is not an All Star, Al is.
Al is not above critisism. All of the All star power forwards and Centers in the playoffs are listed and their playoff numbers (not one game). Stoudemire, Gasol, Duncan, and Garnett, are closest to Al in stats, and Gasol, and Duncan have been roasted in the media daily, Stoudemire was hurt, and Garnett is on his last leg. All listed FG% are higher than Horford, except for Stoudemire, and he was injured. But, I can’t critisize Horford?
Bosh – 17ppg, 9.5 rpg, 46% FG
Duncan – 12ppg, 10rpg, 47%FG
Randolph – 23ppg, 9rpg, 50% FG
Howard – 27ppg, 15rpg, 63%FG
Aldridge – 20ppg, 7rpg, 46%FG
Nowitzki – 27ppg, 8rpg, 46%FG
Gasol – 13ppg, 7rpg, 42%FG
Stoudemire – 14.5ppg, 7rpg 38%FG
KG – 13.6ppg, 10rpg, 43%FG
Horford – 11ppg, 10rpg, 41%FG
superiorblogman
May 3rd, 2011
3:36 pm
Najeh Davenpoop
May 3rd, 2011
11:56 am
“And with each game like this, Jamal is pricing himself out of the Hawks range. Of all the FA SGs out there (Richardson, Carter, JR Smith etc), Jamal has to be top of the list. This is a contract year (and he didn’t play particularly well in the regular season), and there are lots of players who have great years during their contract year. But Jamal has definitely exceeded expectations.”
If Teague continues to emerge in this series, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go into next season as the starter with Kirk more or less sliding into Jamal’s bench role. Kirk is a combo guard after all. Obviously the future is cloudy since there will be a new CBA, but it’s hard for me to imagine a scenario where Jamal and Kirk are both Hawks next year if Teague continues to play well. Then again, not everything this team does makes much sense…
I like what Kirk brings “sometimes” on D, but that trade was bad and will look even worse this summer because he will be costing one more million that we could use to resign Jamal, this team needs Jamal he is like our Vinnie Johnson (Detroit Bad Boys that won NBA title). Personally, I think Sund can make ammends for that trade by trading Hinrich’s expiring whenever the CBA get’s done. I am enjoying the ride but the fact remains we have 3 glaring holes: C, SF, and a knockdown shooter. The knockdown shooter can be taken care of with a minimum level player or even 2nd round pick, but the other two will probably have to come through trades.
JeJe
May 3rd, 2011
3:37 pm
That game 5 [blowout] loss to Orlando was huge.
Our players need to KEEP REMINDING THEMSELVES that games like that will happen if we get complacent
We cannot let immature people like Smoove tell us that we just need to steal 1 in Chicago.
We still have not had a game yet this postseason where Smoove has led the team.
JeJe
May 3rd, 2011
3:40 pm
If we win this series, ECF will be tough as hell. Scared of LBJ and Wade, but Boston would be rough too
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
3:49 pm
“Another interesting item; *(last eve)
our best five man combo according to (+/-) was:
Teaguer…..Jamal…..Joe…..Al…..Zaza”
BINGO!! Bench Magic jr and Stiff man..
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
3:51 pm
Allstar Al for Non ALLstar Aldridge
Grandad
May 3rd, 2011
3:56 pm
I don’t care what Josh does this off-season;
because I’m hoping he’s traded for a Big man.
[a true Big man]
One who actually measures 7 ft + in his bare feet.
One who actually is mendable to coaching.
Even if he’s slightly less talented than Josh.
superiorblogman
May 3rd, 2011
4:01 pm
Grandad
May 3rd, 2011
3:56 pm
I don’t care what Josh does this off-season;
because I’m hoping he’s traded for a Big man.
[a true Big man]
One who actually measures 7 ft + in his bare feet.
One who actually is mendable to coaching.
Even if he’s slightly less talented than Josh.
Name 5 big men that fit that category. If you can’t name me 3?
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
4:02 pm
josh for JaVale McGee this summer!!!!
make it so……
Rod from College Park
May 3rd, 2011
4:03 pm
Grandad,
“If I may;
I would like to put to rest,
the whole debate concerning “All-star Al”
-&- whether or not he merits or did merit All-Star status.”
Your post explains my argument. Al was playing at an All star level during the regular season. He deserved the All Star nomination. He was probably so efficient because centers were not coming out beyond the free throw line to guard him, thus wide open jumpers. But in the playoffs, when you really make your money, his effeciency is way down, because teams are not leaving him open, and he is not playing at an All Star level. He can be criticized also.
Rod from College Park
May 3rd, 2011
4:06 pm
My bad, forgot Aldridge was not an all star. Whose better Aldridge or Al?
superiorblogman
May 3rd, 2011
4:11 pm
I will help u Grandad these are the C’s in the league that measure 7ft plus when barefoot.
Illgauskas
Thabeet
Shaq
Aaron Gray
Bargnani
Now which one of those guys is worthing of trading Josh for?
On the other hand, these are guys that measure 7 ft with shoes in the league.
BJ Mullens
Brendan Haywood
Chris Kaman
Tyson Chandler
Solomon Alabi
Brook Lopez
Kevin Garnett
Marcus Camby
Erick Dampier
Greg Oden
Brad Miller
Javale McGee
Marcin Gortat
Tim Duncan
Andrew Bogut
Spencer Hawes
Joakim Noah
Which one of these guys do you think is both worthy of trading Josh and the team would be willing to trade the player?
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
4:11 pm
ALLSTAR AL’S JUMPSHOT IS BEING CONTESTED NOW, SO SINCE HES ONE DIMENSIONAL IN HIS OFFENSE HE HAS VIRTUALLY DISAPPEARED SAVE FOR THE 13 BOARDS LAST NIGHT…AND SOME TOKEN BAILOUT ASSIST TO HIS GUARDS…..
IS HE PLAYING LIKE AN ALLSTAR????? ________________________FILL IN THE BLANK…..
hawks_4_life
May 3rd, 2011
4:28 pm
Even when we win reading some this make me feel like we lost.
JoJo the Godfather
May 3rd, 2011
4:31 pm
I don’t see why everyone is so down on Josh and/or Al. We’re lucky to have both guys. They are young, talented, and affordable. Before we trade either guy, I hope we at least try to match them up with a competent head coach. I still see an offense that isn’t asking Josh Smith to post up, and isn’t holding him accountable for shot selection. He can be fixed. Horford improves every year. There’s no reason to think that he won’t continue marginal improvement each year until he’s in his late 20’s, early 30’s.
By the way, Magnum Rolle is the next Dennis Rodman. Mark it down.
Walt Clyde Frazier
May 3rd, 2011
4:33 pm
I hate that people are complaining about Al Horford’s steller play. Sure Al has been a little tentative on the offensive side of the court for about 6 weeks now, dating back to the last month of the season. It really doesnt matter to me because the Hawks are winning important games without Horford being in the sole spotlight. Sure we’d love to see Al score 30 points and grab 16 rebounds; but we really dont need that out of him every night. Last night although he only scored 9, he grabbed 13 impressive rebounds which helped the Hawks coast to a win. Al is saving his muscle and strength for the next round. When we get to the Eastern Conference Finals, Al will rise up again and play out of his mind, with reckless abandon as he will help the Hawks make it to the Finals. Go Hawks, crush Bulls in 4.
Leffty
May 3rd, 2011
4:36 pm
Johnson was huge last night, and he took advantage of a vulnerable Bulls squad. They looked bad against the Pacers, and they looked bad last night in Chicago. The Hawks got great contributions off the bench (Crawford: 22 points) and from Joe Johnson: 34 points on 12-18 shooting. That’s a winning formula for the Hawks, especially now that they have home court advantage. Check it out:
http://bit.ly/k5C1ni
WreckingBall
May 3rd, 2011
4:38 pm
I know that “AllStar Al” is kind of taking a vacation, playing it cool and taking his time, trying desparately to find his timing and rhythm for the playoffs. So far, guys and gals, WE HAVENT NEEDED ANY PRODUCTION OUT OF AL AT ALL BECAUSE WE HAVE JAMAL AND JOE TO DO MOST OF OUR SCORING. So Al, continue to rest, take it easy and be laid back, we dont care as long as we come away as WORLD CHAMPIONS, hey thats all that matters to me. Go Hawks, beat Bulls in only 4 quick games.
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
4:42 pm
Allstar AL and Josh as your feature 4 and 4&5 combo will not beat the Celtics or Lakers and Miami looks like a bad match up too.
Mcgee and Aldridge at the 4 and 5! I see a step up and they are just as athletic and play bigger!!
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
4:43 pm
both Josh and Allstar Al have turrible handles……………
doc
May 3rd, 2011
4:44 pm
northcyde they could both use some bulk going forward rather than jump shots. that is one of the deterrents to their post game, too easily knocked off the mark on both ends of the court. develop that during the summer.
Slimjr
May 3rd, 2011
4:46 pm
And when Boozer was locked in down low in the box he moved Josh and Allstar AL out the way like they were kids…………..
Grandad
May 3rd, 2011
4:49 pm
Slobberbloggerknocker
You did not give me time:
7 ft and above: [I would have answered]
* Bogut (really good)
* Kaman (yeah I would do it)
* Mark Gasol (they probably wouldn’t)
** [it would take a S -&- T, believe it or not, I heard a rumor (later)]
* Bynum (LAL would not do it, + AB has inj issues, but if they would)
* Gortat (I would do it)
Why did you not think I already had @ least five names.
I’ve got FA Bigs lined up for the summer.
What, you think I make random statements
with no thought behind it, c’mon.
I glanced @ your list, but I’ve put alot of thought into this.
superiorblogman
May 3rd, 2011
4:53 pm
Grandad:
I would not trade Josh for Gortat. Gortat would not put us over the top. I would not trade Josh for Kaman, Kaman would not put us over the top.
I would trade Josh for Bogut or Gasol.
Lastly, you correctly stated that LA would not do Josh for Bynum.
superiorblogman
May 3rd, 2011
5:02 pm
Marvin, Zaza, and Phoenix keeps that 2nd they owe us for Gortat and J Chillz= Championship Quality Lineup
Marvin, Zaza, and Kirk for Chris Kaman and Mo Williams=’s slightly better offensive roster
We don’t need to be giving Josh up for players of Gortat and Kaman’s caliber sorry.
GrandmaMoses
May 3rd, 2011
5:06 pm
I was thrilled to hear that Derrick Rose won the MVP Award today. Rose literally WILLED himself to that award. Most fans know the guy doesnt deserve it, but since Rose has become popular his name has gotten out in front of that award. Rose is probably the 9th or 10th best player in the league. Here are nine guys who are considerably better than Rose:1)Kobe Bryant, LaBron James, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Joe Johnson, Dirk Nowinski, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kevin Durant and Carmello Anthony. These guys are much better than Rose, but somehow Rose got his name out in front of the MVP award and somehow won the award. Derrick Rose is about the same in talent to Jamier Nelson. Both do exactly the same thing: drive down the lane to the basket like a an angry bull and lay the ball up off the glass. Boring.
KevinM
May 3rd, 2011
5:08 pm
For those who want a center, and for Sund, who passed on trying to go get Demarcus Cousins, here’s another and I think you can get him for the right package:
Enes Kanter
This is the guy to go grab at the draft. This one move along with moving one contract, whether Al or Josh, gets you a more balanced lineup. Yes, we have a ‘plethora’ of centers who fill our big void, but you can keep Powell to backup Al or Josh.
If Toronto, take one of their questionable contracts, like Barbosa, and give them a player like Josh or Al and have that veteran presence on the inside.
Going forward, we might be able to squeak in a chance to keep Jamal if we can move Marvin. He truly is worth 1/2 of what he makes, so we have once again a Bibby type deal that needs to be put together.
My point is whatever it takes to get Kanter. He is ready to step right in and contribute…..6′11″ 261 and the kid is 19 years old. And surprise, he is currently compared to our very own Al.
This would excite the fan base despite where we finish this year. Will our GM be able to pull a Dimitroff-type deal to secure a big man next year?
And I will be surprised if Jamal gets a contract to his liking here, if he even gets a fair market offer. Salaries will have to be purged to make it work.
SteveW
May 3rd, 2011
5:13 pm
Rod – You said this, “When Joe and Jamal are shooting the way they have been the last couple of games, everybodies assist will be up.”
So Josh’s assists are up? I don’t think so. Hinrich’s? Nope JJ’s? Nah Jamal’s? Nada
Where’d you get that stat from?
You said, “Howard is 6′11, Josh is 6′9, Horford is 6′10. Who should be guarding Howard, Josh or Horford?”
Neither – Collins and ZaZa, with a dash of Etan and Hilton thrown in.
You said, “If the article you posted referred to Al’s defense as the reason we won the game, and did not mention Josh’s defense, then there is no reason for me to read that article.”
It did mention Josh. Your point? I thought we were talking about Al, not Josh.
You said, “He states that he is more confortable being a power forward. He has not guarded any centers in the playoffs. Josh was on Noah most of the game last night.”
So Josh was playing Center last night? – Or just on D. I think Al was the official Center last night. And did a good job on Boozer also.
You said, “But lets remember, Josh is not an All Star, Al is.
Of course, Al is an All Star Center, not PF.
Al is not above critisism. All of the All star power forwards and Centers in the playoffs are listed and their playoff numbers (not one game). Stoudemire, Gasol, Duncan, and Garnett, are closest to Al in stats, and Gasol, and Duncan have been roasted in the media daily, Stoudemire was hurt, and Garnett is on his last leg. All listed FG% are higher than Horford, except for Stoudemire, and he was injured. But, I can’t critisize Horford?
Bosh – 17ppg, 9.5 rpg, 46% FG
Duncan – 12ppg, 10rpg, 47%FG
Randolph – 23ppg, 9rpg, 50% FG
Howard – 27ppg, 15rpg, 63%FG
Aldridge – 20ppg, 7rpg, 46%FG
Nowitzki – 27ppg, 8rpg, 46%FG
Gasol – 13ppg, 7rpg, 42%FG
Stoudemire – 14.5ppg, 7rpg 38%FG
KG – 13.6ppg, 10rpg, 43%FG
Horford – 11ppg, 10rpg, 41%FG
Of course you can criticize Al. I did scathingly a few game ago, and since Al has posted Double Figures in Rebounds every game since.
So Al has out rebounded Bosh, Duncan, Randolph, Aldridge, Dirk, Gasol, Amare, and has the same per game as KG.
As a matter of fact he has out rebounded every C/PF in the playoffs you listed except Dwight.
Where does he rank on assists? Turnovers? MPG?
Man, thanks for doing my leg work for me, Al is quietly having a stellar playoffs. I had no idea how good until you posted these stats.
Thanks Rod!
By the way, if we put Josh’s #’s in the same equation he’s not looking so good is he?
Double the turnovers of Al.
Much fewer rebounds per game in the playoffs.
Worse shooting % than Al.
Take away that one game we got blown out in at Orlando, where Josh did well, and he really stinks these playoffs.
Yep, Al is playing at an All star level.
KevinM
May 3rd, 2011
5:14 pm
Kanter was Kentucky prepped and ready until he was considered ineligible by NCAA standards, only after deciding to not attend Washington and go to Kentucky…and the NCAA president? Recently promoted Washington president Mark Emmert…..hmmmmm.
I think lottery teams are begging to get good experience in exchange for draft picks. A perfect time to pull this off to move this franchise forward and take some of the cap limitations away.
terrell
May 3rd, 2011
5:17 pm
The Hawks Big 3. Who are they?
Teague/Joe/Al?
Joe/Josh/Al?
Joe/Jamal/Al?
Teague/Jamal/Joe?
Jamal/Joe/Josh?
Hmmm?
SteveW
May 3rd, 2011
5:18 pm
Rod – And I’m not anti Josh. I’m a Hawks fan. I hope he becomes a tremendous player. Your the one that kept saying where is All Star Al.
And except for scoring, he’s:
2nd in rebounding among All Star PF’s/C’s in the playoffs
Leading the team in Assists
Playing really good D – Did you see Ryan Anderson do anything in the Magic series?
Playing a ton of minutes, not turning the ball over.
That’s where All Star Al is.
I know he’s not above criticism. But he’s not above having the facts shown either.
SteveW
May 3rd, 2011
5:29 pm
So in the postseason, Al:
Leads all C’s with 3.7 assists per game. Duncan is 2nd with 2.7
He would be 2nd to Gasol in assists per game if you count him as a PF.
3rd among C’s in Rebounds
2nd among PF’s – 4th overall C’s and PF’s
3rd among C’s in minutes played
3rd in double double among C’s
7th in scoring among C’s
Oh well, I know he wants to play PF, but he’s best a C. I think the Orlando series showed that.
He’s doing well, averaging a double double, leading the team in Assists, and playing mistake free basketball while defending well.
Good, solid, non erratic player.
Grandad
May 3rd, 2011
5:53 pm
S-blogger
I would not trade Josh for Gortat straight up.
Nor would I for Kaman.
The greater point is;
Josh really needs to go & we need a *real *[by definition] Big.
2 + 2 = [5] X 7 ‘