Atlanta Hawks: Larry Drew says Joe Johnson must ‘combat’ tough D like other stars
After Game 3 J.J., frustrated with the offense grinding to a halt against Chicago’s aggressive D, said he would “force the issue” Sunday. Basically Joe doesn’t think L.D.’s share-the-ball philosophy is the right way to do it even considering all the double teams faced by he and Jamal.
According to Synergy Sports Technology, Joe has used 26 isolation possessions against the Bulls out of 59 total isos for the Hawks. He’s scored 22 points on those 26 possessions.
Joe’s efficiency on those plays has declined with each game in the series.
In Game 1, Joe used 12 iso possessions and scored 14 points with 5 of 8 shooting, four free throws and two turnovers. In Game 2, Joe used six iso possessions and scored four points with 2 of 5 shooting and a turnover. In Game 3, Joe used eight iso possessions and scored four points with 2 of 8 shooting.
Joe was already gone when media were allowed access to the locker room today but L.D. addressed Joe’s frustrations:
“They are playing him physical. If he’s not being double teamed, they have climbed up in him. He is just going to have to combat that. There are a lot of key players on teams that other players play physical against and they just combat it. There are a lot of key players that get double teamed and they play out of double teams. A lot of playing out of double teams is not trying to beat double teams but making plays and you have to show a willingness to give the ball up and trust your teammates. If you continue to try to beat the double team by yourself you are playing into the opposition’s hands. We did a good job with that against Orlando. Orlando ran a very similar [scheme], the game plan was to take it out of his hands, double-team him. We made the right plays out of it. When you are playing against a team that is going to roughhouse you and play you physical, you have to combat that. A lot of these great players around the league, they face it every single night. You have got to look at how they play you, watch film, combat it. Don’t put yourself in situations where they can constantly be up on you. Draw fouls. That’s one of the things we need to do more of vs. that type of pressure, when they are playing like that.”
Could J.J. help himself by making quicker decisions against pressure?
“Without a doubt. When you know teams are playing you the way they are playing Joe, you have got to do things faster. That was something we put a lot of emphasis in at the start of the playoffs against Orlando is for him to do things faster. They are not going to let you and just jockey around with it. They are going to be on top of it right away. You have got to do things a lot faster. Your moves have got to be quicker and then just up into your shot. Just jockeying around trying to create space and go one-on-one against a set defense the way that they play him, chances are it is going to be tough for him. But if he does things just a little quicker–coming off screens, looking to shoot the ball right away–those are the kind of things that free you up.”
But is J.J. comfortable playing that way considering his deliberate style?
“Comfortable? I don’t know. Capable? Yes. He has shown the ability to come off screens and shoot the ball. Certainly I have seen him go into moves a lot quicker. I don’t know how comfortable he is doing it but I know he is capable.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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253 comments Add your comment
JeJe
May 7th, 2011
10:20 pm
GO CELTICS.
BEAT THE (C)HEAT
mykhalc
May 7th, 2011
10:25 pm
i hate the Celtics!!!
Slim
May 7th, 2011
10:26 pm
@JeJe
“Al is “listed” at 6′10″ 245 pounds. Noah is “listed” at 6′11″ 232 pounds.
Joe is listed at 6′7, but measured at 6′8.25″
Josh is listed at 6′9, but measured at 6′8.25″ same as Joe. Look at pictures if u need proof.
or go to draft express
Shane Battier is listed at 6′8 but is 6′9.5″.
Height is deflated for finesse/perimeter players to relate more to guards needing to be small
and increased for players who play in the paint to be more intimidating.
“I don’t think the difference between them is that Noah is bigger.”
It is. Horford has proven he is not a good iso player but he showed he can space himself off of Jason Collins pick and rolls, hitting a 3. He grabbed a rebound when Pachulia helped draw Boozer away from the Hoop.
The problem is Josh Smith is either the PF or C instead of the SF with Pachulia/Collins and Horford.
So instead of Horford vs Taj Gibson on the boards its Marvin Williams or Josh trying to box out 260 pound bigs. Its not an effort level issue.
Noah is being guarded by Josh Smith who as I mentioned is the same size as Luol Deng.
If Luol Deng was guarding Al Horford. Al would average 31 and 16 and draw doubles every time.
In Game 1 we won with the jump shooters. Josh had 6 rebounds. We’re taking away from the rebounders and inserting 2 many shooters.
We’re dead as we are not shooting Bulls out of the game. This series will be won on rebounds and Josh at the 3.
Not enough shots to go around and not enough rebounders = no chemistry. If we had 3 Steve Nashs would we play them all at the same time?
Najeh Davenpoop
May 7th, 2011
10:27 pm
If only Marvin wasn’t this black hole of suckocracy all these alternate lineup configurations wouldn’t even need to be discussed. Forget living up to his draft status; if he could provide half the contributions Tony Allen does it would be a major improvement.
mykhalc
May 7th, 2011
10:28 pm
more than that and simple…take his ass out the lineup!!! Damien in…simple!!! oh yeah…rocket science for the Hawks tho!!! SMDH
Najeh Davenpoop
May 7th, 2011
10:29 pm
Oh yeah, and Celtics fans were right back in 2008. Even with one arm, Rondo’s better than Bibby.
Slim
May 7th, 2011
10:30 pm
“Why can’t Damien be our Tony Allen? Drew hasn’t developed any role players and really dropped the ball with Jeff Teague!”
I doubt that Tony Allen can help on the rebounds. Either way Damien Wilkins should not see the 3 before Josh.
Damien plays Teague like defense and he dunks off of offensive boards. Hello, Josh Smith?
Go big or go home Hawks. Memphis showed us how to do it. Horford and Collins showed us we can come back and rebound in March and against Orlando.
If Chicago gets more than one opportunity on the boards then Derrick Rose will have 40 AND Noah will have 17 rebounds again with 9 offensive boards.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 7th, 2011
10:33 pm
By the way, the Hawks picked Shelden Williams 16 picks ahead of Rondo. And people wonder why Hawks fans don’t show up to games.
mykhalc
May 7th, 2011
10:35 pm
Chalmers…playin big!!!
mykhalc
May 7th, 2011
10:36 pm
can’t pick ‘em and don’t know how to develop ‘em!! pathetic franchise!!!
truthspitter
May 7th, 2011
10:42 pm
Let me make it clear. I have a problem with Joe talking about all they did was run pick and roll. Why does Joe not set the pick more? Then someone pick him. Pick the picker, screen the screener, no old skool fundamentals with this team. Joe just wants to get the ball, lean back, do the stanky leg, the T.I. shoulder lean strut, then finally shoot. Man, that aint gonna work against the Bulls.
mykhalc
May 7th, 2011
10:45 pm
i kinda hate the Heat too!!!LOL
Slim
May 7th, 2011
10:47 pm
@truthspitter
Joe setting picks? we’re still naked underneath. We end up with a jump shot. Josh Smith either flops or gets tossed around by Noah. Marvin jogs back. One shot and done.
With Collins or Zaza? Zaza boxes out Boozer, Horford outhustles and outmuscles Noah. Josh crashes the board ala Gerald Wallace. put back dunk.
Not to mention the benefits we get from Josh and Horford being able to run the wings with extra muscle on the rebounds.
mykhalc
May 7th, 2011
10:49 pm
@Slim…coach ‘em up man!!! if only the players would do it as you said…if only…???
Slimjr
May 7th, 2011
10:55 pm
BILLY KNIGHT SCREWED THIS FRANCHISE FOR YEARS TO COME!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHAT AN ARROGANT AZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
May 7th, 2011
10:56 pm
HOW DID HE EVEN GET THAT JOB, HE WTF??????????????????????????
Harpie
May 7th, 2011
11:20 pm
I think I know what Al’s problem is: He’s playing for an idiot coach with a bunch of idiot teammates; it’s just knocked the zest right out of his play…
Slim
May 7th, 2011
11:25 pm
@Harpie
these are the playoffs. Al was shooting 40% last series. What saved us was we evened the rebounding disparity.
Now Joakim Noah is treating Josh like a rag doll. Put Josh, Collins, and Horford back in come on guys.
Worldwide Clyde
May 7th, 2011
11:41 pm
*yawn*
drmaryb (*_-)
May 7th, 2011
11:42 pm
A dislocation is actually worse than a fracture. Typically, with a dislocation, the ligaments are torn away from the joint capsule and also the tendons are sheared away from the bone. Muscles blend and mesh into the tendon which in turn meshes into the bone. One of the worst fractures there is, is shearing. It’s like peeling the skin off a banana.
However, I don’t think Rondo’s dislocation was that serious or he definitely wouldn’t have returned. A severe dislocation, like that of Bogut, would require surgical plates and screws – a total reconstruction.
_____________
I know that was way TMI, I get carried away with passion sometimes.
My heart races when I get into that bone stuff. Its what I do. LOL!
truthspitter
May 8th, 2011
12:00 am
Slim
May 7th, 2011
10:47 pm
@truthspitter
Joe setting picks? we’re still naked underneath. We end up with a jump shot. Josh Smith either flops or gets tossed around by Noah. Marvin jogs back. One shot and done.
Your response to Joe setting picks exhibits everything wrong with this team. This team as currently constructed is unconventional in makeup. I don’t care what anyone thinks. Al is not a championship level C and Josh is not a championship level PF, but the least you could do if you are going to play people out of position is play unconventional. Joe setting picks would get him open for pops and quick rolls for floaters he gets in the lane and creates offensive rebounding chances for Al and Josh namely. Anyway to get Joe into the lane or a open shot should be explored and setting picks is a big part of it. You bloggers are just as lost as this team and coaching staff. Pick and roll, pick and pop, screen the screener are all oldies but goodies that have worked forever without question. If they are going to pay so much attention to Joe however you can get him the ball in a position where he is a threat will give everyone else chances to be effective rather cutting,open shots, or hitting the glass.
Rusty
May 8th, 2011
12:01 am
Nortcyde we’ve going with JJ handling the ball & playing selfish isi ball. JJ is not good enough,attacks too slowly always taking bad forced shots & passes the ball to someone on the perimeter with 5 seconds left accomplishing nothing,that why ld favored mb so JJ could play iso.he just isn’t good enough ,waits to long ,plays soft never picking up any free throws. I hate to see jt playing so passive & deferring the ball to JJ & jc. JJ & jc’ s style of basketball play turns into a horrible slow paced game with nothing but a crazy offense style of one on one basketball.
mykhalc
May 8th, 2011
12:07 am
until LD gives the team to the PG, the PG is phucked on this team. JT or KH don’t stand a chance with this bunch!!! tho KH does demand/command more respect just ’cause he’s not gonna be inclined to take the $hit that JT has had to put up with as a rook and now 2nd year player that’s on a team where the roles are not defined!!! inmates run the asylum here…no doubt!!!
tjhook
May 8th, 2011
1:44 am
Mr. Cunningham, has LD considered bringing in Etan Thomas to help with the rebounding? He would help on the offensive boards and definitely deliver tough fouls to Rose and frustrate Noah and Taj Gibson. The lineup could use an attitude adjustment.
EmirS.
May 8th, 2011
2:02 am
Again, Teague better see 20-25 minutes next season off the bench. And maybe 20 games into the season, be put in the starting role.
I’ve never been more impressed with this guy. He’s doing all of this in the playoffs. His balls have dropped. Reward the kid with more playing time next season.
TheAntiMe
May 8th, 2011
2:20 am
While we all know Larry Drew’s offense is a bit different from Woody’s offense last season, I do recall many a game where the defense did double-team Joe last season and Joe handled it much better than he is now. Last season it played into the Hawks’ hands because as soon as the second defender committed to Joe he would immediately pass out of the double-team and the Hawk on the receiving end of that pass would often times swing the ball, usually to a teammate in the corner, for a wide open shot on the basket.
Eventually, teams would figure this out and during the game make the adjustment to stop doubling Joe and usually then the Hawks would have a bit more trouble getting a good shot with the defense playing them straight up. That is why it is a bit puzzling to me that Joe seems to have forgotten how to – not only manage against the double-team – but to also thrive against it like he did last season, at least during the regular season.
Although this is a different offensive scheme this season, the basic concept of quickly swinging the ball out of the double-team to an open teammate has not changed.
Brandon
May 8th, 2011
2:27 am
“Al is listed at 6′10″ 245 pounds. Noah is listed at 6′11″ 232 pounds. I don’t think the difference between them is that Noah is bigger. I think the difference is that Noah — like Bass and Gibson — is a physical player while Al is a finesse player.”
I know it may seem as though Al sometimes struggles with guys who he can’t beat with his speed or “out-muscle”, but I really don’t think that Noah or Gibson fall into that category. Even in this series, it’s pretty clear so far that Horford can overpower either Noah or Gibson, especially Gibson. Bass is another story. Bass is a very strong guy. HIs low base makes him very effective at defending in the post when guys simply try to back him down. But, as far as physical defense goes, I don’t think it’s just the style, but moreso the player who causes the problems. If Chris Johnson tried to be as physical as possible with the man he was defending, he wouldn’t be nearly as effective as Dwight Howard if Dwight used the exact same strategy. A lot of it comes down to who the individual defender is. There are certain physical attributes that you need to have to really be an effective post defender. I’m not saying you have to be physically dominant to be capable of defending in the post, but length, strength, and quick feet definitely help.
At any rate, with that being said, I don’t think that it’s the physical defense that is bothering Horford. In last season’s playoffs, Kurt Thomas was very physical with Al in his matchup against the Bucks, but Al was still effective, and numerous other players throughout the regular season have played him physically down low and it hasn’t affected him to this extent. I don’t think that Horford is afraid to bang inside. I could be wrong, but I get the feeling that Al’s biggest problem is not what the defense is doing to him, but what he is failing to do himself. He just doesn’t seem to be confident at all right now. He doesn’t even seem comfortable using the moves that he already has down. Only Horford really knows what the true problem is (assuming that he considers his current play to be “a problem”), but from what I have seen from him both in college and during his time in the NBA, this just doesn’t look like him at all. I’m hoping it’s just a mental issue that he needs to overcome.
Jerome
May 8th, 2011
2:38 am
“If Thibodeau really likes Marvin that much, Marvin for Omer Asik would be a really good trade for the Hawks in my opinion.”
Wouldn’t it be crazy if Marvin was traded to another team and actually ended up blossoming into a pretty good player? I mean, if one day he actually ended up reaching near-all-star level on another team, I would be shocked. Sometimes, I wonder though, could our coaching staff just be that bad. After all, the only guys on the team who have really improved since being drafted (Josh and Al) have basically trained themselves. After all, who are they really going to learn from? Mark Price didn’t seem to help with our shooting much in the past, and who in the world on this staff is going to teach Josh and Al post moves? Tyrone Hill? They’re already better than he ever was.
At this point in his career, I really doubt that Marvin has it in him to “blossom” into a very good player, but if it actually played out that way with him on another team, I’d be convinced that we have the worst coaching staff in the league. I already think that we have a head coach who is in the bottom five of the league when it comes to head coaches.
truthspitter
May 8th, 2011
2:46 am
Anyone thinking Kirk Hinrich should be starting PG another game for ATL if Teague is not injured is a fool. Kirk Hinrich is not the long term answer and if you are looking for growth from Teague as a leader Kirk is not the short term answer because Teague needs to get out there and play while learning everything he needs to learn. We need to criticize his game in meaningful games and see if he has the balls to grow. I think he needs to become a better passer, specifically he needs to give the ball up quicker on the break but a lot of young PG’s have that issue early in there careers for whatever reason, but I would never had known he had that issue if it were not for these 3 games of good long playing time for me to evaluate him because it certainly did not show during the season when he was getting spot duty.
I also think Josh and Al if they are going to be here need to learn when to pick and when to roll and maybe Teague needs to learn when to lead them to the basket also. All of that will come by playing in meaningful games and big minutes at that. In a weird way I hope Teague gets traded because he is my favorite Hawk nowadays and I see how Al has been ruined by playing with this group who do not know how to do things the correct way. He has just fallen in line after 3 years of resisting.
Jeff Teague to the Clippers would be nice to watch him grow with a guy that is hell bent on rolling to the basket and rim.
tjhook
May 8th, 2011
4:32 am
I would like to see LD play Damien Wilkens and Etan Thomas because they would bring aggression and urgency on the floor. Maybe not together fora long stretch but long enough to frustrate the supporting cast of Rose. Wilkins can help the guards by closing on Rose and Etan is big and athletic enough to post up Noah.
tjhook
May 8th, 2011
4:34 am
LARRY DREW, play Etan Thomas ! The offense needs some ruthless aggression
John Jacob
May 8th, 2011
4:47 am
I hear you, truthspitter. Sometimes, I actually with that guys like Horford and Teague would be traded also because I just kind of feel like we are wasting their potential and I’d like to see what they could do on a real team with real coaching. It’s kind of sad when you have to wish for a player that you like to be traded away from the team that you root for for the player to be successful, but that’s what it’s come to with the Hawks. Terrible coach, terrible GM, terrible owners, etc. This organization just has a lot of issues and I wish that the players didn’t have to be held back as a result of it.
John Jacob
May 8th, 2011
4:48 am
I meant to say “I actually WISH…”, not “actually with” in my last post.
bailer
May 8th, 2011
6:39 am
i HAVE READ ALL THE EXCUSES, BULLCRAP BLOGGING PEOPLE, THEY ARE JUST A BUNCH OF OVER PAID PU&&IES. CHILDREN TRYING TO PLAY A MANS GAME. YOU SAW LAST YEARWHAT JJ THINKS ABOUT BEING A REAL NBA PLAYER. BLAME IT ON THE FANS YOU PIECE OF CRAP.
NCBravesFan
May 8th, 2011
7:39 am
Well it certainly doesn’t inspire much confidence when your coach and players are seemingly not on the same page. Game four could be painful to watch.
Get it together, Hawks! Let’s go!
Rim Hog
May 8th, 2011
7:56 am
JJ moves like a 90 year-old woman on the court. Why can’t Drew just tell J.Smith he cannot take 25 foot jump shots ? He can either drive to the basket or pass it to a better shooter like JJ,Jamal,or Horford. J.Smith is not a shooter. He can only score around the basket but he never plays there…
Hawks fan down under
May 8th, 2011
8:00 am
If Thibs likes Marvin so much he can have him for nothing. We can at least get rid of his dumb contract!
Hawks fan down under
May 8th, 2011
8:05 am
I was also wondering why no ATL players ever rolled to the rim. In game 3 JT had, on several occassions, drawn the double team on a pick and roll but no one was rolling so JT could only hold the ball while the Bulls defence recovered. Dont these guys understand fundamentals?
tanker
May 8th, 2011
8:18 am
@JeJe LD is not the worst coach in the NBA. If you can do better lets see you try it. Nobody probably won’t hire your sorry a**! All the haters can go straight to HELL!
dap01
May 8th, 2011
8:24 am
We traded for JJ from Pheonix as if he was a superstar. We run all plays for JJ as if he is a superstar. We paid him as if he is a superstar. We keep saying “what if Joe did….. like a superstar.
Perhaps he is not a superstar.
darrell starks
May 8th, 2011
8:34 am
Why every time i come and see what going on LD never say anything about marvin, i must be missing something here, LD have said something about everybody except marvin, TEAGUE, JOSH, HORFORD, ZAZA, JOE, JAMAL, have all underachieved according to LD, but marvin the weakest link in the starting lineup is never talk about this is crazy.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
May 8th, 2011
8:41 am
If marvin starte tonight there must be some type of conspiracy theory going on, no way this guy should ever starte again, if so marvin grape cool aid must be off the chain because WOODYand LD have drunk plenty of it with a passion.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NagoyaHawk
May 8th, 2011
8:47 am
I’m so sick of the Hawks and their excuses. I think I speak for all of us. What makes me feel even sicker is to see other teams totally have fun at our expense. Look at Noah and his energy. His fist pumps, his sneers. What happened to this team’s heart? Where is their pride? And why isn’t Collins starting to get us some bigs presence to bump up and beat up on Noah cause I’m sure hell will freeze over before Al & the boys man up.
darrell starks
May 8th, 2011
8:50 am
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, COLLINS,
BENCH JAMAL, DAMIEN, MARVIN, POWELL, ZAZA
RESERVE PAPE, HILTON
this rotation the hawks go to the nba finals.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
South ga boy in the atl
May 8th, 2011
8:53 am
Darrell, marvin is so far down the list that LD doesn’t feel he’s worth mentioning. 1st is Josh who jacks up jumpers and hasn’t made one yet in this series, 2nd is JJ POINDING THE BALL and taking too long to pass when double teamed, 3rd is JC-see JJ ’s problem, 4th is Al turning in to the “tin man” with no heart, and 5th is whether he should start a true 5 (which he should but he’s too indecisive to do) and then maybe Marvin. Marvin is probably doing the best he can, he just sucks. I agree that he should come off the bench but Marvin is not the reason we are a jeckyl and Hyde team. Josh is pig headed and thinks he’s above what’s best for the team and JJ and JC can’t make the correct decision and LD won’t start a true 5 and have one in the game at all times. We are only -20 in rebounds so LD must think that’s ok
darrell starks
May 8th, 2011
8:57 am
JOE need post up BOGAN in the paint.
JOSH need post up DANG in the paint.
those are 2 advantage the hawks will have tonight.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
Slimjr
May 8th, 2011
8:57 am
Larry if you start the 3 stooges you will not win another ballgame!! Real simple………….
Slimjr
May 8th, 2011
8:58 am
Then you will have confirmed the conspiracy…
darrell starks
May 8th, 2011
9:06 am
The hawks second unit is way better than bulls if LD would rotate his bench right.
BULLS BENCH CJ, BREWER, KORVER, GIBSON, ASIK
HAWKS BENCH JAMAL, DAMIEN, MARVIN, POWELL, ZAZA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Slim
May 8th, 2011
9:19 am
@darrell starks
Wow, I have never seen a coach take this long to adjust,
are the Hawks finally adjusting?