Atlanta Hawks: Horford: Get a ’solid’ center, bring back Jamal Crawford
Al was at Philips to work out today. He said he worked out in LA with D-Rose, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love (they have the same trainer). He said he worked on his post game and driving to the basket, but more on that later.
Al had an interesting response to the persistent question about whether he prefers to play center or power forward.
“I am still going to keep playing both,” he said. “I think that Josh and myself we can bring a lot of problems to people. At times I am going to have to play the four and I think Josh is OK with playing the three. That way we stay very athletic and we can do different things.
“And I think that’s why we need big bodies here, a couple of solid bigs to come out here and help us out. I know there are quite a few of those out there in free agency and we should try to pursue them.”
Al doesn’t control the purse strings, of course, but that’s the most public prodding of the front office by a Hawks player that I can remember since I’ve been around. I’m told that ASG still haven’t decided if they want to keep building the roster by paying into the luxury tax; should find out more once the CBA is ratified and the league lifts the restrictions on teams commenting.
Al also said he hopes the Hawks re-sign Jamal because “he is a huge part of our team.”
“We are a much better team with him,” Al said. “We need his scoring and his presence.”
Al said his conditioning is about what it should be entering training camp. He said he was able to work on his game while playing last summer for John Calipari, the coach of that other school.
“I am really trying to get better with my shooting and with my post game, really trying to be more assertive in the past than I have with it,” he said. “Cal was my coach for the Dominican national team for the FIBA game, and with him his whole thing was a lot about driving and penetrating. That is something in my game I really didn’t do much before but I think I was able to do a little more of it this summer.”
My T-Mac take
I was kind of surprised at the negative reactions on Twitter to the T-Mac news. Then I realized that those who don’t like it assumed he would be the replacement for Jamal or otherwise believe the Hawks see him as a major piece, in which case I would understand.
But it remains to be seen what other moves the Hawks will make and what role McGrady will play. Once all that gets settled then we can determine whether he’s a good addition or not.
If T-Mac ends up starting and/or or playing 25 minutes per night then it would mean the Hawks are scary-thin. My take after watching him play for the Pistons against the Hawks last season and looking at his numbers is that he’s no longer cut out for that kind of gig. I’m sure I’m not the only one who saw it.
But I see no problem with McGrady as a 10-15 minute per night “point forward” who is a good passer (which the Hawks can use), just posted his best true-shooting percentage since he was an All-Star and is a pretty good defender: 14.0 opponent per as a shooting guard last season according to 82games.com; a positive defensive rating at basketballvalue.com, and decent Synergy numbers.
Aside from his passing possibly setting up teammates for higher-percentage shots–1.7 of his 3.5 assists per game last season led to baskets within 10 feet–McGrady isn’t likely to help diversify Atlanta’s offense, which needs it badly. He’s made 33.7 percent of his 3-point attempts in his career and 206 of his 515 field-goal attempts last season were long 2s. His 15.14 percent turnover rate also is high for a wing.
But T-Mac is a veteran who can be useful in a limited role, and what else do you expect for the vet minimum?
Etc.
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313 comments Add your comment
Slimjr
December 7th, 2011
9:07 pm
Jamal and Kirk for Brewer and ASIK ASIK ASIK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ECF contenders for real…………………Maybe sniff a Championship? Naw……
MAKE IT SO SCOTTIE! AYE CAPTAIN!
Rev in Tampa
December 7th, 2011
9:09 pm
Wabe,
Hearing about your cousin’s scouting report from Chi reminds me of somebodys cousin in Phoenix. I can’t remember his name. Najeh may remember.
Fly
December 7th, 2011
9:11 pm
Two trades with the Bulls then.
S&T Jamal for Brewer and Asik, then a seperate trade of Korver for Hinrich and a pick.
Sund might be in the running for Exec of the Year LOL
Man in Black
December 7th, 2011
9:16 pm
I say sign Brock Lesnar for the big man position. He can take people down or just punch em in the face.
superiorblogman
December 7th, 2011
9:18 pm
Wabe
December 7th, 2011
9:03 pm
Spoke to my cousin in Chicago, and he told me there’s word in Chicago that the Bulls are possibly interested in re-acquiring Kirk Hinrich?
Not sure if there’s any talks between both parties regarding it, but, he claims that they want Hinrich back to play 2-gaurd.
I personally think you are full of crap but I would do it in a heartbeat.
Jamal for Brewer and Asik
Then Kirk for Bogans, Korver and a the Charlotte pick.
Honestly, not a fan of sending Kirk to Chicago. I have bigger plans for him in a trade.
Bring Back Spud & Cak'
December 7th, 2011
9:19 pm
TRADE JOE & keep Jamaal!! For anyone in the League other than Carlos Boozer, that’s the only other asenine contract even comparable to JJ’s. Come on Sund & Hawks Mgmt. get Creative . . . U totally F’ed up re-signing a player in nosedive decline, NOW Move JOE. Let’s complete this team, before we have to blow THE WHOLE THING UP in 5 years when we’re finished paying No defense, quit on your team, me-1st, 0 leadership, Joe JOhnson!
The Core is still very promising, it’s the centerpiece that’s the problem (& taking up all the resources!)
Wabe
December 7th, 2011
9:24 pm
Full of crap?
I texted him bout a possible sign and trade involving Jamal and asked him if he was hearing anything down there bout it. He said there were rumors floating round about interest in Kirk Hinrich.
Whether it’s true or not, who knows?
BTW, I didn’t throw out any other names other than Hinrich. I’m not even sure what yall are thinking. I don’t there there’s a chance they unload Asik. That’s not me throwing out names, that’s others.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 7th, 2011
9:25 pm
“Hearing about your cousin’s scouting report from Chi reminds me of somebodys cousin in Phoenix. I can’t remember his name. Najeh may remember.”
Who can ever forget Tyrone and his cousin BooBoo who had the scoop on the Steve Nash to the Hawks trade?
O'Brien
December 7th, 2011
9:26 pm
MC,
What’s taking the League so long to put the new CBA (with luxury tax implications) out?
Wabe
December 7th, 2011
9:27 pm
I already gave yall my take about the Hawks offseason.
They’ll walk away from any real players that could help put us in a good spot for the playoffs and settle for a couple of spot minute kinda guys.
Happens year after year.
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
9:28 pm
Signing TMAC was and excellent move for the Hawks, giving the team much needed depth from the bench. Horford is right the fans and media, bloggers, have been screaming for a starting center for the past 3years and have yet 2 accomplish one, how sad is that, Horford body have taking a beat down 4years and now he screaming bloody murder Rick Sund wake up bro.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
9:29 pm
TMAC 32 YEARS OLD STILL YOUNG.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
9:32 pm
JAMAL FOR BREWER, ASIK IS PERFECT FOR BOTH TEAMS, the Hawks would have there starting center who plays great defense in the paint, Bulls would have that score of the bench.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wabe
December 7th, 2011
9:34 pm
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story?id=7291352&_slug_=10-worst-free-agent-fits-nba&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fstory%3fid%3d7291352%26_slug_%3d10-worst-free-agent-fits-nba
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
9:34 pm
Jamal’s ONLY role on this team was to score points.
He did not do that in the important games and his defense is beyond awful.
Jamal for Asik/Brewer yesterday
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
9:34 pm
Wabe,
Hoopshype reported that Asik could be included in the S&T for Jamal
yodaddybrother
December 7th, 2011
9:36 pm
Teague
Johnson
T-Mac
Josh
Al
Hinrich
(future signing)
Marvin
(future signing)
Zaza/Collins
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
9:37 pm
2011 ATLANTA HAWKS
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD, ASIK
BENCH HINRICH, BREWER, TMAC, MARVIN, ZAZA.
RESERVE PAPE, COLLINS
STREET CLOTHES BENSON, MAGNUM
THIS WOULD BE THE BEST HAWKS TEAM EVER IN MY OPINION.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
9:37 pm
This is the most excited I’ve been going into a season since 2007 IF Sund and ASG finish this off strong.
1) SIGN EARL WATSON
2) Jamal for ASIK/Brewer (this is a complete steal for us. Jamal is getting older. Brewer is solid as hell. I’m sure Sloan loved him. ASIK IS 7 FEET TALL. HE’S NOT A 6″11 TWIG LIKE HALF THE GUYS WE’VE HAD OVER THE LAST DECADE).
3) Dump Hinrich to get under tax threshold OR OFFER HINRICH+SMOOVE FOR BEST AVAILABLE BIG MAN
SUND FOR EXEC OF YEAR
ASG BEST OWNERSHIP IN SPORTS
IF YOU GUYS GET THIS DONE
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
9:38 pm
Jamal will destroy their offensive chemistry (Chicago). We are the only winning team he’s ever been on. LOL.
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
9:39 pm
For those of you complaining about Joe’s contract/being on the decline: Why are you in favor of signing a 30-something year of Jamal to a LONG TERM deal then?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
9:41 pm
Jeff Teague – first real PG we’ve had in like 13 years
Marvin – finally has a good back
Joe – in excellent shape
Josh – lost weight – will be quicker
T-Mac – rejuvenated
Earl Watson – solid backup
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
9:42 pm
If we get Brewer and Watson, I would deal Hinrich for whatever we can get, including a draft pick.
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
9:42 pm
Can LD play and starte the right guys or still coach retarted like last year time will tell, no more excuse with this team coach should win 45 games easy.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
9:44 pm
Laker might get Dwight Howard but they’ll still need a point guard because Fisher and Blake aren’t getting it done on the defensive end.
Sund should offer Hinrich to them for a 1st (pipedream) or 2nd in the 2012 Draft. Makes a lot of sense for both sides.
Wabe
December 7th, 2011
9:45 pm
Hmmm,
Sound good to me if it happens. I’m just wondering why the Bulls are so high on Jamal…
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2011
9:46 pm
OB, I think it is the re-establishment of the union that is making this harder than it should be to finalize the fine print.
I worry that CJ Watson might be too redundant with Teague. I also wonder if Teague would consider him a threat… I’m still not sold on Jeff’s mental make-up, If not Hinrich, let’s go with the old savvy vet. If the Hawks grab Earl Watson, I will be thrilled.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
9:47 pm
Why do people want a draft pick so badly in a Hinrich trade? I don’t want to get YOUNGER. We need VETS, not 21 year old projects
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 7th, 2011
9:49 pm
All of the men rumored to be coming to the Hawks are just so manly, and I’m going to explode!
Doubter
December 7th, 2011
9:50 pm
T-Mac at 32. Still young?
How did 32 year old Mike Bibby do last year?
Najeh Davenpoop
December 7th, 2011
9:52 pm
“Why do people want a draft pick so badly in a Hinrich trade? I don’t want to get YOUNGER. We need VETS, not 21 year old projects”
Draft picks are trade assets too. Get a 2nd round pick in one trade, use it to sweeten a subsequent trade.
Ra'mon
December 7th, 2011
9:52 pm
Hmmm, the Lakers are over the Cap. So there is no way the Hawks could send them Kirk without taking back salary. And out of the players available, I don’t know if there is any player I would want to acquire from the Lakers.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
9:53 pm
“T-Mac at 32. Still young?
How did 32 year old Mike Bibby do last year?”
Bibby has been about 25 pounds too heavy the last 3 seasons. T-Mac hasn’t.
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
9:54 pm
Wabe,
Becuse Bogans is terrible and whyen Rose gets shut down in the playoffs again, they will need someone else who can create his own shot. I’ve heard they want Afflalo but Denver isn’t letting him go.
Jeje,
To get back the pick we gave away last season lol. Next year’s draft is as deep as we’ve seen in a decade. You wouldn’t like two 1st rounders heading into that? If we get Asik in the S&T, we can still find one more big for cheap somewhere and we’re set.
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
9:58 pm
Najeh,
Exactly. If go into next year’s draft with two 1st rounders, we have a chance to get two productive players like Thomas Robinson or Zeller from UNC.. OR we can use one or both to add a star. Nothing wrong with moving an expiring contract for something greater down the road. That’s what smart organizations do.
Big Ray
December 7th, 2011
9:59 pm
I’d be a little slow to say “Hawks” and “depth” in the same sentence just yet….
The thing is, we don’t know what’s going to happen with Jamal, and we already see McGrady coming aboard.
McGrady and Watson are guys we could have used 2 YEARS AGO. I hate signing guys well after they can really help. I mean, are they going to get PT? With Larry “I can’t figure out how I want to tinker with the lineup this week” Drew, you have to wonder.
Worldwide Clyde
December 7th, 2011
10:00 pm
“Al was at Philips to work out today. He said he worked out in LA with D-Rose, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love (they have the same trainer). He said he worked on his post game and driving to the basket, but more on that later.”
Hey MC was Al working on his 2 step to allow people to drive to the basket?
brigadierjerry
December 7th, 2011
10:02 pm
This sums up how I am happy that Crawford is gone if true
http://lordofweasels.net/files/12555691445071.gif
brigadierjerry
December 7th, 2011
10:03 pm
Enter your comments here
Big Ray
December 7th, 2011
10:03 pm
Have to agree with AJ ….kinda spooked when it comes to Teague’s mindset. But whatever. Dude comes to play like he did against the Bulls in the playoffs, I have no beef with him.
Earl Watson is a tough guy. We need those.
Now if we can just find a 6′10″ Earl Watson. So we’d have some toughness in the post besides a mad-azz Zaza…
northcyde
December 7th, 2011
10:04 pm
We don’t win 2 games vs the Bulls in the playoffs without that “nosedive player”. I love how people just overlook the good games he has, and simply focus on the mediocre games. Meanwhile, Jamal is beloved, despite him having a great Game 1, but shooting 3 – 19 FG in the final 2 games of that series and 33% FG overall in that Chicago series.
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
10:05 pm
McGrady and Watson will help because they have always been productive players when healthy. And McGrady has evolved into a better passer/facilitator since his explosiveness has eroded.
Now, the question of whether Drew will used them correctly? None of us knows the answer to that lol.
Section 303
December 7th, 2011
10:07 pm
I am warming up to the T-Mac signing. But, I agree, he cannot handle more than 10-15 mins/game. And, I don’t think the ASG has T-Mac tagged as a Jamal Crawford replacement. They’re stupid. They’re not that stupid, right?
I like Watson. He can eat up minutes until Hinrich gets back. And, then, he can eat up minutes when Hinrich gets hurt again. Glad we got someone to play PG when Hinrich can’t answer the bell….again!
OX
December 7th, 2011
10:08 pm
Someone needs to get Larry Brown on the phone.
He could get this roster to the East Finals.
northcyde
December 7th, 2011
10:11 pm
As for Mr. Horford . . . I get irritated more and more about him talking about having a big center added to this team. While he is technically correct, he’s ONLY CORRECT because HE won’t step up and be that “big center”.
I mean seriously . . . this guy is 6-10 . . 245 lbs ( unless he’s gone on a Jenny Craig diet like Josh Smith ). Is it too much to ask Mr. Horford to simply PLAY BIGGER? Maybe put on 10 pounds of muscle to beef up?
Does Nene “cry” because he’s “only” 6-11 . . 250 lbs?
Does the 6-11 . . 240 lb Marcin Gortat talk about the Suns needing a bigger center?
Does Emeka Okafor, who is 6-11 . . 255 lbs, talk about adding a big center to play beside him?
LOL . . Chuck Hayes is 6-6 . . 240 lbs . . and he effectively plays center.
Mr. Horford . . your nickname is BOSS. So act like a BOSS . . . please?
Who is this “solid center” that we’re supposed to sign, without trading one of your running mates? Say a name Mr. Horford. Surely you don’t want Kwame Brown up in here do you?
Mr Horford, you will soon realize that the answer to the question that you seek is NOT coming via free agency. The answer is in YOU.
Go watch the movie “The Last Dragon”, and see how Bruce Leroy was searching for “The Master” all throughout that movie. But it wasn’t until he was getting his butt kicked, that he realized that HE was THE MASTER.
The “master” was in him the entire time, but he was steady searching for a physical master, instead of an internal master.
Al .. sooner or later, you’re going to have to realize that YOU’RE the BIG CENTER. YOU’RE the one that has to be the bad azz and outwork people who are bigger than you. It’s YOU . . . boss.
Let me channel Rick Pitino for about 30 seconds:
((( Tree Rollins is not walking through that door Al . . . Dikembe Mutumbo is not walking through that door and Jon Koncak is not walking through that door . . . And if you expect them to walk through the door, they’re going to be gray and old.
What you are is young . . exciting . . hard working . . and going to improve. Hopefully you realize that.
And as soon as you realize that those 3 guys are not coming through that door, the better player you will be for ALL OF US.
Be a young CENTER on the court playing your (( bleep )) off.
I wish we had 90 million under the salary cap . . wish we could buy the world . . . WE CAN’T!!!
The only thing you can do is WORK HARD )))
Wabe
December 7th, 2011
10:11 pm
I understand the reasoning behind going after a 2-gaurd for Chicago.
But Jamal? Not so sure he’d be the best fit. As that insider article points out, he dominates the ball to get his buckets. He can’t really play in the flow of the offense. And his defense just doesn’t cut it.
As you point out, there are other 2-gaurds available that they might go after. I don’t think Jamal’s as high on their list as we think. I’m just basing that on what I’m hearing out of cousins who are Bulls fans though.
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2011
10:12 pm
We should probably acknowledge that unlike most years, the Hawks are among the very first to “announce” a FA signing. No, we didn’t sign Nene but that isn’t possible with the CBA anyway. At least instead of picking from the bottom of the minimum salary bin (see Etan, Josh Powell, Joe Smith, etc.) we evidently took one of the prime wing players willing to play at that salary.
Rod from College Park
December 7th, 2011
10:14 pm
I’ll take T-Mac on the floor in the 4th quarter over Marvin Williams any day, and two times on Sunday. Those open shots Marvin gets, McGrady will knock those down. You can’t check McGrady in the post with a 6′2 guard, like you can Marvin. Good Pickup. Should have done it at the trade deadline last year.
Hmmm
December 7th, 2011
10:19 pm
Wabe,
Fair enough.
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
10:19 pm
Northcyde Horford have been screaming like every one else, every starting center in NBA is bigger than Horford, the body only can take so much, plus the Hawks will not win a championship unless they have a true center that can defend the paint, ASIK IS THAT GUY.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!