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
SteveW
December 7th, 2011
10:23 pm
About Kito – We specifically drafted a Senior out of college so he could provide immediate help this season if you remember. And Poindexter drafts guys late with “1 NBA skill”. In Kito’s case, that is considered to be shot blocking.
Think young Theo Ratliff…Hopefully!
Fly
December 7th, 2011
10:25 pm
northcyde,
In fairness to Al, he might just be saying hat Zaza and Collins aren’t enough as far as backup bigs. If that’s the case, it’s tough to disagree. It would be like Joe saying they need another solid guard to spell him.
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2011
10:26 pm
Fesenko is a huge athletic center worth considering (if affordable). He’s young, reportedly a little immature and is very raw offensively, but I would sign him to 2 maybe 3 years and see if he could develeop into a 20-24 minute option for the Hawks.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
10:28 pm
Co-sign Northcyde’s “Boss” callout of Horford.
I stand by my criticism of Jamal. He is an invisible as Marvin on the court at some points
Prison Mike
December 7th, 2011
10:29 pm
It’s interesting Marvin has come into camp looking VERY good passing my eye test. If he came in walking like Grandma Nana I think they would amnesty him and push hard for Asik and Brewer for the trade. I’m sure Chicago insist on just Brewer but he and Asik combine for 6.5 million this year. The amount Jamal would welcome as his first years salary.
If the bulls concede and pulls the trigger and we amnesty Marv…
Teague – Watson/Ford/Telfair – Hinrich
Joe – Brewer
Josh – T-Mac
Al – Rolle – Benson
Asik – Zaza –
65 million total with the option of using the MLE and still staying under the LT.
WVU HAWK
December 7th, 2011
10:31 pm
What I would like to see the Hawks do. Sign and trade Jamal to Bulls for Asik, shut down defensive minded SG, and Brewer, young legit 7’ center. Trade Horford to Bucks for Andrew Bogut, a natural center who can defend the ECF centers, and Jon Leuer, , a 7 foot power forward who is deceptively athletic (36.5″ vertical and handles like a guard).
2011 HAWKS
PG – Teague, Hinrich, Wannamaker or Earl Watson
SG – JJ, Brewer, Sy
SF – Marvin, McGrady
PF – Smoove, Leuer, Benson
C – Bogut, Asik, Zaza
Can you say versatile, young, athletic, defensive team. ECF or Bust!!!!! Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WVU HAWK
December 7th, 2011
10:33 pm
Sorry my bad. I have the two bull’s player reversed Asik, 7″ center, and Brewer, defensive SG.
Nique
December 7th, 2011
10:34 pm
Watson would be another solid pick up!
SteveW
December 7th, 2011
10:39 pm
The Earl Watson signing may be breaking down, according to Peachtree Hoops. Utah may be giving Earl a 2 year deal.
And I highly doubt we get Asik in a trade for Jamal. Even though with the Bulls cap situation, signing Asik after this season, and then Taj after next season is probably impossible for them.
And if we get TMac, I will be shocked. I figured he was a lock for the Heat. He will help us. He looked like a grizzled vet last season, and played solid.
Give me CJ Watson and Brewer for Jamal, or just get nothing and let Jamal walk to the Hornets.
I say take CJ and Brewer. Give them our 3 second round picks this season for the ‘Cats 1st if they’d take that also.
CJ Watson is solid. He’s better than Brewer to me. But getting Asik or Taj probably not going to happen.
darrell starks
December 7th, 2011
10:45 pm
http://youtu.be/VqeYGxMNXow
GET HIM RICK SUND
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
superiorblogman
December 7th, 2011
10:46 pm
SteveW
December 7th, 2011
10:39 pm
The Earl Watson signing may be breaking down, according to Peachtree Hoops. Utah may be giving Earl a 2 year deal.
Not the end of the world if a minimum deal for Earl Watson breaks down. No need to get down in the dumps. Also, noone in there right mind is going over the tax for CJ Watson, Brewer, or Korver or some random pick,get a grip. We get either Asik or Taj Gibson or we let Jamal walk anywhere he can walk and stay under the luxury. Essentially, you are suggesting the stupid action of going into luxury for CJ Watson, Brewer, or Korver.
Big Dog
December 7th, 2011
10:47 pm
Able Dog and B modified.Tight group dead center, cease fire cease fire nice shooting Northcyde!
If Drew was any kind of coach hed tell Al to shut up and play. Hed tell him the center spot is yours, thats your role and how you help the team. Play your position. Own it or sit on the bench, non of this lobbying for a different position. You are the man in the middle for this team, Josh is our power forward. You two are the young guns. Josh got his game on at the 4 you get your game on at the 5. Shut up and play or sit down and let Asik play. The only talking you should be doing is to the enemy that tries to get to the rack and you should be saying F you to him.
Hoop.
Slimjr
December 7th, 2011
10:58 pm
ALL NBA AL= RIM PROTECTOR IS HE WANTS TOO?
Stone
December 7th, 2011
10:59 pm
The Atlanta Hawks are a circus act as long as ASG owns the team.
yodaddybrother
December 7th, 2011
11:04 pm
yall forget about the amnesty clause with The Contract. If the Hawks hold on to it, then maybe in 3 years when The Contract is clearly declined they could use it on him without even occurring a penalty.
or something like that
SteveW
December 7th, 2011
11:04 pm
I must be seeing a different CJ Watson than you guys. He looked fantastic to me most of the time. He’s cheaper than Brewer, but you gotta get withing a certain salary range for the S and T to work.
Too me the stupid one would be Chicago. They have a very good team, and to give up 2 pieces to get an aging Jamal for alot of money long term just doesn’t seem very smart to me.
tyger
December 7th, 2011
11:04 pm
I doubt McGrady starts, due to his injury history, he certainly isnt as explosive as before, but McGrady is immediately the best player on the floor for the Hawks. He has the intangible “it” you look for, the game comes easy to him, too easy in the past. Our problem isnt starting, its finishing and thats where T-Mac comes in.
Not crazy about Earl Watson, unlike McGrady, he never was a phenom nor uber-talented, all we need is for him to turn into Mike Bibby. Speaking of, where’s the ole Bibbster? It’d be nice to see him hobble down the court again for the vet minimum. We’re going to need it, Teague going to $hit his pants before the first week is over.
No question about the BIG issue, Horford is right. Kwame Brown, Pryzbilla, Aaron Gray are available right now and cheap, let’s not sleep waiting on Chicago to help us, it aint happening.
SteveW
December 7th, 2011
11:06 pm
I don’t want Korver. He’s never impressed me. Looked terrible in the playoffs last year.
BIG DOG
December 7th, 2011
11:06 pm
Big Dog, The Hawks are not winning with AL playing center. This team need a true starting center that will defend the paint.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
SteveW
December 7th, 2011
11:08 pm
Indy is talking about giving Aaron Gray 4m+ per year.
If you could get Kwame for the Vet Min, I think his athleticism would fit nicely with the Hawks. But he’s got to be the most clueless BB Player I’ve seen since Chris Washburn at times.
Smh
December 7th, 2011
11:09 pm
Joshua Smith, Alfred Horford, Zaza Pachulia, Jason Collins, Keith Benson, and Magnum Rolle
Thats Six frontcourt players #StopYourWhining
Big Dog
December 7th, 2011
11:10 pm
Ok its ID stealing time. LOL well you are all caps so what ever. I think the hawks can get better and compete at a higher level if Al owns up to the position. But he hasnt and doesnt look like his mine and soul is into either. He did nothing to grow to the position in the off season and in August he was still whining about playing the 4. not to mention MC’s conversation with him today. No, His mind and soul is not owning the position so in that way you are right. We are not winning with him at the 5.
Smh
December 7th, 2011
11:12 pm
Rolle and Benson would be your shot-blockers (you can youtube it for confermation)
Najeh Davenpoop
December 7th, 2011
11:14 pm
Damien Wilkins doesn’t sound very optimistic about his future here.
Maybe
December 7th, 2011
11:14 pm
Earl Watson is a beast. High-energy and VERY scrappy. I like him. We can trade Kirk to LA or something lol.
Big Dog
December 7th, 2011
11:17 pm
**doesn’t look like his mind and soul is into either.
KevinM
December 7th, 2011
11:19 pm
SteveW, yes, Kwame does remind me of Washburn, loads of potential, nothign accomplished.
And Earl Watson is going to wait on Utah before deciding, saying other teams are pushing real hard…..from hoopshype: “Just communicated with Earl Watson – “says he is sitting patient until I hear from the jazz at this point. Other teams are pushing hard.”
And Orlando wants Josh Smith to go with Dwight…wow, would Sund actually do that? Give me your best Josh offer to Orlando….I don’t think that there’s a chance a deal could get done. That roster is not good.
One more: Brad Wannamaker might get a shot here, and sounds like he’s coming to camp. MC, is David Lighty an option here?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 7th, 2011
11:21 pm
Not crazy about Earl Watson, unlike McGrady, he never was a phenom nor uber-talented, all we need is for him to turn into Mike Bibby. Speaking of, where’s the ole Bibbster? It’d be nice to see him hobble down the court again for the vet minimum. We’re going to need it, Teague going to $hit his pants before the first week is over.
He did fine vs DRose
Big Dog
December 7th, 2011
11:21 pm
Well We want Howard here to go with our Josh! Those two would be great together and that should be done here in the ATL
Fly
December 7th, 2011
11:22 pm
CJ Watson is solid, I’d be OK with him. But Brewer’s defense is why we want him. Put RB and Teague together and that would be hell for opposing backcourts, they can stay in front of just about anyone. Korver is the shooter we have had since……. I can’t even remember the last shooter we had.
BIG DOG
December 7th, 2011
11:23 pm
Big Dog, I’m the real BIG DOG LOL!!!!!!!!!
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
KevinM
December 7th, 2011
11:26 pm
Big Dog, you are right! It is much easier to see a deal to bring D12 here as opposed to Josh going to the Magic…that’s the talent difference IMO. No D12 in Orlando, the wins are few and far.
Big Dog
December 7th, 2011
11:39 pm
Absolutely KevinM, we have much more talent to offer and Josh and Howard have a better chance to win here, more history with the city and more excitement about the 2 playing together. Its a slam dunk to me. If I thought it was possible. Id darn near trade the franchise and build around Josh and Howard, fill in the blanks…
Melvin
December 7th, 2011
11:41 pm
If the Hawks resign Jamal and sign TMac a closing unit of Jamal,Joe,TMac, Josh and Al could be a deadly unit. Each one of them could attack from any where on the court….
Ra'mon
December 7th, 2011
11:45 pm
MC, have you had a chance to see how Josh’s handles are looking this week?
Ra'mon
December 7th, 2011
11:55 pm
I just thought about something, that I never thought about before. I don’t think D12 would welcome playing with JJ. D12 gets frustrated when guards dominate the basketball and doesn’t feed the post. I think with JJ, D12 would grow too impatient with ISO Joe, or with how often Joe waits until under ten seconds on the shot clock to make a move. Not to mention, I truly believe the main problem Josh has when he says ‘chemistry issues’ is with Joe (formerly Joe and Bibby, now Joe and Jamal). Neither of them passes it BACK to the post, after Al or Josh passes it out to reposition themselves (like the good scoring big men often do). And I honestly don’t think Teague has enough experience as a point guard (in college he was more of a scorer than a distributor) to feed the post consistently. So if the Hawks were to acquire D12, they would almost have to redo their entire back court to find players who would compliment playing with a big man (i.e. a Jason Kidd, D. Williams, or even T.J. Ford type of facilitator).
Ra'mon
December 7th, 2011
11:57 pm
Melvin the problem with that lineup is, Joe has to guard the point guard. And in such a short season with limited rest, that’s the worst case scenario for your best offensive player.
Maybe
December 8th, 2011
12:05 am
You would have to gamble and go with a four out, one in set. Teague, Jamal, T-Mac, Joe, and Horford.
Teague had proven he is CLUTCH and the best penetrator we have. Al just needs to grow a pair.
Grandad
December 8th, 2011
12:25 am
northcyde and others:
1st of all northcyde;
you take what the kid said – then twisted it to fit your agenda.
Normally with Joe, I watch what he does or does not do on the ct.
I do not think I’ve tried to manipulate his thoughts.
Al simply said what I have been saying and what 90%
of we bloggers have been saying since I’ve been a constituent
of the blog. We must get Bigger & we must get Rebounders.
Hell-fire gentlemen, yawl would jump on this kid if he said;
“I like apple pie, and I wish I had some apple pie, I would like
more apple pie if I could get some, dog-gone I like apple pie !”
What if this were Joe playing the [3] small forward ?
What if Joe simply said;
I’m willing to play small forward, but if we could get some help there
and bring in a really good defensive ace at the [3], “I would feel
comfortable at the [2 guard] spot”.
Now, if Joe said that – is Joe a pu$$y ?
Is he $oft ? Woud he be “Diaper” Joe ?
You guys amaze me at your lack of forethought !
superiorblogman
December 8th, 2011
12:25 am
Teague
Joe/T-Mac/Pape
Josh/Marvin
Al/Rolle/Benson
/ Zaza
10 able bodies, atleast 3 more needed. C and PG help are currently immediate needs. Hopefully 2morrow we will hear of a plan of finding adequate pieces to fill those positions.
Good nite, See ya 2morrow.
Rufus1
December 8th, 2011
12:38 am
How much size do we need?
Magic D12 7ft, Bass 6′8
Boston KG 7ft, Jeff Green 6′9
Bulls Noah 6′11, Boozer 6′9
Heat Haslem 6′9, Bosh 6′11
Hawks Al 6′10, Josh 6′9
Looks about the same to me.
The only team in the league with great size in the Lakers, so tell Al to get over it and play BIGGER!
PS. Tell LD to play Zaza more.
OX
December 8th, 2011
12:42 am
“Grandad” is right about that. People give Al a lot of flack but he isn’t the one missing all the long jumpers (Josh) or overdriblling (Joe) and he damn sure isn’t a bust (Marvin).
All he’s done is play out of position for four seasons and turned himself into a top 5 center no matter how you slice it, with his numbers improving every season, while we’re waiting on the rest of this team to “play the right way.”
OX
December 8th, 2011
12:47 am
I know Josh is the hometown guy and all, but the fact remains that we wouldn’t be in this mess if he would stay in the paint and HE is the one who asking for a trade while Al re-signed with no problems and is asking for more pieces to bring a winner here. You don’t here Josh being vocal about recruiting new players do you? Of course not. One guy wants out, while the other wants more weapons here.
Grandad
December 8th, 2011
1:06 am
Rufus
-true hgt-
Al – 6-8.75
Josh – 6-7
Marv – 6-7
*Joe – 6-6.75
Let’s call Joe a power forward and let him play the [4]
Now who’s gonna be callin’ for some help ?
heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp
meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
plleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeasssssssssseee !!!!!!!!!!
-just kiddin-
Joe only knows one quote:
“we gotta learn to trust each other”
-still, just kiddin around … sorta-
Neki
December 8th, 2011
1:14 am
Well, it looks like Earl Watson is going to Utah, so we need a new back-up PG for Teague or who ever going to be PG.
Speaking of PG, it looks like Clippers and Warriors is pull back out of the race for CPIII and Celtics, Lakers and others is back into play but here is the question, I know that we have better assets than Lakers and C’s and don’t even get a look out, why that?
Ra'mon
December 8th, 2011
1:16 am
OX, that’s where you are wrong. Where was Al in the PLAYOFFS? You say if Josh would just stay in the lane. Yet, Josh draws more fouls than Al and Joe COMBINED, and that’s a fact! Josh was the most consistent players, and put up the best numbers through the last 3 postseasons. Al is a one dimensional offensive player, and a rarely makes an impact on the defensive end. Al doesn’t create his own shot. Al doesn’t create shot for others. You have players who MAKE plays, and you have players who can only react to plays by the coach or point guard. Which one do you think Al is?
Al is a GREAT mid range jump shooter. Al is a good defensive rebounder. Al may or may not be a good teammate. But nothing beyond those three things stands out from Al. If you look at the numbers, is Al really that much better than Okafor (who is similar size-but better defensively)? Do you realize how much of a disadvantage Al rarely scoring in the lane puts on the Hawks when it comes to free throw differences between the Hawks and their opponents? Also do you realize the only reason Horford’s rebound numbers are better than Josh (and only by 1.4 reb a game), is because on the offensive glass, it is Horford’s responsibility to crash the glass, and it is Josh’s responsibility to get back on defense to hinder any fast break opportunity for the opponent. If you truly WATCH the entire game, and not just the ball, you’ll see Josh has been the Hawks LONE transitional defensive player for the last 3-4 seasons.
So on the stat sheet what you see is Josh having 2-3 blocks. But if you watch the entire game what you see is, Josh altering over 10 shots a game with just the threat of him blocking the attempt. Or when Zaza comes in the game, and Josh goes out (with Al moving to the 4), the opposing team automatically starts driving to the lane like an AA meeting to happy hour.
Also, did you not hear LD say that Josh picked up the entire NEW playbook faster than anyone on the team last season. And he knew exactly where every player was supposed to be? This was evident by Josh pointing to Al where he should be on many plays. Al is close to 250 lbs, and wants to be a stretch player. What sense does that make?
ATLFanatic
December 8th, 2011
1:18 am
Ok Guys, Now I am a huge hawks fan but you guys may just want to watch this. This was T-Mac last year…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ofl4OOh6mnk&feature=related
Grandad
December 8th, 2011
1:19 am
Yawl know this was BK’s dream ….. right ?
Wdsn screwed ‘im up:
All players = 6-7 to 6-9 —- *(call ‘em all 6-9)
Wdsn runs his switching defense;
LD runs his motion offense.
Perfect.
Also – [let them run like deer]
But Wdsn [control freak] wouldnt let LD run motion offense.
Wdsn didn’t trust LD, didn’t trust his players to run it,
heck, Wdsn didn’t trust anyone.
Now we know why Joe always says – what he says.
It’s engrained.
Wdsn taught them not to trust “nobody”.
Wdsn = paranoid.
Actually, in theory, a team of 6-9 athletes;
all being able to handle, rebound, pass, shoot, and defend;
plus slash … with a hard nosed team oriented
defensive mentality … could have been a concept
that would have worked !
Ra'mon
December 8th, 2011
1:20 am
And I actually like the tandem of Josh and Al at the 4 and 5. I believe Al best position is at the 5. I’ve only said trade Al for an All star or superstar (D12, Gasol, CPIII, etc.). But if Al would be content with playing the position that gives him the best advantage, and be more aggressive at the five, the Hawks would only need a defensive minded BACK UP center to fill out the roster.
doc
December 8th, 2011
1:20 am
najeh that earlier comment was so bad but so true:
http://rosaacosta.com/blog/new-rosa-acosta-stretching-video-dedicated-to-over-115000-twitter-followers/
to enhance your memory. heh heh
or as i was taught to say “to all my jolly good fellows …”