Atlanta Hawks: Camp Report Day 4
Media Day (David Tulis/AJC Special)
Notes and quotes gathered at Hawks media day while realizing I won’t see 70 percent of these people for the rest of the season. . . .
- I haven’t been in the locker room yet but Larry Drew said he’s put up a new sign that reads: “No excuses.” “I told them there are no more excuses at this point of our careers,” Drew said. “It’s time to take the next step.
- That’s a good point. Hawks players and coaches can wish they had more pieces–nearly every team in the league does–but if this is the team they are going to have, then this is who is going to have to get it done. It’s not as if they don’t have players or experience.
- “In order for us to become champs in this league we are all going to have to step our game up at some point,” Joe Johnson said. “We can’t blame it on ‘what we need.’ We can get it done with this group that we’ve got. We just have to believe it.”
- Drew said Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse can provide the kind of leadership the Hawks have lacked: “Both guys have been at this long enough, they are not afraid to step on toes. That is one of the most important ingredients for veteran leadership. Irregardless of being here a short time, they are not afraid to voice their opinion, step on toes and call guys out. We haven’t had that in the past.”
- Drew said J.J. needs to do more, too: “He knows the rest of the guys look up to him. He’s always been a leader by example, now we really need him to step up and really be more vocal. Don’t hold it in. We are a team that has been together for a while now and it’s time to turn the corner. To do that, we need him to step up and be more vocal.”
- The biggest drop-off in J.J.’s numbers last season came at the 3-point line. I asked him if his injured elbow contributed to that: “I’m a guy who never makes excuses. I had a down year last year and I’m look forward to bouncing back. I don’t blame my elbow or none of that. I am just going to play the game the way I know how and contribute the best way I can.”
- Tracy McGrady was pretty upfront about where he’s at in his career: “I had some injuries that set me back for two years but I was fortunate to bounce back from those. I’m not a 30-point scorer anymore but I can still play the game.”
- Josh Smith told AJC wise guy Jeff Schultz that he’s worked on his mid-range game but wouldn’t be taking as many 3-pointers: “You’re going to see less of that from me.”
- The stat geek inside of me immediately opened his smart mouth: “But better to take 3s when you have a 49.7 effective field-goal percentage, and make long 2s at a 39-percent clip.” Sometimes that stat geek is no fun.
- Vladimir Radmanovich put on his Hawks jersey for the first time. “Everybody knows I am a 3-point shooter and I am a guy that stretches the offense,” he said. “I am going to try to do that and help guys get more space down in the paint to operate.”
- I told him I noticed he had pretty good blocks and steals rates last season. He attributed it to dropping weight last season: “Not having so much weight gives me the opportunity to be quicker and lighter and I think that helped me last year in terms of steals and blocks. There are some advantages to it and some disadvantages to it. You have to pick your poison.
- Everyone wanted to know if the Jeff Teague we saw against the Bulls is the same one we are going to see this season. The consensus was the Teague is playing as if he intends to back that up.
- Drew: “Looks like he’s had a really good offseason. Judging by the first practices he’s really playing at a high level. His speed and quickness just makes us a totally different team. I expect him to take the bull by the horns. I don’t want him to have to wait on anybody. Let’s force the other guys to keep up with him. He’s the type of player that can impact the game with his speed and quickness.”
- Joe: “I see him picking up right where he left out. I told Jeff coming in to this year he has to be that leader on the court where guys really can trust him. I’ve seen the work he put in over the summer, working on his jump shot and penetrating and making plays for guys. We are going to need him to do it. He’s a great defender, a guy who loves to get in the passing lanes. When he turns that corner, the Atlanta Hawks are going to turn that corner as well.”
- J.J. has noticed what I’ve noticed: Teague is carrying himself differently now. “You can see how he communicates, his body language, knowing that he is going to have the rock in his hand making decisions.”
- There also were some questions about how the Hawks would replace Jamal Crawford’s scoring. “I’m going to step my game up,” J.J. said. “Josh is going to step his up, Al his going to step his up. I think [we do it] collectively as a team. It’s not just going to be one guy. I think we are going to have to do something to pick up the slack.”
- “We are going to have to depend on me and Marvin and Al and Teague to fill that void that Jamal left,” Josh said.
- Kirk Hinrich said he hasn’t been cleared to run yet so he’s trying to stay in shape by getting on the bike and elliptical machine. “It’s just frustrating not to be able to play,” he said.
- The Clippers claimed Chauncey Billups.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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289 comments Add your comment
c'mon man
December 13th, 2011
11:07 am
Clippers beat the lakers???? C’mon man… not gonna happen… especially with dwight headed there… lmao.. people are quick to takes shots at the kobe lead lakers, the only player thats in the nba that already has a resume that scream top 3 greatest of all time lead lakers.. the clippers? C’mon man.
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
11:09 am
My final CP3 proposal since he has not been moved yet….
We give up:
Marvin/Teague/Zaza/#1 draft pick
That’s more than fair at this stage if NO and the NBA really want to move CP3 before the start of the season. We lose some depth, but we improve our starting rotation. Our offense improves as well.
As much I would hate to lose Teague, CP3 might justify this shot to get to the ECF this year.
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
11:10 am
Perhaps we could work JC1 into that trade proposal?
Can we trade a trade exception?
c'mon man
December 13th, 2011
11:14 am
Kevin….. there is no way the nba would take that trade they were offered gasol and odom draft picks and the staples center, no disrespect to marvin, teague zaza and draft picks, but it would never go through… and yes you can trade trade exemptions
SteveW
December 13th, 2011
11:21 am
LD is our wildcard. I have no idea how he’s going to Coach. If the past is any indication, he’ll be fired after the first 22 games, but last year may have been a fluke.
That being said, my predictions:
Chicago and the Heat will be seeds 1 and 2 in the East. The Heat probably being #1.
Philly as the #3 seed – especially if Brand holds up and they get Hawes back. Their 1-3 spots are loaded.
ATL #4 – I believe
Indy #5
Orlando #6 – Dwight, Jameer, J Richardson, Big Baby, Anderson, Hedo – they have too much talent to fall very far.
#7 – Boston – they kinda fall apart this season, but still dangerous
#8 – NY Knicks
I think the Bucks may challenge for a spot as well
Western Conference
# 1 – Thunder – If Westbrook and Durant can stay cool with each other. And Perkins can stay healthy. They may be ready to beast it.
#2 – Memphis
#3 – Clippers
#4 – Dallas
#5 – Lakers
#6 – Houston
#7 – San Antonio
#8 – I’ll go with Utah, but it could be one of several teams. Their frontline is so deep and they have decent PG’s they may give some teams so problems. But really Phoenix, GSW, Denver, Portland – they could have a real battle for those last spots in the West.
Denver because of George Karl and nothing else really, unless Nene comes back.
I see this as the year of Revolution in the NBA – Some teams on the rise that haven’t been before in a long time.
Finals – Bulls versus OKC, with the OKC winning.
SteveW
December 13th, 2011
11:24 am
The Lakers have Kobe, Bynum, Gasol and who else again??
SteveW
December 13th, 2011
11:25 am
With Bynum suspended those first few games, I think the Clippers beat the Lakers by double digits.
We’ll see who’s right in a couple of weeks..
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
11:27 am
According to a report I heard last night from David Aldridge, the League wants the Hornets to get as many rookie contracts (from really good rookies) and draft picks as possible. Considering the Hornets are up for sale, think of it as how you would want to make a house more sellable. Most owners would prefer a team with a fair amount of growing and inexpensive talent that they can either sign to a long-term deal when their contract is up of use as trade assets. Same thing with draft picks. If that is the case, the Hawks don’t have those types of assets, certainly not like the Clippers.
vava74
December 13th, 2011
11:43 am
AJ,
Say what?
Teague, Sy, Rolle, Benson, Wannamaker and the rights to Akyol and Gladyr are not enough to get CP3???
Heck, we are looking at 50 wins guaranteed on MY trade machine
hawks_4_life
December 13th, 2011
11:46 am
Astro Joe,
No league this year?
superiorblogman
December 13th, 2011
11:48 am
Kirk, Zaza, and a 2nd for Kaman. Kaman is not under contract next year. He is a expiring just like Kirk. I would rather have Kaman’s bird rights than Kirk’s, meaning since he would be our own free agent we could go over the cap to resign him. No, way the Clippers pay Kaman 12.2 million to be a backup and no way they pay De-Andre over $10 to be a backup one is getting moved.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=79ln8ok
c'mon man
December 13th, 2011
11:48 am
Steve, im betting bynum does his suspension with another team and the starting lineup for the laker looks something like this by christmas
PG. Gilbert Arenas
SG KOOOOOOBEEEEE
SF Hedo/ or Matt
PF hell IDK maybe you doesnt really matter
C Dwight
and with a huge amount of cap room left they can fill out just find for the bench.. who the hell wouldnt take a pay cut to play with dwight and kobe???
Rufus1
December 13th, 2011
11:49 am
Kwame Brown… 1yr for 7mil…Wow. Everyday Sund looks smarter and smarter.
Big Ray
December 13th, 2011
11:51 am
1) “Newness” is for media day. “Reality” is for gameday.
2) Joe being a more vocal leader – ummmm, no. He’s vocal in post game interviews. That’s about it.
3) “You’ll see less of that from me” – Josh Smith on shooting 3s. We saw that last year. It was even uglier just inside the 3 point line.
4) Now that Crawford is all but gone, we get to watch Marvin Williams blossom into the uber-star that many here have said he could become if only Crawford wasn’t stealing his minutes. Right?
5) Why haven’t we signed Stackhouse yet? We should have done it 2 years ago…
6) Larry Drew writes “no excuses” on a big board. Gosh golly, NOW I feel inspired.
7) Three Captains only works in Pirates of the Caribbean.
Dan T.
December 13th, 2011
11:53 am
Mcgrady will be great this year & will eventually be a starter
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
12:05 pm
vava, you got jokes.
Hawks_4_life, Samuel moderated the fantasy league the past few years. I’ll see if I still have his personal email and will see if he plans to host it again this year.
SteveW
December 13th, 2011
12:11 pm
This about Jamal :”Warkentien and the Knicks are trying to sell the former Knick on accepting the team’s $2.5 million mini midlevel exception, as the New York Post first reported.”
Surely he gets more than 2.5m per…
O'Brien
December 13th, 2011
12:17 pm
KevinM,
Hawks have to improve rebounding (28th in the league last year).
vava74
December 13th, 2011
12:18 pm
SteveW,
Jamal’s appreciation in the league is being exposed… but 2.5 million is a bit short: I think his skill set should warrant between 4 and 5 million per.
Buddy Grizzard
December 13th, 2011
12:31 pm
“Since Buddy G thinks that Zaza is the best backup C in the league, why don’t we start him?” – SteveW
Haha we don’t start him because he stood up to Las Vegas Larry… and Vegas has so little credibility as an NBA coach that he can’t have anybody discrediting him. Any other coach would start Zaza. Vegas will start Collins.
PS Kwame for 7 mil one season deal… wasn’t the bargain I was hoping for. Would have been last year if we wrapped him up for a multi year contract just over the veterans’s minimum.. coulda.. shoulda..
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 13th, 2011
12:34 pm
Marvin Williams was just a “solid” role player before Jamal, got to the line more hit a higher percentage.
Doesnt mean he was creating more or posting up. In short playing him and Smith together was not better than Smith as a Power 3 with a taller shooter at PF. Marv has not lived up to his draft # ever. He just hit corner shots at a higher rate.
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
12:35 pm
vava, I agree. JC1 should take the best offer on the table out there.
Portland needs a shooter.
Minny needs a shooter. Berea might have closed that option.
Charlotte….would not surprise me there either.
He probably starts at NJ.
Sund ends up with zero compensation.
Rufus1
December 13th, 2011
12:42 pm
If Kwame gets 7mil, how much Pryzbilla or Dalembert get…12mil. Unless a team is dumping salary, centers aren’t cheap…We pay 12mil a year for our undersized center. The Clippers just paid 11.5mil a year to a center thats averages 7pts and 7rebs….Wow.
You draft a young center like Benson or Rolle and Hope they develop.
PS. Zaza and Twin are underpaid.
Buddy Grizzard
December 13th, 2011
12:46 pm
So yeah Blog Troll… Kwame for $7m… Thabeet headed for amnesty… wish I knew as much about basketball as you.
Truth
December 13th, 2011
12:47 pm
So we have a trade exception we can use to go over the LT threshold without paying it, but we refuse to use it.
MC are ASG and Sund aware of it?
O'Brien
December 13th, 2011
12:48 pm
I don’t think the Hornets will find a better deal (for the long term) than what the Clippers will offer, especially when you take into account that CP3 will only commit to staying 2 years with a handful of places (LA, Knicks included).
I would take Eric Gordon, Kaman’s expiring contract, Bledsoe and Minny’s unprotected 1st round pick. The Clippers can keep Aminu.
N.O. gets a starting SG in Gordon, a backup PG in Bledsoe, a starting center (although he would back Okafor up) who could also be traded since he has a $12 mil expiring contract, and probably a top 10 pick in a deep draft. What more does Stern expect?
O'Brien
December 13th, 2011
12:52 pm
Rufus,
DeAndre Jordan averaged 7 pts, 7 rebs, and 2 blocks in only 26 minutes. If he plays 36 minutes per game, he should be able to average 10 pts, 10 rebs, and 3 blocks per game. And based on those projections, I can see why they would give him $11 mil per.
vava74
December 13th, 2011
12:52 pm
I think we will miss Hinrich A LOT and will struggle a bit until he comes back.
His hard nosed game and versatility at the PG/SG slots will be very important once he returns.
We will probably hoover around 55% wins until he returns but I think we can then make a good final push.
SteveW
December 13th, 2011
1:07 pm
Buddy G – Bog Troll Alert!!
““Since Buddy G thinks that Zaza is the best backup C in the league, why don’t we start him?” – SteveW”
I never wrote this….
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
December 13th, 2011
1:21 pm
Hey Astro I was waiting for the fantasy league too. Maybe you should create a league so we can start it up. I’m in 2 leagues already but I need another team.
FIRE SUND
hey
December 13th, 2011
1:22 pm
any word on Pape Sy? What’s his status?
Rufus1
December 13th, 2011
1:26 pm
OB,
The point I was making is center aren’t cheap, not even the bad ones.(Kwame)…I understand why they paid Jordan(Young with upside)…I don’t understand why they paid Kwame that much.
I know ppl want a starting caliber center but they are seldom traded and you have to be willing to give up alot to get one…..Look at what Houston was willing to trade for Gasol and the Magic want Gasol and Bynum for D12.
I just think we need to focus on trying to get our coaches and players to do a better job.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 13th, 2011
1:30 pm
“And there are people that don’t like this guy?? Really??”
Everyone likes the Zaza that showed up for that late February Portland game and hung around for most of the rest of the season. Nobody likes the indecisive, pass-fumbling, getting-his-layup-blocked, pump-faking Zaza that was taking up space until that time.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 13th, 2011
1:37 pm
Marc Stein says that the Pacers have offered Jamal 2 years $10 million, while the T-Wolves, Knicks, and other teams are still in the running.
This is the first example I have seen of the new CBA actually limiting someone’s salary. I kinda feel bad for Jamal, to be honest, if he has to settle for that while Thaddeus Young and DeAndre Jordan are getting paid eight figures per year. Jamal has his fair share of flaws but so do those other players.
Dukester
December 13th, 2011
2:05 pm
Can someone please explain to me why the Hawks dont understand the importance of interior defense and rebounding? I love Al but he is crying out telling the front office to go and land a center to fill that roll. And I agree with him. Insert Nene, Dalembert at Center Horford/Josh at PF, Josh/Vlad/Marvin and SF, Joe/Mcgrady/ and SG and Teague at PG. Trade Hinrinch for a pick and move that salary like the Lakers did and go get a big man please!! I like Zaza as a back up but twin needs to go elsewhere. We have about 20 million of wasted money on this roster.
Melvin
December 13th, 2011
2:09 pm
Najeh,
I feel sorry for Jamal b/c his choices are limited being that ATL has his bird rights and refuse (or unable) to re-sign him to his market value.
vava74
December 13th, 2011
2:11 pm
Najeh,
Yes. I know. Zaza started the season playing like rubbish, but the fact is that LD miss managed his assets and it took time for Zaza to regain his confidence.
He is far from perfect: his 6′11 frame is negated by the fact that his vertical is on or around 3” but his scrappiness is valuable on any team.
My theory on Zaza is that his minutes should be carefully managed to fit the following criteria, but he should get an average of 25/27 minutes per game:
1. Always have a shot-blocker playing alongside him;
2. Give him more touches, since his shot is not that bad when his confidence levels are high (and he gets to the line at an excellent pace);
3. Make sure that he is not put on the court only with scrubs: like most average players, his play greatly benefits from being around with better players (hence, rotations are so important);
vava74
December 13th, 2011
2:14 pm
Najeh,
2x 5 million is Jamal’s worth.
DeAndre is:
a) A center
b) A good defensive player
c) Extremely young with upside
T. Young:
a) is young;
b) had a very good season last year, showing a lot of promise;
c) has a decent overall game
EmirS.
December 13th, 2011
2:18 pm
“7) Three Captains only works in Pirates of the Caribbean.” -Big Ray
LOL! I love it!
doc
December 13th, 2011
2:22 pm
too funny guys, getting all excited about what tmac is saying? i have never heard a player come in saying how old he is or how bad his back or knees are such that one wrong move or too much play time will have him on the ir list. i mean what did you expect him to say?
STRETCH
December 13th, 2011
2:23 pm
While the Orlando Magic are keeping all of their options open, Dwight Howard is not.
There are only four teams that Howard would sign a long-term contract with, according to a source close to the situation — the Magic, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks or Los Angeles Lakers.
By Chris Broussard on Twitter: @chris_broussard
All a gott say after reading that is Daaaaaaang. Its sad when you are a hometown product and you dont even mention the hometown team out of a list of 4 other teams. New Jersey was mentioned over Atlanta. That pretty much tells a person what he and so many other star players think about the ATL.
Rod from College Park
December 13th, 2011
2:25 pm
“4) Now that Crawford is all but gone, we get to watch Marvin Williams blossom into the uber-star that many here have said he could become if only Crawford wasn’t stealing his minutes. Right?”
LOL
“I think we will miss Hinrich A LOT and will struggle a bit until he comes back.
His hard nosed game and versatility at the PG/SG slots will be very important once he returns.”
Vava, I would not depend on Hinrich to play at all this year. He is a walking injury. He’s decent when he plays, but he stays injured.
JERALD TROUTMAN
December 13th, 2011
2:32 pm
I will be honest with you, I think that Josh Smith needs to humble himself. He needs to understand that in Order to when a Championship that his Game on the Court has to be more of a silent but deadly one. Stop the talk, stop acting like a kid like Lebron does and understand you can lead without having the title in the lime light. He is no longer a spring chicken any longer; develop your game. I think the McGrady and Stackhouse will help him understand that they where just like him very athletic. Lebron went to Magic and Olajuwain for that in the paint game which he was lacking. Listen Josh, Think in order to be that threat again look to see who is on the court and that is how you change to fit if you need to be a grbage man be that (athletics) If you need to make your other members of the team shine do that. Josh think of a ring it takes a team. Stop thinking NBA glamour and think Hunger college. We have a winning team the veterans will add the gel to that team. I would put the Hawks up against any team and know with the right cohesion that is championship all day. Josh work on your post moves, your left handed that will make you hard to stop and look for teammates on the double team. Josh look back at the reason you wanted to pick up that ball, you loved the game. Josh get that back. Joe you are that leader speak, Al pound make them say wow he moves bodies around. Teague you are that PG we have been missing speed and hunger make them come to you and dish or respect your game. Coach let your team know you are there for them respect their game but tune it and be honest about what is needed to guide this city. McGrady get with Joe and work on what you see from the team. Stackhouse you and Josh have alot in common. Vets educate the young end your careers with a ring. Josh love what you have done for the city but understand if you don’t get it done this year you will be the first to go because your need to be the star of the team and forcing it when not needed has cost the team. I think if you are traded you will go for a functional center and role playing forward such as Maggette, R. Lewis, Granger, even Kevin Garnett. it is decision time the success of the team is the overall goal. josh if you can not learn to be a role player at times and learn when to step up, a player that can hold 10 to 20 points a game and making the players around better from someone else will do. It is better than you forcing a 25 points a game and not making your teammates better and put them in a position to score. Guys looking forward
vava74
December 13th, 2011
2:32 pm
Come on Rod, anything goes to bash Hinrich.
Yes, he is injury prone because he goes all out and plays his tail off but he averages 70 games per season.
IF he stays healthy, he will invaluable. Look at his stats: his numbers are better ACROSS THE BOARD in the playoffs.
Look at his numbers against ORL:
10-11 ATL G6 GS6 mpg28.8 fg%0.500 3pt%0.421 FT1.000 rpg2.3 apg2.7 stl1.2 blk0.3 to0.67 fl3.50 ppg10.2
vava74
December 13th, 2011
2:37 pm
Kept TOs low, shot well, defended Jameer very well and was VOCAL.
His physical characteristics are diminishing but he is smart and has tremendous knowledge of the game.
O'Brien
December 13th, 2011
2:37 pm
Jamal at 2 years, $10 mil is fair value (imo). But not only does the Hawks not have the money, I also don’t trust LD to know how to use Jamal effectively.
And with Hinrich always a threat to be banged up, I hope the Hawks sign a vet PG to backup Teague (rather than depend on Sy as the backup PG).
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
2:45 pm
I don’t feel bad for any of these players. Their career salary is usually a bell shaped curve and Jamal had his peak in the last contract. For every guy like Jamal who starts to decline, there are guys like Shannon Brown or Deandre Jordan who just signed new deals that will quickly increase their earnings.
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
2:50 pm
Jamal should take the vet’s minimum and go join the Lakers. They lost their two best bench scorers (Lamar & Shannon) and he will surely get enough TV time to flash his highlight-worthy game. Of course, Kobe might try to kill him in the bowels of Staples Arena after going 2-11 after a Wednesday night game, but with opportunity comes risk.
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
2:56 pm
@ Stretch
It is sad. But that’s been our history. Big time free agents and star players in general just don’t want to play here for the most part. I think guys just like to “play” in the city. Atlanta has some of the finest women in the country, and arguably the best “adult entertainment” around. So I can see some of the married players liking to visit Atlanta, but not necessarily be here full time.
That. . . and the Hawks not having a storied basketball history.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 13th, 2011
3:12 pm
” That pretty much tells a person what he and so many other star players think about the ATL.”
No, it says what he and so many other star players think about the Hawks organization.