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
Rod from College Park
December 13th, 2011
3:15 pm
vava74,
“Yes, he is injury prone because he goes all out and plays his tail off but he averages 70 games per season.”
Not bashing him at all. Just stating the facts. He has stayed hurt, since he has been a Hawk. I hate to inform you of this, but recovering from a torn labrum in not easy at all. I don’t look for much contribution from his this year at all. It’s funny how Kirk is so solid, and he was great in the Orlando series, but you still fail to understand that Jamal is the reason we won that series. No Jamal in that series, we lose. Bottom line is at this point in his career, Kirk is injury prone, and this is the last year of his deal. He won’t provide much to this team at all.
EmirS.
December 13th, 2011
3:17 pm
“Atlanta has some of the finest women” -northcyde
Amen.
O'Brien
December 13th, 2011
3:19 pm
From Jeff Schultz’ new article;
Smith likes playing for Drew. There are far fewer public battles than there were with Mike Woodson.
“It was a great change,” Smith said. “Nothing against Woody but Larry Drew’s a better fit for me. Totally different. Larry knows how to handle a person like a man. If he has something to say to you, he’ll bring you into the office and have it out with you in there instead of playing it out in front of everybody.”.
I wonder how Josh would have handled Woody calling him “rook”.
Trojan
December 13th, 2011
3:25 pm
The motivation behind Howard’s list is purely money. New Jersey is an arm pit place to live but they have a wealthy owner.
The “stars” of the NBA bore me. I wonder where Dwight is taking his “talentZZZZ”
O'Brien
December 13th, 2011
3:27 pm
From espn.com;
The Indiana Pacers have extended a two-year offer worth $10 million to Atlanta Hawks free agent Jamal Crawford that would enable Crawford to return to free agency next summer, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.
The offer to Crawford, which would pay him $5 million annually, includes an opt-out after the first year to allow Crawford to join the free agent class of 2012 if he chooses.
The Wolves could get into the bidding for Crawford if they choose to release a veteran through amnesty — the candidates include Luke Ridnour, Brad Miller or Martell Webster — to create the needed salary-cap space..
If I was a professional athlete, I always wonder if I would put more focus on winning or location this late in my career, or would it still be about the money.
Jamal has made tons of money in his career, so if he saved or invested wisely, there is no reason to go to Minny.
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:32 pm
Josh simply should not need to ‘handled’ at this point. Doesn’t he consider himself a ‘professional’? Now, someone tell me who else you think LD has to take into the office and ‘have it out’ with?
Sometimes, I want to think these guys get it, and then they start talking. Sheesh….yes, I know there is going to be a language barrier and attitude barrier between old school and today’s players…but can’t we get some quotes talking about I’m not helping the team enough or I need to work harder on my game/weaknesses. It always seems to be a mental battle with these guys.
I know Smoove is still considered young, but he’s considered a captain and a 7 year vet! Come on man!
As for Hindrich, he will have to produce fast to help us out this year. His injury may not heal quick enough to get back to 100%.
JC1-someone said take the min and go to LAL? HAIL NO!
I’m not cutting my salary 90% for any team! Once you accept the vet min, you never raise your value. Truth be, Sund should be trying to convince our dedicated restaurant ‘owners’ to go into the luxury tax and keep JC1 coming off the bench.
Breaking news: I see on nba.com that JC1 has his 5M offer for 2 years from the Pacers. I’m asking Portland or Dallas to get a bit more. He would look good on that Mav team like JT. Then they would be very deep.
JC1 would be a stud in Dallas.
STRETCH
December 13th, 2011
3:33 pm
northcyde,
Atlanta is a well deserving city for professional sports too and man i really love my Atlanta sports teams, its just the management part of it that kills folks there. Maybe we all outta “Occupy Philips” and get some CNN PR until ASG goes away. Just a thought.
Najeh,
And the Mavs also picked up Delonte West too? As much as i hate to admit it, i like what they have done. So is Lamar going to back up Dirk or is he going to be the SF or is that Vince Carter?
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:33 pm
OB, I’m asking a contender if they have interest in a similar deal for JC1…..
And anyone going to Portland is rolling the dice health-wise…..they are dropping like flies out there!
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:35 pm
I forgot Delonte was just pulled in by the Mavs….well, JC1 will be okay even if that is his only offer.
We’re gonna miss his 4th quarter heroics! Fingers crossed for T-Mac to have some Mac-magic left in him.
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:37 pm
“The Clippers are selling the NBA on the idea that the market for Paul has shrunk and the league’s demands have to be lowered, too”.
Come on Sund, throw an offer at them!
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:40 pm
“Eddy Curry did not make it thru 2nd practice with Heat, has now sat out 3rd & 4th. This experiment could be short lived”
Haha, what the hey is wrong with this kid? He can’t get up and down the court anymore?
doc
December 13th, 2011
3:42 pm
stern, is going to find out he sucks as a gm and even he can do bad deals with a stacked deck no less.
STRETCH
December 13th, 2011
3:49 pm
By the looks of that lineup they dont even need to have a training camp. Your 2011-12 Dallas Mavericks:
Point Guard – Jason Kidd, Rodrigue Beaubois, Andy Rautins
Shooting Guard – Vince Carter, Jason Terry, Dominique Jones, Rudy Fernandez
Small Forward – Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Corey Brewer
Power Forward – Dirk Nowitzki, Brian Cardinal, Brandan Wright
Center Brendan – Haywood, Ian Mahinmi
While everyone else is caught up in the Dwight Howard/Cris Paul hoo
pla, the Mavs silently went out and stocked up on quality guys that still can play the game and contribute.
Their 2nd string will kill ours and might give the 1st string a wippin too!
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:57 pm
Dallas will be dumping Fernandez and probably not have room for Brewer any longer either. The appear to be locked in.
That is quite a bench they have there. They may make another run at it if they get any defense/health out of Haywood.
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
3:58 pm
Where’s Billy Knight when to need to mix things up a bit on a roster?
Ole BK was a master at doing just that!
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
4:12 pm
OB, as a former player, my guess is that Woody called players from a few generations “Rook” and probably most couldn’t care less. If that is the worse thing you are called in life, then life is very, very good. I recall going to Forsythe County a few decades ago with Hosea Williams and I would have celebrated if some of those folk standing in their yards simply called me “Rook”.
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
December 13th, 2011
4:45 pm
“His physical characteristics are diminishing but he is smart and has tremendous knowledge of the game.”
Physical characteristics diminishing? What, are his hands getting smaller, or what?
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 13th, 2011
4:52 pm
Wow just found out Lakers signed Malcolm Thomas. Did not know he had an opt out.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 13th, 2011
4:55 pm
Smith said he never asked to be traded. But he would not have screamed if it had happened.
Yet, when the Hawks opened the gym following the NBA lockout, guess who was the first player to show up? Guess who lost 25 pounds this summer, changing his workouts, changing his diet, running in the Hollywood hills?
Guess who worked on his mid-range jumper — from 16 feet, not Neptune — and was determined to get faster and quicker so he could excel against the league’s small forwards, after seeing a lot of time at the 3-spot in the playoffs?
Josh Smith showed up to training camp a different guy. He weighs 225, the lightest he has been since turning pro in 2004. After only a few days of drills, coach Larry Drew said, “He’s getting off his feet a lot quicker, getting to the rim and exploding, even more than he has in the past.”
Red Robin
December 13th, 2011
4:56 pm
In that picture of Al horford on the lead for this story, is he being interview about what teams hed like to be traded too or is he apologizing and saying hes going to embrace the center position?
Red Robin
December 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
Its amazing that will all the bullCh!t about Smith and his shooting he shot 49.7 from the trey spot.
I sure hope he continues
Big Ray
December 13th, 2011
5:02 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2011/12/13/can-this-really-be-a-new-josh-smith-for-hawks/
Love for this to really be the “new” Josh. He is the one guy who can really transform this team into something else if he plays to his potential and plays smarter. Sure, guys like Jeff Teague can step up. But nobody can have the impact on both ends that Josh can have.
Well, we shall see. If it’s same ol’, same ol’, or ….not.
Undisputed Champ!
December 13th, 2011
5:03 pm
Is Al being traded?
Undisputed Champ!
December 13th, 2011
5:04 pm
Josh Smith showed up to training camp a different guy. He weighs 225, the lightest he has been since turning pro in 2004. After only a few days of drills, coach Larry Drew said, “He’s getting off his feet a lot quicker, getting to the rim and exploding, even more than he has in the past.”
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
5:07 pm
Shelden Williams signed with the Nets. Does that mean that wifey Candace will ask the LA Sparks to trade her to the NY Liberty?
Red Robin
December 13th, 2011
5:08 pm
Josh Smith showed up to training camp a different guy. He weighs 225, the lightest he has been since turning pro in 2004. After only a few days of drills, coach Larry Drew said, “He’s getting off his feet a lot quicker, getting to the rim and exploding, even more than he has in the past.” – at least somebody improved his game!
U.C. If Al is being traded I think he has the right to choose who he will be traded to. Im sure its in his contract.
Big Ray
December 13th, 2011
5:10 pm
There goes the ultimate troll…
Undisputed Champ!
December 13th, 2011
5:11 pm
Has Al said what teams he would consider?
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
5:11 pm
If we drink the Kool-Aid being served, the Hawks willl surely go 65-1. Josh, Teague, Marvin, Joe, TMac, Collins, Sy… everyone has a “back and better than ever” story to tell. I’m optimistic, but I’m not quite ready to purchase Finals tickets.
northcyde
December 13th, 2011
5:15 pm
Red Robin
December 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
Its amazing that will all the bullCh!t about Smith and his shooting he shot 49.7 from the trey spot.
I sure hope he continues
***************************
Smith has an eFG ( effective field goal percentage ) of 49.7% from 3 point range.
That REALLY means that he shot 33.1% from three ( 51 – 154 ).
That’s easily a CAREER HIGH for Smith, by the way.
For his career, Josh Smith has attempted 632 threes, and made them at a 28.2% clip.
IN the 2009 – 10 season, Smith only attempted 7 threes, and missed all of them . . . but shot a CAREER HIGH from the field ( 50.5% ).
Big Dog
December 13th, 2011
5:18 pm
Its nice to see Josh elevate his mind and game. Sounds like hes done some growing up. What is he 25 now?
Hey, What did Al do to better his game?
I dont know if he will be traded, or why he was being interviewed in the picture, but im sure there are some teams that have an interest in Al. I just hope we get something worth it if he leaves or is traded… not like the J.Childress. situration.
Astro Joe
December 13th, 2011
5:19 pm
If I remember correctly, Josh hit a good percentage of his 3s early in the ‘10-11 season and then he lost his touch (but kept shooting). His overall average may have been good but I seem to recall that his last few months were back to his previous <33% standard.
Red Robin
December 13th, 2011
5:22 pm
Northcyde I see your point. I must have misread Schultz. so 33% is about 1 out of 3. Who owns the highest % 3s on the Hawks? Who is 2nd and 3rd?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
5:22 pm
FIRE SUND
AMNESTY ASG
RESIGN KONCAK
Big Dog
December 13th, 2011
5:25 pm
Undisputed, I’m hearing that Al has not publicly ask for any trade and this may be just a rumor. If Al demands a trade there will be some teams trying to talk to him.
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut
December 13th, 2011
5:27 pm
Josh Smith needs to be “inside”. Trade Horford for a stretch 4 and a center.
Al Horford needs to be “inside”. Trade Smith for Marvins replacement and a center.
Smith is more dynamic than Horford and Horfords value comes from rebounding and passing to shooters.
Joe Johnson got doubled plenty of times in the playoffs but then he had to pass to Jason Collins, Josh Smith, or Al Horford.
Horford at this point is stuck at center and wed be well served trading him for a center with size and toughness. + stretch four to be that shooter or post up option for Joe Johnson.
A Team) 7′0 BOGUT. 7′0 LEUER. 6′8 Smith
OR
B Team) 6′10 HORFORD. 6′10 Space Cadet Radmanovic. 6′8 Smith
Trade Horford for any 7 foot center better than Jason Collins and a stretch 4 please!
yoursporthouse the website
December 13th, 2011
5:30 pm
I agree trade Horford. He has no back to the basket game and he’s not a shot blocker like Josh. Trade him while you can get something for him and before you have to ree him up.
Undisputed Champ!
December 13th, 2011
5:31 pm
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut is there enough interest in Al to make a good trade for a legit center?
Sautee
December 13th, 2011
5:35 pm
The only one talking about trading Al (and he does it incessantly) is Flavor Flav.
At least until now when T-s shows up.
What up T-s?
cp
December 13th, 2011
6:07 pm
Jamal turned down the Pacers offer. I wonder what kind of contract he is looking for.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 13th, 2011
6:14 pm
“The only one talking about trading Al (and he does it incessantly) is Flavor Flav.”
Haha good to see that someone else started calling him Flavor Flav too. His incoherent ramblings are much more entertaining if you imagine Flavor Flav saying them wearing an oversized clock. Trade Al for Thabeet. Yeaaaaaaaaah, boyieeeeeeeeee.
Undisputed Champ!
December 13th, 2011
6:20 pm
I dont think that would be a good trade… Al for Thabeet. but I would love to see Al an say, Marvin + 1st rounder.
Big Dog
December 13th, 2011
6:22 pm
I like the many different trade scenarios posed by Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut. I think wed better get our worth back for horford in trade.
Big Dog
December 13th, 2011
6:24 pm
7′0 BOGUT. 7′0 LEUER. 6′8 Smith
Grandad
December 13th, 2011
6:35 pm
Big Dog
7 ft Zaza, 7-1 Collins, 7 ft Benson, 6-8 Al.
What are we doing now;
just makin’ up shooshoo & thrown’ it up against the wall …
to see if it sticks ?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
6:41 pm
Joe.Jeff.Smith.Leuer.Bogut ,
I will seriously consider wiring $50 to your PayPal if you change your hideous username here
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
6:41 pm
After reading all of MC’s recent tweets this evening, there is only one feasible solution to our problems:
FIRE SUND
AMNESTY ASG
I can’t even get onto the ASG site anymore.
Can someone post all their email addys?
Grandmaster JeJe
December 13th, 2011
6:42 pm
ASG SUCKS
YOU GUYS SCARE AWAY ALL POTENTIAL SUPERSTARS
KevinM
December 13th, 2011
6:56 pm
2 anonymous teams have made trade offers for CP3 since the Clippers deal has hit a snag.
Could it be possible? Nah……couldn’t be……
superiorblogman
December 13th, 2011
7:11 pm
Hinrich was cleared to shoot today. Don’t know if that is good or bad considering he is the 2nd highest payed guard on the team and with the cheap thinking of the Hawks they may start him just for that reason when he is no more than I backup that can’t be counted on and really adds nothing to the team offensively and is not the stud some pretend defensively.
On the other hand, maybe he comes back soon and it is obvious he is not what we need and Sund makes the trade. Kirk, Zaza,and a 2nd for Kaman.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cwfed8z