The Hawks want to run more often than they did last season. It makes sense when you look at their personnel.
“They call can get up and down the floor, which gives us I think a tremendous advantage in transition if we commit to the run, which I am really trying to get these guys to do,” Larry Drew said. “Jeff [Teague] can really exchange ends. Joe [Johnson] can run. Marvin [Williams] can run. Josh Smith is a deer and Al [Horford] is probably as fast as any five man in the league.
“Running, to me, it has to be habit-forming. It can’t be just a sometimes thing. When you develop that habit it becomes a part of who you are.”
We’ve heard this before. Before last season the Hawks said they would run more often. And then, according to Synergy Sports Technology, they ended up ranking 11th among Eastern Conference teams in the percentage of their total possessions used (shot, free throw or turnover) in transition and tied for sixth in points per possession in transition (1.14).
Turnovers were the biggest reason the Hawks weren’t a more efficient running team: 13 percent of their transition possessions ended with a turnover, worst in the East. Josh Smith was the leading offender with 20.6 percent of his transition possessions used ended with a turnover. Al Horford wasn’t far behind at 18.2 percent but he only used 77 transition possessions while Josh used a team-high 223.
I looked at the video of Josh’s 44 turnovers in transition. It confirmed my subjective view that the vast majority of his turnovers in transition are by way of bad passes: 32 of the 44 by my count, with eight coming on the dribble (though I thought two of those should have been credited to others for bad passes to Josh) and four on charging fouls.
Josh is a pretty good ball-handler in the open court but he often tried to make what Larry Drew called “hero” passes that got swallowed up in traffic, sailed out of bounds or clanged off the backboard. (Frequently heard from Dominique Wilkins during those clips: “There’s where Josh needs to give the ball to a guard. I can’t say it enough.” And oft-repeated by Bob Rathbun: “Josh with the rebound. . . throws it away.”)
Josh would be better off finishing the play himself. He shot 69.8 percent in transition, induced fouls on 14.3 of possessions used and had 15 and-1s–all team highs–and his 69.8 field-goal percentage was second to Al (76.8).
Al, by the way, also led the Hawks with 1.3 points per possession used in transition, suggesting that he should be involved in the fast break more often. So should Marvin Williams, who was second on the team in the percentage of fouls drawn on transition possessions used (13.8 percent) with a low turnover percentage (5.2)
This is where Teague comes in.
“It’s perfect for me,” Teague said of the plan to run more. “That’s the big thing I tried to come in and preach to the guys when I got here is I want to start pushing the ball. We are still young. We are a young team we’ve got to use that to our advantage and use it.”
I’m thinking Al and Marvin should benefit from Teague making more of the decisions on the break. I’m thinking Josh will give it up to Teague because he knows Teague will run with him. It’s not hard to imagine that combination regularly ending with lob dunks, especially since Josh is lighter and faster.
“He looks a lot more explosive, too,” Teague said. “I see him dunking the ball every time now.”
Teague looked to run more than any other Hawks player Last season he had the highest percentage of possessions used in transition among Hawks regulars (23). He turned it over on 9.6 percent of those transition possessions used, drew fouls on 11.4 percent and scored 1.13 points per possession.
Just 10.8 percent of Mike Bibby’s possessions used were in transition, though he was efficient (1.29 points per possession) in large part because he made 16 of 33 3-point attempts on the break, and 13 percent of Jamal’s possessions used were in transition with a good foul percentage (10.7).
To run, the Hawks will have to rebound. Look at how each player’s s defensive rebounding rate ranks among NBA players at their position with more than 15 minutes per game, and it’s not hard to see who needs to pick it up (all rankings according to Hoopdata.com): Al (13th among centers), Josh (15th PFs), Teague (tied for 13th PGs but played less than 15 minutes per game) Joe (25th SGs), Marvin (23rd SFs)
The 6-7 shooting guard with the chiseled body and the 6-9, athletic small forward should not be average or slightly better at defensive rebounding for their position.
“I’m going to challenge both of those guys this year to be better rebounders than they have been in the past,” Drew said. “There is no reason those guys can’t become better rebounders. They have the size. They have the bodies. Rebounding is a dirty job. We are going to challenge them. When we can get the two or the three on glass, they can initiate a fast break effectively. They’ve got to pull more weight in that area. We’ve got to get more rebounding from those spots.”
So, to summarize how the Hawks might improve their transition offense: Run more often, let Teague makes the decisions, send Josh to the rim, get Marvin and Al more involved, and prod J.J. and Marvin to rebound more so there will be more opportunities to run.
Camp report
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
354 comments Add your comment
tidog
December 14th, 2011
5:52 pm
The Braves have a solid fan base, good ownership and a good product. The same can be said for the Falcons. The Hawks on the other hand have a bandwagon fan base, horrible ownership and a good product. Ownership without a vision holds the organization back.
STRETCH
December 14th, 2011
5:59 pm
RIP HAMILTON TO THE BULLS.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
6:13 pm
FIRE SUND
AMNESTY ASG
USE THE TRADE EXCEPTION
SMGDMFHFFSROTFLMAOLOLKTC @ THIS OWNERSHIP
KevinM
December 14th, 2011
6:19 pm
“Najeh Davenpoop
December 14th, 2011
4:08 pm
If the Hawks are still looking for a minimum salary backup point guard, they could probably do worse than Rafer Alston.
Najeh, I’ve been asking for Rafer Alston since he led the Magic to the ECF, then Van Gundy turned on him by throwing in Jameer Nelson. He totally killed the momentum that team built up.
Going forward now, Rafer has been in some trouble the last couple of years and there is no way Sund brings in any baggage. He wants ‘em clean cut and no baggage. Plain and simple and it cost ASG the minimum.
Why do we have to deal with these embasciles that call themselves owners? That ASG is an absolute horror story. If we are never going to fight for a championship, we might as well go Pittsburgh: spend the minimum you have to spend and be in the lottery each year.
To love the ASG is to understand them……….sheesh…impossible!
KevinM
December 14th, 2011
6:24 pm
Ish Smith was just waived by the Grizz today; didn’t he spend time with Jeff in the Wake backcourt? He might be worth looking at.
J.J.M.
December 14th, 2011
6:27 pm
“The Braves have a solid fan base, good ownership and a good product. The same can be said for the Falcons. The Hawks on the other hand have a bandwagon fan base, horrible ownership and a good product. Ownership without a vision holds the organization back.”
All this is true..but funny out of all the teams which one is actually winning a playoff series!
O'Brien
December 14th, 2011
6:30 pm
Dirk was in a similar situation like JJ, in that for years, he was criticized as not being able to step up and lead his team to the finals. However, Mark Cuban did not keep the same coach and the same players every year, and just hope for internal growth.
He continued to tinker with the team, tried to bring in other stars, and kept mixing and matching until he found the right mix, and he went into luxury tax.
The ASG, on the other hand, have stuck with the core, and has continued to keep their fingers crossed that it will be enough, and will not go into the luxury tax.
tyger
December 14th, 2011
6:30 pm
What word on Gilbert Arenas?
He stated he wanted to go where D12 is going, but if D12 aint going nowhere, where’s he going? Nowhere also?
Hawk Billed
December 14th, 2011
6:56 pm
Can they trade Marvin Williams for a 2012 5th round draft pick ?
Hawk Billed
December 14th, 2011
6:57 pm
Arenas was plain awful last year. He was so bad that Marvin outplayed him…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 14th, 2011
7:00 pm
Gordon, Kaman, Aminu, and MIN unprotected first rounder to Hornets for CP3 is a done deal.
Ra'mon
December 14th, 2011
7:01 pm
O’Brien, I totally agree. But I must admit I feel its Cuban’s tinkering that stopped the Mavs from having a title by now. If Cuban was patient, he would’ve re-signed Nash, and had the point guard that he spent the next 4-6 seasons searching for. For what its worth, Don Nelson is a much better coach than Mike D’antoni, to me. Also, Cuban let go of Jamison, who left to have great years in Dallas. Nash, Finley, Dirk, and Jamison should’ve played 3-4 more seasons together. Cuban grew impatient on waiting for the Lakers’ window to close.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 14th, 2011
7:02 pm
Analaphor!
Astro Joe is in “rare air” today – he musta’ ate his Wheaties! The unsellable house is a brilliant analogy.
Taking our beat up words and painted a picture Picasso would be proud of. That’s what’s up. (she winks)
_________
doc you nailed it too! I forgot what you said on the previous page, but it was quite impressive when I read it. My neck hairs stood up. LOL!
______________
Grand-Daddy is on fiyah too. Great posts all over the blog place today.
Good reads!
AMNESTY ASKG!!!!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
December 14th, 2011
7:06 pm
Clippers are going to have to move Mo Williams at some point. They have four point guards on the roster now. Paul, Williams, Billups, Bledsoe.
Ra'mon
December 14th, 2011
7:12 pm
I’d like to have grand pa Anthony Johnson signed as a back up PG, just in case.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 14th, 2011
7:14 pm
And
And re: that RED restaurant? SHUT IT DOWN! If you cant sell over priced tickets, how are you gonna’ sell over priced steaks? On grand opening night, imma’ picket RED with sandwich board: picture me in an orangatan suit with the the front side saying: Going Out Business and the back side saying: For Sale by Owner. LOL!
They trying to sell us the “sizzle” without the “steak”. Aye ASKG! We’re not buying it.
Sell us a super star and we will come!
_______________
Is that the Ishmael Smith PG from Houston? I love that kid a lot! He would be awesome behind and in tandem with Jeff Teague. That would be some super bang for the buck! Get that kid in here ASAP!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, Stack. Ishmael is the whole truth and nothing but.
KevinM
December 14th, 2011
7:21 pm
Najeh, FYI, Rafer Alston agent reporting his client would like to return to the NBA….
Popeye
December 14th, 2011
7:35 pm
All this talk about going coast to coast is good, because that what you do a) when you have young guys who lack experience, b) when you team has limited half court capabilities, c) when your coach has vacancy between his ears.
Run an Gun will serve the Hawks well. Al Horford is the slow one on the starters. But when you talk Josh, Teague and JJ the ball is moving so fast down court it warps to the shape of a seed.
Thats good and you will beat other teams early in the season, leaving them gassing and some teams late, just because you can.
But this aint a bunch of inexperience rookies, these are seasoned vets – minus Teague. who despite his playoff success has many still in doubt. The hawks are seriously looking at guard play and thats not to back Teague up, but to put in major minutes.
The bottom line is running will get the hawks to the playoffs.,( left out of the article is that run n gun is always high risk high rewards basketball. turnovers are to be expected), but once you get there you got to play… you need player(s) who can create and take you off the dribble, sharp shooters, and a center with an attitude and a coach who has a clue if you are going to go deep….
As Big Dog pointed out and is being said by others, insanity is repeating the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Its like De ja vu all over again when Woody took the run n gun hawks from 13 wins to 53 wins only to realize… the hawks really dont have the tools to go any further. Outside of JJ and Josh, maybe an improving Teague just dont have the talent or depth.
Sorry.
KevinM
December 14th, 2011
7:39 pm
DMB, just for you………
BACKCOURT
The Demon Deacons essentially start two point guards in sophomore Jeff Teague and junior Ishmael Smith. Both have great wheels ? they could be the fastest tandem in the country ? and they complement one another because each uses his speed for different purposes.
Sophomore guard Jeff Teague averaged nearly 14 points a game last season.
2008-09 stats
G Ishmael Smith, 6-0/Jr.
8.6 ppg, 4.7 apg, 1.3 spg
G Jeff Teague, 6-2/So.
13.9 ppg, 1.8 spg
Luke Cage
December 14th, 2011
7:43 pm
Guessing JC1 over valued himself because offers are drying up, teams offer like 2.5 per, may as well just re-up with the Hawks
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
7:44 pm
ONE OF THE MOST CURSED FRANCHISES IN SPORTS HISTORY JUST LANDED A SUPERSTAR
WHILE WE ARE STUCK WITH 18 PPG JOE JOHNSON WHO MAKES ABOUT AS MUCH AS CP3+GRIFFIN COMBINED
FIRE SUND
FIRE ASG
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 14th, 2011
7:44 pm
Hawks Blockbuster Move!
IF we move Jeff Teague to the starting line up permanently, that would be the equivalent to a blockbuster trade for us!
This kid is really, just that awesome – special talent. Who knew, he was buried on the bench this whole time. Imagine how far along we would be if he didn’t have root rot and pine splinters up his azz all this wasted time?
We could have solved our PG a while ago and have had another big man by now. Marvin would have been long gone too.
I just makes me so sick to see mismanagement to this level on this team. No guts no glory. I guess the Lakers are just sick about CP3 playing on their floor, but not their team. It’s about time The Clipps get some love though. Can you imagine them sitting on top of the Lakers in that division looking down on Kobe’s team. I like that part of it, but I just wonder – why not us? Perhaps Jeff and Josh will be our future super stars, one can only pray and hope.
Astro Joe
December 14th, 2011
7:49 pm
Clippers look dang good on paper. They have a great mix of players in their prime and guys still on the rise. At the same time, they have some guys who have missed significant playing time in CP3, Caron and Blake. Paul is there for only two years, so some of the drama could re-emerge as early as next July.
Lakers can now offer Bynum and Gasol to Orlando.
The plot thickens.
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
7:51 pm
SCREW YOU ASG
YOU GUYS DON’T CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT YOURSELVES
YOU WON’T USE THE TRADE EXCEPTION
INSTEAD OF IMPROVING THE TEAM, ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOUR CRAPPY NEW RESTAURANT WHICH NO ONE WILL GO TO BECAUSE NO ONE GOES TO THE GAMES BECAUSE THE TEAMS ARE NOT BEING UPGRADED
AMNESTY ASG
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
7:53 pm
“Hawks Blockbuster Move!
IF we move Jeff Teague to the starting line up permanently, that would be the equivalent to a blockbuster trade for us!
This kid is really, just that awesome – special talent. Who knew, he was buried on the bench this whole time. Imagine how far along we would be if he didn’t have root rot and pine splinters up his azz all this wasted time?”
ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER MOVE FOR US IS IF MARVIN AVERAGES 14 PPG AND ACTUALLY REBOUNDS
ANOTHER BLOCKBUSTER: JOSH NOT TAKING JUMPSHOTS
IT’S ABOUT TIME JOE AND MARVIN HAVE BEEN CALLED OUT FOR THEIR REBOUNDING.
STEVE FRANCIS OWNS JOE JOHNSON’S REBOUNDING NUMBERS
STEVE FRANCIS FFS
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
7:53 pm
HAS KOBE REQUESTED A TRADE YET?
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 14th, 2011
7:55 pm
Its a Wrap!
KevinM thanks baby for that info! I had no clue that Ishmael played with Jeff @ Wake Forest. This is too good to be true – there is a God! Get him in here yesterday.
I saw him play for Houston’s Summer League and almost fell off my chair. Ishmael’s game was jaw dropping to me. I posted about him on here to see if we could steal him away from Houston. How did he end up in Memphis?
He is small, but dyno-mite! If we do that, I will send Sund an olive branch today. Jeff would be so happy as well. I saw the IT factor in his game.
Thanks KevinM!!!!!!!! Could we even use him properly is the question? Our bench would show no drop off whatsoever. We would run other teams out of Atlanta on the nightly.
superiorblogman
December 14th, 2011
8:09 pm
Time for Sund to act like he has a clue and swoop in to get Kaman or Okafor. Preferably Kaman.
Kirk and Zaza for Kaman
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=cwfed8z
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
8:12 pm
CO-SIGN SUPERIORBLOGMAN
KIRK AND Z FOR EITHER OF THEIR BIGS
Astro Joe
December 14th, 2011
8:16 pm
The Clippers trade reinforces what I was saying the other day. The Clippers are in the same “big market” as the Lakers, heck, they play in the same arena. So why did the League/owners allow CP3 to go to the same arena but a different team? Luxury tax, baby! Non-luxury tax owners are in a civil war (of sorts) with the money-to-burn owners. They won’t likely stop the Lakers from trading for D12, however. Orlando has been willing to spend big in the past and they have a new arena that likely has the potential for higher revenues for the owner.
ryan
December 14th, 2011
8:17 pm
I give up on the Hawks for making a move i guess we have live with what we got there is nothing we do unless we force ASG out .
Grandmaster JeJe
December 14th, 2011
8:23 pm
http://www.foxsportscarolinas.com/12/13/11/Can-McGrady-show-old-magic-with-Hawks/landing.html?blockID=625872&feedID=8660
KevinM
December 14th, 2011
8:26 pm
DMB, Ish was traded with Battier at the trade deadline:
Updated: Feb 24, 2011 6:37 PM EST
NewsTeen found shot in busy parking lotSalmonella outbreak traced to Corinth Mexican restaurantSuspect’s tip helps police solve dozens of burglariesBarbour taps Fair for Miss. Court of Appeals seatProtesters fight to keep Mason YMCA from closingArk. AG rejects proposed tax amendment’s wordingMemphis man found dead in Louisiana bayouMemphis man charged with baby’s murderMemphis airfares nation’s highestAnalyst: Full TN job recovery could take 5 yearsMEMPHIS, TN – HOUSTON (AP) – The Houston Rockets sent Shane Battier to Memphis Thursday in a deal for center Hasheem Thabeet to Houston, according to a person familiar with the specifics of the trades.
The Rockets also recieved a first round draft pick, and sent Ish Smith to the Grizzlies.
Apparently, they have a backup to Conley, unlike us. We have the potential of Sy and a bunch of tall guys who will try to fill the void.
This does sound like Sund doesn’t it?
Astro Joe
December 14th, 2011
8:26 pm
Here’s what Sund could do to clear a bunch of cap space in light of the CP3 trade. Trade Joe for Kamen and Randy Foye. CP3, Joe and Blake would be a top 2-3 team in any conference. We’d get a serviceable center and combo guard for only one year. Next summer, we’d have around $24M vanish between Kamen, Hinrich and Foye. Other reason for Clips to do it, CP3 isn’t signed long-term and may want to see them truly compete for a title.
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 14th, 2011
8:28 pm
Preacher Man!
“SCREW YOU ASG
YOU GUYS DON’T CARE ABOUT ANYONE BUT YOURSELVES
YOU WON’T USE THE TRADE EXCEPTION
INSTEAD OF IMPROVING THE TEAM, ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS YOUR CRAPPY NEW RESTAURANT WHICH NO ONE WILL GO TO BECAUSE NO ONE GOES TO THE GAMES BECAUSE THE TEAMS ARE NOT BEING UPGRADED
AMNESTY ASG”
-Grandmaster JeJe-
_________________
Hallelujah … Hallelujah … Hallelujah … Hallelujah …
Preach that sermon Brother JeJe! We don’t want no RED MEAT Steaks! This town, this city, these fans – WE deserve a WINNER!
Yawl got some Trophy Steaks on that menu?
Yawl got some Championship Steaks on that menu?
Yawl got a Super Star Steak on that menu?
I didn’t think so!
________________
Aye ASKG! You’ve been black-balled and banned from the Dollar Tree’s Bargain Bin! Ain’t no more 2fers $1.00! Only one per customer – you have exceeded your limit!
Larry Drew
Bobby Bender
Kito Benson
Magnum Rolle
Jerry Stackhouse
Jason Collins
Best used by December 10, 2011 – they’re expired! We don’t want the Manager’s Special – bad meat sale and yawl can’t switch the dates on the packaging!!!!! We Know how long they’ve been sitting on the shelf! You can’t fool us!!!!
____________
I need some bottled water. Not LOL either.
I’m just tired of watching the drug dealers roll by with big, shiny thangs!
“Lakers for Dwight” (coming soon)
Ticket holders – Get your stale popcorn & cherry coke now!
Melvin
December 14th, 2011
8:29 pm
CP3 to the Clippers for Kaman, Gordon, Aminu and Minny 1st rd pick. The Clippers got rip off, bamboozled, hood wink….
Astro Joe
December 14th, 2011
8:30 pm
Oh and for this year, Hawks could start TMac at SG and have Marvin come off the bench. Kamen, Horford, Josh, TMAc and Teague. A really poor shooting line-up but if y’all want to be in position for FAs in the future and want to get rid of Joe’s contract, you can’t have it all.
new guy
December 14th, 2011
8:33 pm
30 post, page 6 most current page
Blog Hogs
Score
JeJe 6
Drmaryb 4
KevinM 4
___________
page blog 30
Blog hogs 14
____________
others 16/13 = 1.23 average other bloggers
yoursporthouse.com
December 14th, 2011
8:36 pm
Astro Joe…stop smoking before posting. You are not trading Joe 3 time All Star Johnson and leaving Marvin Williams on the team. Hawks would be back to winning 20 games a year.
yoursporthouse.com
December 14th, 2011
8:38 pm
You can’t go on hoping that a FA would sign with your team just because you have cap space.
Sautee
December 14th, 2011
8:39 pm
AJ,
Bledsoe instead of Foye (or both)?
drmaryb.[*_*].
December 14th, 2011
8:39 pm
Blog B ! T C H!
_____________
“30 post, page 6 most current page
Blog Hogs
Score
JeJe 6
Drmaryb 4
KevinM 4
___________
page blog 30
Blog hogs 14
____________
others 16/13 = 1.23 average other bloggers”
- NOBODY -
____________
F U! B!TCH!!!
Neki
December 14th, 2011
8:40 pm
Finally, CPIII has been traded, so should we tried to see what NOH wants for Kaman or Okafor, in fact lets added on Eric Gordon just for kicks
yoursporthouse.com
December 14th, 2011
8:43 pm
You guys are idiots. Nobody is taking Joe’s contract first of all. Second, why would the Hawks trade their BEST player? No matter how much you think he’s not worth it, well he is still your leading scorer at 19 points per game. The other things you people don’t value is Joe is not a guy getting into trouble off the court. That also holds a lot of value nowadays.
Sautee
December 14th, 2011
8:44 pm
AJ,
my bad. I thought the Clips kept Kaman.
northcyde
December 14th, 2011
8:46 pm
PG – Paul
G – Billups
F – Butler
PF – Griffin
C – Jordan
Damn . . .
new guy
December 14th, 2011
8:46 pm
WHISTLE
FOUL CALLED ON THE BLOG HOGS
Foul on drmary
Free blog for the others.
new guy
December 14th, 2011
8:48 pm
I believe that’s a flagrant!!!
Astro Joe
December 14th, 2011
8:48 pm
My bad, Sautee. You’re right, Kaman is gone. Never mind.
yoursporthouse.com
December 14th, 2011
8:55 pm
Trade Marvin, Zaza and future pick for Kaman.