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Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague seeking balance

1:46 pm January 2, 2012, by Michael Cunningham

Miami–After watching Jeff Teague’s strangely passive play against the Rockets and hearing coach Larry Drew’s pointed critique of his performance afterwards, I thought back to what Teague, Drew and Josh Smith said before the game.

If you recall, after Teague’s strong game against New Jersey on Friday he mentioned that teammates were telling him they were open on drives to the basket but that his game is scoring. But after watching the video of that game, Teague said he saw their point.

“You can be aggressive, but be aggressive and make plays for others,” Teague said before the Rockets game. “Me being a point guard, I’ve got the ball and I can get guys involved so they can play defense. It’s hard to play defense if you don’t touch the ball. Josh made a great point. One time I went to the hole [against New Jersey] and I tried to make a tough, left-handed layup. I looked at the film, and he was open on the baseline. He talked to me. We talk all the time. I’m glad he did that.

“[Teammates] tell me to be aggressive. Joe [Johnson] told me, ‘If the lane is open, take it. Use your speed.’ Josh told me the same thing. But as a young guy you score a couple layups you start thinking it’s an easy play.”

Teague said the conversation with Smith happened on the bench and it wasn’t heated. Smith said he thinks Teague is still fine-tuning his game.

“I think that’s s big key in his growth process, knowing when to be aggressive and when to get his teammates involved,” Smith said. “I know it’s something you have to learn, and in his career he’s always been a scorer. It’s definitely going to be a learning curve but we are patient because he is doing some good stuff off the dribble, getting to the rim and being able to create for himself.

“I think he’s now more cautious and mindful of trying to get his teammates involved, especially when me and Al [Horford] run the floor. We don’t get that many plays [called for them] so when we run the floor, that’s when we expect the ball. Just a little touch. That’s the main focus on knowing when to get teammates involved. He’s been doing good so far. He’s s been watching film and seeing who’s open on the dribble drive.”

Before the Rockets game, Drew also said he didn’t plan to rein in Teague.

“I’m not going to tone him down,” he said. “I want him to be himself. There have been a lot of great point guards in this league who have had a score-first, pass second mentality. That’s who Jeff is. I don’t want to take that away from him.

“At the same time I have to coach him and show him when he does penetrate and get to the basket, sometimes it’s a late dish. I think he’s dong a great job with that. Jeff is still learning. We will continue to watch him and make sure he understands that at that position all the tools that are necessary.”

So Teague’s coach and his teammates are encouraging him to be aggressive but also get other guys involved. I wonder if the second part of the message had Teague thinking too much against the Rockets. And then I also wondered if Drew’s “scoring is overrated” comment after the Rockets would have the same effect.

But today at shootaround, Drew said what he really meant is that he wants Teague to be more assertive. Lester Conner and Nick Van Exel delivered that message to Teague and Drew was talking to Teague about it as shootaround wrapped up.

“He was not aggressive,” Drew said. “I’m going to find out why that was. You don’t go from having the game he had against [New Jersey] and then he didn’t take a field goal the whole first half [at Houston]. He has to be aggressive. He is really the head of the snake with our team. Yeah, our big three [is] Joe, Al and Smoove, but what Teague brings to the table we don’t have anyone else that can do that: break the defense down, get into the paint at will.

“When he is aggressive, it makes us that much better. When he’s passive as he was against Houston, he’s just another ballplayer. He’s got to be aggressive. He’s got to be in his attack mode.”

We’ll see if Teague is more aggressive tonight in the first game of a big week for the Hawks. By now it’s clear Teague is a guy who takes what his coaches and teammates say to heart. Remember, he cited their encouragement as a reason for his coming out against the Bulls in the playoffs. During training camp he said feeling like his teammates trust him is the biggest factor in his confidence this season.

As the point guard on a veteran team deep with scorers, Teague is probably always going to have someone telling him they need more touches. Obviously Teague should listen but Drew said he also has to learn how to selectively filter that talk.

“It comes with the territory,” Drew said. “Sometimes you have go to learn how to shake that off. Sometimes you have got to let it go in one ear and out the other. It’s OK. I think it’s healthy for a young guy who does have that mentality of being a scorer and being a passer. It will balance itself out eventually.

“Jeff is still very young. He’s very receptive. If he were the type of player where if somebody said that to him and got upset or mad [it would be a problem], but he’s not like that. He wants to learn. He takes criticism. He really absorbs information and does a good job in communicating. He’s not a selfish-type player. It’s just his DNA is [that of] a scorer.”

Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat

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111 comments Add your comment

James

January 2nd, 2012
1:50 pm

1st?

Nickster79

January 2nd, 2012
2:00 pm

If the Hawks can beat the Heat tonight, it will be because Teague uses his speed to help cancel out Dwayne Wade…and I will be one very happy fan.

One a related note, in case you need more reasons to hate LeBron James, here’s a step by step guide:

http://www.ramblingbeachcat.com/2012/01/justified-sports-hatred-lebron-james.html

O'Brien

January 2nd, 2012
2:03 pm

I have always been a fan of JT0, even when Woody and LD was not playing him. And I know he is a young player who is still learning. But….I can’t help but wonder about his mental makeup.

That being said, dude is averaging 13 pts, 5 assists, and 2 rebs (its hard to believe LD would not play him over Bibby, who was averaging 9 pts, 3 assists, terrible defense last year). Speaking of Bibby, he is 1-7 from 3 this year, 3-13 overall.

Anyways, hopefully Teague will continue to grow as a player, and get mentally stronger as the season progresses. And I hope he has a big game tonight.

KevinM

January 2nd, 2012
2:05 pm

Excellent article MC telling us where the guys are in dealing with Teague as their PG. Teague is performing OJT, something he has not had enough of. He wasn’t given the keys early enough and still has to learn he doesn’t have to finish every play.
I like his aggressiveness and if there is anyone who should play major minutes on this team, its Teague. I see Lowry, Wall, all the PGs getting major minutes each night. They have to. LD is learning Teague as well. Its the other guys who have to know that Teague needs to lead them up the court, else he is on an island waiting on the ball.
Its now time for Josh, Al and Joe to step up and lead this team in production on the court. They should know their teammates now and no longer have to defer. If there is any team who should know its talent, its this team. They play major minutes together and should be able to function seemlessly in the offense and break.
Getting the bench to gel with them should be their biggest challenge.

Lead this team captains! It’s time to push forward.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
2:06 pm

Now that was a good article. We learn a little about Josh also. Not many plays run for him. He just needs 1 little touch of the basketball. Maybe that’s the reason he shoots all those ill advised J’s. Has to take it when he can. But scoring is overrated, right?

And LD needs to be the one talking to Josh about shooting and scoring, not JT. JT is just not the “Big Dog” type right now. He’s more of a listener, than a commander. LD needs to talk to Josh and JT man on man, not in the media so much.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:07 pm

LD is going to screw up this guy.. Leave him alone COACH DEER IN HEADLIGHTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Teague knows how to play the game Genius………

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
2:07 pm

Thank goodness the comments came from Josh, if the identical comments had come from Joe I(or LD for that matter), many on the blog would have been accusing Joe of trying to keep Teague under his thumb. But since most of the Josh loyalists tend to gravitate toward Teague, this will undoubtedly be viewed positively.

In the first half against Houston, Teague wasn’t trying to be himself, Steve Francis nor John Stockton. He was just “out there” (ala Marvin pre-back surgery). That’s probably why he got the Marvin treatment. It still doesn’t explain why Marvin received the Marvin treatment in Houston. He was actually performing well in the game.

Rod from College Park

January 2nd, 2012
2:08 pm

Maybe Drew needs to talk to Marvin also. Can’t play like he played in the first quarter, and never be heard from again in the game.

KevinM

January 2nd, 2012
2:08 pm

Tell me what you’re thinking Slim? You’ve been Hawks positive and Hawks negative this week. I am on the more positive side for now because they have beaten team they should beat, and perhaps Houston just has their number.
Miami is the standard to compete with. Take them inside and make them play defense. Crash the boards and shadow LeBron so there are no quick releases down the court.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
2:10 pm

Norris Cole, and too a lesser extant Mario Chalmers are beasting it right now. I was upset on draft night that the Bulls traded Cole to the Heat. I was like – “what are you doing?”.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
2:12 pm

Oh, the Heat got that pick from Minny that Minny got from the Bulls for clarification. Makes more sense now.

KevinM

January 2nd, 2012
2:13 pm

Hey Steve, you would have to agree that Josh really doesn’t need any plays run for him unless their on the block. We shouldn’t be setting him up for jumpers unless he’s at the elbow and he can make a quick dump pass inside to a cutter.
I watched Sac of all teams last night, and with them being small on the inside (with Cousins out), they open up the lanes and let Fredette, Tyreke, Thornton, and Salmons make cuts to the basket for quick hits. That was an impressive win last night against the Hornets and a bigger Kaman. I really thought they would struggle without Cousins. I think they truly enjoyed last night not having the inside clogged up and shooting all jumpers.

I don’t think we do a double big post at the elbows but we have the roster to be able to use that type of play. The jumpers are not going to always fall, and we have to get more points in the paint at some point.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
2:14 pm

Rod – Especially when your Coach takes you out of the game and plays you what, 6 minutes in the 2nd half? Tough to impact the game from the bench. There is no rule that I know of that says you can’t have TMac and Marvin on the floor at the same time. That’s LD, not Marvin.

drmaryb.[*_*].

January 2nd, 2012
2:15 pm

Occupy the Locker Room!

FTPB: “Or other than his taking of long jumpers, is there any evidence that he and the coaches have issues with each other?” -J from the A-
_______________

Taking ill advised long jumpers is the issue. It destroys the team concept. Silent but deadly.

Here’s the problem: josh is immature and has NOT learned to TRUST his teammates on offense, which is not his department of strength. Josh sees filling the stat sheet as a personal goal – selfish. He wanna’ be like Kirelenko!
______________

A Real GM and A Real Coach would solve all the problems here becasue, it is not necessary to throw the baby out with the water. But, if Josh insist on doing things his way? Then he has got to go. Addition by subtraction. Perhaps that is why he and Marvin have been on the trading block for so long. The calamity would be to see Josh leave and Marvin stay.

Here’s my solution: Get a Real Coach, (something this core has never had. Its feasible, economic and the surest path of least resistance. Go get Larry Brown to TEACH fundamental team defense. After two years, Mr. Brown will wear out his welcome, but the talent will be truly maximized and evaluated. Mr. Brown will tell the Real GM who has to go, for whom and we will finally know what player is a cancerous lesion on this team.

Fix this team from the top – down! I want even get into the ownership issues at this point, that will be our mid-term solution. You can fix your conductor/leadership issues while the franchise is being shopped around for a competent owner.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
2:15 pm

KevinM – I do agree with that. Don’t give Josh the ball unless he’s within 10 feet of the basket.

KevinM

January 2nd, 2012
2:18 pm

NBA.com has the Hawks ranked 11th this week after the Houston loss, and that still jumps them up 7 spots. Definitely no expectation for the Hawks to be a success.
Portland and JC1 in at 5….that is quite a surprise but they like the balanced scoring from a team who lost a lot in the offseason. ORL and BOS are just ahead of us….sheesh, we are not going to be seen in a good light until we beat better teams.

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
2:18 pm

BTW, Teague probably had as many FGAs for the season than Josh before the Houston game. And after the Houston game, Josh is second on the team in FGAs.

Black Power

January 2nd, 2012
2:20 pm

I know it’s a pipe dream but how about trading Josh Smith for Kenneth Faried [Nuggets' rookie] or Kawhi Leonard [Spurs' rookie]?

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
2:22 pm

Rod, Marvin played well when he was in the game. I guess he should have knocked LD over and put himself back in the game (especially after Josh kept taking bad shots against Houston).

KevinM

January 2nd, 2012
2:23 pm

DMB, I am surprised the Kirilenko isn’t in the league right now. He must have burned a couple of bridges. And yes, Josh has been compared to him alot, but I couldn’t see Josh out of this league like AK47 has achieved.

W.R. Terrell

January 2nd, 2012
2:28 pm

This is to Jeff Teague if he reads any of these blogs. “JOSH SMITH”, can’t tell you anything concerning basketball. Play your game, not his. He doesn’t even know that he slows you and the team down when he brings the ball upcourt. He can’t even play his game because he thinks he can shoot outside of 8 feet. PLAY YOUR GAME JEFF and forget that “BS” Josh tells you. He’s been in the league 5 years and with all his talent he will never be more then what he is…A professional basketball player with low basketball IQ. Please play your game, you throw that ball to him on the wing and that’s 2 points you just gave away to the other team. Play your game, you have a damn good one and your basketballl IQ is far superior. Just play your game man, you’re the point guard, play your game.

drmaryb.[*_*].

January 2nd, 2012
2:32 pm

Put me in coach … I’m really good!

“He really absorbs information and does a good job in communicating. He’s not a selfish-type player. It’s just his DNA is [that of] a scorer.”” -MC-
___________

That’s because Jeff is NOT a true PG, Jeff is a SG who is too small to play the #2 in the NBA. He is/was a developmental player who is being asked to play a different position in the land of trees. Go get a Real PG and stop playing silly games. I mean really?

Ed Gray
Jason Terry
Salim Stoudamire
Acie Law, IV
Jeff Teague

These are all SG’s that, are too small to play SG in the NBA! (tweeners). Don’t blame the player – blame the GM who is being Jerry Jones-ed and hog tied by the meddlesome owner. Our problems are not skin deep, so don’t just look at the players when assigning most of the blame. The players do not choose their co-workers. This is NOT the core to get the job done. Nor, is this the right management people. That’s why Dwight will NEVER sign that extension, (Josh or no Josh), it doesn’t even matter.

HoosierHawk

January 2nd, 2012
2:37 pm

I don’t see Smith giving Teague respect on the court. I remember one sequence when Josh dribbled the ball up when Teague was right next to him, and then throw a skip pass over Teagues head to whoever was on the perimeter on the opposite side. It literally looked like Josh was playing keepaway / monkey in the middle on him.

As much as I like Josh Smith, his insistance on trying to be a point guard infuriate me more thn his jumpshooting. He makes some of th ejumpshots. He looks awful when he tries to trow bad alley oops / lobs or play like a pg.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:41 pm

Josh for Derrick Williams…

Up next:Miami by 25….

kwooden

January 2nd, 2012
2:41 pm

I watched most of the Rockets game again (free NBA ticket for a few more days!) and what I saw was Teague being a little passive, but more lack of focus from Smoove. Josh was not on his game, dropping rebounds, missing free throws and not giving the ball to Jeff early enough on drives. I saw a few opportunities for Jeff to take threes or get in the lane, but for the most part it looked like he was just running the offensive. Clearly LD wanted Jeff to drive and draw more, but pulling him for Green mid-way through the 3rd was not the way to get his message across. LD needs to sit Josh for a few minutes, when he’s not playing well to get his mind back in the game. He should bring in Tracy and let Marvin slide to the PF position. Against most teams that won’t be a problem for a little time. Also last night LD should have had Jeff start going under screens on the pick and roll to make Lowry shoot the ball. The zone was OK for a while, but chasing Lowry on every screen and roll clearly wasn’t working.

I think tonight is about attacking Miami in the post. Smoove has got to attack Bosh in the post and overall we’ve got to make Miami play half-court offensive. Miami wants to run all the time, especially off steals. Marvin should get a lot of open looks because they like to send Lebron to trap and double. JJ is also going to need to post up Wade as much as possible to slow him down.

GO HAWKS!!

Melvin

January 2nd, 2012
2:42 pm

Nice write up MC but the Teague issue is over blown. LD is calling him out b/c he’s scared to publicly criticize his starters (Josh, Joe and AL). Teague had a bad game, it happens. He will be fine.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:43 pm

Derrick Williams will be Paul Pierce 2.0 but bigger!

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:45 pm

Jettison the Core Gearon..ASAP..You have a leak, fix it!

drmaryb.[*_*].

January 2nd, 2012
2:45 pm

“Portland and JC1 in at 5….that is quite a surprise but they like the balanced scoring from a team who lost a lot in the offseason. ” -KevinM-
_____________

Key word: “Balanced” roster. Portland does NOT a team of tweeners. That roster knows their roles. We don’t have that since: Mookie, Deke & Smitty left town. What? 13+ years? ASKG are lucky they have a fan base remaining at all. It’s us (bloggers) against the world, when it comes to fan support left over. We are die “core” hards!

Hey! Don’t keep taking us for granted – we all have limits.

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
2:46 pm

Don’t forget, Jimmy Craig (Josh SMith) doesn’t want to be the only one criticized after a loss. Y’all need to be careful with your comments.

This team is full of guys who are like Ralph Tresvant… a man with sensitivity. Teague fits in nicely.

tyger

January 2nd, 2012
2:47 pm

Translation:

1. Teague is not making the players around him better…
2. His dive-option approach is only 40-50% of the job…
3. Drew’s “late-dish” description is perfect…
4. Penetrate w eyes-open and find teammate for easy basket…
5. Instead its lay-up or nothing for him, and 50% its nothing…
6. But its more than that, Lowery put him to shame…
7. If Norris Cole puts on a show, I’m done, its his 3rd year…
8. Nothing new, Teague just not a “pit bull”…doesn’t create havoc…
9. Two games before a Donald Sloan sighting…
10. We could only be an “elite” PG away…Mookie didnt have any kids?

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:50 pm

Josh rebounded the ball the other night, Teague put is hands out to receive the pass to start running an offensive play, Mister wanna be Hero ignored him by dribbling past his pt. guard. Teague just threw his hands up in the air like WTF???.. I threw my hands up too and threw in the towel on Josh….

Bye JOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

terrell

January 2nd, 2012
2:52 pm

Josh is always open, according to Josh.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:54 pm

Derrick, Vlad, D12…Tons improvement over

Marvin,Josh(Hero), All NBA

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
2:55 pm

Mary, when we drafted Teague, I asked if he was Lou WIlliams (a short 2-guard being forced into the PG position). I think he can become more of a PG-like player than Lou WIlliams, but I’m not sure that he has the personality to become a floor general. But with the right head coach and if surrounded by peer leaders who walk the talk, all of that could be mitigated. Tony Parker isn’t a classic PG but he has a great head coach who holds everyone accountable and teammates who actually use their heads when playing the game. I recall Robert Horry saying that when he played for the Lakers, Phil Jackson would blast the role players but typically left Shaq & Kobe alone during games. When he went to the Spurs, he said that Pop would go off on EVERYBODY (no exceptions). And guys like David Robinson, Sean Elliot, Avery Johnson, Tim Duncan and Antonio McDyess brought stability to the team that still permeates that team’s culture.

terrell

January 2nd, 2012
2:55 pm

LD trying to ruin Teague’s confidence, so he can have an excuse to start Hinrich when he gets back. Woody Jr. at his best.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
2:57 pm

If the Hawks were so good, why did they not blow out Houston by 20?

Cause they are not…The starting front line has not improved so the blowouts will continue. These Western Conference teams because they are more talented always seem to expose the Hawks for who they really are…A 10th seed in the West!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

O'Brien

January 2nd, 2012
2:59 pm

Stay away from Cousins.

From the AP;

The Sacramento Kings and DeMarcus Cousins abruptly began to sever ties Sunday after the team said the promising young center demanded a trade.

Kings coach Paul Westphal released a statement before Sacramento hosted the New Orleans Hornets, criticizing Cousins’ commitment to the franchise and excusing him from the team’s game. He also confirmed that Cousins asked for a trade..

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
3:00 pm

Kevin M. A blowout tonight is coming forth..Stay tuned…

bigdave

January 2nd, 2012
3:01 pm

smh.. im confused. now, i could see if our “offense” is clearly at its best when lead by a true facilitator. as much as everyone but the point dominates the rock in the half court set why would you discourage? take the points from Jeff, from what we’ve seen when Teams make anyone other than Joe beat us in the half court, it aint pretty..

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
3:02 pm

Cousins= Isiah Ryder….Unstable personality defect…

O'Brien

January 2nd, 2012
3:06 pm

One time I went to the hole [against New Jersey] and I tried to make a tough, left-handed layup. I looked at the film, and he (Josh) was open on the baseline. He talked to me. We talk all the time. I’m glad he did that..

During these conversations, does Teague talk to Josh and tell him to give up the ball on the break? Or does he tell Josh to cut down on the jumpers?

As a PG, Teague needs to speak up and help lead the team, but I feel like he doesn’t talk much. All he does is try and listen to the coaches and other players, which is fine, but as the PG, you have to speak up too (imo).

terrell

January 2nd, 2012
3:09 pm

W.R TERRELL, This is Josh Smith’s 8th year in the league.

tyger

January 2nd, 2012
3:11 pm

Kyle Lowery #24 Pick 2006 Memphis

NBA Comparison: Tim Hardaway
Aran Smith – 11/1/2005
Strengths: Can get anywhere on the floor whenever he wants … His heart and passion for the game put him on an elite level … Rebounding ability is an unusual attribute for a 6-0 guard … His ability to lock in and defend makes in special as well … he is incredibly disruptive on the defensive end …He plays so hard it is difficult to know where he is on the court at all times, Natural floor general with the ability to get players shots with his quick decision making … Very physical, he’s able to use his great body strength to overpower guards on both ends of the floor …

Weaknesses: His jumper off the dribble has been one of the few knocks to his game … Must develop more cosnisistency on his outside shot … At 6′ foot he is a bit undersized, but plays much bigger … His temper and his ability to keep his emotions in check could prevent him from being a heady floor leader if he allows his emotions to get the best of him.

Jeff Teague, #19 Pick 2009 Atlanta Hawks

NBA Comparison: Kevin Johnson

Strengths: An extremely quick and explosive guard … A natural scorer, plays at full throttle the entire game, constantly putting pressure on the defense??? … Plays with great confidence and possesses a killer instinct???… Extremely good at getting into the lane where he can find open teammates on drive & dish situations???… Great hands and foot speed allow him to be a menace on the defensive end at times???…Has shown that when he puts his mind to it, he has the tools to stay in front of pretty much anyone at the college level??? …

Weaknesses: He is not a pure PG, even though he has good vision and decent ability to deliver the ball, he lacks the mentality of a playmaker… At times very wild and out of control, often overpenetrating and trying to make plays far more difficult than they have to be … His Assist to TO ratio is almost 1/1 for his career, directly speaking on his inability to read the action and make correct plays … His stroke is still awkward as he shoots it infront of his face… He also shoots a “palmball” instead of getting the ball off of his fingers… Takes a lot of bad shots that come early in the shot clock and are out of the offense … Defensively he lacks focus and fails to put in a consistent effort…

source:nbadraft.net/history

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
3:14 pm

AJ – I would say Teague has been criticized more for doing so little wrong than anybody else on the team really.

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
3:15 pm

LOL at a head coach needing an excuse to manage his players. I wonder if the boss in the office needs an excuse for how he/she chooses to manage their direct reports? Or if the foreman needs an excuse as to who he assigns a specific task on the worksite?

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
3:16 pm

Sold!

“Jeff Teague, #19 Pick 2009 Atlanta Hawks

NBA Comparison: Kevin Johnson”

I’m buying! KJ average almost 23 pts/gm and 9 asst in his Playoff career!

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
3:16 pm

Josh smith does not have any room for talking about passing to who is open he missed 4 freethrows and still put up a deep jumper thats not smart what makes him think if he cant make a freethrow he can make that jumper. Also teagues shot are high percentage shots joshs are not.

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
3:26 pm

MC, I did not know what Basketball iq meant till I watched Josh smith play then I said he must have one of the lowest basketball iqs in the association. This is why I dont want Josh smith talking to Teague.

Rod from College Park

January 2nd, 2012
3:26 pm

Astro Joe,

“Rod, Marvin played well when he was in the game. I guess he should have knocked LD over and put himself back in the game (especially after Josh kept taking bad shots against Houston).”

No. He actually played well offensively while he was in the game, but played terrible defense. His man was Chase Buddinger, you know the guy who had seven points in the first 6 minutes of the game. Marvin played 21 minutes in the game, and scored all his points from the field in the first 6 minutes of the game. He played about 8 minutes in the first quarter, which leaves another 13 minutes that he was in the game, that he did nothing except shoot technical free throws. So my original post is that he needs to be more aggressive, and I stand by that.

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
3:31 pm

“It is hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”. WHAT!!!!
Ok how come noone said anything about this last year when JC1 shot the ball all the time.

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
3:33 pm

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”
WHAT!!!!
Noone told the chicago bulls that last year

STRETCH

January 2nd, 2012
3:34 pm

Anyone know when Hinrich is coming back?

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
3:35 pm

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”
WHAT!!!!
I think if you cant shoot and you can be and allstar playing defense you should do that josh smith.

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
3:36 pm

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”
WHAT!!!!
Isnt that what you get paid for. Isnt that what championship teams do.

Grandmaster JeJe

January 2nd, 2012
3:42 pm

FIRE LD

STOP using the damn bench lineup. We need our starters to play more minutes.

And stop just taking Marvin out for no reason

And Amnesty Josh. What a pain to watch

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
3:44 pm

Josh is Brutal to watch and its tiresome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MattP

January 2nd, 2012
3:53 pm

Anyone think Drew will bench Teague once Hinrich comes back? I have a feeling he will.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
3:59 pm

I would not be surprised if LD benches Teague…

Then I will say:

FIRE LARRY!

Will

January 2nd, 2012
4:03 pm

J. Smith doesn’t have the basketball knowledge to tell J. Teague how to be a pg.
If teague just plays every gm like he’s capable, he would be the team leading scorer
and they would win a lot more gms, but apparently their seem to be 1 or 2 other guys
in the starting lineup who wants to be the hero.
If Smith wants the ball that bad, how about getting your azz under the basket and getting a couple
of rebs for a change or play some consisted defense for a change, or stop shooting 40 ft jump
shots air balls.
This guy Smith he still doesn’t get it, and probably never will. If he just played around the
basket, he could go down as one of the leagues greats at the fwd position, because he
would be unstoppable. Unfortunately for him and the hawks they will never get the respect
they are seeking.

northcyde

January 2nd, 2012
4:20 pm

WTF??

See . . this angers me.

And for all of you who talk ish about Joe Johnson and his lack of being a leader, I bet JJ wasn’t the one talking to him saying “man I was open, pass me the ball.” JJ has supported Teague from Day 1, and even said at the beginning of the year “The Hawks will be as successful as Teague is” ( or something along those lines ).

See . . what went on in the Jersey game was Teague getting to the rim at will, at the expense of others who wanted more shots. ( we know who that someone is ).

Then you got the coach sending these mixed messages to the kid.

Drew and Smith . . just STFU and let that kid do his thing. Let him play to his strengths. He got “passive” because he wanted to please everybody, instead of simply playing his game.

So what Drew? Would you rather Teague to pass to Smith so that he can brick up even more open jumpers? Pass to JJ so he can miss more midrange jumpers?

We all know that Teague is not a TRUE PG. He wasn’t that in college and he isn’t going to be that in the NBA. Don’t be messing with that kid’s head already. Let that dude play his game.

Let these players play to their strengths.

LOL @ Drew getting on Teague, while Josh Smith is a whopping 5 – 22 on his jumpshots . . and JJ has missed 11 of the 14 shots he’s taken from 16 – 23 feet.

News flash Mr. Drew . . . Jeff Teague has only taken SEVEN jumpers on the season . . but gotten to the rim 21 times, converting on 14. That LEADS THE TEAM in shots at point blank range ( something your “Big Three” can’t claim to be doing )

Josh has taken 22 jumpers, but only has 12 shots at the rim . . yet, you’re messing with Teague?

Incredible.

northcyde

January 2nd, 2012
4:34 pm

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
2:07 pm

Thank goodness the comments came from Josh, if the identical comments had come from Joe I(or LD for that matter), many on the blog would have been accusing Joe of trying to keep Teague under his thumb. But since most of the Josh loyalists tend to gravitate toward Teague, this will undoubtedly be viewed positively.

****************

Exactly.

Then Josh talks about “it’s hard to play defense, when you don’t touch the ball on offense.”

Had JJ said this, it would be Armageddon on this board.

Here’s a suggestion Josh . . how about YOU play like Shawn Marion used to play, and crash the offensive boards and put them back in the hole. Seeing that you’re currently shooting 37.5% FG, maybe a few offensive put backs will help your scoring average.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
4:38 pm

“Then Josh talks about “it’s hard to play defense, when you don’t touch the ball on offense.””

Gearson, GET THIS GUY OUT OF HERE ASAP!

JOSH FOR DERRICK WILLIAMS!

northcyde

January 2nd, 2012
4:40 pm

And MC . . let me address this comment to you.

You’re doing outstanding work this year. A lot of us can see some of the stuff that is going on, but you’re really bringing some of the things we’re seeing to its proper light. You’re asking the right questions and getting the right answers. Great job man.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
4:41 pm

Gearon^^

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
4:44 pm

MEMO TO JOSH SMITH:

READ MY LIPS, YOU ARE NOT A SHOOTER AND NEVER WILL BE…

TEAGUE KEEP DRIVING IF JOSH IS ON THE FLOOR!

Najeh Davenpoop

January 2nd, 2012
4:45 pm

I agree with LD that Teague has to be more assertive, but that goes beyond just looking for his shot more. He has to demand that his teammates (particularly Josh) give him the ball so he can run the fast break. He has to go get the ball from teammates who have the ball in positions where they don’t have an open shot or passing lane. Those are ways in which he can run the offense without necessarily racking up the assists in the stat sheet.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 2nd, 2012
4:48 pm

With that said, I hope LD realizes that lack of defense and rebounding were the primary reasons for the loss, neither of which was primarily Teague’s fault.

cp

January 2nd, 2012
4:49 pm

@tyger I’m sorry but any of your post regarding Teague has no credibility. I remember when you said that Donald Sloan of all people would make Teague expendable. Really? An undrafted guy who showed nothing in the preseason is going to make Teague expendable? Dude just stop it. I’m starting to think Teague didn’t give you an autograph or something. I dont recall you saying anything after his first 3 games. He has one bad game and here you come. I guess you were waiting on that to happen.

I think Teague will be fine. I dont see the problem with his play so far. How about the coach calling out our bigs for lack of rebounding. How about telling Josh to stop jacking up bad shots or to start boxing somebody out. How about the coach learning how to substitute or how to ride the hot hand. Marvin is playing well yet our coach has him on the bench when he should be playing. Teague has one bad game and some fans on here are overreacting as usual.

And co-sign northcyde’s post at 4:20

Joe

January 2nd, 2012
4:53 pm

Josh Smith giving advice, that’s rich, how about jsmoove, u stop taking that awful jumper and start playing more at the rim. Teague gets it, you haven’t got a clue after 5 – 6 years in the league.
Go Hawks!!!!!!!!

JOSH, LET TEAGUE PLAY HIS GAME!!

January 2nd, 2012
4:53 pm

SMGDH. Josh Smith isn’t concerened about winning a championship, instead, he is concerned about stuffing up the stat sheet. For some reason, I think he is heckling Teague to be his #1 option to pass to, because he wants to be an all-star. For goodness sakes man, drive to the damn basket. Aren’t you tired of throwing up jumpers that never go in? Aren’t you tired of hearing the boos in Phillips Arena? Don’t you want it to stop? DRIVE TO THE BASKET,STOP THINKING YOU ARE THE BEST MID-RANGE SHOOTER IN THE LEAGUE, AND FOCUS YOURSELF ON WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP!!

JOSH, LET TEAGUE PLAY HIS GAME!!

January 2nd, 2012
4:56 pm

AND LARRY DREW REALLY NEEDS TO STFU. TEAGUE IS THE BEST PG ON THIS TEAM (EVEN THOUGH HE ISN’T A TRUE PG)!! STOP TRYING TO RUIN HIS CONFIDENCE BEFORE YOU FIND YOURSELF ON THE STREETS LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB.

FIRE LD !!

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
4:56 pm

Josh we are on to you Sir..FA after next year wanna stuff that staff sheet to get a deal like Andre got a few years ago? Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
5:00 pm

Andre Iguodala got about 22 million more than Josh when they were both FA’s a few years back…

Andre was and still is a superior offensive player..

Josh21

January 2nd, 2012
5:03 pm

makes me sooo mad hearing the bull that ld keeps saying to/about teague…. pathetic excuse for a coach.. first PG in many years we’ve had been good enough (and young enough – bibby) to actually do something other than slowly dribble the ball upcourt, stay strictly outside the perimeter and shoot wide open J’s every now and then. i love actually having a quick pg who can get to the bucket, that opens up so many other options for the team when ur pg can get in the lane and make others collapse

Najeh Davenpoop

January 2nd, 2012
5:04 pm

“As a PG, Teague needs to speak up and help lead the team, but I feel like he doesn’t talk much. All he does is try and listen to the coaches and other players, which is fine, but as the PG, you have to speak up too (imo).”

It took Rondo two years as a starter to become assertive enough to do this. Teague has only been starting for ten games. I think he’ll be fine.

vava74

January 2nd, 2012
5:08 pm

northcyde January 2nd, 2012
4:20 pm

Precisely

hawkfan

January 2nd, 2012
5:17 pm

i think teague will be fine he’ll earn his playing time (even when hinrich comes back) starting this week when he goes up against cole, chalmers, and rose just give him time, it’s all a learning experience

JOSH, LET TEAGUE PLAY HIS GAME!!

January 2nd, 2012
5:23 pm

It’s going to be interesting tonight. Will Drew take out Teague for not passing to smoove? Will he take out Marvin for absolutly doing nothing? We’ll find out.

Grandmaster JeJe

January 2nd, 2012
5:25 pm

FIRE LD

FIRE JOSH

Astro Joe

January 2nd, 2012
5:34 pm

Sometimes player development takes more than handing a guy the ball and giving him minutes. It also takes some good ole fashion teaching (the verbal kind). What we don’t want is for Teague to be the same player in 3 years as he is now. And while some may believe that he will get better just because of games played, then you must not have any friends who still do the same dumb ish as an adult that they did as a child. If you’re not taught how to do something right, you may never learn. (BTW, haven’t we read some fairly critical words from Doc Rivers regarding Rondo through his early years as a PG? The QB of the team needs to have thick-skin because he plays a key position, especially in today’s NBA).

Rod, I saw both Budinger and Kevin Martin use a bunch of screens to get open looks. Trust me, Budinger is on my fantasy squad and it was my first time watching him in a game, so I was paying close attention. I’ll admit, I was too busy watching Teague in the 3rd quarter, trying to figure out if he was going to break into tears after his 0 FGAs in the first half. Maybe the notion that our PG was distraught (for a myriad of reasons) had something to do with the lackluster offensive production the other night.

LOL at all of the Josh bashers the past few days. In a war between Josh and Teague, there seems to be clear evidence on who gets the love in these parts. Of course, some of that is likely due to “Keep Hope Alive” that Teague delivers to an otherwise jaded group of bloggers.

Hawks keep it close throughout tonight’s game and lose in a nail-biter. Teague & Smith have big games. And you can quote me on that.

Disgusted

January 2nd, 2012
5:46 pm

This stretch will tell alot about where the hawks are.

Enough OJT on Teague, its his time to play and show what he has. They just need to commit to giving him added time and either he can do it or he cannot.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
5:51 pm

Miami by 25, then Chicago, the team to beat by 30+…..Ugly………

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
5:51 pm

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”
WHAT!!!!
Josh smith please dont talk to Teague please

Ole Hawk's Fan

January 2nd, 2012
5:53 pm

Northclyde posting Jan 2nd @4:20pm

I agree with your comments 100%. When I read the article, my comments were WTF, JOSH of all people talking about can’t play defense if he doesn’t touch the ball is a LOSER talking. I was wondering in that Houston game why JT wasn’t attacking the basket and why he was pulled so early. Now the truth is coming to LIGHT. Isn’t the goal is TO WIN regardless of who is the top scorer. Josh is a SELFISH Knucklehead and put personal achivements ahead of TEAM! Ship him out of here quick. He will never get IT. Watch how he plays tonight against Miami. He is always argueing he should have gotten a call as the other team pushes the ball up the court. Atl has had enough of his SELFISH ANTICS. Get him out of the ATL!

#1 Hawks Fan.. JOsh Gotta Go!

January 2nd, 2012
5:57 pm

I’ve said all along and fully agree with everyone who finally realizes….Josh Smith has the lowest Basketball IQ that I’ve seen in a long time. It’s almost idiotic to keep throwing up “BRICKS” year after year,game after game, and turn around and do the same thing the next game. This guy is super athletic and should easily be in the top 5 in the league in rebounding and shot blocks if he was willing to accept what he actually does well.Its sad though that he is what he is and will always be a “WHAT IF GUY”

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
5:57 pm

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”
WHAT!!!!

This is why the Hawks havent been able to get over the hump. In back to backs during a long season if you have that attitude you lose.

morehouse man

January 2nd, 2012
5:58 pm

rod from college: it is very hard to score on the bench

truly1

January 2nd, 2012
6:02 pm

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”
WHAT!!!!

Does anybody wonder why we can beat teams as talented as we are on a nightly basis. We could be the Chicago bulls of last year every year but you cant have this mentality

“Its hard to play defense when you are not getting the ball on offense”

Walter R. Terrell

January 2nd, 2012
6:04 pm

8 years?….my bad. I had to remember that I felt Josh was the 2nd coming of Dominique for a moment or two and the years flew by and so did wishing and hoping…lolol…His first 3 years had me seeing the makings of a great ball player, everything tailed off after that, he never got better then what we see from game to game and i’ve been waiting for “PO” to catch up with “TENTIAL” for a longggggg time, and it ain’t gonna happen. Hopefully tonight will not be the massacre that most are expecting. Here’s my wish list (1) Josh does not be a PG or jump shooter, (2)Jeff plays his game (3)Joe earns his money (4)AL bangs and bangs (5) Marvin ends the starving and (6) Tracy does his thing. Thanks for the reminder “terrell” of 8 years, makes me even more hostile.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 2nd, 2012
6:08 pm

” I felt Josh was the 2nd coming of Dominique”

If you thought a non-lottery pick was going to be the second coming of Dominique, you deserve to be disappointed.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
6:09 pm

AJ – So what do you want out of Jeff Teague? DRose, CP3? I’m just not sure I’m following you on Teague and crying and other issues.

I mean you’ve got Josh one of the, Captains of the team telling him to look for him. It just comes across like you want JT to fail, and the dude has not failed on any consistent basis in a long time.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 2nd, 2012
6:10 pm

“And while some may believe that he will get better just because of games played, then you must not have any friends who still do the same dumb ish as an adult that they did as a child. If you’re not taught how to do something right, you may never learn.”

And if you don’t get the opportunity to screw up and learn from your mistakes, you will almost certainly never learn. Woody never understood this and neither does LD.

#1 Hawks Fan.. JOsh Gotta Go!

January 2nd, 2012
6:11 pm

Marvin Williams is playing inspired basketball so far this year, why he was benched in the Houston game was asinine. Josh should have been benched for continuously throwing up bricks from 20 feet and bringing the ball up court like he’s th point guard on the team and throwing the ball to the perimeter on the drive instead of going hard to basket for the layup or a foul…

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
6:12 pm

AJ – I mean we’re like “Al, crash the boards”, “Josh, quit taking stupid shots and making bad passes”, “JJ, where are you?”, “Marvin be more assertive”, last season Jekyll and Hyde with Jamal and ZaZa. But Teague is going to be solid, low TO’s, good D, and will score if he can. The case could be made he’s our most consistent player at doing things that help us win.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
6:14 pm

For Teague’s sake, I do wish he would get traded sometimes to a team with a better Coach. He deserves better.

SteveW

January 2nd, 2012
6:15 pm

Anyhow – If the Heat want to hurt the Hawks tonite, they should full court press Teague and Pargo all nite with Chalmers and Cole. I don’t think we could stand up to the assault.

#1 Hawks Fan.. JOsh Gotta Go!

January 2nd, 2012
6:19 pm

It’s kinda funny when you raelly think about it…we have a point guard (Teague) that really a shooting guard in a point guard’s body…we have a shooting guard(JJ)who is truly a small foward thats too slow to defend real small forwarsds…we have a small forward (marvin)who doesn’t have a shooters mentality…we have a PF(jsmoove), who want’s to be a piont guard…and we have a Center(Big Al) who is in all reality a power forward who wants to be a small forward(Jump shot master)…and you wonder why this team is all screwed up…Huge Identity Crisis!!!!!!! Couple that with no one knows their role……NO COACH!!!

#Occupy the Paint

January 2nd, 2012
6:19 pm

My wish for Horford: To bang and bang IN THE PAINT.

For Josh: Take all your shots IN THE PAINT

For Joe: Take your man INTO THE PAINT

superiorblogman

January 2nd, 2012
6:19 pm

No matter what anyone says. His feelings are hurt by being called a score first PG. Believe me on that.

Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde

January 2nd, 2012
6:20 pm

We will se how good the Hawks are tonight and Thursday.

Najeh Davenpoop

January 2nd, 2012
6:24 pm

“My wish for Horford: To bang and bang IN THE PAINT.

For Josh: Take all your shots IN THE PAINT

For Joe: Take your man INTO THE PAINT”

Maybe a change of intro music would help.

Slimjr

January 2nd, 2012
6:39 pm

Oh we fixin to SEE something tonight and Thursday….Oh the Humanity!

Harry Hawk

January 2nd, 2012
6:39 pm

I don’t think Teague is that good. He’s better than Woody and Drew would give him credit for, but he’s still not that good.

(Light-years better than Acie Law, though.)

northcyde

January 2nd, 2012
6:41 pm

LOL Najeh.

You would think in the new “hip-hop capital of the world”, that the Hawks would definitely have an opening game highlight package featuring something that reflected on the music coming out of the city.

The “Hard In The Paint” instrumental . .or even having Waka Flocka changing up the words to fit the Hawks . . would be perfect for this team. Maybe it would or wouldn’t help, but it sure would get the crowd charged up.

If they wanted something a little “tamer” or “crunker”, maybe this would work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvXaTfoJqWA

MattP

January 2nd, 2012
6:44 pm

Harry,

Yes, he is not up there with the top point guards in the league but he is far better then the other point guards we hard. As you read, he is also coachable, There is no reason he should no be played. There are somethings the new guys can only learn by actually playing and figuring it out.

doc

January 2nd, 2012
6:47 pm

northcyde, good stuff @4:20 and something that ought to be embarrassing to our bigs. maybe it is time to send both our bigs off to someone else and get legits that could work with teague a little better. seems like ld’s coaching got him what he deserves a point guard who on his own worked deron and walls then got coached up and was awful against lowrey. go figure.

again, the problem with our big three is there is no balance and no one with a presence on the block. can you imagine if there was a board crasher who could work with teague going to the basket rather than away from it as josh and al do? where is the coaching?

Dawg

January 2nd, 2012
6:52 pm

I have no confidence in LD grooming a point guard. I have no confidence in Josh or Joe’s advice.

Teague, don’t try to think, just fly to the hole.

Michael Cunningham

January 2nd, 2012
7:02 pm

new blog posted. shutting down this thread.

The Point Forward » Posts Court Vision: Latest news in the NBA «

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