Atlanta Hawks: About their defense
Bradford Doolittle was at Hawks-Bulls and writes a thoughtful piece at Basketball Prospectus about his observations of the Hawks’ (so far) improved defense (ranked third in efficiency before tonight’s games). It’s worth a read.
In the post, Doolittle says the Hawks made “no major personnel additions to explain the defensive improvement.” But I think they have and it (possibly) does.
(All of the following comes with the necessary Small Sample Size Qualifier.)
The Hawks have more defensive talent and depth than last season (and probably more versatility, too). It’s now more Jeff Teague (not new, but new to getting most of the point guard minutes) and Jannero Pargo, no Mike Bibby and Jamal Crawford. It’s more Tracy McGrady (size, rebounds) and Vladimir Radmonovic (steals, blocks), no Mo Evans and Damien Wilkins. It’s (eventually, I’m assuming) more Zaza Pachulia, no Josh Powell.
Look at Atlanta’s on-court, off-court numbers at basketballvalue.com. Notice that all of the bench guys have better defensive ratings than all of the starters. There are likely factors at play here beyond the Small Sample Size Qualifier–for instance, the Hawks have yet to face a team with much scoring depth–but so far there’s a striking difference in the distribution of those numbers as compared to last season.
Doolitttle also writes: “There was nothing schematically that I saw to explain Atlanta’s defensive success. We’ve seen in the past that Atlanta is capable of putting the screws to teams defensively as they did during last year’s playoffs and perhaps Drew’s insistence on that approach has simply gotten through.”
I think this, in combination with better defensive players playing move minutes, might help to explain the improvement (so far).
Other than the occasional trapping and ball pressure and the zone alignments used at times against Miami and Chicago, the Hawks haven’t noticeably altered their schemes. But, subjectively, they are playing defense with more vigor and they have the long, athletic players to make things happen when they commit to it. With the exception of their game against Heat, whom the Hawks wisely wanted to slow down, I think they so far are meeting Larry Drew’s goal of “being a little more of the aggressor.”
There are some numbers that may support that subjective view.
Before last night’s games, the Hawks ranked eighth in opponent turnover rate. They ranked 29th in that category last season. Atlanta so far has the eighth-best opponent assist rate this season; last season its opponent assist rate was ninth-worst.
With the Small Sample Size Qualifier in mind, perhaps those numbers mean the Hawks are making opponents play faster and sloppier. According to Synergy Sports Technology, the Hawks rank fifth in the league in points per play allowed (0.81). They are No. 1 against post-ups and–surprise!–No. 4 defending in transition. Plus, Atlanta is holding opponents to 60.8 percent shooting at the rim, ninth-best in the league.
Some individual players also are making more box score defensive plays.
Teague has so far maintained his career steals rate while playing more minutes (literally–at this moment his steals per 36 minutes is exactly the same as during his first two seasons). Horford has seen a spike in his blocks and steals rates. Marvin Williams’ steals rate is up.
The other day at shootaround I asked Jerry Stackhouse which team in his career he considered to be the best defensively. He picked his Dallas teams from 2004-05 to 2008-09. Those units’ defensive efficiency ranks, in order: 9th, 11th, 5th, 9th, and 17th. Avery Johnson was the coach for 18 games of Stackhouse’s first season in Dallas and the all of the next three, while Rick Carlisle was coach for the fifth year.
So what were the characteristics of those teams? Stackhouse:
Everybody was just looking to help each other. We assumed that–even though we had good individual defenders–we assumed everybody was a bad defender and all four guys had to help. Like, if a guy was isolated on the wing and even though we knew his guy was guarding him, everybody leaned to help. You had to stick to the principles. We always said, ‘We are not allowing middle.’ If you allowed middle, you knew and everybody knew that you were the breakdown on the play whether they scored or not. They got into the paint and they put us under more stress than they had to because you allowed middle. A good defensive team has got to hold each other accountable. They know when and where they make mistakes. It don’t have to be pointed out to you that you made a mistake. You were the first one to know, ‘Damn, I made a mistake.
And what is the defensive potential of this Hawks team?
“It’s there, man,” Stackhouse said. “We have just got to harp on it a little bit more. In training camp, that’s all you are focused on. Then when it gets into the crux of the season, you revert back to bad habits. The system is built up, and if you do something against it, there is nothing built in to help. That’s what I see this group has got to get.”
Stackhouse added that the Hawks have the physical tools to be an elite defensive team: “That’s half the battle. It’s one thing if you can’t do it. We can do it.”
If the Hawks can keep up this defensive effort once the The Small Sample Size Qualifier no longer applies, they could be on their way to improving as a team with the same core.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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185 comments Add your comment
JaeEvolution
January 4th, 2012
11:50 pm
If we can’t get Dwight we do the next best thing, that is go for Greg Monroe on the Pistons.
Hawks get: Greg Monroe, Ben Gordon
Pistons get: Al Horford, Hawks 2012 1st round pick
Hawks get a legit Center who is young and becoming quite good, also getting a Jamal Crawford replacement who can absolutely light it up off the bench. Pistons get a proven All star and a guy who is really efficient and young, also they get a 1st round pick to speed up their rebuilding process. Not only do we get a legit Center, several of these guys already have chemistry with one another.
T-Mac – Monroe – Gordon from the Pistons
Gordon – Hinrich from the Bulls
Teague – Johnson – Williams – Smith – Monroe
Hinrich – Gordon – T-Mac – Vlad – Zaza
We are ready to go against ANYBODY with that starting lineup and bench, I don’t care if we have to take on Ben Gordon’s bad contract either.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 4th, 2012
11:52 pm
MC,
Has Stack worked with Smoove at all?
Slimjr
January 4th, 2012
11:53 pm
D12 got 20 more rebounds tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!
C’mon Gearon pull the trigger…………..
Grandmaster JeJe
January 4th, 2012
11:54 pm
“We know we can play with the best of the best,” Hawks forward Josh Smith said after the 76-74 loss at Chicago. “Obviously this was a disappointing loss, but we can’t hang our heads. We have to know we can play anybody. These are the top two teams in the Eastern Conference last year.”
Josh has been saying this for 3 years. Instead of this vague claim, something along the lines of “we want a ring this year” would be more appropriate
Michael Cunningham
January 4th, 2012
11:55 pm
@JeJe: “MC, Has Stack worked with Smoove at all?”
you mean on his shot selection? not that i’ve heard.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 4th, 2012
11:58 pm
Stack should work exclusively with Smoove on every facet of his offensive game. I cannot think of one other role on this team that would be remotely close to as important.
Actually, Stack needs to get in Smoove’s ear about NOT TAKING JUMPSHOTS
Najeh Davenpoop
January 5th, 2012
12:00 am
There is a danger in helping too much on defense, though, which results in leaving shooters wide open. I think this Hawks team (at least the starters) are good enough on defense that they don’t have to help too much. It is always frustrating when someone unnecessarily leaves their man to help on a drive and the man they left on the perimeter ends up making a rhythm 3 (like Deng did in the 4th off a Rose drive last night). The Hawks have an elite help defender inside, and really he’s the only one who needs to be helping consistently.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 5th, 2012
12:00 am
Smoove will listen to Stack. Cannot believe LD has not gotten on him about this. Who on this team or staff is paying attention to Smoove’s development?!?!
SteveW
January 5th, 2012
12:02 am
LeBrons ankle is the same one he sprained last January, the left.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 5th, 2012
12:03 am
I’d rather see a post player working with Josh than a perimeter-oriented swingman with a career 40.9% shooting percentage.
Heat Fan
January 5th, 2012
12:03 am
@Rufus from other blog,
I wasn’t trying to talk down to ATL, sports is just entertainment to me, it doesn’t get to me emotionally because truth of the matter is their are only 4 true contenders every yr for the championship. Plus, the reason i said the Hawks remind of the Heat from the 90s to early 2000s, the truth is since Pat Riley has been with the Heat since 95, we have only missed the playoffs 3 seasons, (01-02), (02-03), and (07-08). I’m just saying the Heat has been decent for a while, and the Hawks fans need to set realistic goals for their team. It’s a process and the Hawks have gotten further each year.
Grandad
January 5th, 2012
12:04 am
Please Read – (long & tedious) – Thanks in Advance:
[re-posted from last blog / actually has some merit applicable here]
Dissecting a play:
Near the end of the Chicago game, the outcome was decided in large part by one play. On that play, Rose had given up the ball, it was in Noah’s hands as the 24 second clock was running down with near two seconds remaining. Freeze that picture in your mind.
Joe Johnson makes about $820,000,000 million dollars. Joe Johnson is the face of the franchise, the best defender on the team, an appointed capt. and team leader. Joe was guarding Luol Deng.
Back to the game; Luol Deng cuts baseline just as Noah was about to panic, Noah sees Deng and fires a pass right beside Joe Johnson’s ear, Deng catches and lays it in. Ballgame ! (for all practical purposes).
Now for the dissection:
Joe had turned his back to the ball. Again freeze that thought.
Every team in America [and Europe] teaches “ball, man, you”. HS teams teach it, I know for a fact. Many Jr High teams teach the concept. At least one
12 and under AAU team taught it, plus at least one 13 and under team did as well, because my son played on said team for his dad. (that being me)
Bob Knight taught the concept for a hundred years at Indiana, not to mention Dick Vitale has screamed about ball, man, you, on 1,000,000,000 telecasts
over the last 40 years.
The [ball–man-you] concept is as follows: *(off the ball defense)
The defender with back to the basket sees the ball with one eye and sees the man he is defending with the other eye. I always taught my guys to point at the ball with one hand and their man with the other. This gets their hands up. If you draw a line from one eye across their pointing hand to the ball;
Then another line from the ball to the defender’s man, then a line from the other eye across the other pointing hand to the defender’s man….. it forms a
triangle. Thusly called the ball-man-you triangle.
Now back to Joe; with his back to the ball – he was grossly out of position. Had he simply been in a b-m-y triangle with his hands up, he would at the very least have deflected the ball. At the very best, he would have stolen the pass and it would have been; Ballgame Hawks !
Now – am I saying Joe lost the game ? No ! Absolutely not. One play does not lose a game. However, * “one play can win a game” –Grandad-.
One point I am making is … the Hawks lack playmakers. Not necessarily SuperStars, but playmakers. Another point – Joe is paid to make plays. On that particular play, he did not have to do anything extraordinary, all he had to do was be in fundamental position. Chicago on that play did nothing exceptional, only a simple back cut by Deng and Noah threw him the ball which was finished with an elementary lay up.
Once again, to the Joe Johnson apologists, please do not defend him – no need. That play is cut and dried and I’ve already said one play does not lose a game. Each game is filled with simple plays. I used to teach my teams to try and play [within] every game each 30 seconds as if it were the last 30 seconds of the game in an effort to increase my player’s concentration and mental toughness during the doldrums which set in during the mid-game.
My greater point is, let’s quit blaming Al or LD for some esoteric reasoning, or Josh for his low basketball IQ [which it is] or whatever else we can conjur.
The fact remains, we have a good team, with few or no playmakers.
There is more I would like to say but I’m all typed out.
G-dad
26belly
January 5th, 2012
12:05 am
@JaeEvolution. How about taking your water-fountain GM experience/opinion and shoving it down the porta-potty in Litl Tijuana! We’ve been through sour-grapes before with Danny Manning you idiot! If a guy doesn’t want to be in Atlanta long-term leave his funky jock-strap on the sidelines. Forget Dwight Howard, period. There’s no way the Hawks are giving up any draft picks or even MID-TIER talent for half of a strike-season. You bumbling panty-waste, shut-up!
JaeEvolution
January 5th, 2012
12:07 am
“I’d rather see a post player working with Josh than a perimeter-oriented swingman with a career 40.9% shooting percentage.”
A guy like Greg Monroe who can both play and pass from the post?
Grandad
January 5th, 2012
12:07 am
JaeEvolution
I’m with you on Monroe;
the particulars – not so much.
JaeEvolution
January 5th, 2012
12:10 am
@Grandad Who then? I doubt they give him up for much, he is in his sophmore year and continues to improve, not sure who else we could offer.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 5th, 2012
12:12 am
Najeh,
Who on this team do you suggest?
Tyrone Hill has done nothing. Stack will teach Smoove how to shoot lr dribble or something.
Otherwise, I have not heard one mention of how Stack has helped this team with his leadership.
TMac could teach Smoove some post moves too
Grandad
January 5th, 2012
12:14 am
Najeh
I beg to differ.
All players must be willing to help.
Also constantly in position to help.
Rotations are in place if recovery is impossible.
Recovery is when [and why] LD has preached closing out.
Perhaps if the Hawks had a rim defender along the lines of Mutombo
then one guy could patrol the lane in such a way as you suggest;
as Deke could not cover on the perimeter anyway.
All man defenses have “zone” principles predicated on Help + Recovery.
Sorry to disagree.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 5th, 2012
12:15 am
I would rather face Miami with its whole roster. If Wade or LBJ are out, Norris Cole will drop 28 on us. That is how soft we are mentally. We will go to sleep and let some unknown player own us (Barea, Augustin, Ryan Anderson on NJN)
Grandad
January 5th, 2012
12:20 am
JaeEvolution
I cannot answer that question. I have looked at scenarios myself.
My biggest problem with one of your ideas was Ben Gordon in return.
I have been looking at a way to possibly acquire Monroe
and swap 1st round picks with Detroit.
We would give up the better player [Josh or Al].
In return we would acquire the higher 1st round pick;
allowing us to draft Thomas Robinson of Kansas.
Who I believe is the best Rebounder in the country.
Grandmaster JeJe
January 5th, 2012
12:23 am
Trust me, we do not want Wade and LBJ not to play.
Heat Fan
January 5th, 2012
12:25 am
@JeJe
I agree, after the price i paid for my tickets lol
Grandad
January 5th, 2012
12:39 am
Lang Greene / Hoopsworld says;
D.Howard ain’t coming here !
He suggested Spencer Hawes
(who has started out pretty good)
as a post player who would fit in ATL very well.
Most of you know that LG is a Hawks guy.
___________________________________________
JaeEvolution`s idea about Greg Monroe was excellent.
Similar to what Lang Greene said:
Monroe would really fit the system here.
Both Hawes & Monroe are top flight passers.
*Monroe the better scorer from the low post area.
*(remembering from his collegiate days)
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
12:46 am
Bad habits take time to correct…
This is the 1st year a coach is trying to make the Hawks a defensive team. With all these athletes, I assumed that was the initial plan.
With each game the Hawks “core” will begin to understand how to win a defensive game. The Bulls defense kept them in the game, until their offensive got going.
The Hawks have room to GROW as a team and I think LD is going to get us there. I don’t care how much he(LD) make$, he is making this team BETTER and that is enough for NOW….
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
12:52 am
I wouldn’t trade AL for either guy, they are not as good as AL.
GDAD
BJ Mullins is a jump shooting BIG MAN, just like rest of them(He does have game though)…..I would prefer to have Benson, because he is a shot blocker…..We need another rim protector in the rotation.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
12:53 am
MC TELLS IT LIKE IT IS. BETTER EFFORT AND DROPPED THE DEAD WEIGHT HOLDING THEM BACK FROM BEING A GREAT DEFENSIVE UNIT. NOTHING CHANGED WITH THE SCHEMES, SO CAN’T CREDIT DREW. THEY ARE JUST FINALLY GIVING A DAMN. THAT’S THE ONLY WAY ANY TEAM CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THE EASTERN PLAYOFFS.
OH LOOK, THE KNICKS LOST TO…. THE BOBCATS?! 118 POINT SCORED BY CHARLOTTE?! TOLD YOU GUYS, I KNOW A FRAUD WHEN I SEE ONE. NEW YORK IS ALL HYPE AND NO D.
northcyde
January 5th, 2012
12:56 am
When I look at those on court/ off court numbers MC, here’ s what I see.
I see Jeff Teague posting the best overall ( on court – off court ) number on the team. On the flip side, Mr. Jannero Pargo is posting the 2nd worst overall ( on court – off court ) number.
And when you look back on the games in which we’ve lost, the game got blown open ( or in the case of last night, let a team back in the game ) as soon as Teague went out of the game.
And the popcornmachine.net Game Flows of the Houston and Chicago game backs this up.
In the Houston game I want everyone to focus on the 3rd quarter.
The game flows are kind of hard to follow, unless you know exactly what you’re looking for. Look at Teague’s bar in the 3rd quarter, and point your mouse arrow over the bar. He didn’t do much of anything in the 4 minutes he played in that quarter. But the Hawks didn’t lose any ground from the 7 point deficit they had at halftime. I forgot why Drew took him out so early, but look at what happened as SOON as he went out of the game.
The Rockets go on a 14 – 4 run in about a 4 minute span, and completely bust the game wide open. Drew had inserted Pargo for Teague, and then subbed Green for Williams. Both of those moves backfired and put the team in a further hole. And both of these moves were out of routine for how Drew was substituting that game.
Why Drew kept Teague out of the game for 10 minutes in that 2nd half is beyond me. But as soon as he put him back in the game in the 4th, the Hawks go on a 7 – 0 run and cut the lead to 7.
This is why on that night, all of our starters had a +/- rating of ( – 14 ) or more . . . except Jeff Teague, who was ( – 3 ) that game.
Fast foward to the Chicago game, and once again, focus on the 3rd quarter.
Hawks are cruising, up 15 late in the 3rd. Teague goes out, and we see the Bulls shave 10 points off the Hawks lead in roughly a 4 minute span. Teague and the starters don’t come back in until the lead is trimmed to 5. Hawks win the game if they make their FTs, but oh well.
See, the TRUE numbers to look at on the Basketballvalue.com website link that you provided are these
1 year adjusted overall rating
Jeff Teague:
- ON: 14.30
- OFF: 2.37
- NET: ( + 11.73 )
Jannero Pargo
- ON: 2.70
- OFF: 14.05
- NET: ( – 11.35 )
Now I’m not saying that Pargo is the sole problem. It’s just that when he comes into the game, the team seems to play like pure doo-doo when he’s on the floor, specifically on offense. But I don’t think it’s a coincidence that his numbers are almost COMPLETELY OPPOSITE that of Jeff Teague.
Right now, the way it looks is that if the 2nd team isn’t defending well, those guys don’t have nearly enough offensive firepower out on the floor to function.
I may be looking at the wrong thing, but that stood out to me immediately.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
12:57 am
ALSO, WASN’T DWANE CASEY AN ASSISTANT ON THAT DALLAS STAFF THAT STACKHOUSE IS TALKING ABOUT? HE’S SLOWLY TURNING TORONTO INTO A SOLID DEFENSIVE TEAM. EVEN GOT MR SOFTEE BARGNANI DEFENDING THE POST LOL.
GoTMac
January 5th, 2012
12:57 am
TMac is rubbing off on Marvin? Some of thse moves may be because his back problems are over or because he has a mentor in TMac showing how the professionals do it? I always wanted to see Tracy McGrady as a Hawk and for those who said he’s just an old fat man collecting a check, eat crow.
GoTMac
January 5th, 2012
1:01 am
Yes. The coach blew it and Joe Johnson makes a great shot here and there, but those who get paid that kind of money makes many, many more and miss less. Joe gets no fouls; is he that great a defender or is he just not defending all the time?
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
1:01 am
NORTHCYDE IS RIGHT. TEAGUE CHANGES THE TEMPO ON OFFENSE AND CAN KEEP MOST ATHLETIC PGS IN FRONT OF HIM ON DEFENSE.
ONLY A FEW PEOPLE ON EARTH STILL BELIEVE HINRICH CAN BE A STARTING PG, PUSH THE PAC, AND KEEP QUICK PGS IN FRONT OF HIM AT THIS POINT OF HIS CAREER, AND SADLY DREW IS ONE OF THEM.
FreshFromATL
January 5th, 2012
1:02 am
You dudes and these trade request, SMH. I mean y’all already know there isn’t a snowball’s chance in Hell of them happening so why keep wasting your time and blogspace posting them? Dwight, Bogut and the other million-and-one people y’all keep posting are not coming here, so MOVE ON.
FreshFromATL
January 5th, 2012
1:05 am
My 1:02am post is directed at those first couple of dudes that posted on the blog.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
1:17 am
Lawn Chairs!
Sup?
LBJ & Wade faking injuries now, to avoid another beat down from my T®ademark Hawks? LOL
Don’t be skurred … Heey nooow.
northcyde
January 5th, 2012
1:18 am
The other thing that sticks out from the Basketballvalue website . . . is this.
The Teague – Johnson – McGrady – Smith – Horford lineup is our WORST lineup out of the top 10 lineups we’ve put on the floor so far this year.
Drew needs to keep close eye on this lineup, and truly judge if it is effective or not. This may be a “fools gold” type lineup, much like the Jamal – Johnson – Williams – Smith – Horford lineup last year.
JaeEvolution
January 5th, 2012
1:44 am
FreshFromATL What’s wrong with posting trades if the suggested trade is acquiring a piece a franchise desperately needs? There isn’t a blog site, forum, or conversation held between fans where trades aren’t being discussed for each and every franchise, chill out.
Buddy Grizzard
January 5th, 2012
2:17 am
“It’s not like Drew wasn’t trying to force the ball out of Rose’s hands, the Hawks just weren’t able to do it. When they got overaggressive with trying to trap, Rose found the open guy, usually Deng. It’s not like they weren’t helping once Rose flashed into the lane.” – Bradford Doolittle, Basketball Prospectus
Anybody have the game on DVR? I didn’t see the Hawks trap or try to get the ball out of Rose’s hands in the fourth, I just saw them iso Rose at the top of the key play after play and let him take Teague 1-on-1, with the help from Josh coming at the rim where it was too late.
I’ve looked at several different analysis with accompanying highlight reels and I can’t find a single trap on Rose. Anybody help me out?
ntrigue
January 5th, 2012
2:55 am
MC, I got three questions for Coach Drew if you can ask would be great. 1. Why did we stop doubling Rose when he got hot? 2. What was the logic behind letting Joe Johnson bring the ball up instead of Teague? 3. Why was Josh checking D-Rose off the inbound pass we understand Josh is our best defender but his on the ball defense is not great and he would’ve been more value to us as a rim defender in that situation? Just wanna understand his logic but im pretty sure he would giveyou some dumb answers to try and justify his unexcusable decisions that were made.
Buddy Grizzard
January 5th, 2012
3:30 am
“We always said, ‘We are not allowing middle.’ If you allowed middle, you knew and everybody knew that you were the breakdown on the play whether they scored or not. They got into the paint and they put us under more stress than they had to because you allowed middle.” – Stack
This is exactly what happened over and over. Nobody trapped Rose and he was allowed to get into the lane play after play and break down the Hawks. We knew from the first quarter that Teague was not going to stay in front of Rose. There was no effort to give him any help before the breakdown occurred.
Buddy Grizzard
January 5th, 2012
4:24 am
northcyde
January 5th, 2012
12:56 am
Really nice break down.
real talk
January 5th, 2012
4:32 am
I believe the starter that should be on the floor when the second unit comes should be Marvin. Why? Because he’s a jump shooter, makes the lineup bigger, plays decent defensive, and has showed he doesn’t need the ball in his hand to be effective. I believe Marvin would work better than Joe.
real talk
January 5th, 2012
4:32 am
I believe the starter that should be on the floor when the second unit comes should be Marvin. Why? Because he’s a jump shooter, makes the lineup bigger, plays decent defensive, and has showed he doesn’t need the ball in his hand to be effective. I believe Marvin would work better than Joe. Anybody disagree?
Ken Strickland
January 5th, 2012
5:23 am
If anyone watched us the last 3-4yrs, they know we used a SWITCHING DEF and switched everything to cover for Bibby and Jamal. Anyone that’s paid attention to what we’re doing DEF so far this yr should have noticed that we no longer switch everything. When we encounter a pick, our back defender steps out while the other defender fights over the pick, but they both scrammble back to their original man.
We no longer see our frontline players routinely stuck out on the perimeter trying to guard backcourt players, or our backcourt players stuck under the basket trying to guard frontline players. We’re no longer as vulnerable to the pick and roll as we’ve been in the past. Last yrs bench had only one OFF threat, and one 3pt shooter(JCrawford), and only one competent defender(DWilkins). This yrs bench has multiple OF threats, at least five 3pt shooters(Pargo, Green, TMac, Stackhouse, and Radmanovic), and at least 3 competent defenders(TMac, Pargo, Green).
joBjo
January 5th, 2012
7:32 am
another play that was costly was when Dollar Joe dribbled the ball off somebodies foot with two seconds left in the quarter and then fouled the one who picked up the ball. If Joe had known the time remaining he should have let the guy go cause he didn’t have time to get a good shot in 2 seconds from 3/4 court. that cost us 2 points. don’t get me started on the free throws.
Senator Blutarski
January 5th, 2012
7:34 am
–the guy we really should try to swing a deal for is Kevin Love, F/C of Minnesota–strong scorer, can hit the 3-pointer, top-notch rebounder, good passer, young…
Josh Smith blew it
January 5th, 2012
7:55 am
On the deciding play of the Chicago game, it was Josh Smith, not Joe Johnson who blew that possession. Coming out of the timeout, Joe was guarding Rose, Teague on Korver, and Josh Smith on Deng. Once Smith saw Deng throwing the ball in, he went to try and help Joe deny the inbounds pass to Rose. Smith then never went to find Deng. Joe realized this as soon as the ball left Rose’s hands and tried to make a last ditch effort at finding Deng, but was to late. That was Smith’s fault, not Joe’s.
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
8:01 am
Big game tonight…
Sucks that we’ve had to sit on that loss from a couple nights ago…
Hopefully we redeem ourselves tonight.
O'Brien
January 5th, 2012
8:34 am
FTPB,
JeJe,
Smoove will listen to Stack. Cannot believe LD has not gotten on him about this..
Don’t you think Dominique has spoken to Josh about his shot selection? Woody and LD both did. So What makes you think Stack is going to be the guy to get Smith to change his mindset and shot selection?
rollow lawson
January 5th, 2012
8:46 am
O’Brien, you would think so. If I ever get the chance to meet Dominique, I would tell him how he was my favorite player of alltime. I would then ask him why Josh Smith takes so many jumpers.
O'Brien
January 5th, 2012
8:48 am
I think the key for LD is to find the right mix of starters and veterans to be on the court, and don’t be set in his substitution pattern.
I know he is only in his second year, but with the hectic schedule we will have, players will be tired (mentally and physically), so I think coaching moves will be magnified even more. When do you rest guys, who do you rest, when do you bring them in, what plays are you calling etc.
I know players have to execute, but I think coaching will be even more important this season. And as a result, I have my doubts.
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
8:59 am
Hope Wade and LBJ play…
But something’s telling me they’ll both be out. I think at least one of them will be sitting. Probably LBJ.
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
9:04 am
pargo is the man! heh the only way he gets on the floor should be in harry the hawks uniform.
Peter
January 5th, 2012
9:08 am
I have been really impressed with the defense, which means the over all effort. Hopefully the foul shooting, and the offensive movement will come to fruition.
It is sad to see the ISO situations come the 4th quarter, with JJ taking over and missing very tough shots, and wasting opportunities like they did against the Bulls !
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
9:47 am
And if Horford is not getting Dwight, he’s not getting Bynum and the next best thing is defensive center Andrew Bogut. Not Greg Monroe. Other than that with MIL losing, likelihood is you should give it up. They are not looking to trade or the player is a low quality impact player. IE they are worse rebounders AND softer defenders than Al. See Brook Lopez.
I doubt we get Dwight + shooter to put Josh inside so Again the next best thing is Bogut and Mr. Leuer. Pretty sure we could get that done.
And Spencer Hawes cannot be had cheaply. Greene says Centers are routinely overpaid and he is Playing real well.
=======
Lang Greene
From what I hear teams were burning up the Sacramento Kings’ phone lines inquiring about DeMarcus Cousins, but the organization has no intention on trading the big guy. None at all.
========
Also “Smith blew it” Coming out of the timeout, Smith, the lanky bouncy guy was pretty clearly guarding Rose, and Joe Johnson on Deng.”
Horford already said that they expected Rose to get it back and the plan was to double Rose :eyeroll:.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
9:50 am
This season Leuer, not as much of star as he was on the Badgers, has only played 66 minutes in their first 5 games. But during that time, Leuer has scored 26 points. In comparison, Ersan Illysova, Carlos Delfino, and Shaun Livingston have all played 100 plus minutes and all scored below 35 points.
Math shows that Leuer would have around 55 points if he got the same amount of minutes as the three just mentioned. It is hard to answer but what edge is Leuer getting over these veterans?
===========
He’s a 7′0 shooting guard… give him space and watch him burn you. Should snatch him before he develops more value that puts him out of reach.
kwooden
January 5th, 2012
9:58 am
northcyde, I agree with what your seeing from the numbers, which I think can change if Pargo is committed to running the offensive when he comes on the floor. Personally, I think LD should only have the entire bench on the floor at one time if there are no clear match-up issues. DC torched our bench and NJ did some work against our bench when they kept Deron in the game. Also the best plays for the bench to run is either McGrady posting at 17′ or the screens for Vlad while Zaza is diving to the basket. Pargo and Green need to consistently work the offensive and I think they will be much more effective. I can’t kill the bench though because they appear to still be figuring it out. I don’t think the bench as unit has played any worse that the starters overall, but they have gotten buried in certain match-ups.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
10:02 am
7′0 small forward with a dribble jumper… my bad
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
10:05 am
Smith takes so many jumpers because its what the defense gives him. His handles to blow past the man are poor and he does not possess the ability to go right.
Marvin should be at the top of the key. Smith’s assists might go down but stash him on baseline and run isos with Teague or better yet that curl play with Teague or Joe Johnson.
Mike
January 5th, 2012
10:06 am
@superiorblogman
That is way too much to trade for Cousins and Salmons, because here is the million dollar question, do you want the Hawks go over the LT for that guy. The answer is No.
FreshFromATL, Trade rumors is always there and we need a shake-up and a True Center as well. When people is start saying that Al is like a Chuck Hayes, then something is really wrong.
I wont trust Lang Greene with any information besides we need a true center (not Bogut btw) besides we wont get to the promised land if we dont take any chances.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
10:12 am
Pargo
Pargo can’t be on the COURT with Vlad, because teams attack the RIM and he(Vlad) can’t defend it.
We need another SHOT BLOCKER in the rotation.
doc
January 5th, 2012
10:45 am
ole addition by subtraction rule.
Melvin
January 5th, 2012
10:50 am
“”The Teague – Johnson – McGrady – Smith – Horford lineup is our WORST lineup out of the top 10 lineups we’ve put on the floor so far this year.
Drew needs to keep close eye on this lineup, and truly judge if it is effective or not. This may be a “fools gold” type lineup, much like the Jamal – Johnson – Williams – Smith – Horford lineup last year.”- Northcyde
But wasn’t the Teague-Joe-TMac-Josh-Al lineup that finished/won the game in Miami and the starting five was the lineup that finished/lost the game in Chicago. Hawks did lose the game by missing free throws but I also think coaching played a factor b/c LD should’ve went back to TMac the last two mins to finished the Bulls game.
Looking at the numbers tells one story and I think coaches should use stats to evaluate their team but they also have to make in-game adjustments base on the flow of the game as well.
kwooden
January 5th, 2012
10:54 am
Rufus, I think your right but depending on the match-ups. The 2nd team can get away without a true Shot Blocker, if they run their offensive. They should score enough to maintain or expand a lead, but if they can’t score they are really going to have problems. The real problem I’ve seen is Tracy trying to guard SF off the dribble. If the 2nd team traps then they don’t really have to worry about one-on-one situations, because they will be scrambling. But good teams aren’t just going to leave 5 bench players on the floor to deal with our bench, they will mix and match with starters. LD and the coaches will have to make this adjustment. Especially, getting Marvin and Tracy on the floor at the same time. They also have to find away to keep Josh fresh. I think Josh will consistently attack the basket if he’s fresh, I see fatigue causing him to settle for jump shots.
kwooden
January 5th, 2012
11:01 am
Melvin, I agree the numbers aren’t telling the whole story. Tracy’s knee clearly had an effect in the Bulls game.
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
11:07 am
substitutions. i don’t like how ld is so rigid with his substitution patterns. as some mentioned he needs to be flexible on who he substitutes and when depending on the flow of the game. but instead ld always substitutes each game the exact same way. this lack of creativity and common sense might be the down fall of a coach who looks to at times in over his head.
Astro Joe
January 5th, 2012
11:19 am
Pargo is a substitute teacher until Hinrich is healthy. It would be great if he could be better in every facet of the game, but that seems unreasonable. He was used sparingly last season in Chicago and was cut a month or so ago and made available in the 11th hour. And logic would suggest that Teague (or anyone else) can’t play more than 36 minutes/game in this compacted season. In other words, we need to stomach whatever we get from Pargo and hope for a quick return by Hinrich.
If Wade AND LeBron miss the game tonight, do the Hawks let their guard down and find thmselves in a dog-fight with James Jones, Mario Chalmers and Norris Cole finishing the game?
vava74
January 5th, 2012
11:19 am
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/powerRankings
Read and laugh in disbelief…
wordsmithtom
January 5th, 2012
11:40 am
Vava, are the Knicks REALLY that bad? I know they lack a point guard, but 14th???
vava74
January 5th, 2012
11:48 am
wordsmithtom,
I was mainly focusing on the fact that LD is mentioned as perhaps one of the most underrated coaches…
About the Knicks… yes, they are garbage: 14th equates to low seed in the East which is where I expect them to be (7th-8th) barely making the playoffs.
Chandler is good if everyone around him also plays D but with his arrival – as I predicted – we are seeing Amar’e and ‘Melo playing EVEN LESS D.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
11:58 am
Chandler was so good with CP3’s lobs or Dirk ’s perimeter game. But Amare and Carmelo need an Iguodala type at SG and a PG
wordsmithtom
January 5th, 2012
12:02 pm
Let’s just hope Hawks remember what Knicks did to them last year and replay in kind.
Kirk’s shoulder injury seems to be healing as expected. Shoulders are slow to heal, BTW. Raising the arm is the biggest problem. Takes time to regain full motion. Don’t expect him to jump back into starter’s role. Actually, having another 3 ball in the 2nd team is a very good idea. Still weeks away.
Ken Strickland
January 5th, 2012
12:08 pm
As soon as the Knicks signed C TChandler, everyone elevated them above the Hawks. Some even elevated the Celtics ahead of the Hawks, based solely on their history, while ignoring their age, lack of depth, and how fragile they are. I remember how a lot of our so called fans went wild for the Bucks when they signed CMaggette, and the Heat when they signed VCarter. We’re still the better team.
WORDSMITHTOM-The Knicks lack depth, the kind of PG that can make DeAntoni’s system work, and anyone that cares about playing DEF, other than TChander and Blackmon.
darrell starks
January 5th, 2012
12:22 pm
This team could be the best Hawks team ever specially on defense, thus far smothering type style of basketball could be the reason why the Hawks make to the NBA eastern conf finals.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
12:23 pm
and the Heat when they signed VCarter?
There are only 2 teams ahead of the Hawks imo. MIA and CHI.
Been a Tmac Fan
January 5th, 2012
12:26 pm
@ EVERYBODY!
STOP MAKING UP THESE UNREALISTIC TRADES.
darrell starks
January 5th, 2012
12:30 pm
LD trusting the bench and staying with them, is the improvement of his ability realizing the way to success is keep your players fresh through out the season.
Having a solid good bench and not missing a beat so far this season with 60 more games to go.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
STRETCH
January 5th, 2012
12:34 pm
When did Vince Carter play for the Heat???
The Truth
January 5th, 2012
12:42 pm
“Don’t you think Dominique has spoken to Josh about his shot selection? Woody and LD both did. So What makes you think Stack is going to be the guy to get Smith to change his mindset and shot selection?”
Josh can’t be that bone headed for this long? However, it is possible that Josh is smarter than we give him credit for. He may be deliberately trying to induce a trade to move on, out of the ATL. Perhaps he’s tired of the negative labels we’ve put on him. Though any labels Josh has received in this regard is self-induced. He publicly stated that he hasn’t asked for a trade but if he was traded he wouldn’t be shocked or surprised
However, as a NBA player, shooting jumpers is part of the game. Josh, like most players, looks to build and expand his game so he should have the freedom to shore-up his weak links. But that’s hasn’t been the issue. It’s taking long jumpers at the wrong time during critical stretches when the Hawks desperately need to respond to a run. At that moment, Josh decides to experiment with his jumpers. This certainly has the appearance of BBIQ even to the national audience but LD plays a role in this development. Since LD hasn’t drawn a line in the sand, Josh continues what he does.
It is as though Josh would rather play to his weakness than to play to his strength. Again, there is nothing wrong with Josh shooting occasional jumpers. He just needs to do it selectively during the flow of the game.
Josh if you are read this: We could live with a 2-4 shooting night but 0-6 is unacceptable. After 4 misses, let it go.
Mike
January 5th, 2012
12:46 pm
@Been a Tmac Fan
So in other word, you dont want the Hawks to get better than you will posting under another name crying why the Hawks didnt get this player or that player
Bottom line is this: It ECF or bust. If they dont make it to the ECF, then this team is going to be blowed up anyway, so try to maximum value so we can have a better chance.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
1:18 pm
We still need to tweek what works for us in the fourth quarter. My question is: Was T-Mac really hurt that he couldn’t play the 4th? He has been good for us as a threat in the 4th unlike Marvin. Marvin is good for under the radar results at this point, and he is better this year. He is just not ready for the 4th quarter. I wish he were though. He should have a play or 2 run for him, but obviously, LD has no faith.
So for the past 3 games, we have seen the performance on the court fluctuate from good to bad. We have had so many ups and downs this past week, we still don’t know what kind of team we will be going forward.
Now, for more firepower, any reason why Arenas would not be better than Free Willie? He would be more of an offensive threat for us at the same price. We still have time to consider this option, and it would be helpful if Kirk can’t come back ready to go in Feb.
Put Al or Josh with a 2nd team of Arenas/T-Mac/VRad and Zaza and we have a formidable lineup. Does Arenas play that bad on defense? I don’t see him stopping DRose, but that wouldn’t be his role. We need to continue to score when Joe/JT/Josh are on the bench.
And does Arenas on this roster help in the event D12 has to be moved because ORL knows he wants out?
EmirS.
January 5th, 2012
1:30 pm
Would we really want Cousins on this team?
Mike
January 5th, 2012
1:33 pm
I dont think so with Cousins, he will be an Al Hortford part 2 and we are ready have one and dont need another one.
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
1:38 pm
tmac could barely run against chicago.
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
1:41 pm
josh smith + demarcus cousins = dumb & dumber the hardwood edition
kwooden
January 5th, 2012
1:43 pm
Truth, I agree about Josh, but as much as I like Joe he was 2-9 from three! Josh needs to stop taking the jumpers early in the shot clock and then when he does take them just shoot better. GO HAWKS!!
Astro Joe
January 5th, 2012
1:51 pm
Abe is keeping me from posting because he is so much ore concise (and accurate). Handle your biz-ness, oh honest one.
Astro Joe
January 5th, 2012
1:53 pm
… so much more concise…
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
2:02 pm
“This most recent edition of the Hawks has been celebrated for its incredible talent and sheer athleticism, while simultaneously being damned for grossly underachieving. Their inspired victory in Miami on Monday just might be a sign that the Hawks are finally about to realize their potential. Beating the Heat in Atlanta would go a long way to establishing the Hawks as a bona fide championship-caliber outfit.”-Charley Rosen NBA.com
Good analysis of the coming game.
http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/01/05/rosens-report-heat-at-hawks/
FreshFromATL
January 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
Mike,
(regarding you 10:06am post) The problem with that is, the majority of the people on here do not know what the Hell they are talking about, LMAO. The people on here, in which you are refering to, also thinks that:
1) Keith Benson can be an effective player in this league.
2) Pape Sy is the next Manu Ginobili.
3) Jordan Crawford is the NBA’s next superstar/ he would be effective for the Hawks this year while playing ZERO defense.
4) Samuel Dalembert is still a rim protector and he would solve all of the Hawks defensive problems.
5) The Hawks should trade Al Hordford for Andrew Bogut (who is constantly hurt and is hurt right now I might add).
6) Jon Leuer, a guy that can’t even crack into Milwaukee’s starting lineup, a guy which averages 13 mins per game, 5 pts, and 3 rebs, will automatically form Voltron once he’s traded to the Hawks.
7) Tyson Chandler would elevate the Knicks to Championship contenders while guarding all 5 players on the florr by himself.
9) That Keith Bogas would be an effective plaer for the Hawks but then turn around and complain about Willie Green and Pargo, SMH.
10) Within your on post, you stated Al Hordford is like a Chuck Hayes. Which instantly shattered any credibility you could have had.
So I ask you, are these the people we really want to listen to??
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
2:37 pm
LD, KNOW YOUR PERSONAL!
That is all….
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
2:41 pm
aj: i just couldn’t think of anything else to write. slow news day. heh
slim: only because i’ve seen you write this for the last 3 days, it’s “personnel”.
JM
January 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
@ Fresh 2:15 PM
Co-sign!
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
Charlie Rose= Peter King of SI
Peter predicted the Falcons would be in the SB this year! lmao!
C’ mon man…………………
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
2:44 pm
I stand corrected Sir..Thanks…lol
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
2:46 pm
WORDSMITHTOM,
YES THE KNICKS ARE THAT BAD. ANY TEAM THAT GIVES UP 110+ POINTS TO THE BOBCATS DESERVES TO GET CONTRACTED. THEIR BEST PLAYERS ARE BORIS DIAW AND GERALD HENDERSON BUT D’ANTONI’S BOYS MADE THEM LOOK LIKE SHAQ AND KOBE OUT THERE. KNICKS ARE 16-22 SINCE THE MELO TRADE, DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE ESPN HYPE MACHINE.
morehouse man
January 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
how much better the hawks would have been if the the owners had let billy knight fire mike woodson when he wanted too do?
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
2:54 pm
DID SOMEONE SAY THE HAWKS SHOULD INQUIRE ABOUT KEVIN LOVE? LOL WHY NOT ASK THUNDER ABOUT A DURANT FOR MARVIN DEAL NEXT? BE REALISTIC PEOPLE.
Harry Hawk
January 5th, 2012
2:56 pm
The defense has been good early, but we have 60 games left and, presumably, the playoffs to prove whether it’s really good enough to make the difference.
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
2:57 pm
T-Mac hurt his leg in the 1st half, that’s why he sat out in the 2nd half of that Chicago game which was too bad. He would have help the Hawks pull it out just like he did against Miami…
T-Mac hopefully will be ready to go tonight and help seal the win again…Marvin has got to stop his disappearing act in the 4th quarters…
Al and Josh are not talented enough offensively to seal the deal..Has to come from elsewhere. Nothing new there….
This squad used be a very good free throw shooting team under Woody..Lets go!
Gearon your close.. One more starter………
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
3:00 pm
If Chills could only get us a 2nd rounder, how is Marvin going to give us anything better? Remember, Odom was dealt for a 2nd rounder.
And with the Melo drama gone, the Nuggets appear to be holding up rather well.
And its either Cousins or the coach……..bye Coach Westphal!
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
3:01 pm
MOREHOUSE MAN,
KNIGHT IS AS RESPONSIBLE AS WOODSON, IF NOT MORE. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIRED ON THE SPOT FOR EVEN SUGGESTING THE SHELDON WILLIAMS PICK. SHELDON WILLIAMS, BILLY? REALLY? REALLY? WOODSON WASN’T GREAT BUT HE WAS GIVEN A BAD HAND FROM AFROMAN.
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
3:01 pm
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
8:59 am
“Hope Wade and LBJ play…
But something’s telling me they’ll both be out. I think at least one of them will be sitting. Probably LBJ.”
Dont matter who plays or not. The Hawks need to come out and bury this team from start to finish!
Talk about sending a message?
Been a Tmac Fan
January 5th, 2012
3:08 pm
@Mike
You can’t Get better giving up two Allstars in Josh Smith & horford or Joe Johnson. I dont care if its DH12, Kevin Love, or anybody else.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
3:14 pm
D12 leads the league in rebounding, ahead of Love.
Anyone have a trade that makes sense after what we have seen during our 4-2 start? Would ORL even consider an offer from Sund?
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
3:18 pm
If D12 is available for Joe & Al, I jump on that one quick. Right now, our go-to is Joe, and we all know what Joe gives us.
It doesn’t matter if we take on other parts…..we could have:
Josh
D12
Marvin
Teague
a big time SG opening…
What a different look this team would have on both ends.
MattP
January 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
KevinM,
I don’t see Orlando taking Joe’s contract.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
We have 2 guys in the Top 50 in offensive rebounding:
Al at 27th, Zaza at 33…
1 guy in defensive rebounding in the Top 50….
Josh at 17th…
Surprised on both ends….
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
KevinM
Josh
D12
Marvin
Teague
a big time SG opening…
What BIG time SG? What are we going to give-up to get him?….Marvin, Josh or Teague?
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
“Rebounding wins Championships” Grandad
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
If The Heat players are HURT….That is their problem.
Astro Joe
January 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Josh is NOT an All-Star people. Unless being in the Saturday night events makes you an All-Star. By that logic, Nate Robinson is an All-Star.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
Rufus, I said a big time opening…..it doesn’t mean we could get one easily.
I would roll the dice and take that chance…….get me a defensive guy like Raja Bell to fill that role in the interim….Joe’s 16.0 points he is averaging will have to come from somewhere else. Give me an Arenas to fill it and share with T-Mac and KH when he returns.
Been a Tmac Fan
January 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
This is real Life. Nba 2k12 wont even accept those trades you people are wishing for lol smh.
Been a Tmac Fan
January 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
Josh Smith is an AllStar material. Thanks to Lebron, Melo, & Pierce he went make it. The only thing wrong is not consistent on his jump shot thats all. Other that that im taking him anyday of the week. not as a number 1 go to but as a basketball player.
O'Brien
January 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
From ESPN;
The Sacramento Kings fired coach Paul Westphal on Thursday, cutting ties after two-plus seasons amid a slow start and an escalating dispute with young center DeMarcus Cousins.
In two-plus seasons leading the Kings, Westphal finished with a 51-120 record..
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
there will soon come a day when we communicate soley through abbreviations. lol smh rofl wtf btau gata……………. what a sad day that will be.
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
3:51 pm
28% shooting over the past 5 years( almost 1800 jumpshots attempted /16-22 foot range) does not become AllStar material, sorry…
If he cut that out, maybe….
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
3:52 pm
“Josh Smith is an AllStar material. Thanks to Lebron, Melo, & Pierce he went make it. The only thing wrong is not consistent on his jump shot thats all.”
ha! i’m all star material myself. the only thing wrong is i’m 5′8 with a 2 inch vertical. but other than that i’m ballin!
O'Brien
January 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
From the rosen article;
HERE’S HOW ATLANTA CAN WIN:
* Change zone formations to keep the Heat off-balance. The bigs also need to execute quicker, more effective baseline rotations to hinder LBJ’s dynamic cuts.
* Even in their routine one-on-one situations there must be more player and ball movement to make Miami pay dearly for double-teams.
* Josh Smith must avoid launching 3-balls and driving into crowds. He has to get viscerally involved in the offense.
* Horford has to initiate his low-post moves quickly before the doubler can arrive.
* The bigs have to provide more aggressive help on screen/rolls, especially on pin-downs for Wade.
* Teague has to get a better read on the defense before uncorking risky passes.
* Their transition defense has to improve. This is simply a matter of pure hustle.
* Joe Johnson has to have his mojo working.
* Tracy McGrady must continue to recapture the rapture and be a high-volume point-maker off the bench.
* JJ, T-Mac and Jannero Pargo have to be accurate from beyond the pale to stretch Miami’s defense.
With Wade and LeBron possibly not playing, there is “No Excuses” (LD’s locker room sign) for the Hawks to lose this game. Not to mention, Miami played last night.
O'Brien
January 5th, 2012
3:57 pm
More from Rosen; 2 of his 5 things to watch.
3.Notice how Miami’s interior defense overplays Horford’s right hand.
5.How many ticks are left on the shot clock when Smith casts off a long-distance prayer?.
I’ll say it again. Josh Smith’s biggest weakness is his mentality/stubborness.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
4:10 pm
KevinM
It isn’t just Joe’s pts, he gets doubled and that make is easier for our OFFENSE to score. It is not a CRIME that Joe isn’t DWade or Lebron but he is still very good. You can’t GUT a good team just to get a STAR and become WORSE.
—————————————————————————
For those who complain about Joe’s MONEY
Joe isn’t OVERPAID, DWade and Lebron are UNDERPAID. The NBA has a pay ceiling, that is why Joe looks like he is OVERPAID.
Tyson Chandler makes 4yr 60mil= 15mil a year.
Boozer 5yr 80mil=16mil a year
David Lee 5yr 80mil= 16mil a year.
Chris Bosh 5yr 95mil= 19mil a year(the same as Lebron and DWade)
Deandre Jordan 11mil a year.
Caron Butler 9mil a year.
Amare 5yr 99mil = 20mil a year
BDavis 13mil a year
Ben Gordon 10mil a year
Bibby 1.4mil a year…I am not LAUGHING.
Gilbert
Rasheed
Jamison…….etc.
The NBA is FULL of OVERPAID players, that is just this LEAGUE….GET OVER IT!!!
I am not willing to go back to being a 20 WIN TEAM, just to get rid of Joe’s Contract.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
4:14 pm
Down Graded!
“I don’t see Orlando taking Joe’s contract.”
____________
Otis will trade for anything. Bees-Knees Arenas @ 23M? Rashard Lewis @ 23M? Why not Joe?
JM
January 5th, 2012
4:23 pm
Gotta agree that Josh is all star material. Mainly because, other coaches and past coaches/current analyst have said the Hawks have three AllStar caliber players. Also, so what he has a low % from 15 feet. I bet D12 does too, and he is an allstar right. People don’t say he is an all star caliber shooting guard. SMFH. Perspective people, how many players fill the stat line like Josh. He’s not perfect but he is damn good and he plays for the team you are supposed to be rooting for. STOP HATING and blaming every other player and see where this team can go with the talent they have.
Go Hawks!
MattP
January 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
Rufus1,
Just because there are other overpaid players doesn’t mean we will lose bad without Joe. Joe is not clutch, Joe doesn’t score 25+ anymore, he is getting slower on defense giving young okays like Martin anything they want. For him to make around 20mil next season and rising seasons after that is a joke when they have Amnesty. Joe does help this team but not worth locking up 20mil. We could get a person just as good for cheaper allowing us to get a better bench, or would you rather have Pargo and Green? lol. We got lucky at getting McGrady for vet min, imaging if he went to another team, Hawks would really suck.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
Swahili! (an African dialect)
“btau gata……” -Astro Joe-
___________
OK, I’ll bite here: What does “batu” and” gata” stand for?
I gotts’ brush up on my english. (rof-ktc) kicking the couch!
LOL! Pretty soon, we’re gonna’ need a new dictionary to communicate our new language – heh?
MattP
January 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
drmaryb.[*_*].,
Didn’t Orlando give Lewis that massive contract? And they took Arenas contract because they got rid of Lewis in that same trade.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
Diaw was living proof that the only thing easier than scoring for D’Antoni’s old Suns teams is scoring against D’Antoni’s Knicks. Diaw happened to play a season for Woodson with the Atlanta Hawks, and didn’t exactly remember any particular defensive genius. “When I was playing for him in Atlanta, I couldn’t tell if we were playing great defense,” Diaw said with a laugh. “We won 13 games.” Yahoo! Sports
This is Funny…
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
4:27 pm
ISO JOE!
Are you folks aware that Joe is one of the main reasons why this squad has made the playoffs 4 straight years…W/O Joe, does All NBA Dirk Jr get us there? Does Josh with his permanently broke jumpshot get us there? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….I’m just saying…..
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
4:31 pm
“Also, so what he has a low % from 15 feet. I bet D12 does too, and he is an allstar right.”
not an accurate comparison. yes d12 has a low pct beyond 5ft, but he doesn’t jack up jump shots all game long either. he knows his place and doesn’t force things unlike josh who sitll can’t figure out what his strengths are. nobody is denying his natural abilities it’s his decision making that makes front office personnel and coaches alike look at him with a big red flag.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
4:37 pm
MattP
Name the Person?
Kmartin call BALL. That is why he makes 14mil a year. When you talk about Kmartin’s game against Joe, don’t forget the 4-17 by DWade. This is the NBA, any player can have a GOOD game at anytime. Joe is the BEST PLAYER on a consistent playoff team….When he is nolonger the BEST PLAYER or we stop making the PLAYOFFS, then I will agree with you.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
4:40 pm
AL HORFORD PROVIDED STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE AND BROUGHT SOME MATURITY IN HIS ROOKIE YEAR. PEOPLE CAN’T DISCOUNT THAT. MIKE BIBBY, JOSH SMITH, ETC WERE THE ‘LEADERS’ OF THAT TEAM BUT THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IMMATURE AND REFUSE TO TAKE CRITICISM.
HORFORD CAME FROM A SYSTEM IN FLORIDA WHERE PLAYERS KNEW THEIR ROLES AND STUCK TO THEM. HORFORD WILL NOT BE A 20-10 GUY, HE IS MORE LIKE BUCK WILLIAMS OR HORACE GRANT. NOT A SEXY COMPARISON BUT STILL VERY VITAL COGS ON GREAT TEAMS.
BigTimeTECHFan
January 5th, 2012
4:41 pm
who is the 7′9″ 390lb center from Sinagal the Hawks are talking to, is he any good?
JM
January 5th, 2012
4:46 pm
All i’m saying is that there is a lot made about % beyond the paint but nobody is saying he’s good because of his J. He’s good because of everything else he does on the court and to dismiss that because he’s not driving to the basket everytime he gets the ball doesnt make much sense to me. Does he need to improve the jump shot, yes, but that doesn’t diminish everything else he does. He does settle for the jumper at times when he shouldn’t but so do many other players. Dude is one of our best players.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
4:50 pm
SEVEN YEARS INTO YOUR NBA CAREER, YOU KNOW WHAT A PLAYER IS, AND SHOULDN’T EXPECT IT TO CHANGE. JOSH HAS AN OUTSIDE CHANCE TO MAKE AN ALL STAR TEAM SOMEDAY, BUT THE COACHES PERCEPTION OF HIM BECAUSE OF HIS TERRIBLE SHOT SELECTION IS WHY IT’S DOUBTFUL THEY WILL EVER PICK HIM.
THE BEST WAY JOSH CAN IMPROVE HIS IMAGE AND START GAINING SOME RESPECT IS TO BECOME A DEFENSIVE CENTERPIECE LIKE BEN WALLACE TO DETROIT OR KG TO THE CELTICS. HE CAN BE A LEADER THAT WAY BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT END OF THE FLOOR.
HIS HANDLE ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH TO BECOME A GREAT OFFENSIVE PLAYER. JUST ONE OR TWO DRIBBLES AND SCORE IS ALL. THAT’S WHAT THE HAWKS NEED FROM HIM. SOME OF YOU DON’T REALIZE IT BUT JOSH AND AL’S SKILL SETS COMPLEMENT EACH OTHER VERY WELL AS LONG AS BOTH PLAY TO THEIR STRENGTHS.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
4:50 pm
Rufus, what team do you know that has a contract like Joe’s that WILL NOT go into the luxury tax to advance further in the playoffs?
Joe’s contract is choking, and if you get D12 in the process, where does that say we are a 20 win team?
Apparently, you value Joe’s contract as much as Gearon and Sund does.
Elite is not in Joe’s resume.
honest_abe
January 5th, 2012
4:51 pm
hmmmm: try lower caps and people might actually read some of your posts.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
4:52 pm
TECHNICALLY I JUST GAVE PROPS TO BILLY KNIGHHT FOR DRAFTING AL AND JOSH. THAT COULD BE THE LAST TIME I EVER DO THAT SO DON’T GET USED TO IT LOL.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
4:53 pm
And if you can trade 2 marginal all-stars for the best big man and the best rebounder in the league, you do it if you want to matter in the NBA.
This not-exceeding the cap crap tells you all you need to know about the aspirations to bring championship basketball to the ATL.
Mike Bell today said Gearon is still in his phase of Arthur Blank envy; this guy truly doesn’t get it!
MattP
January 5th, 2012
4:54 pm
Rufus1,
KM is making 14mil and can ball but JJ is making 18mil and gets destroyed by KM. JJ did good on DW but DW had 10 assist also. Who gets play max contract for their defense? JJ is a good part of this team but his contract will be the reason we can do any better. So I guess people want to see JJ on our roster in 3-4 years making 23mil and we still did not get into the ECF.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
4:56 pm
You can’t spell Dwight without ‘it’….
A better chance to contend within the cap with D12 than no-nickname Joe.
doc
January 5th, 2012
4:58 pm
that’s ok slim is cool and never takes anything personnel.
northcyde
January 5th, 2012
5:00 pm
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
4:37 pm
MattP
Name the Person?
Kmartin call BALL. That is why he makes 14mil a year. When you talk about Kmartin’s game against Joe, don’t forget the 4-17 by DWade. This is the NBA, any player can have a GOOD game at anytime. Joe is the BEST PLAYER on a consistent playoff team….When he is nolonger the BEST PLAYER or we stop making the PLAYOFFS, then I will agree with you.
*********************************
How many playoff appearances does Kevin Martin have? And even he went 5 – 17 FG vs the Lakers a few nights ago. And Kevin hasn’t stopped anybody on defense . . ever.
There are 2 sides of the ball. JJ just happens to be a good to very good player on both sides.
ILL-Logical
January 5th, 2012
5:00 pm
“28% shooting over the past 5 years( almost 1800 jumpshots attempted /16-22 foot range) does not become AllStar material, sorry”
That’s just osh being osh.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
5:03 pm
Real Talk!
JM, shut your pie hole re: Josh. You wanna compare him and Dwight % from 15′? Dwight does not take those looks and Josh takes them and can’t make them. Dwight knows his role, Josh doesn’t have one. He tries to be all things to all plays.
A wise man knows his strengths from weaknesses and behaves accordingly. Everyone on this blog was in the delivery room when Josh was born, we walked him to school his first day.
We KNOW who Josh is and, all our opinions are valid. So imma’ keep speakin’ mine.
Hey Josh! Drive the ball on offense – you’ll be an unstoppable All Star! Imma call him: no [J] “Osh Kosh”
(a kid’s clothing line) LOL!
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
5:03 pm
JOE JOHNSON IS NOT OVERPAID. REMEMBER: YOU ARE WORTH WHATEVER YOU CAN NEGOTIATE.
HE HAD LEVERAGE AND A DESPERATE GM AND OWNER ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TABLE. I DON’T BLAME HIM ONE BIT. A SMART EXEC WOULD HAVE TRADED HIM FOR A PRINCE’S RANSOM RIGHT AFTER HE TURNED DOWN THE 4YR/60M OFFER, WHEN HE HAD A LOT OF VALUE.
MattP
January 5th, 2012
5:11 pm
Hmmmm,
I’m not blaming JJ, he is smart to take the money those idiots offered. I’m just saying they have an opportunity that they should not pass up because Johnson is locked up for too long time.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
5:11 pm
WE WOULD SEE THE BEST OF JOSH SMITH IF HE WERE ON THE SPURS RIGHT NOW. PLAYING THE 4 NEXT TO TIM DUNCAN, COACHED HARD BY POPPOVICH WHO WON’T STAND FOR THAT CRAP, AND GUARDS WHO WILL FEED HIM IN GINOBILI AND PARKER. BUT THEY DON’T HAVE ANYTHING TO GIVE US SO OH WELL.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:16 pm
“Rufus, what team do you know that has a contract like Joe’s that WILL NOT go into the luxury tax to advance further in the playoffs?”-MattP
The Bulls.
The main problem with the Hawks has been coaching, GM and ownership. Woody and ASG wasted JJ BEST YEARS with BAD coaching and keeping a BAD coach too LOOOONG.
“Joe’s contract is choking, and if you get D12 in the process, where does that say we are a 20 win team?”-MattP
When D12 leaves because the team isn’t good enough to win a TITLE and we still have the same owners.=20 win team
“Apparently, you value Joe’s contract as much as Gearon and Sund does.
Elite is not in Joe’s resume”-MattP
This team has the TALENT, but they haven’t had ELITE COACHING….You see how they are doing with a little better COACHING.
D12 Has as many TITLES as Joe and AL…NONE. He also had an OWNER will spend 30mil over the salary cap,18-20 over the Lux Tax and a very GOOD COACH…..BUT NO TITLE FOR HIM!
I will Take the DEVIL I know…..
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
5:16 pm
MATTP,
I AGREE THAT MARTIN COULD BE A BETTER LONG TERM INVESTMENT. BUT HOUSTON WOULDN’T DO IT SINCE HE WORKS SO WELL WITH LOWRY….. AND WITH TEAGUE, WE WOULD HAVE A SMALL BACKCOURT LIKE GOLDEN STATE THAT WOULD GET PUSHED AROUND BY BIGGER GUARDS.
I BELIEVE JOE WILL GET AMNESTIED AFTER NEXT SEASON, SO I AM NOT WORRIED ABOUT HIS DEAL HONESTLY, BUT YOUR CONCERNS ARE VALID.
Slimjr
January 5th, 2012
5:21 pm
Joe’s got a great agent!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO!
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
5:22 pm
“The main problem with the Hawks has been coaching, GM and ownership. Woody and ASG wasted JJ BEST YEARS with BAD coaching and keeping a BAD coach too LOOOONG.”
SPEAKING THE TRUTH RIGHT HERE RUFUS, SOMEONE PASS THE COLLECTION PLATE LOL.
HAWKS HAVE NEVER INVESTED PROPERLY IN THE COACH AND FRONT OFFICE, AND PAY FOR IT LATER. WOODSON WAS A CAREER ASSISTANT, SO IF YOU REPLACE HIM, IT HAS TO BE WITH AN EXPERIENCE HEAD COACH RIGHT? WRONG, ASG CHOSE ANOTHER ASSISTANT. *FACEPALM* LOL.
I AM HOPING THEY WILL CHANGE THEIR THINKING IF THIS TEAM CAN’T GET IT DONE AND GO AFTER A PROVEN BIG NAME WHO IS ALL ABOUT DEFENSE LIKE LARRY BROWN OR JEFF VAN GUNDY BUT THAT’S WISHFUL THINKING.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
5:25 pm
The Cherry Tree!
honest_abe! Sup man? I see you got to JM before I did. LOL, we pretty much made the same responses.
Scroll On! Past 4 paragraphs of caps – all day long. My old tired eyes can’t deal with all that stuff. I step on the gas unless I see my boys: GM-JeJe and Slim, JR!
Them my dudes right there. Even then, my boys keep the “holler” short and sweet. This Hmmmm dude is a trip though. LOL @ Hmmmm.
Can’t wait till 7PM! Hurr – Up!
MattP
January 5th, 2012
5:26 pm
Rufus1,
I did say those thing you quoted and put my name by then, KevinM said them. But I did like to hear what you said about them.
“JJ BEST YEARS”
I do agree the Ownership/GM/Coach the problem but what you are saying if they wasted his best years why is he still worth max contract? Why is he worth locking up for 4 years if he is past his best years? We have the chance to amnesty him and it should be used on him. Not because he is bad like Arenas or Lewis but he is not worth his contract. The hawks really need a chance and I think this is one start.
I do hope they get a new GM/Coach this off season. I would be happy if the gave Wilkins a shot a GM and brought in an experienced coach. but no telling what ASG will do.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:28 pm
Hmmmm
That is the CRITICISM Arthur Blank had….ASG doesn’t spend good money on their STAFF and MANAGERS….Spoken from a self made man.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:29 pm
Sorry, MATTP
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
5:31 pm
Rufus1
Keep your day job man. You reason worse than the ASKG.
Can you even spell the words: HOF 1st Ballot? Do you see one of those on this roster?
Stay on the bus – Rufus1. You wild boy.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
5:31 pm
GEARON WAS RIGHT ABOUT ONE THING, THE HAWKS DO HAVE A BIG PAYROLL, AND I BELIEVE THEY ARE ENTITLED TO WANT TO STAY BELOW THE TAX LEVEL.
FANS NEED TO GET OFF THE IDEA THAT MORE MONEY WILL TRANSLATE INTO MORE SUCCESS, 1) IT’S NOT ALWAYS THE CASE AND 2) THE BUILDING ISN’T FULL EVERY NIGHT SO WE CAN’T TRIP.
THE NY METS AND WASHINGTON REDSKINS HAVE ABSURD PAYROLLS, BUT YOU WON’T SEE THEM HOISTING TROPHIES UNTIL YOUR BABIES HAVE BABIES BECAUSE OF DUMB DECISIONS BY OWNERSHIP. ASG/GEARON’S MISTAKE IS THINKING YOU CAN PAY PLAYERS HANDSOMELY THEN HIRE COACHES AND GMS FOR CHEAP AND GET RESULTS. UHHHHH NO. HE HAS YET TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:37 pm
MattP
I believe we can still win with Joe.
Look at the NBA. There are no true DOMINATE TEAMS in the EAST or WEST. We just beat the “Best team” in the league on their floor and we held the “2nd Best team” to 76pts.
We accomplished going to the 2nd round of the playoffs for 3 years in a row…..WITH VERY BAD COACHING!!!
LD at least looks like he has changed his coaching philosophy to a DEFENSIVE approach and that may get us over the HUMP…I am willing to be a little more PATIENT.
Hmmmm
January 5th, 2012
5:39 pm
RUFUS1,
CORRECT. BLANK DOESN’T HAVE A SUPER BOWL YET, BUT HIS METHODS ARE IN LINE WITH OTHER SUCCESFUL OWNERS. YOU HAVE TO PAY YOUR DECISION MAKERS (SCOUTS, COACHES, EXECS) BECAUSE THEY ARE THE KEY TO EVERYTHING. CONTRAST THAT WITH DANIEL SNYDER: NO SUCCESS BECAUSE HE’S TOO BUSY TRYING TO OUTSPEND JERRY JONES. GEARON COULD LEARN A LOT OF THOSE GUYS.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:40 pm
drmaryb.[*_*].
I still believe basketball is a team sport, we have a better team than D12……and I am a DREAMER
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
5:42 pm
The Numbers!
This week Dwight posted his 34th (20/20) game to tie Shaq’s career in that category. Dwight’s 28/23 game this week is something Joe and Al will never see – ever!
I you can’t draft that type of player – you trade for him. These opportunities come along like Haley’s Comet. Once a life time.
You don’t walk … don’t run … You fly to get that deal done!
Come on Rufus1 – let go! LOL. You get Dwight today and worry about Joe, Al and Josh later. If it don’t work, at least you tried. Go back to the lottery and get lucky next time.
I don’t want to be good enough to make the play offs for 10 years and never a chance to win anything. Go see the Braves 100 penchant flags at “The Ted” if you love MEDIOCRATY so much.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:43 pm
drmaryb.[*_*].
I am a Hawks fan, I have to be a little CRAZY.
MattP
January 5th, 2012
5:44 pm
Rufus1,
Lets just hope good things happen this off season, new GM and possibly a new coach, lol. I do want to see how LD does with the rest of this season. He looks good so far on defense and it’s only 6 games into the seasons. Only 2 game preseason could be the blame for the poor rotations. But I still hate the fact he doesn’t like to work in rookies, specially Ivan because he really isn’t much of a rookie.
Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:47 pm
drmaryb.[*_*].
I want D12. Let me make that CLEAR…I am not STUPID. I just don’t want to rebuild.
D12 for Josh and AL, I will make that deal in a minute, because he gives the Hawks in one player what they give in 2….But I want to keep Joe and Teague.
TMACfan
January 5th, 2012
5:53 pm
Go TMAC!
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
5:56 pm
“You don’t walk … don’t run … You fly to get that deal done!
Come on Rufus1 – let go! LOL. You get Dwight today and worry about Joe, Al and Josh later. If it don’t work, at least you tried. Go back to the lottery and get lucky next time.”
DMB – entertainment reporter and DEAD ON with this comment. You aren’t winning anything other than a first round playoff series with Joe as the CEO.
And the Bulls get into luxury land next year, thanks for the DRose contract: Rose will be making 30 percent of the Bulls’ salary cap, thanks to a new rule in the collective bargaining agreement dubbed the “Derrick Rose Rule.”
The rule allows a player finishing his rookie contract to make 30 percent of a team’s salary cap — up from 25 percent — if he’s twice been voted an All-Star starter, twice been voted All-NBA or won an MVP award.
Here Rufus: “Rufus1
January 5th, 2012
5:16 pm
“Rufus, what team do you know that has a contract like Joe’s that WILL NOT go into the luxury tax to advance further in the playoffs?” KevinM
The Bulls.”
Let’s see hear…DRose will average 18.98M for 5 years, upping his current salary from 6.99M….yep, hello luxury tax.
Gearon would never agree to such…he would gut the roster like he told Billy to before.
KevinM
January 5th, 2012
6:00 pm
You get a chance at D12, you let ‘Otis my man’ assemble a list of what it will take……
You work it out and trump Jersey, Cuban and any GM named Kupchak, Ainge, or special consultant West.
Wake up Sund….its time to earn that cushy seat you’ve been sitting in for 4 years.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
6:00 pm
My Dreamer!
“I still believe basketball is a team sport, we have a better team than D12……and I am a DREAMER ” -Rufus1-
____________
Yes, you are a dreamer! Me too (sniggles).
In response to your post here: Rufus1 baby … We don’t give flap-jacks ’bout the Magic team. Our goal is not to be better than them – I want them killed dead! So, I can eat their kids!
You feel me? I wan a CHAMPIONSHIP man!
Yeah, I like peanut butter and jelly, pimento cheese, chicken, fish and ham sandwiches … But, I LOVE a porter house steak! Rufus1 dear, honestly boy … I’ve never had a porterhouse steak before. But, if my Hawks win a trophy? I might have to treat myself.
Like Kellen Winslow said, “I don’t give a damn about nobody but this “U”!”
Buddy Grizzard
January 5th, 2012
6:29 pm
Josh Smith blew it… watch the highlight again. Josh shadowed Rose the entire play. Joe never moved because his man was Deng, the out of bounds man. He got caught looking at Josh’s man, Rose, while Deng cut back door.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
6:49 pm
Yeah, I like peanut butter and jelly, pimento cheese, chicken, fish and ham sandwiches … But, I LOVE a porter house steak! Rufus1 dear, honestly boy … I’ve never had a porterhouse steak before. But, if my Hawks win a trophy? I might have to treat myself.
======
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
6:49 pm
^^^ Round of Applause!
Buddy Grizzard
January 5th, 2012
6:50 pm
Joseph Goodman: Dwyane Wade doubtful for tonight. LeBron James is a game-time decision. about 16 minutes ago
Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html#ixzz1idBBwBSR
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
6:51 pm
Wait what?
“Josh Smith blew it… watch the highlight again. Josh shadowed Rose the entire play. Joe never moved because his man was Deng, the out of bounds man. He got caught looking at Josh’s man, Rose, while Deng cut back door.”
Smith blew it because Joe got caught looking at Rose?
Anyways, you’re wrong because Horford can be quoted saying the plan was to double Rose.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?
January 5th, 2012
6:55 pm
D12 for Josh and AL, I will make that deal in a minute, because he gives the Hawks in one player what they give in 2….But I want to keep Joe and Teague.
——
One question. Can he fill 2 roster spots?
No.
Teague- Joe-Marvin – D12 – ?
Who you gonna play as the 5th starter? T-Mac? Vlad? Pargo? Willie Green? a busted up over the hill Hinrich?
Wouldn’t it be funny if you do that trade and then D12 bolts back to Orlando.
MattP
January 5th, 2012
6:58 pm
Smith.Leuer.Bogut aka Other Options?,
It would probably be Vlad starting and Ivan playing with the 2nd unit.
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
7:09 pm
Wade out?
That makes things a lot less interesting…
yodaddybrother
January 5th, 2012
7:20 pm
ready for the Hawks to administer another beat down of the Miami Heat
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
7:20 pm
Both LBJ and Wade out according to ESPN.com…
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
7:21 pm
That just made this game a lot less appealing…
JaeEvolution
January 5th, 2012
7:25 pm
This team won’t know what to do without D-Wade or Lebron creating easy buckets for them, should be an easy win and I expect big game from Josh and Joe.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 5th, 2012
7:25 pm
Wade and LeBron are both out tonight.
Wabe
January 5th, 2012
7:25 pm
Someone should clown on these fools the way they clowned on Dirk during last season’s playoffs…
Runner-
January 5th, 2012
7:28 pm
so basically we’re playing toronto from 2 years ago lol…
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 5th, 2012
7:29 pm
One Trick Pony!
That was such simpleton thinking: can D12 play two spots. You reconfigure the whole team – “You Big Dummie!”
Dwight doesn’t come alone in a trade AND you can always involve a 3rd team for talent trades. Why do I even bother?
Michael Cunningham
January 5th, 2012
7:39 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.