Atlanta Hawks: Hawks 111, Bobcats 81
- Sorry for no game thread post, blog people. I was a tad busy.
- The Hawks for the most part didn’t try to play down the significance of losing Al Horford to injury (not that they really could). But they regrouped and went out and beat down the Bobcats, who had shown some pluck against superior opponents this season.
- “We had a few lapses defensively but our energy level was high,” Larry Drew said. “That’s something we look for every game. When we play with that type of energy and get up the floor and fly around, we are a pretty good club. And tonight we were flying around.”
- The most encouraging thing for the Hawks was that they dominated the boards against a pretty good rebounding team with size. Josh Smith (13 rebounds), Zaza Pachulia (10) and Ivan Johnson (seven in 21 minutes) did their thing but the Hawks got production from unlikely guys: Vladimir Radmanovic had eight rebounds, Joe Johnson had seven, and Jeff Teague had six.
- Josh said that’s the kind of effort the Hawks need without Horford available to help him hold it down on the back line: “Defense, rebounding, help each other out, gang rebounding. Even the guards have to come in there and help out a little bit. Ivan has done a good job thus far with the toughness. I think everyone else needs to pick it up.”
- Scoring was a group effort, too. The Hawks recorded 29 assists on 42 field goals as all five starters had at least three assists. “We took care of the basketball, we executed very well and we moved the ball,” Drew said. “I thought we played overall a really solid game.”
- The Bobcats tried to push Josh around but he was beasting. He had four of Atlanta’s 20 offensive boards. Josh also made four of his nine shots from outside of the paint while going 14 for 22.
- The Bobcats sent Tyrus Thomas at Joe with predictable results. Only a 2 for 8 night from the 3-point line prevented Joe from really going off. As it was, he got to the line for eight attempts (and made seven).
- Ivan (12 points on 9 shots, six fouls) isn’t polished but he’s athletic, energetic and physical. That is going to come in handy as the Hawks try to win ugly.
- Drew hadn’t decided on the starting center an hour before the game. He settled on Zaza but didn’t commit to it long term. I’m thinking that probably means Drew will use the “big” lineup when appropriate.
- “We will just kind of look at our opponent and look at the matchup and see what works best for us,” Drew said. “I was a little concerned because [Byron] Mullens plays like more of a four. He’s a pick-and-pop guy and forced Zaza on the perimeter a lot more but I thought Zaza adapted really well.”
- Ivan Johnson played center in spots but Drew said he’s “not necessarily” the backup center. Jason Collins didn’t see the court until garbage time.
- If the Hawks really are still trying to make the playoffs, I don’t see how they can make do without another veteran center. They have two guards who don’t see regular minutes and are using an undersized rookie at center. There don’t appear to be any good trade possibilities for Atlanta, at least not until Kirk Hinrich is healthy and his expiring contract might somehow fetch an effective big.
- Rick Sund: “The center position has some decent depth to it with Al and Zaza and Twin and we really wanted to add some toughness, and that’s why Ivan Johnson has been a nice plus for us. We’ll sit down and discuss everyything. No real decision tonight.”
- Drew said Tracy McGrady is scheduled to see a back specialist tomorrow and could play Saturday against the T-Wolves. Marvin Williams (ankle) is day-to-day. “I don’t know when he will be back to play,” Drew said of Marvin. “He was in here earlier and said he’s feeling good so hopefully he will be back soon.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
379 comments Add your comment
Ken Strickland
January 13th, 2012
11:13 am
I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the way Josh shoots his jumper. He’s holding the ball more in front of his head, using more wrist and less arc. Before, he held it behind his head and used more arc and elbow. Unfortunately, he’s using the same behind the head technique when shooting FTs, and it shows.
Rufus1
January 13th, 2012
11:16 am
Prizbilla- will command 3-5mil
Kmart- Will command 2.5-3mil, but make take less to be a starter
Krylo- Will want multiple years at 1-2mil
Gadzuric- I wonder if he is in shape
Jason Thompson- Not much of a fan, but is worth a two 2nd rd picks.
JJ hickson- JJ + 2013 2nd rd for the Hawks 2013 1st rd pick.
I want Hickson, because he has been on a winning team and played the role of active rebounder/defender.
KevinM
January 13th, 2012
11:16 am
As Dennis Green would say about the ASG…”they are who we thought they were”…no surprises…
So if the ASG would make a move that takes them above the cap, that would be TOTALLY out of character. This group does very little to surprise you. The most conservative GM in the history of the game…satisfied with being competitive.
Therut
January 13th, 2012
11:17 am
I totally agree. I hate to see Al hurt but I love that some of these other guys get a chance.
Astro Joe
January 13th, 2012
11:22 am
I don’t think that any FA sitting at home now can command anything more than the vet’s minimum. And if a player does want more than that, then they are only going to play for a lottery-bound team as teams with true playoff expectations (as opposed to aspirations) are over the salary cap (which is different than the luxury tax threshold). A FA center may turn down the Hawks because he doubts that they are serious title contenders and would rather try to land with the Heat, or some other elite squad. But I don’t think money will be a factor with almost 20% of the season complete by Sunday.
KevinM
January 13th, 2012
11:26 am
A couple of interesting comments:
“According to multiple sources, the Warriors had Joel Przybilla on their list. But Przybilla, an 11-year veteran defensive specialist who last played for Portland, has been ruled out because he’s seeking to play for a title contender.”
Does Pryzbilla consider this team a title contender? Its not like he wouldn’t get plenty of minutes, but can we match his demands?
“Golden State previously had an agreement with free agent center Kyrylo Fesenko, formerly of Utah. But after he worked out with the team, the Warriors decided to pass. One team source said Golden State would not take another look at Fesenko.”
Obviously, he has not impressed in workouts, as the reason he is still available.
Whatever you do Sund, avoid using our allotment of draft picks.
Rufus1
January 13th, 2012
11:29 am
“According to multiple sources, the Warriors had Joel Przybilla on their list. But Przybilla, an 11-year veteran defensive specialist who last played for Portland, has been ruled out because he’s seeking to play for a title contender.”
The Hawks may be the closest he could get to a contender. The chance to be a starter on a very good team, may be enough.
The Truth
January 13th, 2012
11:29 am
“It looks like Orlando is better than anyone thought. I was hoping that we’d be putting a little space between us and them in the Southeast Division. Instead we are looking up at them.”
Rev
If D12 stays true to his words, Orlando has no better option than to trade him (before the deadline) for value regardless of him “beasting” right now. If that happens, Orlando becomes less predictable as a playoff contender for this season.
If they trade him for Bynum from the Lakers, our needs for depth at the 5 just went up even more. Bynum is bigger and more of a bully than D12.
If they trade him for Brook Lopez from the Nets, our need for depth is still urgent but not as great. Lopez is not nearly the Bully as Bynum but he is a very athletic 7-footer.
If they him trade for both Haywood and Odom from Dallas, our needs for depth is even greater since that center addition is virtually 2 for 1. In that scenario, Orlando would eventually cut ties with Odom and buy him out after the season to free up cap space for the future.
Given Orlando’s unpredictable situation, they clearly could become the juggernauts of the playoff and even more formidable to us if Otis does his homework.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
11:30 am
Whatever you do. BENCH 6′8 jack of all trades, unaggressive MARVIN. START 6′10 specialist RADMANOVIC.
I know there are $$$ owed to Marvin but he has not produced. Marvin + T-Mac off the bench should be big and up Marvin’s aggressiveness on both ends. Tell him that when he starts we’re undersized and not enough shooting.
And tell him to own that 6th man role. He better not come back with that he’s a starter crap neither. He does not complement Smith’s strengths or cover Smith’s flaws like Radmanovic and Joe’s perimeter players do.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
11:34 am
Bench: Equalizers?:
Williams, Tracy McGrady and Pargo (eventually Kirk Hinrich)
If we had Joe + Smith + Bogut + Leuer.
Hinrich, Marvin, McGrady, Space Cadet, Pachulia… sh** that’s ~almost~ half our starting lineup!
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 13th, 2012
11:35 am
Mulli-gan!
“vava74
Nice win, but CHA is one of the worst looking ball clubs around.
January 13th, 2012
11:09 am
In particular without Magette’s scoring (which always gives us problems) and with Kemba on an off night.
Mullens looks good, but he is not a Center in this league. He is very athletic for his size but he really plays like a SF.
I thought that we – here in the blog – were put off by Centers who played like that.
Without Horford and us not being that good on the boards, Mullens only caught 4 (FOUR) boards in 32 minutes…”
-vava74-
____________
Agreed, 4 boards is not what we need at the center position. Mullins is just another guy who avoids contact at all costs. I’d rather pencil in Ivan and zaza there.
________
I predict Tebow will upset Brady this Sunday. Just a feeling.
bfred
January 13th, 2012
11:36 am
I don’t read anything into JJ’s pre-game comment to Smith and Teague – he’s 100% right, it’s entirely on those three if the team is to do anything this year. Suggesting his comments imply chemistry issues with Al is a little conspiracy theory-ish to me. Playing without Al can only make the three of them better.
If Josh can keep up anything close to his pace he’ll see his first All-Star Game this year. Everyone knows he’s one of the most physically gifted players in the league, he just needed to shake those rocks out of his head.
northcyde
January 13th, 2012
11:45 am
Well via an MC tweet . . . JJ also said before the game that “they still have enough talent to be an elite team.”
So JJ is talking big, despite losing our best low post player and rebounder.
Hopefully Drew won’t try to reign in Ivan Johnson. Just let that dude play and bang people around. That was a pretty productive 21 minutes he played last night, even if he did foul out of the game.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 13th, 2012
11:48 am
Stroke It!
“I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the way Josh shoots his jumper. He’s holding the ball more in front of his head, using more wrist and less arc. Before, he held it behind his head and used more arc and elbow. Unfortunately, he’s using the same behind the head technique when shooting FTs, and it shows.” -Ken Strickland-
___________
I noticed this too. I really like Josh’s jumper when he let’s
It fly in rhythm and, coming off a curl. Also, when he takes the shot just inside the arc it is more reliable. His confidence is high right now and he’s looking more like Melo a little now, in that he can stroke it or put it on the floor and drive. His defense buries Melo’s game as well. Looking like an AS bid this year, which will cost the ASKG more money to re-sign him.
Right now, Jeff and Josh are near untouchable.
northcyde
January 13th, 2012
11:52 am
LOL . . WHAT?
Dwight Howard shot 39 FTs last night?
I fell asleep on that game and knew he had gone to the line a lot. But I didn’t know he went 39 times. LOL @ Mark Jackson.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
11:55 am
LOL @ Udoh, David Lee, etc. (Biedrins?)
Why is their fault the stringbeans and midget Lee can’t defend Dwight man to man. #KwamewasBetter
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
11:56 am
correction: Why is it Mark Jackson’s fault that his player’s are mismatched vs Dwight. Maybe they shoulda gone zone?
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
11:57 am
Fesenko is huge, and showed flashes of hope a couple of years ago. Looked like garbage when needed late last year.
Aaron Gray has a condition, and is out probably for the year.
Earl Barron – Naa, I’ll pass – I’d rather take a 10 day flyer on a DLeague guy than him. There is some 7-0 265 lb DLeaguer from Texas A&M/Corpus Christi doing really well right now. Shooting over 53%, 69% FT shooting – can’t remember his name.
Pryzbilla may fit, but he’s a little like Twin in that he’ll be ok in certain situations, but not in others.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
11:57 am
“21/39 Free Throws…”
O'Brien
January 13th, 2012
11:58 am
AJ,
I think LD’s contract for next year is a team option. So I think the ASG (assuming they still own the team) will simply pick up his 3rd year. Since Woody went into the last year w/o an extension, I think LD will also coach next year w/o any extension being offered, and I think Rick will be given another 1 year extension.
There is no reason for the Hawks not to be bringing in bigs for a workout very soon. They should be proactive, and not wait until after Twin or ZaZa starts struggling before signing somebody else.
I know Rick likes to go slow, but I hope he will speed it up this time. Sign the best available FA center, and then as we get closer to the trade deadline, evaluate the team, and whats available.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 13th, 2012
11:58 am
Adversity!
Well we got our dose of adversity now, better now than later I suppose. I think Al will rehab and recover closer to 3 months than 4. He really need to hurry up and get that procedure done and over with.
How many wonder if the black mamba would have put duct tape on his pectoralis muscle and keep ballin’?
Najeh, did you notice the Bobcats music man spinning: “All we do is WIN … Win … Win” last night. No organ man playing there. How can Atlanta, the new hip-hop music capital of the world not feature local artist music?
This is the “A” man! (smh)
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
11:59 am
Fesenko – Russia I think. ZaZa from Georgia – Not going to work. Those two countries hate each other.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
12:00 pm
SteveW 7′0 D-Leaguer? Nah, googled him and —this is the biggest actual height vs. billed height disparity I’ve ever seen.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Chris-Daniels-1002/
lol WWE billings.
Just Joe
January 13th, 2012
12:01 pm
I’m not sure it matters how well Josh plays, I just don’t see him taking an allstar spot from Melo, Pierce, KG, Bosh, Stat, or Lebron. Its just the way the system works.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut (two 7 footers for 1 tweener)
January 13th, 2012
12:03 pm
I’m not sure it matters how well Josh plays, I just don’t see him taking an allstar spot from Melo, Pierce, KG, Bosh, Stat, or Lebron. Its just the way the system works.
I don’t know but Gerald Wallace and Granger got in once at the forward spot.
that would really come down to wins… KG and Pierce… hmm? I don’t know. Better just focus on winning games and play mad.
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
12:04 pm
Omar Samhan? Nah, I like him, but Larry will probably want a vet. Same with Ajinca, probably to raw for Larry.
Chris Daniels – DLeague – 7-0 265 – 17.1 ppg, 9.6 rbs per game, 2.2 blocks, and 2.5 assists – shoots over 53% from the floor
jorao
January 13th, 2012
12:04 pm
Fesenko is from Ukraine. Ukrainians and Georgians usually have pretty good relationship.
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
12:06 pm
Chris Daniels last game – 17 points on 8-13 shooting, 12 boards, and 4 blocks
Game before – 19 and 6
Game previous – 14 and 18 with 3 blocks
We could probably do worse. Throw him out there for 10 minutes per game and see what happens.
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
12:07 pm
Jorao – Thanks
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
12:09 pm
Daniels in 12 games in DLeague this season – Always in double figures – scored 32 one game, had 2 games with 5 blocks, and another with 4
7-0 265 – The next Ivan?
Ok, so nobody is the next Ivan – but serviceable?
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
12:10 pm
Daniels 13-29 from 3 as well. Interesting
SteveW
January 13th, 2012
12:11 pm
And Daniels is playing against/with some guys with talent – Alabi, Whiteside, Malcolm Thomas and the likes
KevinM
January 13th, 2012
12:14 pm
JJ, I don’t see Josh making an all-star team unless he gets chosen over Bosh. His isn’t getting in over Amare.
Bosh’s numbers are still better than Josh, so that is his hurdle to climb.
J
January 13th, 2012
12:18 pm
why get on TMac so much? Some players get injured in a certain area and it affects them for the remainder of their years. Let’s just be happy we have him at league minimum and getting quality minutes from him. Stop complaining … you go out there and play 40-45 minutes a night for a few years and tell me how your body responds. It’s not as easy as it looks.
KevinM
January 13th, 2012
12:18 pm
Just reading where both Kwame and Al have the same injury, and Kwame’s is considered season ending…..to have that happen in the same week to 2 big men….
darrell starks
January 13th, 2012
12:20 pm
Get better soon Horford.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
January 13th, 2012
12:25 pm
The Hawks will make the playoffs so don’t worry Hawks fans, one thing LD have to do is be better at rotation, he can not starte back over playing playing his starters like last year, LD must have trust in his bench like beginning season.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
vava74
January 13th, 2012
12:31 pm
Daniels is 6′9 1/2”
What about Ivan playing on high eels?
I bet he would look even more menacing with 6” stilettos
darrell starks
January 13th, 2012
12:33 pm
HERE LD ROTATION UNTIL MARVIN AND TMAC COMEBACK.
STARTER TEAGUE, JOE, VLAD, JOSH, COLLINS
BENCH PARGO, GREEN, STACK, IVAN, ZAZA
RESERVE SLOAN
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 13th, 2012
12:34 pm
What?
“Chris Daniels – DLeague – 7-0 265 – 17.1 ppg, 9.6 rbs per game, 2.2 blocks, and 2.5 assists – shoots over 53% from the floor” -SteveW-
__________
SteveW! Get in your car, scoop up Sund and go get this guy, NOW! Hurrrr-UP!!! Cut somebody – quick!!! LOL
darrell starks
January 13th, 2012
12:35 pm
Starte Collins before Zaza make more sense just let him play to get the rust off and Hawks will be okay.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
January 13th, 2012
12:38 pm
Team Defense will be the key now.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
January 13th, 2012
12:39 pm
Have we ever gotten a contribution from Collins unless he started? I do remember him hitting a couple of jumpers last year.
I like Zaza starting and getting in the mix early. If he fouls, we go with Ivan, then Collins.
I can see Sund moving around the salt and pepper shakers now!
Crazy_88
January 13th, 2012
12:42 pm
Back spasms occur when a muscle is torn, strained or overworked.
Keep in mind that these guys have had to compress a 2 week training camp into 1 week with multiple ” two of days ” in that weeks time. They only had two preseason games and were thrust into an NBA schedule were they’ve had to play back to back to back.
This offseason is the first summer that Tracy has been able to get back to his regular offseason workout schedule vs. rehabbing his knee. He worked very hard in the offseason and the Hawks were handed a brutal schedule the first 10 games with the number of back to back to backs..and playing every other night.
We all know his history with back spasms his sitting out a couple of games and seeing a specialist is nothiing more than a precaution.
If you look around the league there are a ALOT of guys who are dropping like flies because of the shortened season.
JChikara
January 13th, 2012
12:44 pm
A lot of people are missing the point here. It doesn’t matter how many centers Atlanta signs off the scrap heap, their headed home in the playoffs (again!) unless their “stars” (Josh Smith and Joe Johnson) actually start playing at a championship level, which means not backing down whenever they play any team sporting a .500 record.
The only silver lining is that these guys are veterans (sans Teague) who have dealt with playoff pressure, so hopefully the years of getting beat by superior teams will be a wakeup call to Smith and JJ. Having scrappy players like Ivan will give the lazier players (Marvin) a run for playing time.
I think that T-Mac is a bigger contributor than most people realize. They need him to be as healthy as possible, so as the season wears on he can continue to provide that take-over mentality that they need off the bench.
BigTimeTECHFan
January 13th, 2012
12:48 pm
go Bring Keith Benson Back
J
January 13th, 2012
12:49 pm
crazy_88, well said man, well said
Rev in Tampa
January 13th, 2012
12:50 pm
“this is the biggest actual height vs. billed height disparity I’ve ever seen”
That’s because you did not see the billing I got when I played. I was a 6′1″ post player (NAIA) but my school listed me as 6′5″. I guess it was too embarrassing to have such a small post player on the floor when our point guard was 6′9″.
I started against Tennesse Tech when Milos Babic played – 7′0″, 240 lb – http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/babicmi01.html. I took a running start at him and lowered my shoulder every time he stepped in the paint. I gave him every elbow I had to give. We lost by 35.
I couldn’t believe I was billed as 6′5″ because I went to a Covenant College, the denominational college of the Presbyterian Church in America. I am a PCA pastor and we are a Bible-believing, Christ-centered denomination. I know a basketball height billing is small in the grand scheme of things, but still it is untruthful.
ROBERT
January 13th, 2012
12:53 pm
if the Knicks are really looking to unload Stoudemire maybe we should try to get him.
tyger
January 13th, 2012
12:54 pm
Hawks circle the wagons…
Good to see how the Hawks responded to adversity last night, even if it was the lowly Bobcats. They’ve got a young, surging Twolves unit on deck, that should give us a good run. They are young and deep, having snatched up every high pick that didnt get an extension. Kinda remind you of the Hawks a couple years ago.
This will be a good time to see what the Hawks are really made of. If they can win regularly without Marvin, Horford, Hinrich or TMac, then do we really need them?
I thought there was better spacing on the floor last night, there was a better distribution of minutes and unselfish play. Maybe an initial reaction to losing Horford – they knew they had to play better to win – will carry over for a few games.
Joe seemed more physically assertive too, mixed it up more, would like to see more of that. Like Lebron, maybe he needs it on the block here and there. Don’t like him bringing ball up court, unlike Tmac, he too easily settles for iso jumpers without any ball movement. If he’s hot, ok, but generally not.
Appears LD shortened his rotation unvoluntarily, with Marvin, Tmac, Horford, Hinrich unavailable. Willie Green and Ivan seem to be his goto men. Is Pargo hurt?
I knew ZaZa would respond – we won’t miss a beat, actually may be better, ZaZa is much bigger than Horford. 6′11, 275 to 6′9, 240 – Horford is big, strong PF thats tough enough most of the time to play center.
Looks like one small adjustment has got Josh going. He now gathers himself at the rim, he was a bit out of control before. Good coaching!!! The others would be wise to take note of that as well. You dont have to rush, if its blocked its blocked, go up strong with the intent to score. Not just throwing up wild BS.