Atlanta Hawks: In appreciation of Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford is back in town, which got me to thinking about the clip above. That was my very first game covering the Hawks as the AJC beat writer. It turned out it was a proper introduction to Crawford, who loved those big moments and wanted to deliver with crowd-pleasing flair. He always joked he had “street cred” among Hawks fans, and it was true.
In a way, Crawford might have been the best example of that what bugs stats folks about the Hawks: He could do things that confound the formulas. Viewed in the aggregate over the long term, Crawford’s numbers seem pedestrian. But if you spent too much time picking at his weaknesses, you could miss that he often delivered in big games and important moments like the one above.
Think back to Atlanta’s playoffs series victory against Orlando last season. The No. 1 story, as it should have been, was Larry Drew’s successful Twin Defense against Dwight Howard. Crawford’s performance during that series should have been a close second. The Hawks probably don’t win without Crawford delivering all those daggers.
This befuddled Stan Van Gundy, a noted early adopter of advanced stats. I kept asking him if Atlanta’s ability to make long 2s, the most inefficient shot in basketball, threw a wrench into his defensive philosophy. Van Gundy kept interrupting: “But it is an efficient shot for them.” He marveled at Crawfor’d ability to make contested J after contested J. Van Gundy never did figure out how to stop Atlanta’s perimeter-oriented attack, and Crawford was a key part of that. Didn’t the book on the Hawks say they wilted when things got tough? Crawford didn’t.
Crawford did it again during Atlanta’s memorable Game 1 victory at Chicago. Alas, he couldn’t keep it up once the Bulls started sending multiple defenders to crowd him. He did pretty much all he could do, which was to make quick decisions and keep the ball moving and hope others would to the same until Atlanta could get good shots. Joe Johnson didn’t do the same, and Atlanta’s offense bogged down in the face of Chicago’s withering waves of defenders.
You can talk about Crawford’s inefficient scoring but he was more efficient than Johnson last season. The same thing was true in 2009-10, when Crawford also produced points at a higher rate than Johnson. The dude put up numbers.
Of course, Crawford isn’t Johnson’s equal as a player, but he was effective (and fun) when Woody unleashed him as a designated scorer off the bench. Remember that Crawford’’s rep before he arrived in Atlanta was that of a scorer on bad teams who played no defense. With the Hawks Crawford proved that, when properly deployed, he could be a key piece on a good team.
Obviously Crawford’s defense has been subpar over his career. But I watched nearly every one of Atlanta’s defensive possessions during the Orlando series on Synergy and, I swear to you, the Hawks’ funky pick-and-roll defense would not have worked without Crawford doing his part. As the on-the-ball defender Crawford had to make up a lot of ground to get to Orlando’s shooters, and he did it with an engaged and focused effort. It was Crawford on the big stage doing more than his history suggested he could do.
No doubt Crawford soured on his experience with the Hawks last season. Management told him he was part of team’s “core” but then he was the only member of that group without a contract beyond last year. And then the Hawks basically told him they couldn’t afford him last summer. You can agree with Atlanta’s reasoning for not giving him a big contract (but also acknowledge how the team’s earlier cap mismanagement led to that situation) while also understanding why Crawford didn’t like it.
Eventually Crawford got with the program last season. That was true even after L.D. put Crawford in a play-making role that Crawford clearly wasn’t comfortable with–he went on to post his best assist rate since 2003-04 while keeping his turnover rate low. Crawford’s drop-off in production last season and the guards who flooded the free-agent market probably cost him a lot of money.
Now Crawford is off to a slow start with Portland but is there any doubt he’s going to try to put on a show tonight like old times?
“I am sure Jamal is going to want to come in here and light us up,” Drew said. “I do know that.”
There was a mixed reaction among fans when the team made no real effort to re-sign him before he bolted for Portland. It probably fell along that efficiency/electricity divide. But there is little doubt Crawford will receive a warm welcome tonight from Hawks fans. He won them over with his big shots, flashy style and engaging personality. You can still see the love Hawks fans have for Crawford on his Twitter account.
And the preseason lobbying of management to re-sign Crawford by Johnson, Josh Smith and Al Horford illustrated how his old teammates feel about Crawford.
“I wish him nothing but the best but at the same time I want to win [tonight],” Smith said. “It will be good to see him and interact with him but when it’s time to jump the ball he’s just another opponent.”
Look deeply into the stats and you can convince yourself that, over the long term, Crawford is just another shooting guard. But then you remember moments like my first game on the Hawks beat, and that Orlando series last season, and you realize that Crawford can confound the numbers and be much more than that.
(Leaving the previous blog open for voting through tomorrow.)
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
139 comments Add your comment
KevinM
January 18th, 2012
1:31 pm
Good writeup MC, and this year, Sund has proven, not signing JC1 so far was a good decision. He did cost too much, but that is based on the rest of our roster, not JC1’s value.
LD sounds like he is expecting JC1 to get a lot of shots up tonight.
O'Brien
January 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
FTPB,
MC,
I’m disappointed in you. You had a chance to ask Josh about his FT shooting…and you didn’t (unless I missed it). Is he spending extra time shotting FTs after practice? Is he watching himself on film to see what he’s doing differently? Is one of the assistant coaches working with him?
Prior to this year, his worst year was ‘08-’09 when he shot 59% from the line. His career average is 67%. But this year, he is at 49%.
T-Mac wants him to go to the line 8-10 times a game? If that happens, Josh will only make 4-5. And we’ve already lost at least 1 game (at Chi) due to missed FTs.
O'Brien
January 18th, 2012
1:33 pm
FTPB,
Section 303,
I think Marvin is a better player than Diaw. But I would trade for Diaw because Diaw’s contract is expiring, whereas Marvin would still have 2 more years left. Trading Marvin for an expiring contract would give us an additional $7.5 mil in cap space next year.
With Horford injured, I would trade Marvin for any expiring contract.
Tom
January 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
Nice article for Jamal. He deserves it. Wish him the best and thanks for the highlights!
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
1:39 pm
Vlad is a lower maintenance player. At 6′10 he can see and shoot over defense with ease and has the added effect of being able to rebound at a higher rate. Even though he;s not the best
low maintenance high efficacy is what Hawks need. We need to stop trying to hide players. Hide Marvin on offense. Hide Horford on defense. Hide Jamal on defense. Dribble dribble dribble.
If Jamal Crawford were 6′10+ he would have been a perfect fit.
Resigning smalls for offense dilutes the backcourt and would have been wrong. We need a spread shooter but we need size and defense in that player.
That is Sund’s job. Find a 6′10+ Jamal. And a center.
Teague
Joe
Smith
7′0 Jamal Crawford (excessive dribbling not needed, stand in corner like Marvin and shoot)
True Center (Can any1 say Horford would have dominated Joel Anthony, Spencer hawes? perfect chance to trade)
and we win the championship.
ILL-Logical
January 18th, 2012
1:42 pm
MC,very good journalism here ;would have liked a quote from the subject but the description of Jamal’s tenure is a really good read.
Dana Blankenhorn
January 18th, 2012
1:43 pm
I’m one of those readers who was sorry to see Crawford go, but Drew seems to have gotten himself an entire second unit with the money. Portland, meanwhile, is now predicted to be one of the beasts of the West, and I hope they are, for Jamal’s sake. As others have said, he deserves it. He’s a class act.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
1:48 pm
“Management told him he was part of team’s “core” ”
What the hell is going on in Atlanta? Being a better shooter than Marvin does not make you part of the core.
You have to be low maintenance on defense and offense. Effective when plays aren’t run for you. Erase mistakes.
Remarkable
January 18th, 2012
1:56 pm
We agree MC. Jamal was a great fit, but I think it was clear that his numbers were declining and it will be proved that it was a good time to part with him. Sure, we will miss him and his clutch shooting, but would he have been clutch much longer? I’m not sure. I think the Hawks did a great job of filling his position. The Hawks are fun to watch when the bench plays so well.
I agree that if we can trade Marvin for a Center whose contract is expiring that it will be a win-win for us. What do you think MC?
lea
January 18th, 2012
1:56 pm
this article is a complete joke. I for one do not miss jamal crawford jacking up bad shots with 20 seconds left on the clock. He’s gone , let it go. We now have more than one player coming off the bench who can score the ball, Jamal IS also a horrible defensive player, I don’t miss him. sorry.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
1:57 pm
edit: being a better player than Marvin does not make you a core player unless you help a need on defense.
Vlad at 6′10 and active hands helps a bit playing a disruptive defense.
But shame on ASKG or DumbAzzStupidGroup for telling people they’re needed when they’re not.
They are trying to build an All Star Group or a Team?
This is what you do.
To Smith(SF/PF) and Joe(SG/PG) and Teague (PG/SG). Add pure Shooter (PF/SF) and Add pure Center(C).
That is how you build a team around tweeners. Marvin and Horford are nice guys but they are not pure shooters or a pure center. And they are too nice on the court. Sorry.
The Truth
January 18th, 2012
1:58 pm
Great write-up, MC. I sense a lot of emotion and passion in the content.
Bigman needed
January 18th, 2012
1:59 pm
Barkley was picking portland to go to the finals. But We can beat them tonight. I dont think camby will play
Astro Joe
January 18th, 2012
2:00 pm
TMac, Vlad-Rad and Willie Green collectively cost about half of what Jamal makes and none may have come here if they thought Jamal were going to get all of the shots from the second unit. Spending more than the MLE on a one-dimensional player is not a good idea. He had his moments, those are gone. He is currently averaging less than 13 points on less than 40% shooting. He’ll score at least 20 tonight and then likely will score 7 in his next game. Whatever.
Go Hawks!
vava74
January 18th, 2012
2:01 pm
MC,
Nice write up but a tad sentimental.
“when properly deployed” is the crucial particle in the whole text.
http://www.82games.com shows that Jamal was pretty bad last year to close games (clutch stats).
I assume that the fact that he played PG during many of those minutes caused poor results and that he should not be blamed to some extent.
The PHO buzzer beater was an anomaly. Incredibly satisfactory, but an anomaly.
The ORL series was the best bball Jamal ever played in his life, but I would not tone down how poorly he played against CHI from game 1 onwards.
He was simply removed from the equation and hurt us badly every single second he was on the floor whilst JJ still steered us to that Game 4 win down the stretch after a monster game by Josh.
Jamal is an entertaining but highly fallible player. This is how I would describe Jamal in a nutshell.
I hope that bad Jamal shows us today and shoots his very frequent 2-12 and 0-6 with 5 TOs.
Trojan
January 18th, 2012
2:03 pm
Jamal was great but we are better off without him. If he would play for free, we would still need a center. I have been impressed with Green.
vava74
January 18th, 2012
2:04 pm
Our biggest problem at the C spot is the fact that Al and Zaza (the two C’s) do not have complementary characteristics.
Neither of the two is a shot-blocker/rim protector, neither is a forceful finisher.
Collins is a situational player and IMO a very good 3rd string C on a contender: you need a quality man to man post defender and most shot blockers / rim protectors nowadays are not good man to man.
Our ideal upgrade should be, obviously, replacing Al for a full fledged powerhouse all star C like Howard or Bynum, but that is not going to happen.
So…
The logical move would be to either replace Zaza with a shot blocking C or adding such shot-blocking C to the roster with Zaza logging more minutes at the PF slot.
Zaza is 6′11” but due to his absolute lack of lift and relatively small wingspan, he plays like he is 6′8”: he only looks and acts big but plays small.
(note: I like him)
The 2007/08 Kaman would be a perfect fit:
2007-08 LAC mpg37:12 fg%48.3 FTA3.6 FTM4.7 FT%76.2 oReb3.1 dReb9.6 RPG 12.7 ApG1.9 TO2.9 STL0.6 BLK2.8 PF3.2 PPG 15.7
But injuries have derailed him and his athleticism and conversely his blocks have gone down dramatically.
vava74
January 18th, 2012
2:07 pm
“consequently” not “conversely”
damn iPhone spell check
mike
January 18th, 2012
2:11 pm
Enjoyed Jamal’s time here.. a true pro. I attended that Phoenix game.. what an experience. Go Hawks.
JSS
January 18th, 2012
2:16 pm
Man, Michael Cunningham, you might have to have to read a 2 page exegesis from the Iberian Peninsula telling you that you’re crazy now!!!
prison nike
January 18th, 2012
2:16 pm
Crawful doesn’t worry me at all to be honest. It’s LA that is a bad matchup for the entire roster.
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
2:17 pm
C’mon Gearon you’re gonna find out tonight you have to get this team some help!! YESTERDAY!!!!!!!
All NBA IS GONE FOR THE SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He’s not your savior Gearon!
Help! Help! Help!
Think of tonight’s game as a simulated playoff game against one the more talented teams in the NBA and see how you stack up..Lets hope it does not turn out sorta like that Falcons MELTDOWN a couple of weeks ago against the Giants? Hmmmmmm……
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
2:17 pm
Bogut SUCKS!
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
2:18 pm
Hope Jamal goes 1-8!!
JSS
January 18th, 2012
2:19 pm
Dang, he fooled me!
MattP
January 18th, 2012
2:19 pm
I can’t wait to see Johnson on Crawford tonight.
The Truth
January 18th, 2012
2:20 pm
Crawford has a player’s option in his contract next year. He will likely audition tonight as an extra incentive.
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
2:22 pm
I would rather add Benson, Rolle or some D-league shot blocker/ Rebounder, instead of deleting some rotation player from our bench.
Rev in Tampa
January 18th, 2012
2:25 pm
@Smith.Leuer.Bogut – “If Jamal Crawford were 6′10+ he would have been a perfect fit.”
If Jamal Crawford were 6′10+ he would have been Al Horford.
MattP
January 18th, 2012
2:28 pm
Rufus1,
I agree but my concern there is LD playing that rookie. We all know LD hates to play rookies, look what he did to Teague and what he is doing to Ivan now. Ivan should be getting more minutes then he is getting because of his energy and defense but if it wasn’t for Horford getting injured he would not even be getting the kind of minutes he is getting now.
Rod from College Park
January 18th, 2012
2:46 pm
If we don’t get out of the first round of the playoffs this year, we will not be a better team without Jamal. Jamal was the reason we got out of the first round last year. His productivity will be missed come playoff time unless TMac can find a way to stay healthy enough to play major minutes in the playoffs. No other player on this team has the ability to get their own shot like Jamal did. TMac being healthy is our only hope to make any noise in the playoffs. The NBA playoffs are about big time players steppin up, and taking over games, and Jamal was a big time player. You all will understand his real value when we get to the playoffs, and can’t score. As constrcted, TMac being healthy is or only hope. As much as I like Josh, I have no confidence in him being a go to guy in the playoffs. He is much too emotional.
Vava74,
Maybe you did not read MC’s article. As I have told you before, Jamal won the Orlando series for us, and Chicago made him Public Enemy #1 in that series, and forced Joe Johnson, and Josh Smith to beat them in that series, and we see the result.
“Crawford did it again during Atlanta’s memorable Game 1 victory at Chicago. Alas, he couldn’t keep it up once the Bulls started sending multiple defenders to crowd him. He did pretty much all he could do, which was to make quick decisions and keep the ball moving and hope others would to the same until Atlanta could get good shots. Joe Johnson didn’t do the same, and Atlanta’s offense bogged down in the face of Chicago’s withering waves of defenders.”
O'Brien
January 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
The No. 1 story, as it should have been, was Larry Drew’s successful Twin Defense against Dwight Howard..
Really? Dwight’s regular season average was 23, 14 and 2. Against the Hawks in the playoffs last year, he averaged 27 pts, 16 rebs, and 2 blocks, shooting 63% from the field.
So how was the defense against him successful?
I think what made us successful was Twin made Dwight work, so we didn’t double, and as a result, we were able to shut down the 3-pt shooters.
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
2:54 pm
MattP…More minutes for Ivan? Isn’t he getting like 20min a game?
I think we need as many players as we can to make-up for what AL brought. If we lose Zaza, we lose toughness and rebounding. If we lose Marvin, we lose a solid wing defender and a decent shooter…I want LD to have as many options as possible.
I think LD has matured as a coach and if the player fills a need and earns his minutes, I think he will play him…..I HOPE.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
2:57 pm
Too Small!
We probably have the smallest front court of any play off team the past five years. Losing Al Horford only highlights that fact.
Al and Josh both opined last season they needed some help with size in the paint. The ASKG answer was, TWIN! And, he lost 25 lbs! OK, was less weight supposed to make him bigger? Or, was losing 25 lbs supposed to make him quicker on his feet? LOL! If Al and Josh said they needed help, does that translate to: resign what you already had?
Fellas, our most glaring hole is management, as always.
Aye Sund! Give us a going away gift before you leave: REPLACE Al now! IDK what you need to do? But, DO your job and figure it out before you leave! Your time here is up, (see contract expiration date). As far as coach Drew, he hasn’t been given the length on his own contract to be developing any players. That’s why Kito, Magnum ‘nem had to go.
The ball is in ASKG’s court now. We will go as far as they pay.
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
2:59 pm
Maybe we can trade Kirk and Zaza for Ray Allen, once the Celtics are out of the hunt.
Astro Joe
January 18th, 2012
3:04 pm
OB, I said the same during the series. D12 was having Wilt-like performances against Twin and all I read about was Collins’ defense. Seems like the real story was forcing the other guys around Howard to beat us by playing D12 with a single defender.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
@O’Brien: “MC, I’m disappointed in you”
disappointment implies there is some expectation of competence, so i guess that’s good. my mom said the same thing when she didn’t hear from me for a few days during the break-neck start to the schedule. i gently let her know that i had indeed tried to call her but couldn’t reach her and, you know, i’m pretty busy and tired and i’m really a good son and just because i don’t answer every single question that every single reader has in a blog it doesn’t mean i’m . . .
wait, what was your question? oh yeah, Josh’s free throws. the last time i asked him about it he said he’s putting up extra shots, but i think that goes for all of the Hawks. he didn’t mention anything about video or assistants working with him. i’m fairly sure i did an item on it but it may have been the little box that goes along with the print game story instead of a blog item. so please accept my apology mom . . . er, i mean blog people.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:07 pm
@Ill-Logical: “MC,very good journalism here ;would have liked a quote from the subject but the description of Jamal’s tenure is a really good read.”
thanks . . . Blazers had a messed up shootaround schedule today. you will hear from Jamal pregame.
MattP
January 18th, 2012
3:08 pm
Rufus1,
With what we had out the past few games I do believe he should have had more minutes. Zaza does help in the middle at times but other times he is too clumsy. Wolves and Raptors game were good examples of him being clumsy and not helping.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:09 pm
@Remarkable: “I agree that if we can trade Marvin for a Center whose contract is expiring that it will be a win-win for us. What do you think MC?”
i file this under: “fans want to trade a player they don’t like with an onerous contract for an asset.” in this case, the asset big man with an expiring contract. i’m thinking a team with such an asset may be able to get better than Marvin in return?
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:12 pm
@vava74: “MC, Nice write up but a tad sentimental.”
when have you ever known me to be sentimental? shoot, some around here hate that i’m not more emotional so i can hate the players they hate.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
@O’Brien: “I think what made us successful was Twin made Dwight work, so we didn’t double, and as a result, we were able to shut down the 3-pt shooters.”
well, yeah. isn’t the “make Dwight work” part of the success? if Dwight puts up big numbers and they lose, then isn’t a success? would it read better to say “Larry Drew’s successeful Twin Defense against the Magic”?
why am i never good enough for you mom??!!
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
3:18 pm
MattP
I agree about Zaza and his clumsiness…I just want more bodies for match-ups.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
3:29 pm
That Ship has Sailed!
Sund should have got in on the Kendrick Perkins trade when the opportunity was there. But, as usual he sat in the bench and watched OKC send Jeff Green (a small) for the BIG – Kendrick.
Kendrick Perkins was the type of help Al and Josh was looking for. Not all these other scrub names that the Trader Joe’s on this blog keep pulling out their azzes.
Like Doug and Ryan just surmised in the interview a few minutes ago with Jason Cole from Yahoo Sports, the Hawks are to small to when a title when you got the Lakers rolling out Bynum and Gasol in a 7 game series. Pipe dreams always go up is smoke. Just understand that this is Hawks team is NOT a contender and you will all be satisfied with the entertainment.
John
January 18th, 2012
3:32 pm
I liked Jamal but people seem to forget that before Jamal, Flip Murray was pretty effective in the same role.
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
3:35 pm
Reality Check Tonight on ESPN?
Yep!
Rod from College Park
January 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
MC,
Since you are in the responding spirit, how about the question I asked on the last blog.
“•Drew said the starting lineup could be fluid depending on opponent: “That could happen. We are looking at matchups.”
MC, can you please ask Drew why come hell, sleet, rain or snow, Marvin Williams is always in the starting lineup. Also ask him if he thinks Marvin derserves to be a starter. Thanks.
Lea
January 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
The 2 stews are idiots.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:40 pm
@ dr. mary: “Like Doug and Ryan just surmised in the interview a few minutes ago with Jason Cole from Yahoo Sports . . .”
Jason Cole did an interview about the NBA? hmmmm, he covered the NFL when i was in south florida.
STRETCH
January 18th, 2012
3:42 pm
Tonights game should be a good match up since the Blazers dont have Camby.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
3:45 pm
Kendrick Perkins for who? Marvin Williiams? Zaza?
Trade Horford and we get bigger. Bench marvin and bring him off the bench where his slow starts cant hurt us,
Marvin’s an onerous contract, means garbage contract.
And btw the Lakers missed the Finals last year as did the Hawks. Worry about Miami and ORL and your own conference first.
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
3:48 pm
Bench Marvin tonight all we will fall behind by 10 in a blink of an eye!
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
3:49 pm
OOPS!
“Jason Cole did an interview about the NBA? hmmmm, he covered the NFL when i was in south florida.” -MC-
___________
Mu bad, Jason Cole was talking about the Falcons new hires. I meant to say Rick Buechler-sic? LOL! You got me there.
Rod from College Park
January 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
“I liked Jamal but people seem to forget that before Jamal, Flip Murray was pretty effective in the same role.”
While Flip did do a good job for us, he was no Jamal Crawford. Jamal averaged almost a full 5 more ppg than Flip Murray did the year after Flip left. Jamal is a much better scorer than Flip.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:51 pm
@Rod:”MC, Since you are in the responding spirit, how about the question I asked on the last blog.”
Rod! are you disappointed in me, too? i hope not.
Marvin was playing well before he was injured. now everyone wants him on the bench and/or traded. what happened? are you just tired of the injuries? do you think he’s better off the bench? do you think he shouldn’t be allowed time to get back in the swing? or is it that even when he gets healthy you don’t expect him to continue playing like he did before he got hurt?
“Also ask him if he thinks Marvin derserves to be a starter.”
the answer is “yes” unless Drew starts him when he doesn’t believe he deserves it, which would be kind of weird. also, Marvin didn’t start every game last season, and i don’t recall any hell, sleet, rain or snow. so the premise of that question would be inaccurate, no?
Rick James
January 18th, 2012
3:53 pm
Unlike a lot of people I think the Hawks should have invested in Jamal long term and let Joe Johnson walk when he was a free agent.Johnson’s contract contributes a lot toward the Hawks not being able to make a trade to replace Horford or even to just to upgrade the team.Nothing against Joe but he’s a good player with a superstar contract.
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
3:53 pm
@drmary: no worries. i thought maybe he switched over to NBA.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
3:53 pm
SLB!
I got nothing but love for you man – that’s it. You can go ’round and ’round with yourself man and all that foolishness you bring to the blog. Get yourself a new diamond stylus and some new vinyl – your ish is scratched.
Astro Joe
January 18th, 2012
4:00 pm
Jamal cost about 3.5X more than Flip for a few more points. Funny how production vs. salary only applies to certain players but not others.
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
4:01 pm
Just asking why are we worried about the Lakers? Are we Deluding ourselves into saying as constructed we make it to the Finals but at the same time saying we should tank the season?
Our route to the Finals should be clear. Trade Al for another 4th option quality center. Teague, Smith and Johnson core can beat the Bulls, the Heat and Orlando.
Rose is injury prone as is Wade who’s aging. Celtics are already imploding. Knicks…
ORL? Single cover Dwight and play size players.
The superteams are imploding and all we want to do is tank the season…for a guy who’s proven he cant play inside at that.
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:03 pm
I wonder if Kirk and next season’s 1st can get Garcia and Cousins from the Kings. If Horford was still healthy, I would’ve suggested Horford for Tyreke Evans and Cousins.
KevinM
January 18th, 2012
4:04 pm
DMB, you’re pointing out weaknesses in our management in how they work towards making us a contender. We have put our eggs in this basket with our draft choices that worked, and draft choices that missed.
We have 4 starters from the draft and one all-star SG and we haven’t broken that mold yet.
What year are we in the Sund regime? Year 4? When is he going to make a splash that improves the starting lineup? Is he incapable of getting the best of a deal that improves a starting lineup?
You are throwing the West foes out there, but I can’t even see past our current division & conference. It’s all about matchups, and so far this year, we are 2-3 versus teams that are ranked ahead of us. Out of those 3 teams, does anyone seeing us beating those teams in a 7 game series? Not in our current standing, so why are we standing PAT? It’s amazing to me that Sund just follows the league and has to have an offer fall in his lap to make a deal. I would never call him aggressive and forward thinking.
That’s my Sund rant for today prior to go up against a Blazer team that is Jekyl at home and Hyde on the road. If they don’t have Camby tonight, we have an additional advantage. FWIW, Portland is 8-5 and looking very beatable.
AJ and OB, good review of the ORL series on D12 stats. He might be able to be slowed down a bit, but IMO only Kobe is able to single handedly beat a team. So limited credit to Collins at best. The credit should go to LD and the entire team.
One key stat: Teague has also come up big, averaging 16.3 points and 7.6 assists during the three-game run with Al out of service. He is huge if he can give us those kinds of ‘nimbers’.
I like the scrappiness we have shown the last week, and I’m becoming more supportive of LD and his ways, but we still have to move forward and not expect Al to return. Flash back to ‘05: Orlando lost their PG, Jameer Nelson, and picked up Houston starting PG Rafer Alston, who basically led them to the NBA Finals before Van Gundy screwed up and reinserted Nelson as their PG in the Finals after missing the entire playoffs.
That was a move made out of necessity; we are at that crossroad right now. That move improved that team enough to push them past LeBron.
We have to have a move that improves our starting lineup and plays big minutes.
Astro Joe
January 18th, 2012
4:05 pm
MC, is there a disconnect between TMac and LD or is it just a timing issue? Like he is healthy and excited to play after an early shootaround but when game-time arrives, his back tightens up?
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
4:07 pm
ESPN
These are the same writers that picked the Knicks as contenders….
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
4:09 pm
Spell check is brutal. It changes your words behind your back. LOL! Doug and Ryan interviewed Rick Beuchler-sic from I forget where now, but Rick said:
the Hawks will come back to reality and Al Horford will be surely missed. Rick, NOT Doug and Ryan said: even with Horford the Hawks are just TOO DAMNED SMALL on the blocks.
What about that don’t yawl understand? What will it take for you to understand what everyone else with two eyes and two brain cells can clearly see?
We don’t even have the size to get out of the EAST, what are you gonna’ do IF you get to the WEST? LOL! Put that pipe down dreamers … Just enjoy the little entertainment for what it is.
If section 303 wanna’ trek his little self down to the empty birds nest 7 nights a week? Then knock your self out section 303! But, don’t chide others and tell anyone they can’t complain. I made this money – you didn’t! I can do whatever I want to with mine!
Later, peeps.
hawkfan
January 18th, 2012
4:17 pm
I know it’s another televised game but for some reason we always play better on ESPN then we do on TNT, I remember that other TNT meltdown game against Orlando on thanksgiving day a couple years back, very disappointing but then remember the jamal buzzer beater game last year on ESPN so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens tonight
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:19 pm
Drmaryb, I’ll admit the Hawks don’t have the size to compete with the LAKERS. But sorry, the Bulls, the Heat, the Thunder, and even the Mavericks, wouldn’t give the biggest problem in size to the Hawks. Short of Rose getting hot, the Hawks have had 20 point leads on the Bulls in two games, when the Bulls, not the Hawks, were at full strength (I don’t think Rip makes that big of a difference). And if LD instructs his team to intentionally foul, they’re a three pointer away from beating the Heat twice. Rodman, Malone, and Barkley proved it doesn’t take height to rebound, or have good defensive position, it just take that ‘it’ factor of not caring about your body, and going all out. I actually wish the Hawks could find a way to get someone simple like Kirk Thomas. Or see if Dalembert (who’s under performing) could be traded for Kirk and a 2nd round pick. If the Hawks play SMART (which is a 50/50 chance) they can beat anyone aside from the Lakers in 7 games. If the Hawks weren’t too small to take the Celtics (with a huge center, a 7 foot PF, and a 7 foot back up in Rasheed) to 7 games, then they can compete with anyone.
LT
January 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
I think I am tired of the injuries…. Everybody is getting of the subject at hand, which is Jamal Crawford. I think he did a great job for the Atlanta Hawks the last two seasons. Even tho, his numbers dropped last year, he was very beneficial in the success of this ball club!
Trojan
January 18th, 2012
4:28 pm
MC: Thanks for the coverage. Is there no rumors of the Hawks checking into a big to help out for the remainder of the year.
I feel that we could at least try someone: Rasheed is interesting, or any big, even if from the Dev. league could help with defense and rebounding for a few minutes per game. We were small with Hortford and we are smaller now.
Collins is only effective against Orlando.
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:29 pm
Drmaryb, I would attempt to see if the Cavs would be interested in a swap of Kirk and Marvin for Varejao and Sessions. He is a true 6′11, who plays with energy and rebounds extremely well. He’s owed 8 mil a season for 4 seasons.
JaeEvolution
January 18th, 2012
4:32 pm
Nets got Okur for cheap from Jazz.
Bobcats got Mullens for cheap from Thunder.
Two seven footers acquired for a 2nd round pick, why go after Kaman and lose Hinrich in the process when we can add a 7 footer with skill in Semih Erden from the Cavs for our 2nd rounder. He played great in Boston and hasn’t been seeing the time to be successful in Cleveland he can be acquried for cheap and log 30 MPG and I promise he will become a favorite on this board in a very short time.
Trojan
January 18th, 2012
4:36 pm
JaeEvolution: Great post. My thoughts exactly. With our limited depth at C, why not have someone like that on our bench even before Al’s injury?
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:36 pm
Jae, Erden is 7 foot, and only averages 2 rebounds in 10 MPG. That’s unacceptable.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
4:36 pm
Here’s my Point!
I was sharing an interview discussion I heard hot off the presses on 790 The Zone. i was repeating what that man said – don’t shoot the messenger. However, Rick didnt say anything Al and Josh hasn’t already said to ad nauseum.
WE ARE TOO SMALL to be any type of CONTENDER! H E L L O? Does that make it clearer to my cohorts? Al’s words not mine. I agree with Al and Josh … I said, meanwhile enjoy the stale popcorn and $10 beer cans, uou are being ENTERTAINED people – that’s it. This core, this team will NOT win a title people, so lower your expectations and everyone will be just fine.
And, one more thing SLB … I said the Kendrick Perkins ship has sailed a long time ago, but Sund never picked up the phone. OKC got kendrick for a small – Jeff Green in a trade straight up, with no other players involved. I repeat, that is the kind of help Al and josh were looking for and, not Twin 2.0 (25 lbs less).
Anybody want to disprove that, I’m all ears?
JaeEvolution
January 18th, 2012
4:39 pm
Ok, Ramon, regardless of his rebounding numbers we would be acquiring a young 7 foot big who plays with the intensity this team needs a big man to play at, he would be an amazing pickup for us in the long run and all we would lose is a measly bust 2nd round pick, you tell me a better option.
Bigman needed
January 18th, 2012
4:39 pm
MC we are too small to get to ECF even with AL. What do you think about the chances of trading for EMEKA OKAFOR?
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:46 pm
In 17 minutes against Utah, Erden had ONE rebound compared to FOUR personal fouls! In 19 minutes against the Lakers, Erden had FOUR rebounds with FOUR personal fouls again. Erden FOULED OUT in 12 minutes against the juggernaut front court of the Suns, while collecting 2 rebounds. Even in the World Basketball Championship for his country, he only averaged 3 rebounds a game, and had a total of 4 blocks in 9 games. Sorry, I don’t see it.
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:47 pm
DMB, this team isn’t smaller than the Heat, with the exception of Pittman. But I agree, Joe, Josh, and Horford will not win a title.
Trojan
January 18th, 2012
4:48 pm
I have a great and innovative idea. Let’s trade our draft picks for salary exceptions and never use them. That will help us prepare for the future. In the future when we need a player to step in and play is a situation such as the injury to Al, we will have that great exception to not fill the need.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
4:49 pm
“ESPN
These are the same writers that picked the Knicks as contenders….” -rufus1-
________________
I dont care what ESPN says about anything, I haven’t watched that channel since the NFL Network and NBA TV launched – literally. I just got burned out after 20 years of 30 minute repeat programming. LOL!
Since you bring up the Knicks, can we beat them now? IDK? The Bulls are gonna kick our azzes again, even moreso now without Horford. Miami in seven – IDK? listen fellas, the hawks ain’t scaring nobody with or without Al. We will be lucky to get past round 1 this year, especially if we dont finish in the top 4. One thing you know ’bout me, if nothing else – imma’ keep it real. (she smirks)
JaeEvolution
January 18th, 2012
4:51 pm
Lol again, you are acting like we would have to give away a decent amount to get this guy, a 2nd round pick would get him here. I’ll take 6 more fouls on a nightly basis to keep Smoove in the game than look at any 2nd round pick that could help us more in the future. Why is this such a negative to you?
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
4:54 pm
Jae, I heard Jeff Van Gundy ask the other day if a certain bench player (I think Asik) played for 30 minutes a game, would he still have the energy to hustle as much as he does now. And he didn’t believe so. The point is, the Hawks have NO one on the coaching staff who I would trust to develop a young big. They’ve had Solo, Benson, and Rolle, yet neither is here still.
Believe it or not, I would consider bringing back Sheldon Williams for a 2nd rounder. Sheldon was a TERRIBLE lottery pick. But he could be a feasible utility man. Sheldon has had high rebound games this season of 13 versus Miami, 9 versus Boston, and 8 versus the Clippers. Those are three playoff teams. Don’t need him to shoot, don’t need him to dribble. Only need him to rebound and take charges.
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
4:59 pm
“listen fellas, the hawks ain’t scaring nobody with or without Al.”- DMB..
I agree, without Al we aren’t scaring anybody, but with Al, Thibs looked very scared to me(like Van gundy looked last year).
I think we need to make a move for a shot blocker/ rebounder.
Just Joe
January 18th, 2012
5:00 pm
MC…To the best of your knowledge, how many non-guaranteed contracts need to be cut by February in order for us to end up under the luxury tax threshold (assuming no other moves)?
I believe the non-guaranteed deals are Sloan, Pargo, Ivan & Stackhouse.
Rufus1
January 18th, 2012
5:01 pm
Ra’mon
I can’t believe I agree with the idea of bringing in Sheldon Williams….Wow.
Just Joe
January 18th, 2012
5:02 pm
My understanding is that the league will only allow 2 cuts (roster down to 13), and I’m just wondering if those 2 cuts will get us below, or will the ASG be forced to “pay up” or make a move to dump some salary.
Rod from College Park
January 18th, 2012
5:02 pm
MC,
“Rod! are you disappointed in me, too? i hope not.”
Not at all.
“Marvin was playing well before he was injured. now everyone wants him on the bench and/or traded. what happened? are you just tired of the injuries? do you think he’s better off the bench? do you think he shouldn’t be allowed time to get back in the swing? or is it that even when he gets healthy you don’t expect him to continue playing like he did before he got hurt?”
I personally don’t think he was playing so well before he was hurt. He was playing better than usual, which is not that hard to do. He did nothing against Miami. He rarely shows up in big games, or in the playoffs, and disappears in most games. He was hitting wide open shots early in the year, which is what he is paid to do. I have never thought that Marvin should be a starter on this team, after about year 3. He is the worst player of all the starters, and has not done enough in his tenure as a Hawk to deserve a starting spot. The only time Marvin has not started in his tenure here when he is healthy is when we swung Josh to the 3, and Marvin is not where close to the player Josh is defensively or offensively. I guess my question is more based on the fact that I think Vlad, or any other guy who can knock down wide open jumpshots, pose a much better threat offensively with the starters than Marvin does. So why is it that Drew continues to trot Marvin out as a starter? I notice we seem to get out to slow starts alot, and I think it stems from Marvin being on the floor, and teams playing 5 against 4.
“the answer is “yes” unless Drew starts him when he doesn’t believe he deserves it, which would be kind of weird. also, Marvin didn’t start every game last season, and i don’t recall any hell, sleet, rain or snow. so the premise of that question would be inaccurate, no?”
This is the same coach that trotted a one legged Bibby out there, when a healthy Jeff Teague was sitting on the bench, so I really am not sure what his starting Marvin Logic is. Obviously there are better palyers on the bench, and always have been, so I’d like to know what his logic is. Thanks.
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
5:06 pm
“Drmaryb, I would attempt to see if the Cavs would be interested in a swap of Kirk and Marvin for Varejao and Sessions. He is a true 6′11, who plays with energy and rebounds extremely well. He’s owed 8 mil a season for 4 seasons.” -Ramon-
____________
If they couldnt battle inside with LeBron, Mo, Antoine and Shaq after winning 61 regular season games? what in Sam’s Hill are Varejao (flopper) and Sessions gonna’ do here without a Super Star and fan crowd in the play offs?
The play offs is NOT the regular season and you are NOT gonna’ run – period. You better be big inside and feed the post inside out. The Hawks have NEVER fed AL in the post, regular season nor post season – period. Like Amare” said, “Al is NOT that type of player!” A week later we went to MSG and Al got his azz handed to him.
See personnel mamagment issues and coaching for not being able to feed the post in basketball. You might as well ask Matt Ryan to throw an accurate deep ball, toss a screen on a boot leg left and run for an inch to get a first down – all in one series and score a touch down in the process.
It just ain’t gonna’happen in our life time. All the Hawks can do is what they do and hope/pray more qualified help arrives while this small window is still open. Meanwhile, see Sund pick his drawers outa’ his crack.
JaeEvolution
January 18th, 2012
5:07 pm
There should be a limit on guys that are 6′9 and athletic drafted to a team, and we passed that number years ago.
Anyways maybe he couldn’t always have the same energy given bigger minutes, but he can always be a presence on the floor, because he knows if he can hold out for this long and play good enough defense for the rest of the quarter his team has a pretty good shot to win because they have another big who is 7 feet and just as good defensively coming back when he goes off. That is something the Hawks don’t have depth at the bigger positions so sometimes our guys have to play timid or scared because they look over to that bench when they get a foul and realize, I can’t play as aggressive anymore because my backup just isn’t good enough or doesn’t have enough size to play against the competition.
BosnianBaller
January 18th, 2012
5:18 pm
One of my favorite hawks of all time!
Trojan
January 18th, 2012
5:19 pm
I can’t believe that I am saying this, but: Sheldon Williams would be a welcome addition to our team. He would help.
bird
January 18th, 2012
5:21 pm
Good read MC.
Rod from College Park
January 18th, 2012
5:21 pm
“Jamal cost about 3.5X more than Flip for a few more points. Funny how production vs. salary only applies to certain players but not others.”
Those couple of points in a year average, is the difference between Josh Smith and Chris Bosh. Its the difference between LaMarcus Aldridge and David Lee. If a players averages almost a full 5 ppg more than another player, that player is much better offensively than the other player. In the case we are speaking of, Jamal vs. Flip, it is equals out to 450 more points a year, so yeah, Jamal should command more money than Flip Murray. LOL
Lea
January 18th, 2012
5:23 pm
Not scaring anyone without AL?? Who exactly is intimidated or afraid of him? Thats quite hilarious tp me. I believe in the hawks!
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
5:30 pm
DMB, I’m not at all saying that Varejao or Sessions will bring a title, or even get us out of the 2nd round. But the deal saves the Hawks 4 million, and it also a fair prediction that Varejao will gives us more than what Marvin gives us for the same price. And Kirk has been on the shelf half of his time here. If Cleveland would trade Varejao for Marvin straight up, I would take that deal and love it. By the way, are you talking about the Shaq that was one year from retiring? Or the Shaq LAL or even Miami got? And what has Mo Williams EVER done? They’re not superstars at all. But a backup front court of Zaza and Varejao would be better than Boston’s, Miami’s, Orlando’s, Oklahoma’s, Dallas’s, and even the Lakers’ (only saying the bench).
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
5:42 pm
And, one more thing SLB … I said the Kendrick Perkins ship has sailed a long time ago, but Sund never picked up the phone. OKC got kendrick for a small – Jeff Green in a trade straight up, with no other players involved. I repeat, that is the kind of help Al and josh were looking for and, not Twin 2.0 (25 lbs less).
Anybody want to disprove that, I’m all ears?
————–
Jeff Green is the same height as Horford, near same wingspan and plays the 3. Ainge was trying to find a longterm solution to reducing Paul Pierce. Or saw Green as the future SF of the Celtics
Disprove what? Yeah Perkins was available to people who had talent. Who would we have offered?
The ship that sailed was Horford for Deron Williams. And Teague was dropping 20 points a night on that guy.
And the thing you don’t get is if management did get a center then that would move JSmoove outside where he would not get any FTA and would hurt his game.
Smoove never asked for a “tough” center. He’s the blue collar guy willing to go against bigger guys and athletic enough to make it an advantage. He asked for a deadeye shooter.
So that he could drive and kick all day.
You saw Iso Al choke last year against the Bulls. LD has to plot each possession and give Al lobs because for all his supposed IQ and effect on winning Iso Al was airballing fadeaways (Bobcats). Y’all remember that?
If this team had been dumb enough to listen to Al “Harvard”. We would be driving and kicking to Josh all day. And that is not fair to anyone to put Al Horford on Pau Gasol or Bynum’s level. As soft as they are, AL is softer.
Al Horford aka All Harvard couldn’t score a lick on them and looked sad when he played them. All you get from him is hold the ball on offense trying to pad assists and then on defense 2 quick fouls and then LD is all too happy to send Zaza in. And suddenly the team starts getting FTA rebounds. Punking Gasoft.
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
5:43 pm
Totally a dreamer deal, and may sound crazy. But I wonder if Boston would take Marvin, Kirk, and 2 2nd round picks for Pierce. If the Celtics would do that, it would be huge for them and for the Hawks. KG and Allen at the end of their deal, and this would definitely give Boston enough room to make a run at D. Williams and D12, while trading Rondo for a wing. If they re-sign Allen That’s a great line up already. For the Hawks, you have your closer instantly. And you have someone who doesn’t care about taking last second shots and/or free throws. Sorry but a line up of Teague, Joe, Pierce, Josh, and even Zaza (for now) is a line up I could live with! And you instantly have a CHAMPION in the line up who played more of a factor than the ‘champion’ Powell, lol
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
5:44 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7nhr8dl
Ra'mon
January 18th, 2012
5:45 pm
This deal would have $40 million coming off of Boston’s book from this season.
Bigman needed
January 18th, 2012
5:48 pm
Varejao would work, sure, league’s 4th leading rebounder. But cleveland is not gonna deal him. They’re rebuilding nicely and may make playoffs next year. Varejao is part of their future plans and playing at a high level. Only, d12, bynum and klove are doing more on the glass than him.
Okafor is on the block due to hornets going nowhere, wanting to shed his deal, them having kaman playing the same position. Get emeka!
Smith.Leuer.Bogut
January 18th, 2012
5:57 pm
Marcus Camby is playing. Last time someone was doubtful (Granger) they showed up to surprise and whupped the Hawks.
“The play offs is NOT the regular season and you only gonna’ run off of turnovers. You don’t have defense and rebounding don’t even think about gambling to force turnovers – period. You better be big inside and feed the post inside out. The Hawks have NEVER fed AL in the post, regular season nor post season – period. Like Amare” said, “Al is NOT that type of player!” A week later we went to MSG and Al got his azz handed to him.”
Yet he wants to play PF.
One honest question that I want answered.
How comfortable would you feel if Smith had gone down 1st. If we had Teague, Johnson, Vlad/Marvin, Al and Zaza, Ivan etc ?
I have a feeling McGrady would be taking to many shots. Horford would be passing to Ivan and Zaza too much. No blocks.
Go back and watch all the times Al has played PF with Zaza. Happens every game with Smith to the bench and Al is in. Yet he never steps up. But thats beside the point. You have no excuse why rookies have better post up moves than you.
He has no idea how to score fluidly. Too robotic and short and stuck between positions. Not a shooter not a banger. Just an inbetweener. And then he’s Always getting injured trying to dunk on someone. Ugh. I have no idea how Al has stayed with us this long. Oh wait I remember 2 coaches voted him in as Dwight’s manservant for some game where only stars should show up.
‘Coach, don’t worry about playing me, I just want to play one stint. This is about the stars.’
– Al Horford to Doc Rivers in 2011
KevinM
January 18th, 2012
6:00 pm
At one point, I wanted Al Jefferson to take on the C position.
Utah’s not moving him now, and he does have a big price tag.
Its hard to find a contributor from that position at this time. We probably have to wait until the all-star break to get any serious converstions moving….why is that? Do all teams still think they need to keep their rosters intact? We may be much more desperate next month.
Drewcat
January 18th, 2012
6:02 pm
Nothing bad at all to say about Jamal. He was visible in the community, he played with the right attitude, and he was team first. Real Classy dude from what I’ve observed also. The only Hawk to win individual honors from the NBA Awards Committee in a looong time.
Jamal helped bring a lot of positive attention to this franchise. MUCH LOVE for Crawford, but GOOO HAWKS!
I hope ESPN gets some footage of the core guys chatting it up with Crawford; the same king of attention Odom got in his LA return. After all Crawford was Sixth Man the year before the former.
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
6:05 pm
“f they couldnt battle inside with LeBron, Mo, Antoine and Shaq after winning 61 regular season games? what in Sam’s Hill are Varejao (flopper) and Sessions gonna’ do here without a Super Star and fan crowd in the play offs?”
Who’s afraid of the BIG BAD WOLF?
“The play offs is NOT the regular season and you are NOT gonna’ run – period. You better be big inside and feed the post inside out. The Hawks have NEVER fed AL in the post, regular season nor post season – period. Like Amare” said, “Al is NOT that type of player!” A week later we went to MSG and Al got his azz handed to him.”
drmaryb is on FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmaryb for President! She’ll kick some azz and take no prisoners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMFAO!
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
6:07 pm
ALL NBA is a pretty boy not an ENFORCER..
For Halloween he and Miss Universe will dress up as TWINS!!!! LOL!
Luke Cage
January 18th, 2012
6:09 pm
LOL@all the negative doom & gloomers
Luke Cage
January 18th, 2012
6:11 pm
by the way, SWEET CHRISTMAS!!!
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
6:15 pm
If Josh went down instead of All NBA, the Hawks would be 0-4 instead of 3-1….Truth hurts…It is what it is…….
Luke Cage
January 18th, 2012
6:15 pm
also LOL@some of these dumb trade scenerios the doom & gloomers keep coming up with
Slimjr
January 18th, 2012
6:16 pm
BTW, Portland is more talented than Indiana….
Blast
January 18th, 2012
6:17 pm
Jamal was great his first year with the Hawks, earning him his first Six Man of the Year award, but he faded considerably last year, and didn’t even get any mention for that award. I like Jamal and was ecstatic when Hawks traded for him, but when you have so up and down a season last year, coupled with bad defence, no rebounding and expect 5 mil a year, I can see why Hawks allowed him to walk, and I think they made the right move.
Hawks basically signed TMac, Vlad, Pargo, and Green, 4 players, for what Jamal himself alone would have been worth, and those players are really helping Hawks out.
Way I see it, letting Crawford walk was a win win situation for the Hawks.
Playing Portland tonight will be a great test for Hawks, and who suits for Portland should not be an issue. Hawks should be ready to play any team regardless of who is hurt or not.
Go Hawks!
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
6:22 pm
Beat Biter!
““The play offs is NOT the regular season and you only gonna’ run off of turnovers. You don’t have defense and rebounding don’t even think about gambling to force turnovers – period. You better be big inside and feed the post inside out. The Hawks have NEVER fed AL in the post, regular season nor post season – period. Like Amare” said, “Al is NOT that type of player!” A week later we went to MSG and Al got his azz handed to him.”” -SLB-
_________________
Allow me to “dumb – down” and deal with this stupid azz troll once and for all.
First of all, Al and Josh asked for some size help in the paint to become any type of contender two seasons ago. They got Twin back and nothing more. This year, Josh said they needed a dead eye shooter.
Second, write your own ish … don’t take my quoutes and add your stupidity to it!
Aye DOG, get your own T-bone! I got mine at Denny’s for $6.99
______________
OK, I’m done with all the foolishness. I’m too old for this ish. LOL Besides, we know what it is with the Hawks, we’ve seen it all before and basically, all of us are right in our opinions. We are just having a healthy, decent conversation about our beloved hawks.
Let’s Go Hawks!
MattP
January 18th, 2012
6:26 pm
I hate to say it but I hope Portland destroys us so we do not sit on the few bigs we have.
GA PEACH
January 18th, 2012
6:27 pm
Yeah I loved Jamal to but hey he is just another player tonite. It sure would be nice to have our own beat writer appreciate our own players when they are successful. Oh well, All our fans have to look forward to is when will they lose since Al is out they (hawks) couldn’t actually keep winning could they??
drmaryb.[*_*].
January 18th, 2012
6:45 pm
The Difference!
“Jamal was great his first year with the Hawks, earning him his first Six Man of the Year award, but he faded considerably last year, and didn’t even get any mention for that award” -blast-
_________________
OK, Blast … if your’e gonna’ tell the story, then tell the WHOLE story. Let’s be fair to Jamal, he joined a very dysfunctional family. First, he played for Mr. Woodson who used him as the sixth man off the bench. Mr. Woodson gave Jamal the green light to shoot in an offense that had no structure whatsover.
Conversely, he came back last year to a team with a new coach and a new pentangle offense. Not only that, Coach Drew asked Jamal to play a ton of minutes at PG. Jamal did what he was asked to do and it is not his fault that he is not a PG. Also, Sund asked Jamal to waive his player option and, not bolt from Atlanta after his first year in exchange for an extension with the Hawks, which ASKG re-nigged on and that created some bad blood amongst all parties involved.
Jamal really wanted to be here long term, but like many others and us fans, he was screwed by the DASKG. I got no beef with Jamal. Best wishes to the young fella.
_______________
SLIMJR! Wassup honey pie? Man, it’s crazy up in here. These zambie trolls off the chain, pretty soon we will be hearing from “IGO-DOLA” (Nique’s voice) with some live stats all game thread long. ugggh … better pack a bowl right about now to get ready the 2 foot gremlins.
Buddy Grizzard
January 18th, 2012
7:00 pm
In appreciation of Jamal Crawford… Thank you Jamal for shooting 3-for-19 an the Game 5 and 6 losses against Chicago last year. Thanks for playing zero defense. Thanks for signing elsewhere.
PS: Up now on Hoopinion:
http://www.hoopinionblog.com/2012/01/blazers-pose-hazard-to-early-bandwagon.html
Buddy Grizzard
January 18th, 2012
7:01 pm
Headed to the game blog peeps… section 210
Buddy Grizzard
January 18th, 2012
7:08 pm
“Jamal cost about 3.5X more than Flip for a few more points. Funny how production vs. salary only applies to certain players but not others.” – Astro Joe
Good call AJ. Can you guess which player who has been in the top 10 in playoff rebounding rate two of the last 3 years is the lowest-paid player in that category? He shouldn’t be hard to spot on this list… he’s the only one making less than $10m per season:
http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics?sort=reboundRate&year=2011&seasontype=3&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnba%2fhollinger%2fstatistics%3fsort%3dreboundRate%26year%3d2011%26seasontype%3d3
Just Joe
January 18th, 2012
7:09 pm
Batum & Wallace are our toughest matchups tonight. We need Marvin, Vlad & TMac to step up.
Josh/Ivan – Aldridge
Joe – Matthews
Teague – Felton
Willie/Pargo – Jamal
Pachulia/Collins – Camby/Thomas
Their abilities are all too close. It’s going to come down to the SF position. Batum & Wallace combine for 27 pts a game. We’ll need more than that from Marvin, Vlad & TMac to win.
MattP
January 18th, 2012
7:14 pm
Once again, I am confused as to why LD is going big lineup again.
Blast
January 18th, 2012
7:17 pm
Hear ya, Dr Mary. But don’t get me wrong, love all Jamal did for the Hawks, but you must admit that when his shot is off, he is a disability to any team. Anyway, we shall see how he plays tonight.
beejayrufino
January 18th, 2012
7:17 pm
I’ll never forget this game especially what Dan Shulman says “What a remarkable run Jamal Crawford has in games helping the Atlanta Hawks in the forth quarter winning games after games” I was jumping in my house after this game
Najeh Davenpoop
January 18th, 2012
7:19 pm
Finally the trade machine is working again. Here we go.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=88okexa
Some sort of pick or young player would probably have to go to New Orleans to entice them to do the deal, but it would benefit all three teams (in the Hornets’ case, the benefit is the $6 million net savings).
Najeh Davenpoop
January 18th, 2012
7:28 pm
Regarding the topic of the article, Jamal was a flawed player but in some ways was also an ideal bench player. I agreed with the decision to let him walk, but it’s good to see him back, and hopefully he receives a much deserved standing O when he checks into the game.
northcyde
January 18th, 2012
7:30 pm
Sometimes I think MC is Grandad . . with his refusal to give Joe Johnson his due props at times. Jamal Crawford was and still is the ULTIMATE hot and cold player.
He was stellar in the first 4 games of the Orlando series, and great once again in Game 1 vs the Bulls.
But yeah . . let’s applaud the cat who was 3 – 19 FG in the final 2 games of the Bulls series, and act like he was more efficient that JJ throughout last year’s playoffs. Let’s applaud the guy who couldn’t even begin to defend Derrick Rose or any other player on the Bulls team.
Yeah MC . . . people who know basketball CAN’T forget about Jamal’s GLARING faults as a b-ball player, despite his penchant for the “big shot”.
The Phoenix game winner was tremendous. The shot he hit in Game 3 of the Orlando series to seal that game, may be one of the most memorable shots in Atlanta playoff history.
But make no mistake MC. Jamal Crawford is a one dimensional GUNNER. And as much as it may kill a lot of people, the Hawks are a BETTER TEAM with Willie Green as the backup 2 guard, than they are with Jamal Crawford.
Not only does Willie play better defense, he plays much more under control. Most of all, he’ll take shots in his comfort zone, rather that to nonchalantly throw up 3 pointers left and right.
The “great” Jamal Crawford is currently shooting 34% FG and 30% 3FG with the Blazers this season . . and 7 for his last 31 FG in the past 3 games.
But he’s the ultimate streak shooter, so he has the capability of hanging 26 points on the Hawks tonight . . and people like you will gush over that fact, instead of seeing that he’s failed to score in double digits in 6 of the 13 games the Blazers have played this year.
So thank you Jamal, in the times you did play well. But also . . good riddance . . because we are MUCH BETTER without you.
prison nike
January 18th, 2012
7:30 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=88okexa
That is up north style sweet tea, you gotta make it down south “Chickfilla style” sweet tea for N.O.
Lakers get: Hinrich
Hawks get: Kaman
Hornets get: Lakers 1st round 2012 pick, One of Atlanta’s 2nd round pick, Zaza
hawkfan
January 18th, 2012
7:33 pm
what is mark cuban doing on the espn table he is the reason we lost terry long time ago smh
Runner-
January 18th, 2012
7:35 pm
lol MC owned O’Brien…
Anyway, per Blazers beat writer: “Blazers coach McMillan says he wants [Jamal] to stop thinking & just play. So his approach with Crawford tonight vs. Atl: “Let him go.””
Gonna be a big night for Mr. Crawford
Najeh Davenpoop
January 18th, 2012
7:36 pm
“We don’t even have the size to get out of the EAST, what are you gonna’ do IF you get to the WEST? LOL! Put that pipe down dreamers … Just enjoy the little entertainment for what it is.”
The Hawks’ problem isn’t lack of size as much as lack of quality size. After Josh, the second most effective big man the Hawks have is a guy straight out of the D-League. Other teams may not have big men who dwarf the Hawks’ big men, but their big men are much more effective.
northcyde
January 18th, 2012
7:36 pm
MattP
January 18th, 2012
6:26 pm
I hate to say it but I hope Portland destroys us so we do not sit on the few bigs we have.
*******************
LOL @ wishing for us to lose, just so we can go get a big. Go kill yourself dude.
Let me take that back. Don’t kill yourself. I don’t want you to die. Just go wrestle one of Mike Vick’s old pit bulls.
SMH @ the logic of some fans. I’m amped up for this game for some reason. How about hoping that Zaza scores 15 points and grabs 13 rebounds . . . and that Ivan takes it right to Marcus Camby?
northcyde
January 18th, 2012
7:37 pm
I agree Najeh . . . it’s QUALITY size that is issue here. Not size itself.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 18th, 2012
7:39 pm
“when we can add a 7 footer with skill in Semih Erden from the Cavs for our 2nd rounder. ”
I forgot about Erden (or as Barkley calls him, That Big Semen Kid) but he would be a good pickup if he were available. He was solid as a backup for the Celtics before the trade. Don’t know why he can’t see the floor for the Cavs, but now would be a good time to strike before he finds his way into their rotation.
phil
January 18th, 2012
7:41 pm
Tom
January 18th, 2012
1:38 pm
Nice article for Jamal. He deserves it. Wish him the best and thanks for the highlights!
*******
He deserves squat. He’s gone and to heck with him! Someone needs to knock him on his ass and not let him light us up.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 18th, 2012
7:42 pm
“I heard Jeff Van Gundy ask the other day if a certain bench player (I think Asik) played for 30 minutes a game, would he still have the energy to hustle as much as he does now. And he didn’t believe so. The point is, the Hawks have NO one on the coaching staff who I would trust to develop a young big.”
Also a good reason why projecting Zaza’s per minute stats and implying that he would be equally effective in a starting role doesn’t work.
Najeh Davenpoop
January 18th, 2012
7:45 pm
” I wonder if Boston would take Marvin, Kirk, and 2 2nd round picks for Pierce.”
Wishful thinking. I’d love Pierce in a Hawks uniform though. Maybe he could teach Joe how to get to the free throw line consistently.
northcyde
January 18th, 2012
7:46 pm
And I’m cool if the fans at Philips Arena give Jamal a nice round of applause when he comes in the game.
BUT IT STOPS THERE.
Don’t you DARE cheer for that mo-fo as the game progresses. Cheer for the Hawks, not your “favorite player on another team”. Oooh and aahhh at the “tricky dribble” all you want, but don’t you DARE cheer for that dude if he starts making shots.
Time to grow up Atlanta, and be a legit sports town that cheers for it’s OWN TEAM, to drown out all of the bandwagon fans.
Let’s see if Jamal can guard Willie Green tonight. OR better yet, let’s see if he can stop Joe when he posts his azz up.
Hawks4Eva
January 18th, 2012
7:47 pm
Whats the over / under of Zza Zza fumbling a pass or shot attempt +/- 4
Michael Cunningham
January 18th, 2012
7:48 pm
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.
Trail Blazers-Hawks: Jamal Crawford returns to Atlanta (links) | Portland OR DIRECTV Service
January 18th, 2012
10:08 pm
[...] Atlanta Hawks: In appreciation of Jamal Crawford — Michael Cunningham, Atlanta Journal-Constitution In a way, Crawford might have been the [...]