Atlanta Hawks: Joe Johnson’s D has been strong, too
Much of the discussion about Joe Johnson’s season has focused on his offensive surge since Al Horford went down. And rightly so: In 11 games without Horford, Johnson has averaged 21.2 points per 36 minutes with a 55.9 true shooting percentage (by the way, his 54 percent TS mark for the season ranks fifth among shooting guards playing 30-plus minutes).
With Al sidelined, Joe has made 87 percent of his free throws and 40 percent of his 3-pointers and has eight games of 20-plus points and two with 30 or more. Like all things Hawks lately, those numbers come with the caveat of competition: Since Al went down, the Hawks have faced just three opponents ranked in the top half of the league in defensive efficiency: Minnesota, Portland, and Philadelphia. Still, Joe is balling.
But Johnson’s defense has been overlooked even thought the best available objective evidence suggest he’s also having a very good year on that end of the court.
According to Synergy, Johnson has allowed just .71 points per possession, ranked No. 42 among all players. (Synergy had him allowing .93 points per possession in 2010-11 and .89 in 2009-10). This season Joe has been very good when defending in isolation (.56 ppp allowed, ranked 13th), against screen-roll ball-handlers (.69 ppp, ranked 33rd) and chasing his man off screens (.69 ppp, ranked seventh). Joe’s only defensive weakness this season, according to Synergy, has been defending spot-ups: .94 ppp, ranked 113th.
Opponent PER tells the same story. According to 82games.com, Johnson’s foes at shooting guard have posted a paltry 8.6 PER and small forwards have managed just a 12.6 PER. (The opponent PER is ugly when Joe has been at point guard but that has only been a couple minutes, according to 82games.) Last season Joe’s opponent PER was 11.6 at shooting guard and 12.9 at small forward; in 2009-10, those numbers were 15.3 and 14.4, respectively.
Joe’s on-court, off-court numbers at basketballvalue.com also are positive. The Hawks have allowed 6.24 fewer points per 100 possessions with Joe on the court. And it doesn’t appear as if his strong numbers here depend on having Al and Josh Smith behind him: Joe has been part of strong defensive units that featured Zaza Pachulia or Jason Collins at center and even one lineup with Vladimir Radmanovic at power forward.
If you want to pick at nits, you can use the same “weak opponent” argument for Joe’s defensive matchups. The Hawks have faced six shooting guards who are top 15 in PER: Dwyane Wade, Kevin Martin, MarShon Brooks, Mike Miller, Sundiata Gaines and Danny Green. Of those players, Martin (27 points on 20 shots) and Brooks (36 points on 26 shots in two games) had strong scoring games against Joe (though that’s not to say Joe was solely responsible).
Also, Joe hasn’t been able to maintain the flashes of strong defensive rebounding he’s shown. Then again, he’s raised his block rate from almost nothing last season to something this year and has also increased his steals rate a bit.
I think it’s accurate to say Joe has been excellent on offense but also very good on defense this season. Of course he’ll have to do both when the competition stiffens and stakes are higher but, so far, he’s raised his level of play just like he said he would.
Notes
- Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports adds the Lakers to the list of suitors for Kenyon Martin and echoes earlier reports that Martin is seeking a large role for a contender. Adam Zagoria reports that Martin is expected to make a decision by the end of the week. I’m guessing Martin also is looking for money because of my oft-proven theory that guys are almost always looking for that above all else (and Martin just lost money with his Chinese adventure). The Clippers, Knicks and Spurs can offer more than the minimum. The Hawks can, too, but likely won’t because it would mean paying the tax.
- I haven’t heard anything to indicate the Hawks are making a bid for Chris Kaman. Reports indicate New Orleans is looking for a first-round pick, a quality young player and cap relief. Surely that price will come down as the deadline approaches but I don’t see the Hawks wanting or needing to make a deal like that. Kaman can help them because he’s a good post defender and rebounder when healthy, but at what cost for a three-month rental? Plus, the Hawks won’t do a deal that adds salary and they still aren’t sure if/when Horford will return this season.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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273 comments Add your comment
Section 303
February 1st, 2012
8:13 pm
Glad that the Hawks are not likely in the Kaman bidding. He isn’t that good. Those of you wanting him, would hate him in two weeks. He would either be hurt or just an average addition.
Looking forward to the game tomorrow. Joe vs Tony Allen. Will be a good one.
Grandad
February 1st, 2012
8:14 pm
“Joe hasn’t been up against a defender as tough as Tony Allen in weeks”
Actually Joe ran into the burgeoning rookie talent
-Kawhi Leonard- vs San Antonio !
Kawhi Leonard – they say – ” is gonna be the next Bruce Bowen ”
Could make all-rookie team based on his defense.
STRETCH
February 1st, 2012
8:18 pm
Well, just know this…Sund is Frank Wrens long lost twin. He is the same as Wren. They blow pipe dreams and hope that the fans drink their Jim Jones juice!
sure the Hawks are looking good, but wait till the latter part and playoffs start when teams start to take advantage of that paper thin front court. 1st round folks!
Dark Karma
February 1st, 2012
8:27 pm
in fairness, the newspaper has limited resources and so must make decisions on what we will cover. obviously my preference is that every Hawks game gets staffed but that wasn’t an option. but the good news is i haven’t been told that the AJC will skip any more road games.
Translation – the AJC is broke. Must be something about a company with an acronym that begins with an “A”……
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
8:34 pm
“He would either be hurt or just an average addition.”
“Average” is better than “Collins”.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
8:35 pm
“Sund is Frank Wrens long lost twin.”
Wren’s philosophy is exactly the opposite though. He is constantly tinkering and trying to make the team better — of course sometimes this results in disaster (Lowe), and sometimes it results in something good (Bourn). Sund on the other hand is too happy to sit on his hands and pretend everything is fine.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
8:37 pm
“Maybe you should call them to ask about Hinrich for their Odom trade exemption (we know Rick Sund won’t).
But which big would the Hawks get?”
Haha. I am at the point where I might actually do that or at least send them an email. I wonder if Mitch Kupchak is on Twitter.
Any big who is a significant upgrade over Collins and doesn’t add too much long term salary is a good acquisition.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
“The 4 seed has required a winning percentage of 0.572 (38 wins) over the past decade. Taking into account two standard deviations gives 43 wins to “guarantee” a top 4 seed this season, which will require the Hawks go 27-17 the rest of the way.”
Hoopinion is actually pessimistic compared to Hollinger’s automated Playoff Odds, which have the Hawks finishing 46-20 (.697) and finishing 2nd in the conference ahead of Miami. That would require they go 30-14 (.682) the rest of the way. They are currently 16-6 (.727).
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
8:40 pm
“Maybe Pryz is chasing a ring?”
Couldn’t he get that in Miami where he’d actually play?
KevinM
February 1st, 2012
8:41 pm
303, on the Kaman deal, I am thinking more than just this year, but you have to get in position this year to make a push. All of our guys are playing great, and we all know it can’t last for the long run.
You have to make a strike when the opportunity arises; we can’t watch MIA and CHI add pieces and we sit and say, “I like our bigs”…its not enough.
Losing Kirk could be costly, because I like the combo with JT and Joe. If that is the only way to get Kaman, I would consider passing because NO really doesn’t have a lot of leverage and they should be looking for players who take the team first approach. Kaman wants major minutes, and NO wants to develop and not re-sign him.
Say we get Kaman, and we lose 2 role players, I am okay with that. We made an attempt to strengthen the starting 5 and push further in the playoffs. If we lose some of our long term contracts, we then have room to maneuver this summer. We cover ourselves whether Al comes back or not, we free up cap space, and we deal with Kaman & Kirk this summer.
I am against trading a #1 (not that we can) as we still need to develop some youth.
Out of the available big men out there being bantered about, I choose Kaman first over Pryz, KMart, some Tony Battie type backup, and D12 doesnt’ appear to be an option at this point. Should the D12 situation open up, then we have a whole different challenge, but ORL isn’t swapping within their own division.
And if I could move Marvin for some value, I am dialing, texting, IMing, anything to see what we could get in return.
Astro Joe
February 1st, 2012
8:44 pm
Around the league tonight:
LeBron outscores Milwaukee 24-23 in the first quarter.
Wizards are holding their own against the Magic.
76ers are whipping the Bulls.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
8:45 pm
Bulls getting waxed on the road at Philly. Nice to have some company.
Blast
February 1st, 2012
8:49 pm
I ain’t worried about the Grizs. It will be a big test for Hawks, though.
Astro Joe
February 1st, 2012
8:49 pm
BTW, there seems to be a bit of a pattern with some of the Hawks recent major injuries. Joe had elbow surgery and was supposed to miss around 4-6 weeks (as I recall), but returned in two. Hinrich was supposed to be out 2-3 months and returned 1 month after the season started. And after reports that initially suggested Horford would miss the regular season, there seems to be some hedging on that one too. Could it be the Hawks have opted for a “let’ make it sound worse in case it is” communications strategy? Seriously, they could straight up lie and tell us that Horford won’t be healthy until August, what difference would it make? Maybe the sample of two (Joe & Kirk) doesn’t make a trend… but I’m beginning to wonder.
Eric
February 1st, 2012
8:52 pm
Is this an update, or, something we already know?
System Update
February 1st, 2012
7:26 pm
“With Al going down, cohesion and focus increased”,
I couldn’t agree more. All the constant bickering about wanting to play another position, the refusal to assert in the post, the locker room fights, Tito getting involved, the leaks in the press, boy, it wasn’t about winning or playing as a team. It was all about what “Al” wanted and it destroyed the chemistry of the team.
Bottom line
this is a MUCH better team with out Al.
doc
February 1st, 2012
8:55 pm
quote for posterity:
Jeff Schultz
February 1st, 2012
7:59 pm
Doc — The Hawks are great!!!!! (How’s that?)
heh heh
Bluntly
February 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
Since Al is so disharmonious, and dont want to play center, its time to trade him for some one who wants play the position and wont fight his team mates about their position. Since Al wont embrace the position trade him for some one who will. Why is that so hard to understand? Why is that so difficult?
what is the issue ?
doc
February 1st, 2012
8:59 pm
aj, sorry, that is preposterous and the recuperation of both of those guys is admirable. jj wasnt 100% and it showed but he delivered. hinrich was about on time of 2.5 to 3 mth. they were saying end of janusary at the outset which i thought was optimistic. of course it all depends on how bad it is and what they have to repair as the shoulder injury gay had last year shelved him for 6 mths.
Cedric
February 1st, 2012
9:02 pm
We are playing beautiful basketball right now. Keep up the intensity and play with aggressive energy. We are one of the five best teams in the league. There is no reason why we should expect anything less than a 9 and 4 record this month. I am expecting a 11 and 2 record this month. Joe Johnson is playing great ball right now. Keep up the aggressive play on both ends of the court. He is playing like an all pro right now. Go Hawks.
Rev in Tampa
February 1st, 2012
9:02 pm
System Update, AKA SLB, AKA T-S,
I was wondering if you were around. I have a video I wanted to share with you. By the way, I share your very negative view of the so-called Bishop. This is the stupidest thing I have ever seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVkoQHCXSK8
JaeEvolution
February 1st, 2012
9:08 pm
If we got Pryzbilla and K-Mart we would be so much better a defensive team, but that will never happen actually if we got K-Mart and Semih Erden for a 2nd round pick we would be an even better defensive team.
Maybe K-Mart will randomly come here like T-Mac did, I can hope he is a good player.
doc
February 1st, 2012
9:17 pm
rev, feel for the lost flock is all i can say.
T.S.
February 1st, 2012
9:17 pm
Rev in Tampa I could only watch so much.
Thanks for the reach out.
They still cast lots over his garments
KBB
February 1st, 2012
9:23 pm
We are not getting Pryz or K-Mart. Sund is content to rest on his laurels. I would love to be at his blackjack table. He would get an Ace and a 3 of hearts and Stand.
KBB
February 1st, 2012
9:24 pm
Sunds philosophy is stay with this core
Its not like this core has ever accomplished much. I can see Ainge in Boston staying loyal to his core which won a title and features 3 potential future Hall of Famers. We have zero rings and zero potential hall of famers. Whats so magical about this core? Trade Marvin for a bag of hammers and decent center!
Slimjr
February 1st, 2012
9:25 pm
Rev, that link has my jaw wide open!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!
Incredible….Sheesh……..
Rufus1
February 1st, 2012
9:26 pm
Wow…Bulls lose by 16pts on the road….
It must be hard to win on the road against good teams……Who would have thought that!
doc
February 1st, 2012
9:26 pm
philly smoked the bulls, magic got well against the wiz.
Slimjr
February 1st, 2012
9:27 pm
Doug Collins for COY!
What a basketball mind!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
February 1st, 2012
9:27 pm
i’m with you ts i couldnt make it past the belt coming off. what a show.
Rufus1
February 1st, 2012
9:38 pm
Doug Collins must be genius….
Those 15 home games, sure does wonders for you coaching ability…. I wish the Hawks had a record like Philly, too bad we have played 13 road game to their 8.
Rufus1
February 1st, 2012
9:49 pm
Bulls 5 and 5 vs above .500 teams
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
9:54 pm
Miami has blown a 20 point lead and is now tied in the 4th quarter with Milwaukee.
Subtlety
February 1st, 2012
9:59 pm
“Since Al wont embrace the position trade him for some one who will. Why is that so hard to understand? Why is that so difficult?”
“what is the issue ?”
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 1st, 2012
9:59 pm
FIRE SUND
FIRE LD
FIRE ASG
ROD FROM COLLEGE PARK = AJC BLOGGER OF THE YEAR
WORLDWIDE CLYDE #2
GRANDMASTER JEJE (GM) #3.
BEING #3 MEANS I AM THE ANSWER LIKE A.I.
YAGA
Subtlety
February 1st, 2012
10:02 pm
The “issue” is, that nobody would want him, so what do you think you can trade him for? A rack of basketballs?
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
10:09 pm
Half the Bucks crowd is pulling for the Heat, and that arena was empty when the Hawks beat them, but I don’t see any articles being written about how terrible Milwaukee fans are.
bigdave
February 1st, 2012
10:10 pm
Listening to trade offers for Dirk
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
10:12 pm
Bigdave I’ll give you Byron Mullens for him
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
10:24 pm
Miami just completed one of the season’s biggest choke jobs and is about to lose to Milwaukee, putting the Hawks in sole possession of first place in the Southeast division.
Soullrenaissance
February 1st, 2012
10:25 pm
The Heat are about to lose ChiTown – The East is Atown’s for the taking; let’s handle Memphis things will shape up nicely.
Melvin
February 1st, 2012
10:26 pm
Bucks beat Miami for the 2nd time tonight. How good does that Hawks win at Milwaukee look now….
Rufus1
February 1st, 2012
10:28 pm
Melvin,
REAL GOOD..
Rufus1
February 1st, 2012
10:31 pm
The East standings..
http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html
Soullrenaissance
February 1st, 2012
10:31 pm
Melvin and Rufus –
Like ‘real contenders’ good.
Soullrenaissance
February 1st, 2012
10:32 pm
not to Chitown but The Bucks – you know what I meant.
Rufus1
February 1st, 2012
10:34 pm
Soullrenaissance,
SSShhhh! You are going to make some of these bloggers nervous, that word scares them.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 1st, 2012
10:34 pm
This is unlikely to happen, but in theory the Hawks could be tied for first place in the conference by tomorrow, if they beat Memphis and Chicago loses to the Knicks.
High-Tech Lynching
February 1st, 2012
10:36 pm
Bulls and Heat lose tonight. The Hawks move up to the 3 seed in the Eastern Conference standings and are only one game out of first place. Bulls and Heat are vulnerable. The Heat has/have problems closing out games.
http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html
Soullrenaissance
February 1st, 2012
10:45 pm
Rev – that is a disgrace how they are making a mockery of The Most High and how lost that congregation to follow that false teacher….