Atlanta Hawks: Blazers 97, Hawks 77
2:17 am February 19, 2012, by Michael Cunningham
Portland–The Blazers were desperate for a W and played like it. The Hawks were just sort of out there once their shots stopped falling. “I thought we were a step slow on pretty much everything tonight,” Larry Drew said.
The Blazers are not a particularly good offensive rebounding team. Nicolas Batum is not an especially good rebounder. Neither of these things were apparent tonight, when Portland collected 15 offensive rebounds and scored 18 second-chance points.
It seemed as if the Blazers corralled every loose ball or got enough of them that they bounced off Hawks players out of bounds. Portland got a pretty good percentage of their offensive boards that way. “The bounces weren’t going our way but that’s when we have to be a little bit more desperate,” Josh Smith said. “They were making shots early on. Then we played some good defense and we have up long rebounds. That’s when we have to gang rebound.”
Josh and Zaza Pachulia each had 10 rebounds. The rest of the Hawks had seven. That’s seven total. “A lot of it is on the guards,” said Joe Johnson, who had three rebounds in 38 minutes after collecting three total in the previous four games. “We have to come down and help the bigs. There was a lot of long rebounds.”
Batum replaced Wesley Matthews in the starting lineup and went off for 22 points on 15 shots with eight boards in 35 minutes. “He’s been playing terrific this year,” Josh said. “This kid you have to respect especially when he’s making that jumper like tonight. He’s a streaky shooter but when he has it going he’s pretty tough matchup, especially with his length. He’s an outstanding defender, as well.”
LaMarcus Aldridge is a tough matchup, too. Josh was challenging Aldridge’s shots early but Aldridge was shooting over him anyway. Aldridge ended up needed 19 shots for his 19 points. “Aldridge got going earlyt, he made some jump shots, which was not very discouraging,” Drew said. “As long as he’s taking jump shots we are content with that.”
Raymond Felton was struggling until tonight. Jeff Teague missed 10 of 11 shots and Kirk Hinrich was 0 for 4.
I’m thinking Josh was referring to Teague when he said this: “This team is a long basketball team. Long and athletic just like us but a little longer. They have Marcus Camby who can still contest shots at a high rate. LaMarcus Aldridge is 6-11. Gerald Wallace, Batum flies around.When you get into that paint you have to be a distributor and drop some of those passes off, that way they will be reluctant to contest the shots and that’s when you have your easy running floaters or your layups. The first game we moved the basketball around and get easy looks for each other. After that first quarter, that was kind of nonexistent.”
It was late in a game the Hawks weren’t going to win but Josh stayed on the court and tried everything he could to get another assist for a triple-double. He didn’t get it when Ivan Johnson made a move before scoring after a feed under the basket from Smith, who was still lobbying for that assist after the game.
Willie Green was part of Atlanta’s only stretch of sustained offense in the first half. Joe managed 19 points on 17 shots despite missing 6 of 9 3-point tries.
Marvin Williams was making shots but only provided two rebounds in 25 minutes on a night when the Hawks badly needed boards.
The Hawks got in trouble when they tried to pass inside or across Portland’s zone. The Blazers got their hands on lots of those passes, leading to run-outs.
More and more Tracy McGrady goes inside looking for calls that aren’t coming. He ends up stuck and turning the ball over. Still, the Hawks needed some offensive flow and rebounding so they might have benefited from more than four minutes of T-Mac especially with Vladmir Radmanovic going 0 for 3 with one rebound in 23 minutes.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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319 comments Add your comment
KevinM
February 19th, 2012
10:23 am
And how would Pau Gasol look in Chicago?
The best teams in the East still aren’t satisfied, and we are waking up contemplating whether Dampier is worth another 10 days….
2 different worlds of thought here.
KevinM
February 19th, 2012
10:26 am
The Nets and Clippers are looking for an improvement at SF. Could there be some potential here to move a starter? (I think his number is 24)
STRETCH
February 19th, 2012
10:27 am
Terrell,
Thats the lineup i had in mind. And if Drew had any since this could be the lineup when Al gets back.
Just move Zaza back to 2nd string.
JT/Kirk/JJ/J Smoove/AH
Pargo/WG/Marvin/Ivan/Zaza
That my friend is a good competitive lineup. Two problems though:
1. Drew is too passive sometimes.
2. This has to be one of the most athletic team in the NBA with the lowest BB IQ i have ever seen.
KevinM
February 19th, 2012
10:29 am
“Dampier, a 16-year NBA veteran, said he would like to stay with the Hawks.
“It’s been great so far,” he said before the Blazers game. “It’s a great group of guys. I think they are trying to mix in some experienced guys in with this team.”
The Hawks’ goal apparently is to extend their lead for the oldest team in the league. Frankly, what’s old is this act the ASG is trying to sell its fans.
Rod from College Park
February 19th, 2012
10:31 am
Glad to see TMac spoke up. He should be starting for Marvin, and this team would be much better. We also would not continue to get behind early every game. Even Stevie Wonder can see that.
STRETCH
February 19th, 2012
10:40 am
Correction to my last lineup:
JT/JJ/T-Mac/JSmoove/Al or Zaza – I have a feeling Al is coming back earlier.
KH/WG/Marvin/Ivan/Zaza/Damp
T-Mac can play and needs to, but Drew is clueless.
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 19th, 2012
10:41 am
HOW DO WE KEEP GETTING OWNED ON THE GLASS, YET LD IS UNSURE WHETHER WE WILL SIGN A SEASONED 7FOOTER (DAMPIER)?
WHY DID WE SIGN T-MAC? AT THIS RATE WE WILL BE THE 8TH SEED BECAUSE THIS IDIOT SCREWS UP OUR ROTATIONS
STARTING MARVIN…WHY? HE BROUGHT 55 GUESTS TO THE GAME LAST NIGHT AND HAD 10 POINTS 2 REBOUNDS
JOE AND MARVIN COMBINED FOR 5 REBOUNDS LAST NIGHT. YET I AM THE ONLY PERSON IN THIS DAMN CITY WHO CONSISTENTLY CALLS THEM OUT FOR THEIR REBOUNDING
WILLIE GREEN = FLIP MURRAY. HE IS ONE OF THE ONLY BRIGHT SPOTS ON THIS TEAM
LARRY DREW = A JOKE
RICK SUND = IS HE STILL ALIVE? WHERE THE HELL IS THIS GUY? WHAT IS HE DOING?
ASG = A JOKE. A SAD JOKE
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 19th, 2012
10:42 am
WE SIGNED STACKHOUSE AND KEPT HIM (LMAO). WE HAVE NO BIGS AT ALL.
FIRE LD
FIRE SUND
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
February 19th, 2012
10:47 am
“Kirk is too small to play the 2. I think he is also not using Ivan right.”
So how should Kirk be using Ivan?
STRETCH
February 19th, 2012
10:52 am
JeJe,
I feel your pain. But at this point one has to wonder or should i say come to the conclusion that ASG/Sund/Drew were all made for each other and that this level of incompetance has to be intentional!
ntrigue
February 19th, 2012
10:53 am
MC,
Us Bloggers deserve an answer as to why Drew continues to screw up his rotations! Can you ask why he is so commited to playing Kirk especially if he is struggling. Every since Kirk came back the chemistry on the team went downhll. LD constantly hows that he has trouble recognizing the hot man on the floor if its anyone besides Joe Johnson soon as any other player ges hot they come out the game. Crazy thay Joe had to tell him to ride Josh that other gm. He pulls Teague out each around the same time every 1st qtr no matter how well Teague is playing. Ask him why Teague play has dropped shortly after Kirk came back are teams play as well has dropped since Kirt came back ask him what are his thoghts about that!
ag
February 19th, 2012
10:54 am
Josh is real funny. He has be been critical of JT alll season. When he scored 20 the first game of the season, Josh was saying part of teh PG development is to be a better distributor. Since, rarely have I seen JT really being aggressive the entire game. Josh also refuses to pass the ball to JT on a fast break opportunity. He wants to push the ball when clearly everyone else can get the ball to JT. Now JT never even tries to get the ball from Josh. Lastly, when he penetrates, there is nobody to pass the ball to – except ZaZa- and those who watched the game saw what happened.
I think Marvin can be again a 15ppg player. I like his outside stroke. I really think if he were traded he would be a better player. When Boris was in Atlanta, we just could not get it out of him. Trade Marvin and KH for a trigger at SF and we will be much better. Even better, let us get a long athletic big or a rebounding C. I am ready to move Josh to SF, Al to C and bring in a C.
terrell
February 19th, 2012
10:55 am
Im just saying Starks. It looks like LD ’s gonna play him no matter what, so we might as well play him and Teague together. That way Pargo can play backup pg. If not, Teague and Pargo will still get SHAFTED.
darrell starks
February 19th, 2012
11:04 am
Your right terrell LD will play captain Kirk any way.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
vava74
February 19th, 2012
11:10 am
Rod from College Park
February 19th, 2012
10:31 am
Co-sign
vava74
February 19th, 2012
11:12 am
Also had some bad luck.
Why on Earth McMillan chose this game to shake up his starting line up and his rotation, doing the right thing and stop using Jamal at the point?
And additionally limiting his minutes?
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 19th, 2012
11:15 am
Co-Sign Rod.
Why are we down 10 points in every damn 2nd quarter these days?
10 points, 2 rebounds
ROFL
Career underachiever
prison mike
February 19th, 2012
11:15 am
We need to shake up this line up. This is a block buster trade but LA most likely wouldn’t accept. Although there is not many teams willing to take on 19 million a year.
http://basketball.realgm.com/tradechecker/saved_trade/6030254
Lakers
Kirk
Mamba
Joe
Josh McRoberts
Bynum
We help them by getting metta and they add much needed outside shooting. They are weak at PF but still have the TE to get someone.
Atl
Teague
Tmac
Josh
Al
Gasol
Huge at all positions except point. Again the Lakers can probably take advantage of another deal involving Gasol
KevinM
February 19th, 2012
11:23 am
Wanna bet Sund and Gearon are begging for the Magic in the 1st round of the playoffs? We can continue our streak for consecutive 2nd round exits.
And here I am thinking the playoffs are going to happen……I have to think more logically going forward.
MattP
February 19th, 2012
11:34 am
The hawks bench only had 2 rebounds! Williams, Johnson, Teague had 5 rebounds… We need help in the middle since the beginning of the season. If Drew is not going to play Dampier they need to get someone in here her will play. Drew is to scare to play someone he would rather take a loss. Look at McGrady that is a good example. Drew is afraid McGrady will fall apart even though McGrady says he wants more minutes.
What is Drew playing for the 8th seed… Does he really think we have a chance against Bulls or Heat in first round?
The Great Grandmaster JeJe
February 19th, 2012
11:40 am
I saw we were interested in Fesenko a few days ago. Weren’t we interested in him 2 weeks ago?
SMH
Worst Front Office in the NBA
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 19th, 2012
11:41 am
FIRE SUND.
Alan
February 19th, 2012
12:12 pm
Why on Earth would anyone like the NBA or the Hawks? Nothing but a bunch of gang memer thugs.
Grandad
February 19th, 2012
12:12 pm
Sometimes we go a month without nary a blog atall.
Oft times we go a week or two with one blog as my man ‘`Ditch~Weed`’
takes over as moderator.
Today, we got two blogs goin’ at once ?
Astro Joe
February 19th, 2012
12:14 pm
Man, Kirk has replaced Bun Laden on the most hated list. Teague stunk up the gym last night, but somehow, Hinrich gets tossed under the bus (again).
Meanwhile, TMac came out in the 2nd quarter looking like I’d imagine Scottie Pippen would look like if he tried to play right now. Straight gimpy.
Team first, players second. Biggest coaching mistake last night (IMO) was not giving Ivan and Dampier a little time to see if they could done a better job controlling the glass. I doubt that they would have made much of an impact, but when you’re team is being out-rebounded by 20, seems like all able bigs should get a shot at making an impact.
cp
February 19th, 2012
12:22 pm
I think LD forcing Kirk in the rotation has killed the chemistry the team had. Instead of easing Kirk back in the rotation he pretty much just threw him out there as if he wasn’t coming off of an injury. I’m not shocked by T-Macs comments about Drew. He doesn’t seem like the type to sit a guy down and explain to him what he is trying to do. I’m not a big Pargo fan but dude was playing well as the back up.. I didn’t understand the signing of Stackhouse at the beginning of the season and I’m still struggling to understand it. The Hawks needed size not a good locker room guy. I think that aspect of the game is a little overrated. They needed someone who could contribute on the court not some good guy to listen to in the locker room . They needed a big who could come in and play some defense and rebound coming off the bench and yet they decided a over the hill guard would be better. What a joke.
@KevinM. If I remember correctly the Clippers tried to trade for Marvin last season. I think they offered Gomes, Smith, and a second rounder but the Hawks turned the deal down. Its almost as if the Hawks hate to admit drafting Marvin was a mistake. Its time to move on from Marvin but dude has such low trade value that I doubt they would get much.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
February 19th, 2012
12:28 pm
“Those of us that can, would prefer to see our grandaughters play in a 6 and under rec league than watch the Hawks.” -Oldtimer
That game last night was horrible to watch. LD has to go.
Mike is Back
February 19th, 2012
12:30 pm
MC, interesting comments by both Tmack and Josh. I have not able keep up Hawks as much as I would like…that’s why do more reading than blogging this season…however, even watching from a distant…you can see that it is obvious…the Hawks need more help in the paint.
Josh is twenty pounds lighter than last season…he can only due some much against the elite PFs and centers…Vlad playing in the paint for extended minutes…ain’t going to cut it…I thought we got Vlad to stretch the floor.
If Teague is your PG of the future…then go ahead and move that expiring contract of Kirk, and get it over with…what’s the worst thing that could happen…Pargo moves back into the rotation…hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
I’ll say this about Tmack…even though he may have a fragile body…and is no longer the dominate force…he once was…HE IS STILL…the best floor general and clutch shooter on this team. LD has to rethink his minutes distribution for his vets…that has always been a struggle for him…I don’t blame Tmack for calling LD out…he just wants to help this team.
I can kind of agree with Josh, if he was referring to Teague…once Teague establish himself as a more dynamic passer…it will be easier for him to finish at the rack. However, I would also say to Josh…DUDE…it took you how many yearssssssssssssssssssssss…to get you game to the point it’s at now.
Teague, haven’t even had a full season as a starter, heck, this is the first time Teague is getting any meaningful minutes as a starter save for the Chicago series in last year playoff…for a guy with limited playing experience…Teague is solid…he just needs time to grow.
JOSH REMEMBER your first couple of seasons in the league…YEAH, you remember…have some patient with Teague…that’s being a true leader.
I agree with Najeh on Kirk…move that dang expiring contract already…I’m out folks.
Grandad
February 19th, 2012
12:40 pm
AJ
_________________________________________________
‘` Man, Kirk has replaced Bun Laden on the most hated list.
Teague stunk up the gym last night,
but somehow, Hinrich gets tossed under the bus (again). `’
_________________________________________________
I’m finding myself agreeing with you alot these days.
[not that I haven't in the past]
But you stole my thunder on Cap’n Kirk -v- Teaguer
I’m not one to mince words;
and I’m also one who abhors any hint of bourgeois mentality
in relation to what *tribe one belongs to: *Bill Russells colloquialism.
But I’m beginning to think;
If Kirk were; let’s say ‘`Brazillian`’, [r e; Barbosa]
he may not get the quite the amount of grief he catches on this here blog.
Road Rage
February 19th, 2012
12:45 pm
There is just no way the hawks can continue to appease the cultist on this blog, while carrying a project player like Jeff Teague. Four years into the league and he’s still a project. He is a project player who is not nor ever will be an impact player.
You cultist just leave me shaking my head. Your demands to keep Teague as a starter is stifling the hawks offense. Teague is not the orchestrator that causes the offense to run on all cylinders, hes complimentary at best. While I’m not advocating that we trade trade Teague although it should be a discussed option, I think its time to take teague out of the starting assignment and give it back to Hinrich. Then look to trade either or both along with Al horford, as an effort to upgrade the level of play, which by the way, is the only way to get the hawks out of the second round is to up grade teague and Al with a real point and a real center.
So what is it with you cultist? why are you so intent with sandbagging the hawks with these mediocre project players like Teague or mediocre players like Al who’s declaration is that he wants to play Josh’s position instead of his own which is as divisive as that bitchhowl from Tmac yesterday. I say lets get rid of all of these witches.
Get rid of the Scarecrow, brainless Teague and get rid of heartless Tin Man Al Horford.
Id like to hear from the cult followers who permeate this blog. Its an open mike Cultist, speak up and say why you joined your Mediocre Movement Cult, and why you will die for the Scarecrow and or the Tin man.
Whats in your Koolaid Grandad that has you spewing some much hate on a fine wonderful Sunday? Hows the hate factory working for you ?….
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 19th, 2012
12:46 pm
Last week, McMillan sent a text to Wesley Matthews to let him no he would no longer be starting.
I am pretty sure Wesley is better than Marvin Williams, yet Marvin inexplicably keeps starting after 6 years of underachieving
Grandad
February 19th, 2012
12:47 pm
* Russells
should have been:
* Russell’s (possessive)
left off the `postrophe ” ‘ “
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 19th, 2012
12:47 pm
I agree 100% with Rod from College Park.
Marvin has dirt on this front office and they therefore feel obliged to start him. Maybe he walked in on one of our inept owners committing some financial fraud (well, if they did that, they’d probably actually have money).
AMNESTY GEARON
bamaboy
February 19th, 2012
12:58 pm
We are complaining this year,complained last year,year before that before that before that before that before that , we just don’t have or had a championship organization. Every team has been a championship team in the last decade except for hawks, bobcats and the clippers and now the clippers has a chance and we are still average with average players, lets not forget Joe was a role player for the dun we tried to make him a superstar , he is a average player who is getting superstar money.now who has something to say about that
Smoke weed every day
February 19th, 2012
12:59 pm
“I have a feeling Al is coming back earlier.”
Smoke weed every day
February 19th, 2012
1:03 pm
“I have a feeling Al is coming back earlier.”
Dam we miss those very very average numbers. Thats exactly what this team needs to get back in lottery, Al and Teague.
doc
February 19th, 2012
1:07 pm
LD doesnt respect the rebound, simple fact. how else could he stick with jj, vlad and marvin for major minuted to grab only 3 rebounds and they avg. 6′9″. it is especially egregious they got so many second chance points that were about the end game differential. you can also tell rebounds are a lot less important than energy as he continued to play and be supportive of the statue twin.
all the while my boy rick sits and strums the fiddle and plays “we never panic”.
the roller coaster continues. the team that one can only expect the unexpected rolls on and will play at a stadium near you soon. hope i didnt overestimate a 6-7 month though down side 4-9 still is in reach, too.
northcyde
February 19th, 2012
1:15 pm
Still reading this thread. But I had to stop here and LMAO @ Buddy’s 2:30 am post. Hinrich IS Bibby now. A little better defensively, but might be even worse offensively.
OK. Just had to stop reading to laugh at that.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
February 19th, 2012
1:17 pm
All we ever hear about this team is “it’s a great group of guys.”
Are we contenders? No.
SMH
Old Man Peabody
February 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
I don’t care what anyone says, Lin is a bad boy, kid is always in attack mode and can pass like a mother.
Old Man Peabody
February 19th, 2012
1:22 pm
I can’t wait to see Teague and Lin on Wednesday
northcyde
February 19th, 2012
1:32 pm
@ Najeh 2:48
That stat on Marvin is true. But part of that is Marvin doesn’t get burn in the 2nd half of games to possibly help the team. Teague neither for that matter. Neither guy gets a chance to play those crunch time minutes, especially Marvin.
What’s worse in Marvin’s situation, is that he doesn’t even get minutes in blowouts, despite Drew treating him like a 6th man.
I remember last night you replying to someone saying that Hinrich had a positive +/- number. You sad it was because Kirk just happened to be on the game when Willie was making shots. And that was true.
The opposite goes for Marvin. If the starters struggle in the 3rd quarter, more than likely he’s not getting back in the game, not even for scrub minutes. Drew is not that extreme with Teague, but he does the same thing with him.
Big Lou
February 19th, 2012
1:37 pm
Fire LD! Hire Duane! Start Green!
Starting lineup: Teague, Green, JJ, Smooth, and Zaza
Grandad
February 19th, 2012
1:41 pm
This team is fool’s gold.
They win vs weak teams based on sheer talent.
They lose to truly elite or to the very, very good teams
by 20 or more points; which shows the team’s true character.
LD; has not, and I stress has not lost this team !
Pay attention now;
-he never had this team- !!
I remain steadfast that LD knows his X’s & his O’s.
He doesn’t have a nutsack, however.
Josh [little magic] Smivh is in charge.
He has completely taken over in the abscence of Al.
This team has `”`No Chance`”` in the Play-Offs ! `”`None`”` !!
No longer … Do I care about obtaining a Legit 7 ft Big Man [band-aid].
Now – is time to Re-Structure / No; Not Re-Build / Re-Structure.
I have a plan … Does ASG/Sund have one; I doubt it ?
_____________________________________________
I wiil begin to unveil my plan accordingly, in due time.
_____________________________________________
One statement I -will- make now as to how I would Re-Structure:
*Defense *Rebounding *Size
*Players with a Competitive Personality
*Players who Live to Win Championships
*Players who Play for their Teammates 1st
____________________________________________
** HouseCleaning **
!! ` Zaza Stays ` !!
Grandad
February 19th, 2012
1:46 pm
I like Willie, alot;
but he has turned himself into a trade chip.
ag
February 19th, 2012
1:50 pm
Again, I wish you all with abosolute nonsense to post not post at all! JT is our point guard. He had a terrible game last night. I have seen JJ have several terrible games – but he still played his regular minutes. Again, do the math. Since KH returned the Hawks have a losing record! Also, I disagree with Grandad. When Pargo was struggling and Green were struggling, man I though KH was the answer. Pargo and Green started playing better and we were winning. Enter KH and the wheels have come off. Trust me KH has earned his Bin Laden status on these post.
Also, most of us were not KH fans last season either. The Hawks were a .500 team with KH since his arrival. First, the excuse was he had to learn the team, then he got hurt, then some other excuse. Ouside of the Magic series and one game this year, KH has done nothing!
Lastley, most of us were upset about the trade. We felt we gave up to much.
prison mike
February 19th, 2012
1:54 pm
“I can’t wait to see Teague and Lin on Wednesday.”
The teague fan boys on here are going to defend him when Master Lin does his thing. Don’t get me wrong I like Teague but the contrast between a pure point vs. an athlete will be a thing to see…
Grandad
February 19th, 2012
2:02 pm
ag
That Bin Laden statement was in quotes.
-Please credit Astro Joe-
However;
I did concur, co-sign, ditto, agree, match, tally, & acknowledge.
High-sider
February 19th, 2012
2:03 pm
Atlanta Hawks’ 2011-2012 Mid-Season Report Card by High-Sider
Atlanta Hawks – B
I know I am probably jumping the gun a bit but I wanted [to put] my assessment[s] out there before everybody else chimes in. With two games to go before the actual mid-point of this year’s 66-game truncated NBA regular season, the Atlanta Hawks at 19-12 are currently sitting [positioned] at the 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks are one game behind the [4th seeded] Magic and [3rd seeded] Sixers who are both 20-11. [Actually, I would consider the Hawks two games behind the Sixers because of the NBA’s tie-breaker rules.] That’s not bad at all considering the changes and catastrophes the Hawks have had to endure thus far this season. First of all, the Hawks [team] had to come to grips with the departure of Jamal Crawford. I know it was painful to some [Hawks’ fans], especially me, that [Jamal] Crawford was not going to play an instrumental role with the Hawks this season. Nevertheless, Rick Sund and the ASG boys decided to not re-sign Crawford, [supposedly] focus more on the defensive end and get bench scoring more-so by committee than primarily from one player [Crawford]. As the old cliché goes, “Sometimes you have to roll with the punches.” As a result, the Atlanta Hawks signed Tracy McGrady, Vladimir Radmanovic, Willie Green, Jannero Pargo, Ivan Johnson, and [here comes the shocker] Jerry Stackhouse to fill out its [the Hawks’ team] bench. If that wasn’t enough, the Hawks had to deal with Kirk Hinrich, a savvy veteran and probable starting point guard, missing the first month of the season to recuperate from shoulder surgery. Then comes – what could have been the most devastating and demoralizing event to date that could have led the Hawks to an unyielding downward spiral and subsequent monumental collapse – the season-ending [pectoral] injury to Al Horford. The Hawks’ two-time All-Star and one-time [3rd Team] All-NBA center, Al Horford, affectionately known to some as “All-NBA Al”, fell victim to a[n] horrific injury. Instead of folding, the Hawks showed great resiliency and strength of character after the Horford injury by winning its next four games and nine of its next eleven games. That [Horford injury] was a make or break moment for the Hawks and the Hawks “passed with flying colors.” My mid-season grades for [most of] the Hawks’ players and the Head Coach are as follows:
Joe Johnson – B; Joe Johnson is still the number one [scoring] option for this team. Although his point, rebound, and assist averages [17.7ppg, 3.5rpg, 3.8apg] are lower than what Hawks’ fans are accustomed to and have expected, he [J. Johnson] continues to be, however, the most clutch player this team has to offer. I know he has been much maligned and criticized because of his [maximum] contract deal but shouldn’t at least some of that criticism and disdain be directed towards those [individuals] who offered him [J. Johnson] that contract.
Josh Smith – B+/A-; Josh Smith has really “held it down” for the Hawks by averaging 16.0ppg, 9.5rpg, 3.7apg, 1.48spg and 2.10bpg. “J-Smoove” is showing his critics once again that he is one of the best all-around players in the NBA; he’s definitely a “stat-sheet stuffer.” [Say that five times real fast.] On the other hand, Josh Smith is still taking too many deep perimeter shots for my liking considering the fact that he’s shooting a woeful 54.3% from the free throw line. I would prefer Josh Smith to look for more scoring opportunities in the post. As I’ve had time to reflect, Josh Smith should have made the [2012 NBA] All-Star team and is arguably the MVP for the Hawks up to this point this season.
Jeff Teague – B; After a having surprisingly good, but brief, playoff performance for the Hawks last year in the 2011 Eastern Conference Semifinals versus the Chicago Bulls, Jeff Teague has been more than solid. Because Kirk Hinrich was scheduled be out the first four to eight weeks of the season, Jeff Teague basically won the Hawks’ starting point guard position by default. In only his 3rd year, this young man, Jeff Teague, has been steady at the point guard position for the Hawks this season averaging 12.2ppg, 4.7apg, and 1.7spg while just committing 1.9topg [turnovers per game]. I know you basketball purists want a point guard with a higher assist average but his [Teague’s] assist-to-turnover ratio is still greater than two-to-one [2-to-1]. Jeff Teague is also shooting 43.8% beyond the 3pt. arc. I believe the starting point guard duties of the future should be awarded to Jeff Teague; he’s earned it.
Marvin Williams – D+/D; I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Jamal [Crawford] is gone, Al Horford is out with a season-ending [pectoral] injury, and he’s had lower back surgery to alleviate pain from a bulging disc. All of these events should have equated to a breakout season for Marvin Williams especially from an offensive standpoint. Marvin Williams is currently averaging a disappointing 9.6ppg and 5.4rpg. Based on what has happened to the Hawks this season, I would have expected Marvin Williams to be averaging between 14-16ppg and 7-8rpg. On a positive note, Marvin Williams is shooting a very good 44.4% from 3pt. range. I know Marvin Williams’ playing time has diminished [24.2mpg] but that’s a testament to [Head Coach] Larry Drew’s thinking that Marvin Williams would continue to be a marginal contributor even if he [Marvin] was given more minutes [playing time].
Zaza Pachulia – C+/B-; Zaza Pachulia is currently averaging 7.0ppg and 6.3rpg in 23.9mpg. He is what he is and that folks is a backup [center]. Zaza Pachulia has played admirably in some games this season but [for Hawks’ fans] to depend on him [Pachulia] to replace Al Hordford’s numbers is delusional. I don’t see that happening in the slightest. Pachulia is a banger and bruiser but has no lift and limited low post offensive skills. Zaza Pachulia will give you effort and right now that’s all you [Hawks’ fans] can and should ask for.
Willie Green – B-/B; Willie Green is averaging 7.4ppg and 1.5rpg in 16.4mpg. His shooting has been terrific [FG% - 46.6%, 3pt.FG% - 45.5% and FT% - 87.0%]. Willie Green should get more minutes going forward into the second half of the season.
Tracy McGrady – C; Tracy McGrady is averaging 6.5ppg, 2.9rpg and 2.2apg. His minutes are down [17.5mpg] and he’s very displeased. I hope this is not the beginning of the Detroit [Pistons] mutiny from last season all over again. I sincerely doubt it. I don’t see the Hawks’ brass [Executive Management] tolerating disruptions or distractions from a player whose better days are behind him while this [Hawks] team as currently constructed has plans and aspirations of making a deep playoff run.
Vladimir Radmanovic – D+/C-; Vlad-Rad [as I like to call him] is averaging 4.7ppg and 2.9rpg in 17.4mpg. Vlad-Rad is a poor defender and poor rebounder and plays with a lackadaisical flair. At this point, Vlad-Rad has relegated himself to just being a spot-up shooter. He’s still a very good shooter.
Ivan Johnson – C+/B-; Ivan Johnson has shown flashes of hustle, passion, intensity and energy; there’s that [energy] word again. Ivan Johnson’s minutes have been inconsistent to a lot of Hawks’ fans. “Mr. 9 to 5” is averaging 5.2ppg and 3.5rpg in 14.1mpg. Along with his rookie exuberance, Ivan Johnson brings his propensity to commit personal fouls in bunches. Considering his tumultuous past, just making the NBA is a success story for Ivan Johnson.
Kirk Hinrich – I [Incomplete]; Coming back from shoulder surgery has been difficult for Kirk Hinrich to say the least. In just 13 games played, Hinrich is averaging 4.8ppg and 2.8apg in 19.1mpg while only shooting a FG% of 34.2%, a 3pt.FG% of 24.1% and FT% of 66.7%. The verdict is still out on Hinrich so far.
Al Horford – W [Withdrawal]; Before going down with his season-ending injury, Al Horford was averaging 12.4ppg and 7.0rpg while shooting a FG% of 55.3% through 11 games played. It’s unclear at this point whether or not Horford will be able to return to the Hawks for a possible playoff run.
Head Coach Larry Drew – B+; Even though he has had to deal with major setbacks and roster changes, Larry Drew, also known as LD, has managed to “right the ship” and keep “it” steady on its course. Larry Drew has kept the Hawks relevant by making this current collection of players a formidable playoff caliber team at 19-12. While many critics and cynics may disagree with his [irregular] substitution patterns, [unusual] lineup changes, and [unconventional] play calling, there is one [thing that is] constant – his team continues to win [more than it loses].
ag
February 19th, 2012
2:07 pm
KH 6-7 as a Hawk this season 11-15 last season! Remember he left Washington for Atlanta – there were horrible last season also! More facts… game scoring 20 point or more 3 times last season, once with the Hawks., 10 assists three times, none with Hawks, and has zero game with five steals.
Jeff Teagie 3 times this season 5+ steals (none since KH return), 6 tiems this season at least 20 points and 10 assist once. Even last season, Jeff scored over 20 points three times in very limited playing times.