Atlanta Hawks: Who is the on-court leader?
Vivlamore with today’s Hawks report.
Who is the on-court leader of the Hawks?
With the departure of the co-captain Joe Johnson via trade this off-season, one question facing the Hawks this season, starting with the training camp next week, is who will assume his leadership role.
A. Josh Smith, who was the other co-captain last season.
B. Al Horford, who is healthy again.
C. One of the many new faces that joined the team this off-season, such as Devin Harris, Lou Williams or Kyle Korver?
The answer might just be:
D. All of the above.
(Isn’t it always D in multiple choice tests?)
“The leader of this team is the team,” general manager Danny Ferry said Tuesday. “There are guys who are going to be more vocal. Kyle is going to be more vocal than people have had here, I think. I think Lou will definitely [play a leadership role]. As far as roles, certainly Devin and Jeff [Teague] and Al and Josh, these guys have been around. There usage rate may go up a little more. Hopefully in that their efficiency stays strong. Lou is used to coming in and taking a load off a game, for example. Devin Harris has been an all-star and has played at a high level.
“I think we will just be a different team. Some roles will change some and evolve. Whether that’s Josh, whether that’s Al, whether that’s Jeff or Devon, that’s going to have to unfold by itself. I can’t create that. The guys in the locker room create that. The coaches create that.”
I thought it was an interesting point in the statement by Ferry that the usage rate of those veterans may go up. Ferry did say he considers depth – along with speed and shooting ability – to be a strength of the Hawks this season.
What are your thoughts about the on-court leadership of the Hawks?
- Chris Vivlamore
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97 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
September 26th, 2012
3:56 pm
Hawks-4-Life, yes, but I probably won’t send out the invite until early October. Be patient… camp hasn’t even started yet.
Chris Vivlamore
September 26th, 2012
4:02 pm
Buddy G: That’s quite a list! I will do the best I can. May take me a few days of watching practices (or the end of practices) to get a good idea. I will report back.
Chris Vivlamore
September 26th, 2012
4:04 pm
Granddad: Thanks!
Chris Vivlamore
September 26th, 2012
4:06 pm
ag: Yes. First official practice is Tuesday. First preseason game is home against the Heat on Sunday. Quick.
ILL-Logical
September 26th, 2012
4:17 pm
Welcome Mr. Vivlamore, will follow your tenure with interest. Had taken a hiatus due the press of business but look forward to a fresh perspective on what promises to be an interesting season for the Hawks ,their fans and the NBA.
Trust you will build upon the work of your predecesssors and keep keep hope alive.
i_am_soulstar
September 26th, 2012
4:18 pm
As much as I cheered for Joe, his playoff performances (with the exception of the Heat series a few years ago) didn’t do us any favors. I think we actually perform better efficiency-wise in the playoffs, although we’re still likely getting knocked out in the second round.
uga
September 26th, 2012
4:25 pm
anyone know if hawks are a finalist to sign pietrus?
Hawks_4_Life
September 26th, 2012
4:35 pm
Astro, got ya. I’ve been away for a bit and didnt want to miss that.
The Truth
September 26th, 2012
4:39 pm
Based on the new CBA, I predict more than usual trade deals happens before this season ends. The reason for this is the punitive infliction on teams attempting sign-and-trade beginning in the 2013-2014 season. For example:
To qualify for a sign-and-trade, the following must be true (along with other rules not mentioned here):
Starting in 2013-14, the team receiving the player cannot be above the “apron” ($4 million above the tax level) after the trade1.
Starting in 2013-14, the team cannot receive a player in a sign-and-trade if they have used the Taxpayer Mid-Level exception (see question number 25) that season.
So for teams considering a trade that maybe burden with any of these restrictions by next season, should be highly motovated to trade sooner rather than later.
The 2013 FA class of players including Josh Smith could be affected by these CBA changes. Danny with all of his expiring contracts and cap-space could be in a position to fest on the opportunities.
However, Danny will be in a quagmire somewhat, because in order to attrack trading partners, the prospective players need to be performing well. For that to happen, they need PT to showcase their talents. But since the Hawks according to Danny is so deep with talent (shooters in particular), some of these prospects may not get to shine. Futhermore, if they somehow defy the odds and make the playoff with a similar or better record then last year, their picks will likely not yeild them the impact players they need to move this team to the next level.
Jimmy Crack
September 26th, 2012
7:25 pm
I wish Sautee would stop stealing my name to promote his issues. I would never say that Al was a leader. He is not, If Al is a leader we are All going on vacation after practice.
Al is not a leader. If he did he would have accepted his given role as a center, Added muscle mass, got stronger and more physical. He would have hired a trainer like Hakeem or Moses or some body to teach his awkward 1 dimensional butt some finesse moves. If Al was a leader he would have came into camp in shape last year instead of out of shape. If Al was a leader he would have called Amare out instead of punking out. If Al was a leader he would have got in KG face rather than sit back and watch Zaza do it. Al aint no leader Al is just another freeloading average bum just along for the ride.
Sautee quit stealing my handle.
Jimmy Crack
September 26th, 2012
7:35 pm
one more thing If Al was a leader he would not have let Boston take the ball from him 7 times in the most critical game of the season…. not with out knocking some one on their as. Al is not nor will ever be leadership material. but hed be sure to ask his dad to step in and lobby for him to play another position. Al is like poison to this team. He gets punk by the other teams and then the hawks stop fighting.
The only one on this team that plays with fight and wisdom is Josh Smith. Ivan Plays with fight and so does Zaza but Al doesnt deserve to be mentioned with these guys. Al this aint Al’s team.
Astro Joe
September 26th, 2012
7:57 pm
Lang Greene: From what I’m hearing Kyle Korver has taken on a much more vocal role with the Hawks during pickup games at team’s facility Twitter @LangGreene
O'Brien
September 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
Hopefully Kyle can transfer some of what he learned from playing for Thibs to other Hawks players
Astro Joe
September 26th, 2012
8:10 pm
OB and wasn’t he with Jerry Sloan before he went to Chicago? If so, that’s a nice pedigree. He was essentially waived by the Bulls and knows that he needs to step up or he may not get another multi-year contract.
Ken Strickland
September 26th, 2012
8:35 pm
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/15/do-the-jazz-need-to-fix-al-jefferson-and-if-so-how-do-they-do-it/
Here’s an article that, if not for some low basketball IQs, should give those who keep suggesting we trade Horford for Al Jefferson because they feel Horford doesn’t bang enough or play enough DEF, a bit of insight into what you’d end up with defensively.
Ken Strickland
September 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
ASTRO JOE-The new CBA does allow 5yr contracts to be offered in S&Ts. The max a team can offer a FA is a 4yr contract, unless it’s his current team. Since his current team is the only team that’s allowed to offer him a 5yr contract, he can sign a 5yr deal with them and have them immediately do a S&T. The S&T benefits the player and team he wants to sign with is it allows him and the team to gain that extra yr in his contract.
The only major changes are to the length of a contract, from 6yrs to 5yrs, the amount of annual raises, from 10.5% down to 8% for Bird rights players, and from 8% down to 4.5% for none Bird rights players. There are also some minor changes to rookie contracts.
In fact, a S&T is the only way a player can sign a 5yr max contract without remaining with the team that signed him.
steven a smith
September 26th, 2012
9:54 pm
Ken Strickland
September 26th, 2012
8:35 pm
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/15/do-the-jazz-need-to-fix-al-jefferson-and-if-so-how-do-they-do-it/
Great research for someone who is an “amm”(that’s what you call others who have a more intelligent and pragmatic view than yours). Quite frankly Kenny, i would reccomend a team of physchiatrist for you. They could study your brain or what remains of it. All of the brain cells that have not been fried up from smoking, drinking, and drugs, judging from your very limited vocabulary!
SB75
September 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
Well….. You can’t be considereda leader if you show up for camp out of shape. Add on to it that he’s not that vocal to start with and I think we can cross Al off the list. Good or bad Joash will be vocal as always and I think Lou will as well. Depending on how much he plays Stevenson could have a very big role leadership wise as well.
Phil Lunney
September 26th, 2012
10:34 pm
Now that Joe is gone, I want to see the offense get much better. I think Joe Johnson was in the way of that offense, that is not bad or good, it just was.
With the quickness and youth, I expect motion which breeds easy baskets. I think Jeff Teague is ready for the next step. It could be fun.
Sammy Davis Jr.
September 26th, 2012
11:11 pm
Ken is one sick puppy, kind of like Grandad when he goes to the bing translator web page write some stupid garbage and then publish the garbage on the site as pedro the idiot. blogger.
Its some real fools on this site. Since Mr. V has taken over there is a rise in the number of trolls like this Lunney (aptly named).
I wonder if these guys like Ken who want to keep the hawks down by keeping Al here think Danny Ferry hasnt seen for his self what a sorry defender Al is.
Every body already knows Al keeps this team down. Thats why we couldnt trade Al during the summer. Nobody wanted him. Thats what took so long to move Marvin. nobody wanted him either.
Slim Jr, Steven S Smith T.S. Ruben, All these guys know that Al is another Jon Koncak and the new Marvin Williams. The hawks will never be serious contenders with Al on this team.
Excited about this team this year? Some what but having Al here is very discouraging.
glw
September 26th, 2012
11:30 pm
@ Ken Strickland
ASTRO JOE is right about not being able to sign and trade Josh with a 5 yr deal. Sign and trade deals are now limited to 3 yr contracts. Like Nash to the Lakers was only 3 yrs. So Josh will either sign a 5 yr deal with Hawks or a 4 yr deal with another team.
jocrazy
September 26th, 2012
11:47 pm
kyle kover must be white never heard of him
Perry Mason
September 26th, 2012
11:47 pm
Yes, Ken needs some physiological attention, really. Dudes brain is fried.
Grandad
September 26th, 2012
11:55 pm
Awrighty then:
This may be my 1st ever Korver comment.
KKorv played @ Chi + he played @ Utah = Sloan+Thibs !
I think maybe he learned a thing or two playing for those guys.
-perhaps-
This is where ‘his’ Leadership tendencies have been developed !
You reckon Ferry might have thought of that;
prior to bringing Korver aboard.
I`m liking Ferry more and more every day.
*(and I liked him on the 1st day alot)
There seems to be a plan in all that he does.
I believe Korver has more substance than just a shooter.
Ra'mon
September 27th, 2012
12:00 am
For any other player besides Josh to be the on-court leader would be an experiment. I say this because Josh has already lead this team to the playoffs as the on court leader. Al nor Teague has done this. There’s no doubt about it that Josh is the captain on the defensive end. And truthfully Josh is a great high post player.
Roger That
September 27th, 2012
12:08 am
Yes, I am so glad Danny Ferry has made Josh his man to build with.
Ditto on the going no where with ” mediocre Al”
Hawks back court looks deep. It will be interesting to see how Harris and Josh hook it up.
“Quite frankly Kenny, i would reccomend a team of physchiatrist for you. They could study your brain or what remains of it. All of the brain cells that have not been fried up from smoking, drinking, and drugs, judging from your very limited vocabulary!”
Why is this guy even allow to blog? Dude has lost it. Some of his blogs are just psycho, like when he does that Anal Minded Moron stuff. Really I think he should be watched closely.
Grandad
September 27th, 2012
12:13 am
Hey there is not a lot of truth to the discussion on whether I was with Sandusky when the did those things. I mean just because a person was there doent mean I was involved. Why did my name come up?
Jerry Sandusky Trial …..Day 5….June 18, 2012 – Page 12 …
http://www.justicequest.net › … › Penn State Child Abuse Cases
30 posts – 12 authors – Jun 18
#Sandusky supporters laughed very loudly anytime one of …. Tell you the truth I do agree with many of the posters what grandad did may not of …
Grandad
September 27th, 2012
12:15 am
So there was accusations but was I arrested? was I the one they were calling out ” grandad ”
Accusing Grandad – if you call me sandusky one more time
http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3q4mah/
Jul 18, 2012 – Accusing Grandad [by Addicted2Memes]. if you call me sandusky one more time – Accusing Grandad. karma earned (+2) – show all by: …
Grandad
September 27th, 2012
12:17 am
So at this point I would like to say that I am not the same grandad as I was over a year ago. I have changed and any way that is not me in the articles. So I wish you guys would not confuse me with what happened.
Cyber Watch
September 27th, 2012
12:20 am
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120712225642AA817Er
Grandad
September 27th, 2012
12:42 am
Ditch~Weed
Lookin` forward to our mtg !
gtt
September 27th, 2012
7:06 am
John Koncak was a WC.
Atlanta walt
September 27th, 2012
9:17 am
Man I hope we keep Keith Benson he showed up this summer
Ken Strickland
September 27th, 2012
9:53 am
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=new%20nba%20sign%20and%20trade%20rules&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&sqi=2&ved=0CDIQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fespn.go.com%2Fnba%2Fstory%2F_%2Fpage%2FCBA-111128%2Fhow-new-nba-deal-compares-last-one&ei=LVVkUNmWFM_zqwGt5IGIAg&usg=AFQjCNHm2gDcdeN5aMBBnVeaVH69Tu1OUg
When you click on this sight, scroll down to the heading NEW CONTRACTS. That’s where you’ll see a comparison of the 2005 vs 2011 CBA contract rules. You’ll also see where it points out that regular 4yr and 5yr contract rules apply to S & Ts as well.
Astro Joe
September 27th, 2012
9:54 am
From Larry Coon, noted NBA CBA authority:
Under the current CBA a player receives the same contract via sign-and-trade (four years, 4.5% raises) that he could get by signing with his new team directly, and can receive a larger Bird contract only if he stays with his previous team. A player is really only forced to seek a sign-and-trade if he wants to go to a team that is capped-out (or doesn’t have enough cap room to give the player his full starting salary) and can’t sign him directly.
Ken Strickland
September 27th, 2012
9:59 am
ASTRO JOE-I just read your last post, and it seems there’s a conflict of some sort. You post explains it loud and clear about a 4yr contract, but the link I posted also says it very loud and clear that the same rules that apply to regular contacts apply to S&T contracts as well. Maybe I’m just reading it wrong.
Astro Joe
September 27th, 2012
10:00 am
Strickland, from the ESPN article that you posted, it says Five years with 7.5 percent raises for Bird free agents; four years with 4.5 percent raises for other players (including all sign-and-trade transactions). .
So again, sign & trades can only be for a maximum of 4 years.
Consider the circumstances recently, guys like Lebron, Melo and Bosh were able to “force” themselves to different teams while still getting a full max-value/years contract. And their old teams were left with stale donuts 9except in the case of Denver). Now, the player who tries to force a S&T will have to leave a year of salary on the table. The owners negotiated a clause to reign in the power of certain elite players as demonstrated in the past 3-5 years.
Astro Joe
September 27th, 2012
10:06 am
Larry Coon’s CBA FAQ website: http://www.cbafaq.com/salarycap.htm
Ken Strickland
September 27th, 2012
10:24 am
ASTRO JOE-I see it now, and thanks a lot for the clarification.
Ken Strickland
September 27th, 2012
11:05 am
With shooters like Morrow, Korver, Jenkins, Williams, Harris on the roster, and maybe Toliver, I doubt if we’ll loose may gms due to 1 or 2 key shooters being off their gm like in the past. And we’ll definitely be able to breakdown DEFs off the dribble with Teague, Harris and Williams.
What makes it even better is all 3 players have the ability to take their man off the dribble with 1 step and get into the lane without the need for clearouts, pounding the ball until the clock runs down, or using 1 on 3-5 ISOs. In other words, we’ve vastly improved our ability to stretch and score over DEFs as well as in the lane. That ability will definitely help our frontline players increase their inside scoring efficiency.
We can expect an increase in our 3pt shooting and effectiveness, fastbreak pts, pts in the paint, and number of FT attempts. Teague, Harris, Williams, Morrow and Jenkins will definitely put 4 quarters of intense backcourt pressure on DEFs. Horford, Josh, Zaza, Ivan, Petro, and maybe Toliver, will definitely put 4 quarters of intense frontcourt pressure on DEFs as well.
We just need to determine who will take over at SF. If past injuries are no longer factors with DJames and JAnderson, SF could turn out to be a team strength. If things turn out ok in that area, this could end up being the best team we’ve had during our 5yr consecutive playoff run.
Astro Joe
September 27th, 2012
11:17 am
Someone can check my math on this, but for a player with a starting salary of $15M, signing a 5 year deal with a 7.5% raise in each year vs. signing a 4 year deal with only 4.5% raises each year is a difference of ~$23M.
Ryder
September 27th, 2012
11:26 am
This one is too easy. GM Danny Ferry is setting this team up to be more like San Antonio, a steady team that plays with the fundamentals and with everyone contributing. I see Horford, who as solid as it gets in the paint (unless it’s at the free throw line) being the force inside that the Hawks will be able to rely on when the offense breaks down.
Also, with the improvement at the PG spot, it will open up for more 3 point opportunities for Korver, Morrow, and Williams, which Miami proved is essential in order to win in the playoffs. Both Teague and Harris will be able to do more drive and kick plays.
The key will be, as always, is Josh Smith, who is such an enigma that you don’t know what you’ll get from night to night. That’s not the type of player a team should count on to be a captain, regardless of how talented he is.
I know that we Hawks fans want to believe that this team will be competitive, but realistically they will be an 8th seed at best if they are healthy. This is a transition year, and in what I believe will be Drew’s last year with the team we will see the Hawks go from the days of JJ-Smith to Horford-Teague.
Bernie Matt
September 27th, 2012
11:46 am
Just when I was about to be ALL IN and get those season tickets, the GM, that I thought was different from the rest, gives Korver’s name to a question of who the leaders will be! No matter where they come from, when they get to the deep south, they learn the “proper order” of things. Who lead the the Spurs? Duncan and Parker. Even though Ginobli is a great player, everyone knows who the leaders are. Who lead the Cavs? Lebron. And now Ferry comes to the deep south, and who leads the Hawks? Did you say Kyle? No rationalizing this! The appropriate and only answer is Josh and Al. Who has been diving for loose balls, flying out of bounds, making big shots against the Celtics, playing hurt! Josh and Al.
fansincetuggle
September 27th, 2012
12:47 pm
Teague is an All Starr point gaurd (bench). Josh Smith is under rated, not to be mentioned with the greats( stop waiting for me to say YET). HE deserve a contract that is equal to what he brings to the table great defense and offense. He is a great support player like scottie. We need a FACE, forget about Dwight.
Barry
September 27th, 2012
12:54 pm
HEY Y’ALL :
THE ” TEAM” THAT IS PERFORMING ON THE COURT. DIRING ANY GAME, IS THE BEST PLAYERS ON THE COURT. THE OFFENSE THAT THESE. HAWKS PLAY,THEY MAY HAVE S DIFFERENT. STAR EVERY NIGHT. GONE ARE THE DAUS OF ‘ISO JOE”. THERE WILL BE S GROUP OGUYS PLAYING TEAM DEFENSE AND OFFENSE. THIS TEAM WILL BE PLAYING QUICK, FAST, RUGGED AND WITH FINNESSE. WE HAVE THE REBOUNDERS, THE SHOT BLOCKERS, THE PSSSERS, THE SHARP SHOOTERS, AND THE COACHES TO TAKE THIS TEAM TO EVRN HIGHER HEIGHTS. THIS WIIL BE AN EXCITING SEASON FOR THE HAWK AND THE. FANS. WE WILL ” SHOCK THE WORLD!!”.
“LET’S GO HAWKS!!!”
……..,,,,,,,”SHOCK THE WORLD!!”………
Geemack
September 27th, 2012
4:53 pm
This is Al and Josh team, and it has been for a few years now. Josh was the leader last year and he’s ready to take that next step this year. We need Ferry to go get Josh and Al some help and they can bring a championship to Atlanta.
SH Blog: NBA to finalize new procedure to help put an end to flopping, Mark Jackson won’t guarantee playoffs | Sports Book Gambling
September 28th, 2012
3:29 am
[...] Danny Ferry is expecting the Hawks to be a different team this season, from Chris Vivlamore of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “The leader of this team is the team,” general manager Danny Ferry said Tuesday. “There are guys who are going to be more vocal. Kyle is going to be more vocal than people have had here, I think. I think Lou will definitely [play a leadership role]. As far as roles, certainly Devin and Jeff [Teague] and Al and Josh, these guys have been around. There usage rate may go up a little more. Hopefully in that their efficiency stays strong. Lou is used to coming in and taking a load off a game, for example. Devin Harris has been an all-star and has played at a high level. “I think we will just be a different team. Some roles will change some and evolve. Whether that’s Josh, whether that’s Al, whether that’s Jeff or Devon, that’s going to have to unfold by itself. I can’t create that. The guys in the locker room create that. The coaches create that.” [...]