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

97 comments Add your comment

MsDee

September 26th, 2012
10:57 am

first..YEAH!!

MsDee

September 26th, 2012
11:01 am

I like that it will now be more than 1 person to focus on this season. This way it keeps the defense honest. Anyone can truly hit the BIG shot now. I am SO looking forward to this season..GO HAWKS

Joe Johnson

September 26th, 2012
11:02 am

How is Korver going to be vocal? No one is going to listen to someone who can only shoot threes and can’t defend a chair.

show me state

September 26th, 2012
11:02 am

The Hawks will have a great season. Some are optimistic about that analysis but this a veteran group and a better team in my opinion than last year. Change is good! Btw its Devin not Devon.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
11:11 am

FTPB.
Strickland, I have long held that Van Exel has had a positive impact on Teague. Specifically, the little floater that has helped Teague become a much better player. I recall Teague having his shot blocked quite often when he was a rookie, because he wasn’t used to the quickness and athleticism of NBA bigs who could swat his lay-up attempts. NVE had a lethal floater as a player and I think that Teague has been much better shooting in the lane because of NVE’s help. I say all of that because I think Jenkins could also likely use a floater. Obviously, when the defender sees him standing behind the 3 line, they will attempt to “run him off” that shot. If Jenkins learns to pump fake and drive and get off a successful floater he could easily become a very potent offensive player. That floater won’t happen after 2 days or even 2 months… it will take time. As I said the other day, if Jenkins doesn’t get a ton of playing time before the trade deadline, I don’t think it would stunt his growth… NVE could be spending quality time with him geting him ready for life after either Korver and/or Morrow are traded. I still believe that player development isn’t just about giving guys time in real games… I think the bulk of player development happens out-of-sight of the most devoted bloggers/fans.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
11:14 am

I hope that LD allows the players to select 1-2 captains. 3 captains selected by the head coach doesn’t work too well.

PEDRO EL GITANO

September 26th, 2012
11:28 am

PG:D.Harris-J.Teague
SG:L.Williams-A.Morrow-D.Stevenson-J.Jenkins
SF:A.Tolliver-D.James-K.Korver
PF:J.Smith-I.Johnson-M.Scott
C:A.Horford-Z.Pachulia-K.Benson-J.Petro
SOLO BOSTON Y BROOKLYN PODRÍAN COMPETIR CON ESTE EQUIPAZO!!
UNA PLANTILLA HECHA A MI GUSTO!!!!!!!!!!!

NORRIS CHUCK

September 26th, 2012
11:42 am

PG:D.Harris-J.Teague
SG:L.Williams-A.Morrow-D.Stevenson-J.Jenkins
SF:A.Tolliver-D.James-K.Korver
PF:J.Smith-I.Johnson-M.Scott
C:A.Horford-Z.Pachulia-K.Benson-J.Petro

Thats about as much balance you could get under what Ferry has to work with. Im excited. Now if they could pick up big that could help spead the court, i would be even more excited!

2 FOR JOHN DREW

September 26th, 2012
11:44 am

My fellow bloggers : I have 2 things I can’t figure out, 1)What does FTPB mean ? and 2) – I know PG, SG, SF, PF But C is now OC ? Thanks

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
11:51 am

JOhn Drew, FTPB=From The Previous Blog. References a discussion carried over from an earlier blog.

jsmoove

September 26th, 2012
11:51 am

I hope you put time and effort to do your articles. I really hope you can give us some insight on the latest. Anyways, welcome to the club.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
11:52 am

And my guess, regardless of who the designated team captains are, Josh, Al and Lou will emerge as the team leaders.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
11:59 am

If the NBA had a version of Hard Knocks (behind the scenes of a pre-season training camp), I would like to see the interaction between KG and Darko. While Darko was clearly not worthy of his draft slot, he has flashed some interesting talents in his poor career. It would be fascinating to see if KG could make an impact on him, much like he did with several other bigs who he mentored in Boston. Same goes for Fab Melo and Sullinger.

Jimmy Crack

September 26th, 2012
12:22 pm

Josh is the heart of the team who heats everybody up.
Al is the team leader who cools everybody down when they’re too hot.
Teague is the tip of the spear who’s in charge of the play.
Zaza & Ivan are the Equalizers in the paint.
Everybody else is trying out to be the guy who takes “The Shot”.

2 FOR JOHN DREW

September 26th, 2012
12:32 pm

Ahhhhhhhh thanks Astro Joe ….. OC ? Offensive Center ?

stevethehawk

September 26th, 2012
12:37 pm

I would like somebody to explain what Joe’s leadership role was last year? Couldn’t tell he had one…

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
12:39 pm

DREW, yes. Although, I’ve never seen anyone use DC (defensive center), so it makes no sense to me. I’m old school…C, or beter yet, combine C/PF and call them bigs and SG/SF and call them wings… in today’s NBA, those positions are often interchangeable.

MsDee

September 26th, 2012
12:39 pm

Yes, John Drew. Offensive Center

MsDee

September 26th, 2012
12:40 pm

Yea, Asto Joe, I think KenS came up with OC, not sure why but indeed I think thats where it came from

The Truth

September 26th, 2012
12:50 pm

“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.”

This statement is typical manifestation of Danny as an NBA player from a championship team; his understanding of group dynamics and how the team maturation process work, how championship teams are built. A complete about face of the past when LD under Sund (who didn’t have a clue) was assigning roles based on egos and salaries to pacify players while creating double standards.

I’m sensing with his upgraded staff, Danny has raised the standards by which the players must meet to be successful. The new environment along with the upgraded roster should certainly produce a different Hawk product compared to the past.

However, the verdict will be out as to whether this new and different Hawk product will be better than the past. Despite the ISOs, JJ with his mismatches was a great stabilizing force when the team chips were down and needed a lift. His size absence along with the team pre-existing shortcomings are now glaring weaknesses though Danny statements suggest he’ll rather concentrate on the Hawks “new” strength:

“Ferry did say he considers depth – along with speed and shooting ability – to be strength of the Hawks this season.”

“We shall See” if indeed this is the case. While the Hawks think they will be better, the other NBA teams no doubt feel the same way (at this point in the season).

Buddy G

September 26th, 2012
12:58 pm

“Who will assume his leadership role?”

C-Viv, please clarify: what leadership role? Joe Johnson was the antithesis of a leader.

swatguy

September 26th, 2012
1:01 pm

The “Big Dog” will rise from training camp. Which small guy has the most “Dog”, Jeff, Lou or Harris? Which “Big”? Will Al defer to Josh? Do anyone on this roster have more “Dog” than DaShawn Stevenson or Ivan? I think Ivan, Lou and DeShawn have the strongest personalities. Depending on his on-court ability, DS may be our “Alonzo Mourning”. It sets up for Al to grow or shrink, Josh to evolve into a no-doubt “All-Star” or just very good. I hope LD is prepared because this group has much more personality than we have known since the Mookie, Dekembe SS days.

Mick

September 26th, 2012
1:02 pm

Joe never said anything, so he was never a vocal leader. So the same guys who lead last year, Josh and Al, and probably Lou and hopefully Teague mans up.

Buddy G

September 26th, 2012
1:05 pm

The only type of leadership Joe provided was leadership by example. Joe and Josh came into camp last year in tremendous shape. By contrast, Al Horford showed up out of shape. But as far as vocal leadership, everybody on this blog knows that Joe Johnson’s few mumbled words here and there were no type of leadership.

So, C-Viv, we’re all pretty much waiting for you to report on the first day of training camp. Did Josh do it again? Did he show up in the best shape of his life for the second year in a row? Did other players follow his example? What kind of shape is Ivan in? He was carrying too much weight last season. Has he dropped any? Zaza led Georgia in scoring but did not appear in several of the games during Eurobasket 2013 qualifying. Does he have any lingering injuries? Did Al Horford stay in shape after the failed Olympic qualifier? Or did he once again show up to camp out of shape?

These are all questions we are waiting for you to answer as soon as training camp opens. If the majority of the team shows up in prime physical condition ready for an 82-game schedule, it will be pretty obvious that Josh was the leader by example.

This team will live and die by Josh’s leadership. If he stops chucking long twos and takes his game inside, he will be statistically similar to Blake Griffin and have the All-Star appearance to show for it. If Josh continues to try to play point guard, try to be Kobe Bryant, and makes a fool of himself bricking jumpers while surrounded by shooters more qualified to take those shots, the Hawks will self-destruct right along with him.

This is the year Josh Smith proves if he is a franchise player or not. As Josh goes, so go the Hawks. He is the vocal leader. He is the leader by example. It’s all on Josh.

ag

September 26th, 2012
1:09 pm

The first preseason game is the same week camp starts?

cory dillinger

September 26th, 2012
1:21 pm

Honestly I don’t share the good feelings about this Hawks team. I honestly think this is a 20 win team. The good thing is that the losses will be 145 to 129 so there will be a lot of scoreing going on in most games. I still am a fan but don’t the Hawks will make the playoffs for another 7 years.

O'Brien

September 26th, 2012
1:22 pm

FTPB,

Steven A,

Mehemet Okur is still out there. He would be an upgrade at the “5″ position. Our “5″ needs to average 12-14 rebounds per game and 18 points. Right now, we do not have anyone capable of doing that!!!.

Last I checked, Mehmet Okur has career averages of 13.5 pts, and 7 rebs per game. 7 rebs per game from a center who is 6’11, and 260 lbs. Oh by the way, he only played in 17 games last year, and 13 games the season before. There is a reason no one has signed him yet.

Ken Strickland

September 26th, 2012
1:23 pm

ASTRO JOE-I was going to do just what you just did to respond to your previous post. I totally agree with your assessment of NVEs influence on JTeague. It would have been nice if LDrew had allowed Teague to take advantage of what he’d learned from Nick the yr he became the HC. In Harris, Teague, and Williams, the Hawks now have 3 guards that can and will be leaders on the court.

Also, when I mentioned the excellent midrange gm that Jenkins has, I was referring to his ability to fake the 3 when challenged, then step inside the 3pt line and score. His scouting report didn’t say anything about how well he finished at the rim. Anyone that saw him play during the Summer League saw him use that move and score. He’s not just a 3pt sharpshooter like Korver.

MARTIN-From the previous blog. I agree with you on that. I seriously doubt if Ferry will offer Josh a max contract, which would basically negate what he did when he traded away JJs max contract. If Josh wants a 5yr max contract and Ferry isn’t willing to give it to him, then a sign and trade is the only way he’ll be able to get one.

We all know that Ferry’s #1 priority in next yrs FA will be an OC. If he’s successful in getting one, along with a quality SF, Josh’s days as a Hawk could be numbered. Ferry could possibly gets one by doing a sign and trade with Josh. He might also use one of our 2 1st rd picks to draft one. Then again, if either Anderson or James steps up, it would make the position a nonfactor.

With this being the 5th yr Josh and Horford have played together, and they’d played together extremely well, I’d hate to see the dynamic duo broken up. It will all depend on how well Josh plays and how much money he’ll want to remain a Hawk.

Hawks fan

September 26th, 2012
1:23 pm

We got the women getting in first! Handle your business Ms. Dee!

O'Brien

September 26th, 2012
1:23 pm

AJ,

Maybe LD’s plan is to name 5 co-captains. But I’m with you. LD needs to let the players elect captains. And if that happens, it will be Josh and Al (imo).

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
1:26 pm

And in LD’s initial year as head coach, after stating that he would reduce the offense’s reliance on Joe, Joe Johnson (reportedly) finished first in LD’s one mile test of pre-camp conditioning. There are way too many examples of players NOT acting like professionals… so yeah, Joe led by example in many ways because he was always professional in his preparation and even in the manner that he handled little things like interactions with referees.

some sense

September 26th, 2012
1:32 pm

Still one bead short of a rosary. Mediocre at best w/ current roster.

Ken Strickland

September 26th, 2012
1:32 pm

MSDEE-Yes, I was the one who came up with OC. I did it because it made it easier to list players by position and keep everything aligned.

Ken Strickland

September 26th, 2012
1:43 pm

I’m also the one that came up with the phrase ANAL MINDED MORON, and it has certainly fit some of our bloggers. It’s hard to believe it all starts in just 7 days. I can’t wait to see if James and Anderson have fully recovered from their injuries, with no lingering effects, and how well they perform.

I’m also excited about seeing how well JJenkins performs. There’s something about him that peeks my interest. Maybe it’s the constant comparisons that have been made with Reggie Miller when he came out of college. I don’t think there will be any surprises with the other players we have under contract.

CBNYC

September 26th, 2012
1:56 pm

You can have leaders on the team, but only one true caption. I can’t see Josh being one of the leaders he sulks too much and doesn’t play hard and within his skill set all the time. Horford would be good but his nature is to be laid back. Lou won’t be playing enough to be leader. It points to Devin Harris coming in an establishing himself. In addition two points won’t work. Teague is talented and going to want to play. He is good enough to play 40- 45 minutes right now bur Hawks won’t let him and every little mistake will be noticed. He makes no more mistakes or turnovers than any other point guard in the league. Check the stats. They need to trade one of the guards too many too small.

Grandad

September 26th, 2012
1:56 pm

Ken Strickland

I`m glad you cleared that up my friend.
I was about to go off on a “dissertation”
about “OC” and my true feelings.
-However-
Since it was you;
I will simply say, I`m gonna stick with [5].

Suffice to say we disagree on this one;
-but-
I concede, to your logic.

Grandad

September 26th, 2012
1:59 pm

C-Viv

I wish to Xpress my appreciation for your new approach to the blog.
The rapidity with which you bring articles / news / stories / blogs …
is most appreciated.

Buddy G

September 26th, 2012
2:30 pm

“I seriously doubt if Ferry will offer Josh a max contract, which would basically negate what he did when he traded away JJs max contract.”

That all depends on how this season goes. Josh is taking a big risk playing out the season without a long-term contract. Any injury setbacks are going to hit him right in the wallet. But if he plays out the year and remains healthy and leads the Hawks to the ECF, nobody is going to question if he deserves a max contract.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
2:33 pm

Buddy, if Josh leads this roster to the ECF in 2013, he should immediately be inducted in the HOF.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
2:35 pm

And LD needs to beinducted with him.

Buddy G

September 26th, 2012
2:41 pm

I’m LD’s harshest critic, but I believe he is trying to get better. If he takes this team to the ECF he deserves a long-term extension. This is a make-or-break year for Josh and LD. Gonna be hella interesting. I’m on the edge of my seat already.

2 FOR JOHN DREW

September 26th, 2012
2:54 pm

Thanks y’all ….. I’m good now

O'Brien

September 26th, 2012
3:06 pm

Buddy,

I’m LD’s harshest critic, but I believe he is trying to get better..

Of course he is trying to get better. The question is…is he getting better. I actually think he will be better this year, even if it doesnt translate into more wins.

O'Brien

September 26th, 2012
3:10 pm

AJ,

I think the Hawks will make the playoffs and lose in the first round.
If Josh goes out and averages 18, 10, and 3, and is the leading scorer in the playoffs, I can see another team offering him the 4 year max, which might force the Hawks to offer the 5 year max and overpay.

Hawks_4_Life

September 26th, 2012
3:21 pm

Guys are we having the fantasy b-ball this season?

tjhook

September 26th, 2012
3:30 pm

@CBNYC,

Thank you for resounding the words I have been spouting about Devin Harris. EXPERIENCE COUNTS! Devin Harris will take this team by the (talons?) and show that he is a true scoring and passing threat; just as importantly he is experienced enough to up the IQ of his teammates. He has played with Morrow, James, and Petro so he knows their strengths and weaknesses. Teague is still learning HIS OWN strengths and weaknesses.
I really want to see what kind of chemistry Harris and Smith have because I think everyone else can eat off the productivity that those two can create. All the shooters will get good looks on offense and Zaza will get a lot of drop off feeds around the basket. I have a question about how effective Horford can be with this group but when Big Al hustles he makes a lot of plays that people are not expecting. I really wish we’d acquired Harris before trading Joe but it is what it is. Joe’s money was too much and Devin has a chance to make our team worth following again.

tjhook

September 26th, 2012
3:30 pm

re-sounding*

Ken Strickland

September 26th, 2012
3:38 pm

OBRIEN-I don’t think Josh will force Ferry into offering a max contract. If Josh receives a max contract offer from another team, Ferry will let him know the Hawks won’t match it. That’s when Josh will agree to a sign and trade so that he can get a 5yr max contract. A sign and trade helps the other team unload a contract or 2 to offset the additional salary.

Ken Strickland

September 26th, 2012
3:51 pm

It won’t matter whether Teague or Harris starts at PG. We’ll be improved at the position no matter which one starts. I believe that any of the SG candidates will be an improvement over Hinrich and his 6.6PPG and diminished DEF ability.

Astro Joe

September 26th, 2012
3:55 pm

Strickland, the new CBA does not allow player to get a 5 year deal in a S&T. The reason a player agrees to an S&T now is because the team he wants to sign with doesn’t have the cap room to sign him at the desired salary.

OB, I’m not sure about that. I think several of Josh’s numbers come from a high usage… which may not be his role in Ferry’s design.

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. :lol:

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

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

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.

[...] 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.” [...]