Atlanta Hawks: Benson, Muhammad released
Vivlamore reporting.
The Hawks released forward/center Keith Benson and guard Isma’il Muhammad Thursday, trimming their training camp roster to 17 players.
Benson (6-foot-11, 230 pounds) was a second-round draft pick of the Hawks (48th overall) in 2011. After being waived by the Hawks, he signed a 10-day contract with the Warriors and appeared in three games. He also appeared in 20 games with Sioux Falls of the NBA Development League, where he averaged 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Benson had 10 points and two rebounds playing 10 minutes of Wednesday’s exhibition against the Spurs.
“I’ve been a lot more aggressive,” Benson told the AJC early in training camp. “I’ve worked on my overall game, my shooting, my defense. I think I’m stronger and am an improved player from last year.
“I came in for some workouts and they were impressed with my workouts. They liked what I did in summer league. I’m just trying to build on that.”
Muhammad (6-6, 228) played at W.D. Mohammed High and Georgia Tech in Atlanta. He has played professionally in Iceland, France, Saudi Arabia, Columbia, New Zealand and Venezuela.
Muhammad had one point and two assists in 12 minutes against the Spurs.
“They expect me to do what I have been doing the last few years – defend my butt off, play hard, play with energy, attack the glass and rebound and when I get the opportunity finish above the rim,” Muhammad said last week.
Coach Larry Drew said earlier this week he was not sure when the team would start trimming its roster. He has said that 19 players were too many to get into exhibition games. The team must trim its roster to 15 players by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.
- Chris Vivlamore
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150 comments Add your comment
glw
October 11th, 2012
5:29 pm
Not surprised by Muhammad but am shocked Benson was cut early. Guess LD doesn’t like him.
HoosierHawk
October 11th, 2012
5:29 pm
How did Squeaky make the cut after getting drained on at the end of the game, on a team with 3 starting quality PGs?
grimey
October 11th, 2012
5:33 pm
Benson> petro
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
5:38 pm
Uh OH, what a surprise on Benson’s release?
Well at least we got the other guy still in there….Yawn…
Point-forward
October 11th, 2012
5:39 pm
I really thought Benson had a legitimate shot at making the team with how he has been playing.
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
5:40 pm
Larry you should have cut Squeaky wheel!
Benson! Benson! Benson!
AG
October 11th, 2012
5:40 pm
I am not liking this at all. Benson played well in the Summer League. Benson gets his first action, scores 10 points and gets released! I look at Sqeaky, and his line looked horrible. I hate politics.
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
5:42 pm
Guess the new angle is: Josh is the last line of defense at the 4? Hmmmmmm
The other Guy can stand there and watch from the 5?
AG
October 11th, 2012
5:42 pm
Petro is the consensus terrible player. Next, I guess I will see Jeff Teague coming off the bench. Unlike my fellow bloggers who hate Al but continue to blog, if that happens – the Hawks can kiss my 10 game a season money away! I can’t understand how a kid in one game plays better than a guy who is making 3 million a year and is still on the team!
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
5:43 pm
Liquid Wrench could not help Squeakey’s game last night!
Lir(Dominican)
October 11th, 2012
5:47 pm
Slim everyone knows your simply an al H hater, your blaming horford cause someone else couldnt handle their guy. so Al have to, josh dont have simply cuz you have to blame horford.
steven a smith
October 11th, 2012
5:48 pm
keith Benson will play for someone in the NBA. He has better Basketball instincts than some of our other frontcourt “Bigs” Whomever made his decision will probably live to regret it. I would rather see them “Amnesty one of our starting frontcourt players”
MattP
October 11th, 2012
5:52 pm
Wow! Why would the release Benson when we need another center and his performance last night. Cardrell Johnson should not have made the first cuts because we already have 3 good PG and he showed nothing special. The only guess I have is that they are wanting to trade one of the PG. If that is not the reason this coach is brain dead.
The Truth
October 11th, 2012
5:54 pm
I can’t believe Benson was cut before C. Johnson. A good example of why some invites to LD camp are premeditated. Apparently Benson never had a fair chance. Didn’t actually see the Spurs game but his stats looked promising. Would like to know what didn’t he like about this prospect compared to Petro.
Like his rotation, LD already has his mind made up about his rotation plans and who will ride the pine regardless of how they play in preseason. The rooks will get the rooks treatment while the vets will play even if they sucks.
The Hawks were already a small team. They have just gotten smaller. LD is a one-dimensional coach who can’t see no further than how well his guards plays. He is idiot to Bigs and how they play. If Josh was on the draft board while LD was HC, he would’ve pass on him in favor of a subpar guard.
That is how he he row
BrazilianHawk
October 11th, 2012
5:56 pm
HORF is the one and only ALL-STAR hawk, something Josh “Birdbrain” Smith will likely never be if he keeps this awful jumper demonstration night in and night out. GO HAWKS!
BrazilianHawk
October 11th, 2012
5:58 pm
ON TOPIC: Releasing Kito while keeping a poor man’s JaCo is really an absurd. SMH
Brazilian wax
October 11th, 2012
6:03 pm
wax job
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
6:10 pm
What we might be seeing is the decision to go with just 1 backup C(Zaza), with IJohnson filling in as the 2nd backup C, based on the good job he did last yr. We could still see Petro cut or traded before the preseason ends, especially if his play doesn’t improve. With 17 players remaining on the roster, 2 more will have to be cut to reach the 15 man limit. Those 2 could end up being Petro and the camp invitee guard that’s still in camp.
We just cut 1 of our 3 tallest players(Petro, Zaza, Benson), with the possibility that our tallest player will eventually be cut(Petro). That would indicate we intend to be as much like the Miami Heat as far as size, speed, athleticism, and style of play, as much as we’ll be like the Spurs organizationally. With Tolliver, Scott, James, Johnson, Josh, and Horford we might not be as tall, but they’ve all proven to be better than average rebounders at their respective positions for their size and height.
brigadierjerry
October 11th, 2012
6:17 pm
ken,
what are ur overall impressions of ld as a coach?do u think he is better than woodson?
the truth ur post about ld i agree with. i dont think benson had a chance. ld likes guards and he likes offense
brigadierjerry
October 11th, 2012
6:18 pm
Enter your comments here
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
6:19 pm
One other thing. With the injury to DHarris, as well as his history of injuries, and him not being able to participate in preseason so far, along with the almost certainty that LWilliams will come off the bench, it looks like JTeague will once again be our starting PG, whether some of you like it or not. In fact, it doesn’t good for Harris’ chances to win the starting SG spot.
With Morrow not having a good preseason so far, and Korver not being a serious SG candidate, it looks more and more like Jenkins will have a better than expected chance to win the starting SG battle. Shooting and scoring wise, he has the potential to be better than the others. It should boil down to how well he improves and performs defensively. Right now, it looks like DStevenson is his only serious competition.
grimey
October 11th, 2012
6:22 pm
I agree with ken. Petro trade for a 2nd rd pick. Keep tolliver anderson james
brigadierjerry
October 11th, 2012
6:25 pm
will be rooting for james to make team.
i think benson will stick on another nba team
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
6:26 pm
BRIGADIERJERRY-I think LD is a better coach when it comes to OFF, and actually giving a damn about rookies and younger less experienced players. For the current young and less experienced Hawks team, Drew is definitely the better coach. For a veteran ladened team like the Knicks, with a couple of players that are capable of carrying a team using Woodson’s beloved ISO dominated OFF, Woodson is the better coach.
The Truth
October 11th, 2012
6:27 pm
“What we might be seeing is the decision to go with just 1 backup C(Zaza), with IJohnson filling in as the 2nd backup C, based on the good job he did last yr.” – Ken
Ken
With an 82 game season, LD will get no sympathy on this blog if they are hit with injuries to their frontline. If you think last year was a struggle after losing Horford for the season, imagine what will happen if something similar happen or worse.
They would be forced to bring in a stiff on multiple 10-day contracts and guard-happy-LD would be to blame for narrow-vision and poor planning.
ctrim
October 11th, 2012
6:30 pm
Like him but in the grand scheme of things he wasn’t going to make an impact anyway. Probably let him go early so he could have a chance to catch on somewhere else. Wish him luck but by no means am I upset. Still trust Danny.
Clarification
October 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
“Guess the new angle is: Josh is the last line of defense at the 4? Hmmmmmm”
“The other Guy can stand there and watch from the 5?”
—————————————————————————————-
Hawks preseason stats:
JSmith: 40:09 min – 1 blocked shot
AHorford: 36:09 min – 5 blocked shots
Standing and watching? Hmmmmm
brigadierjerry
October 11th, 2012
6:39 pm
ken,
good point about ld and offense. that is my problem with ld. he cares more about offense than he does about size and defense. i understand ur point with miami they go smal but they have wade and james. hawks dont have that and i am puzzled by cutting benson and making this team smaller when the hawks dont have great size to begin with. i am not saying benson is great but he can be worked on to improve
i wanted benson and james make the team and move the excess players out.
last year for the reg season with horford out, ld did good record wise but i had some problems with his substitutions. playoffs i was very disappointd with him in game.
i hate to say it but i want ld gone and i think danny ferrry will recognze it and make a change.
Roy Kittles
October 11th, 2012
6:55 pm
Didn’t see this one coming I thought benson actually had a chance. I really expected petro to get the ax.
glw
October 11th, 2012
7:04 pm
I just beleive he didnt have much of a chance either. LD mind was made up from the start. But D Ferry has been talking about player development. Sure I didnt see Benson playing much this year, but thought he was worth one of the 15 slots and at least let him play some D League this year. Where is the development stuff we talked about. But with Benson cut, definitely means Scott has made the team. And knowing Squeaky will be cut….who will be the final cut? Anderson, Tolliver, or James? my money is on Anderson. Petro wont be cut now, figure LD will keep a third center.
doc
October 11th, 2012
7:21 pm
somebody else is going to have to find this kg look alike in the weeds. also adds to the plethora of bigs drafted by my boy rick who never made the grade. problem was the philosophy thus far of the asg bdf was nothing ventured nothing gained. df changes the culture. hope they bite the bullet if someone comes available better than el gigante petro.
keep the best 14 and move on.
ntrigue
October 11th, 2012
7:28 pm
Wow…This is the worst move they have made under Ferry! Benson should be on the team no doubt! We have no other big man that can block shots besides Josh! Hopefully we can bring him back later but im sure someone will snatch him up. C Viv can you inquire why Benson was let go? Doesnt make any sense at all!
doc
October 11th, 2012
7:31 pm
clarification, i used to say this about a former loved one, “never let the truth stand i the way of a good story”. this is what these guys are doing, nothing objective at all, “just with their eyes” near the space containing a huge void as a processor it seems.
Runner-
October 11th, 2012
7:38 pm
WOW, at a loss for words, stupid decision
SB75
October 11th, 2012
8:13 pm
Didn’t get a chance to reply to the last one so I’ll reply here……
I do think Ferry’s plan is to pair Howard, Paul, and then re-sign Josh. However if Paul and Howard stay in LA all is not lost. You have Bynum and if he’s healthy Steph Curry you could sign and then resign Smith. I do think Curry is a better pg than Jeff, Steph won’t get max money so you may be able to make another move or 2. AL Jefferson’s name has been brought up a few times. I don’t think he is a terrible option, however I do have some concerns about his attitude. I have not heard anything, but big’s with his knid of talent don’t bounce around as much as he has in his young career
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
8:19 pm
Just to clarify, clarification..
How many did he have while he was dismantled in the paint during that 2nd quarter debacle? Hmmmm
Thought so….Enjoy the ride….
Yes you cant reason with the fan club sometimes…doctor….bar set low for so long…
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
8:21 pm
“just with their eyes” near the space containing a huge void as a processor it seems.”
two way street, perhaps….
gypsyjoe
October 11th, 2012
8:28 pm
Benson getting cut means Toliver and James make team. When Harris starts playing bye bye Squeky.
Clarification
October 11th, 2012
8:42 pm
“Just to clarify, clarification..”
“How many did he have while he was dismantled in the paint during that 2nd quarter debacle?” “Hmmmm”
—————————————————————————————————
The same number as Josh, who you said was the last line of defense.
E43
October 11th, 2012
8:47 pm
I dont think going after Chris Paul is worth it. He’s just another flashy guard used for marketing purposes and looking good in the playoffs but not good enough for a championship. Actually, when was the last Chris Paul, Derron Williams, Steve Nash, Derrick Rose, etc won a championship? Who were the point guards on the last 10 nba championship teams? I guarantee there arent that many flash MVP caliber pg’s. The hawks will need either a center, or a small forward to win it all.
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
8:59 pm
BRIGADIERJERRY-I guess money, not performance, was the deciding factor between Benson and Petro after all. Cutting Benson early like he did prevents any chance of him showing how much better he is than Petro. Woodson routinely pulled a simular stunt with Teague and Bibby.
Whenever Woodson gave Teague a chance to play, and he performed well, Woodson would follow that good performance up with a DNPCD everytime. Woodson didn’t want to give Teague a chance to show Bibby up, nor a chance to show him up for stubbornly insisting on playing an OFF and DEF liability like Bibby just because he was a veteran.
THE TRUTH-Injuries are a part of the gm, which we saw last yr with Horford, Zaza, Collins, and Hinrich. Each team is allowed to carry 3 inactive players in addition to a 12 man active roster. Depending on who gets injuried, we can utilize 1 of our 3 inactive players to replace the injured player.
Petro just might end up as 1 of our 3 inactive players. There’s no reason to believe we’d have to automatically sign a STIFF, as you put it, in order to replace an injured player if we already have an inactive player that plays the injured players position. LD has proven he can coach through injuries and adversity.
What he hasn’t proven is if he can coach a team with no superstar of star player or players, but one that’s very deep with comparable talent at almost every position. He’s gone from having only 1 capable PG(Teague)last yr to having 3 this yr(Teague, Harris, Williams). He’s also gone from having 2 quality PFs(Josh, Ivan) to having 4 this yr(Josh, Ivan, Tolliver, Scott).
He’s gone from having to start a backup center last yr to starting an Allstar, All NBA center this yr with last yrs starter as his primary backup. He’s gone from having an over the hill grossly under achieving SG(KHinrich) to having as many as 4 SGs(JJenkins, AMorrow, DStevenson, and LWilliams) capable of outperforming Hinrich or backup WGreen this yr.
He can’t just utilize or over utilize certain key players like he’s done in the past, like JJ, Bibby, Horford, Josh, Crawford. That old idea of sink or swim with the performance of 2 or 3 plays is no longer valid with this team. The core on this yrs team has been expanded and has suddenly become deeper and more talented. In the past, if JJ, Bibby, Jamal, or Flip were off, we just let them shoot us out of a win.
With the speed, quickness, athleticism, shooting and penetrating ability, as well as overall talent and versatility we now have with LWilliams, DHarris, AMorrow, KKorver, JJenkins, MScott, ATolliver, and DStevenson, that approach must be discarded.
Last yr we consistently utilized a 10 man rotation. Part of that was due to a condensed schedule, and part was because most of our veteran players could only play limited mins due to age and lack of stamina. That definitely won’t be an issue with this yrs team.
Clarification
October 11th, 2012
9:13 pm
Slimjr the evidence and attacks on Al horford has been so strong from you guys that I felt the only way to help Al was to attack josh.
If you want to discuss this further just email me sautee @ hotmail . com
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:13 pm
“The same number as Josh”
Thats all ya got? Keep hope alive fan club member…
Sorry to see Benson cut. Granted he did not play against their starters but something appeared to happen once he got his mins. The Spurs seemed to start taking more jumpers. I was rooting for him..
Hopefully he’ll get picked up by some other ball club and continue to improve his game…
Grandad
October 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
ctrim
Your comment concerning Benson was right on target.
This is not an I told you so, though it may seem.
However, I did state on at least 6 occasions [on this very blog]
that Benson would -not- make the team.
Most always qualified with I hope I`m wrong.
For those of you blaming LD for this,
you are ‘ off target ‘ as this is Danny Ferry`s call, pure and simple.
Mr Ferry is not going to let LD shape a roster, or, make the call
on a young kid when said kid would more likely outlast LD himself.
Simply put;
Benson didn`t have a contract … Mike Scott did.
That is where the line was drawn.
Petro was never in the dicussion due to contract.
Scott outshown Benson in SL.
Make no mistake;
this is Danny Ferry`s team – not LD`s !
Hail to the Chief !
Lir(Dominican)
October 11th, 2012
9:17 pm
Look guys. lay off Al horford. The hawks arent going any where so why does it matter to you if Al picks up a pay check.
I cant defend Al and Al cant defend the rim, the hawks arent going any where so what can we change the subject?
if you want to discuss this you can reach me at sautee @ hotmail .com
Clarification
October 11th, 2012
9:18 pm
Not really a fan of either. Mostly I’m interested in the gap between what people think, and the facts on the ground. Interesting territory. And no, I’m not Sautee. I’m interested in facts, not moralizing. Sorry, Sautee.
soullrenaissance
October 11th, 2012
9:19 pm
Coach ‘Listless Dunce’ is at it again. Benson showed up and showed out las tonight. This move could come back to haunt the team during the rigors of a full season. I was rooting for Is’mail Muhammad to make the team for sentimental reasons (homeboy from the home town.)
Grandad
October 11th, 2012
9:21 pm
Slimjr
* ..from previous blog.. *
I asked for your take on Josh last eve ?
Especially defense on the [backline] due to your evaluation of Al
and the inability of our guards to stop penetration.
Given that Josh is our real stopper on def;
I was wondering ?
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:24 pm
Once Devin heals up, you may see Teague [nimbers] reduced some what. Perhaps Larry pulls him quickly in the 1st quarters to get Lou revved up?
Its really not that important who starts games its who finishes….I expect Lou to get major mins going down the stretch perhaps as Larry continues to build his fascination with him..
I liked seeing Lou and Teague play together last night. Different look seeing to quick guards for the Hawks on the floor at the same time..
These 3 guards are going to give opponents fits night in and night out! It will be a joy to watch..
These bigs are going to have to step up their game. Hurry back Zaza!
Grandad
October 11th, 2012
9:33 pm
Benson was never going to be a rotation player.
Nor will he be for anyone else.
I don`t even know who Sqeaky is ?
Furthermore, I`ll be surprised if Tolliver makes the team.
This does not mean I`m pulling against him.
I do not think Ferry is goning to guarantee -any- contracts to -any- plyrs
who cannot be developed, or, have trade value.
We are sort of stuck with JP for the time being.
I really, really hope DJames makes the team plus gets the opportunity
to start, with the plan of being a lock-down defender !
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:38 pm
That 2nd quarter defensive lapse that created layup [dunk] city has a lot to do with coaching and lack of communication amongst the players and is indicative of an:
28-47 record against the Elites under Mr. Larry Drew’s tutelage..
46
Of course Allstar Al walks on water in that 3 lb mass sitting right behind the optic nerves for some of his fans, but we know its 5 people out there defending not the [one].
Larry will take Greyhound 1st, obviously.. The other guy just a matter of time…
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:52 pm
Like I told the [Legend] who probably never picked up a basketball in his life, to defend these incredibly gifted NBA guards and keep them in front of you without being allowed to hand check is next to impossible.. There in lies the delima, we have no shot blocker/ intimidating presence in the middle to erase that dribble penetration as some us watched in horror last night…
Yea bring up Ivan..Too short and how many mins will he play…
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
9:58 pm
and yes I was reaching for staws by putting out there that Josh at the 4 would be the last line of defense….hehehehehe
Knew you fan club members would eat that up…. lol
He said straw?
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
10:08 pm
SLIM JR-You are exactly like a scratched record that repeats the same BS over and over again in a very annoying way. Surely you have enough intelligence to recognize or focus on something other than Al Horford. Are you really that sick? Only a very child like mentality can repeatedly get any sort of pleasure or satisfaction out of repeating the same theme over and over.
If your goal is to get on everyones nerves, and drawing as much attention to yourself as possible, then you’ve succeeded. Otherwise, you appear to be far to limited intellectually and basketball wise to engage anyone in intelligent discussions that involve anything other than bashing Al Horford. What’s really sad is you don’t seem to be intelligent or cognizant enough to realize you’ve long since become a broken record.
ctrim
October 11th, 2012
10:09 pm
Watching a preseason game in horror. That’s funny right there, I don’t care who you are. The drama!
doc
October 11th, 2012
10:13 pm
28-47 record against the Elites under Mr. Larry Drew’s tutelage..
46
yawn, not sure it is fecal or vomit.
doc
October 11th, 2012
10:14 pm
yum, melissa starks.
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
10:18 pm
Hey KEN word of advice, use your scroll key..
That is all..
Rod from College Park
October 11th, 2012
10:23 pm
Keep it up Slim. Funny Stuff. LOL
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
10:24 pm
You have long since educated me in the use of that famous key..
Mission accomplished..
BTW doc has it become obvious to you who clarification maybe..Sautee’s debate buddy perhaps..lol
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
10:27 pm
You know it Rod..This guy thinks he’s above and beyond but it is a huge world out here.. hehehe
brigadierjerry
October 11th, 2012
10:30 pm
grandad,
i see u have 30 games for ld. r u assuming ld is going to be subpar after 30 games and get let go?
i am on record i want ld gone now. he just isnt a big time coach to me
lir(Dominican)
October 11th, 2012
10:39 pm
Hey slim use your own name to post, if you want to back up what your saying use other name.
Alex
October 11th, 2012
11:03 pm
The fact that we invited ol’ squeaky to camp to begin with is a joke. He is essentially the same type of PG as teague,lou,harris (in terms of quickness)…just shorter and not as talented. He doesn’t bring anything unique or beneficial to the team. Just cut the guy and get it over with. That picture of him getting shot over is hilarious.
Ken Strickland
October 11th, 2012
11:22 pm
SLIMJR-Good advice. It’s all my fault for holding out hope you might actually come up with something intelligent and/or different.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 11th, 2012
11:33 pm
I’m tired of LD and his favoritism.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 11th, 2012
11:35 pm
We will regret cutting Benson when we have to call Dampier in March.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 11th, 2012
11:41 pm
Benson and Scott were both second round picks. Scott was given a chance but Benson wasn’t.
Slimjr
October 11th, 2012
11:46 pm
Ken, your not at fault. I give you credit for hanging in there for 45 years supporting a franchise that has [fallin] short for almost half a century and then able to quantify that by evolving and becoming the ultimate apologist.
Somewhere somebody out of 7 billion souls may label that [insanity], intelligence be darn…
Point-forward
October 11th, 2012
11:57 pm
Simply put: All of us(I hope) are Hawks fans right?(that’s why we’re here). And Al Horford is a Hawk right? I understand if people are not satisfied with something that he’s done because all of us fans are entitled to do that, that’s why we’re here most of the time. But to just plain “hate” on him like a lot of y’all here is just annoying. I mean dude, seriously GTFOutta here.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
12:28 am
I wondering if LD would dare go defense in the starting line up and consider starting Stevenson and James together. Those two with a motivated Teague could be a great match up defensively in terms of intensity and effort. And then to have Ivan and Zaza always coming off the bench together (The Bruiser Brothers), you would always have hustle players on the court who brings a toughness to them.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
12:33 am
I’m
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 12th, 2012
12:34 am
Our frontline could not get it done for 4 years and now we are bring the same back plus Petro.
FIRE LD
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 12th, 2012
12:41 am
Horford = soft
Zaza = soft
Petro = extra soft
I hope we can outscore our opponents because defense will be a problem. Undersized guards and centers that are scared to block a shot is a bad combination.
Grandad
October 12th, 2012
12:52 am
Brig-Jerry
Mostly I`m just makin` a baseless prediction.
My thinking is DFerry will not put up with LD`s lack of discipline.
If LD continues with his manure of:
having a cast system amongst players,
allowing less than excellent performance and production,
and talking a good game, yet not backing it up.
These antics will not stand under Ferry`s scrutiny.
He will need for “his” players, those remaining and those acquired,
to begin their schooling immediately.
He cannot wait for next season to build his Culture !
Therefore; that`s why I came up with – 30 games.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
12:53 am
Guys, I have a question. I’m not saying I would or would not do this deal. However, I’m curious to see what people think. If Boston was for the deal, would any of you guys be for trading a young contract secured Al Horford and Morrow for an old 2 seasons left Kevin Garnett? Would a front court of Garnett and Josh change the perception and culture of Atlanta basketball? Would that be something to make a player like CP3 or even D12 take a long look at Atlanta again? Garnett is the one big aside from Dirk who has just as good of a touch from outside as Al does. Of course we know his injury history and his age. However, if Al was ever dealt, I’d rather take a chance on Garnett than to take a chance on Jefferson. (and I’m curious about Garnett, and not Gasol because of the vast difference in salaries). So, would you make the deal if offered as Atlanta’s GM?
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:09 am
“What we might be seeing is the decision to go with just 1 backup C(Zaza), with IJohnson filling in as the 2nd backup C, based on the good job he did last yr. We could still see Petro cut or traded before the preseason ends, especially if his play doesn’t improve. ”
I hope you are right. I can live with Ivan as the #3 center behind Zaza. As long as they don’t waste a roster spot on Petro, it’s all good.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:11 am
From what little I saw of James Anderson in the highlights of the Hawks-Spurs game, he doesn’t look big enough to play SF.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:17 am
From the previous blog (or the one before that, or something, hard to keep track nowadays)
“Najeh, do you think the Hawks should let Josh walk at the end of this season, tank next year and try to land Andrew Wiggins in the 2014 draft?”
In all honesty I don’t know who Andrew Wiggins is. But if they feel like CP3 and/or Dwight are not realistic free agent acquisitions (and let’s face it, Dwight is not realistic at this point) then the right move is to tank for a superstar, because it doesn’t look like another one will become available via trade or free agency any time soon. Ideally, I’d rather be able to keep some of the current talent around to serve as the supporting cast for whatever superstar joins this team eventually, but if that is not feasible then blowing it up is the right move. Ferry has positioned the Hawks to accomplish that, with a ton of salary coming off the books after this season.
I would have a problem with letting Josh walk for no compensation, though. Ideally he gets traded or sign-and-traded for something of value.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
1:20 am
My guess is a lot of opinions about the future of this team are going to be different, mine included, about six months from now. We can all speculate, but nobody really has any idea what this team can do. Maybe they finish as high as the 5 seed, like Zach Lowe thinks. Maybe they are a lottery team. Maybe they are somewhere in between. Suppose they finish as a 5 seed and have a chance to get CP3 and Harden in free agency while also keeping Josh, does that make them a title contender? On the other hand, suppose they finish deep enough in the lottery to where they can end up with a top 5 pick, would that justify keeping Josh as a complementary piece to a potential superstar that they can draft? Without knowing exactly how good this team is, it’s hard to come up with a real contingency plan.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:48 am
Good luck to Kito Benson. This Hawks roster did not present an opportunity due to the numbers game:
http://repatl.blogspot.com/2012/10/keep-working-kito-benson-you-will-stick.html
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:57 am
Wiggins is the only known draft prospect with superstar potential. He will either be available in the 2014 or 2015 draft, depending on his decision to reclassify in high school. Cody Zeller is the top prospect in the 2013 draft. Probably not gonna lead the Hawks to the promised land if things go bad this year.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:59 am
“From what little I saw of James Anderson in the highlights of the Hawks-Spurs game, he doesn’t look big enough to play SF.”
I will be shocked if anyone other than Anderson and Squeaky are the final two cuts. As Ferry promised, there is a roster spot for Mike Scott.
Ra'mon
October 12th, 2012
2:33 am
Buddy, Muhammed is the highest ranked superstar potential in the draft. He’s compared to Lebron, and humble.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
2:43 am
I looked up Andrew Wiggins and found out he was born in 1995. That dude couldn’t even talk when the Braves won the World Series and he is the next NBA superstar prospect. I feel old as sh-t…
PEDRO EL GITANO
October 12th, 2012
4:49 am
Error grave de la gerencia,Benson debería haber sido firmado,es mucho mejor que Petro.Esta noticia es una mierda.Si alguien dá a Benson los mismos minutos que los hawks le dan a Horford producirá más.Era el pivot de más calidad que teníamos.
ag
October 12th, 2012
7:58 am
Grandad, Scott played terrible in the Summer League. The first surprise to me was he was offered a contract. Maybe I agree with ctrim, they may have let him go in enough time to catch on with another team. If you look at Benson’s numbers in the Developmental league, they were pretty good.
I think he also had a good SL. I would have rather kept him. Honestly, I think in a couple of years we will regret this move – especially considered Petro is on this team.
vava74
October 12th, 2012
8:17 am
ag,
Benson put up decent numbers in the Summer League but his production went from good to so-so.
Scott put similar numbers and his production went from so-so to good.
I am fully against waiving Benson, but since Petro has a guaranteed spot, our roster needs more versatility and depth at the SF and PF slots.
Scott, being smallish PF with a shooter’s touch ends being more versatile than Benson since, in theory, he can contribute a few minutes at the SF slot.
vava74
October 12th, 2012
8:19 am
ag,
Scott only played poorly in the summer league from a shooting % point of view.
Now it seems that he got his shooting touch back. Heck, his 3 pointer against the Spurs looked like something which Paul Pierce would do (body language and shooting form included).
ag
October 12th, 2012
8:25 am
Point-forward, even though Ken and Slim Jr are at odds, and clearly Slim Jr is not a Al fan – nobody is worse than stephen a smith or the guy who keeps changing names and bashing al. I said it in another post if you are not a Hawk fan and “tired” or 47 years of being mediocre, there are blogs in LA, MIA and Boston to enjoy.
I like the blogs filled with subjective opionions, but to continue on and on it just plain stupid!.
V – again, I would like someone to ask a tough question.
“Clearly Benson outplayed Petro. Why after only ONE game would you cut that player”
O'Brien
October 12th, 2012
8:31 am
Speaking of Benson being released, Steven A said He has better Basketball instincts than some of our other frontcourt “Bigs”. I would rather see them “Amnesty one of our starting frontcourt players”.
That has confirmed to me that I need to scroll past Steven A’s posts from now on.
O'Brien
October 12th, 2012
8:41 am
Najeh,
But if they feel like CP3 and/or Dwight are not realistic free agent acquisitions (and let’s face it, Dwight is not realistic at this point) then the right move is to tank for a superstar, because it doesn’t look like another one will become available via trade or free agency any time soon..
Don’t you think fans will get tired of the losing/tanking, and ownership will lose revenue (plus no playoff appearances)? Also, having a top 5 pick does not guarantee a superstar. In last year’s draft alone, who do you think has the chance to be a superstar among the top 5 picks? Plus the Hawks could end up with the 4th worst record, only to end up with pick #7.
O'Brien
October 12th, 2012
8:47 am
ag,
V – again, I would like someone to ask a tough question.
“Clearly Benson outplayed Petro. Why after only ONE game would you cut that player”.
I think the answer is Petro’s contract is GUARANTEED at $3 mil, while Benson does not have a contract. If Benson and Petro were due to make the same salary, I think Petro would have been cut instead.
DS
October 12th, 2012
8:50 am
The only reason Petro stayed instead of Benson is that guaranteed contract…you can’t let $3MM just walk out the door.
Slimjr: are you a troll? Or do you really believe the stuff that you type?
vava74
October 12th, 2012
8:51 am
Heck, can’t Ferry convince Billy King to trade for Petro again?
I MUS WRITE
October 12th, 2012
8:59 am
Benson being cut is just a numbers game. We keep the god awful Petro for salary cap/trade reasons, If it was based on actual talent then I go with Benson but its clear that Ferry is looking for a trade. Cant believe he makes 3.5 mill a yr thats insane for a stiff like Petro _I would prefer a bruiser at C like Kyle Fresinco.
Sum people need to realize this is a blog and their opinions and beliefs are the only ones that matter. Let it go already….Not going to mention names becuz I dont feel like verbal sparring but the person accusing others of being annoying is probably the most annoying Mudda Fugga on this board. Insightful but annoying as fugg all the same.
Grandad what the hell are you talking about why are you referencing Jerry Sandusky? My god you creep me out sumtimes. “Get those kids away from grandiddy yall know he got issues”
I MUS WRITE
October 12th, 2012
9:09 am
Naje Davenpoop -I feel u bro,I was partyn my azz of in 95 lol.. tweeked my knee about 10 days ago hoop’n at La Fitness. 10 yrs ago im ready to go the next day. Present time im wearing a knee brace drinking coffee watching Sports Center….Age catches up to us all, but I will say im still competitive for a baller in my late 30’s these yungs are all flash and no substance. Basics & Fundementals are things of the past.
I MUS WRITE
October 12th, 2012
9:09 am
ARE”NT
MsDee
October 12th, 2012
9:12 am
I MUS WRITE,
Surprise u havent recognized that’s one of the trolls using Grandad’s handle. If u follow the blog often, u can see the difference in Grandad’s posts, and the Jerry Sandusky post.
John
October 12th, 2012
9:18 am
Of all the fringe guys, I think James can be the biggest help and could start at SF with how thin we are at the position. I was excited when we drafted him a few years ago.
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
9:38 am
The cutting of Benson means that none of the summer camp invitees (exclduing June’s draft picks) will make the team. And to think that some around here were suggesting that some of those undrafted guys would become rotational players for the Hawks.
Tolliver and James are fighting for the last roster spot… and I expect Mike Scott will head to the D League when that season starts.
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2012
9:40 am
SLIMJR-You should also give yourself credit for continuing to showup on these same Atlanta Hawks blogs along with me day in and day out, week in and week out, yr in and yr out, even though you’re a Knicks fan. In fact, the Hawks and Hawks blogs are so important to you that you feel compelled to post under various names to try and hide the shame you obviously feel as a result of your basketball knowledge being too limited to expand your comments and contributions beyond anything that’s not directly related to bashing Al Horford.
To be so limited and one dimensional in your thought process, it must feel like spending the rest of your life confined to a small prison cell, intellectually. ENJOY YOUR SILLY JUVENILE GAMES SLIMJR, BECAUSE IT DOESN’T APPEAR YOU’RE CAPABLE OF ANYTHING ELSE.
ag
October 12th, 2012
10:02 am
I MUS WRITE – Yes someone with nothing better to do trolls grandad.
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
10:04 am
and this guy thinks he’s original.. Poor guy…
Scroll, scrooge…
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
10:15 am
James has potential to stick.. Nice size with a smooth delivery. I actually saw this dude attempt a finger roll in the paint. How often do you see that from a Hawks big?
Grandad, my focus was on the AllStar clogging the middle on defense..Josh and the other 3 were also having issues defending..OKay..
Ken, if it makes you feel [Superior] by attacking others personally then I would suggest you take your intelligence and shove it where the sun never shines and seek professional help..
Never too late ole man…
scroll, scrooge
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
10:19 am
DS
October 12th, 2012
8:50 am
“The only reason Petro stayed instead of Benson is that guaranteed contract…you can’t let $3MM just walk out the door.
Slimjr: are you a troll? Or do you really believe the stuff that you type?”
News Flash Genius: I did not type that. Maybe your buddy Ken did?
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2012
10:27 am
ASTRO JOE-You could be right about Scott heading to the D-League. But you have to consider the obvious simularities between Scott and Tolliver. They’re about the same height and size, strong, known for being strong aggressive rebounders for their size, and both are good long range shooters. Before training camp officially started Ferry went on record as saying Scott would make the team.
So, if he continues to shoot well, rebound, and play decent DEF, he could end up causing Tolliver to be the odd man out. Ferry might like the upside and simularities he sees in Scott more than the finished product he sees in Tolliver. Just a thought. With the release of Benson, it appears rather obvious that Ferry and LD aren’t as concerned or obsessed with size and/or height as some of you obviously are.
Rather than having 1 or 2 players carrying the team, especially on OFF, the new order will rely on speed, quickness, athleticism and depth, to get the job done. The impact of having Teague, Harris and Williams in our backcourt rotation will be the biggest factor in the teams success this yr. Unlike in the past, our perimeter OFF and DEF will be solid, varied, and will apply none stop pressure.
If you add the long range shooting prowess of Korver, Jenkins and Morrow to the quick, fast, penetrating ability of Teague, Harris and Williams, we’ll be able to spread, shoot over, and/or breakdown anyones DEF. In the closing mins of a gm, with a lineup of Korver-SF, Williams-PG, JJenkins-SG, Horford-C, and Josh-PF, who can you afford to double team or leave open?
With the gm on the line and only time for 1 shot, what do you think of a finishing lineup of shooters like Korver, Morrow, Jenkins, Williams, and Horford, or Scott, or Tolliver? The best shooting lineup we could have come up with last yr would have been JJ, Pargo, Green, Horford, Marvin or VRad.
Before the season is over, we’ll see that DJames, who seems to be the clear front runner in the SF battle, will provide better rebounding and assists, just as much DEF and scoring, and far more consistency than we got from Marvin. LWilliams, in his hybrid role as SG/PG, will replace most of the OFF impact that we got from JJ, and he’ll do it coming off the bench. Whoever starts at SG will definitely give us more than we got from KHinrich. This yrs team will end up being better.
ag
October 12th, 2012
10:36 am
Again, with only two games in the book (preseason) – will Korver or Morrow actually fit it? If Stevenson and James are getting starters minutes, Harris and Lou coming off the bench, Korver or Morrow will be tied to the bench.
northcyde
October 12th, 2012
10:39 am
FTPB
Astro Joe
October 11th, 2012
2:59 pm
OB, you could always keep the cap space for the following summer (and maybe there is a legit star available then).
This whole notion that everything ran through Joe is crap. The Hawks generally have 5-6 guys who averaged 10+ points and most of Joe’s era, he had at least one other player who was a “designated chucker”, rather that was Flip or Jamal. Acting like the playbook was full of various “Joe plays” is laughable… because if it were true, JC1 wouldnot have been SMOY as few seasons ago and guys like Josh and Al would not have watched their FGAs steadily increase over the past 4-5 seasons. Joe was the “default” option but he never was the same high volume shooter as guys like Melo, Kobe, Lebron, Wade or even a Monta Ellis.
Lastly, when Teague wanted to exercise his natural scoring abilities, I don’t recall Joe being the captain that suggested that he get back in line and focus on his teammates.
*************************
LOL . . . glad someone told the truth in that last thread.
vava74
October 12th, 2012
10:40 am
ag,
Korver will get minutes, at least until he is traded.
I see Morrow as not having too much space to contribute until Korver is dealt (which for me is a fact).
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2012
10:41 am
SLIMJR-You make everyone feel superior to you, as do others like you, with your sickening nonstop Horford bashing BS. Why don’t you try doing a little scrolling yourself and bypass all of the Horford bashing BS that seems to be clogging your brain and common sense. You’ve certainly demonstrated a sharp witt, humor, intelligent presentation, but too little intelligent information.
There’s just so many ways anyone can present the same narrowminded BS over and over, even when you use multiple names. I don’t dislike you, because if I did I’d really scroll you. Come on man, join the group and start engaging in some serious discussions about the Hawks and all of its potential players. TRY IT YOU LIKE IT, I PROMISE.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
10:42 am
“So, if he continues to shoot well, rebound, and play decent DEF, he could end up causing Tolliver to be the odd man out.”
Ken S., when exactly to Scott play defense. He guarded Josh Powell, whom multiple executives said two seasons ago was the worst player in the NBA. Powell shout 6-for-7 and the Hawks were outscored by 17 points while Powell was on the floor.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
10:43 am
shot*
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
10:44 am
Strickland, NBA teams have more than 10 players, which means by default that some players on the team are going to be third string players. It is unreasonable to expect a head coach to play 11+ players consistent minutes in virtually every game. Most 2nd round picks are not ready to contribute to a playoff team in their rookie season. There is so much to process both on and off the court. My guess is that James and Tolliver are more ready to contribute in the coming season than Scott. The question becomes is being a 3rd string player deep on the bench better (while getting NBA-caliber practices) than playing in the D league? But IMO, any expectations that he will crack the top 10 players on this squad are fairly unrealistic in his rookie season.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
10:44 am
When exactly DID Scott play defense… Powell SHOT 6-for-7 with Scott guarding him… wow I need caffeine.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
10:48 am
“With the release of Benson, it appears rather obvious that Ferry and LD aren’t as concerned or obsessed with size and/or height as some of you obviously are.”
It’s not size that we’re concerned with, it’s defense. Benson is 6-10, athletic, has a good feel for the game and good shot blocking instincts. That is RARE. 6-8 guys who can shoot but can’t even guard Josh Powell are a dime a dozen.
Just Joe
October 12th, 2012
10:55 am
I don’t think Tolliver or Anderson make the team (unless there’s a trade). I expect Ferry to go with 14, not 15. A lot of teams usually go this route to allow for short-term contracts and trade flexibility.
Teague, Harris, LouWill (slashers)
Jenkins, Morrow, Korver (shooters)
Stevenson, James (defenders)
Smith, Ivan, Scott, Horford, Pachulia, Petro (bigs)
In an ideal world, Ferry finds us a 2-for-1 trade where we send Morrow & Petro out for some frontcourt depth.
Morrow’s skills are repetitive. Jenkins/Stevenson and Korver/James gives you one “shooter” & one “defender” for each wing spot. That’s enough. 3 “slashers”, 2 “shooters”, and 2 “defenders” should cover the guard & wing spots. Our “active” 12-man just needs a 5th big that’s better than Scott & Petro.
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
10:55 am
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 12th, 2012
12:41 am
Horford = soft
Zaza = soft
Petro = extra soft
“I hope we can outscore our opponents because defense will be a problem. Undersized guards and centers that are scared to block a shot is a bad combination.”
Clyde I’m afraid you may have hit the nail on the coffin..
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
11:01 am
Hey Genius, I’ll say it again till you get it through your 64 year old skull.
Scroll Scrooge
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
11:13 am
To constantly compare the Hawks lack of size to Miami’s as an avenue of success shows lack of basketball knowledge at its core…But what else is news..
Just cause you write books does not mean your an expert..Just an opinion…
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
11:17 am
Miami has two [super stars] and one [allstar].. And all three can defend with the best..Don’t me started on their offensive capabilities with has been documented on film..
What do the Hawks present???? Crickets…..Pen drop…. Whistling Dixie……
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
11:18 am
[which]
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
11:21 am
let me help you out: Class in session
clarification= TS
lir dominican=TS
and on and on and on….Got it Grasshopper?
Class dismissed..
lir(Dominican)
October 12th, 2012
11:29 am
you got me slim I’m ts. You dumb a$$, even my name says I’m dominican, horfor is dominican I root for him. I don’t know who is TS I know you use my name when you don’t have anything to say to defend what your talkin. Facts are facts doesn’t matter how many times you try.
Slimjr
October 12th, 2012
11:41 am
You guys are more entertaining then the Hawks! LMAO!!! ^^^^^^^
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2012
11:54 am
There will be a lot of IFs involved with this yrs teams, but that’s been the case for this team over the last few yrs.
1-Starting Teague was considered a big if(Now some want him demoted or traded),
2-Acquiring JCrawford was considered a big if,
3-Letting him go was considered a big if as well(Some are still whinning and crying over it).
4-Hiring LDrew was considered a big if(There are still concerns on that matter)
5-Extending his contract was a big if as well(See #4)
6-Hiring former GM RSund was considered a big if(and it turned out to be a fact)
7-Some even considered hiring DFerry a big if(Happy as hell it actually happened)
8-And we all know that some felt trading JJ and Marvin was a big if
I think we definitely lost something by trading Marvin and JJ. However, what we gained in return, along with what we acquired separately, more than makes up for their loss, although in entirely different ways. With JJ and Marvin, we simply couldn’t or wouldn’t run, so we became a walk it up halfcourt team that lived or died by the jumpshot, even though we had very few consistent jumpshooters.
We now have the quick, fast, and athletic shooters and penetrators that allows us to effectively run like hell as well as play a very versatile halfcourt style that allows us to shoot over our breakdown anybody’s DEF. JJ allowed us to create matchup advantages with his size and height. Now we’ll create matchup advantages by using the speed, quickness, and one step off the dribble penetrating abilities of Teague, Harris and Williams.
Unlike JJ, no player on this yrs team will be reluctant to pass out of double teams, and we now have the shooters to make teams pay for double teaming. Adding DJames, JScott, and/or Tolliver, along with the return of AHorford, definitely increases our rebounding, inside and outside scoring ability.
MsDee
October 12th, 2012
12:06 pm
Not liking Kobe’s comments and attitude concerning past teammates..He may be a great player BUT his personalty STINKS!!
I know many say that Dwight is a lock-in there in LA, but im not too sure. Just not feeling the love connection there. Yes, it’s only preseason but just dont see it. Kobe is already hurt (not 100%), Dwight still playing it safe and Nash is…well, old..With Dwight being a silly BIG kid, he wont be able to truly be himself there cause the Lakers expects seriousness and professionalism AT ALL TIME. Can Dwight stay silly-free all season? Can he handle Shaq’s constant bashing ALL SEASON LONG? Will he be able to stay focus and not allow the pressure of being the 3rd best center in a Lakers uniform? We shall see..
MsDee
October 12th, 2012
12:09 pm
Will he be able to stay focus and not allow the pressure of being the 3rd best center in a Lakers uniform? Well just ask Bynum
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
12:23 pm
“Zaza = soft”
A guy who backs down from nobody and headbutts fools who try to get up in his koolaid… definitely charmin soft.
Pick and Roll
October 12th, 2012
12:39 pm
[...] dezembro. – O Mavs ainda não tem previsão para o retorno do ala-pivô Brandan Wright. – O Hawks dispensou dois jogadores, o ala-pivô Keith Benson e o armador Ismail Muhammad. – O Blazers ainda não sabe se vai renovar [...]
northcyde
October 12th, 2012
12:55 pm
LOL @ JJ didn’t pass out of double teams. What Hawks team do some of ya’ll watch?
Some of you talk like JJ jacked up 20+ shots a game and was a black hole. That’s all JJ did when he was doubled . . . pass the ball. The whole point of doubling JJ is to get the ball out of his hands. And when that happens, who usually gets the ball?
I give you 3 guesses
- he had the highest usage % on the team last year
- he had the most shot attempts on the team last year
- and he took the most shots from 16 – 23 feet last year
northcyde
October 12th, 2012
12:57 pm
And the other question is this . . . who deserves to be double teamed on the Hawks? If we’re not upping Horford’s touches in the post, why should a team double team anybody?
ag
October 12th, 2012
12:57 pm
KS – You actually defended hiring LD. Most of us were more in favor of getting rid of Woody – but we did so at the expense of getting LD. Sund put the final dagger by signing Drew to another 1 year deal. Jerry Sloan is not getting any younger. Would have loved him coaching here – or Avery Johnson or even Byron Scott.
ag
October 12th, 2012
1:05 pm
nc – I think Lou will draw a lot of double teams. I am sure he will be on the court at the end of games. Even thought JT0 is one of my favorite Hawks, because he struggles with his jumper, having Lou at PG to finish is not a bad thing.
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
1:31 pm
northcyde, my thoughts exactly… this may be the least dobble-teamed team in the league with this set of players. And the issue with passing out of a double team is that the other 4 players (especially the one without a defender guarding him) need to move and be in position to receive a pass. Once Childress left, no one else seem to understand that they are allowed to move without the ball in their hands.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
1:33 pm
“What Hawks team do some of ya’ll watch?”
I watched the game where Joe kept passing it to Josh with three seconds left on the clock because he dribbled for 18 seconds and couldn’t get open.
DS
October 12th, 2012
1:47 pm
slimjr: I was asking in reference to your ongoing bashing on Horford. It really seems like you are just spewing infactual information about Horford just to “troll.” Am I wrong? It really doesn’t make sense for someone who is not even a Hawks fan to come on a Hawks blog with the sole purpose of criticizing our most accomplished player.
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
1:49 pm
Buddy, Josh being “forced” to take jumpers with a second left on the shot clock is as much of a myth as Josh deciding to lead the fast break because he didn’t think Bibby or hinrich could do it effectively. Or as much of a myth as teague’s defense on Derrick Rose in that playoff series… or Twin’s defense on Howard in that playoff series. Cute stories, but all myths.
hawksfancents95
October 12th, 2012
2:07 pm
i dont like cutting benson. he is a big we can keep in the bullpen after last seasons fiasco. we all know petro or morrow are getting traded at some point and we needed keith to keep us well adapted with big men.
Derek fisher is still available and I think he would be a super improvemnet to our team even if he doesnt play much, he will bring leadership and some rings for us to look at and admire, devin harris is no shoe-in for being healthy all season and we have no backup pg if jeff,lou, or devin gets hurt and derek could still be productive for vet min.
LD- I really am disliking his introverted macho persona that he has where he portrays being calm but assertive, I think he just got incredibly lucky with his timing of becoming the hawks head coach with asg wanting to still be cheap and he slid back door on coach woodson. I think he will be done after this season regardless of his record, if we usher in a new coach that has a very credible past and can get in two-three key free agent signings we will be a great new look organization that is truly striding for a championship.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
2:17 pm
“Don’t you think fans will get tired of the losing/tanking, and ownership will lose revenue (plus no playoff appearances)? Also, having a top 5 pick does not guarantee a superstar. In last year’s draft alone, who do you think has the chance to be a superstar among the top 5 picks? Plus the Hawks could end up with the 4th worst record, only to end up with pick #7.”
I think fans are tired of not winning championships already, and that is shown in the lackluster attendance numbers. Ownership will lose revenue in the short term, but if they are in this for the long haul, they should know that becoming a true contender is the way to ultimately become profitable, and acquiring a superstar is the way to become a true contender.
You are right that having a top 5 pick doesn’t guarantee a superstar, but not having a top 5 pick means they have to find a superstar in free agency or via trade. Unless CP3 or Dwight is coming here, I don’t see a superstar that they can rely on to come to ATL from another team in the near future.
Regarding attendance, though, who knows… maybe this year’s team becomes one of the most exciting Hawks teams of the last 20 years and attendance actually rises. Like I said earlier, what happens with the Hawks this year will dramatically change the outlook of this team going forward.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 12th, 2012
2:19 pm
“who deserves to be double teamed on the Hawks?”
I don’t know about “deserves”, but Josh regularly got doubled last year when he posted up, and as Zach Lowe pointed out in his NBA preview, Josh finds open teammates out of double teams about as well as any big man in the league.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
2:24 pm
Astro Joe stop, next you’re going to say there’s no Santa.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
2:31 pm
So Najeh, you don’t think Harden has star potential? I know he was terrible in the finals, but he’s also overshadowed by two of his teammates. I’d rather have Harden in his prime on a max contract for significantly less than what the Hawks gave Joe.
So after this season, offer Harden the max, re-sign Josh to a sub-max deal, make Lou the starting point guard, match any reasonable offer on Teague and dangle him as trade bait to reinforce the small forward position. Harden is enough of a distributor that it won’t matter that Lou as our primary point guard is not a classic distributor. They both pass well enough.
Buddy Grizzard
October 12th, 2012
2:32 pm
Oh and match any reasonable offer on Ivan as well, plus offer Zaza a 2-year deal at a flat $5m per.
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
2:33 pm
I just get annoyed with posts that almost suggest that iso-Joe was the Hawks only play… while also seeing posts suggesting that Horford takes too many mid-range shots (would he be taking so many if every play was iso Joe), that Josh is terrific passing out of double teams (would he have the ball in the post if every play were iso Joe) and three back-up SGs have had career years playing with Joe (Flip, JC1 & Willie Green), how would that be possible if they weren’t on the floor with him watching him play iso ball every time down the floor. Oh yeah, throw in comments about Zaza and his bad hands (which, again, wouldn’t be evident in a virtually exclusive iso offense) and you have all of the makings of an urban myth. And BTW, other than the half when he opted not to shoot, did Teague take any non-fast break shots last year when Joe was on the floor? How could that be possible if every half court play was iso Joe?
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
2:36 pm
Buddy, is Harden overshadowed by Durant and Westbrook or is a goodly portion of his success enabled by Durant and Westbrook. My guess, opposing teams spend far less time planning to defend Harden than they do Durant and Westbrook. That is my concern with paying him a max deal. I would only do it if I knew I had room to add 2 more comparably gifted players… essentially upgrade the “ensemble cast”.
doc
October 12th, 2012
2:47 pm
ok slimj my friendly faux atl fan, how many true “cloggers” are there in the nba, right now? please list them so i know and everyone else knows what your expectations are for a clogger. cloggers look like clydesdales in today’s nba or twin collins at its worst.
this is a different era. no patrick’s or shaq’s out there except dwight as bynum is only showing promise now in philly hasnt exactly made his mark yet. he may be struggling physically again. just a reach to expect it.
also, okc is wondering what to do with the now defunct 8 mil a year clogger they got from boston.
i’ll list chandler as a clogger as a difference maker but you know i cant go much further. no to noah, an active 5 with more limitations than al h in overall game but certainly not a clogger.
Astro Joe
October 12th, 2012
2:51 pm
doc, I understand prune juice does wonders if you are clogged.
Ken Strickland
October 12th, 2012
2:54 pm
AG-I did defend the hiring of LDrew, and my support was based on the criteria that was put forth by management. They said they wanted to create as little disruption and player adjustment as possible. I never said LD was the best HC candidate available. I was also a very big supporter of us hiring the Bulls current HC, as well as DCasey.
What’s the big deal about having or not having a player that demands a double team? Both Josh and AL have commanded double teams, and that was with JJ. Any player that is performing well enough in a gm that one defender can’t contain him is a candidate for a double team.
When you have 3 or more players that are quick, fast, and athletic enough to take defenders off the dribble with just one quick step, and you know that at least 2 of them will be on the floor, there’s no need for a double team to get them open or to the basket. The only double team that matters with these players is when the DEF is forced to collapse, or a help defender has to leave his man to provide help.
Some of you are simply too stuck on this one dimensional approach to how you think basketball should be played. You think a player has to have some kind of INNER DOG, or be a BANGER IN THE POST, of BE MORE VOCAL, or POST UP INSTEAD OF SHOOTING ACCURATE JUMPERS, or be TALLER, BIGGER, AND STRONGER, or anal minded crap like how high he JUMPS WHEN HE SHOOTS, ETC.
ctrim
October 12th, 2012
3:05 pm
Nash Amare Joe = Durant Westbrook Harden.