Atlanta Hawks: Rookies getting noticed
Vivlamore reporting. The Hawks are off today. Here is my story on rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott that will appear in Saturday’s print edition of the AJC.
John Jenkins and Mike Scott are on the verge of doing something two Hawks picks haven’t done in four previous drafts.
Make the team.
Consider the team’s recent history:
* 2011 – Keith Benson
* 2010 – Damion James (traded) and Pape Sy
* 2009 – Jeff Teague and Sergiy Gladyr
* 2008 – No picks
Of that group, only Teague made the team in his draft year. You have to go back to 2007 when Al Horford and Acie Law were kept on the roster as rookies.
Coach Larry Drew said Jenkins and Scott possess an NBA skill set. While the two are still learning the speed of the professional game, they will, in all likelihood, be contributors off the Hawks bench this season.
First-round draft pick John Jenkins works on his 3-point shot during a recent Hawks practice. BOB ANDRES BANDRES@AJC.COM
Jenkins, the team’s first-round pick (No. 23 overall) was considered one of the nation’s best shooters in this year’s draft out of Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-6 guard led the SEC in scoring each of the past two seasons. He tied for 16th in the nation with a 19.9 points per game average and tied for 10th by shooting 43.9 percent from 3-point range last year.
“I can see he’s doing a lot of thinking,” Drew said during training camp. “When you do too much thinking it takes away a little bit from your instinctive moves. Right now, he’s learning. He’ll continue to learn. Once he gets comfortable with everything, I’ll see a better flow with him. John can shoot the basketball. He’s, right now, at this level trying to learn a whole new system which he is not accustomed to. I expected that.”
Jenkins has appeared in three of the Hawks’ five exhibition games this season. He sat out Thursday’s game against the Hornets with a left hand contusion. While on the court, Jenkins has made 5 of 13 field-goal attempts, including 3 of 7 from 3-point range. His total of 13 points is an average of 4.3 per game.
Jenkins, the Hawks’ leading scorer in summer league play with 15.6 points, said the pace of NBA play has been his greatest adjustment during training camp and the exhibition season. He has not had an issue getting his shot attempts.
“I’m not used to having open shots,” Jenkins said. “I had an open shot every time I touched the ball against the Spurs (his exhibition debut). That’s way different for me. Adjusting to that has been a good adjustment rather than a bad one. In college, I was getting double-teamed so much. When I came out here, everybody is so good that you can’t do that. There is a lot more space.”
Scott, a second-round pick (No. 43), said he has adapted well offensively, but learning the defensive principles has given him the most problems.
Scott, who came out of Virginia 21st in the nation with a .563 field-goal percentage, has appeared in four exhibition games. The 6-8 forward has made 11 of 28 field-goal attempts. His total of 28 point is a 7.0 per game average. Scott is also averaging 3.5 rebounds per game.
Second-round draft pick Mike Scott shoots free throws during a recent practice. BOB ANDRES BANDRES@AJC.COM
“I was nervous when it first started out, excited and nervous,” Scott said. “I’m just trying to learn. Learn from the vets, Al (Horford), Josh (Smith), Anthony Tolliver, those guys who play my position. I think each day I’m getting better and better but I still have a lot more to go.”
Scott hit a clutch 3-pointer against the Spurs in his debut Oct. 10. The shot, part of his 11 points and seven straight, tied the game with four seconds remaining before the Spurs won at the buzzer.
Drew said he designed the play to put the rookie in a pressure situation.
The play was not completely new to Scott. It was in the Virginia playbook – stolen from the Timberwolves as a set for Kevin Love – although never run during a game. Scott said he received a call from Virginia coach Tony Bennett who immediately noticed the play and joked that Drew was stealing his plays.
“It was probably one of the biggest shots I’ve ever taken, even though it was a preseason game,” Scott said. “For him to call that play for me shows he has a lot of confidence in me at that time. If I make it, I make it as long as I don’t shy away from it.”
- Chris Vivlamore
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* Harris could make debut Tuesday
* Hawks report: More defense, tweets
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134 comments Add your comment
Mickey Facyz
October 19th, 2012
9:20 pm
16. Atlanta Hawks: 60/1 (Wins $6000 on a $100 bet
Not much has changed. Still a middle of the pact team.
BravesFan79
October 19th, 2012
9:23 pm
Yall are morons saying to trade Morrow, or saying hes not starter worthy. Dude can light it up from midrange, long range, play some defense, and is one of the top 3 pt shooters in the league! Start Morror at SF! GT fan for life baby..
Buddy Grizzard
October 19th, 2012
9:40 pm
“The Jenkins pick looks worse and worse everyday. The guy can shoot, but so can Morrow, Korver, Lou and Stevenson. We still need a SF, and a center, that wants to be a center.”
Agree 100%. If we could re-do the draft right now I would still take PJIII or Festus Ezeli.
“Shoot the J! Shoot it!” -Dave Chappell-
Never gets old, Slimjr.
Ken Strickland
October 19th, 2012
9:41 pm
RA’MON-Harris has been a starter almost 3 times as many seasons as Teague has been in the NBA. With last yr being Teague’s 1st yr as a starter, he out produced Harris across the board.
HARRIS/TEAGUE-PPG 11.3/12.6, FG% 44.1/47.6, APG 5/4.9, RPG 2/2.4, BPG 0.2/0.6, SPG 1.0/1.6.
If you make your assessment based of facts or reality, you’d have to say that it’s Teague who’s the better OFF player. And if you can look at the numbers and consider Teague’s DEF average, then what does that say about Harris’ DEF? Regardless of how you personally choose to view Teague’s OFF and DEF, the facts show that last yr he proved to be the better player of the 2.
Teague also has far more upside, and at this point he doesn’t appear to be as prone to injuries as Harris. I really like both players, but Teague appears to be the better long term investment when it comes to resigning.
O'Brien
October 19th, 2012
10:15 pm
Ra’mon,
I agree that Teague has not been as consistent as I would like. But he has been a starter for only one season, and did not get much PT the previous 2 years. Therefore, I am not ready to make judgments on what kind of player he will be.
Also, don’t underestimate the effect of coaching. Doc Rivers worked wonders for Rondo. I wonder how Rondo would have looked playing for Woody and LD.
Astro Joe
October 19th, 2012
10:25 pm
OB, considering that Rondo’s rookie season the Celtics were a bottom 3 lottery team, he probably would have looked a lot like Josh Smith had he been coached by Woody or LD.
Melvin
October 19th, 2012
10:59 pm
PJ3 is averaging 13 pts while shooting 64% from the field thru his 1st three preseason games….
doc
October 19th, 2012
11:09 pm
a little peice on the beloved jc1:
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/jamal-crawford-only-started-practicing-shooting-232948543–nba.html
dont know to laugh or cry at the guy. last line is the best. this also clarifies why he probably hasnt stuck with a team for very long. he just didnt get it.
waltbellamy
October 19th, 2012
11:43 pm
doc
October 19th, 2012
11:09 pm
a little peice on the beloved jc1:
…
I assume that means Jamal spent all of his time every previous offseason working diligently day and night on his defense.
kwooden1
October 19th, 2012
11:49 pm
As I remember the knock on PJ3 was the possible bad knee and a low motor/attitude. From the rest of what I read, he wasn’t going to be ready to play so I preferred Jeff Taylor. Doesn’t look like Jeff’s going to get any real team for the Bobcats, so I was probably a little off in my assessment. Either way though, we needed a SF and we picked a non-athletic SG. Jenkins is clearly a great shooter, but he’s still learning how to get his shot off at this level and he’s also got to find away to make-up for his lack of quickness and leaping ability. I just don’t see him helping out this year, but hopefully I’m wrong.
doc
October 19th, 2012
11:49 pm
bells, huge leap of faith there bro.
waltbellamy
October 20th, 2012
12:03 am
doc,
Call me an optimist or a fool. Guilty on both counts.
That post was for the folks who are still rooting for the return of the no conscience gunner. Anyone? Anyone? … ts?
Sorry for stirring that pot.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 20th, 2012
1:38 am
“Still a middle of the pact team.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcoB6i5bFzk
Ra'mon
October 20th, 2012
1:49 am
KenS and O’B, I’m actually thinking having Teague as the 6th man would HELP him more than starting him. If that was the case, he’d have free reigns to come in and do whatever he desires to do and not have to worry about facilitate for anyone else or deferring. I think Teague WANTS to be more of a Jason Terry type player. I look at Harris as the type of player who doesn’t tell the entire story in stats. The way I see it, Harris lead a Jazz team with only one other high level player and a streaky rookie into the playoffs in the WEST. Teague is not being demoted. If anything he’s being liberated.
Ra'mon
October 20th, 2012
1:54 am
Truthfully, either combination you use of Teague, Harris, and Williams, it won’t be a great drop off from any other combination long term.
Hawks Blog Legend Worldwide Clyde
October 20th, 2012
2:56 am
Hawks didn’t draft Chris Paul because of injury issues.
ag
October 20th, 2012
6:14 am
Planning on going to the game tonight also. I would like to see Jenkins get some extended playing time and maybe a start. I wish he would start with Teague to see – but JT0 may not play because of the ankle sprain.
It does feel good going into a season with a lot of talent – and you are not sure what way the coaches are going to select starters. Looking at Joe for the preseason, he is not looking so good. Marvin is still looking like Marvin.
paian
October 20th, 2012
7:49 am
jenkins is athletic for christsake look at the guys predraft workout stuff
phil
October 20th, 2012
8:04 am
Why even play the season?
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
10:14 am
Idiot Alert at 7:49.
Some people just simply do not understand the sport of Basketball at this level!!!
Rusty
October 20th, 2012
10:19 am
Steven smith is as dumb as LD ,also Ramon is close.
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
10:32 am
I guess if you have a great “Pre-Draft” workout, then that means you are a great Athlete???
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
11:05 am
Best Hawk Line-up would be any with Al Horford starting at the Power Forward, PERIOD!!!
PG-Devin Harris
SG-JohnJenkins
SF-Josh Smith
PF-Al Horford
C–Johan Petro
Having put Petro in the starting group is a stretch, however, he is young and OVERPAID, much like Al Horford. Petro must produce. He is far better than Dampier or Collins and more athletic than Zsa Zsa.
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
11:14 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6khC89tous8 Johan Petro 12pts. 4ast 5rbs.
lewis
October 20th, 2012
11:14 am
Johan Petro is not better than anyone
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
11:16 am
Johan Petro has a “soft game” HOWEVER” not as soft as “Soft Al Horford”
Ken Strickland
October 20th, 2012
11:24 am
Steven A. Smith said, “SOME PEOPLE JUST SIMPLY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE SPORT OF BASKETBALL AT THIS LEVEL.” Amen, Co-sign, and I totally agree. I certainly hope you were looking into a mirror as you were typing that statement, because it doesn’t appear you understand basketball at any level.
Rusty
October 20th, 2012
11:32 am
Right ON,Ken
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
11:37 am
Ken Strickland
October 20th, 2012
11:24 am
How do you like my starting line-up Ken?
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
11:45 am
If Larrry Drew starts Al at the CENTER spot, he is an absolute Idiot. Al is not an NBA center, Period!
I do belive this Drews’ last season as the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Coach.
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
11:56 am
PG-Devin Harris
SG-JohnJenkins
SF-Josh Smith
PF-Al Horford
C–Johan Petro
2nd Unit-PG-Teague SG-Lou Williams SF-Korver PF- Tolliver Center-Ivan Johnson
Morrow, D. James, Zsa Zsa, (InActive Stevenson, Mike Scott,)
Ken Strickland
October 20th, 2012
12:06 pm
Here’s an example of STEVEN A SMITH’S total lack of basketball knowledge or understanding. First, he suggests we start JPetro, who’s career numbers going into his 9th yr with his 5th team and starting 131 gms out of 442 played are:
MPG 15.6, FG% 46.3, FT% 66.9, RPG 3.9, BPG 0.5, APG 0.5, SPG 0.4, PPG 4.7.
Now this fool is saying that in order for this team to improve, especially at the center position, we need to replace a 2 time All star and All NBA center with a center that’s proven to be a DEF and OFF liability over his 8yr career. This clown has been on these blogs making these stupid comments and suggestions long enough for everyone to realize it would be far more likely to grow a bale of cotton in a flower pot than to expect him to make an intelligent basketball related comment or suggestion.
Now back to basketball. Starting DHarris allows us to take full advantage of he and Williams’ skills and versatility. How many teams have PGs that can match the speed, quickness, athleticism, and penetrating ability of Teague, Harris and Williams, let along SGs? We now have 3 guards that can shoot, penetrate, and create scoring opportunities for others, and 2 will be on the floor together.
I’m sticking by my prediction that our starting lineup will be Teague PG, Harris SG, Josh PF, Horford C, and James SF. A bench of Williams PG/SG, Morrow, SG/SF, Korver SF, Zaza C, and Ivan PF/C, is a very potent bench, especially offensively. Jenkins, Scott and Petro, and maybe Tolliver if we carry 14, will round out the roster. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:06 pm
steven a smith, – please watch a game. Petro is pure horrible. You want to start a guy that you pulled a 12 pt 4 rebound game. I was laughing my a$$ off during halftime warmups. He came out before the entire team – about 4 minutes, and he missed everything – layups included. FUNNY!!!
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
12:21 pm
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:06 pm
Is Johan Petro a better or worse player than either Dampier or Collins??? What say you ag?
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
12:25 pm
Ken Strickland
October 20th, 2012
12:06 pm
I’m sticking by my prediction that our starting lineup will be Teague PG, Harris SG, Josh PF, Horford C, and James SF. A bench of Williams PG/SG, Morrow, SG/SF, Korver SF, Zaza C, and Ivan PF/C, is a very potent bench, especially offensively. Jenkins, Scott and Petro, and maybe Tolliver if we carry 14, will round out the roster. WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Who will be the “PG” on the 2nd unit? Lou Williams?
Anyone with 1/2 a “Basketball Brain” knows that Lou Williams is not a PG.
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:26 pm
This is so funny – the man who wants Big Al gone wants to start Petro at center. I will not even waste my time comparing stats, but looking at Petro over the last four seasons:
His career average of 4.7 ppg 3.9 rbs and .5 blks is worse than ZaZa.
Last season he only blocked more than 1 shot in three games. His high game is 3 blocks.
He did not record a double double last season. He had only two in the four seasons I looked at.
Over the last 4 sessons, his career scoring high is 16!
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:28 pm
I posted my opinion earlier. Tolliver looked good starting the second half against the Hornets. I bet James would look even better.
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
12:30 pm
CAN’T WAIT-To break down our Center’s performance for 82 Basketball Games and to SHUT UP the “Clown Scrub Al Horford” Mediocre 5, Fan Club, Once and for all. Can’t Wait Baby. I did’nt even choose Horford’s “Scrub Butt” for my Fantasy Team Bench!!!
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:32 pm
You forgot about Stevenson…. I was not impressed with him against the Hornets. On defense I did see some guys blow right past him and his jumper was pretty bad.
Ken Strickland
October 20th, 2012
12:33 pm
STEVEN A$$ SMITY said, “AL IS NOT AN NBA CENTER, PERIOD! Again I say AMEN, CO-SIGN, and I totally agree. He’s not an NBA center, he’s a 2 TIME ALL STAR CENTER, ALL NBA CENTER, PERIOD!!!! You can lead a MORON to water, but you can’t make him think.
Then you ask, ‘HOW DO YOU LIKE MY STARTING LINE-UP KEN? I just love it STEVEN A$$. Of course you realize I’m considering the source as I’m answering your question. You must know that I’m just having fun with you because no one takes anything you say seriously, other than the various names you create to support your BS.
paian
October 20th, 2012
12:42 pm
Steven you can Call me idiot if you like. Most just call me troll
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:46 pm
Ken, I posted earlier that ESPN the Mag has us #2 in the East… your opinion?? others???
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
12:48 pm
Coach Mike Fratello, Dennis Scott, and Brevin Knight, all of NBA-TV must be “Morons” Because they all stated that they would not start “ALLSTAR AL HORFORD” at center EITHER!!! How does that TASTE BOYS????
RaJaH
October 20th, 2012
12:53 pm
Are all slots in the fantasy league taken? Just tried to join with no luck.
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
12:54 pm
D Mann
October 20th, 2012
12:49 pm
Excellent Post and Excellent Basketball Insight!!!
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:55 pm
Yeah, actually only Knight said that. That also said if the Hawks make the playoffs, LD should get coach of the year. Fratello said it was his natural postion, but he would not start Josh at the 3. He really didn’t expound but, if he would not start Josh at 3 – then using logic, Josh at 4, Horford at 5.
To continue my point, by starting Petro are you saying he is better than ZaZa?
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:58 pm
Again, name 5 centers in the East BETTER THAN AL… or West. Why do we keep having this debate? This in not the 70’s, 80’s etc… David Robinson, Patick Ewing, etc are not walking through the door. If P. Ewing would have played in this era – he would be the best center in the league. When he played, he maybe was 5th best!
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
12:59 pm
ag
October 20th, 2012
12:55 pm
To continue my point, by starting Petro are you saying he is better than ZaZa?
He is a better “Defensive” player than Zsa Zsa. Pachulia is an accident waiting to happen, much like K. S.
steven a smith
October 20th, 2012
1:04 pm
D Mann
October 20th, 2012
12:52 pm
“ALLSTAR AL HORFORD” ? Really?
All Star averages?
5 pts 2 rbs LOL
Playoff averages?
11pts 7rbs LMAO
Career averages?
12pts 9rbs Roflmao
College averages?
11pt 7rbs Smfh
Where did you get this information? This is great Stuff. This further “SOLIDIFIES”(Look it up AL Fan Club) my point that “Average Al” is OVERHYPED, OVERPAID, and OVER HIS HEAD as an NBA BIG!!!!
lewis
October 20th, 2012
1:05 pm
is the hawks game in atlanta? can i just show up at phillips and get in?