Atlanta Hawks: Roster breakdown

Vivlamore reporting from Hawks practice. Here is the roster breakdown story for Tuesday’s print edition of the AJC.

Less than a week remains before NBA rosters must be trimmed to a maximum of 15 players by Monday. The Hawks brought 19 players into training camp and the roster now stands at one over the limit. It is possible the team will go into the regular season with fewer than the maximum, allowing management flexibility to make an early-season trade or signing.

Here is a look at how the roster is shaping up prior to the Nov. 2 regular-season opener.

Roster size

The Hawks will have at least 13 players on their roster. Only 13 will be active for games. They have guaranteed contracts with 11 veterans and first-round draft pick John Jenkins. Second-round pick Mike Scott has a partially guaranteed contract. His contract becomes fully guaranteed if he is still on the roster Jan. 10.

Of keeping all 13 guarantees on the roster head coach Larry Drew said, “That is pretty set.”

Drew said he and general manager Danny Ferry have yet to decide on how many players they will keep.

“For me, and I’ve done it both ways,” Drew said of staying at or below the maximum. “We’ve had 13 and we’ve kept two spots open. I’ve had 14 and we’ve kept one. Or we’ve kept 15 guys. It’s a matter of looking at what we feel is going to be the best for our club. We’ve got some guys in here who are fighting for a roster spot. Guys I really like. After this is all said and done we’ll sit down with management and make a decision.”

Three for one

If the Hawks keep 15 players that leaves Anthony Tolliver, Damion James and James Anderson competing for the two remaining spots. Tolliver (6-foot-8) and James (6-7) give the Hawks options at the forward position. Anderson (6-6) is a guard, a position the Hawks have depth. Defensive ability, and how quickly each learns schemes, may well decide who stays.

Stepping up

James has impressed with his play during exhibition games. He has appeared in five games, including two starts, and has averaged 7.4 points and 7.0 rebounds. He came off the bench in Saturday’s win over Dallas and had 10 points and seven rebounds in less than 17 minutes.

“I think I’ve been doing pretty good the whole preseason,” James said. “I’m going to continue to play the way I play. If you play the way you are supposed to play, good things will happen.”

In six exhibitions, Tolliver has averaged 8.0 points and 3.7 rebounds. Anderson, in five games, has averaged 1.8 points and 0.8 rebounds.

Going small

In the numerous offseason moves made by Ferry, the Hawks became a smaller team than in the recent past. It’s an issue, especially on the defensive end, that the team will have to overcome.

“We might just be a little undersized,” Josh Smith said. “We were undersized before but we are very undersized now. That shouldn’t be an issue. We have a lot of feisty and competitive people on this team who hate to lose. I think that will outweigh the so-called decreases that this team has.”

Guards

The Hawks consider their three speedy guards, all capable of playing the point, an asset. Jeff Teague returns with Devin Harris and Lou Williams added to the mix. Harris and Williams, and perhaps eventually Teague, can also play shooting guard. Each are an option to replace Joe Johnson.

The Hawks added a number of long-range shooters at the position in Kyle Korver, DeShawn Stevenson, Anthony Morrow and Jenkins.

Forwards

Smith will return as the power forward. Ivan Johnson and Scott will be backups. Johnson can play center if pressed into action. Korver and Stevenson may see time at small forward.

“That gives us some flexibility from the standpoint that if we need to adapt and make some minor adjustments with our lineup we have the ability to do that,” Drew said.

Centers

A healthy Al Horford will start at center. He will be backed up by Zaza Pachulia and Johan Petro. There will be times when Drew wants a bigger lineup that Pachulia will play center, Horford power forward and Smith small forward.

Bench

The starting lineup is to be determined at shooting guard and small forward. It appears that Harris and Stevenson will initially fill those positions based on exhibition games. However, Drew stresses no decisions have been made and the lineup likely will change based on matchups.

The coach said he will sit down with each player this week to discuss his role. He wants to avoid any confusion.

“So everybody will be clear,” Drew said. “So there won’t be any guess work about ‘What am I supposed to do? What do you want me to do?’ We’ll eliminate that.”

- Chris Vivlamore

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310 comments Add your comment

northcyde

October 24th, 2012
2:49 am

Najeh Davenpoop

October 24th, 2012
12:28 am

Potentially good news for Josh (but potentially bad news for Al). The NBA is no longer going to have a center on the All Star ballot. With Dwight out of the Eastern Conference, this means three forwards will likely be voted in, possibly opening up an extra bench spot for a forward (Josh), but on the flip side with no center requirement it makes it harder for Al to get voted in.

***************************

That’s definitely a killer for Al. And it doesn’t help Smith either.

Byunm will be voted in or chosen, and be a true center
Bosh and KG will be chosen by coaches, as the PF/C guys
And you know Lebron and Melo will receive the fan votes.

So that’s either one or two spots left in the frontcourt.

- Smith, who people felt got snubbed for 2 yrs straight
- Horford, already a 2 time All-Star
- Pierce always gets respect from coaches
- Deng will probably be leading the Bulls in scoring
- Hibbert is probably the 2nd best true center in the East
- Granger may or may not be at All-Star level
- Amare can still get you 20 pts – 8 rebs
- Chandler is the DPOY
- and Brook Lopez may be in the mix as well

So that’s 9 guys for the final 2 spots.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
7:05 am

If Josh makes it, will it come as a result of him kissing someone’s butt?

Melvin, let’s see what happens. The knee issue isn’t about just the pre-season or even his rookie season. And Blair (for whatever reason) hasn’t been able to maintain his early career performances and likely will be a UFA next summer. We’ll know more about Jenkins next year, when Korver, Morrow and DeShawn are distant memories.

vava74

October 24th, 2012
7:25 am

My guess is that Pierce and Garnett’s production will fall this year enough for them to consider Josh as a good selection if he is the main cog on a playoff bound team.

However, I have doubts that we will actually make it to the playoffs…

vava74

October 24th, 2012
8:05 am

AJ,

I think we will probably keep Morrow as a secondary long range specialist.

Just Joe

October 24th, 2012
8:25 am

I don’t vava. I think Morrow is gone as soon as Ferry can get a draft pick for him. Same with Korver & Harris.

If they kept those guys, the Hawks would probably have to renounce their rights this summer anyway (along with ZaZa) because of the large cap holds they each would carry. I think the Hawks will at least try to go in to the summer with max cap space barring any major trades before then. A roster of Teague, Williams, Jenkins, Horford, Scott, and Smith allows you to shop for one max free agent (or a couple of mid-tier free agents).

vava74

October 24th, 2012
8:46 am

Just Joe,

Morrow is an expiring deal and @ 4 million he not vastly overpaid if he can produce high % from 3 point land and shows any evolution on the rest of his game.

ie. he seems to be a fairly consistent scorer which, simultaneously, may be useful but at the same time not attract good offers.

Via GTech he has ATL ties, which is also a plus.

Slimjr

October 24th, 2012
8:59 am

If Al pours in 20 and 10 a night he’s a shoe in as an Allstar for the 3rd time…Impressive..

Speaking of Al. He’s going to be interviewed on 680 the fan after he’s finishes up at the tolls on GA400 post 9am….

Slimjr

October 24th, 2012
9:01 am

Al will be on in a few minutes..

Just Joe

October 24th, 2012
9:03 am

vava…would you then keep the rights to Morrow, who’s cap hold is roughly $5M for next year, and make it to where you can’t offer a max contract without shedding one of your other salaries (Teague, Lou, Josh, or Al)? I don’t think Ferry will when he has a similarly skilled player already in John Jenkins on a rookie-level deal.

paian

October 24th, 2012
9:05 am

Al Horford may be in trouble for making the all star team again, It may favor josh more.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8544934/report-nba-change-all-star-balloting-remove-forward-center-designations

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
9:12 am

Jeff Teague ‏@Teague0
Real coo team we got this year

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
9:42 am

With all this time off for the team to continue to jel, looks like they are finally playing well in practice together. Drew may have inserted his “Princeston offense” into practice and everyone is moving the ball and cutting to the lane and hitting open shots that Teague just HAD to twitt, “Real coo (cool) team we got this year”.

O'Brien

October 24th, 2012
9:51 am

Dejaun Blair was the 7th pick of the second round, and in 3 years, he averaged 8.5 pts, 6 rebs, and shot 53% from the field in 20 mpg. If we could get 3 years production like that from a second round pick (even if they fall out of the rotation after that)…that would be awesome imo.

As for Jenkins vs PJ3, it will be interesting to see how their season goes, although I don’t think Jenkins will get much PT this season since we have depth at SG.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
10:05 am

Jenkins was selected and a few weeks later, Ferry added 3 guards with expiring contracts (Devin, Morrow and essentially Stevenson) and signed LouWill as well. And of course, Marvin is gone and now we’re hoping that a guy who has yet to prove he can stay upright for more than half of a season may be our starting SF. So if you draft a player in the 20s to make an immediate contribution (which clearly you don’t), then drafting an SG was a mistake.

I actually think Buddy’s guy, Ezeli, is the one who appears to be the greater miss (more so than PJ3). He looks like a legit defensive big man in the very, very early stages of his career.

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
10:06 am

OB,

Still dont see why Jenkins couldnt start and get the R.Ivey treatment. Not asking for a lot of min, but the guy deserves some PT with starters. With Harris & Lou, we will have a very dangerous 2nd unit to play against other teams 2nd unit. Only time Jenkins sees the floor is during the beginning of games and after halftime. I would be content with that and Im sure he would be to.

Ken Strickland

October 24th, 2012
10:10 am

I don’t think Horford is as concerned about becoming a 3 TIME ALLSTAR as Josh seems to be concerned about being a 1ST TIME ALLSTAR. Horford has always projected himself as a team 1st player with individual awards being a secondary concern. Josh has shown more maturity in his personal life, and his work ethic is unquestioned, but he’s yet to show the same maturity on the court.

He still insists on launching far too many jumpers when both he and the team are much better when he’s anchored near the paint. I don’t see Teague being traded since he’s the youngest of the 3 PGs on the team. His production has equaled or exceeded that of the other 2(Williams/Harris), and he still has considerably more room to improve.

Besides, he’ll be a RFA and we can resign him by matching any offer. If he doesn’t well this season, I believe he’ll want to return. I think the issue about our DEF this yr has been overblown. I believe it was DOC who reminded us that our new uptempo OFF approach will create more possessions and scoring opportunities for us and the opposition, so the DEF numbers compared to yrs past will be skewed.

Our walk it up, halfcourt dominated, ISO, run the clock down OFF approach of the past had a lot to do with our 6th place DEF ranking last yr. The Heat has shown everyone how effective an uptempo attacking fastbreaking OFF approach can be against the slow it down halfcourt approach that has dominated the Eastern Conference.

They were the shortest and one of the smallest teams in the Eastern Conference, but they were also the quickest and fastest, which made them the most dominant. We don’t have anyone that’s as athletic as DWade and Lebron, but they don’t have anyone else that’s as quick, fast, physical and/or athletic as Teague, Harris, Williams, Horford, Josh, Ivan, and Tolliver.

The degree of success we’ll see from this yrs team will depend on whether LDrew, as a coach, can coach this team to play as a team as fast as he once played as a player.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
10:10 am

Vava, one of those guards will stick through the end of the year but I personally doubt that any will be brought back next summer. Unless, of course, LouWill becomes our starting PG. Otherwise, I suspect that we’ll have Lou & Jenkins as the primary SGs next season.

Melvin

October 24th, 2012
10:20 am

Astro,

Undersized SG are a dime a dozen. Just look at the Hawks roster as an example. If you are going to draft on potential (especially with a late 1st rnd pick) then why not draft a guy with unique talent? However, we will see how they develop over the next few years.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
10:23 am

Melvin, I don’t know enough about PJ3 to know what his “unique talent” is. But Austin Daye will be available next summer for chump change… if that talent entails being a tall and skinny forward. Jenkins lead a major college conference in scoring for two consecutive years, so he isn’t exactly an unskilled and non-talented player.

Big Ray

October 24th, 2012
10:31 am

Big Ray, the discussion of the 2005 and 2006 drafts are about as dead as Tito Jackson’s singing career.

Yeah. But when the dead have been haunting you for this many years, it’s kinda hard to get past it. I’m so looking forward to next summer…

Big Ray

October 24th, 2012
10:35 am

Slimjr ,

I can’t see Al putting up 20 and 10. Maybe 15 and 10 if he stays healthy and is able to score consistently with that jumper. But haven’t heard a thing about him working on his post game.

And without a solid 2-move-minimum post game, Al isn’t gonna get there. He lacks the offensive talent.

And I think everybody’s right – with the center position going away from all-star balloting, Al probably won’t make the all-star squad. Because you don’t get there with 14/15 and 10, which is what I’m hoping he’ll provide for us this year.

Josh, on the other hand…if he has a year like last season, has got a very good chance.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
10:37 am

Big Ray, except when you consider that CP3, Deron and Roy have ALL left their respective teams and I’m not sure that any of them have enjoyed 4-5 years of consecutive playoff appearances (maybe Roy, but he never advanced beyond the 1st round).

This horse has been beated into Elmer’s Glue.

Big Ray

October 24th, 2012
10:37 am

Astro Joe ,

It was Sund and/or his crew that selected John Jenkins, right? I don’t think that was Ferry’s move, but I honestly wasn’t paying enough attention to know.

I recall reading Jenkins’ draftexpress scouting report and being dismayed. Basically, the scouting report said he was athletically limited, probably wouldn’t be able to defend NBA guards (but had okay fundamentals) and would likely only be able to score if he was inserted the proper way into an offense in which he would fit (as a catch and shoot guy only).

Ouch. I see lots of minutes for Lou…

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
10:39 am

Al went for 15/10 with Joe and Jamal taking plenty of shots 2 years ago. IMO, 15/10 is Al’s floor, I’m expecting something closer to 18/11.

Big Ray

October 24th, 2012
10:43 am

AJ ,

When you consider that, you must consider a host of other possibilities. Considering who we’ve had running this team from ownership on down, there was a way to screw the pooch no matter who we had. But the fact remains that superstars give you a chance that nobody else does.

As for the dead horse, you complain about the beating of it. Some of us are complaining about the stench it still makes…I’m ready for somebody to drag the carcass away.

As I said, I look forward to next summer. Three major changes have happened, at least two of which HAD to happen (giving a real GM the necessary power to do his job/owners fade into the background, trading Joe, trading Marvin), more on the way.

Big Ray

October 24th, 2012
10:47 am

AJ ,

Do you really expect that in an LD offense? I mean, I’m sure Teague will have no problem deferring (:twisted:). But what about Lou/Harris/Morrow?

I would love for Al to put up 18 and 10. I think he can if he improves his offensive repertoire. For one thing, attack quickly against bigger opponents when he gets the ball away from the basket. We know he can hit that midrange jumper, as well. But the jab step has GOT TO GO, and he still has practically no back-to-the-basket game to speak of. Can’t score over anything but his right shoulder (or is it his left).

I guess my point is that he has to improve his offensive game, and I’m not at all convinced that we won’t see similar numbers of shots taken by the backcourt given that LD is coaching this team. They aren’t Joe and Jamal, but with LD acting all giddy after the last “shoot-fest” that turned into a preseason win….

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
10:55 am

Big Ray, yeah Ferry denied responsibility for that pick. And I would suggest that it would be challenging to find a glowing scouting report for any pick chosen in the 20s. I eman, there is a reason why those guys aren’t lottery selections, right? Either too short, too slow, too old or poorly skilled. Any of the other options being discussed came with issues as well.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
11:02 am

Ray, Josh’s usage last seasonw ent up because Al wasn;t there. yes, he played better but mostly he had more opportunities. He won’t be the lone front court option on offense this year. So I expect his numbers to come down a hair and Al’s to improve from his last full season. Together, I don’t think they will allow the team dynamics to go back to the days of Joe, bibby, Fip/Jamal where Josh and Al were after thoughts while the guards feasted at will. If this is truly Josh’s team then the two bigs will surely be among the top3 players in FGAs on the team. And if Al continues to shoot more than 53%, he won’t need many shots to be int hat 17-18 point/night range. Lastly, Al should get even more open looks with the penetrating guards ont he team. Remember, Bibby & Hinrich were the main PGs when Al averaged 15 at around 55% shooting. And we all know that those guys were only slightly better than middle school PGs.

Ken Strickland

October 24th, 2012
11:02 am

I think Ferry drafted JJenkins because he wanted a SG of the future that could replace JJs outside shooting and potentially his scoring without being a ball and OFF stopper. Coming out of college everyone saw him potentially as another Reggie Miller type player, only shorter.

All of the negatives and attributes that were attributed to Reggie coming out of college have ironically been attributed to Jenkins as well. Just like Jenkins, Reggie’s DEF, athleticism, ability to create his own shot, and ball handling abilities were brought into question. Hopefully, Jenkins can make liers out of those who question his abilities just like Reggie has done.

I remember when fans, especially Knick fans, would shout our Cheryl, Cheryl, when Reggie had the ball. Well, it didn’t take long for him to silence them for good. He made them go from taunting him to fearing him, especially Knick fans.

SLIMJR-I know you can remember that.

vava74

October 24th, 2012
11:03 am

Big Ray,

So true, so true…

People talk about JJ as if the guy took as many shots as Kobe…

Did he slow down the pace sometimes and that ended up in some circumstances in bad shots from others?

Yep, but not to the level that he can be considered a ball hog killing any space for others to score.

Marvin passed the rock like a hot potato even when he was wide open…

Josh seemed to be taking this past year almost all shots that he wanted to…

Teague will probably continue to defer, event to a cardboard figure (unfortunately)…

Al simply got 8 out of 10 times sticky feet and could not get anything decent out of his possessions which were not open looks from the elbow and the baseline.

vava74

October 24th, 2012
11:10 am

And Lou, who will see between 30 to 32 minutes per game of daylight, will not cut down his usage…

Slimjr

October 24th, 2012
11:13 am

Ha ha ha Ken! Your so right.. We could not stand Reggie Miller!!!

Man did he give it right back to us! LOL!

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
11:17 am

Big Ray,

Horford is very very smart with the ball and he has the b-ball IQ to recognize when to use the jab step and when not. If a slower, unexperienced center/pf is guarding him, Horford tends to use his jab step and cut right to the basket for a major slam. (he showed this against Petro in practice on one of the videos on hawk.com and he also show this, I think, against the Spurs during one of the preseason games) He uses his quick spend towards the baseline when guys are guarding him too tight on the baseline, and he uses his little running hook shot when more experienced guys are guarding him. Now, granted, you and others on here may not always see those moves because guys like Josh and Joe would not CONSISTENTLY go to him enough for yall to see it on a regular basis but hopefully PG Teague & Harris will drop the ball down low on the post for Horford to display his moves more often this season. and if that becomes the case, I can see Horford avg 20/11 this season and making the ALLSTAR yet again, center position being closed and all!!

Ken Strickland

October 24th, 2012
11:20 am

Based on what has been said, it looks like my last comment on Ferry drafting Jenkins might be wrong. I’m not sure why Sund drafted him, unless he wanted to add a quailty shooter to replace Hinrich at SG on a jumpshooting team that didn’t shoot well. Sund probably figured Jenkins could start immediately and give us better and more efficient scoring than the 6.6PPG we got from Hinrich, and his DEF couldn’t be much worse.

Slimjr

October 24th, 2012
11:24 am

Big Ray, with these exceptional guards that we have on the floor with their ability to create shots for others Al will not have to worry about not having any post moves.. They will feed him as he makes cuts for dunks, layups, and wide open mid-range jumpers all day..

I expect Al’s free throw [nimbers] to rise because he will be attacking the interior as he follows his penetrating guards into the [forest]…

20 and 10 sounds very reasonable for Al! Ever hear of Magic to Worthy? heh heh heh

This team is going to win over 50-55 games.. They are going to surprise some people..

I’m looking at a 2nd or 3rd seed. No more than a less than a 4th.. Now everyone has to stay healthy, that’s the key

This Hawks team is going to be pretty good

Ken Strickland

October 24th, 2012
11:29 am

SLIMJR-Reggie on the floor and Spike Lee on the sidelines made Knick/Pacer games very exciting to watch, even if you weren’t a fan of either team. These are the dynamics that seem to be missing in todays NBA. Basketball fans that hated the Celts, Lakers, Bulls, Pistons, Knicks, 76ers, and Spurs, would tune in religiously to watch any matchups involving these teams.

Slimjr

October 24th, 2012
11:33 am

I meant to say [no less than a 4th seed]…..

Melvin

October 24th, 2012
11:37 am

I hope the days are long gone where Sund has any input/influences on this team/organization. I remember reading this summer where the Nets GM (King, I think) said that Joe Johnson was not even on his radar until Ferry became the Hawks GM job. It was Ferry not King that call and initiated the Joe trade to the Nets. That was just another indictment (in my eyes) that Sund was happy with the status quo of Billy Knight’s flaw core group.

Ken Strickland

October 24th, 2012
11:42 am

SLIMJR-Damn man, you’re focused, welcome to the forum. Adding Harris, Williams, Morrow and Korver gives us far more options than we’ve had in the past. Many question our DEF ability without JJ and Marvin, but Williams, Harris, and Morrow’s lack of height and size, compared to JJ, won’t necessarily hurt us defensively as much as some believe.

Their vastly superior speed, quickness and athleticism will help us create more steals, deflections and turnovers. As good as many think JJ and Marvin’s DEF was, they didn’t create many steals, turnovers or deflections between them. The fact that our OFF and DEF approach will be drastically different without JJ and Marvin doesn’t mean we won’t be just as effective.

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
11:52 am

Will the REAL slimjr, stand up, stand up!!

vava74

October 24th, 2012
11:52 am

MsDee:

“(he showed this against Petro in practice on one of the videos on hawk.com and he also show this, I think, against the Spurs during one of the preseason games)”

Getting by Petro means nothing. You could get by Petro, pick up a ladder, go up, slam it and Petro would still be motionless in the lane blinking his eyes.

The other slam was indeed a mega-slam against Marc Gasol, however, Gasol’s lateral “quickness” is not his forte.

“…may not always see those moves because guys like Josh and Joe would not CONSISTENTLY go to him enough for…”

Here it’s total nonsense. Josh always dishes willingly and has done it repeatedly and consistently to Horford in the past.

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
11:58 am

vava74

“Here it’s total nonsense. Josh always dishes willingly and has done it repeatedly and consistently to Horford in the past.”

Those passes u talking about Josh throwing were for fast break, quick passes to the basket, IM TALKING ABOUT THE PASSES GIVEN TO HIM ON THE POST! Now tell me when the last time Josh threw a pass to Horford on the post????

Rod from College Park

October 24th, 2012
11:59 am

“Al went for 15/10 with Joe and Jamal taking plenty of shots 2 years ago. IMO, 15/10 is Al’s floor, I’m expecting something closer to 18/11.”

Your post should read Al went for 15/10 because of Joe and Jamal. Majority of Al’s points that year came because of doubles on Joe and Jamal, leaving Al wide open for that set shot. When he was not left open (in the playoffs), he failed miserably. I hope 15/10 is his floor, but he has never done any better than that in his pro or college career.

Rod from College Park

October 24th, 2012
12:02 pm

“My guess is that Pierce and Garnett’s production will fall this year enough for them to consider Josh as a good selection if he is the main cog on a playoff bound team.”

Josh will never get voted in over KG no matter what he does, unless an injury is involved. Mainly because KG is a better player, even in his older age, and also because of the NBA politics.

Rod from College Park

October 24th, 2012
12:06 pm

“Those passes u talking about Josh throwing were for fast break, quick passes to the basket, IM TALKING ABOUT THE PASSES GIVEN TO HIM ON THE POST! Now tell me when the last time Josh threw a pass to Horford on the post????”

He can’t throw it to Horford in the post if Horford is standing at the free throw line. Answer this Ms. Dee. When is the last time you have seen Horford banging somebody in the post fighting for post position, and then calling for the ball? Maybe year one or year two?

O'Brien

October 24th, 2012
12:07 pm

Ken S,

Josh Smith is not a RFA. He is a free agent, and can sign outright with anybody he chooses, leaving the Hawks high and dry.

However, I don’t think that will happen. Either a) He resigns with us or b) we work out a sign and trade so that he can go to the team he wants (which I assume will be a good team that’s already over the cap), so they cannot sign him outright.

Just Joe

October 24th, 2012
12:16 pm

Rod is correct. In 2010/11, 2/3 of Al’s shot attempts were considered “jumpers”. I don’t have a problem with that though, because he made half of them. I don’t think we need to see Josh feeding Al in the post. Reversing those roles makes more sense.

Astro Joe

October 24th, 2012
12:19 pm

Horford and Josh both started taking more shots the moment LD installed his 5-man attack. There is little doubt that the head coach has built a scheme designed to support jump-shooters.

MsDee

October 24th, 2012
12:24 pm

Rod from College Park,

“When is the last time you have seen Horford banging somebody in the post fighting for post position, and then calling for the ball?”

NEVER, cause Josh nor Joe would give him the ball. So why in carnation would someone be banging like a nutcase if he KNOWS his teammates only looks for themselves??? U CANT TELL ME that Josh would basically over look Teague, Kirk and others JUST TO THROW A CROSS COURT PASS TO HIS BUDDY JOE JOHNSON!! Like I said b4, the ONLY time Josh would give the ball up to Horford is if and ONLY IF a design play was to hit Horford off a decour Joe, picking his man under the basket, running out to the wing, leaving Horford open under the basket, OR its a fast break with Josh running the break (instead of handing off to the PG and running the floor hisself) and he throws a nice log over the defense for a nice slam by Horford. Now if u are honest person & open-minded person who watches the Hawks games regularly, U WILL SEE THAT I AM TELLING THE TRUTH! If not, then well u can just fill in the blanks yourself!

Slimjr

October 24th, 2012
12:26 pm

lol @ Ms sexy Dee!

Yes Ken, the [Fan] has evolved just like the [Game] and [Society].. Less “hating” going on, at least I hope so through my rose colored glasses…Heh heh heh

You notice how NFL and NBA players help pull each other off the floor now? That did not happen a generation ago…