Atlanta Hawks: Rebounding has been an issue
Vivlamore reporting from Hawks practice.
The Hawks are looking to rebound – literally – from their last loss.
The Nuggets, the NBA’s top offensive rebounding team, will be at Philips Arena Wednesday. The Hawks had a six-game win streak snapped by the Cavaliers, featuring the league’s top rebounder Anderson Varejao, Friday.
The Hawks (9-5) have been outrebounded in eight games this season, including by a 49-28 margin against the Cavaliers. They are 28th in the NBA in rebounding average (39.4), with only the Heat and Celtics worse. They are also 29th in rebounding differential (minus 4.1). The Nuggets (9-9) are tops in offensive rebounds per game (15.4) and second overall in total rebounds (46.7).
“They are relentless going to the glass,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said of the Nuggets following Tuesday’s practice. “We are going to have to be good … as far as our ability to keep them off the boards. The perimeters are going to have to do their jobs as well. It’s going to be a game where if we don’t do a good job on the glass then we could be in for a long night.”
Injury report
Kyle Korver, who has been out with back spasms, did not practice Tuesday. The guard has not been able to practice since leaving in the third quarter against the Bobcats last week. He missed the game against the Cavaliers.
DeShawn Stevenson was forced to leave Tuesday’s practice after taking an elbow to the head. He continued to participate but left after complaining of a headache.
The Hawks were left with 10 players to finish the workout with rookies John Jenkins and Mike Scott sent to the NBA Development League over the weekend.
Back to defensive basics
Drew called the defensive execution against the Cavaliers the team’s worst all season. Following Monday’s practice, the coaching staff held a film session to illustrate the issues.
“In watching the film yesterday, they saw exactly what I was talking about,” Drew said. “It wasn’t a situation where they could dispute anything. It was staring them right in the face. We had some really good dialog about how we played and now we are ready to move on.”
Morrow adjusting
Anthony Morrow has had an up-and-down season when it comes to playing time. The guard has a single-game high of 25 minutes while also not playing at all in two games. Morrow is averaging 5.7 points in 12.4 minutes. He leads the team in 3-point field goal percentage (.533) despite not having plays run for him.
“It’s tough but I’ve been in that situation before,” Morrow said. “It just hasn’t been for a few years. Whatever my role has to be for this team, I want to do it well. If it’s coming off the bench, getting a steal or two, having a big possession offensively, even make free throws at the end of the game. No matter what it is, as long as we win. … I’ll continue to work my butt off and whatever opportunity arises, it arises.”
- Chris Vivlamore
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81 comments Add your comment
DB
December 4th, 2012
4:18 pm
First!!!
DB
December 4th, 2012
4:22 pm
Seriously Guys I think this club is one “big” move away from being in elite status in the east. They run well and can defend. The obvious glaring weakness is rebounding. Ive seen on these blogs where people lobby for ZaZa to start. Who is gonna spell zaza at the 5 when he gets in foul trouble? See the dillema? While ZaZa may deserve to start he is best suited coming off of the bench while we should try to acquire a front line 5 because smoove has developed his game as if he is suiting himself to play the 3. Ive watched the hawks for many seasons. Lets not get too excited (good or bad) just yet. and guys….Lay off of Larry Drew a little. We could have a worse
Supreme Grand Poobah
December 4th, 2012
4:26 pm
You know, I just had an idea. LA did well during the interim coaching of Bernie Bickerstaff. Now he’s back to an assistant coach. I bet he could do a good job in the ATL.
Jamaaliver
December 4th, 2012
4:41 pm
Morrow leads the team in 3-pt shooting on a team that loves to shoot the three…but can’t get any consistent PT.
With Korver out and Jenkins gone, hope he finally gets 20+ mpg. He’s proven he can produce. He’s earned it.
Rod from College Park
December 4th, 2012
4:58 pm
“The one difference is that Howard is more agile making him a better rebounder. Howard has a slight edge in the facets of the game where he is better while Shaq is far better in other areas. When all is said and done, Howard won’t be mentioned as a top 5 center since ~1980.”
All is not said and done, so your point is speculation. If Howard stays in LA and wins 5 championships,he might be considered a top 5 center. Howard is more agile which makes him a better rebounder, man to man defender and a better help defender. His shot blocking skills are better than Shaq’s were. Shaq is at 2,732 blocked shots in 21 years in the league, while Dwight Howard is at 1,389 with 9 years in the league. You do the math.
2 FOR JOHN DREW
December 4th, 2012
4:58 pm
2 FOR JOHN DREW
December 4th, 2012
2:47 pm
Hey DrMaryB ….. Good to see you back …. We need all the positive vibers we can get, lol …. Quite an impressive list there …. most of my favs on there ….. I don’t feel real bad not making the list, since I don’t blog too often ….. But I want you to know this blog is ” required reading ” for me daily ….. and you’re on my list …. GO HAWKS & take us all w/ you.
Bertie
December 4th, 2012
5:01 pm
Agree with BD, this team can go far this year if they add a good rebounder. The next opponent has an excess of good rebounders some that hardly play because there is not enough minutes to go around in that team. Mozgov is an example of a big body/decent rebounder on an expiring contract that maybe Ferry can acquire. Would a draft pick (2nd or 1st) and matching salary be enough to entice Denver?. He can either start or take Zaza’s spot in the bench. Al should not be our everyday center, it takes away from his offense and the team gets kill on the boards against big teams. He could even wear down as the season goes along. Three games come to mind that the Hawks could have easily won with slightly better rebounding, Houston, Golden State and now Cleveland.
Rusty
December 4th, 2012
5:37 pm
Two things would improve the rebounding,one keep josh under the boards on offense & defense & the other is to give Ivan more minutes,this is not rocket science .good to have you back Dr MaryB .
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
5:45 pm
With Denver we should start with a Big lineup, with Josh at SF to shup Belinelli off. Every time Belinelli goes to bench we can revert to a small lineup, and so on…
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
5:46 pm
^shut
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
5:54 pm
I do not worry about Denver’s PF and C, they are not a threat to Hawks. The only real threat for us is Iguodala…
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
5:59 pm
There should be Gallinary in the post at 5:45.
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
6:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
6:07 pm
If LD can solve the Iguodala problem (at least not allowing him to our paint) we should win this game.
keith
December 4th, 2012
6:30 pm
Great Article. Rebounding is a lot about attitude. Hence, Ivan Johnson(IMO), should get 25-30 minutes per game, as well as the final 6 minutes of all games. I have a feeling that the more he plays, the better the team will play. Especially on the “glass”. I WISH SOMEONE COULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHY IVAN PLAYS LESS THAN 20 MINUTES PER NIGHT. I JUST DON’T GET IT.
keith
December 4th, 2012
6:35 pm
How about this line-up against Denver; Thinking outside the BOX a little???
PG-Jeff Teague
SG-Josh Smith
SF-Ivan Johnson
PF-Al Horford
C-Zsa Zsa Pachulia
How does that line-up taste????????
alex
December 4th, 2012
6:44 pm
rebounding also about big men playing like in Brooklyn, NY, Houston,, exc. this team to small. i hope ferry understand this he is basketball man, i am not but it’ clear.
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
7:06 pm
keith,
you do not have a SG in your lineup. Also Johnson & Tolliver (unfortunately) are needed for the rotation at PF/SF/C. Are our guards said to be QUICK? Then why they cannot stay between their opposition and the paint (as Grandad was reasonably asking before)? Let the opposing guards (including Iguodala) settle for jumpers, this could be done if our guards are quick as claimed on multiple occasions…
The Truth
December 4th, 2012
7:08 pm
“They are relentless going to the glass,” Hawks coach Larry Drew said of the Nuggets following Tuesday’s practice. “We are going to have to be good … as far as our ability to keep them off the boards. – LD
LD thinks he can just (for one game) preach rebounding to his team that is ranked 28th out of 30 teams and instantly become “good”. That is called “lip service” but it qualifies him to use his own quoted talking points if they should lose in this fashion. In his post-game press conference he would just say “I told my team before the game BAH BAH BAH …”
He didn’t get the memo that for these Hawks to defend and rebound at the next level they need to acquire players with size that inherently possess those skill sets. Rebounding and playing good defense are more than a mindset and energy as LD often suggest; it must also be in the players’ DNA. This flawed roster will unfortunately always come up short (literally and figuratively) in these areas because of the roster makeup regardless of what LD preaches.
O'Brien
December 4th, 2012
7:12 pm
I think rebounding comes down to focus and effort. And the Hawks struggle in that area. Guards need to step up their rebounding.
AJ,
If Damion James was averaging 10 rebs per game in the D-league, would you say the Hawks should bring him back?
SuckerFree
December 4th, 2012
7:42 pm
put Zaza and Ivan in the game I guarantee the fortunes change as it regards to rebounding.
Melvin
December 4th, 2012
9:20 pm
LOL, Lebron just push Jordan Crawford down and walk away as if he could careless if he was hurt… Talking about holding grudges…. #DunkGate
Melvin
December 4th, 2012
9:24 pm
The New Orleans Pelicans? Man, keep the Hornets as your nickname…
Jae Evolution
December 4th, 2012
9:26 pm
Miami loses to Washington…
Melvin
December 4th, 2012
9:29 pm
Heat lose to the Wizards. See, every teams has at least one let down lost not just the Hawks.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
December 4th, 2012
9:39 pm
FIRE LD
Melvin
December 4th, 2012
9:44 pm
I think the Hawks should pursue Howard this summer. It doesn’t matter if he’s better than Shaq, he’s clearly the best big man in the game TODAY. When you have a chance to acquire a talent like that, than you do so. If they fail to sign Howard, I would like to see to go after Oden. He’s a high reward with a low risk factor. Assuming that the Hawks could sign him for a short contract (2yrs with team opt) for a reasonable salary (7-8 mil max), they still will have enough money to pursue an elite wing player (Rudy Gay)…
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
December 4th, 2012
9:47 pm
Jordan Crawford
Jae Evolution
December 4th, 2012
10:25 pm
Turn on the Lakers game right now Melvin, the guy is only viable for 3 quarters in the fourth he is absolutely a martyr.
Jae Evolution
December 4th, 2012
10:26 pm
He’s going to end up costing them another game.
Melvin
December 4th, 2012
10:37 pm
If anyone watched the ending of the Nets/OKC and Rockets/Lakers games, you could clearly see the difference between Harden and Joe Johnson. Neither guy shot the ball well over the course of the game but in crunch time Johnson was unable to make plays or get his shot off against double teams. Whereas, Harden made several assist, free throws and a key rebound. Harden played without Lin in crunch time whereas Joe played next to Deron Williams. Rockets win, Nets lost…. Both guys have max contracts but I will take Harden over Joe any day…
terrell
December 4th, 2012
10:43 pm
Rebounding an issue? LMAO! Why does it take Uncle Larry so long to figure out something?
Melvin
December 4th, 2012
10:44 pm
Jae,
Houston coach should have took Howard out for a few mins. At least until the last 3 mins where Houston would have only 1 min to use the Hack-a-Howard. That would have made a difference in strategic. Everyone knows Howard struggles at the line, why continue to let him get foul and watch him continue to struggle at the line? Coaching lost that game. It’s on the coach to put his team in the best position to win. Lakers coach didn’t do that. That’s why the Lakers lost…
Buddy Grizzard
December 4th, 2012
10:54 pm
“It wasn’t a situation where they could dispute anything. It was staring them right in the face.”
Good stuff LD!
keith
December 4th, 2012
10:58 pm
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
7:06 pm
Josh is our version of Stacy Augmon. He can defend some 2 guards in this league. He would be a match-up problem as well….
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:01 pm
keith:
I have no doubt that Josh can defend the 2 position. However, don’t we need a shooter for the offence? As well, we will not have a rotation guys for our frontcourt…
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:07 pm
Damion James is playing well today – above the rim!
Joey T
December 4th, 2012
11:21 pm
He’s complaining about lack of rebounding… yet continues with his small lineup with Devin and Deshawn getting heavy minutes, while not playing his two best rebounders (Zaza and Ivan). What’s missing here?
glw
December 4th, 2012
11:38 pm
@Sameba
Yeah James snatching rebounds like they belong to him. And Jenkins is such a smooth scorer. He keeps scoring like this, might push Ferry to trade somebody to get him some minutes.
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:45 pm
glw:
Yeah James snatching rebounds like they belong to him. And Jenkins is such a smooth scorer. He keeps scoring like this, might push Ferry to trade somebody to get him some minutes.
—————————————————————————————————————————-
And what I like most from today’s game, it is Jenkins’ defense – it has improved quite abit in this aspect…
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:46 pm
^he has improved…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 4th, 2012
11:51 pm
Dwight may be a slightly better defender and rebounder than Shaq (debatable but I can see the argument). But what is not debatable is that Shaq was MILES ahead of Dwight as an offensive player. It’s not even close. Shaq had enough touch and moves around the basket that if you got him the ball within 5 feet of the hoop, scoring was automatic. Dwight’s best move is that running baby hook which isn’t anywhere near as reliable as Shaq’s drop step was. I’d also take Shaq’s passing ability over Dwight.
Of course with all that said I’d take Dwight in a Hawks uniform in a heartbeat.
glw
December 4th, 2012
11:51 pm
And DJames shooting the long ball well too. But still dont see him coming back here though.
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:53 pm
And Damion is 3 of 7 for 3-pts…
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:55 pm
Damion does not play a very good man-to man defence…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 4th, 2012
11:55 pm
“The New Orleans Pelicans? Man, keep the Hornets as your nickname…”
Haha. Strange choice, but Hornets and Bobcats are not that much better in my opinion. At least they didn’t call themselves the Hurricanes.
Najeh Davenpoop
December 4th, 2012
11:58 pm
One other thing about Shaq — he took five more shots per game over his career and yet turned the ball over less than Dwight. Dwight is a turnover machine. Shaq had pretty outstanding ball skills for a guy that size.
Sameba
December 4th, 2012
11:59 pm
Jenkins started missing 3-pointers, looks mich like a small version of KK…
Najeh Davenpoop
December 5th, 2012
12:00 am
FTPB
“don’t ask silly questions about the compatibility of those two on the offensive end. We’re supposed to ignore those types of details and focus on the “social perks” of bringing D12 back. It will be the head coach’s fault for not figuring out how to win championships with those two combining for 35+ FGAs. Surely, opposing defenses will sumply allow the PG to simply lob the ball everytime down the floor, right? Isn’t that why the Clippers made it to the Finals last year? Lob City.”
If all you think Josh and Dwight can do is jump you must not be watching much. For all the reasons Shaq is better than Dwight, it’s not like Dwight is DeAndre Jordan. The only problem with playing Josh and Dwight together is that making free throws at the end of games would be a nightmare. Other than that they would be fine together.
Big Ray
December 5th, 2012
12:08 am
All is not said and done, so your point is speculation. If Howard stays in LA and wins 5 championships,he might be considered a top 5 center.
If that’s the case, then somebody reset the records. Bill Wennington, James Edwards, Bill Cartwright, and Luc Longley deserve some love….
Let’s be honest here. Dwight is never going to have the impact Shaq did. Maybe he’ll be good enough to “help” Kobe win another ring or two. Maybe not. Dwight has not dominated the way Shaq did. As Najeh stated, the offense just isn’t there.
True, we’ve yet to see him play with another bonafide superstar. Shaq brought rings to L.A. and Miami. Dwight isn’t going to bring a ring to L.A. Last I looked, they were able to win one with Bynum’s gimpy and disinterested a$$.
Shaq = HOFer. Dwight = somebody who would have gotten his lunch eaten on a daily basis if he’d have to deal with Mourning, Ewing, Olajuwon, etc. Not to mention Shaq in his prime. OH, that would have been ugly.
But yeah…considering how things are these days, Dwight would look good in a Hawks uni. We’d just have to get another star in the fold. Somebody who was an absolute stud at the 1, 2, or 3.
Big Ray
December 5th, 2012
12:15 am
Dwight should relax. All he has to do now is dunk, block shots, and rebound. If the Lakers get to the point where they are relying on him for offense…they’re in trouble. Life simplified.
If you want reality on the situation, look how Dwight has struggled against taller guys with a tad of mobility. Look how he has fared against Roy Hibbert – that dude was just about straight up KryptoDwight the last year or so.
Big Ray
December 5th, 2012
12:19 am
LD makes me laugh. Dude is screeching about rebounding and defense.
Really? Why is Ivan on the street corner begging for minutes like he has a Tracfone?
Why did Damion James get kicked to the curb?
The only saving grace is that Zaza gets decent minutes some days because he’s arguably our best rebounder some nights. He certainly is the most committed when he’s on the floor…
vava74
December 5th, 2012
12:36 am
AJ,
Damion Jones snagged 13 rebounds tonight in 33 minutes.
His whole line was good:
FG7-16 / 3pt3-7 / FT2-3 / 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 TO, 1 blk, 19 points.
JJ2 was very productive:
29 points in 36 minutes and 40 second.
FG10-21 / 3pt 3-8 / FT 6-6, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 TO…
Sameba
December 5th, 2012
1:08 am
Hmm, P.Gasol did not play today. Official reason – Tendinitis…
Jae Evolution
December 5th, 2012
2:07 am
Dwain Price: Asked if the #Clippers can turn the corner, #Mavs C Chris Kaman said: “If (owner Donald) Sterling sold the team they might be able to.”
Lol, ouch.
Buddy Grizzard
December 5th, 2012
2:37 am
Who is gonna spell zaza at the 5 when he gets in foul trouble?
Ivan. LD just needs to trust him more. The Hawks destroyed Cleveland while Ivan was on the floor. Zaza couldn’t do anything with CLE’s athletic rebounders.
Anthony Swallowver
December 5th, 2012
3:32 am
I think I bring a unique skill set to the Hawks. No one gets up off the bench as quick as me to HiFive guys that actually play in games when they come back to the bench after a timeout
vava74
December 5th, 2012
3:34 am
Anthony,
That type of contribution from you is very welcomed and clearly deserving of the 800K you are getting. Keep it up and whenever LD asks you to play and we are not winning by 40, politely decline saying that you had a bad burrito before the game.
drmaryb.(""_*).
December 5th, 2012
4:29 am
Let’s Not Forget1
My bad … How in the world could I have forgotten:
2 FOR JOHN DREW
wordsmithtom
Two more fellas whose posts I can’t live without. It’s guys like these that makes the Hoop so round. I hate when I go and do a blog-roll-call because, I always leave some “good reads” and, my favorites off the lists.
And, there are still so many others. C-Viv is doing a great job in keeping the Good-Stuff flowing steady. We are no longer an after-thought around here.
Let’s Go Ferry-led Hawks!!!
Eat them Chicken – Nuggets!!!
Mike is Back
December 5th, 2012
8:41 am
What Up DMB!!
Man I would hate to see a guy like Morrow slip through the cracks during the off season…dude has showed me a lot…in the brief times he’s been in the game.
I think LD gotta find a way to get IVAN more minutes…especially when he is talking about getting out rebounded.
PUT THA ANIMAL ON THA MANIMAL…GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
doc
December 5th, 2012
8:45 am
d12 is a fake. he is not what he represents himself to be. superman he aint only a tat to suggest it and no force to back it up.
to compare shaq’s total blks for a career against d12’s first five years is a stretch. go back and see that shaq’s nimbers for the first 9 years are favorable to if not exceeding d12’s in blocks or in every category including “i am the man” factor which d12 continues to lack. isnt he now now saying he lacks something once again though he steps onto the laker court? he can only be happy if he ends up paired with lbj who has proven himself in a way d12 isnt even trying to do.
when shaq was on the floor you knew where he was, when d12 is on the floor it is another game. yes d12 racks up stats but i dont see him dominating anything the way shaq once did. i always knew where shaq was, d 12 gets lost in the flow sometimes and it is getting worse. d12 nimbers over a career, i suggest, will not exceed shaq’s though he plays in a far different climate for centers.
jae, sterling is the worst and it is not just sour grapes. sorry elgin baylor had to degrade himself to be his gm over the years. so sad.
Peter
December 5th, 2012
8:55 am
Rebounding an issue……..Duhhhhhhhhhh look at the starters size … please who would have thunk it when your center is 6′ 9″.
Samurai Squirrel
December 5th, 2012
8:57 am
You are definitely not a true Hawk’s fan if you can’t spell, “Zaza” correctly. Zsa Zsa was a fat old woman from a terrible 1970’s TV show.
Ivan Johnson cannot be a backup center full-time. He can muscle up on some centers and hold his own, but he isn’t big enough. He is a capable backup power forward. I love big Ivan as much as anyone, but I think we tend to overexaggerate his skills a little bit. Chuck Norris isn’t afraid of him.
LET-THE-NERDS-H8
December 5th, 2012
9:07 am
off topic but did anyone see that guy by the name of Jordan Crawford the other night against the Heat? pretty ok player… wish he was on our team right… atleast for depth… but nah… never would get playing time… same goes for scott and anybody else whos a rookie
MsDee
December 5th, 2012
9:18 am
Just chk the box score of the Jam and notice Mike Scott got a big ole DNP-Coaches decision..now why is that???
Astro Joe
December 5th, 2012
9:23 am
OB, Damion james has to do more than just rebound to get minutes on an NBA team. IMO, I would sign Dominic McGuire because he has more experience, is at least as good of a rebounder and doesn’t have a history of missing 2 of every 3 games with an injury. But with that said, if anyone believes that Morrow should get more consistent playing time, then how does that work if we want to bring in a rebounding SF to play 10+ minutes/game? I guess DeShawn could get moved down the pecking order… I’m not sure if that is realistic, however.
Melvin, Rudy Gay is signed to a long term deal and Memphis currently has the best record in the NBA. They would have to go off the fiscal cliff in order to trade Gay in the summer. Start thinking about Granger or Galinari.
Nate ArchiBALL
December 5th, 2012
9:33 am
@Samurai Squirrel – speaking of corrections…..that was Eva Gabor who appeared in that terrible 1970’s TV show entitled “Green Acres”. Her older sister, Zsa Zsa Gabor had guest roles in many TV series and appeared in a few movies. Zsa Zsa and Eva were never considered fat or old in the ’70s…. Zsa Zsa is more known for her nine marriages— yes “9 marriages”
Astro Joe
December 5th, 2012
9:36 am
vava, like I said a few days ago, I hope that Jenkins and Scott stay in the D-League until there is cocnsitent playing time available for them with the hawks. For Jenkins, that may come after the trade deadline. For Scott, maybe not until next season. Again, i remained encouraged when i see that jenkins isn’t spending all of his time in a catch & shoot mode from behind the 3-point line. He shot a bunch of FTAs in college so hopefully he will continue to use his great jumper to set-up drives to the basket.
IMO, we haven’t seen anything between the summer league games and the couple of D-League games to suggest that this kid can score the basketball in the NBA.
Samurai Squirrel
December 5th, 2012
9:38 am
Thanks for the correction. I wasn’t born until the 80’s. Should have checked MY facts!
vava74
December 5th, 2012
10:01 am
AJ,
Yes, JJ2’s FTAs have been encouraging and I really think he has some good fakes and hesitation moves which need to be perfected and accelerated in order for him to make it in the NBA.
So, all and any time he can spend in the DLeague doing this is better than simply practising within the Hawks.
Nate ArchiBALL
December 5th, 2012
10:14 am
@Samurai Squirrel – no problem. My sons were born in the ’80’s.
vava74
December 5th, 2012
10:20 am
Zsa Zsa:
http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/zsa-zsa-gabor?before=1346783024
She was pretty good looking back in the day (mainly in the 1950’s).
Supreme Grand Poobah
December 5th, 2012
10:44 am
After Dwight’s last two games, I’m sure I wouldn’t want him on our team, especially if we keep Josh. The Lakers lost winnable games because Dwight missed 12 FT, then 8 FT last night. It’s too easy to neutralize him. Just foul him. Maybe he should consider changing his game to be more like Ben Wallace, and not look to score. What good does it do if you draw 15-20 FTs a game, but you only hit half of them or less.
Najeh D had it right. If we had Smith and Howard at the floor at crunch time, it would be a free throw nightmare. An easy strategy to employ.
Supreme Grand Poobah
December 5th, 2012
10:45 am
Vava74 – I bet Zsa Zsa couldn’t rebound very well at all. She was too short, and I bet she had no hops at all.
Supreme Grand Poobah
December 5th, 2012
10:47 am
Correction to 10:44 post – S/B “on” the floor at crunch time…
Astro Joe
December 5th, 2012
10:47 am
http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/8713032/nba-summer-shuffling-atlanta-hawks-a-surprising-start
A little national media love for our new ensemble cast.
Astro Joe
December 5th, 2012
10:49 am
If we had Smith and Howard at the floor at crunch time, it would be a free throw nightmare. An easy strategy to employ.
Yeah, but the arena would be sold out.
MsDee
December 5th, 2012
10:52 am
Chris Vivlamore @ajchawks
The Hawks will bring John Jenkins back from D-League today. Mike Scott, who is sick, will stay to get healthy. #ATLHawks
MsDee
December 5th, 2012
10:53 am
Well well well..look at here, JJ2 coming back already!! He betta play!!
DS
December 5th, 2012
11:12 am
So Jenkins went to the D-League for the time between Hawks game only?
Ken Strickland
December 5th, 2012
11:23 am
Damn BIG RAY, you’ve been on a roll. I don’t see anyone disagreeing with your last few comments, and you know how I like to argue. No team that’s loaded with OFF threats who aren’t known for playing much DEF can play solid DEF over an extended period of time.
The roster decisions, and the decisions he made with player rotations, where he chose OFF, particularly 3pt shooting, over rebounding and DEF, have come home to roost. We haven’t gotten much rebounding at al, and not a lot of DEF either, l from Korver, Stevenson or Tolliver at SF.
Because of LDrews narrow minded bias against younger players, and his definite preference for OFF over DEF, he’s provided the DLeague with what amounts to a potential rebounding machine at SF(DJames), and one of the NBAs best pure shooter(JJenkins). These are attributes the Hawks could certainly use right now, particularly with KKorver being out indefinitely with back issues.
Common sense should tell Drew he can’t continue expecting Josh and Al to carry the rebounding load with Zaza as their only real support, considering he’s chosen to limit IJohnson’s mins, for whatever reason. He needs to get his head out of his anus, bring Jenkins and James back, and not force them to remain anchored to the end of the bench when he does.
SF DJames
PF JSmith
C AHorford
SG KKorver
PG JTeague
Bench: ZPachulia, IJohnson, AMorrow, LWilliams, DHarris, JJenkins, ATolliver, DStevenson, JPetro.
DJames at SF would definitely give us more rebounding, especially OFF rebounding, that we’ve gotten or will ever get, from Korver, Stevenson or Morrow. He’ll most likely give us more scoring than we’ll get from Stevenson or Tolliver, and better DEF than we’re likely to get from Tolliver or Korver.
His addition will also add more size, height and depth to our roster. This is especially important when you consider how Stevenson is limited physically because of age and injuries and can’t play in back to backs, and Korver is current out with an injury.