Atlanta Hawks: Wizards up next; Korvers welcome first child
Vivlamore reporting from Hawks practice.
The Hawks try for their eighth win in nine games Friday against the Wizards, a team they barely defeated during the recent stretch.
The Hawks won a 101-100 decision over the then-winless Wizards on Nov. 21 on a last second 3-pointer. The Wizards won their second game on Tuesday by defeating the defending NBA champion Heat. That game is a point of emphasis for Hawks coach Larry Drew.
“The team that we played weeks ago, they are not the same team,” Drew said. “They are much better basketball team right now. You can see the way they play. They feel much better about themselves. They come off of a big win against Miami. They took us down to the wire. Under no circumstances can we look at this team’s record and underestimate this team.”
A new addition
Kyle Korver and his wife, Juliet, became parents on Wednesday with the birth of their daughter. Baby Kyra Elyse and mother Juliet are healthy after a birthing process that took more than a day, Korver said.
“It’s emotionally draining,” Korver said Thursday. “You watch your wife battle. She was grinding for a long time, 30 hours. You want to make it better but you can’t really do that so you just hold her hand and tell her she is amazing.”
Korver was not with the team on Wednesday for their 108-104 victory over the Nuggets after the labor process began Tuesday. Both sets of parents arrived in Atlanta Thursday to greet their granddaughter.
Korver has been out with back spasms and hasn’t played or practiced since coming out of the Nov. 28 game against the Bobcats in the third quarter. Korver said he is feeling “much better.” Having not played in more than a week, Korver is doubtful for Friday’s game against the Wizards.
Injury report
The Hawks were thin for Thursday’s practice without Devin Harris, DeShawn Stevenson and Korver. Harris injured his left ankle in the second quarter against the Nuggets. He was re-taped during halftime and returned for the entire second half. Stevenson was rested.
Sitting pretty
Through 15 games, the Hawks (10-5) are third in the Eastern Conference behind only the Knicks (13-4) and the Heat (12-4), who will play Thursday.
“I know a lot of people didn’t think we would be where we are at this point,” Drew said. “Me personally, I didn’t give it much thought. I just knew what I had to do as a coach as far as getting this team prepared and getting all these guys on the same page as fast as I could given all the new faces.”
The Hawks lead the NBA in fast break points (17.4) and forced turnovers (18.1), are third in assists (23.5) and steals (9.4), sixth in points allowed (94.2) and opponent field goal percentage (.432) and ninth in points in the paint (42.7).
Fourth-quarter woes
The Hawks lost a seven-point fourth-quarter lead in Wednesday’s win over the Nuggets. They also could not hold a nine-point lead in a loss to the Cavaliers Friday, which snapped a six-game win streak.
Drew said his team has room for improvement in the final quarter, particularly on the defensive end.
“I think we are playing OK,” Drew said. “… I know I sound like a broken record with this defensive stuff. My whole thing, as I told our guys, we are looked at as a team that is just going to play offense. We are looked at as a team that has guys who can shoot the ball and are going to score. Me personally, I want to change that perception. In talking to them, they want to do the same.”
- Chris Vivlamore
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
96 comments Add your comment
vava74
December 7th, 2012
6:44 am
Wolves would never do it.
I would.
Lakers maybe would.
vava74
December 7th, 2012
6:46 am
Saw Harkless the other day in the D-League and liked what I saw.
Big body, lively feet, decent post moves.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:54 am
Derrick Williams would fit like a glove in Atlanta. As mentioned on rep atl, Josh Smith is holding opposing small forwards to a PER of 3.1. That means Williams wouldn’t have to guard elite opposing small forwards, but on offense he could play on the wing, where he is a much more dangerous shooter than Josh. He would also be playing with two of the best passing big men in the NBA on one of the best passing teams in the NBA. The Hawks also get a lot of points in transition. Just imagine the number of wide open threes and alley oops this cat would get playing for the Hawks. The Twolves would end up looking stupid for trading him.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:54 am
Why wouldn’t the wolves do it? They’ve been after Gasol to pair him with his Spanish national team teammate.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
6:57 am
I would imagine the Hawks would be sending out picks in the trade. You could also substitute Brandon Roy for Pekovic to sweeten the deal for the Twolves.
Buddy Grizzard
December 7th, 2012
7:01 am
Actually sending out Kirilenko and Williams would leave MIN without a small forward. Probably better send Roy, Williams and Pekovic out. The Twolves have some cap room so they don’t have to send out all of Gasol’s 19m in salary.
ag
December 7th, 2012
7:33 am
Damn Joe, what did you wake up drinking. At the rate Al is playing, he is going to be an All-Star. When he gives us his hustle game like against Denver, he is one of the best C’s in the NBA. He even blocked a shot or two. I am really liking his game and he is our clutch player.
EmirS.
December 7th, 2012
7:48 am
I have Nikola Vucevic on my fantasy team. Like all my other fantasy players, I pay close attention to him. He’s a big body who can rebound and block. He would more than likely be an upgrade over Zaza, however I don’t believe he has the same fire and in your face attitude like Zaza. He is also a better rebounder and shot blocker than Pekovic. But he falls in the same category as Asik and Pekovic. He also turns the ball over less than both of those two guys.
I believe he could be a great back up to Horford. On a team like ours where rebounding is a problem, I can guarantee you that this guy can give you 10 to 15 rebounds just coming off the bench. Kind of Reggie Evans like really. He wont be averaging 10 points like he is at the moment, just due to the fact that we have twice the number of scorers that the Magic have. But don’t be surprised if he averages you 12 to 14 rebounds a game while blocking two or more shots.
I didn’t think much of him when I took him out of free agency, but he is a solid player. I’d love to see him in a Hawks uniform.
ag
December 7th, 2012
8:27 am
BG… do the Hawks really want another Williams, who was a second round pick. If we had Nikola Pekovic and D. Williams, please set up the starters and reserves.
FACTS
December 7th, 2012
8:31 am
The Wizards, Nationals, Redskins, Orioles, and Sixers are all within the BosWash I-95 Megalopolis yet I never hear ESPN or the media mention them as “big market teams that deserve star studded rosters.”
The Trailblazers have some of the most loyal fans in the NBA. They are 2nd in attendance. That doesnt propel them into being a “big” or even “mid” market. They’re still a small market team. So that doesnt give anyone the right to call Boston a “big market” and act like larger metros like Atlanta, Miami and Houston arent.
FACTS
December 7th, 2012
8:32 am
ESPN is a biased piece of _____ network.
ag
December 7th, 2012
8:37 am
The one advantage the Hawks have over a lot of teams is their depth. Trades certainly would hurt, especially trading Harris away. I do think the Lakers would take the deal because they have the worst bench in the league and could add three pieces to give away one. They would start AK47 or even Jamison.
ag
December 7th, 2012
8:44 am
PG Teague Lou
SG Korver Morrow Jenkins
SF Williams Stevenson
PF Josh Ivan Tolliver
C- Horford ZaZa Pekovic Petro
Big Ray
December 7th, 2012
9:13 am
Buddy G –
I’d take that trade…we ain’t losin’ much on it.
hfc95
December 7th, 2012
9:29 am
Buddy G, very creative trade but I find that irresponsible for the Lakers and T’wolves. We saw what Gasol did just this past summer for Spain and he still has plenty left in him. They need Nash back badly to properly judge what they are capable of. The Twolves would lose a true starting C who does all the dirty work and doesnt require the ball. I know they want rubio,gasol and love but I dont see LA trading Gasol to get devin harris and kirilenko.
My trade which I can not honestly believe is not being discussed thouroughly on this blog(hopefully it is in GM DF’s circle) is one that progresses both teams involved exponentially.
Devin Harris and his $8.5 mill contract & Willie Greens $1.375 trade exceptionand our 1st rd pick or HOU’s to MIL for Monta Ellis and his $11 mill contract.
We get a 20ppg SG that can score every where and actually get to the foul line. He then accepts his player option for next season and the Hawks have a incredible chance to make it to the ECF. Mil gets a 1st when Monta was gona walk after the season anyway. And with no Monta they wont win any games and can have the best shot at a #1 pick in the lottery.
Teague Ellis Korver Smith Horford!!! How do you stop that? and then we let lou and monta go in spurts and that is too much offense for any team to try to stop.
ag
December 7th, 2012
9:38 am
hfc95, – I do like that trade also, but it does not address the problem we are having at SF or backup center. I don’t know why Milwaukee will do it.
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
9:45 am
Bout to pull some questions from a “blast from the past” to my boys from the blog. In case ya dont know who Im talking about, its Rob from CP, Vava74, & Najeh. What do u think about my boy Horford so far after 15 games? Is he still considered ‘trade bait’? Has he given ya enough ‘hustle/banging’ down low yet?? Could he do what Josh did last season when Horford was out all season?? (Win IN OKC w/o Josh) Why isnt Josh our leading scorer since he has the ball in his hands more than Horford, while NOT having Joe on the team anymore after putting up outstanding numbers last season? With Josh being the “face of the Hawks”, will he be an AllStar FINALLY this season or will it be Horford again, FOR THE 3RD TIME???
Just curious about your thoughts thus far!
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2012
9:56 am
IMO, Kobe is a top 5 player in the post. The othes can be debated but Kobe can’t be stopped down there.
I would gamble on Derrick Williams also. I originally thought Williams had star potential. I’m not as sure anymore. I suspect that if we examined him like we do our own players we would find some deficient skills (dribbling, shooting, effort, etc.) that keeps him from optimizing his talents. But again, I would make the gamble.
It would be nice to see the Hawks get a blowout win and see JJ2 get some garbage time minutes tonight.
Regarding the Knicks, I have more confidence in Amar’e adjusting his ego for the team than I do if it were Melo returning from a long rehab.
Joey
December 7th, 2012
10:10 am
Really good, in-depth read on the Hawks:
http://www.grantland.com/blog/the-triangle/post/_/id/44408/an-eye-on-the-hawks
hfc95
December 7th, 2012
10:31 am
ag- we are doing well so far with no real SF and a lack of a backup C for ZaZa and AL. I think we can rotate deshawn, kyle and josh at SF to get what we need at the 3. As for a legite backup C we had Keith Benson who could give minutes and I think could eventually turn into a larry sanders type, athletic long big man.
As for the Monta trade, If MIL doesnt want a 1st and maybe even a 2nd for Monta when he is going to walk away after this year anyway why not trade him? MIL is 9th in the east currently and they will flutter in that spot, if they trade ellis who is their only shot at winning they can drop down and make the lottery and try to improve their team moving forward, keeping monta for the year on the hope they clinch the 8th spot is very bleek and will not happen, they mine as well trade him and pick up a draft pick or two and try for the future. Thats how I see this trade as a win win for both franchises.
ag
December 7th, 2012
10:33 am
Although Ms Dee did not address me (because I have not been a Horford hater) – hey I am at work and it is slow, so I guess you get me.
Horford does lead the team in scoring and rebounding. The Hawks are 7-1 when he takes 12 or more shots “throw me the damn ball”. He is 3-3 in the other six games. He has taken 192 shots, and made 104.
I MUS WRITE
December 7th, 2012
10:33 am
Ms Dee- While Horford has been playing well- I would still trade him for the right C/PF.I know what his stat line is but theres theres just something there that screams Trade. Idont know if the numbers match but Brook Lopez would work for me.
Peckovich is a goon- eggzactly the type of player we need around here. The guy has sum offensive skills as well.
Horford for Peckovich and D Williams would be sweet we loose a jumpshooting big thats allergic to the post for a good C and an up and coming Sf
All Post Team
Z BO
Gasol
Al Jefferson
LBJ
Bynum
hfc95
December 7th, 2012
10:42 am
Even with GM DF’s amazing off-season and moving all these guys and getting a bunch of expiring contracts, he did a average job of drafting which seems to be a hawks curse that is unbreakable. We have two 1st round picks(probobly) in the 13 draft and WE ALL KNOW those picks will sit on the bench or go to the d-league anyway. I see zero value in draft picks for the hawks. Trade them to get veteran talent that LD will play now.
I think john jenkins was a good safe pick but the mike scott pick blew my mind on how terrible it was. I thought we would gamble on PJ3 and then the second round pick we had a 4 yr starter at kentucky that plays every role and is a true SG/SF that can defend in Darius Miller and we pass him up for another 6′8 tweener PF.
ag
December 7th, 2012
10:47 am
I don’t understand why you would trade Horford. He has done most of his work in the paint this season.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
10:58 am
Horford is having a solid year, but he’s not an allstar. He’s putting up 15 & 9 and playing good team defense.
I would trade Horford for additional cap space (Turkoglu’s contract is only guaranteed for $6M next year), and two youngsters that I believe in (Vucevic & Nicholson). If I can get a draft pick (or swap of draft picks) great, but I really believe in these 2 kids.
Vucevic at 22 yrs old is putting up 10 & 9 with 1+ blocks in less than 30 minutes per game. He has to work on his efficiency and cut down on the fouls, but he has the potential to be a solid player.
Nicholson is a scoring machine. He could score 15+ a night as a rookie if you gave him 30+ minutes. As he develops a feel for the NBA game, he’ll eventually make an impact.
If I’m going to build around Josh, then these are two guys that I wouldn’t mind putting around him. Both guys are atheletic and can run the floor. Both guys have exceptional length. And I think both guys will eventually show the ability to knock down a 3 when needed.
Rod from College Park
December 7th, 2012
11:02 am
In case ya dont know who Im talking about, its Rob from CP, Vava74, & Najeh. What do u think about my boy Horford so far after 15 games? Is he still considered ‘trade bait’? Has he given ya enough ‘hustle/banging’ down low yet?? Could he do what Josh did last season when Horford was out all season??
Horford has been very solid this year. He seems to be going back to playing in the paint, which is what has made him better this year. His outside midrange jumper has not been falling like it usually does, so he has adjusted his game and done more work down low, which is something Josh should realize as well. I never disliked Horford, I just got tired of hearing the Josh bashing when Horford is supposed to be the chosen one. He is the high draft pick, he is the all star, he comes from the winning culture. He still does not shoot enough for me, and has a hard time creating his own shot, be he has been very solid. As long as he stops shying away from contact, and starts playing some defense, and protecting the rim he is doing his job. Let’s remember he is the highest paid player on the team now.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:03 am
You guys need to remember that Pekovic is a free agent at the end of the year. There’s no guarantee that he will sign here long term.
Monta Ellis will likely be too (he has a player option for next year that will probably be turned down). I would not give up a draft pick in a trade for Ellis, when he would probably love to sign here in the offseason anyway.
Rod from College Park
December 7th, 2012
11:09 am
I will also go ahead and make the prediction early for the blog. As constructed, no matter how good they are in the regular season, without a trade that brings in a guy who can create his own shot in the half court, the Hawks will crash and burn again in the playoffs. Playoff basketball is a totally different game, and unless Josh and or Al can develop a consistent post game, no one other than Lou Williams can get his own shot on this team against good defensive teams.
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:14 am
Just Joe, maybe Nicholson could be a scoring machine. He reminded me of Chris gatlin when I saw him play briefly a few weeks ago. But I wouldn’t call him a scoring machine now. Turkaglu may have one of the worse contracts in the NBA. He and Lamar Odom have had some of the most precipitous drops in productivity in recent NBA history. I sometimes get caught up in these young Euro centers who have made an impact while making very little money. Then I wonder if our Euro center wouldn’t be in a comparable category with Vucevic, Pekovic, Asik and others if given a consistent 30 minutes/game. While not as good as some of those guys, I suspect Zaza wouldn’t be too far off.
I’d trade Horford too, but not for a horrific contract and 2 rotation players. And there is nothing about this season that suggests we should “build around” Josh. Ferry should offer him a very good contract and he should return next year as a cornerstone of the team moving forward. But being a member of the core is a little different than being the focal point. The Hawks don’t yet have a focal point. We should only trade Josh and/or Al if we’re acquiring a focal point (or someone with that type of potential). Especially if that trade removes the cap space to have a discussion with a possible focal point next summer.
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
11:18 am
Wow!! I am so very proud of your response, Rod from CP!! Oh and sorry about naming u Rob instead of Rod in my last post
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:27 am
AJ…Nicholson is putting up nearly 7 points a game on 54% shooting in less than 13 minutes. He’s been on the floor for 20+ minutes just once this year (21 minutes). He responded with 15 pts. His success will hinge on his decision making and whether or not he can improve his rebounding and passing out of the post. Talented 22 yr old.
Slimjr
December 7th, 2012
11:28 am
BUDDY FOR GM!!!!!!!!
We acquire a SF @ 6′8″ with star potential and a back up big for practically nothing?
Buddy you are the MAN!
Make it so Scottie! Aye Captain…
Slimjr
December 7th, 2012
11:35 am
Buddy,
right hand salute for Raymond Felton who basically played with one hand?
His left hand was in pain all night with a bone bruise received the night before against the BobCats..
Last night’s game was a back to back for the Knicks, while Miami rested? OMG!!!!!
No Melo, NO Amare? Are you kidding me?
40 point combined massacre in two wins against Miami is no accident!!!
Miami=Red Alert!
32-10
14-4
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
11:41 am
I MUS WRITE & Astro Joe???
WHAT!!! “still trade Horford”????? Trading Horford right now would be a very insane move and Ferry would lose ALL CREDIBILITY!! Without Horford, the Hawks would truly crash and burn. It was Horford, the other night that was able to hit a crucial jumper in the 4th to keep us ahead while Denver made their run. He didnt hesitate at all, unlike Rod’s opinion of Horford that he gives up open shots. Maybe he does sometimes, but I like how he didnt look for anyone on that possession and drilled the shot.
With the money this team will have next season, I WOULDNT TRADE NEITHER ONE OF OUR KEY GUYS!! Ferry should, of course, make the run for Dwight and CP3, but if neither those guys wants to come, THEN u look to get other quality free agents who are looking to make a name for themselves with a playoff bound Hawks team who are STILL looking for THAT 1 KEY player!! I just wouldnt take a chance THIS season, trading Horford, Josh, nor Teague!
MsDee
December 7th, 2012
11:43 am
Oh and sorry “ag” for leaving u off the list. Najeh, Rod, & vava74 just sticks out more to me when it comes to Horford, the one BIG we have with a top b-ball IQ!!
Astro Joe
December 7th, 2012
11:50 am
Just Joe, I didn’t say that he wasn’t talented. I suggested it may be too early to call him a “scoring machine”. And as you know (because i respect your understanding of the game), what will determine his ability to become a bonfide scoring machine is his ability to score after NBA defenses view his as a threat to winning/losing a game. Until that happens, the jury is still out.
MsDee, sorry, I’d trade any Hawk for the right long-term asset. And please understand, I don’t suggest trading a player because I don’t like him (that is juvenile reasoning). I suggest trading a player because I recognize that he has value across the league and that perceived (high) value could bring back an asset that better fits the team’s long-term goals. We would get more back for Horford than any player (or reasonable combination of players) on the roster.
The Truth
December 7th, 2012
11:58 am
“Devin Harris and his $8.5 mill contract & Willie Greens $1.375 trade exceptionand our 1st rd pick or HOU’s to MIL for Monta Ellis and his $11 mill contract.”
Unless the Hawks are yielding a SF or an upgraded backup C out of a trade why lose a 1st rd pick? Especially since Jenkins game is TBD and developing at this point. Bringing in Monta would put Jenkins in a straight jacket for the next 2 yrs and beyond if LD stays around.
Just Joe
December 7th, 2012
12:04 pm
I’ve stated my opinion before and still stand by it, it will be very difficult to build a championship team around Josh and Al (combined salaries of at least $27M next year). Ferry will have to choose between them at some point, or get very lucky in the draft.
ag
December 7th, 2012
12:09 pm
Rod from CP – I am sure Lou can create his own shot. With the clocking going down, I want the ball in Lou’s hand.
ag
December 7th, 2012
12:13 pm
My bad also, Rob from CP
progeny
December 7th, 2012
12:21 pm
Korver looks like he’s a good dude. found this video of him and his wife. I’m not the most religious person, but the guy has character
http://breakthrough.org/article/165/kyle-korver-endorses-breakthrough-as-funding-priority
Jimmy Crack
December 7th, 2012
12:26 pm
It’s good that Korver’s missing time with the birth of his child happens at the same time as Kyle resting his ailing back. He should be able to practice and get back on the court very soon. Congrats to the Korver family.
darrell starks
December 7th, 2012
12:34 pm
Just Joe, Hawks need keep both player Josh and Horford to continue the succes of this team, both player bring a diverse that nobody have in the nba.
JOSH CAN PLAY BOTH SF AND PF.
HORFORD CAN PLAY BOTH PF AND CENTER
Keep both and add a true center in D12 to this team and Hawks will be and elite team in the NBA.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
December 7th, 2012
12:45 pm
D12 and Kobe by the end of season will be tired of each other, Kobe is 2 demanding and D12 need more space to be comfortable playing his game.
I CAN SEE D12 COMING HOME IN 2013.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
ag
December 7th, 2012
1:11 pm
Looking at the 2013 free agents, the pickings are pretty slim. Hey a lineup with D12 will look really good
Jody
December 7th, 2012
1:13 pm
@Rod from College Park
Actually, Al is not the highest paid player on the team. Josh is.