Atlanta Hawks: Team holds meeting to air issues after loss to Celtics
Vivlamore reporting.
The Hawks, who were supposed to have an off day Sunday, held a workout (for younger players) and video session following last night’s loss to the Celtics. The Hawks held a 19-point second-quarter lead but it was gone after the Celtics outscored them 33-9 in the third quarter.
Following the video session, players and coaches held a meeting to discuss the loss, which is not the first time this season the Hawks have failed to hold a big lead. I spoke to coach Larry Drew following the meeting. Here are a series of quotes from him. I will just let you read what he said in most of it’s entirety.
* “We just watched film today. As painful as it was to watch, it was very, very productive. After we watched, we had some very good dialog amongst the group. I mean really good. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason. I wish we could have won the game last night because we played well the first half and then we didn’t play well the second half and came away with a loss. But that brought this meeting today. … The guys had a chance to talk about some things and air some things. It was very productive.”
* “I think we have (an identity). I think what we are struggling with right now are situations that when it gets a little tough mentally we don’t push through it. We don’t push through it. That was a big part of our discussion this morning of dealing with adversity and being able to persevere through adversity. You can’t expect to play well every game. This game is a game of runs. But when you do go through stretches where things aren’t going well you pull together. You don’t fragment. Last night, we fragmented. That was very discouraging. When you fragment, you start looking like a soft team and you start pointing figures and you start making up excuses. We fragmented last night. That is something we talked about today because it’s going to happen again. It’s understanding and it’s learning how to push through it. Those are the situations that make you a better ball club because you know how to handle it. You can deal with it.”
* “Paul Pierce had an interesting quote when asked about the difference between the first half and the second half. They realized that they were fighting each other instead of fighting the opponent. Lo and behold, that’s what we did the second half. We started fighting amongst ourselves instead of the Celtics.”
* “It was everybody, the coaching staff and all the players. We sat and we watched film and we pointed some things out. We pointed individuals out. At the end of the meeting, we had group dialog about certain things: slow starts, slow starts in the third quarter, not coming out with energy at the start of the third quarter. We’ve had issues with those things throughout the season. Last night was really, really glaring. After playing so energized that first half and then coming out in the second half and the energy was sapped from our bodies, particularly when they climbed up in us a little bit. We discussed all of those things. The players had some very interesting things to say and they talked amongst themselves, which is very healthy for a team. They did it in such a way where nobody was degraded. … It was just ‘Let’s talk about this first guys because it’s about the team. It’s team first. This is what we need to do moving from this point forward.’”
* “In the past this type meeting would have resulted in some tempers flaring in there. It was very professional. I’ve got a very mature group. Guys said what they felt. There was no bickering. There were no hard feelings. Everybody was shaking their head in agreement. It was very, very professional. … Sometimes it takes a game like that to humble you a little bit. They voiced their opinions about different things. I was very professional. It was unfortunate that we had take an L to bring us together like that. But like I said, things happen for a reason and maybe that was the reason.”
- Chris Vivlamore
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187 comments Add your comment
Grandad
January 6th, 2013
9:24 pm
R.f C.P.
In an attempt to be fair when I speak of Josh and Al,
especially in comparisons, I do not feel compelled to go tit for tat.
In other words, if I say a kind word for one
I do not feel like I must counter with same for the other.
Likewise if I say something good or bad;
I do not feel the need to oppose that POV about the other.
What gives with you people ?
Okay so you want a Josh player eval excrement discharge;;
`tis on it`s way !
Rod from College Park
January 6th, 2013
9:26 pm
“NBA on NBC Boston @NBAonNBCBoston
Sources close to http://nbaonnbc.com confirm that Danny Ainge is working to complete a deal to bring Cousins to Boston, tonight.”
Makes sense. Their franchise understands talent. Our franchise as well as many bloggers continue to want church alter boys.
Slimjr
January 6th, 2013
9:26 pm
If DeMarcus goes to Boston instead of Atlanta..
The Hawks will quickly become a non mother freaking factor in the Playoffs!
Oh the Humanity!
Just Joe
January 6th, 2013
9:34 pm
CV….Is Tolliver on a non-guaranteed contract? If so, when does Ferry have to make decision on the rest of his season?
Rod from College Park
January 6th, 2013
9:36 pm
“In an attempt to be fair when I speak of Josh and Al,
especially in comparisons, I do not feel compelled to go tit for tat.”
The reason I always reply to your post is because you are never fair. You treat Al like LD does, as if he is the greatest player with the highest “Basketball IQ” you have ever seen. Does a high IQ player who shoots a high percentage from mid range continuously pass up wide open shots to kick to a bad jump shooter? My basketball IQ tells me know. Does a high IQ baskeball player continue to stand ther looking while layup after layup are made in his face with no resistance? My IQ says no.
Rod from College Park
January 6th, 2013
9:38 pm
“know” no
Rev in Tampa
January 6th, 2013
9:45 pm
“I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason.”
Well, what do you know… Larry Drew is a Calvinist.
northcyde
January 6th, 2013
9:46 pm
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2013
8:38 pm
Raise your hand if you think Horford would have gotten credit for trying had he shot 5-16 last night
********************
(( raising hand ))
5 – 16 FG is much better than 2 – 8 FG and being a total non-factor. If Horford goes 5 – 16, maybe that means that Smith only goes 2 – 10, with his shots in that 2nd half being limited to more at the rim opportunities.
When Boston effectively took our guards out of the game, that was the time for Horford to step up. Instead, he went 0 – 2 FG and scored 2 points in 21 minutes of play in the 2nd half.
Heck, Ivan only played 6 minutes last night, and he almost immediately came in the game and got 4 points and 4 rebounds, even ended up out of bounds on top of the Boston bench, going after a rebound.
The Al that showed up in the playoffs vs Boston is definitely the Al we needed last night. If he were a legit post player, he would’ve dove down on the block, got position, and damn near demanded that the guards or Josh throw him the ball down on the block. But he’d rather pick and pop his way to points.
When the going gets tough, sometimes you have to go inside and look to get hacked, so that you can go to the FT line to stop the run. Or draw contact at all costs. Only Zaza and Ivan to a certain extent do that.
Yeah, I would’ve given Horford a little credit, had he’d taken 16 shots last night, to try to keep his team in the game. Better than taking 8 shots the entire game, and 2 in the 2nd half.
Leon
January 6th, 2013
10:01 pm
I am amazed at when this team plays good you guys love them, but when they play bad some of you want to fire the coach and trade the entire team. I can agree with some of your opinions on the hawks issues, just not your answers to some of them. The NBA recognized Larry Drew as the coach of the month and some of you guys still want him fired. The Hawks have a GM be patient enjoy or hate this season, but leave your panic buttons at home. We still have 40+ games to go.
Leon
January 6th, 2013
10:01 pm
BTW, I know my grammar sucks. LOL
lbg
January 6th, 2013
10:01 pm
The Hawks could improve their team if Larry Drew and the rest of the team would let Jeff Teague play point guard because they are not allowing him to play the point for the whole game only brief stretches. If we had different coaches(not from the Larry Brown coaching tree) he would be a star especially after the Chicago playoff series a couple of years ago.
Leon
January 6th, 2013
10:01 pm
Good or Bad I love the HAWKS!!!
Just Joe
January 6th, 2013
10:02 pm
When taking 12 shot attempts or more (over the last 3 years), Al has only shot less than 33% once (game 2 against Bulls in playoffs, 25%). If he’s not on, he just simply won’t take the shots. That’s a perfect trait for a role player, but not for one of your main scoring options.
Rev in Tampa
January 6th, 2013
10:06 pm
After reading all the discussions on the blog, it makes Larry Drew’s enthusiasm for “talk” ring hollow.
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2013
10:13 pm
Yeah, that Steve Smith for JR Ryder trade worked out really, really well.
Truth is that a team like Boston with Pierce and KG is FAR more able to take a risk with a talented but emotionally challening player than a Hawks team. The Celtics ooze leadership. We ooze something else.
vava74
January 6th, 2013
10:17 pm
We are like a rudderless boat with LD at the helm.
Virtually ALL players and ALL teams, regardless of their talent, need coaching and management which goes beyond X’s and O’s.
LD is indeed Doc or any top grade coach’s bitch.
Last year he took 11 minutes to react to the adjustments which Corbin made during half-time when Utah played in ATL.
A game very similar to this: big first half lead, huge third quarter collapse.
Both times LD failed to react. Same happened last year of the Celtics series. Only Rondo’s eviction kept us the win.
LD came in with z good strategy but when Doc adjusted (moving Garnetg away from the basket since Collins was dmogheting him down low, Gafnett started to hit easy shots since Collins can’t defend out of the paint.
LD took an eternity to react and the game went to the wire.
LAME DUCK.
O'Brien
January 6th, 2013
10:18 pm
Thanks for the response C-Viv.
LD said rebounding is about energy and effort. Which goes back to northcyde’s point. Why not play the one guy who consistently brings both? Ivan, Mr. 9-5 SMH.
So Hornets waive Dominic McGuire, and Pacers waive Sam Young. Is there any reason why the Hawks should not bring one of these guys in for a tryout for the SF position?
SteveW
January 6th, 2013
10:18 pm
Just joe – isn’t jan. 10 the date for non-guarantees?
vava74
January 6th, 2013
10:23 pm
Rod from College Park
January 6th, 2013
9:36 pm
Bingo!
Al passing up shots afraid to miss/not wanting to take difficult shots and then handing/passing over the rock to a worse shooter is only one of two things:
Cowardice/self preservation; or
Low BBall IQ
Just Joe
January 6th, 2013
10:24 pm
SteveW…I think so, but saw some conflicting reports on whether or not AT was guaranteed. Not sure how Ferry views AT.
vava74
January 6th, 2013
10:24 pm
OB,
No roster spot
SteveW
January 6th, 2013
10:26 pm
AJ – are you sure Ty Lawson is currently better than JT? JT shoots better, better from 3, more steals, same in assists, within .6 in scoring average.
Ty did school Teague in head to head, bit that’s 1 game
Now jrue holiday 2 spots ahead of Teague is clearly better. Jrue deserves an all star nod
Just Joe
January 6th, 2013
10:27 pm
vava…Hawks have a roster spot, and could have 2 soon. Trying to figure out AT’s situation.
Duluth Joe
January 6th, 2013
10:31 pm
Count me in for Cousins. The man is crazy talented and young. Does he have problems? Yes. But not of street variety. He got problems on the court. He wants to win. He is a competitor. He is young and will get mature.
Did Rodman have problems? Did Chicago take a chance on him? How did that work out?
Did Artest have problems? Did Lakers take a chance on him? How did that work out?
You must take risks. Or mediocrity is your lot in life.
If he is not coming to Atlanta, I sure hope he ends up in Dallas.
Astro Joe
January 6th, 2013
10:33 pm
Steve, yeah, I am VERY sure that Lawson is better than Teague. Extraordinarily sure about that one.
BTW, there is a reason why Jsoh’s teammates can often find him wide open for a long distance shot. It is the defensive scheme employed by the opposing team.
When the going gets tough, sometimes you have to go inside and look to get hacked, so that you can go to the FT line to stop the run. northcyde, I thought you said the Hawks rn like 3 post-up plays in the second half.
Steve, still sure. Lawson is better than Teague. Ask around, see if you can find folk who aren’t sure (since I’m sure that you will doubt my objectivity).
O'Brien
January 6th, 2013
10:37 pm
Hawks are not the only team with issues. From NBA.com;
Poor board work was the focus of a team meeting Saturday. Players didn’t practice but did review video of every rebound in Friday’s home loss to the Chicago Bulls, when the Heat were outrebounded 48-28..
http://www.nba.com/2013/news/01/05/heat-rebounding.ap/index.html/
O'Brien
January 6th, 2013
10:39 pm
vava,
I think Just Joe is correct. Hawks should have a roster spot open.
Just Joe,
i think AT contract is only partially guaranteed, if you find the date Hawks can waive him by, let me know.
Slimjr
January 6th, 2013
10:41 pm
“Al passing up shots afraid to miss/not wanting to take difficult shots and then handing/passing over the rock to a worse shooter is only one of two things:
Cowardice/self preservation; or
Low BBall IQ” -vava74
Oh boy Vava74 went there? Hehehe
Vava better get his shields up.The [fan club] will come out guns a blazin!!
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Grandad
January 6th, 2013
10:53 pm
Depurating the excrement –> approaching fan –>
wait for it, wait for it –> ::
Josh Smith player evaluation from a purely antagonistic POV !
*absolutely unrealistic viewpoint of himself
*irrational confidence; [r e Bill Simmons "The book of Basketball"]
*negative zero B-ball IQ / not dumb [worse] / thinks he`s smart [not]
*can`t shoot, but does anyway
*can score in post [doesn`t want to]
*thinks he`s Magic [ain`t]
*doesn`t like to catch & finish / needs to pound the ball 1st
*refuses to outlet after a rebound
*doesn`t box out
*doesn`t close out on shooters
*if he can`t block it he can`t guard it
*never in proper stance
*rarely in position (allowed to roam / play free safety)
(in so doing gets blcks & steals yet teammates are left to cover) !
*four players must play team offense while Josh floats
*slow to get back on defense … why ?
*whines, pouts, cries at officials … thusly he rarely gets a call
*cannot make a free throw
*the other team allows him to shoot uncontested outside ;;;
*the other team fouls him inside – I wonder why ?
*he`s never made an all-star team – always someone else`s fault
*he`s never won a championship or been to a Finals ;;;
*I wonder who`s at fault ? certainly not Josh [must be Al`s fault]
*Wishes to be the Man
*Can he be the Man ? [I think not]
*inconsistent
*never averaged 20, never averaged 10
*wants a max contract (I suspect) ?
*is he a max player ? (hardly)
*tough ? – compared to whom ?
(Oakley, Maurice Lucas, A.I., KG, Ivan, Zaza) … you reckon ?
*high turnover rate, cannot dribble / thinks he can
*perceived as difficult to coach
*hard headed to say the least / obtuse to overstate
*unpredictable
*dumbfounding
*and finally –> he`s become –> *’`Unwatchable`’* !
Slimjr
January 6th, 2013
10:59 pm
“Ah yes, true fanhood at it’s worst. Easy to love a front runner, I guess. Harder to stick with your team. Oh, yeah, I forgot, it’s NOT your team.
That’s your loss. Or should I say “lost”?” -Allstar Al’s [Fan Club] and President-
Ah I almost forgot you have become expert at what? Not much…
Rod from College Park
January 6th, 2013
11:02 pm
“Al passing up shots afraid to miss/not wanting to take difficult shots and then handing/passing over the rock to a worse shooter is only one of two things:
Cowardice/self preservation; or
Low BBall IQ”
DING!!!!!DING!!!!DING!!!!!!
Slimjr
January 6th, 2013
11:03 pm
“Count me in for Cousins. The man is crazy talented and young. Does he have problems? Yes. But not of street variety. He got problems on the court. He wants to win. He is a competitor. He is young and will get mature.
Did Rodman have problems? Did Chicago take a chance on him? How did that work out?
Did Artest have problems? Did Lakers take a chance on him? How did that work out?
You must take risks. Or mediocrity is your lot in life.
If he is not coming to Atlanta, I sure hope he ends up in Dallas.” -Duluth Joe-
Bells Ringing 3X’s….A man of reason! Cosign Sir!
Slimjr
January 6th, 2013
11:12 pm
Cousins will feast in the East..
He put up 31 and 20 against the Raptors a couple of nights ago.. Hmmmm
SteveW
January 7th, 2013
12:47 am
I’m actually not sure i wouldn’t sign samardo Samuels, and then start ZaZa regularly with Samuels behind him. Major hustle guy, 6-9 260
SteveW
January 7th, 2013
12:51 am
I can see kg holding cousins while rondo does some rib shots to help cousins “mature”
SteveW
January 7th, 2013
12:52 am
Cousins is at least a step up from Chris Washburn.
High-sider
January 7th, 2013
12:53 am
@Duluth Joe
“Count me in for Cousins. The man is crazy talented and young. Does he have problems? Yes. But not of street variety. He got problems on the court. He wants to win. He is a competitor. He is young and will get mature.
Did Rodman have problems? Did Chicago take a chance on him? How did that work out?
Did Artest have problems? Did Lakers take a chance on him? How did that work out?” – Duluth Joe @10:31pm, 1/6/2013
The Bulls had (Michael) Jordan, (the) “Zen Master” (Phil Jackson) and “ch’ip (championship) hardware” to “reel in” “The Worm” (Dennis Rodman) if he (Rodman) “got out of line.” (pun intended)
The Lakers had the “Black Mamba” (Kobe Bryant), the “Zen Master” and “ch’ip hardware” to “keep the peace” with Metta (World [War and] Peace). (pun intended, again)
Who do the Hawks (currently) have to deal with DeMarcus Cousins if he (Cousins) starts “trippin’”? “Lame Duck” (LD) and “Osh” Smith (”Smoove”)? And when was the last time the Hawks advanced past the second round of the playoffs?
When the Bulls and (the) Lakers acquired Rodman and World Peace, respectively, both franchises during those periods (of time) had individuals with a “commanding presence” within their respective organizations. The Hawks franchise at this juncture does not have individuals with a “commanding presence” within the organization.
If this Hawks team was currently a non-playoff team, then I might take “the risk” (on acquiring Cousins) but since this Hawks team IS currently a playoff team, I would have to say “NO” to “the risk.”
SteveW
January 7th, 2013
12:59 am
Sulia says tool livers contract is guaranteed. Non-guarantees must be waived by 5pm tomorrow, or else they become fully guaranteed
SteveW
January 7th, 2013
1:00 am
Ha! Tool livers for tolliver. I hate spell correct
Jay Dubu
January 7th, 2013
1:04 am
Why are my post being eaten? There’s nothing questionable within them!
EmirS.
January 7th, 2013
2:56 am
If Cousins was to go to the Celtics, do you think he would really be the same as he was with the Kings? Do you believe he would pull out the immature stunts and childish games with KG, Pierce, and Doc Rivers there?
Hell no.
I understand he has amazing skills….but so does Josh and look where we are with him. We haven’t had a leader on this team since Steve Smith played for us back in ‘98. Larry Drew is afraid to “COACH” Josh Smith and put him in his place when needed. What makes you think he has the testicles to call Cousins out?
I would only go for Cousins if I’m confident in my teams leadership. So until Danny Ferry brings in leadership to the Hawks, I don’t see us faring well.
And yes…if the Celtics acquire Cousins while keeping KG, Terry, Pierce, Rondo, Green and Lee then things will get very interesting in the East. Also, don’t forget Rose and Granger will be coming back soon to their respective teams.
It’s going to be really interesting….
Rev in Tampa
January 7th, 2013
4:30 am
Miami’s 3 game lead looks like a ten game lead. Every year the Hawks keep close part of the season until they have a stretch like this past week and then they start falling back in the standings.
Duluth Joe
January 7th, 2013
5:15 am
“Who do the Hawks (currently) have to deal with DeMarcus Cousins if he (Cousins) starts “trippin’”? “Lame Duck” (LD) and “Osh” Smith (”Smoove”)? And when was the last time the Hawks advanced past the second round of the playoffs”
High-sider, It is reported that Dallas also has interest in Cousins. Who does Dallas have, to keep Cousins under control? Dirk? Shawn Marion? Vince Carter? Their coach who wants to penalize players? What makes Dallas more suitable than Atlanta? Is Dallas in better standings and have more talent than Atlanta now(Dirk is old and who knows how much more he has left, Mayo may leave)? Is their future as bright? They couldn’t get D Williams or Howard to come.
Relative to Celtics, I agree with you that Garnett and Doc and Pierce are positive influences on all players going there. But Cousins is new generation blood. What makes you so sure he can get along with players easily 10 or more years older than him? As for each team’s young talent, I can argue Hawks current young talent is just as loaded (if not more) than Celtics.
As for Hawks, I can also argue that Josh is a veteran that other players respect. Apparently Lou came here because of Josh (one of the reasons). When was last time you heard of locker room problems with Atlanta? (Possibly Ivan, but we all know that is the baggage Ivan brought from prior life, but now is not problematic). Why is it that you don’t hear about infighting in Hawks locker room? Could it be the positive one-two punch of Josh and Al in the locker room and a coach that actually has a tone more suitable to new generation than old style coaching (think Bob Knight or Sloan or Pop style)? Does same coach creating an environment that players actually want?
Add to that Atlanta as a destination city for young African Americans and its history. Compare that to Boston and its climate/culture. Which do you think is a better city to sell to him? I bet Cousins knows more about Atlanta than he does about Boston since his college wasn’t too far from here.
Don’t confuse Josh playing style, with Josh as a teammate. It is all on how you sell and spin.
As I said it is a risk, but one worth taking with Cousins kind of talent.
vava74
January 7th, 2013
6:00 am
OB,
You’re right, we still have the 15th roster spot open.
Sam Young was pretty decent for Memphis when G@y went down. Not sure why he has so much trouble to get minutes these past couple of years.
We desperately need a SF who is a good defender, a slasher and able to knock down some shots (does not need to be a marksman).
Korver works against the bottom of the barrel teams but in spite of his defensive fundamentals he simply cannot be asked to guard the top tier SFs.
Either we get that SF or we definitively need to use the big line up when we are playing teams with good SFs.
Only an idiot like LD would not have told Josh before the game a very simple game plan:
Stay on Pierce defensively and post him all evening on offense.
Additionally, put Zaza on Garnett (he would love the match up) with Ivan working as the reliever at both the PF and C slots (20min) and let Horford play the softer/shorter opponents (Bass/Sully) since he will not show up down low against Garnett.
Korver would come off the bench to shoot against BOS’s second team, easily getting 5 to 8 open looks in 15/20 minutes split both at the SG and SF slots. In the event that his shot was off, get JJ2 to shoot coming off picks.
It’s not rocket science. Only LD would think that he could beat BOS with his softie approach.
vava74
January 7th, 2013
6:02 am
C-Viv,
By the way, could you get someone to block all bloggers who spell Zaza’s name Zsa Zsa or ZsaZsa?
It’s freaking annoying!
W.R.Terrell
January 7th, 2013
6:13 am
Grand Dad
Jan 6th, 2013
10:53 p.m.
That was on the money. Josh Smith is probably one of the most athletic and talented players in the NBA and that’s about it. POTENTIAL has been his calling card but it has waned like the setting sun.
W.R.Terrell
January 7th, 2013
6:31 am
Folks are constantly on the lookout for a SF. The HAWKS have one in Mike Scott and if management is wise then DF will get Austin Daye. ZaZa and Al should remain together along with Ivan. I think Dwight Howard will be in Atlanta after the “Smoove” is gone. Lou Williams and Anthony Morrow are good friends of Dwight and DF was smart in bringing them both to Atlanta. JJ is solid and DF will bring a talented point guard to the HAWKS,JT is not the answer. DF was not looking for this team to make the playoffs, his goal was to put an entertaining team on the floor and he has accomplished that. I think he wants the “Smoove”, to do well so he can get a decent trade out of it, prob is Josh is screwing that up. Weiss will be coach in about 6 more losses. The young talent will get a chance to grow and next year will be a fun year. Dwight, Al and Ivan could be a formidable front line. Next year will be fun, patience needs to be exhibited for this season and D. Cousins probably could be harnessed by Doc Rivers and the Celts team but in no way are the HAWKS present coaching staff capable or the team.
High-sider
January 7th, 2013
6:55 am
@Duluth Joe
“High-sider, It is reported that Dallas also has interest in Cousins. Who does Dallas have, to keep Cousins under control? Dirk? Shawn Marion? Vince Carter? Their coach who wants to penalize players? What makes Dallas more suitable than Atlanta? Is Dallas in better standings and have more talent than Atlanta now(Dirk is old and who knows how much more he has left, Mayo may leave)? Is their future as bright? They couldn’t get D Williams or Howard to come.” – Duluth Joe @5:15am, 1/7/2013
The Mavericks have a high-profile, “hands-on” owner in Mark Cuban, a hard-nosed, former COY and superior strategist in Rick Carlisle, a former league MVP, Finals MVP and future HOFer in Dirk Nowitzki and “ch’ip” (championship) hardware (2011 NBA Championship) to “keep Cousins under control” and “in line.”
This brings me back to what I posted earlier: “If this Hawks team was currently a non-playoff team, then I might take “the risk” (on acquiring Cousins) but since this Hawks team IS currently a playoff team, I would have to say “NO” to “the risk.”” – High-sider @12:53am, 1/7/2013
The Mavericks team currently has a (win-loss) record of 13 – 21, which is ironically the same record the Kings (team) has, and “sits” in 12th place in the Western Conference Standings. As you can see, the Mavericks team is currently a “non-playoff team” and appears to be willing to take “the risk” on Cousins because, quite frankly, the (Mavericks) organization may see itself at or near the bottom with (virtually) nowhere to go but up. As a consequence, the Mavs may “roll the dice” and “take a gamble” on (DeMarcus) Cousins.
At the present time, this Atlanta Hawks franchise does not have a “strong leadership presence” (other than GM Ferry, perhaps) or a “strong track record” of (recent) success(es) (e.g., NBA championship, EC Championship, etc.).
http://www.nba.com/standings/team_record_comparison/conferenceNew_Std_Cnf.html
Big Ray
January 7th, 2013
7:04 am
Good points by Astro Joe and Northcyde.
It all comes down to a few things, I think.
1) Larry Drew is inadequate as a head coach.
2) The team lacks true leadership on the floor. Nothing is changing here. The differencebis with Joe and Marv gone, we’re paying less for the same lack of floor leadership. No one on this team seems capable of stepping up to be a real leader.
3) The “stars” of this team are not real stars. Even Al Horford’s personal accolades look like a fallacy, considering he has not stepped up and led the team. Apparently he just doesn’t have it. Either you do or you don’t. …it shouldn’t and can’t take LD pleading with you to do it.
Meanwhile Josh “tries” to “lead” but fails. He just can’t do it. When a guy takes too many shots (and the wrong kind), it’s great to talk about effort, but that ain’t leadership. Josh doesn’t know what else to do. The fact that he tries so much can never overshadow the fact that his efforts often result in failure in games like this. Sorry, but when you are 4 of 18 from the field, have 6 turnovers and are 10-20% less on free throws over the last few years, you gotta own some of that.
4) These team meetings mean nothing. Leaders call meetings and then take it to the floor and follow through. Until we see the follow through, these meetings are wastes of time.
I would like to see some action by the trade deadline, but the right moves may not be available then, so the offseason it is. Not worth the worry in the meantime. This team can’t do more than it is right now.
MS Bully
January 7th, 2013
7:19 am
Go Celtics!!