Should it be Crawford over Johnson in All-Star Game? (UPDATE II: Horford in)
Is Jamal Crawford a more deserving All-Star than Joe Johnson?
(The Hawks have confirmed that Joe Johnson and Al Horford made the Eastern Conference All-Star team. See link below.)
Last week, former NBA and Michigan star Chris Webber – a relative newbie to broadcasting for TNT — said what I believe a lot of people were thinking: that Hawks guard Joe Johnson might be added to the Eastern Conference All-Star team but Jamal Crawford deserved it more.
In fact, I might even take that one step further. While Johnson is a three-time All-Star and again the team’s leading scorer — he had 31 points in a loss at San Antonio Wednesday night — a case could be made that he has been the Hawks’ third-best player this season, behind Crawford (the super sub)
Loading ...and Josh Smith (who has matured and is less prone to firing up jumpers from Macon).
The balance of the All-Star teams will be named tonight. Odds are, Johnson will be included and Crawford and Smith will be excluded. It’s a numbers thing, and maybe a perception thing. Hawks coach Mike Woodson had a point the other day when he told our hoops guy, Michael Cunningham, that the team deserved to have multiple players in the All-Star game. (He sent letters to Eastern Conference coaches pushing for Johnson, Crawford, Smith and Al Horford.) But here’s my question: If the Hawks only get one in, is Johnson really the most deserving?
I phoned Webber, now an Atlanta resident, to ask him this. He backed off his original comments slightly, but not completely.
“The more I thought about it, I’ve decided Joe is deserving to be in the game,” Webber said. “I just felt it would be good to have an infusion of some new guys who deserved to be in the game, like Jamal and Carl Landry of Houston. Even though I think Jamal should be an All-Star, I know it would be strange not having the leading scorer on the team there but have a guy who’s averaging four points less a game than the other guy is. I think there would be a lot of trepidation on the part of the voters to do something like that.”
Webber also has become a big fan of Smith, saying: “He’s toned his three-point shooting and he’s been a lot more disciplined. I’m glad he’s proving himself.”
I asked Webber if I was crazy for thinking Johnson might be the Hawks’ third-best player this season.
“If you’re talking about third-most impactful this year, I could understand somebody thinking that,” he said. “I definitely wouldn’t argue with that statement.”
Here are the numbers on Johnson, Crawford, Smith and Horford. I’ve also got a poll up. If you had one vote, whom would you say is the most deserving Hawk to be in the All-Star Game?
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UPDATE II: The Hawks have confirmed that Joe Johnson and Al Horford — not Crawford or Smith — will be announced as Eastern Conference All-Stars. Congratulations to Horford, who made it for the first time. Here’s a link to the early AJC story, which will be updated later:
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88 comments Add your comment
IceFan
January 28th, 2010
3:41 pm
It’s awesome that we have two representatives on the All-Star Team! Horford is my favorite player so naturally I’m excited he made it. However, I think J-Smoove deserved to make it over him. No doubt they will both be on future All-Star rosters together, hopefully in Hawks uniforms, for a long time.
You can make a case for all four Hawks mentioned here. Joe is the obvious #1 guy. Crawford has been invaluable off the bench and is clutch. Al shows signs of becoming a star, although it sure would be nice to have a true 5 so he could become Karl Malone. And Josh, what can you say? If you don’t watch and look at the stat lines in the morning, you have to assume he had a huge impact in the game. If you do watch, he makes you jump out of your seat a few times every game. And now it’s not because he wasted a possession on an out-of-range 3.
Congratulations to Joe and Al. Atlanta is proud!
Najeh Davenpoop
January 28th, 2010
3:45 pm
Congratulations to Joe Johnson and Al Horford, but with all due respect, this is like picking McHale and Parish and leaving off Bird. Josh Smith has been the Hawks’ engine this year, and to leave him off in favor of Horford is absurd. I understand why — Horford plays a less deep position — but I prefer to see the best players selected, and Josh’s snub is a crime.
El Bravo
January 28th, 2010
3:48 pm
Sid, I totally disagree. Crawford has the ball on his hands as he usually plays point when he comes in. He has freedom to shoot or drive at will when he is on the floor. How can you compare his role to that of Marvin’s? Marvin gets no plays called for him and scavenges for every point he gets (Marvin is the last offensive option every time he is on the floor). Of Jamal’s 30.5 mins per game more than half come against second units (by far the most of any of our top six players). I’m not knocking the guy, he is really good at what he does but those are just the facts. To compare his contributions to JJ’s steady play is a bit much. That’s the reason why JJ just got named an All-Star again…
James Adams
January 28th, 2010
3:56 pm
As a HUGE Hawks fan, I am beginning to tire ( a little) of Al Horford. He tends to quit trying against bigger, better centers (Howard, Duncan), and he has a HUGE case of Willisitis. (Named after former Atlanta Hawk Power Forward Kevin Willis.) WedMD defines Willisitis as; ‘The unwillingness to play an inside-out game with superior shooting guard when closely guarded or, even worse, double teamed. Often resulting in a turnover or ill-timed shot.’ He needs to shore that stuff up, or the Hawks will be second-round oustees again.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
January 28th, 2010
4:03 pm
I agree i mentioned earlier that Kevin Willis always wanted to be a three point shooter.
Big Fan
January 28th, 2010
4:05 pm
Can we not get into the Chris Bosh trade talks, and trade Marvin Williams, and our 1st round pick this year for Chris Bosh? We would rule the East.
James Adams
January 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
Good call on Randy Whitman, too. Nique’s game suffered when he was traded for Reggie Theus. It’s no coincidence that Nique’s best post ‘88 year was the year Ehlo was on the team, nicely recreating the Randy Whitman role. I will forever say that the Hawks were, at worst, ‘94 Eastern Conference champions without that trade.
E
January 28th, 2010
4:09 pm
I can’t believe all these anti-Joe Johnson “not a clutch player posts”. When Joe Johnson leaves in free agency next year and is lighting it up for some other East Conference team, and we are stuck with Crawford as our go to player and he is taking 25 shots a game and shooting at a 38% clip, like his days with the Knicks…everyone will be singing a different tune, believe me……
E
January 28th, 2010
4:20 pm
ESPN has Joe Johnson listed as 7th, in the MVP award watch list. Ahead of players such as Nash, Wade, and Roy. You would think the home team fans would show him more love. You think fans in Portland are complaining about Brandon Roy or Miami fans hoping Wade leaves in free agency…….
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/awards
Art Vandelay
January 28th, 2010
4:40 pm
Those of you who think Joe is playing for himself this year because he wants a big FA contract are nuts. First of all, I’d put good money on him re-signing with the Hawks for several more years. Second, he’s not doing anything different this year than in years past. He takes the same shots, makes several every game that he has no business making, and keeps his end of the bargain defensively.
just wait
January 28th, 2010
5:05 pm
hey who would of thought 3 years ago we could argue which hawks player should be or is most deserving of an all star nod.
Darrell
January 28th, 2010
5:15 pm
Just wait, it’s a nice, tough debate to have, other teams wish they could do.
NoleRick
January 28th, 2010
5:46 pm
I just feel bad for Josh, I hope he takes over in the 2nd half
Mr. Thomas Anthony "The Taxman Cometh" Jones, SR (Waf-SS, ret.)
January 28th, 2010
5:49 pm
Johnson is the leader of the team. He deserved the All-Stat honor.
keno
January 28th, 2010
6:26 pm
Seriously? I like Crawford but he was meant to be instant offense off somebody’s bench. He’s horrible on defense and he forces a lot of bad shots. Joe is a 20,5,5 guy. Crawford couldn’t even put up those numbers on all those bad teams he played for and he’s averaged 20ppg once out of all the years he’s been in the league. Plus, he plays a lot of garbage minutes against lesser competition on the second unit and he has the green light to shoot at will.
Justin
January 28th, 2010
7:28 pm
Sure, Al had an awful game last night. But when he was frequently matched up against one of the best pf’s in the history of the nba, cut him some slack. Same for the games against Orlando. In fact, he has a size disadvantage on a regular basis and remains incredibly productive. Kudos to him for his first All-star nod.
rusty
January 28th, 2010
7:47 pm
how the hell is jj the leader of this team? he shows no heart.the only thing he is interested in is scoring a lot of points regardless of whether the team wins or not. he bogs down our
whole offense dribbling @ holding the ball way to long. he certainly is not clutch often dissapears. he runs hot & cold,a steaky offensive player,he never picks up fouls offenfessivly like all great player do. his defense is vastly overrated.,fast players constantly lose him. jc is a hell of a better offensive player,he is much better creating shots for his teammates. if woody had half of a brain he would be starting jc & when we needed points quickly set up a lot more shots for jc. we all know he is very capabe to score 50 points a game. jj would have to take 50 shots as we know he never gets fouled
is his points. i thonk that he is overrated not underrated
willie
January 28th, 2010
10:38 pm
I love Crawford and he should win 6th Man Award but no way should he be an all star averaging under 3 assists and 3 rebounds per game. Josh will get there next year. The cry baby stuff from years past (that seems to have gone away once he got paid) is still a bit fresh in people’s minds.
Dan
January 29th, 2010
8:38 am
Schultz, I think it has been proven over the years that your basketball knowledge is JV, at best. Joe Johnson is still the best player on the Hawks.
You have spent a decade ripping this team for moves that turned out to be good moves. You’re wrong, again, here. I love Crawford, he is a great addition to the team. But, you, and the simple minded like you, forget that Joe Johnson is the reason we get to have a winning basketball team here in Atlanta. He has built the franchise and now guys like Horford, Smith, and Crawford are helping him carry the torch.
Just stop writing about basketball. Really, just stop. You do not understand this game whatsoever…
KellieJenee
January 29th, 2010
9:54 am
I think Joe, Al, Josh, and Jamal are all deserving of being all stars. As we all know everyone who deserves a spot can not make the team. For some one to even ask this question on the AJC website bothers me. First of all Joe is our main guy and best player, period. He has earned all the recognition he gets, this shouldn’t even be a question! Jamal is great, I’m glad he’s with us, but don’t try to compare and pit them against each other. Let’s not try to knock one of our own down to lift another one up. Both Jamal and Josh will have their turns and I’m sure they are both happy and excited for their teammates. Why can’t the writers for the AJC be as well???? I don’t get it!
Congrats to both Joe and Al! Let’s Go Hawks!!
Dgirl
January 29th, 2010
12:43 pm
Congrats to Joe and Al. I was really hoping Josh would be chosen as well, but 3 hawks probably will never happen. As far as Joe or Jamal, Joe is doubled or tripled allthe time and still leads our team. Joe Johnson- please stay in Atlanta.
JOE NO GAME JOHNSON
January 29th, 2010
4:56 pm
AT LEAST WE KNOW THAT JAMAL CRAWFORD CAN TAKE JOE BORING JOHNSON PLACE WHEN HE LEAVES AT THE END OF THE YEAR!
JOE NO GAME JOHNSON
January 29th, 2010
4:58 pm
JOSH SMITH IF YOUR READING PLEASE STOP MEAN MUGGING THE REFS AND YOU WILL BE A ALL-STAR,PLEASE SON YOU ARE TURNING INTO RASHEED WALLACE JR.
Tweets that mention Should it be Crawford over Johnson in All-Star Game? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
January 29th, 2010
8:48 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Hawksdawgs, Ross Arntson, David Croy, Jeff Schultz, Steve Chalk and others. Steve Chalk said: You could argue that Crawford is responsible for more wins. RT @JeffSchultzAJC: Crawford over Johnson in All-Star Game? http://bit.ly/byyW9H [...]
JOE JOHNSON IS GONE AFTER THIS YEAR,SO WHAT WE GOT CRAWFORD
January 30th, 2010
1:06 am
NEXT YEAR CRAWFORD WILL MAKE THE ALL-STAR TEAM ONCE SLO-JOE JOHNSON IS GONE!
Snowman
January 30th, 2010
1:20 am
Hmmm, still no APOLOGY Mr. Schultz for coach Woodson? You are one “classless” blowhard!!! Woody and the Hawks have swept the Celtics and what a “brilliant” move with the eyebrows to lighten the load for a team who had such a critical week ahead and it worked, it freakin worked!!! A win over Houston in Houston and the sweeping of the Celtics!!! I hope Wood pulls off the rest of the weekend and ends up the East coach in the All-star game. Congrats coach Woodson and the Hawks for a job well done. Oh, of course Joe Johnson and Al Horford are the two BEST players on this team. Huge Kudos to Jamal and what a fantastic season he is having!!! It reminds me of Andrew Toney of the 76ers back in the day or Microwave Johnson of the Pistons under the “Bad Boys” or even Aaron McKie more recently, the season he had when Philly played LA in the finals under Larry Brown.
Keep coach ‘em up Woody and sorry to see you writing about the Hawks again of course trying to stir up controversy and dragging Chris Weber into your cesspool with you. Leave our Hawks and Chris Weber alone and please, and I beg you, please get loss!!!…Go as far away from the Hawks as you can get. I have an idea, run a poll and ask this question…Please vote if you would Jeff Schultz to stay reporting or writing on the Hawks or find some other sport or other thing to write about and leave the Hawks alone? Let’s see what the people would say. Seriously Jeff you are not that good!!! That is the bottom line…Now does Woody deserve a “New” contract extension? You are like the weatherman, how you can be so wrong about something and still keep your job while criticizing someone who is doing a GREAT job…you just can’t make this stuff up!!! Good luck Hawks tomorrow against the Magic, what “Magical” season they are having so far…love em (smile)!!!
Tweets that mention Should it be Crawford over Johnson in All-Star Game? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
January 30th, 2010
1:55 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by S Dot Gilley, Jeff Schultz. Jeff Schultz said: Yahoo! Sports is reporting that #Hawks Al Horford (not Crawford or Smith) will join Joe Johnson as NBA East All-Star. http://bit.ly/cKJy4j [...]
E43
January 30th, 2010
9:35 am
jamal deserves to go to the all-star game but not over joe. its really a stats n game-plan issue. we can win without jamal but i dont think we can win as much without joe.
E43
January 30th, 2010
9:36 am
oh yah; jamal does alot of ill advised things.
Kaz
January 30th, 2010
10:18 am
joe is our best player. josh is a close second…this year. i like jamal, but his success has been based off of the fact that he is surrounded by All-Star caliber players (AL, JSmith, JJ). He has hit some clutch shots this year, but true basketball fans appreciate the things that players do that lead up to the final shot (i.e. key rebounds, steals, etc…). I’m just glad he’s on our team. GO HAWKS!!
rusty
January 30th, 2010
11:42 am
i gusss you all apreaciate jj ball hogging
RustyVogue
January 31st, 2010
3:53 am
Crawford had one breakout game on Friday against Boston. That doesnt make Crawford an all-star particularly ahead of Joe Johnson. Whats sad to me is how everybody forgets how great Joe Johnson is. I have seen only 3 players in the nba who I think are better. Kobe, D-wade and LaBron. Thats it. That is the pecking order as i see it. Why? Because when Joe Johnson is ON, he can take over a basketball game like he did in the fourth quarter on Friday against Boston. Those other 3 guys can do that as well. Crawford is improving and probably should be starting ahead of Bibby, but he is not better than Joe Johnson, not now or ever.
E43
January 31st, 2010
9:55 am
Rust:.the only reason jamal wont start is because of the +/- stat.its also the reason marvin comes out ahead of bibby. Fact is the hawks starters put more points on the board when bibby is in the game. If Jamal and the rest were shooting at a high clip together then yes he should be starting. its the same scenario with Joe at pg and jamal at sg only joe would be at a disadvantage defensively… if jamal was to start it would be at sg but that obviously wont happen.
Trill
February 1st, 2010
11:18 pm
I hope Joe Johnson does not read this. Its no question that without Joe Johnson, we’re an 7th/8th seed in playoffs. Maybe even out of the playoffs. Topics like this is what makes it hard to re-sign your top players. Jamal is a great compliment to Joe, but Jamal is not more valuable. Is Jamal an All-Star??…I don’t think so though he’s played well. He wouldn’t get my vote before Josh Smith, who clearly deserves to be on the All-Star team. Can we change the subject?? Why does Orlando own us??? We can’t seem to beat them.
Hawksfan11
February 3rd, 2010
2:18 pm
I totally agree with what Schultz is saying. Crawford is averaging around 17 points off the bench while playing almost 7 minutes less per game than Joe Johnson. With Crawford’s clutch shooting and defensive the Hawks bench has been raised to a level above almost any other bench in the league.
Snowman
February 4th, 2010
10:06 pm
How has Joe Johnson lookded the last couple of games as compared to Jamal Crawford…
jomo
February 7th, 2010
4:02 pm
Are sportswriters limited to only trying to create dissent. Is this taught in Sportswriting 101or is it just that they lack imagination when trying to put a story together? Mike Woodson has put together an exciting team with great chemistry and what do you do? Instead of reporting the positive attributes, you guys try to create controversy. Didn’t you do enough of that during their losing years? Sure it’s true Josh and Jamal should have been considered-they’re All Stars who just didn’t get picked. When was the last time 4 teammates made the squad? AJC sportswriters are as outdated as their paper.
RENO
February 24th, 2010
7:29 pm
Jamal is a good player but JOE JOHNSON is the best hawk on the team and if we lose him we will see.