Hawks roll again (and what’s this about Dwight Howard?)
Guard Jeff Teague and the Hawks are off to a flying start this season. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
(UPDATED: 10:45 p.m.)
They won their season opener by 36 points at New Jersey. They won their home opener by an easy 18 over Washington on Wednesday night at Philips Arena.
They have a point guard (Jeff Teague) who is dishing, a sometimes-maddening star (Josh Smith) who is playing under control, a team that is defending and … wait, did somebody just show Marvin Williams where the paint is?
So this is what Hawks’ bliss looks like. Feels like. Sounds like.
Well, maybe not sounds like. Considering this was the home opener, the crowd in Philips Arena was remarkably small (generously announced at 17,750) and relatively staid. But if the Hawks can continue to play like this against teams that figure to finish well north of New Jersey and Washington in the standings, they’ll get some deserved attention. Maybe even a sellout. Maybe they’ll even attract a buyer.
Williams, who has had a largely unspectacular career, led the Hawks with 17 points and eight rebounds. Yes, that was him crashing the boards for a follow slam dunk after a missed shot.
He says he feels better after having back surgery in June, adding that the lockout afforded him extra time to rehabilitate. “It [the lockout] was a blessing for me,” he said. “I know not a lot of guys would say that, but it was good for me.”
Al Horford said that William has “gone back to just playing, not thinking too much out there. He’s being aggressive on the offensive boards. If Marvin plays like that, we’re that much better.”
So, seemingly, is everybody to this point. Smith (15 points) was patient and had a spectacular block when he ran down the Wizards’ Andray Blatche and slapped away a would-be dunk. Joe Johnson scored 18. Teague, who looks more like a real NBA starting point guard every game, had 11 points, five assists, two steals and was strong on defense. Tracy McGrady — yes, he can still play — had 11 off the bench.
A 2-0 record doesn’t ensure anything, not even in a 66-game season. But it has been a comforting start for coach Larry Drew, who has his team playing with energy and defense.
“We’ve been preaching for the longest time about trying to be a better defensive team,” Drew said before the game, the inference being that the Hawks are finally getting there.
Marvin Williams, who feels better after back surgery, finished with 17 points and eight rebounds. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Afterward, Drew bemoaned the fact the Hawks led the Wizards back in the game after blowing them out early.
“Against a team like that, you have to take away their hope,” he said.
But it’s nice to be picky about a win.
True, it’s dangerous to draw too many conclusions yet. Short training camps and an abbreviated preseason will affect some teams more than others. At some point, probably six weeks into the season, there will be market corrections all over the league. But the early results are encouraging for a Hawks team that returns the same core as a year ago (save Jamal Crawford, a payroll casualty). The Hawks never seemed inclined to make a major move in the summer, especially with the ownership situation in flux. Obviously, if they continue to win, making a significant trade remains unlikely.
But the question is whether they are still considering a roster-shaking deal – particularly one that involves Orlando center Dwight Howard.
We’ve beat this drum before about Howard. He’s the most dominating center in the game. He’s a hometown product who would give the Hawks the marketing centerpiece they desperately need. And he’s available. Howard is due to become a free agent after this season and, while the Magic claim they’ve pulled him off the market, it still seems likely they’ll trade him during the season rather than risk losing him for nothing.
It’s also now apparent that the Hawks have made a run at Howard. Our Michael Cunningham reports that Horford (not Johnson) was the most likely centerpiece of a multi-player trade offer, with the Hawks keeping Smith in hopes that Howard would want to play with his childhood friend. The obvious question is whether Howard would be willing to sign a contract extension with the Hawks. To this point, he has said the only teams he would sign with are Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers and New Jersey.)
If the report of a trade offer is true, it would be a bold move by the Hawks. Trading for Howard without assurances of a contract extension would be a huge risk. But going after one of the league’s top players – and the most dominant center – would have support among the fan base.
And if the Hawks remains as currently constructed, maybe they’ll be OK after all.
By Jeff Schultz
Follow me on Twitter (@JeffSchultzAJC). Friend me on Facebook (Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC).
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
117 comments Add your comment
JSS
December 29th, 2011
7:26 am
Well finally a half way intelligent blog regarding the Hawks without the usual undercurrent of silliness. Well that is with the aside of Dwight Howard, that is static. The work of the 2nd unit has been a breath of fresh air. The “Foreign Facials” (Zaza and Vlad Radmanovic) have brought boards and the latter steady shooting. What can I say about McGrady, he has played largely within himself.
Now, I’m going to compliment the three scapegoats: Smith, Williams, and Johnson. If they can maintain and improve on what they’ve been doing, this team can make hay. Marvin has been stellar. The opening tone of the last two games have been set by him. Josh has jacked up his normal “why” jumpers, but he has done some of his best passing in his career in the first two games. He has also crashed the boards and has largely kept his head in the game, outstanding! Joe Johnson has played some “D!” Where has “Iso Joe” gone and where can we bury it? I won’t put the caveat only playing two lower teams on these guys yet, they will get some of the bigger names teams soon enough. Still, they’ve shown some idea of addressing their former failings; that is a start!
Tremaine
December 29th, 2011
7:46 am
Devil’s Advocate
December 29th, 2011
12:14 am
Trading for Dwight would makeup for trading away Nique IMO!
Cosign
Lol, I still haven’t gotten over that either.
DHD
December 29th, 2011
7:53 am
The Hawks need a superstar. The question is….what would Orlando take and can we sign him to a new contract. Seems it would take Horford and Johnson to make that happen. Is it worth it?
Hawks Fan
December 29th, 2011
7:57 am
Jamal was a great scorer, but he never played within the flow of the offense (all one on one moves), he couldn’t pass, couldn’t play D and couldn’t rebound. If his shot wasn’t falling (think Bulls series), he was a non-factor. So far, Vlad Rad has done all of those things and he hustles all over the court. Granted, it’s only 2 games, but he has been a great addition and enough to make me forget about Jamal.
Nativebird
December 29th, 2011
8:14 am
Be careful Hawks fans, I hear Winnipeg is looking for an NBA franchise. Canadians…can’t live with em…cant get it over with and just invade and take em over.
J
December 29th, 2011
8:19 am
LMAO – once again, some idiots come here and say screw ASG and then post Go Dawgs … you guys are morons and i hope you know that.
BravesFan79
December 29th, 2011
8:21 am
This Hawks team IS in the Elite! Who else is “elite” currently besides Miami anyways? The Hawks can beat anyone on a given night. If Howard was grabbing rebounds instead of Horford, wed be talking about a NBA Finals team. This is a Eastern Confrence finals caliber quality team currently.
chris
December 29th, 2011
8:52 am
If they Hawks part ways with Horford (the future of the Hawks in my opinoin) they better have assurances that Howard will sign. If they give up Horford and then lose Howard too this franchise will not recover
Peter
December 29th, 2011
8:54 am
Actually the bench looks better without Crawford. They looked wonderful against weak opponents, BUT still no Big, and that is what will hurt them come crunch time in the playoffs, and against the better teams in the league.
Also at times they are still standing around on Offense, and bombing from the outside, and not doing much driving to the hole.
They do look to be improved so far, but really they have to play a good opponent, before one can really tell.
Ben
December 29th, 2011
9:13 am
This means nothing. Remember the Hawks started 6-0 last year and then lost 7 of their next 9.
A team built for the playoffs, not a Championship.
CThom
December 29th, 2011
9:17 am
I say get Howard and trade Marvin Williams and Josh Smith in a package deal. This would allow Horford to play his natural position and they would play before a packed house every night.
tony
December 29th, 2011
9:37 am
We live in a era where today’s players don’t devote themselves to 1 employer. It would be in the hawks best interest to wait for Howard to become a free agent rather than trading for him. If he is serious about committing to his home team he would wait after this season to sign with the hawks. Cleveland fans knows better than anyone that just because a player was born in his home state doesn’t mean he will stay committed to their team.
B-Ballaholic
December 29th, 2011
9:50 am
T-Mac is back ! Marvin is playing good ? Wow ! Teague running the point like CP3 ! Go Hawks !
GeorgiaYankeesFan
December 29th, 2011
9:51 am
Went to season opener last night. Product on court was awesome. Off the court was an issue. New ownership is needed immediately, it is obvious Atlanta Spirit is going to nickel and dome fans to death. First trip to bathroom, raw sewage was backing out of drain leaving customers to hop over a stream of yellow. In seats, we noticed a weird assortment of college and 2 NBA scores being flashed on screen. No updates on any of plethora of other good games going on – thanks for updating us on the UK – Samson game. We the were looking for player point totals fouls, team fouls. Then at halftime something I’d never seen at an NBA game which was NOTHING – no halftime show. Nothing going on on the court. Really weird. New ownership can’t arrive soon enough, like I said great on court product. Hopefully the fans get some more bells and whistles next game.
B-Ballaholic
December 29th, 2011
9:53 am
Vlad was on fire too ! Great TEAM win !
Hawks Rule`
December 29th, 2011
10:00 am
These hawks are for real! Look for a deep playoff run and an upset for the NBA East title!!!!!
Get Dwight!
December 29th, 2011
10:02 am
Get Dwight–no matter what the cost! Give up Horford and any other player the magic want. Dwight’s a superstar and will take ATL to the top of the league!
KZ
December 29th, 2011
10:17 am
“Went to season opener last night. Product on court was awesome. Off the court was an issue. New ownership is needed immediately, it is obvious Atlanta Spirit is going to nickel and dome fans to death. First trip to bathroom, raw sewage was backing out of drain leaving customers to hop over a stream of yellow. In seats, we noticed a weird assortment of college and 2 NBA scores being flashed on screen. No updates on any of plethora of other good games going on – thanks for updating us on the UK – Samson game. We the were looking for player point totals fouls, team fouls. Then at halftime something I’d never seen at an NBA game which was NOTHING – no halftime show. Nothing going on on the court. Really weird. New ownership can’t arrive soon enough, like I said great on court product. Hopefully the fans get some more bells and whistles next game”
Co-sign.
What happened to the player stats board?
KZ
December 29th, 2011
10:18 am
I had no idea who some of the Wizards’ bench players were at some points. ASG really downgraded the arena.
nomoney
December 29th, 2011
10:20 am
the hawks owners are losing money and are going cheap–cutting a bunch of costs and will be nickel and diming fans all season. Pay up chumps! the millionaires need your money!
jarvis
December 29th, 2011
10:23 am
Rasheed Wallace’s career average as a Hawk: 20 points, 6 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 assists, 1 steal
That was an awesome career.
alex
December 29th, 2011
10:25 am
i think Al, Marvin and two first round picks is fair price for Howard it’s make Orlando decent, it’s make Atlanta contender for at least four years,it’s make attendance bigger on each game and owners to prosper. sorry ours owners don’t have guts and brain to do that. enjoy 9 thousand empty seats pinhead spirit group.
jarvis
December 29th, 2011
10:25 am
Sign and trades are against the rules now? Right?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
December 29th, 2011
10:28 am
Dang some Hawks Kool Aid is being drank here to day. Beat the Nets and the Bullets- I mean Wizards and they are now world beaters. Craziness I tell ya!
Wink
December 29th, 2011
10:36 am
Team looks good so far. If Dwight is available, I would do the deal. We had a very decent start last year as well. The shared the basketball early and reverted to old habits later in season. Early results this year good, based on solid bench players. The second quarter of the first game the subs looked like the regulars. It looked like basketball, when I am just watching a random game with no emotional tie…looked good & defense was terrific!
One early observation, Pargo & Green can’t shoot, missing a lot of wide open looks. Pargo looks shaky as a point guard; his handle is weak & he can’t make a forward lead pass, they get picked off, quite often, but he does defend. Green can’t defense, is foul prone; he torched by Nick Young…we need to keep an eye out for back up guard. Don’t know if Sloan is hurt or inactive, but they should give him a shot; of course AI is still out there!
Good Start Hawks!
Mark
December 29th, 2011
10:40 am
Vlad is all around a better player than Jamal. JC played no defense and was mostly a shooter.He hit some big shots but so can Vlad. Look at the stats in a month and this will be very evident.
Maurice
December 29th, 2011
10:43 am
@dwight I understand LA but you actually said NY?! That’s funny.
Joe Tess Fish House
December 29th, 2011
10:50 am
Its just 2 games. Wait until the end of the seson win they are in last palce! Typical Hawks.
KevinM
December 29th, 2011
10:54 am
We can’t give away Marvin….no one is asking for the 30th ranked SF in the league at 8M/year for the next 3 years. He won’t be part of any package unless we take on someone’s trash.
And if you think Joe and D12 will be on the same roster? Consider that rivals the Knicks top 2 and the Lakers top 2 in salary. Do you really think the owners who no longer want to be called the ASG will get into luxury tax levels? Gearon just said he was hopeful he would benefit from revenue sharing.
If Joe isn’t in the deal, its not happening and I’m not convinced Otis Smith sees Joe as a guy to build around with a $100M left on his contract.
Mike
December 29th, 2011
10:59 am
Hmm, I am very torn about this. One part of me saying that we should keep Horford and let D12 does his own thing and other part is saying that we should try to trade for him.
In the basketball standpoint, it will make us alot more dangerous, because Hawks will have a True Center (no offense Al) that works on the low post, get blocks and rebounds. The last time we had that was Deke, that was a lifetime ago, plus he will be perfect in Drew offense since he is also a great passer as well.
In the terms of City and fans, we didnt have a true superstar since the days of Dominique Wilkins(that trade still hurts my heart today) and it can bring more ppl to Phillips and also make us more attractive to would-be owners that wants to buy a NBA team and keep it in Atlanta.
I know that price is steep and that if he doesnt re-up, then it will be back to pre-2000 time when the Hawks sucks. So it is hard decision, but right now, I think he doesnt want to re-up than dont bring him but he decided to re-up and wants to stays, then do the trade and start build around him.
bfred
December 29th, 2011
11:03 am
I know the ASG has shown its @ss plenty of times in the past but there is simply NO WAY they make a move for Howard without a guaranteed sign-and-trade. C’mon Jeff, you know full well that’s the case – why imply Sund would ever make such a moronic move?
As for crowd enthusiasm, Philips got plenty loud last year and will again. A comfortable win over a dull opponent does not crowd noise make.
D12!
December 29th, 2011
11:19 am
give up al and marvin asap to get dwight—he’s the future of the franchise. Get it done, now!
BFalcon
December 29th, 2011
11:28 am
Trade Horford,M.Williams, ZaZa and No1 pick 2012 for Howard, Turkelo & D.Orton.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:45 am
Gwinnett Fred: (on crowd) It was a great crowd for “weeknight” game “against Wizards.” Not for a home opener during holiday week. Big difference in my book.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:46 am
iJonathan — Yep, thanks.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:47 am
Gwinnett Fred (part II) — we agree on the 13,000 to 14,000.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:48 am
JJM — I’m well aware it’s only 2 games and it’s only Nets and Wizards. So noted in column. But still 2 impressive wins.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:50 am
Stinger2 — No doubt, trading for Howard would be a huge risk if he didn’t sign a contract extension.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:51 am
IAW — “Its obvious that Jeff Schultz is trying to play down any interest in this team.”
…. Really? So that’s why I wrote about them?
DePort
December 29th, 2011
11:52 am
I still dont see why everyone freaked out when we lost Crawford … he was a ball hog and never played within the Offense… Our 2nd team Offense is 10000 times better now that they play within the offense and now the transition between the 1st team and the 2nd team is flowing… Unlike 99% of you on here.. I actually believe the Hawks will be better this year and then maybe some of you bandwagons will join back up and like the Hawks again!
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:52 am
JSS — Did you almost pay me a compliment? Naaaawwww.
Jeff Schultz
December 29th, 2011
11:54 am
DePort — “Ballhog” might be overstating it with Jamal. Fact is, he scored and Hawks don’t win nearly as many games last couple of years without him. Big question this year was how they could replace his scoring. But yes, he is a one-dimensional player.
DePort
December 29th, 2011
11:59 am
I agree he did win some big games for us… I was at the Phoenix game when he hit the near half court shot to win it… but SOOO FARRR I do like our bench better this year than I have seen in a long time… and I would rather have a bench full of solid players than a weak bench with the 6th man of the year…
cybo
December 29th, 2011
12:20 pm
You are crazy if you think Jamal Crawford was a floor leader.
One dimensional
No defense.
Can only function with the ball in his hands.
Streak shooter.
Kills teams defense.
WHY DO YOU ALWAYS THINK TEAMS ALWAYS TRADE HIM?
BETTER BENCH SUPPORT NOW
ATLien
December 29th, 2011
12:32 pm
I loved this team and how they quietly and cheaply assembled a deep and veteran bench. T-Mac was a great pickup. He’s about at the same point Grant Hill was in recovery from microfracture when Hill started resembling his pre injury self. It may be a T-Mac that’s only 90 percent of what he once was physically, but he can make up that 10 percent with vet savvy. By the end of the year this won’t be seen as Joe’s team, or Josh or Al. This will be Jeff Teague’s team. He is the answer to what this team has needed for years.
To me, this team feels alot like the Dallas Mavericks of last year. No one player as great as Dirk, but a deep and versatile team that’s young enough it can still win big, but enough experience and veteran presence to get over the bumps in the road.
JSS
December 29th, 2011
12:38 pm
@Jeff Schultz…
Almost, see I can be “nearly positive!”
Do Not Trade Al Horford
December 29th, 2011
12:58 pm
I’ll disown Hawks forever if you trade Al Horford. You’d better not do it!
Slimjr
December 29th, 2011
1:25 pm
All NBA AL not talented enough to take us to the Championship! D12 Can..
Trade AL and some filler for D12 asap. Make it so.. AYE CAPTAIN!!!!!
Slimjr
December 29th, 2011
1:28 pm
Trade overrated All NBA “set shot” yesterday for D12!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Make it so!
Win now baby!
welikebaseball2
December 29th, 2011
1:31 pm
Not to rain on the 2-0 start w/ blowouts but…I see a pattern that didn’t bode well for the Hawks last season. The offense is still heavily reliant upon making mid to long-range jumpers. And, unfortunately, Josh has shot more than his share of those already. I flat out don’t like Drew’s offensive scheme…especially considering our personnel. When (not if) the outside shooting cools off, we’ll see. I will say this, the defense is looking better than last season.