Mark Bradley

By Khao$

November 20, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this

I agree on just about everything you said. Woody’s coaching, lack of coaching, over coaching (which ever route he takes between any given possession)… could stunt the Hawks’ growth. That said, last night’s game was a game we would have lost last year. One of the keys to us losing two to NJ and the game to Indy is both teams feature lighting quick point guards (Devin Harris and TJ Ford). Without a presence in the middle (Josh Smith) we are prone to get exploited. Felton could have a big game against us (he usually shows up against us anyway). That said, when we’re healthy, we can compete against anyone.

On a side note, Acie’s timid nature is the reason he doesn’t get minutes. For once, I’m siding with Woody. He doesn’t deserve them at this point.

By oldmike

November 20, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this

I watched the game last night till the end. I saw 2 different Hawks teams. The one that stood around and had no cohesion on offense and looked a bit sluggish on defense and thother one at the end of the game that defended with passion and moved the ball crisply on offense and got good looks and made shots. That one needs to show up every night. When it does more often than not the Hawks will move to another level. Maybe not the one of the 6 win start to the season, but surely one that can compete and win against anyone any night at home or on the road. I am still not sold on the Coach. I just don’t think he has the skill set to get this team to championship level. But unfortunately there aren’t any coaches out there who can that aren’t already employed so I guess will have to take what we get. Can’t wait for Josh and Al to get back on the court.

By Bubba

November 20, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

It’s telling, I think, to see how this team plays without its big guns. These are the moments in which character is built.

I don’t know where these Hawks are headed. I am, however, more encouraged than in years past. How do I know? I’m far less likely to say, “Here we go again” than I have been in years past.

By mtb

November 20, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

what more can a coach do? He is preaching the same thing Doc Rivers did to the Celtics “Rebounding and defense!” There really isn’t a lot else a coach can do in the NBA. The players have to execute. There are some things he has control over that could determine the game (who goes in and comes out), but the success of this team lies more in the players than the coach, because the philsophy he is giving them has worked for other championship teams it’s just time for them execute at a consistent level.

By Harpie

November 20, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

To mtb: Having the right philosophy is the first step; but the crucial thing is for the coach to be able to motivate the players to follow that philosophy. And, that’s where Mike Woodson stinks.

By LL Cool Scott

November 20, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

Zaza Pachulia is a Manimal. He is the Heavenly Body which this team revolves around.

By Mark

November 20, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Woodson is a great coach, but I think he’s a better coach than a lot of people give him credit for. I think the team finally buying in to his defensive philosophy has helped with this turnaround some too.

By sampaine

November 20, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Acie doesn’t get much time because Evans and Murray are more reliable replacements for Bibby.

Marvin plays timidly when Josh and Al are in the lineup. When it’s clear that the team has to rely on Marvin he is much more productive.

By Ariose

November 20, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Mark, Exactly…..

~Sir Links A Lot~

By LAWTON

November 20, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

I see you WAITED for the Hawks to win to come out of hiding Mark Bradley. This team isnt going anywhere. Mike Woodson is a terrible coach. They win on talent alone, but when its time to make adjustments, the only thing they do is isolate Joe Johnson. The difference is the other players have stepped up their shooting game because of Mark Price, speaking of which, why cant he just take over and bounce Woodson back to Detroits bench where he belongs.

By Mark Bradley

November 20, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this

I think Acie is timid because he’s scared of making a mistake. In fact, I don’t think — I know. Here’s how I know.

By JD

November 20, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

I think that it takes time for a young player to really develop a stride in the NBA, particularly for a wing player. It took Josh Smith four years to really understand what it takes to be productive in the league, and now Marvin is showing flashes of his potential in his fourth season. He had a good all around game last night, and was able to play a long stretch of minutes.

I do think that he defers a lot to his teammates because I think there is an established hierarchy with the Hawks, but I don’t think that he was ever incapable of making major contributions to this team. We might want more out of him, and we’d probably like to see him do more of what he did last night, but I don’t think that’s his thought process (yet). I think that if the Hawks had more veterans around that could mentor him more away from the game as opposed to learning on the fly (we all agree that maybe Woodson doesn’t do enough to develop his players).

That being said, I think the Hawks are headed in the right direction. They’ve already faced some early season adversity and they’ve gotten through it alright, but I think we all would like to see them do a better job of handling it until Al and Josh return.

By Fred

November 20, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this

And where are all you people now that were screaming that we needed to trade Marvin Williams for anything we could get for him?

Without him this year, we would certainly not be 7-4 and better yet, he’s finally showing the potential we’ve been counting on. Those shots (last night & in Boston) take cajones to put up and that’s a key element if you’re going to take your game to the next level!

By JD

November 20, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Meant to say, if there were more veterans on the team that could mentor him more, Marvin would probably be further along in his development than he is now. He’s quietly becoming a viable offensive option than he has been in the past.

By Mark Bradley

November 20, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Marvin Williams is playing much better, absolutely. And it comes at a big time for both him and the team. He’s eligible to become a free agent at season’s end.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 20, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

I’m as big a fan of the Hawks as anyone, but c’mon these were the lowly 1-7 Wizards. Let’s not make this win out to be something spectacular. The Hawks play like they did last night vs the Pistons, Celts, Lakers or even the Cavs and its a blowout. The Wizards are lousy and for most of the game they scored at will. The fact they ended up with just 87 points was more to do with them taking and missing bad shots than the Hawk’s defense other than at the end of the game (finally!). I started to view Woodson in a better light at the beginning of the season (6-0 start will do that), but now I wonder once again what is the deal with him? Why can’t he get these guys to play defense everytime, every game? His rotation confuses me too. The other night when Acie Law was putting in good work and getting the team back in the game- he takes him out and subsequently the deficit bloomed on them again. Although I am thankful for the win, it was dissapointing to see the lack of effort on defense for most parts of the game. They seem lackadasical at times and unfocused on defense and offense. Hopefully getting Al Horford and J-Smoove back will help that cause I’m worried that if we have to rely on Woodson coaching- well let me just say that he needs to do better. And oh yeah, that disgusted look on his face everytime something doesn’t go right is annoying as hell. He is NOT a confidence builder whatsoever. He looks like he just wants to quit and go home and I really wish he would stop doing that. These guys HAVE TO bust it on defense EVERY SINGLE GAME cause in any sport that’s what wins championships and they need the coach to encourage not berate them with ugly expressions of defeat. And as far as Marvin Williams goes, why can’t he get down like that EVERY game? Thankfully he has a three-point shot now cause his low-post game is still unbelievably shaky for a man his size and I won’t even talk about his inability to take anyone off the dribble without tripping on his own feet and knocking someone into the ground. As I am intrigued with this team and root for them to do well sometimes they leave me baffled with their inconsistency. The first six games vs the games after the loss to the Celtics are telling of the two different personalities of this team. The team from the first six games had hustle and heart and even so in the loss to the Celtics but every game after that it seems it has been dwindling game by game. I know we won, but the effort up until the end makes it feel like a loss. One can only wonder is the players or is the coach?

The saga continues…

GO HAWKS!

By dhj_1962

November 20, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

players have to want to play defense. woody is doing a good job. Horford wants to play defense and so does Josh, thats why they were 6-1, others have to step up and play defense while they are out. i saw a little bit of that last nite, enough to be the wizards, but not enough to beat too many other teams.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

November 20, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

And Acie Law is only timid because he knows Woodson will bury him on the bench if he makes any mistakes. I see now that Woodson got that from being with Larry Brown too long. They are too hard on rooks and young players. Let the kid play.

By JD

November 20, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

In his defense I will say this: by adding more weight to his frame, I think Marvin now has the confidence to compete like he did last night on a nightly basis. I don’t know why this would have been an issue in the past, but it seems that each year he adds a different wrinkle to his game. Granted, he still looks shaky sometimes driving to the hole, but last night he was going into the lane and either scoring or getting fouled. I think that’s all we’ve ever wanted out of Marvin, to see him be productive with his minutes while he was on the floor and he’s doing that. He’s rebounding a lot better, and he’s confident in his shot now. In the past there’s no way he takes that three from the corner (and he’s not only done it once, but twice with the game on the line. If that’s not growth I don’t know what else to call it.) He may not lead the team in scoring, but it appears that he’s taking the necessary steps to improve his all-around game, and that’s good to see given the grief we’ve all given him over the years.

By JB

November 20, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

Harpie— At this level, motivation must come from within or from your peers. If you have to get the coach to motivate you, don’t waste our time coming to camp, much less getting on the court.

By Mark Bradley

November 20, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

JB, I disagree. It’s the coach’s job — at every level — to prepare his team to play. That doesn’t just mean physically; it also means emotionally.

By darrell starks

November 20, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

Are you kidding me how can player like renoldo point guard from boston starte and acie law with the hawks cant even get on the court its the coach woody have to change if you dont put a player on THE COURT OF COURSE HE WILL loose confidence woody rotation is horrible PLAY THE GUY WOODY YES HE WILL MAKE mistakes but you have to be patient the guy can play. GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By walt frazier

November 20, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Its pro b-ball, who cares!!!

By JD

November 20, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

As if it hasn’t been stated enough, here’s what Hollinger from ESPN had to say today regarding Marvin.

By ATLawk

November 20, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Is there an update on Big Al? Can we expect him to play on Friday night?

Zaza is playing very well this season. Big props to him for playing hurt and coming up huge last night, especially when we needed him the most. I can’t wait to see this squad with both Josh and Al back.

GO HAWKS!!!

By James

November 20, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

The Hawks must…FIRE WOODSON NOW!!

By JB

November 20, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

If it’s not the coach’s job to motivate his players, then what is he there for? I could use the Michael Jordan example, but I won’t because I don’t think it would apply here. But Phil Jackson was not necessarily a good coach when he started with the Bulls. He had to motivate Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant to play at Michael’s level (because at the time I think Jordan was really starting to wonder if the Bulls were ever gonna put players around him that would take the team to the next level).

If anyone has seen the video of the Bulls first championship, “Learning to Fly”, there’s a scene in it where Phil basically has to tell everyone to tighten up (during the series w/ the Lakers) but tells Horace to ‘loosen up’ because he would be too hyped up during the game. We all know the outcome of the series.

It is the coach’s responsibility to have his players mentally prepared to deal with the rigors of an 82 game season, and in some instances the playoffs. The player can also use other motivation (wanting to improve, wanting to get to the All-Star game, etc.) for individual achievements, but for the team’s sake, it’s the coach who ultimately is charged with making sure the players are ready. That’s what our fans’ concerns are with Woody, that he DOESN’T motivate his players significantly to push them to the next level…..

By JD

November 20, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

Sorry for the typo, that’s my post down there with the “Learning to Fly” reference…..

By SlimG

November 20, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Woodson is the best coach this team has seen in my lifetime. Discipline and defense is essential to be a winner.

Let’s start holding the players responsible, the coach can’t make shots or play defense.

Get a clue.

By Bailer

November 20, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

there are so many sport writers and half A$$ fans that know so much why did we go out of state to get a coach? I know nothing about basketball but love the hawks. have watched them improve each year this year i aqm being rewarded

By EastAtlanta06

November 20, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

I remember watching the game last night and Nique was prasing the way Washington move the ball around on offense…..”I love the way this team keep moving on offense almost every player touches the ball on offense” but if you ever notice how on every offensive possesion someone set a pick for J.J. so he can get the ball while Marvin,Mo,or Flip stay standing in the corner waiting for J.J. to attract the double team so they can get the ball…..This offense can be really productive with a team with a post up center but were one of the most athletic teams in the league why dont we push the ball more???????? This Woodson guy still dont get it.

By Bob

November 20, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

Mike Woodson needed to be fire several years ago.

By Najeh Davenpoop

November 20, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

At the very least, this team is better than last year’s playoff team. Yeah, they have been playing like sh-t without Josh, and it’s a little troublesome that one player has such an enormous impact on the team’s ability to defend. But in the long run I think they’ll be fine.

And yeah, Acie does deserve more minutes. He’s stepped his game up in the last two games and deserves a chance to continue to gain confidence.

By Laughingly Similar 2U

November 20, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

From Mark Bradley comes a mediocre cheer for a mediocre team? So we should stay home? Go and watch them blow it? what?

Maybe the hawks are so bad we should fire Mark Richt, in some sort of reverse logic syllogism about being better than last year but not good enough to deserve victories?

Can you blame everything on injuries? Dont injuries even out over a season, with every team compromised by them at some point?

By Jake

November 20, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I see that the “Woody Haters” are still around. He is a good coach, has improved this teams record every year. He finally has a semi-complete team (Horford is not center, but gets it done), got more than one consistent guy off the bench, and the critics remain. All the Woody Haters do not know B-Ball, offense is easy, these guys are professionals, its the comitment to defense that wins championships. If theses immature guys (J-Smmove-No College, Marvin-1yr at UNC, Al-2ndyr, JJ-left Ark early) would have listened to the coach a season or two ago, they would have been at this level sooner. IT IS NOT THE COACH, THE PLAYERS HAVE BEGUN TO GROW UP….Give Woody an extension.

By Jake

November 20, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

On Acie,

Its his fault that Flip and Mo have taken his minutes. Somebody mentioned Rondo, he does not turn it over much. Acie has to run this team when he gets in, he will get his chance, but you gotta also remeber that Joe can play the point and so can Flip. Joe is Superstar and Flip’s a vet, this means that Woody can leave a more experienced guy in to ensure that the team keeps playing well when Bibby takes a seat. As a coach, he can’t marry himself to the development of Acie at the cost of the team. Shiidd, you guys want him out already, how about we lose some games trying get Acie some minutes, that would be great huh. You cynics kill me.

By JD

November 20, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

The difference between Acie’s situation and Rondo’s situation is Doc Rivers’ willingness to allow him to play through his mistakes as opposed to Woodson who will yank Law out as soon as he makes a couple of mistakes. That’s the difference.

Doc Rivers played point guard in this league and he knows what it takes for a young point guard to develop, and he’s willing to live with a few of Rondo’s mistakes in order to teach him how to play the position right. While Woodson was also a former player, he was a forward. He may not be as adept at teaching a young point guard how to play the point, thereby slowing his development. That’s probably another reason why Mark Price was added to the staff, not only to help with shooting, but to mentor Law in the ways of a professional point guard.

This is in no way to defend Woodson’s decisions as to why he doesn’t play Law more, but I think if we stepped back and looked at it for what it is (and this is the same Acie Law that had a good summer league, camp, and pre-season [and I realize that it’s now the regular season]). I think that right now Woodson’s using the player that’s coming off the bench and providing a spark for the team in the intangible areas. He did that Tuesday night against the Pacers, but I think our complaint is that we don’t see it on a consistent basis from Acie. It’s a hand in hand issue; playing time equals consistency and vice versa.

By Mark Bradley

November 20, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

“Woodson is the best coach they’ve seen in my lifetime” — so that makes you … what, 5 years old?

By truly1

November 20, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this

I am on your side mark bradly we have played 11 games and woody is already shortening acie laws and randmorris minutes. Woody does not want to have to coach he just wants to have a team that is already fixed for him. Acie and randmo is scared of making any mistakes because woody will yank them. We have 3 men down other people should be getting time to play because you will need more than just 8 players because the season is 82 games long. JJ should not be playing 40 minutes everynight because he plays both ends of the floor. His average goes down and he looks tired maybe because he is. Look at other teams and there big scorers they dont play over 40 minutes all the time. Thats why you brought in flip and mo. Not to take away the maturation of acie law. Coach makes 12 guys better just in case they need them. Dont give woody excuses.

By truly1

November 20, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

Another thing everybody makes mistakes even JJ even your guys best pg chris paul it took him 2 years of mistakes starting at pg to be great. Give the guys a chance to play they might be good or trade them so some other team can benifit and make them stars you dont want that so lets see what we got.

By RealSquawk

November 20, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Mark, love the post. I have to totally agree with you about Acie Law after his boost in the New Jersey game to not see him play at least 10 to 15 minutes was a let down. And it seems like Woodson is going back to what he did last year; shortening his rotation when the situation is tight because he doesn’t trust his young players.

Opposite Woodson Phil Jackson who plays his young players a lot because he knows he will need to depend on them later in the year. Now it is unfair to compare the two coaches Phil has been in the game a lot longer, but it is something to think about.

Plus Acie might be our best point guard next year!!!!

By BA

November 21, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

The reason Law didn’t play more in the Washington game (“what’s up with that” he exclaims, like a fourteen year-old girl) was that Bibby was shooting lights out. What are you going to do- take out Johnson?!

And I don’t think “youngish” is a word. If it is it shouldn’t be.

By Ken Strickland

November 21, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

MARK BRADLEY-That was a very interesting article. It is, for all practical purposes, a sumation of a series of posts I’ve made previously about Woodson’s personality, backgroud, mentors and their psychological influence on his approach to coaching. He will step outside of his comfort zone if circumstances dictate he has to do so. However, he’ll quickly revert back to his old habits(comfort zone) when/if faced with adversity. We witnessed it during last yrs playoff run, and during our recent losing streak, we’ve seen the same shorting of the rotation, overplaying key players and putting the OFF almost completely in the hands of JJ and Bibby.

BK hired the wrong HC to develop a team stocked with talented, but young and inexperienced players. Fortunely, he realized his mistake and tried on several occasions to fire him, but to no avail. A team as young, inexperienced and talented as the Hawks needs a steady HC that will encourage, motivate and find ways to get the most out of each player and the team. As we’ve witnessed over and over again, Woodson isn’t that kind of HC. He’s better suited for coaching experienced, more established, veteran laden teams like the Spurs or Pistons.

We all know the old saying that says, a chain is no stronger than it’s weakest link, and Woodson has proven to be our weakest link.

By Kaz

December 11, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I hate to say it, but we need to figure out a way to not rely on Josh for defense. He is a great talent that is just too immature for the big limelight. His game is inconsistent and you can tell he doesn’t fit in Mike Woodson’s jump shooting offense. He can’t dribble and he makes poor decisions in crunch time. He thinks he’s better than he is. Either trade him or make him a 6th man. That’s the only way we can win. Then we can put Al in his natural position.