AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > October > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USClaxton comes highly recommended
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I know the consensus around here is that I have this great job. And for all the things we all disagree about here, that’s one I can’t dispute.
I spend many of my days at basketball practice or at games. And while the deadline pressure and occasional travel snafus take some of the fun out of the job, I can’t say the same about practice. There’s nothing like being able to watch practices and notice work habits and the little things that lead up to what happens on the floor come game night.
Let me also admit now to cheating a little bit. I don’t sit alone at practice and wonder what’s going on. I usually sit next to a visiting coach, a Hawks executive or staffer or someone else with an extensive background in basketball. My favorite practice partner is former Hawks star and current TV analyst Steve Smith, who knows plenty about the game and playing it at the highest level.
I’m constantly picking his brain for insights about what he knows about players, Hawks and others, and what the impressions are of coaches and players on other teams about the Hawks. He knows someone on every team in the league and can’t show up to any arena without being greeted by dozens of people; everyone from ushers to team presidents and in between. And despite his [Michigan State] Spartan roots, I’ve come to value his opinion about all things when it pertains to basketball because Smitty shoots straight about everything. He never holds his tongue and gives you his honest assessment of guys, whether they are friends of his or not.
That’s why a recent conversation we had was particularly interesting.
Remembering that he played on that Spurs championship team with Speedy Claxton (who got his cast off Tuesday and appears to be on schedule for a return right about the start of the regular season), I asked what he remembered about Speedy’s game and how effective he thought he’d be running the show for the Hawks?
Smitty (don’t bother calling him Steve if you ever run into him) said, and I’m paraphrasing here, that “Speedy and Stephen Jackson won that championship for us, they gave us that edge we needed to handle Jersey.” Strong words and ones that I couldn’t let pass without further explanation.
Claxton was playing behind Tony Parker then, when the fantastic Frenchmen was having his troubles with Jason Kidd. Smitty said that Speedy’s fearlessness in playing Kidd, on both ends of the floor, made a huge difference in the series. I know that’s a concern of many; that Speedy is undersized and will struggle to defend bigger point guards. Smitty’s not convinced that’s as big an issue. Not with Speedy’s quickness and relentless attitude.
Smitty is convinced Claxton is the difference maker the Hawks needed at the point, and coupled with Tyronn Lue a player that gives the Hawks a nasty (albeit short) 1-2 punch at a position they’ve struggled at in the past two years.
We’ll have to wait a while longer to see it in action. But I’m willing to buy the hype about Speedy if Smitty is selling it.
Comments
By vdunkndunk
October 10, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
I love Smitty’s insight during Hawks games on TV. He does have a unique perspective because at this point he’s played for so many teams with so many players. Sekou, you’re right about how you have a great job: I would love to watch the Hawks practice with someone like Steve Smith there to guide the way.
Also, while I have to admit I haven’t seen much of Speedy, I do remember being impressed with him during his run with Spurs in the NBA Finals, and I also remember him absolutely destroying us last season when Chris Paul was hurt. What can I say except I’m glad he’s on our side now and I hope he stays healthy. Having a two guard like JJ, who can create plays like a PG, will only make Speedy that much more effective.
By mountain_jim
October 10, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
Good info and insights, Sekou!
I have not had much to say in your blog entries of late, but I check in and read each and every one.
Hoping for a fast Hawks start and no more major injuries.
By G-Money
October 10, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Sekou, thanks for all of the info and insights about each of the individual Hawks players. I for one believe that if Speedy can stay healthy, the Hawks with the other improvements in all departments will move from cellar dweller to mid-tier team. I also think that your opinion is honest and unbiased. I believe in JJ, JSmoove, Marvin, and Speedy. They are going to produce big for the Hawks if all are healthy. X factors are JChill, ZaZa and the big kid from Greece. Can you shed some light on these guys for us (I know Z is hurt)?
By Astro Joe
October 10, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
I’ll go back to my harping. Smitty, 3-D, ‘Nique. This team has several outstanding former players available to work with these players individually. I hope that they are taking advantage of having guys who have been there and performed at an exceptional level.
The theme I am picking up is that we have added some players who will bring intangible qualities to our team. Speedy and his relentless attitude. Shelden’s defensive intensity. Lo’s physical presence and knowledge of the game. It all sounds very promising. No one is saying these guys are stars as individuals, but instead, what they will bring to the TEAM. You gotta like that and you’ve gotta be encouraged. We may not have a bunch of fantasy stars, but we may have a team that gets better each month together.
By Gutz
October 10, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Thanks Sekou for all the info! I would love to have your job as well. I believe that Speedy is a solid legit PG and can remember him playing real well for Golden St. when he started about 44games there one year before being traded for Baron. He put up nice numbers there and excelled last year when filling in for Paul in New Orleans. They even started both of them in some games since they were so effective. IF Speedy can stay healthy I truly believe this team can make the playoffs. JJ, Marvin and Smoove should all have huge years! Go Hawks. Keep the daily updates coming Sekou!
By doc
October 10, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
ss, keep bringing the A game dude. like it.
think speedy has been waiting for the right situation, think chauncey but smaller in a hawks uniform. sad he cant be the second coming of the MVP nash who came in a transformed the suns from nothing to contenders in one season. too much to ask but he will bring some game.
gutz, good points, have pointed that out as well about speedy just not expecting playoffs this year but close if no one is injured.
im sorry atf, that was who won the mvp last year, isnt it? in my old age i can be a bit forgetful. is it spelled NASH?
By Clyde
October 10, 2006 06:49 PM | Link to this
I’ll believe it when I see it.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By robdawg06
October 10, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
Sign Claxton and he’s immediately injured. The Hawks are a franchise that is in shambles still. every team but the Hawks get competitive every 3 or 4 years at least (playoffs). We keep hearing about the rebuilding but never see any results. Building a team of seven 6’9” forwards that all play the same isn’t genius, its dumb. The good teams in the NBA have a force at center. Shaq,B.Wallace,Duncan,etc. The Hawks don’t have a center ready to be a force. The glaring needs were PG & center. They tried to answer the PG need with Claxton and he may well be the answer (I hope). What center is going to stop the other team’s centers from dominating the paint ? ????????? ???????? ??????
By J. Shuttlesworth
October 10, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
I’m not sure how long you’ve been reading the AJC’s coverage of the Hawks, but as one who has over the last decade or so, I just wanted to take a second to thank you, and thank the ACJ for picking you up and letting you do your thing.
Before you showed up, Hawks coverage was horrible. I mean downright pathetic for a paper that considers itself a major one.
Honestly, I think it is one reason why the overall fan support has been rather anemic over the years; it’s hard to care, if you aren’t even informed on what there is to care about.
Now, only if there is something you could do about that Hack guy. Give the little bugger a pep talk and a copy of The Elements of Style and I’m sure he’ll get his act together.
By reese
October 10, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
Sekou, although I’m not as optimistic as many of the bloggers about this team, I do appreciate the coverage and blog that you provide for the Hawks.
I find it hard to get excited about about this cast we have, but I will support them.
At least we have many point guards and the temporary loss of speedy shouldn’t be that drastic.
If I was woodson, I would start smith, zaza and wright tomorrow. Wright knows the team and has something to prove. Then ease shelden, the greek guy and some of the other big guys in camp.
I haven’t heard one compliment about batista from the scrimmage or in practice. Not that I really care. If the hawks scouts have not been able to find a better player than him for the 10 - 12 spot, they need to re-evaluate their strategy for scouting players. Hopefully, the greek guy is that player who bumps bastita off the roster or at least to the nbdl.
By ray
October 10, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
I am glad to hear that somebody who would know has those things to say about Speedy. I remember how effective he was in San Antonio and he was good backing up and playing alongside a future hall-of-famer pg in Chris Paul. I would compare that situation to Brevin Knight playing with Ray Felton in Charlotte, only Paul is better than Felton right now, maybe forever who knows. Now if only we could acquire a young pg with comparable talent (hell even closely comparable would be great) and groom him if need be. Or hand him the reins and have Speedy back him up. Riiight…I’d be overjoyed if that pipe-dream became a reality anytime soon.
Ando, when I read your response on the last blog topic, I expected some trash talk (you would have disappointed me otherwise, LOL) but I see that you were probably not thinking what I was thinking. The “blue vein” I was referring to was one commonly seen in the fore or temple region of the head..er..skull when a person is somewhat passionately excited about something and may blow a “head gasket”. However, I am not unaware of the second meaning, consisting of the seemingly pseudo-petrification of a certain area of the pelv…oh like you said, nevermind. What can I say, I enjoy the violent tennis matches you and Astro Joe engage in. It’s the stuff of legends. And if I can egg it on just a little…
Joe, you really do have a point about the wealth of knowledge available to the Hawks for their younger players. Well, you may as well say for anybody not named Lo, JJ, Lue, or Speedy. Those guys have developed a lot, although JJ is still on the upswing. The young fellas need all the help they can get. But here’s where I think you and I may have a bit of difference in opinion. As I’ve said, there’s not much arguing that “specialists” could be brought in for more individual position teaching. Or better yet, teaching for types of players, i.e. big men, point guards, and swing guys (which probably includes bigger shooting guards and smaller forwards). But I also think that the players themselves should take initiative to seek out guys who can help them. What’s wrong with some of these guys calling Smitty, Dominique, Moses Malone,etc, and asking for their assistance? That may even open the eyes of management, particularly when they see some of the positive results, and entice them to bring these mentors in and make use of their knowledge. Playing pickup games during the offseason to stay sharp and try out some new moves is great, but so is calling up Charles Oakley or Rick Mahorn and learning a few things. Yes, management is ultimately responsible for paying people to do stuff. Players can improve by taking such initiatives, though.
By Clyde
October 10, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait till the season starts. My FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirts will be the hottest item on the shelf.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By bootsybug
October 10, 2006 11:49 PM | Link to this
Calling Chris Paul a future hall-of-famer? After one season? That’s the same sort of logic that has people calling Marvin Williams a bust. I like Billy Knight’s strategy on this - you don’t know what you have until about three years down the road with draft picks. You never know what’s going to happen with injuries and surrounding cast.
By Lacsho
October 11, 2006 12:41 AM | Link to this
Sekou, good insight on Speedy. I have one question though, why in the hell are the Spirit group charging full price on preseason games; I guess I’ll be watching the game on TV Saturday, if I’m going to spend money on some tickets, I’ll take my son to the Falcons game on Sunday. Damn I really wanted to see that game on Saturday. (Cheap Azz Spirit Group) Maybe my wife will get some free tickets since she’s a teacher. Sometime you just can’t win. They make it tough being a fan….
By dap
October 11, 2006 07:28 AM | Link to this
Sekou, thanks for keeping up informed, don’t stop. You are the only source of Hawks info. One question, has Josh Smith been mixing it up enough inside to be a PF. My fear is that he will develop an outside shot and stop playing inside where he can rebound and do the dirty work? Any comment
By Sekou K. Smith
October 11, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Dap,
It’s hard to say when it comes to Josh Smith mixing it up inside. You know he’s going to be aggressive on the defensive end going after blocks and the like. There is more inside depth this year than last year, so I don’t know if it’s been a priority. We all know he’s capable, after watching him last year. But one of the things Billy Knight talked about before camp was his desire to see Josh develop some go-to post moves to go along with the rest of his budding arsenal. It only makes sense for Josh Smith to develop an all-court game. But he’s 20, he still has plenty of time to polish his skills and develop some offensive staples.
By robdawg06
October 11, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
Wasn’t Tyronne Lue a career backup “waiting for the right opportunity” to start too ? He became a 15 minutes a game player real fast for the Hawks. Not drafting Chris Paul will haunt the Hawks for the next 20 years ! Its just more proof that Hawks mgmt. & coaches don’t know how to build a team.
By Volman145
October 11, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
no robdawg06, you’re actually wrong.
Lue has always wanted to be in the “backup” position.. It was where he felt most comfortable.. AND, Lue wanted to play with the Hawks because he already had won his championships and he wanted to mentor younger players, and “Give back to the game”, he said.
Get your facts straight and stop acting like other Hawks-haters and just saying that Paul’s career is going to haunt us forever. Wow. Paul not being a Hawk is OVER with and REAL FANS have gotten past that.
Sekou, thanks for the coverage. I wake up every morning before going down town for school at GATECH and check online for updates from you. They’re much appreciated. :) Go Hawks!
By G-Money
October 11, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
When I look at the depth charts with what the Hawks have now and where they might be thin it looks like the Hawks are thinnist at the big guard position. ZaZa, Zen, Esteban and Glynikadas are potentially the centers. Power forwards are MW and SW with sometimes JSmoove filling in. At the 3 spot you have JSmoove and JChill with JJ filling in a bit sometimes. JJ and Chill or SS can play the two spot. Speedy and Lue at the point. If teams are going big on us, we can only counter with JJ unless the team takes a hard look at Bozeman. Chalmers is only 6’ tall. Royal is 6’4”. I believe that Solomon is headed for development. Look forward to hearing them tonight. Thanks Sekou for the latest!
By Astro Joe
October 11, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
G-Money, we could play big ball with a line-up of JJ/Childress/Smith/Wright/Zaza. Or small ball with Speedy/Salim/JJ/Smith/Shelden. And a lot in between. Hopefully, teams will have to respond to what we are doing sometimes, as opposed to us answering their aggression.
Does anyone know if the exhibition game is being broadcast on radio tonight?
By newkid
October 11, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this
AJ, word is 790 will broadcast the game tonight.
By A Thinking Fan
October 11, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
DOC Are we having a preseason blog tune-up? LOL!
By Clyde
October 11, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
Its a sad day being a Hawks fan when we expect Speedy Claxton to help us win 10-15 more games this year.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Clyde
October 11, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this
I’m glad the Hawks didn’t go over there to Europe to play. Talk about gettin’ ran out the gym.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By z
October 11, 2006 03:01 PM | Link to this
Does Hawks players have time to do things outside the basketball court,like go out and stuff?I know this is off topic but just wondering.
By Volman145
October 11, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Clyde, nobody wants to see your writing on here if it isn’t productive towards the Hawks.
Your opinion REALLY doesn’t matter and it’s just a waste of your as well as our time.
So, stop.
By G-Money
October 11, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Astro Joe, the flexibility that the Hawks should have is nearly infinite. If JChill has progressed as much as JSmith and Marvin, it could be a pretty pleasant sight. I do get a little anxious when I read about how the Celtics have improved, how the Hornets have improved and how Morrison is bringing it for the Bobcats. If Woody isn’t real careful, we could be in a pickle. On the flip side, I do think the addition of Speedy, Zen, Shelden and the big kid from Greece along with the maturation of the existing squad brings a multitude of options. The next question is going to be about Woody’s coaching IQ. Does he have enough savvy and creativity to put all the pieces together in a way that wins consistently while growing team chemistry and still allowing players to develop?
By doc
October 11, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
volman you took the words out of my mouth on the response about lue, he tagged himself a role player from the day one never wanted to start and opted to come here rather than go with the offer to go to the lakers for the same money and contract lenght, god bless him along with knowledgable fans of the hawks.
v 145 also continue to bring the positives but save the effort on the other stuff, what you resist persists. ultimately the negative can say i told you so as all gm’s and coaches get fired. the team is and will be better this year, still young but you have got to like their demeanor and effort so far. it is going to be fun to be a fan this year.
atf, got your back son. we’ll be talking just giving you a heads up.
By Ryder
October 11, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Whether negative or positive, it’s great to hear people actually excited about the Hawks and what they have to bring this upcoming season. I’m not going to form any opinions in the preseason, so if for whatever reason they get blown out by 20 or win by 30 I’ll reserve my judgement until the first two months of the season are over. It won’t be until around Christmas time when most NBA teams settle into their rotation and offensive mindset.
Keep in mind while Atlanta did the smart thing to develop complimentary pieces (Shelden, Lorenzen, & Claxton..won’t mention the others until they show they can stick around) around their building blocks (JJ, Smith and Marvin), it will take time for Woodson to figure out which rotation does he want to go with.
How does he utilize Shelden off the bench, who I think is going to be a great force in the paint? Will Childress and Salim continue to contribute well off the bench, and be happy about their roles? If they come out the gate slow, I can deal with that, because remember they are still trying to find their identity. If they come out with a solid start (meaning not starting out 2-16 like last year) then things will be better.
The Clydes of this blog are taking the “i’ll believe it when I see it” approach, I guess when we’ve seen as much disappointment in this franchise over the years there’s nothing wrong with that. However, I urge the fans to not to roast this team while they’re trying to find an identity in the early going.
I believe this team will struggle in the beginning, mainly due to the injury to Speedy and the time it will take for this team (who is still young by the way) to jell. As the season wears on, they will be an exciting product to watch and the fans will see. Playoffs? Not yet, but they’ll take the next step and be contenders this year. 35-38 wins this year.
By jhan
October 11, 2006 06:42 PM | Link to this
V145, have to say that no opinions really matter on this blog. I’ve had several disagreements with Clyde myself, but he has a place on this blog just like we all do. If we all thought the same it would make for very dull blogging.
By robdawg06
October 11, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
volman, bite me… I’ve been a Hawks fan since the days of Dan Rounfield. I remember the great Nique years challenging the Pistons,Bulls,and Celtics for the conference. But Billy & Woody have cleaned the roster totally and have had 3 drafts to gather talent. Its time to step up. The grace period for rebuilding is over. Win or resign. I’m thinking its going to be resign…
By robdawg06
October 11, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Lue came in as the starter. I remember watching an interview with him and he said “I’ve been a backup in this league a long time and its great to now be a starter.” He returned to being a backup and they just signed another career 6th man (Speedy). Brilliant !
By Volman145
October 11, 2006 09:21 PM | Link to this
bite you? real mature. I don’t even need to respond anymore.
By ray
October 11, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
Robdawg, Volman. Didn’t anybody tell you only the veterans of this blog are allowed to bicker? Just kidding, slice away, it’s nothing new here, heh, heh!
Who cares what Lue came here as? He might have arrived to start, but the important thing is that he had no problems slipping into the role of back up when asked or expected to. That is the point, and it’s part of what his value is. Don’t confuse his position with the team with management’s subpar effort in acquiring a good pg. And why do people keep lumping Woody right in with Billy? Billy is the GM, he makes the business decisions within the scope and approval of the owners. Woody is the coach. He works with whatever players he’s given. He’s not Pat Riley, meaning that not only does he not have the power to make such decisions, he’s not been with the franchise or Billy nearly long enough to have that kind of clout. I’m sure Billy listens to him, but he does as he chooses. Blame him for what he does on the sidelines and the game-time decisions. Yes, the pg guard situation could be better, at least I think so. But right now it isn’t. I think we need Chalmers as a good back up option. Who cares if he’s 6’tall? Brevin Knight is 5’9 and very effective. Ivey doesn’t handle or distribute so well. And if Speedy happens to have injury problems, we’ll need someone to back up Lue or take over in a starting position. And don’t tell me Salim…until I see otherwise, I’ve no reason to believe he can run the offense effectively. He can provide scoring, but I haven’t seen much else from him…yet. And we DO NOT need to put JJ back in that spot, it’ll kill some of the offense and put a little extra stress on him. In the meantime, there needs to be a plan for a young, talented pg.
By robdawg06
October 12, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
Woody has a big say-so in who gets drafted. He can’t be immune to blame with the Hawks. Many nights last year they never even showed up to play and were down 45-20 quickly in lots of games. Playing the Hawks was like a vacation pick-up game for the good teams.
By ray
October 12, 2006 11:05 PM | Link to this
Really, robdawg, is that what Woody told you? These relationships are not forged overnight. Especially when a coach can get a GM fired by simply coaching badly and not taking the blame for it. It’s a wonder it didn’t happen in NY. Woody’s ideas are considered but not necessarily written in stone. At least that’s what Woody told me…:)