AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > January > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStats tell the story
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Twenty-nine games into this Hawks season should be a solid enough statistical sample to evaluate players right? That’s what I was thinking this morning as I scanned the stats and notes package tossed in my lap during practice Tuesday.
That’s basically a third of the season, though injuries have whittled down those 29 games to the teens for some of the Hawks’ key performers. But it’s a viable sample nonetheless, and one that will serve us well today, as we scan the wreckage that has become the Hawks’ 9-20 season so far.
If someone told you before the season that the Hawks would have six players averaging 12.4 points or better, would you have guessed they’d be 11 games under .500 at this point? Didn’t think so.
If you knew that the trio of Josh Childress, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams were all averaging at least 12 points and 4-plus rebounds per game, you’d have been dancing in the aisles at Philips Arena thinking a playoff berth was imminent.
But the raw numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, as has become painfully clear in Hawksville over the past 2-plus years. The Hawks haven’t had better scoring balance under Mike Woodson but they’ve also never had this type of roster dysfunction either (that stockpile of like players is now dragging the Hawks into a mismatched abyss on most nights).
Here’s a closer look at the raw numbers of the Hawks’ top six performers (a combination of minutes, scoring average and several other key statistics), with a little commentary regarding each guy’s prospects for the remainder of the season:
Joe Johnson, 41.6 minutes, 26.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.6 turnovers, .483 FG%, .376 3PT%, .728 FT% (25 games played): It’s hard to argue his production. And it’s even harder if you’ve watched the Hawks every night and realize what kind of burden he’s carrying in terms of the constant shadowing by multiple defenders on offense. The only gripe someone could make is regarding his free throw shooting (he never shot below .750 before this season). Some of that no doubt has to do with fatigue. And as honorable as it is to represent your country on the national team, Johnson should think long and hard about skipping Las Vegas this summer in an effort to save himself for the Hawks next season. An All-Star lock early in the year, it’ll take some work now that the Hawks have slid predictability in the won-loss department.
Tyronn Lue, 30.5 minutes, 14.7 points, 3.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds, 1.82 turnovers, .434 FG%, .354 3PT%, .866 FT% (22 games played): Before the extended minutes caught up to his body, Lue was playing like a man having an out-of-body experience. An executive I respect called him “one of the best drift shooters in the league,” which I believe is something like being a fantastic rhythm shooter. Lue’s assist to turnover ratio is also good for a backup point guard. But much like Johnson, fatigue began to take a toll. Having to overcompensate for Speedy Claxton’s uneven start by playing big minutes, Lue’s effectiveness waned in the few games before he was injured. When he’s back and close to 100 percent health (I don’t think that any player is every 100 percent once the season starts), the Hawks will have their most potent weapon off the bench at their disposal. But he must get healthy.
Josh Childress, 36.7 minutes, 13.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 1.2 turnovers, 1.2 blocks, .560 FG%, .267 3PT%, .852 FT%, (10 games played): If not for the hairline fracture in his left foot that torpedoed his season for more than a month, Childress would be a strong contender for the NBA’s Sixth-Man award. Instead, he’s just trying to find that same cosmic niche he had carved out for himself before his injury. Anyone debating his value as a slasher and role player deluxe just doesn’t get it. You’ve got to have guys like this on a team if you have any chance of being successful (and before anyone brings it up, the numbers for he and Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala are a wash). His shot stroke might make you cringe but his results are what count, his shooting percentage is tops on the team and he’s one of the best free throw shooters as well. It’s crucial that he stays injury free the rest of the way.
Zaza Pachulia, 30.8 minutes, 13.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 2.56 turnovers, .462 FG%, .761 FT%, (27 games played): What’s not to like about Pachulia? His numbers are holding steady from last season and he’s been the healthiest of all the Hawks’ regulars this season. But, as he would tell you, Pachulia is struggling in a major way this year. At his age (23) and just four years into his NBA career, his numbers should be rising not leveling off. For a guy who’s as active on the offensive glass as he is, Pachulia isn’t finishing around the basket the way you’d expect for a 6-11, 260-pound guy. His shooting percentage should be in the same neighborhood as Childress. The most perplexing issue regarding Pachulia’s game is that he’s not a better shot-blocker (career 0.4 and 0.6 this season). He doesn’t even contest many shots around the basket, which is one reason the Hawks are routinely worked over in the paint. He has to be more active on the defensive end if the Hawks want to turn that around.
Josh Smith, 37.0 minutes, 12.9 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.72 turnovers, 2.48 blocks, .424 FG%, .271 3PT%, .682 FT%, (25 games played): The ongoing roller coaster that is Josh Smith’s career development is on hiatus until the end of the month (hernia surgery). Still, no player intrigues or infuriates the masses more than this physical wunderkind. When he’s at his best (active on both ends of the floor, working from the weak side to contest, alter and block shots on defense and taking the ball to the basket on offense), he’s a joy to watch. But when he’s parked at the 3-point line and determined to jack up shots from deep, it’s a painful viewing experience. He should be shooting 60 percent from the floor and averaging 18 points per game. But Smith still hasn’t decided to become the undersized power forward that he’s destined to be. Because he has a chance be one of the league’s most versatile players if he can wrap his arms around the idea of being that type of player.
Marvin Williams, 32.3 points, 12.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 2.67 turnovers, .395 FG%, .286 3PT%, .789 FT% (12 games played): A 12-game sample isn’t much to work with here. And the fractured finger suffered on the eve of the regular season has no doubt thrown a hiccup into the development of the talent that MUST become one of the Hawks’ pillars. Everyone’s still waiting for Williams to take off, and his numbers aren’t shabby. They’re just not dominant (and realistically should not be at this stage of his career), and that’s what they’ll need to be if he is going to assume the role that’s been cast for him. His shot selection so far has been spotty (hence the sub-.400 percentage). He’s not rebounding as well as he should and his fouls and turnovers are a bit high. Again, much of that can be attributed to his late start to the season and the fact that he, more than anyone, is still trying to find a rhythm – not only in the playing rotation and scheme, but also in his own body. The hope has to be that he continues to get better and better as the season goes on, because all the tools are in place for a breakout second half.
Comments
By Willie Coyote
January 3, 2007 01:21 PM | Link to this
I like the analysis. I think that Zaza’s defense is the one thing that has got to get better. When healthy, we are pretty deep at the 5 spot so he should be more physical and quicker to rotate on defense so we stop getting abused in the paint. He also needs to consistently hit that 15-18 ft jumper because opponents don’t respect it now nor should they.
Right on about Josh Smith. He has attributes that make him comparable to Shawn Marion and Ben Wallace. He’s not the shooter Marion is but he is bigger and stronger and could be more explosive. He isn’t as strong as Ben Wallace and thus won’t be as good a 1-on-1 post defender or dominant rebounder but he is light years better on the offensive end. If you put that together, you have a double-double guy who gets steals and blocks shots.
you put all the pieces this team has together and they play up tempo and aggressively on both ends, you have something. Maybe not quite a playoff team yet but you have a product that the fans will get excited about.
And for goodness sake, CHANGE THOSE UNIFORMS!
By Volman
January 3, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this
Sekou, no stats on Speedy? I would want to know what you think of him in his first REAL games of injury-free basketball..
I would have NEVER thought this team would start out at 9-20.. There are so many games like last year where it was “the Hawks should have won”… It’s just like last year.
I say that once the Hawks get healthy, they will just have to play with an energy they have never played with before. That is how they will win games… with heart. They can’t just “show up” like some teams with three and four all-stars and expect to win. They are going to have to play some tough basketball.
Let’s go Hawks, you can do this.
By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks
January 3, 2007 01:43 PM | Link to this
We are a team of Joe Johnson + Role Players. Josh Childress is the best 6th man in the league, and the dropoff between our starters and bench is almost non-existant (hence the on/off numbers for Joe Johnson being poor and for Childress being great). Smith and Marvin are good, but they aren’t great. Speedy is getting there. Zaza has been horrible this year. He’s a good backup center, but he doesn’t have what it takes right now.
This team needs to get more aggressive across the board- offense and defense. This team has not shown a lot of improvement over the years- it just seems like individual skills have gotten better. Am I wrong? Coach Woodson has been in charge for several years, but we still don’t seem to have a cohesive plan on offense or defense. If we have one, it breaks down quickly under pressure. I know this team is young, but they are professionals. This season is going downhill fast and something needs to happen to shake up the Hawks.
-Matt from Hotlanta Hawks Blog
By Astro Joe
January 3, 2007 01:46 PM | Link to this
Gotta disagree with the thought that JJ should sit out the USA Basketball gig next summer. He is an incredible talent playing for a non-entity with the Hawks. Unless there is a radical shift in the ownership mess, the team will likely continue to make peripheral changes to the roster. In other words, JJ taking a rest may not likely mean anymore wins for the Hawks or All-Star placement next season. So why not take your game to a stage where people will watch and throw out accolades? Bottom line, no need for him to sacrifice personal gain for this set of owners, this coach or this market that ignores the ongoing debacle. That is why I predicted a few weeks ago, more injuries as guys simply decide to take a leave from this continual nightmare.
By honest_abe
January 3, 2007 01:47 PM | Link to this
bah! i was hoping it wouldn’t come to this. but things have gotten out of hand and now i know what i must do.
i’m officially putting my name into the hat for the head coaching position for the atlanta hawks. i truly hope that our cash strapped owners think about this long and hard. i promise you that the worst i can do is put this current team in contention for the number 1 pick in next years draft. i will work for minimum wage, so our struggling owners won’t have to worry about that. as for my assistants anybody from this blog that wants should join me. i propose an up tempo team that pushes at every opportunity. i’m going to let these young guys loose. the product at first will be difficult to watch as there will be countless careless turnovers and overall bad play. but i’ll have this hawks team flying high by the beginning of next year! if any of the 100 owners are currently reading this… i beg you.. give me a chance.
thanks,
good ol honest_abe
By doc
January 3, 2007 02:00 PM | Link to this
well roll tide, you might be in seventh heaven now. it is funny that back when the story came up many months ago after the firing of shula some of the experts were saying that saban had no interest. however, one person threw out a rider to his statement that if the job was still vacant when the pro season finished then all bets were off and saban might then become very interested. a prophet, good luck to the the crimson tide.
By Astro Joe
January 3, 2007 02:12 PM | Link to this
If nothing else, Marvin is pretty smart. He decided to be more vocal when the team has several days to prepare for Toronto. Smart move. Much better than declaring yourself a vocal leader a day before playing someone like Detroit or Dallas.
By Tyger
January 3, 2007 02:16 PM | Link to this
Good skinny Sekou - but how did you forget Speedy the $7M bust??? Stats too bad for public consumption???
By newkid
January 3, 2007 02:53 PM | Link to this
Could it be that a few of the younger guys were - for most of the past 4 months - gladly looking to defer to JJ for vocal leadership coming out of his summer experience with the likes of DWade, LBJ, and others on the USA basketball quad? Could it be that Josh and/or Marvin realized at long last that despite his best intentions JJ just can’t do the vocal thing? Could it be that Marvin’s pronouncement is a cry for help, rather than an earnest interest in being the vocal leader?
Hurry back JSmoove.
By Astro Joe
January 3, 2007 03:27 PM | Link to this
Anyone else surprised to see that Marvin has played more games than Childress?
Speedy’s stats:
22 games played. Averaging 27 minutes per game 32% shooting. 2.2 steals/5 assists/2.4 turnovers and 5.7 points per game. Good assist to turnover ratio and good stealing. Other stats are very poor. But in all honesty, when he is healthy, he is a pretty good floor general and very disruptive defensively. But he’s a hangnail away from missing another 5-6 games.
By doc
January 3, 2007 04:05 PM | Link to this
is riley really needing to undergo the knife or trying to avoid falling on the sword? talk about underachievement, he apparantly is mad at his veteran team for their lack of hustle and committment which he felt he showed them by coming back instead of stepping down at the top after they won it all. seems like he is rrally making excuses for his own ego. amazing the heat are only 3 and 1/2 games up in the standings as the hawks with all they have in their midst even without shaq and with a wade having another stellar year. seems like they ought to fire the coach and gm, oh yeah he is both.
zaza, has been the disappointment this year without a doubt. if he gets 15 consistantly then teams dont collapse on jj. he hasnt and jj has suffered. felt the formula for victories would be 25 for jj and 15 for zaza, when they have gotten it together the team has won usually, when they havent we have lost. he was the guy who had to step up this year to continue where he left off and so far hasnt for whatever reason. if he had the injury thing might not have bit so bad.
By Hurtz so good
January 3, 2007 04:21 PM | Link to this
I take back what I wrote yesterday. Good job. Keep it up.
By newkid
January 3, 2007 04:24 PM | Link to this
What gives?
Hawks Release Cedric Bozeman 3rd January, 2007 - 4:07 pm Press Release - Atlanta Hawks Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight announced today that the team has waived guard Cedric Bozeman.
The 6-6 rookie from UCLA saw action in 23 games (started five of those) and averaged 1.1 ppg and 1.0 rpg
By Tim
January 3, 2007 04:32 PM | Link to this
I think Pachulia’s defensive deficiencies should be accentuated a little more in your evaluation of him. He is an awful defender. He can’t guard anyone one-on-one in the post and he provides absolutely no help when the Hawks’ perimeter players get beat. That’s why the Hawks haven’t won a game without Josh Smith, who is their only shot-blocking threat. I used to think that the Hawks pulled a coup when they got Pachulia’s 15 and 8 each night. But he clearly gives up at least that much on the defensive end with his lackadaisical effort.
By JJhawaksfan#4
January 3, 2007 04:33 PM | Link to this
What really sucks about this season is the fact that Pheonix has a good chance of taking our pick.
By Tyger
January 3, 2007 04:34 PM | Link to this
Waiving Bozeman is a positive sign. If they arent going to play him, give him a chance elsewhere.
Are they creating room for something in the works?
God, Help Us!
By can u read ?
January 3, 2007 04:48 PM | Link to this
I think the whole point of this thing is taking the Hawks’ top six performers …. Speedy ain’t one of ‘em!
By newkid
January 3, 2007 04:52 PM | Link to this
Could be Tyger, or could be that he’s being waived to ensure that his contract is not guaranteed through the end of the year. If it’s the former, could it be a pg? After all, Lue is oft-injured and Speedy MUCH more so. Maybe Jeff McInnis? Heard MJ is trying to bring this Tarheel back to Carolina, but not sure that makes sense.
By Outside Observer
January 3, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this
Why is everyone always cutting marvin so much slack. A #2 pick should be able to bring the noise! Marvin reminds me of Joe Smith and Golden State. Bargnanni is better than marvin and he’s just getting started. I feel bad for Joe. I didn’t like the way he handled things in Phoenix but he doesn’t deserve this.
By Andrew
January 3, 2007 04:59 PM | Link to this
Sekou,
As a Michigan Man myself, I wanted to wait a day before telling you that I feel you, my man.
Anyway, unfortunately, as far as this Hawks team is concerned, I think stats don’t do a very good job of telling the story. Firstly, this is one of the worst defensive teams I’ve ever seen, and that’s something no individual stat will show. They have no concept of defensive rotations or helpside De, and any team with any semblance of size can regularly eat up Zazino, Smith and the Williams’ with ease.
Secondly, in my life, I’ve never seen a team have more trouble simply holding on to the ball. Went to the game in NYC last month… I see fewer fumbles in high school football! Hopefully it’ll end up being a product of that old new ball. But far, FAR too many of our possessions end with nary a shot going up, and that’s a recipe for disaster.
By doc
January 3, 2007 05:06 PM | Link to this
dont know exactly what stats mean but try this out. in the last 7 games since speedy came back and played somewhat healthy he has avg 8.5 apg, 9.3 ppg, 3 spg and 3 topg. it all looks good until you factor in that the hawks have lost 6 of those 7 games. stats are not telling the story right now.
By newkid
January 3, 2007 05:20 PM | Link to this
Sekou, seems you’ve got access to insight us bloggers could only hope to have. Please take a look at the following excerpt pertaining to a 2nd round pick who has worked his butt off to propel his game into the stratosphere (GA0 - Gilbert Arenas), then tell us if there are Hawks who demonstrate this sort of work ethic. Thanks.
After USA, I just beat my body up,” Arenas said. “I was lifting really hard, and I was coming in here shooting thousands of shots, running the bleachers, riding my bike. I was trying to cram everything in.”
Arenas said he couldn’t watch the U.S. games on television.
“I’d start, but then I’d get so frustrated that I wasn’t there that I’d just come to the gym and just shoot it off,” Arenas said. “I’d think, ‘If LeBron [James] takes 15 shots today, that’s the only 15 he’s going to get this day. Well, if I go to the gym and shot a thousand, I’ll be 985 more than him.’ That’s how I’ll think of it.”
That’s how Gilbertology works.
By ray
January 3, 2007 06:16 PM | Link to this
Newkid,
Nice info, I always like what you bring. Now there’s a work ethic, and Arenas is tearing it up this season. I think JJ can do the same, but he’s not anywhere near the same situation, or surrounded with the same kind of players…currently. Arenas has help, JJ needs help. I’m not dissin’ JJ, he just needs help like anybody else. Ask Kevin Garnett how that sort of thing feels.
So Bozeman is gone. Whatever he showed before for them to keep him must not have been enough for them to keep him now. Could be about the money, and I wouldn’t be surprised. I admit I WOULD be surprised if it was in preparation for a good, solid move. Not going to be holding my breath, I’m too jaded right now.
Marvin is going to do some leading, huh? Well, if he was producing the way Childress has the last game or so, he’d be well on his way. I understand that he’s finding his niche. Okay. I looked and still look for him to be a 20ppg scorer, but a pre-injury Josh Smith seems like a more likely candidate. Who cares, as long as it’s one of them or maybe 15-18ppg apiece. Well, more is better, but you gotta start somewhere.
Yes, you can’t help but miss the high-leaping, “I can’t believe he just blocked that shot from like, 30 feet away”, “why’s he at the three point line AGAIN” good ol’ Josh Smith. I’d even welcome a few crazy, off-base three point attempts as long as he can play very healthy 30+ mpg. Oh, I’ll still be on his case for bad shot selection, but boy is he missed. Call it what you want, say I told you so, whatever. The guy is needed.
I really, really, really hope Speedy can remain healthy. I’m tired of thinking about tanked seasons and what not. But then, it won’t matter what I think. What happens happens. Still, I’d like to see us beat Toronto down. Would do the team some good. Fans too.
By tb
January 3, 2007 06:40 PM | Link to this
Good point Newkid. Been an athlete all my adult life. Never made more than a few hundred at a time doing it, but I trained every day of the year, hours a day. I’ve swithed to a more layed back sport now as I’ve entered my 40’s but I still participate and practice every chance I get. No excuses. I like the Gilbertology method. I do it for the pleasure.
When I see how privileged some of these guys think they are (even though they are, they should work 100 times harder to earn it) it sometimes becomes difficult to support them.
I guess that the reality is I’m supporting the beauty and the challenge of the sport and the integrity that it takes to give it all.
That is and always will be bigger than any player or group of players.
JUST DO IT
By Jay
January 3, 2007 06:47 PM | Link to this
“The Hawks haven’t had better scoring balance under Mike Woodson but they’ve also never had this type of roster dysfunction either (that stockpile of like players is now dragging the Hawks into a mismatched abyss on most nights).”
THANK YOU. FINALLY you mention this. I hope you keep bringing it on this topic. Its what has Woodson scrambling to make ends meet. Its why we get ripped on the boards every night. Its why we cant score down low. Hopefully Hawks ownership will realize this and can KNIGHTMARE…he’s as much to blame to our record as anyone.
” What’s not to like about Pachulia?”
He’s wildly inconsistent on offense and defense, doesnt get dirty to rebound for our tallest player that gets 20+ minutes.
“But Smith still hasn’t decided to become the undersized power forward that he’s destined to be. “
When he does this, its on. But even then, he’ll need some kind of lowpost moves. Right now his points come off of tip-ins and transition.
I see no reason why he cant be an explosive pf in the same mold as Marion, or even K-Mart. And the Hawks need him down in the post to rebound DESPERATELY.
By Wedgie Evans
January 3, 2007 08:32 PM | Link to this
Zaza Pachulia doesn’t block shots or rebound or score consistently because he is way below average athletically and physically compared to most other centers in the league. He can’t jump, doesn’t have defensive instincts, and can’t overpower anyone. His quickness is not good enough to compensate for his lack of strength. Unless he is facing an equally unathletic center, he is not going to be a reliable player. The Hawks really should try to find a true low-post presence and make Pachulia a bench player, because a presence in the post is what this team is missing more than anything else. The Hawks can’t get to the free throw line, get easy shots, or intimidate people who get into the lane — this is a recipe for inconsistency on both ends of the floor. Billy Knight has a lot of pieces on this team — he should be looking to trade some of them for a low-post threat.
By Hock
January 3, 2007 09:25 PM | Link to this
Willie Coyote, “Josh Smith. He has attributes that make him comparable to Shawn Marion and Ben Wallace.” Holy crap, put down that Kool-Aid. Josh Smith has some talent and probably could make the roster of most NBA teams — as a sub, at best. The other two guys are among the best forwards in the game.
You aren’t Josh’s agent, are you?
By ray
January 3, 2007 09:25 PM | Link to this
Pachulia gives good effort most of the time. He gets offensive boards, and seemed to be more effective offensively earlier in the season. But, perhaps the scouting report is in on him. He seems to lack a certain cunning, a willing to change his offensive approach. When you don’t have enough athleticism to guarantee an advantage, you have to work hard and use various tricks/fundamentals to remain effective. For instance, it’s better to get into position for a high percentage shot without the ball, rather than with it. For example, when you’re not really quick or tricky, driving from the top of the key when it’s very obvious what you’re going to do is not going to cut it. So, you have to change it up. Lots of times, everything with Pachulia is a drive of some sort. It worked earlier in the season. Now it’s passe.
By Volman
January 3, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this
Ray, I agree with you a good amount on Zaza… I think the key to Zaza’s success is getting him the ball, early. Put the ball in his hands.. Get him some touches.. He’s REALLY good with getting rebounds on his own horrible shots that he takes.. So, give him the ball early and try to get him involved.. If he does well in the beginning he seems to put more effort out later on in the ball game.
I really like his jump shot, but I don’t think he should rely on that. Take the jumper if it’s open, though.
I have said this before and I know all of you guys believe this too, but we’re nothing without Josh Smith. I loved it when I played against him when I was in high school and he lived in the Metro-Atlanta area, and he still amazes me night in and night out. Yes, he takes bad shots at times.. but guys, he is REALLY trying. He is completely growing up as a basketball player….Expect even better from him this year.
I hope that Marvin will become a vocal leader.. Yes, Joe’s a leader with his play, but not a vocal leader at all.. I know T-Lue is.. I wish Speedy were, but if Marvin could be, then that’d be great.
Hopefully he can be a leader with his play, too.
I think this break wil help the Hawks a LOT. I see a great 2/3 of the season coming up for these guys..
What’s up with Bozeman? Are we heating up a trade? What do you guys think?
Let’s go Hawks!!!!!!
By Clyde
January 3, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Today Alabama took a step in the right direction. When will the Hawks make a step in the right direction?
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By newkid
January 4, 2007 09:38 AM | Link to this
So, Woody hasn’t had enough healthy bodies to run a scrimmage over the past few days. Suggestion: If the NBA and NCAA rules allow, make haste and pack up the team for a 2-day stay (Thursday and Friday) in Chapel Hill and experience some court time with Roy’s boys in the Smith Center. Maybe the $45 million dollar per annum Hawks would be reminded of what it means to play with passion and instensity from a group of scholarship and walk-on athletes; maybe Woody would be reminded of what it means to really COACH a group of players. And I’d lay odds on my Heels whipping the starch out of my Hawks 2 of every 3 contests.
By Josh
January 4, 2007 09:52 AM | Link to this
The Hawks suck. When they were a playoff team in the 90’s I was a huge fan, but they dismantled it (for no reason), after the 99 season and haven’t recovered. I have not pulled for the Hawks since and you see why. If they will not fire Billy Knight for tearing this team apart. I do wish them the best, but as long as they have Knight running the show, I will not support this team. PERIOD.
By ray
January 4, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Hock…that’s nuts. And there’s no need to elaborate because you evidently wouldn’t understand.
Volman, it would help if Zaza didn’t make his offensive routine so predictable. He can hit the jumper, but he needs to start setting up in the low post, closer to the basket. Then he can alternate his jumper with that, and eventually will be able to catch opponents by surprise when he drives to the basket. Early in the season, he was surprising him ‘cause they didn’t think he’d drive. Now they know he will when he pulls the ball down and stares at them for 3 minutes, LOL!
Dijon Thompson? Another 6’8” forward. I suppose this is just for a 10 day contract or two. I really don’t know what to say.
By CJ
January 4, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
I think people being unrealistic with their projections for these guys. Smith will always struggle with his tweener game(energy player with no handles, no post moves, and shakey jumper) until someone tells him he’s no small foward, Williams has 2-3 more yrs of development before he tops out at 19pts 7 rbs (Harrington clone), ZaZa will always be a weak defender and marginal scoring threat. Claxton has served in the capacity he has his entire career(injury prone backup)…except the Hawks want him to start. Childress will always be a dependable 6th man, occasional starter. Salim is a poor man’s John Starks (post NY era). We haven’t even started with the bench filled with developmental projects and plodding big men. The Hawks don’t have the system or coaching to effectively develop their main players. The roster imbalances make that situation even worse. That is why this team has been running in place for the past 3 seasons. Every positive decision is countered by one or even two negative ones. What this team needs is a shake up in the roster and the office. Andre Miller…save us!
By Ken Strickland
January 4, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
What’s up fellows? I have seen comments about Zaza being a better fit a PF. If he doesn’t have the quickness, and/or foot speed, to play DEF in the lane, what is he going to do outside the lane. Opposing players have no respect for his DEF abilities, or effort, so they attack our interior without fear. He also needs to shot outside more and drive less. His drives usually end up as a turnover or poor attempt. At least a jump shot gives us OFF reb opportunities.
Boseman was released because he didn’t contribute OFF, wasn’t very effective overall, and RIvey had moved ahead of him. I still believe this team, if we can get over the injury bug, will make a strong 2nd half run.
By Edgar
January 4, 2007 01:32 PM | Link to this
How is Woodson still coaching the Hawks? How is Knight still the GM? Let’s look at their stats! Woodson: 48-145. He’s almost 100 games under .500 in less than 2 and a half seasons! Has there even been a worse stretch for a coach in NBA history?!?! I thought Woodson may have turned a corner at the beginning of the season, but this latest stretch is textbook awfully-coached futility. Anyone been watching what’s going on in Memphis since they fired Fratello? 144 points?!? And all the interim coach is doing is letting his boys run and calling a few timeouts. Woodson is far too connected with losing for these guys. He refuses to adapt the offense around our players’ strengths. I really think that with health and some decent bench additions, this team could run spectacularly. The kids need a change of scenery. I still believe this team can chase 40 wins this year. Screw the Oden sweeps. Must I remind you all that the Hawks still hold the longest drought of not drafting an All-Star in North American pro sports (22 years). Also, we’ve been out of the playoffs forever. In fact, The Hawks trail only the Golden State Warriors (12 in a row) in terms of the most consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance with seven in a row. A draft pick, a trade…none of that will do crap with Woodson and Knight at the helm. Both need to be fired. Woodson should have been canned yesterday. Knight should have been toast this summer after Diaw won comeback player of the year and Paul took ROY. Woody and Knight have been given more than enough time to prove themselves and have failed miserably. Get Woody gone before the damage he inflicts on our young talent becomes irreversable. Our talent is noteworthy with massive upside potential. I Love J-smoove, JJ, J-Chill, Marvin, and even Zaza-who’s only 22. I would love to see what these guys could do with a halfway decent coach.
By honest_abe
January 4, 2007 02:06 PM | Link to this
edgar: so let me get this straight you absolutely love the talent bk has assembled yet you want him fired… hmmmm doesn’t make much sense to me.