AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCall off the search
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Seriously, call off the search
Put down the phone.
And don’t worry about paging Dog the Bounty Hunter.
Josh Childress finally called me back (and if you can wait a day or two there will be a rather enlightening Q&A with Chils up on the site. You won’t want to miss it, as it contains plenty of basketball stuff but also some other nuggets that you’ll only get here, of course).
For the record, Marvin Williams is in Hong Kong on NBA business (some type of Basketball Without Borders type deal but I haven’t been able to track down the details). But I talked to Chils at length about Marvin and he said they worked out together in San Diego earlier this summer and that Marvin looked really good.
During our conversation (which lasted a while and touched on tons of topics that will not be addressed in that Q&A) we got on the current state of professional sports and why it seems so tough for some of these guys to steer clear of trouble (off the court).
We couldn’t come up with a good answer other than poor choices. That’s one area the Hawks score high marks, whether you think it’s important or not. Collectively, this has to be one of the better groups in terms of their ability to navigate the usual pitfalls that await pro athletes early in their careers. I know what you’re thinking - “Why’s it so freakin’ hard when most everyone else in society avoids legal trouble?” But if you look at the rash of nonsense that goes on around the pro sports landscape and then realize how you basically never hear about a Hawks player (youngster or veteran) being involved in the nonsense, it is refreshing. (And when I tell you that to a man, all the Hawks are working diligently this offseason to improve, that’s a legitimate statement. And that’s not saying other teams aren’t doing the same thing, but since we like to focus on the fellas from Hawksville, that’s what I’ll speak on here. When you hear about these guys being spread around the globe, literally, working at their craft, don’t dismiss it.
Granted, the organization more than makes up for it with bad press for other reasons (ownership feud, botched and questionable personnel moves and other general goofiness). But I can’t knock the players (knock on wood) for being “good guys.” I don’t need faux street cred, so long as you’re tough enough when it matters on the court - and I’ll be the first to acknowledge that the Hawks, collectively, could use an upgrade in that department.
Watching Denver Broncos receiver Javon Walker on HBO’s Real Sports last night was all the reminder I needed about the diabolical results of when keeping it real goes wrong (sorry for lifting that from you Dave Chappelle but I couldn’t think of a more appropriate phrase).
Walker watched a teammate and friend die in his arms earlier this year after an altercation at a Denver nightclub (the same club I was in one night in Denver a couple years earlier with my boy Marc Spears who covers the Nuggets for the Denver Post). Listening to his story was a stark reminder of just how quickly things can escalate when people caught up in the moment make irrational decisions. This particular story had a tragic ending.
I’m no prude. Far from it. So I’m not advocating that anyone give up partying, because you have to make your own choices. But you have to make sound decisions (pro athlete or not), because no one else will do that for you.
The entire thing was just a reminder of how fragile life is for us all. So please understand that Chils and I were conversing about something bigger than just the Hawks, basketball and the celebrity culture of pro athletes. We were talking about so much more than that. We were talking about life and the drama that sometimes comes along with that topic (and despite what you might hear and read about these guys, they are more than capable of having extremely thoughtful and eloquent conversations about these things. Talking to both Josh Smith last week and now Chils this week is a very good reminder of that).
Aaaa’ight, enough of the preachin’ folks. Feel free to return to our usual dialogue of … well, whatever we were talking about before I went all TD Jakes on ya.
Just FYI, I don’t mind hunting players in the offseason. They don’t mind either. They’re just usually scattered all over the place and difficult to track down. For those of you who think the Hawks’ PR staff could do more, trust me when I tell you they are easily among the best four or five crews in the league (they helped me hound Chils until he called me back). I’ve dealt with every crew in the league in one capacity or another and I promise you it could be MUCH, MUCH worse (I’d point fingers at a couple organizations if I wanted to be nasty today but I don’t).
Also, if you spend practically every single day with someone (you’re not married to, in love with or sharing a prison cell with) for seven months, I don’t think a little space is too much to ask for in the offseason. These cats need a break from each other and their coaches during the summer, so you know they need one from Killuh (what’d you think the K in Sekou K. Smith stood for?) and my constant snooping. But they’re among the best in the league at returning calls in the summer - contrary to what some of you think, not every crew is this easy to track down in the summer. I was just having a little fun with Chils when I called him out here twice (he apologized profusely for not calling be back sooner even though he knew I was clowning around as well). Most of you know when I’m making a joke, so I won’t belabor the point any more than necessary.
Finally, and I mean this, the Dr. Phil-styled (over) analysis of every word of every sentence of what I write and what is said in quotes is bordering on a ridiculous. The grand conspiracy theory most of you believe is playing out behind closed doors is simply a figment of your blogimagination. If something requires further explanation you know I’ll provide it (have you realized how long you’ve been reading this? … I’m not exactly concerned about the conservation of cyber space here, I’m gonna let it all out as best I can).
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Comments
By Ken Strickland
August 20, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this
Now this is why I love the Hawks blog. There is sooo much perception, knowledge and understanding of the game. I tuned in today expecting to read nothing but negative responses to my post. Although none of the responses referenced by comments directly, the were very refreshing, comprehensive and well conceived.
FLASH, I also believe Chills is the 2nd most important player behind JJ, and started to say so, but I figured I’d said enough. I guess I shouldn’t expect any less from the USUAL SUSPECTS(YOU ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE, YOU TOO DOC, LOL).
By Astro Joe
August 20, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2212
Excellent article on the glut of players seeking those end of the bench spots on NBA teams. Too bad we’re in the ownership mess that we’re in, because we could easily just buy out Lo Wright and AJ and sign someone like Foyle, Deke or Cato on the cheap.
By doc
August 20, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
amazing some can take something so positive and make it into a negative. he is working on his complete game and not the one he shows on the court. shame some other great athletes didnt see fit to do the same in the big a. funny some call chills a loser and the other guy a winner. what kind of vision is that? warped and myopic i think.
hopefully chills stays healthy and gets the big contract. no matter what he is going to find satisfaction in his life i feel sure, not exactly what i call a role player. besides it isnt who starts games that gives you an indication of the player and his heart but who finishes the games. as far as how his shot looks only look to shawn marion to see it only matters if it goes in.
By The Flash
August 20, 2007 11:08 AM | Link to this
Where did Magic shoot it from? John Lucas? Muggsy? It’d be interesting to hear Chills explain his shooting style, why he chose it and why he’s stuck with it.
But, the one thing I’m certain of, there must be some pretty good reason. It is ugly and incomprehensible.
I think Chill is the second most important player on the team. He can shoot it any way he wants, as far as I’m concerned; he makes everybody better. Who else on this team does that?
By Astro Joe
August 20, 2007 10:00 AM | Link to this
G Money, I’m proud of my education from the Atlanta Public School system.
Here’s guessing that there are less than 10 players under 6’9” who scored 13 points or more, played more than 35 minutes per game and hit 50% of their shots. Maybe less than 5 when you add 6 boards a game. Shawn Marion (another butt-ugly shooting form) and who else?
Funny thing is, if Marvin were shooting 50% from the field, we’d all would be elated. But somehow Childress’ efficiency seems insufficient for many.
By G Money
August 20, 2007 5:26 AM | Link to this
I also had to go back and read the interview again. I recall the first part talking about his personal life outside of basketball - he was grounded, focused, and working toward achieving admirable goals. If he were any of our little brothers or sons, I think we’d be extremely proud. And he’s doing it at Stanford. Whether you know it or not, 95% or more of all college applicants can’t even get into Stanford. And he wants to get an MBA. The stuff I’m reading on this blog reminds me of the ignorant folk who were bashing Vince Carter for wanting to walk with his graduating class at UNC. But I guess those guys’ idea of going to the symphony would be going to a George Strait or Outkast concert.
What I focused on was ….. One of the big things I wanted to work on this summer was my lateral quickness. Last year was a weird situation in that I’d be sitting there guarding point guards all the time. So in addition to getting stronger physically and learning my body, I wanted to learn what I could do to take advantage of my length and my ability to defend guys of all sizes.
I thought that understanding that he could become a Tayshaun Prince or be used like Magic Johnson to add size in the back court was being pretty in-synch with how Woody has used and might want to use him in the future. I also think that there is a BIG market for players like Tayshaun who can do a number of things well, particularly guard a variety of players - ask Bruce Bowen.
It’s just too bad that most on the blog went to public schools where reading wasn’t fundamental. Thus, I would suggest reading an entire article on a player before passing judgement. I must be honest and admit that I wish that every Hawk were working out like Josh Smith, two a days with the best tutors in the world. But that’s not expected at this point (but maybe it should be).
By tb
August 20, 2007 4:53 AM | Link to this
I think that what some of you are missing in Chils’ lack of killer instinct is a little thing called humility. It has become a rare attribute in our culture today. We have an endless number of pro athletes that will tell you that they are going to be the next Jordan/Aaron/Montana…ect. The point is that these guys are merely buying into the hype and losing all sense of perspective.
Chil seems like a guy with some intelligence and character. Maybe that is why some can’t comprehend his attitude.
You put 10 players like Chil on the floor (talent/intellect/charcater) and I say you have a winner.
By Ken Strickland
August 20, 2007 12:05 AM | Link to this
Maybe I missed something. I was unaware of this being a bash JChildress blog. An NBA team is comprised of 12 players, only 5 of which are starters. Common sense should tell anyone the remaining 7 have to contribute off the bench. The best players, and the biggest contributors, don’t always start.
Use a little common sense and study a little NBA history. How many titles would the Pistons have won without the microwave, Vinny Johnson, John Salley or the Worm. What about the Celtics without John Havlichek or the Lakers without Bob McAdoo, Spencer Haywood, Mitch Kupchek or Michael Cooper. What about the 76’ers without Dawkins, Joe Bryant(Kobe’s dad) or Loyd(World)B. Free. Take your head out of your anus before you bring anymore of that lame crap to the blog DEPRESSED IN ATL. The more you learn about NBA basketball and its history, the less depressed you will be, trust me.
By depressed in atl
August 19, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
sooooo - i read the q&a w/ josh c. this morning. two words - not impressed. this guy does not have the eye of the tiger, he’s got no fire. what kind of competitor is content coming off the bench, or accepting the “role player” tag? i almost feel a little sorry for the dude. i get the distinct impression that the guy would rather be managing a car dealership in conyers. all this in a contract year? you kidding me? i truly hope gms around the league do not this this article lest his trade value plummet even further. i wonder if josh realizes how bad this makes him look?
By Joe
August 19, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Ken;
Your points are well taken.
Chills doesn’t take his outside shot because he takes so long to get it off and it has a low release point. So, it’s easily blocked. When he tries to speed up the release, he shoots a brick. So, the defense plays off him and he has touble driving to the basket. While the defense is playing off him they’re cloggin up the lanes limiting the space that his teammates have to work.
Maybe his wrists are too weak to hit from the 3 point line (there are exercises that can address that limitation), but he can certainly hit from 15 -17 feet releasing from over his head. If he could run off screens, draw the defense, cause them to run at him and enable him to drive, both he and the team would be a lot better off.
Right now Chills has nothing from the outside. If a change in his jump shot fails, he still has nothing. He has nothing to lose by attempting a change. But if it works, he’s a Rip Hamilton… even more because of his game under the basket. Note that it wasn’t until the past year or two that Rip started taking shots from the 3 point line. But he was real effective just from 15-17 before that.
By Ken Strickland
August 19, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this
JOE, your point is well taken, but not practical, especially in this case. It takes more than changing your shot to be an effective jumpshooter. It takes a tremendous amount of confidence in that changed shot. Chills obviously doesn’t have the greatest condfidence in his current shot(hense his unwillingness to take many outside shots).
I can tell you from personal experience why some people shoot jumpshots like Chills. It’s a way of compensating for having weak wrists. The way he shoots allows him to get more leverage by incorporating more arm and/or elbow into his shot. If he raised his release point significantly, as you suggest, it would force him to use more wrist(already a possible weakness in the 1st place).
The Hawks have plenty of outside jumpshooters like Salem, Marvin, JJ, Law, Lew and possibly JSmith. What we lack are enough players with inside skills like Chills.
I remember Randy Wittman, a former Hawks player with a picture perfect jumpshot that played on one of our best teams ever. He shot a very high percentage, but he wouldn’t take a shot unless he was wide open. Randy made it to the NBA using the training and fundamentals he learned from Bobby Knight. He was also an underachiever because of his inability to break away from the mental limitations imposed on him by Bobby Knight. Our current head coach seems to be having a simular problem breaking away from, or modifying, what he’s been taught.
Don’t suggest something drastic, like completely changing his ackward shot. Instead, suggest he work harder at getting open, and make him take more shots. He has a very high shooting percentage with that shot.
By Ken Strickland
August 19, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
JOE.
By Joe
August 19, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
Sekou. If I had one question that I could ask Chills, it would be: Chills, right now you don’t have an offensive game beyond two feet of the basket because you don’t have an outside shot that you can get off when the defense is within five or so feet of you. If you raised your release point to over your head, you could develop a Rip Hamilton type game running off screens, and eventually stretching out to the 3 point line. You have nothing to lose by changing your shot because what you have from the outside now is nothing. If the Hawks ever make it to the playoffs, you’ll find out that single-dimensional players wind up disappearing when the defense turns up. As a Stanford student it shouldn’t be difficult for you to do the arithmetic to figure out how many more millions a multi-dimensional offensive player can make over a career. So, why don’t you just do it?
By Mr. Gilley
August 18, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Sekou, you just gave me a great idea for my first opinion column for my college newspaper. I will write one on young professional athletes getting into trouble.. I will definitely be more than willing to send you a copy after publication
By Mr. Gilley
August 18, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
Sekou, you just gave me a great idea for my first opinion column for my college newspaper. I will write one on young professional athletes getting into trouble
By Good News...
August 17, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
Sammy, look where that dunk got you. Chils is in the NBA and you are blogging on the ajc… You sure got the best of him!
By sammy miller
August 17, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
First!!!!I saw that dunk by Joe and it reminded me of the time I did the same to Chils in highschool!!!
By Chris
August 17, 2007 12:16 PM | Link to this
Hope I don’t see you out in these streets, “Killuh.” You sound scary.
Please.
By Astro Joe
August 17, 2007 10:12 AM | Link to this
Sekou, thanks for the Childress piece. Man, I wish players could go somewhere and get a full body exam right after the draft so that areas of concern could be immediately identified. Like if Law or Horford have “strnage feet”, then they can go to their shoe company and get fitted for the right equipment. Or if there appears to be the potential for rips or tears, they could do the necessary core training to reduce the risk. I know that is a foolish and simplistic wish. But after reading about Speedy and Chill this summer, I can’t help but wonder if “wellness” visits would have helped prevent some of last season’s injuries.
Doc, at a minimum, shouldn’t agents insist that players get a foot examination and are custom-fitted for shoes BEFORE they sign a contract with a shoe company? That seems like an easy win-win for everyone. Am I buying Nikes if their players keep having foot-related injuries?
By newkid
August 17, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Sekou, many thanks for the Childress piece. Quite informative.
By Peter
August 16, 2007 9:31 PM | Link to this
The worst thing that you can do is to acknowledge the critcism of those who read your work. Too many people take that and run with it. It hasn’t been that way much on this blog because a lot of people haven’t been interested in keeping up with the team but some of this stuff that has popped up on the sports blogs should drive the sane people away.
I saw Andrea’s interview with Javon too. I try and tell a lot of my younger clients that in certain places “trouble will come looking for you” and what happened to “D” is a perfect example. Makes me feel really old because when I was that age people said “brother” and meant it..or at least respected it.
Now people look to get into a gang and one of the tests is beating, robbing or killing somebody. It’s way too late for sad. We gotta do something.
Sorry to preach.
By doc
August 16, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
ill-logical, it happens to even the martha stewarts, enron execs and world com heads. it is called lawful behavior not blogger observation. if you go beyond the boundaries of that you can always be pulled over in life. it doesnt matter what your color is though some of color seem to think that it only happens to them. i do understand where it comes from, just that is in the past and a far bit different than the underpaid of the past being abused by the system and a 130 million dollar qb trying to work around the system. you may not see the difference but it is there.
in china you are expected to do yourself in like the toy king there, who commited suicide beacause of his behavior and his companies disgraceful business practice. here we give folks another chance when they are disgraced. i imagine the qb will get his if his time isnt too long, but i jump ahead as he is convicted of nothing as of today that i know of.
By ILL-logical
August 16, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
I guess it is my self appointed duty to say that the plight of the former Falcon’s QB is a watershed moment for all professional athletes in general but the African American ones here in Atlanta in particular.
In short and summary: Thugism is out! Both in apearance as well as conduct, anything that offends the consumer -fans,bloggers, ner’ do wells- will be dealt with not in terms of present earnings but future potential revenus as well.Or to put it plainly, the cheese will be cut off now and forever.
The Hawks “organization” has many flaws ,some more glaring that others, however if there is one point that has to be made clear to the team mambers et al, it is that from now on your attitude WILL determine your altitude!
By doc
August 16, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this
sekou, interesting comments by an ex-player now broadcaster. felt it was something that might be passed on to the young hawks.
he said it is about the fans, whether it was while playing or now broadcasting. that is what has to be done to make the impact necessary in building the fanbase. he also said someone told him something as he was entering the realm of reporting that he has tried to hold true to. it is about the fan in giving them the whys not the what. most folks can see the what, it is the whys to what they watch and follow for entertainment. if you go back some of the best discussions usually revolve about abd are about the why not the what. some might get offended as it is truth or not, usually if it gets too close it is truth. remind the young hawks it is about the fan wanting to know why and to take nothing personal form someone else but get worried if in a discerning moment they find some hidden truth; act on it then rather than continue their merry way.
very pleased to hear the whereabouts of the boys. i look forward to this season where they get to show folks and their coach thatthey are grown up and becoming a team of players. they can do it if it is their desire no matter what any of us say here including, ando, ray, a j, reese, etc.
By jlewis
August 16, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
For you guys info, Joe has played some summer league games in Little Rock and is in great shape and filthy on the court, he’ll be more than ready.
By Sekou K. Smith
August 16, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this
Dawg4life,
Joe’s on my list. I’ll get to him soon enough. But from what I’ve gathered he’s back up to speed from that calf injury and doing some cutting edge flexibility training with some specialist. More details to come.
Another tidbit picked up this morning from one of my sources, and this is why you hope someone had a camera phone in the arena. But word is Josh Smith jumped so high and dunked so hard in a summer league game in Houston Wednesday night that he put a knot on his head. Seriously, he literally kissed the rim and caught a left hook from the bucket on his way up (or down?) and left with a shiner. The crowd was so stunned that it happened that I’m told a few people thought they were being punk’d. Wish I’d have been there to see that.
By terrell
August 16, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
How is chills doing? Health wise. Any feedback on how he feels about his 2 new rookie teammates? Thanks Sekou
By ray
August 16, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Ugh. Gone to the dogs, this has.
By Dawg4life
August 16, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
Sekou,
What’s the word on Joe Johnson. How is his offseason training going? Woody seems to praise him for his work ethic and being a ‘gym rat’ in the off-season. Just wanted to know if, given his injuries last year, he has been able to train as intensely as he usually does.
Thanks for any update you can provide!!!
By bryant
August 15, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
how is chills contract extension going. i’m hoping he gets a good deal from the hawks. part of building a good team is chemistry. keeping the joshes will go a long way to making us the spurs of the east instead of the clippers of the east.
By A Thinking Fan
August 15, 2007 5:01 PM | Link to this
Good info SS, but could u start the season 2 months earlier? I know! I know! You want to see your boys M-State play O-State first…
By tp
August 15, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this
Best blog you’ve ever written, Sekou. Please keep up the great work!
By Astro Joe
August 15, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
Another rant, this time directed at Stern and NBA. So none of our players are good enough for the USA Select team, Freshmen/Sophomore All-Star Weekend appearances or national TV exposure. But the NBA will send them to East Jibip for Basketball Without Borders. WTF? I understand that it is a learning opp for the players and that they likely have never had a chance to travel to such exotic places. I also understand how this will hopefully foster a personal commitment to supporting both local communities and impoverished villages across the globe. All noble.
Now how about giving these “choir boys” on the Hawks a little on-court love by showcasing these guys at least once. Don’t just use them to extend the brand globally, throw them a freakin’ bone when it comes to some old-fashioned NBA-sanctioned publicity.
And Marvin better not come back with some lead-painted toys that sickens the entire franchise!
By ray
August 15, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Sekou, thanks for the info. I have no idea, however, what imagined conspiracy you’re talking about. Perhaps I don’t want to know.
Astro Joe, I’m not so sure Anakin has left the building yet. What was with that stuff on the last blog? Ok, so you’re no fan of Smoove’s (understatment, methinks). I just figure the guy made a good decision to keep himself out of trouble and work on his game. Where did the contract talk come from? We all know (as long as we’re in our right minds, that is) that this team is not a team most of the time. It’s a great group of guys. But business-wise, it’s a group of versatile assets more than it is a team. Smoove is one of the more valuable assets. Much as I like his ability and potential, bringing in anyone that is of similar or greater value is a win in my book. Like I said, it’s going to be a proving year.
Ken, you could be right, as this has always been a possibility. The continued (hopefully) health of the entire team will put the spotlight directly on a lot of things:
Mike Woodson’s coaching. Is he the man for this team or not? Can he change, or must we continue to play his style of ball?
The two rookies. Good as advertised? Ready for major minutes RIGHT NOW? Possibly starting before the season is halfway over?
The Swingers. Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress. You can feel it in the wind. One of them isn’t going to/can’t stay, which has been said by many for a long time now. And, which one is going to really to have that “break-out” season we always look for? To be continued…
The post. Can Zaza toughen up, or will this be left up to Al and Shell? Is Shell going to be that much better, will he hold his own and be something like what we drafted him for?
Lue will be Lue. JJ will be JJ. Who knows with AJ. Will Speedy make it through a whole season and be effective? That group stands to lose a member too.
By doc
August 15, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
gee thanks sekou … i think.
glad they know how important it is to get real with us little folks. or is that over analysis?
heh heh
told you guys it really gets slow once past the draft since there were no free agent or trade issues coming as in years past. dog days of summer opps a bad phrase in this town.
later, much later.
By Traceman
August 15, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Sekou. Good stuff!
By Traceman
August 15, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Sekou. Good stuff!
By Astro Joe
August 15, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Blog Z, you sound distracted1