hawks21

Co-sign. Marvin is a lost cause, and is too busy counting his money he got from that contract extension...

Jamal has won many games for the Hawks in his two years, but as you know he has struggled with his shot at times-- especially at home. Statistically, Jamal has struggled against the Bulls and has scored below his season average. THIS IS AN UGLY SERIES-- a defensive series for the most part, but the emergence of Jeff Teague has changed things. I would like to see Teague 'set-up" Crawford..and I believed it happened a few times in this series. However, Teague's defensive prowess and speed and ability to break down and finish at the basket is what is needed. When Jamal Crawford entered game, the Bulls led 18-15 in the first quarter; after a few misses and a turnover, the score was 30-17 Bulls. I am not say it is all Jamal's foault, but putting the defensive-minded and more athletic Damien Wilkens may have helped. Jamal has opportunities to get going, but as a sixth man he has to be READY to make a positive impact. 4:09 Jamal Crawford enters the game for Jeff Teague 3:46 Jamal Crawford misses 19-foot jumper 2:13 Jamal Crawford misses driving layup 2:12 Jeff Teague enters the game for Joe Johnson 1:39 Jamal Crawford offensive foul (Keith Bogans draws the foul) After the game got out-of-hand, Jamal made his only basket in the first quarter 0:33 Jamal Crawford makes 21-foot jumper (Zaza Pachulia assists) The score 32-21 at the end of the first quarter... Jamal stayed in the game for a little while longer. into the second quarter.. 11:00 Jamal Crawford misses 7-foot two point shot 10:04 Jamal Crawford out of bounds lost ball turnover 9:00 Jamal Crawford misses 23-foot three point jumper The Hawks are fighting not to get blown out in the second quarter, but Jamal is still shooting --and mostly missing... score 34-25 Bulls 6:37 Jamal Crawford misses 15-foot jumper 6:26 Al Horford enters the game for Jamal Crawford 5:54 full timeout HAWKS ARE DOWN 40-30... Things didn't get better when Jamal Crawford was in the game ...I WISH IT DID... but it didn't

ABSOLUTELY RIGHT... I believe there is a tug-of-war going on here...just like Westbrook and Durant..

27 minutes, 2 points. Jamal Crawford's streaky outside shooting has been neutralized for the past FOUR GAMES, and other options must be considered. In all due respect, what game are you watching? Jeff Teague has done a great job as the point guard and the more he plays, it seems that he gets better. Crawford is a sixth man who is supposed to be instant offense, and if his shot isn't falling and his defense is lacking, he needs to be benched. The Hawks can't win if they can't limit Deng and Bogans. Horford and Josh Smith were in foul trouble in the 4th quarter, but putting Jason Collins who only had one foul along with Damien Wilkins should have been done early in the 4th quarter. Luol Deng scored 23 points and Keith Bogans scored 11 points in Game 5.

Jeff got a few foul calls in Game 5 and went to the foul line SEVEN TIMES...

ENERGY=TOTAL EFFORT However, the genesis of energy comes from the ability and willingness to DEFEND... So Marvin and Jamal Crawford should be benched. The Bulls are Derrick Rose and DEFENSE... Coach Drew has to sit Jamal and Marvin, and play guys who can and want to DEFEND...

Jeff Teague has been impressive throughout this whole series, and it makes you wonder if Coach Drew will call more plays for him in Game 6. It appears he has leadership qualities and he had exhibited that at Wake Forest. The folks on the TNT broadcast had talked about how many of the Hawks are soft-spoken, so that suggest there is a void in leadership and Jeff teague is in a position to FILL THAT VOID. I believe Teague is capable of having a 30 point game if the offense is run more thorugh him. The Bulls had a difficult time defending him when Teague became aggressive.

That would definitely be a LOL moment.. but as Hawks fans we will take that...

I wish Jamal would have gotten into a rhythm in Game 5, but Coach Drew must shut him down if he can't make shots EARLY. Going 0-for-3 and a turnover is a invitaion for the bench, because the Bulls know Jamal is a liability defensively and not committed. The Hawks have enough scorers, but the committment to defense has to become even more of a priority. Additionally, Jamal as backup point guard is NOT a good idea either. Jeff Teague's speed and ability to get to the basket and FINISH is something that must be on the court as much as possible. Jamal is a finesse player who will shoot the Hawks out of this series if Coach Drew allows it. What does Coach Drew have against DAMIEN WILKINS?

The Atlanta Hawks were able to stay competitive with Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson not shooting the ball particularly well--until the fourth quarter. However, Joe has a stronger reputation of being a good defensive player. Crawford might get mad at Drew for taking him out, but at some point, Drew has to put the best defensive players in the game who can help defend Rose and Deng. However, if Jamal Crawford can't score, it affects his ability and desire to play defense. He gets lost in screens and when Crawford is matched up against Rose or Deng or Bogens, he struggles. Crawford is a veteran, but DAMIEN WILKINS is the better defender. The Chicago coach took Noah and B oozer out of the game in favor of reserves. Drew needed to use his bench as well. MARVIN is NOT an option, but Wilkins could have helped in the FOURTH QUARTER. J

The Hawks have some 'trust issues'. Joe Johnson does make the most money on this team and among the highest salaries in the league, but this is where his ability to show on-court leadership is put to the test...and that doesn't mean just putting up more shots in ill-advised situations. Joe Johnson doesn't have Chris Paul's or Ruseell Westbrook's skill set of speed and change of direction. So being able to set-up his teammates and understand what defenses are trying to do is vital. Teague may be a shooting guard in a point guard's body (i.e. Westbrook, Wade, Paul, Iverson, etc.), but his attitude and athleticism along with his ability to break down defenses, block shots, dunk over people, is something Johnson and the rest of the veterans have to respect going forward.

Exactly. This is where Coach Drew has ASSERT HIMSELF AS COACH and tell Joe Johnson act like a 'good teammate' along with JOSH SMITH because it gives the Hawks the best chance to win against the Bulls. Johnson holding onto the basketball is something that shouldn't be tolerated and if he tries to freeze out Jeff Teague then Drew should discipline him with the bench. The Big Three in Boston deferred to Rajon Rondo and Rondo had some big playoff games. For Joe Johnson, he needs to learn how to be a better teammate on the floor.

ISO-Joe is not the answer to beating the Bulls . Coach Drew said it best: I wish Joe had the ability of Dwayne Wade or Lebron who are able to attack the basket before the opposing defense sets and sometimes finish with DUNKS or GETTING TO THE FT LINE. However, Joe rarely dunks or finishes with authority. Kobe did that in his prime. Jordan did that in his prime. Nique did that in his prime. Joe gets trapped too often(on one side of the court) and lacks the speed and athleticism to consistently beat double-teams. On top of that, his decison-making is too slow. Jeff Teague is better at breaking defenses down and Joe Jonson shouldn't be allowed to hold on the basketball as if he is the POINT GUARD. Jeff Teague isn't Derrick Rose, but he has the ability to have a similar impact and bring something to the table that Bibby, Hinrich and Joe haven't been able to do. SPEED DOESN'T GO INTO A SLUMP. Should more plays go to Teague so he can create for himself, and having another athletic wing player (Who can finish at the rim) such as Damien Wilkins may change the Hawks profile... I wish the 6'9 Marvin would be able to fill that void as the "athletic wing", but its not going to happen...

The Mavericks have re-tooled constantly over the past four years (got rid of Steve Nash, added Jason Kidd and developed Berea, then got Tyson Chandler and Brandon Heyward) and it seemed to be this year that team is MORE HUNGRY and the profile has changed as well. When you say 'jog', one of the prime examples is Marvin Williams and another is Jamal Crawford (especially when his shot isn't falling) Look at the Memphis Grizzlies team with Conley, Jr. and Tony Allen and Sam Young and Darrell Arthur...They made the Spurs look old with their constant defensive effort and pressure.

Devastating quote: It was a mistake to START MARVIN WILLIAMS or give him significant playing time. It should have been Damien Wilkins. Teague started the game 5-for-5 and matched Rose, but no one else among the Hawks's starters seemed ready to play.

Smoove and Marvin should be the first to go. These guys have peaked as NBA players and it is time to upgrade the small forward position along with finding an athletic center who can play defense (i.e. DeAndre Jordan-Clippers?) In the mid-1990's the Hawks were able to acquire a player like Dikembe, maybe the Hawks can get lucky... The profile of this team has to change, and it begins with Smoove and Marvin Williams.

This was a really tough game to watch. Joe and Jamal really showed how one-dimensional they are as players and couldn't make their teammates better and couldn't get to the free throw line either. It is almost like that they QUIT OUT THERE BY HALFTIME. Let's see what Damien Wikins can do with 25 minutes. Let's see what Pape Sy can do for a few minutes. The Bulls had been leaving DERRICK ROSE ON TH EBENCH in the first half and increasing their lead...MAYBE COACH DREW HAS TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT WITH HIS ROTATION...(I hate to say this..but sit HORFORD down if he continues to struggle .. Marvin Williams had a few points, but when he blew that layup in the open court after an Atlanta steal it just symbolizes the lack of players WHO CAN FINISH AT THE BASKET... HUBIE BROWN mentioned about the number of field goals we had, and if I am not mistaken ..in the regualr season, the Hawks were among the BOTTOM in FGs ATTEMPTED and FTs MADE... Al Horford looks like he is playing scared out there offensively. IS JOAKIM GEETING IN HIS HEAD? I rarely see him attacking the basket (recently) on pick and roll plays...he rather shoot those tough outside jumpers. The Hawks need a "Zach Randolph" player or somehow trade Josh/Marvin to get in the DRAFT LOTTERY and find a legitimate SMALL FORWARD who can score and defend.

I remember when Andruw Jones came to the Braves as an 18-year old who was skinny, but hit for power and stole bases and classified as a five-tool player. At first, I thought Andruw would hit for average, but after five years in the leagie, HE ONLY WANTED TO HIT HOMERUNS...and his strkeouts increased. His weight went from 190 to 230 within a few years and became strictly a pull hitter. Back in 2005, I remember when BOBBY COX were trying to help Andruw , but he just wouldn't change. Subsequently, he was traded and never really been the same. Josh Smith came into the league with a limited offensive skillset at 215 pounds and for the most part he played in every game during his early years. However, as he began to gain weight, the issue of his knee has become an increasing problem and things that he used to do on a NIGHTLY BASIS such as block shots started to decrease. Plus, the tendency to throw up jumpers started to increase despite pleas from the coaching staff. Both Andruw and Josh went "lone wolf" and gained weight and felt they didn't have to grow as players or listen to their coaches.

Coach Larry Drew's plea to or admonishment of Josh Smith of his tendency to throw up 18 foot jumpers is something that is needed, but maybe the reason Josh Smith believes that shooting jumpers will bring glory and respect. Dennis Rodman proved that the saying "know your role" can help you be a Hall of Famer or an All-Star. Rodman made the All-Star team twice in 1990 and 1992, but his committment to defense helped his teams win championships and in the end he got nominated for the Hall of Fame. Josh has to commit to doing the "dirty work" and that there is a payoff to doing that. If Josh Smith changes his mindset and look at Dennis Rodman's playing career and be the best that he can be in regard to rebounding, blocking shots, deflections and disrupting the offense of the opposing team instead of HIS OWN TEAM, then the accolades will come his way.

I don't believe Teague is a dirty player, but he is an aggressive player. Why is Derrick Rose trying to take a jump shot with seconds to go anyway? Teague came from the same college as Chris Paul. WAKE FOREST... Paul doesn't back down, and neither does Teague.

Before this series, people said the same thing about JEFF TEAGUE... in regard to the bench... Smoove needs to be benched for an extended period of time. I agree Horford has struggled, despite his 14 rebounds and six assists last night. However, Smoove's presence in the lineup for an extended period of time DISRUPTS the offense. The Hawks beat the Bulls WITHOUT SMOOVE on March 2nd in Atlanta.

Jeff Teague played solid in a hostile environment--on the road in Chicago--against Derrick Rose. So at this point, Larry Drew should NOT take him out of the game UNLESS HE IS IN FOUL TROUBLE OR HURT... GAMES 1 and 2: 85 minutes, 1 turnover... 12 for 25 FGs , 6 of 7 FTs and 4 steals.. Teague's defensive presence, speed and athleticism, have to be on the floor at ALL TIMES. The Hawks became more out-of-sync and never really recovered totally when Drew took Teague out in the middle of the first quarter and then finally put him back in the middle of the second quarter. Game 1 Teague played 45 minutes and in Game 2, he played 40 minutes... I hope Coach Drew isn't going in reverse in regard to Teague's minutes.. '

When Marvin got that EXTENSION it seemed like he just stop trying to get better... Plus, it appears the coaching staff are not HOLDING HIM ACCOUNTABLE..and maybe calling him out publicly in the media may be an option..

Josh Smith went through a long stretch of not only taking bad shots, but turning the ball over and arguing with the referees. He is one of the most athletic players in the league, but when will Coach Drew cut his minutes drastically to make him understand AFTER SEVEN YEARS THIS IMMATURE ON-COURT BEHAVIOR WILL STOP. It almost seemed like he was throwing the game and he was allowed to play close to 36 minutes, but it should have been more like 20 minutes... Plus, I want Marvin to do well, but I rather see the more explosive Damien Wilkens on the court getting those 25 minutes instead of Marvin.. Damien give up a few inches to Luol Deng, but Marvin is a liability.

Josh Smith's shot selection may the next biggest threat to the Hawks other than Derrick Rose'a ability to take over games with his relentless style of attacking the basket. Josh Smith should never be a first or second or in most cases a third option as a shooter on this team--especially against the Bulls. It is not a coincidence that the Hawks only win against Chicago was a game in which he did not play back on March 2nd in Atlanta in which Al Horford scored 30+ points. Coach Larry Drew has to stop accepting Josh Smith's poor shot selection because it can turn a manageable game out of control in a short period of time.The Bulls and most other teams WANT JOSH SMITH TO SHOOT OUTSIDE JUMPERS and in the third quarter of that Chicago road game is a prime example of why Coach Drew can't allow his team to be put in a position of the offense going through Josh Smith. Josh Smith's missed shots helped to fuel a game in which the HAWKS LED AT HALFTIME, 50-48 and turned into a Derrick Rose show, a third-quarter barrage of open-court layups and conversions by the Bulls. In the Orlando blowout loss, it was not a coincidence that Josh Smith STARTED THE GAME WITH A THREE-POINTER and went on to take the next shot. Plus, he missed a few throws. THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN, but Coach Larry Drew at times is slow to discipline Josh Smith and the team suffers. Al Horford should shoot the ball before Josh Smith..Marvin Williams should shoot the ball before Josh Smith. Even Damien William should shoot the ball as an option before Josh Smith. In this Chicago series, he should be focusing on rebounding, blocking shots and defending the paint. Not setting up and staying on the perimeter. In Game 6 against, Josh was 3-for-14 and played a lot of minutes, but the Hawks managed to escape the Magic. However, the longer Josh smith stays on the floor and is taking MORE shots, it jeopardizes this team moreso than 'iso-Joe' or 'iso- Jamal' Josh's bad habits in taking bas shots is too much too overcome in this series, and Coach Drew's unwillingness to discipline him could UNDERMINE that series. That March 2nd game in Atlanta without JOSH SMITH proved the team could overcome on-court adversity and beat a good team. Coach Drew has to make the decision is he willing to discipline Josh Smith in order to win this Chicago series.