Hawks Blog: Crawford makes great first impression

[Admin]

http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2009/09/22/crawford-makes-great-first-impression/?cxntfid=blogs_hawks

HAWKSVILLE – From the minute Jamal Crawford hit the door Monday all eyes were on the Hawks’ newest addition (well, so to speak).

And he didn’t disappoint, not that anything he could have done would have disappointed the crowd of players, many of them his new teammates, hoping to get a glimpse of him in Hawks’ practice duds.

“They’re going to be (expletive) good this year,” said a visiting pro from another NBA team. “You throw JC and Joe Smith and this kid [Jeff] Teague, and they’ve got some wrinkles now that they didn’t have last season. They were already a dangerous team and now they’re really dangerous. And knowing these fans down here and what they like, they’re going to love the style this team can play. They’re going to love JC.”

Crawford loves the idea of what this Hawks team could be. He was all smiles after playing a few pickup games with guys like Marvin Williams, Al Horford, Mike Bibby and others, for the very first time.

“If you look at us on paper, you know we should be pretty good,” Williams said, “but so far I’d have to say it looks even better than I thought. It’s impressive. It’s different. Everybody knows what Jamal is capable of. And Jeff can play, man. I don’t know any other way of saying it, he can just play. And it’ll be exciting when we get everybody in here and see how the pieces fit. I truly believe we are going to be one of the most explosive teams in the league.”

Crawford wasn’t even in scoring mode on his first day (training camp starts in one week but most of the main faces have already made it back to town or are on the way). He played the role of set-up man. “Everybody knows I can score a little bit,” Crawford said modestly. “I’m a good passer, too. I love to set guys up. I always have.”

A nasty no-look pass here, another wicked dish there and his teammates, not to mention everyone else in attendance, had seen enough.

Horford couldn’t contain his glee while watching Crawford break down a defender in the lane on one play. He let out a loud yelp when Crawford’s crossover dribble whipped from one side to the other. Horford calmed down just in time to catch the pass (yup, he was on the floor and playing in the game but clearly enjoying the spectacle) of Crawford shredding yet another ill-fated attempt to slow him down.

“I couldn’t help it,” a smiling Horford would say later. “It’s fun to watch him got o work on somebody. I’m just excited, man. Training camp is going to be so competitive and it’s because we have some of these [new] guys coming in that will stir it up. I can’t wait to get going.”

OTHER NEW FACES

Crawford wasn’t the only new face to open a few eyes Monday. Training camp invitee Courtney Sims made his first appearance at the John “Beans” Beckett Invitational and did not disappoint.

Sims is a solid 6-11, 240-pounder that didn’t seem at all out of place banging against the likes of Horford, Randolph Morris, Othello Hunter and Garrett Siler – the other true bigs on the floor for most of Monday’s action. Sims finished with authority around the rim and was as active as any big running the floor and getting his hands dirty in the rebounding battles on both ends of the floor.

“We’re going to have so many bigs now that things will change dramatically for us,” Horford said of he, Josh Smith and Zaza Pachulia, the men who shouldered the bulk of the low-post burden for the Hawks last season. “You go from playing three or four guys, with Solomon Jones, to having five or six quality guys that can play and that has to make a big difference for us.”

THE WAFER RULE

Day after day veteran free agent Jerry Stackhouse turns heads during these informal workouts.

I haven’t found a player yet that isn’t convinced that he could help this Hawks team this season as versatile specialists off the bench.

Whether or not that connection ever comes to fruition is obviously not up to said players or any of us around here.

But let me offer up a cautionary tale about watching a free agent dazzle on the practice court all summer only to find work elsewhere once training camp rolls around. Von Wafer [breakout season in Houston last year and ow a teammate of former Hawks swingman Josh Childress in Greece] put on a somewhat similar type of show last summer, wowing everyone with his shooting stroke from deep and his ability to finish at the rim without any regard for whoever and whatever might be in his way.

Wafer would have helped this Hawks team tremendously last year but a decision was made to go in a different direction (one that, it should be pointed out, helped net 47 wins). It’ll be interesting to see if the Hawks look past Stackhouse (for whatever reasons) and break the Wafer Rule.

It’s not my decision, my team, my money or my main concern right now. But I don’t know that I’d be able to rationalize not trying to sign Stackhouse up if he goes anywhere this season and plays half as well as he’s played since I’ve been watching this summer.

[Wurider05]

Are there enough minutes for Stackhouse???

[y2kenta]

Are there enough minutes for Stackhouse???

I think there could be an (average) of 10-12 minutes in games when he's used...He's healthy, looking strong and quite young (according to reports) and that's good enough for my vote...Nothing wrong with adding some veteran leadership to our perimeter guys and why not pick up a very good talent like Stackhouse FOR CHEAP...We're also talking about a guy that once finished 2nd in the NBA in scoring behind Iverson one year with nearly 30ppg...Granted, that was 8-9 years ago, but he knows what it takes to provide what's needed...

I say YES!!! Sign him!!!

[capstone21]

Are there enough minutes for Stackhouse???

I don't think there are really any minutes for him. However, he would be a nice addition and give us some real depth. Also, he is nice insurance incase of injury.

[macdaddy]

I've always liked Stackhouse but i'm not sure Sekou's point. Wafer was a guy who broke out. I think everyone knows what Stackhouse is and is capable of. Its not like he's going to go somewhere and suddenly be 100x better than he's ever been. I'd love to have him in the way i'd love to have 5 cars. We'd have some serious offensive weapons on the bench if we do add him.

[AUhawksfan]

Reading about Crawford and Horford gets me pumped. Has the season started yet? :question:

[jerrywest]

A Knicks fan just commented on Crawford (in the same ajc blog):

As someone who watched every game Jamal Crawford played for the Knicks, and someone who has absolutely no malice towards the Hawks (all the while recognizing that players do change sometimes), allow me to fill you in on what you’re probably getting.

Crawford will come to training camp and say all the right things about playing hard, playing smart, doing what the coach asks, accepting whatever role is given to him, just coming to fit in, etc.

Then when the lights come on, you’ll get a tremendously gifted scorer who is streaky, forces way too many shots, shoots a low percentage, can pass a little and plays no defense whatsoever.

Part of the problem in NY is that he played for Isiah Thomas, who basically just rolled the ball out and let his scorers do as they pleased. The end-of-game strategy consisted of nothing more than handing the ball to Crawford for some shake-and-bake followed by an off-balance 25-footer with a hand in his face. He’ll even make them occasionally.

The Bulls got rid of him because he was too wild, the Knicks got rid of him because he makes too much money for too long, and can’t catch and shoot (he absolutely must dribble thru his legs 2-3 times and take a few baby steps while palming the ball before launcing the J, and pouted when D’Antoni’s system didn’t call for that) and even a freestyler like Don Nelson had no use for him.

On the other hand, I always thought his best year – though not statistically – was the year Larry Brown coached the Knicks. He actually played with some intelligence that year, didn’t force as many shots, and even got into a defensive stance a time or two. So maybe he is coachable in the right situation.

I say beware a guy this skilled who is on his 4th team before his 30th birthday – all via trade – and has never been on a playoff team. If he plays a role any bigger than the one Flip Murray had, that might not be a good thing.

I hope I’m wrong.

[Crank]

A Knicks fan just commented on Crawford (in the same ajc blog):

As someone who watched every game Jamal Crawford played for the Knicks, and someone who has absolutely no malice towards the Hawks (all the while recognizing that players do change sometimes), allow me to fill you in on what you’re probably getting.

Crawford will come to training camp and say all the right things about playing hard, playing smart, doing what the coach asks, accepting whatever role is given to him, just coming to fit in, etc.

Then when the lights come on, you’ll get a tremendously gifted scorer who is streaky, forces way too many shots, shoots a low percentage, can pass a little and plays no defense whatsoever.

Part of the problem in NY is that he played for Isiah Thomas, who basically just rolled the ball out and let his scorers do as they pleased. The end-of-game strategy consisted of nothing more than handing the ball to Crawford for some shake-and-bake followed by an off-balance 25-footer with a hand in his face. He’ll even make them occasionally.

The Bulls got rid of him because he was too wild, the Knicks got rid of him because he makes too much money for too long, and can’t catch and shoot (he absolutely must dribble thru his legs 2-3 times and take a few baby steps while palming the ball before launcing the J, and pouted when D’Antoni’s system didn’t call for that) and even a freestyler like Don Nelson had no use for him.

On the other hand, I always thought his best year – though not statistically – was the year Larry Brown coached the Knicks. He actually played with some intelligence that year, didn’t force as many shots, and even got into a defensive stance a time or two. So maybe he is coachable in the right situation.

I say beware a guy this skilled who is on his 4th team before his 30th birthday – all via trade – and has never been on a playoff team. If he plays a role any bigger than the one Flip Murray had, that might not be a good thing.

I hope I’m wrong.

I saw Marbury who was making 20 million and was the FRANCHISE player crying on youtube last week and eating vaseline . They should be paying Crawford punitive damages for playing there

[jerrywest]

another one:

But Andy you are wrong .

You claim he says all the right things but then when the lights go on he does something different .

Are you saying he was going against what the coach or his team asked of him ? because I havent seen anything about that wherever he has played .

The claims of him playing no defense whatsoever just is not true its kinda like the loch Ness monster of basketball . For as bad as everyone says he is on defense the numbers just dont add up . .You can say he is not a good defender but the way you try and paint is that whoever gets the ball on him scores and there is no evidence of that.

His offensive game is at the point now where he its even stevens. He normally wins or breaks even against all matchups unless its an all nba caliber player like Kobe .

Why is he to be blamed for Isiah thomas ?

He was sign and traded from the Bulls which means someone wanted him but even then I read that the Bulls offered him a deal and he declined and thats when the knicks stepped in. If Im correct David Lee and nate robinson have ZERO OFFERS and minimal offers from the knicks

He cant catch and shoot but he was shooting over 43% 2 and 44% from 3 when he was traded from the knicks and that was mostly spot up shooting ?

h pouted yet the knicks gave him a video tribute when he returned a couple of weeks later ? What did they give Marbury or Zach Randolph ? you are really stretching it here

Nelson had Monta Ellis at over 60 million just signed and several other young backcourt players as well .He had to open up perimeter minutes as the untradeable Stephen jackson and Corey maggette are gonna want there minutes as well.

A veteran player who played for 2 teams in 8 years and then joined a team in the middle of a youth movement and ended up joining a playoff team at a bargain basement price is something to beware ?

And as for the playoff team he has yet to play for a organization that was not in some sort of turmoil.

post MJ Bulls – Ron Artest and Brand couldnt win there either

Knicks – Isiah,Brown,and MARBURY this due was the franchise player and now I see him crying on youtube seriously

Golden state warriors – there is still infighting amongst the management on that team. They extended Stephen Jackson and then he announces he wants to be traded . They signed both of their young players Ellis who injured himself on a Mo ped and Biedrens to 60+ million each gave Maggette 50 million and jackson another 30 million and yet still are not a playoff team.

Please tell me which of these teams were in a position to make the playoffs but didnt because of Crawford ?

Now Crawford is in a place where there is stability in the front office and on the court. He doesnt have to worry about Joe getting mad at woody and running off the team plane. He is finally in a place where the focus is solely on winning basketball games .

Even in NY right now the entire focus is not on winning games but on whether or not James is gonna leave his team and join them.No one is gonna thrive in an environment like that.

[capstone21]

The big difference for Crawford is that he is not the main focus of the offense. He is a guy who comes off the bench for us.

His role will be much different here then it was at NY or GS.

He is our microwave who will come in and score.

[coachx]

The big difference for Crawford is that he is not the main focus of the offense. He is a guy who comes off the bench for us.

His role will be much different here then it was at NY or GS.

He is our microwave who will come in and score.

Well said !

[jy23]

The big difference for Crawford is that he is not the main focus of the offense. He is a guy who comes off the bench for us.

His role will be much different here then it was at NY or GS.

He is our microwave who will come in and score.

VINNY JOHNSON!!!!!!!!!! lol

[Crank]

The big difference for Crawford is that he is not the main focus of the offense. He is a guy who comes off the bench for us.

His role will be much different here then it was at NY or GS.

He is our microwave who will come in and score.

But even on those teams he was never the main guy . Each of those organizations had guys that designated as the man who just never lived up to the billing . Crawford was never the main guy for GS or NY each of those teams chose players over the years that never lived upto the status they were given

NY- Marbury and Eddy Curry , Steve Francis , Zach Randolph

The warriors signed monta Ellis and Biedrens sp? to over 60 million ,then signed Maggette to a 5 year 50 million deal and then extended jackson .

I dont think Crawford was ever regarded as the man on any of those teams he just happened to be the only guy that isnt feuding with the coach or falling to pieces.

they are basically trying to give him more credit for more juice than what he had instead of just admitting to mistakes in who they chose to build around .

Its like the Spurs you know they live and die with TD and you expect Parker and Manu to help Duncan but you know going in that without Duncan that either of those guys by themselves would not be able to take the team far .

[capstone21]

Each of those organizations had guys that designated as the man who just never lived up to the billing .

You said it yourself right there. They never lived up to the billing so Crawford had to step up. We have proven guys already in Joe, Bibby etc that can already be the focus of the offense. Crawford does not need to be the man here. He just needs to fit in and play his role. A role that is perfect for him.

[Sasquatch]

A Knicks fan just commented on Crawford (in the same ajc blog):

As someone who watched every game Jamal Crawford played for the Knicks, and someone who has absolutely no malice towards the Hawks (all the while recognizing that players do change sometimes), allow me to fill you in on what you’re probably getting.

Crawford will come to training camp and say all the right things about playing hard, playing smart, doing what the coach asks, accepting whatever role is given to him, just coming to fit in, etc.

Then when the lights come on, you’ll get a tremendously gifted scorer who is streaky, forces way too many shots, shoots a low percentage, can pass a little and plays no defense whatsoever.

Part of the problem in NY is that he played for Isiah Thomas, who basically just rolled the ball out and let his scorers do as they pleased. The end-of-game strategy consisted of nothing more than handing the ball to Crawford for some shake-and-bake followed by an off-balance 25-footer with a hand in his face. He’ll even make them occasionally.

The Bulls got rid of him because he was too wild, the Knicks got rid of him because he makes too much money for too long, and can’t catch and shoot (he absolutely must dribble thru his legs 2-3 times and take a few baby steps while palming the ball before launcing the J, and pouted when D’Antoni’s system didn’t call for that) and even a freestyler like Don Nelson had no use for him.

On the other hand, I always thought his best year – though not statistically – was the year Larry Brown coached the Knicks. He actually played with some intelligence that year, didn’t force as many shots, and even got into a defensive stance a time or two. So maybe he is coachable in the right situation.

I say beware a guy this skilled who is on his 4th team before his 30th birthday – all via trade – and has never been on a playoff team. If he plays a role any bigger than the one Flip Murray had, that might not be a good thing.

I hope I’m wrong.

ok well Larry Brown says good things about him. I like that.

Chauncey Billups played for a lot of teams too. He aint exactly garbage. A lot of people think highly of him.

[DrReality]

You said it yourself right there. They never lived up to the billing so Crawford had to step up. We have proven guys already in Joe, Bibby etc that can already be the focus of the offense. Crawford does not need to be the man here. He just needs to fit in and play his role. A role that is perfect for him.

Agree. Hope the situation makes a difference and that he can co-exist with JJ who is the man. But at the same time Woody is not Larry Brown.

[Kimsey]

JC shouldn't be getting more than 20-25 mpg. If he's hot leave him in the oven but his holes on defense is too big of a liability.

[Crank]

You said it yourself right there. They never lived up to the billing so Crawford had to step up. We have proven guys already in Joe, Bibby etc that can already be the focus of the offense. Crawford does not need to be the man here. He just needs to fit in and play his role. A role that is perfect for him.

I agree totally I just thought it odd that they skipped over the higher paid players who failed them and then blame Crawford not saving their franchises. With us his role will be established and that can only help him as he doesnt have to carry us, just do his part.

[sillent]

I think Crawford's interview with us as he entered the team said it best. This team has great chemistry and was winning before Crawford got here. For somebody as talented as Crawford not having a playoff stat to date he would be a fool to mess it up. At the very worst he could just stay benched and we should still be able to do our thing. Crawford is a professional though and a hungry one at that. I think he will do what it takes and what is needed for the team to go as far as possible(decent defense,assist,big shots,heart/drive to win like Flip had).

[jerrywest]

Jamal Crawford torches Dwayne Wade for 52 points

and then sits much of the 4th quarter.

------------

The Golden State Warriors aren’t going anywhere fast this season, so head coach Don Nelson is going to give the youngsters a chance to shine by cutting some of the vets’ minutes.

Said vets include newly-acquired Jamal Crawford, who will sit out tonight’s ballgame against Charlotte, and his agent is not handling the shift in his client’s playing time well. From the Mercury News:

“Jamal wants to play,” Goodwin said. “That’s what he came here for. If the coach doesn’t want to play him, he should have a valid reason why he doesn’t want to play him.”

“What is the message that Coach Nelson is sending the team? That he does not care about winning?” Goodwin said. “You would think, in this day and time, when fans work hard to pay for these tickets, that the coach would field the best possible team. Jamal may not score 50 points on the Bobcats again, but he would work hard to get a win and reward the fans for their loyalty to this team in this hard time…”As an agent and a longtime fan of the Warriors, I totally disagree with this.”

For what it’s worth, Crawford says he will not question his coach’s decisions. That’s his agent’s job.

http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/2009/02/jamal-crawfords-agent-isnt-enjoying-the-don-nelson-experience/

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and that was after scoring 50 pts against the bobcats in their previous encounter.

http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=6503704

Jamal Crawford scored 50 points to help the undermanned Golden State beat the Charlotte Bobcats 110-103 on Saturday night, giving Warriors coach Don Nelson a win in his first game with a new coaching strategy.

A night after Nelson announced he would no longer have anything to do with the Warriors’ NBA-worst defense, assistant Keith Smart handled that part of the game, while Crawford handled the offense — and then some.