Does This Team Need A Go to Guy Down The Stretch?

[MrMeltdown]

So, AJC has a article on Lou being that guy. I might be one of the few people that don't like that idea for the long haul. I see that Philly got really weary of him and how he is not the most efficient and does not always practice good shot selection. He also is not really a willing passer and wants to do it by himself. This is not meant as a knock on Lou or anyone but I just don't see why you need to designate someone as the ball dominator when things get tough if you are preaching ball movement and teamwork for the rest of the game. I understand that there is the thought process that having that one guy can draw attention and make things easier for others in a team concept but we don't a player that good and that includes Lou. So, it is just going to turn into ISO Lou. Do, we need a crutch guy or so-called closer or is that defeating the purpose of playing team ball for 3 quarters? There is a old saying that if you can't do it anytime then you should not be doing it at all. If you can't or should not be doing it when the lights are on then you should not do it when the lights are off. http://blogs.ajc.com...fid=blogs_hawks

Edited November 6, 2012 by MrMeltdown

[Cwell]

I want to see what Jeff can do when he fully gets his confidence up. I remember a game against Boston last year he was hitting some really clutch shots, even jumpers.

[Jody23]

I think whenever the Hawks get a true number one option, then that guy will obviously assume the role of being the closer. Until then, I think the Hawks will continue to look to Lou alot to fill some of that role.

[tonegully]

I want that player to be Teague. To me he is not given the keys to the car yet. I truely believe if he was at a different team he would be almost an all star by now.

[benhillboy]

Lou gets to the line a ton, hits most of them and has a nice enough streaky mid-range game. I'm rocking with him.

[MrMeltdown]

Why do we need a closer though? Why not play the same way you do the whole game?

[ag82]

[willthepureshooter]

Ball Game! ::hitman holla voice:: LOL

[maljanNBAfan]

The Hawks are in the same group as 2/3 of the league right now, void of an unquestioned superstar capable of taking over down the stretch. What they do have, however, is wonderful versatility on the perimeter, and a slew of capable shooters. In drive-and-kick situations, Teague, Williams, and even Devin Harris should be great at getting into the lane and finding guys like Kyle Korver and Anthony Morrow for wide open shots.

[maljanNBAfan]

I want to see what Jeff can do when he fully gets his confidence up. I remember a game against Boston last year he was hitting some really clutch shots, even jumpers.

Totally agree with you here. A big storyline for the Hawks this season will be Teague's ability to play under contract-related pressure. Joe Johnson's high volume game is removed from Atlanta's backcourt, but Lou Williams, Devin Harris, Kyle Korver, and Anthony Morrow are all there to more than replace him. We'll see if Teague can keep all his new backcourt teammates happy while simultaneously getting himself going.

[Peoriabird]

Just go with the hot hand that night! Don't need Iso Joe here anymore. Didn't work so why want it back?

[hawkrule152]

I think Lou can be that guy. While he has not been as efficient in the 1st 3 qtrs. I feel that when it comes to crunch time in the 4th he does good. He gets to the FT line and is able to knock down clutch shots when we need them.

[PSSSHHHRRR87]

I've always liked the teams that didn't have a designated go-to guy. Their coach would just draw up a play for the hot-hand or the 3 pt specialist and let the chips fall where they fall... In the past, teams knew that Joe just the go-to guy down the stretch and would double-team him. If there are five guys out on the floor and the defense doesn't have a clue who is going to take the shot, then that plays into our hands. I believe we have 4 maybe 5 guys on this team that I'd trust a last second shot too (Horford, Morrow, Korver, Williams, & maybe Teague), but if I HAD to pick one guy that defenses should watch out for when game winding down, it'd be Lou.

[MaceCase]

LD has a bunch of expert quick hitter plays that I'm not too concerned.......as long as it's not Zaza. My heart can only take but so many blown clutch layups.

[Colin]

Zaza layups, for the win.

[AHF]

Kobe's numbers in game winning situations are a compelling argument against having one guy who is the "man" and will take the shot one-on-one (or more).

[Plainview1981]

Lou Williams. Which means, Jamal Crawford all over again.

[MQDnATL01]

Right now I dont mind lou being that guy because he can create his own offense/shot based on what the D is giving him. Dont like Jeff because I dont trust him with the ball late as he sometimes plays out of control.

[MrMeltdown]

Kobe's numbers in game winning situations are a compelling argument against having one guy who is the "man" and will take the shot one-on-one (or more).

Most sensible response to rather you or we need one "designated go to guy". It is nice to have the confidence to take any shot any time but that does not really mean that that guy or that shot was always the best option and that is my problem with people acting like you need to designate that guy. Edited November 7, 2012 by MrMeltdown

[TheFuzz]

No we don't need a designated guy. For all the hate LD gets (and I certainly contribute), he draws up plays at the end of games well for various players.