GAME RECAP: Summer League Game 5 - Atlanta Hawks 89 Minnesota Timberwolves 83

by Kris Willis on Jul 19, 2010 8:45 AM EDT Comment 10 comments

The Hawks wrapped up their Summer League Schedule with a 3-2 record thanks to a 89-83 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This really was a fun game from start to finish as it was close throughout. The reason it was so close was due to countless turnovers from the Hawks. They totaled 23 in this one and Jordan Crawford had 9 by himself. Not to rain on any parade though, the team did look a lot different over the final three games of Summer League than they did in the first two. As the players got comfortable and Coach Lester Conner got across the idea of playing defense and competing then things improved dramatically.

Jeff Teague had 15 points and 6 assists in the Summer League Finale. He seemed to settle down over the course of the week and really could get into the lane anytime he wanted. He scored with a variety of floaters and runners in the lane all week long. His jump shot was still either hit or miss.

Jordan Crawford made some tough decisions with the ball on Sunday but they will not put a damper on what he did overall. He finished with 15 points and 5 rebounds on 4-11 shooting going 0-3 from deep. He too showed a knack in summer league for being able to penetrate and get into the paint for either a score or to get to the free throw line.

More after the Jump

Alade Aminu started off the Summer League season with a bang and kind of just coasted through the next few games before finishing on a high not Sunday. Aminu totaled 14 points 5 rebounds and 2 blocks Sunday in what was his most active game since the opener. He put up all of those numbers in just 19 minutes of playing time.

Randolph Morris easily had his best scoring day with 13 points while only grabbing 2 rebounds in 19 minutes of action. I have felt like all along that Morris' lack of athleticism was going to cost him ultimately from being back with the Hawks. After reading this though, he could be next.

Jamareo Davidson got some playing time late in summer league and I think he made the most of it. He has some NBA experience and gave the Hawks a lift with energy. He finished with 8 points and 7 rebounds on Sunday. I would like to see him brought in to Training Camp just to compete.

Looking back through the other recaps I realized that I hadn't written much of anything about Luke Jackson. That really wasn't fair because after not playing much in the first game he was a factor the rest of the way. He may not have put up great numbers every night but his presence on the floor helped to open up lanes for Teague and Crawford. A back injury robbed him of a lot of the explosiveness he had coming out of Oregon but he is another guy that you wouldn't feel bad about giving a chance to.

A complete Summer League Recap is coming on Tuesday with a player by player breakdown.

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Comments

Which player from Summer League would be the best addition?

I think I’ll go with Trey Gilder. He’s got his drawbacks, and his lack of ability with the jumpshot isn’t a boon in the Hawks’ ISO-heavy offenses (assuming those remain the same) but he’s a three who’s active defensively and generally makes good decisions.

After the first game I would have said Alade Aminu, but the rest of his Summer League showing wasn’t as impressive.

I wouldn’t mind adding either of the Alabama forward, either. I’m not sure which one I’d rank higher-probably Davidson, who’s a solid rebounder and uses his body well defensively, but Hendrix has better lateral quickness and a longer wingspan, so we’d probably make better use of him since we have poor defensive guards.

by Bronn on Jul 19, 2010 10:17 AM EDT reply actions

Hendrix

While I was there, Hendrix seemed completely disinterested in doing what Lester Conner wanted and focused only on scoring in the post (which he does quite well). So, either he was just playing himself into shape or trying to gain some leverage before joining Maccabi Tel Aviv or he’d be just as prone to getting his as Joe Smith was last season albeit more efficient offensively.

by Hoopinion on Jul 19, 2010 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions

I would think Aminu with his elite athleticism...

has at least Solo Jones potential (of the 3 and 3 in 10 minutes per variety).

I can see that with Hendrix, maybe it’s just how his facial expressions, but I’ve never seen him as a “high effort guy”. He always has that look on his face like he just doesn’t care, but I doubt that’s the reality of it, just more how the man looks. Comparing him and Jarmareo, I’m surprised to see Bronn say Hendrix has the longer wingspan. I figured the taller Davison would have the reach advatange. He’s a better athlete, probably better defensively and has shown a decent mid range shot in the past, with Hendrix being stronger, more physical, and a much better offensive game with infinitely better skills back to the basket.

I liked Garrett Siler in the very little bit I saw of the Heat playing summer league. I’d much rather have him than say Jason/Jarron Collins.

Personally, give me none, maybe Aminu, but that’s only if the ASG breaks past form and expands to use the D League. We need to fill the remaining 3 spots with legit players. Maybe one can be a 7’ waste of space (like Old Man Collins), but the other two really need to be quality front line guys like Barnes, Shaq, Richard Jefferson, etc. We need at least one guy like that at the MLE (not saying I think they’ll do that or pay that, but that’s what is needed to compete with Boston, Miami, and Orlando).

by Mr. Sanchez on Jul 19, 2010 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I’m a bit worried about the lack of jumpers from Teague. Unless Drew plans to run a lot of 3 guard sets with Joe at SF, the Hawks will not have much of an outside game when Jeff is on the court.

by redwards95 on Jul 19, 2010 11:06 AM EDT reply actions

I like the idea of Joe at the 3...

I think his age/speed is better suited there, and it allows Marvin to possibly play some 4 in an uptempo lineup.

by Mr. Sanchez on Jul 19, 2010 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

maybe depending on who we play

I just don’t understand why coaches don’t adjust line ups more often. Instead of saying these are my 5 starters..change it up. It just seems that it makes sense

by Cmart34 on Jul 19, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions