Hawks vs. Nets Final Score: Atlanta Hawks 106, New Jersey Nets 101

But either way if Brooks is that much better than Shumpert (which is up for debate because Brooks D is lacking alas JCrossover), he still isn’t a good enough talent to take any team to the playoffs, especially this one.

If he is not taking the shots, teams will risk cheating a little more in help defense. Even though Joe is our go-to option when we need one, this team has shown that their best offense is the threat than anyone can score and so teams have to respect every position on the floor.

Even with pressure Al has to be able to put shots up and be consistent because no one else has proved to be that but he has.

The fact is he has made less of an impact over the course of the first 10 games than in the past. The only thing that has noticeably improved for him is his shot blocking.

The Hawks need him as much as anyone. When Smoove plays good, the Hawks are more likely good that night. The same can be said for JJ. And it should be said for Al. When all three are playing well, its no doubt that this team is a contender. This team has proved to be inconsistent because there are not enough nights that they all have it going. Al has to be accountable and his play is just as crucial to the success of the team.

First thing you are wrong about, is thinking he can go inside because he is quick enough. This is the mistake many people watching Smoove make. Because he is so athletic, they figure he has all the moves and handles. I have watched him all these years. He has natural quickness but that is not the same as inside moves. He can be stopped with other forwards with quickness who will play off him. Most teams are going to give him the outside shot. He needs to take them, and keep them honest. He is making a good enough percentage. He has improved his inside moves, but more work can be done on that front. Regardless, he will never be a dominating inside presence like Z-BO or McHale.

He does not have to make 50% of his outside jumpers. But as long as he makes enough of shot attempts, as he is doing now, and does not resort to 3 pointer, then the opponents have to guard him closer, and then he can drive. So the outside shot as long as inside the 3 point line, is actually a huge part of his game. Important thing is he needs to take the shot in flow and rhythm which is what he is doing. Not all outside shots are created equall.

You are absolutely wrong that we win the games prior to Indiana game without him scoring from outside. Vs. Chicago he was being allowed to take the shot. Boozer was laying off. Smoove took the shot and made it. No way will we win that game without Smoove outside shots. Go back and watch again and you see those instances.

And where you are wrong most, is saying he can give it to others to take the shot and they can make. This is the biggest mistake. Lion only takes high percentage shots and can be defended. JJ is normally doubled teamed and when he goes into ISO mode is actually deterimental. You can not tell me that Teague has a better outside shot than Smoove. And Marvin and Rad have not shown themselves to be consistent. Essentially if Smoove does not take and make those shots, then Hawks will not get those shots. Or maybe you think ISO Joe will win us games.

And he won the game vs. Chicago for us. So let’s remember it was not just the Nets game.

What I see with Smoove, that you fail to see, is that he becomes even more effective when makes those medium outside jumpers. Again he is making them at a higher rate than JJ from 16-23 feet. It is the type of shot where he has to think, and 3 pointers, that he needs to stay away from.