Atlanta Hawks Discontent And Injury Come At Perfect Time

by Jason Walker on Feb 21, 2012 4:30 PM EST

Funny how even though we know we are entering a totally fictional Haunted House, we can be scared anyway. Even though we see every single person getting off the roller coaster with a smile on our face, we imagine that there is still some attribute of the ride that will not be fun for us.

We knew that coming into a season that was condensed, with games practically every day, that there was going to be fallout, collateral damage from the stress that such a ridiculously compressed calendar would bring.

So, here we are, Atlanta Hawks fans -- a team that was built for such a season, with a core that has played together for many seasons, and yet they are not immune to such maladies as well.

A list? Sure:

Al Horford's Injury:

Otherwise known as a sign of a coming apocalypse - or at the very least that the Hawks wouldn't be ‘that team' that miraculously emerges the season unscathed. There is always one. Still, at the time we commented that the loss of Horford was kin to losing the team's glue - that for a while the team may be able to suck it up, but ultimately it hurts to lose this guy.

Kirk Hinrich's Return:

Ah, see what I did there. The team was moving along and Jeff Teague was moving right along with it, emerging in big games and improving and imposing his style of basketball on the game. Hinrich's return has done what was feared - given a reason to use the bench as a teaching tool for Larry Drew.

Hinrich is experiencing a natural deterioration in his production commensurate to a typical Age 31 point guard. As soon as Hinrich came back he didn't just take the minutes of Jannero Pargo, he grabbed some of Teague's minutes, too. Statistically this has proven to make the Hawks worse as Teague out produces Hinrich in almost every way and is a player who is improving. Even Hinrich's signature defense, which is presumably why he is more trusted that Jeff in certain situations, Teague has been better, at least in terms of defensive efficiency.

Josh Smith:

It started with the alleged desire to have a change of scenery. Then, he's upset he didn't make the All-Star team. Did all of it it make him play harder, worse, better or is it simply a distraction to him all the way around. The habits, good and bad, remain the same, so it's impossible to judge from the outside perspective. He makes his supporters cringe at times and his detractors looks silly at others - all of which has to drive his coach and team the same way.

Marvin Williams v. Tracy McGrady

Did it have to be this way? Are they both square pegs that can only fit in the same hole in the lineup? Larry Drew made it seem that way, producing a scenario that has driven both camps to declare they are unhappy.

Joe Johnson's injury:

Now Joe isn't even with the team for New York, will miss the next game as well and is in danger of having to miss the All-Star game in Orlando this weekend.

So with all of these items raining down on the already luxury tax touching roster, limiting the quality depth they can have, it looks like, as Bill Walton used to say, it's all coming unraveled.

I present hope.

Yes, I did say that the Hawks would struggle to reach the playoffs without Horford in the lineup for 3-4 months, and they probably will. But, I propose that the Hawks are hitting the nadir of their season as the right time.

Look, they are going through issues - all of them are, I would guess --- but in the middle of this crazy season is just the time to grouse, snipe and vent about the things that this insanity of a season has brought.

Time, and many games, will plow through the next few weeks, along with a much needed All-Star break. Issues will heal, coaches will figure out what they probably should have foreseen earlier on, but it's ok, because there is time. This isn't the end of the season where they peter out right when you want them playing at the top of their game. They can break, heal and then rise again to the top of their potential.

There is time for Drew to figure out how to use T-Mac and Marvin together. Heck, maybe even Joe's injury and missing a couple of games will help sort that out. There is time for Drew to see that the team is more effective with Teague running the point. Time will heal Al and Joe's injuries as well.

Shoot, there may even be time for Rick Sund to find an inspiring, if short of roster altering, deal that will give the team a boost headed into the postseason.

We knew this would come - every team is going to go through these pains - it's their turn, and it comes in enough time to come out the other side stronger, and better prepared to deal with the stresses that really challenge a basketball team -- +.500 teams in the playoffs.

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Comments

You guys are just putting up post after post today

nice

Ivan Johnson doesn't cut his grass, he stares at it and dares it to grow.......

by Throw on Feb 21, 2012 4:39 PM EST reply actions

On the plus side, maybe Josh will get Joe’s spot on the All Star team if Joe can’t play.

by redwards95 on Feb 21, 2012 4:52 PM EST reply actions

Everyone's playing out of position. There was speculation Josh Smith lost weight to play the 3 and in anticipation of a trade.

But (according to one of ATLPaul’s posts here) Gearon said that would move him away from the basket.

I disagree but the point is Josh Smith believes he’s a small forward. So its really Josh Smith vs Marvin Williams v. Tracy McGrady.

Who do we want to be the Luol Deng/Lebron James/Shawn Marion of our team? McGrady is too old and Marvin is too perimeter oriented.
I believe ATL’s best route would be to go with Josh Smith to SF, and starting Ivan Johnson, who’s disappeared from the rotation.

pg Jeff Teague
sg Joe Johnson
sf Josh Smith
sf Marvin Williams
c Al Horford
----
* {#40 Pick PF Jon Leuer is better than Marvin Williams and Hinrich cost us the pick}

by PointGuardSlim on Feb 21, 2012 5:02 PM EST reply actions

Add Joe Johnson to the SF log jam as he gets quite a few minutes there

Especially when Willie Green is hot.

by Evil Dallas on Feb 21, 2012 8:09 PM EST up reply actions

agreed

because letting joe rest in LD’s eyes is just blasphemous

Ivan Johnson doesn't cut his grass, he stares at it and dares it to grow.......

by Throw on Feb 21, 2012 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

UInless Dwyane Wade is coming in rebounding at the 2G then Joe Johnson at 3 is not a option for a bright future.

Rebound rate is key. Joe is severely lagging.

pg Jeff Teague
sg Joe Johnson
sf Josh Smith
sf Marvin Williams
c Al Horford
----
* {#40 Pick PF Jon Leuer is better than Marvin Williams and Hinrich cost us the pick}

by PointGuardSlim on Feb 21, 2012 9:02 PM EST up reply actions

Well well! Something positive

This is a great post and can this be put in the lockeroom of this team?

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Feb 21, 2012 5:04 PM EST reply actions

at least some of it

Atlanta will win a championship....someday

by maxxj3 on Feb 21, 2012 5:04 PM EST up reply actions

I expected tough times in Feb

The schedule is difficult. Our shortcomings are obvious against above 0.500 teams. Lack of rebounding and size are glaring.

But coaching that simply does not put the best lineup in play at any given moment is just killing us. We got no chance if he is not looking at who is playing good, and simply takes them out of the lineup. Or plays favorites with Kirk and Rad for whatever reason.

It is time to close this chapter of Hawks coaching. Let Larry Drew go, promote an assistant for the rest of the season, and hire a real coach for next year. This guy should never have become a head coach. He does not have the mentality, with behavior that makes an old silent turtle look boisterous compared to his quiet grey demeanor.

Simply not fit to be a coach in NBA. I wonder who is worse, Vinny out in clipper land, or LD?

by ATLpaul on Feb 21, 2012 6:16 PM EST reply actions

Personally I like Vinny more. Grass is greener I know but he considers lineup changes, he goes big he goes small. He runs screen and roll with everyone screening SGs, SFs.

Caron Butler does Pick and Roll.

I haven’t watched the Clips play too much because of their players are actually boring but here a lineup change with Joe and Smith at the wing could be devastating with Vinny’s X’s and O’s.

LD’s lineups are killing me. And the vague speeches. He said he looks at matchups every game.

Looking how we, and Joe especially, were struggling heading into the Chicago game:

Jeff Teague vs Derrick Rose
Willie Geeen vs Ronnie Brewer

Joe Johnson vs Luol Deng

Josh Smith vs Carlos Boozer
Zaza Pachulia vs Joakim

—I’m not seeing how thats an outright lie that the goal is to win individual matchups. The only thing I see would be Josh Smith pulling a monster game out of his butt. Deng’s length makes Joe work and plays right into Chicago’s hands.

Im not seeing the positive matchups. We could’ve gone bigger more physical. LD did it in game 4 (although not all game) and we won that game and that was 30 lbs ago for Smith.

"I’m sure everybody wants to play," Drew said. "I want guys who want to play. I don’t want guys content to sit on the bench. But the way it was handled, you don’t handle it that way. We will keep looking at the situation of each game. I’m always looking at matchups. I’m always looking at it if it puts us at an advantage, if it puts us at a disadvantage. My job is to coach this team and I’m going to try to put us in the best position as possible. Sometimes it will jeopardize minutes when guys want to play but that is the way it is."

I just want an honest answer to what we’re doing out there. If its matchups or is big lineup never a consideration and why? If we want to miss playoffs and reload some young talent then thats fine. I just feel we deserve an answer so we can stop pulling our hair out. that’s all.

pg Jeff Teague
sg Joe Johnson
sf Josh Smith
sf Marvin Williams
c Al Horford
----
* {#40 Pick PF Jon Leuer is better than Marvin Williams and Hinrich cost us the pick}

by PointGuardSlim on Feb 21, 2012 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

Ha VDN vs. Ld

now that should be a poll question

Ivan Johnson doesn't cut his grass, he stares at it and dares it to grow.......

by Throw on Feb 21, 2012 8:17 PM EST up reply actions

I trace the problems to Drew (most of them)

Go back to T. Mac’s public outburst. It wasn’t just about playing time like Drew pretends it was about Drew not communicating with him. Hell I’m not a coach and I could have explained less minutes to T. Mac. “You’re older and have had a lot of surgeries. They’ll be games when you won’t get run because I want to make sure you are available when it really counts and that isn’t February in Portland. That’s May in Chicago or Miami.” Done and he doesn’t get upset, he doesn’t go to the media.

Marvin’s public comments come after seeing T. Mac get a reaction with his comments. Am I to assume that Marvin has already gotten an explanation from Drew about why he gets pulled from games regardless of how well he’s playing? I don’t defend Marvin, but if I was him I’d gotten some feedback a lot quicker from Drew or went public earlier.

Jeff Teague has had his confidence eroded by Drew’s pulling him from the game or not putting him back in. Publicly Drew says Teague has to be aggressive, but aggression comes with mistakes. If you reduce his minutes because of mistakes that speak louder than words. Teague needs the freedom to play without fear that every miscue might be his last of the night. Teague had the freedom to succeed or fail on the court before Hinrich came back. Now not so much.

Hinrich gets evaluated on a different scale by Drew. He loves him no matter whether he’s playing well or not. I’d argue that Hinrich is getting more playing time than he can physically handle right now because of Drew’s blind adoration.

If I’m Ivan Johnson I have no clue as to when I’m going to see the court? I might get 25 minutes one night and then 1 minute the next without rhyme or reason. Hard to trust a coach who doesn’t seem to trust you.

The stars: Josh Smith and Joe Johnson. I pointed out last year that Drew let them get away with murder and flaunted his power over Teague and Zaza. That lead them to maintaining bad habits. Josh’s shot selection and Joe’s iso tendencies. Hard to be the lay down the law coach when you used to the friend of the players assistant coach and you have an expiring deal. Drew treated players unevenly and didn’t fix the problems. Shouldn’t be surprised when they continue.

As far as Josh Smith’s weight loss, he made an assumption. A reasonable assumption and we know how that turns out. At the end of last season the best lineup the Hawks had was with a big man at C, Al at PF, and Josh at SF. Josh, Joe and Al asked for them to get get a big so that lineup could continue to develop with Jeff and Joe in the back court. Josh prepared to defend SF’s better by dropping weight. They didn’t get a big and went back to the Marvin Williams SF, Josh PF, and Al C lineup. Once Al got hurt Josh is spending a good bit of time playing C. When Al was there and surgically repaired Marvin was playing well things seemed okay. Without Al and with Marvin reverting to his old self it falls apart and Josh’s weight loss doesn’t give him the on-court benefits he was looking for. This one is less Drew and more Sund.

by Evil Dallas on Feb 21, 2012 8:34 PM EST reply actions

the josh smith weight loss is a mystery to me

Ivan Johnson doesn't cut his grass, he stares at it and dares it to grow.......

by Throw on Feb 21, 2012 8:45 PM EST up reply actions

Last year during the postseason, Drew began also using him at the three, and Smith found himself trying to keep up with some awfully fleet small forwards.

"There were definitely some obstacles," he said about guarding threes.

Fighting off pick-and-rolls and staying with his man was among the challenges he faced.

Smith realized if he were to defend smaller, quicker players, he had to get a little more spring in his step. And the best way was to enter the season a little trimmer.

"I feel good and healthy," Smith said.

While his statistics are also healthy, he brings some awfully important intangibles. Smith is an effective defender, against both small and power forwards these days.

"He has really done a phenomenal job in guarding bigs and guarding smalls," Drew said. "We put him in situations where we put him on smaller guys and he is locked in and has gotten the job done."

And then there is the reverse side. Whether it’s a power or small forward, the opposition has a difficult time guarding Smith.

"He is very explosive around the basket," Sixers coach Doug Collins said. "…He is definitely a very difficult matchup for us."
"We took Chicago to six games and felt like we could have been a little more competitive, but Joe (Johnson) was a little banged up but that is no excuse," Smith said. "It put a lot of fuel in our bellies into the offseason to take that next step."

pg Jeff Teague
sg Joe Johnson
sf Josh Smith
sf Marvin Williams
c Al Horford
----
* {#40 Pick PF Jon Leuer is better than Marvin Williams and Hinrich cost us the pick}

by PointGuardSlim on Feb 21, 2012 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

I agree with you guys

I also thought he was going to play some sf this season as well

Ivan Johnson doesn't cut his grass, he stares at it and dares it to grow.......

by Throw on Feb 21, 2012 9:09 PM EST up reply actions

"are guards will rebound so Smith can run".

That’s really mean thing to keep trying to sell to us fans.

Marvin will rebound so Smith can run. Green and the guards need to help down. SFs dont usually crash glass so they’re running back and we dont get to see Teague with Josh on the wing in transition unless the other team turns it over.

Those easy Marvin transition opportunties he is famous for bungling, come with the wing (2-3) position. We’ll see if the team makes a move in March./

pg Jeff Teague
sg Joe Johnson
sf Josh Smith
sf Marvin Williams
c Al Horford
----
* {#40 Pick PF Jon Leuer is better than Marvin Williams and Hinrich cost us the pick}

by PointGuardSlim on Feb 21, 2012 9:16 PM EST up reply actions