2012 Atlanta Hawks Player Review: Jerry Stackhouse

Season Summary:

Season after season, everyone always asked if the Hawks can get a true leader on this team.

The Hawks front office tried to answer that question by signing a 17 year veteran and 37 year old to a minimum contract. Stackhouse's role on this team was clear--be the vocal leader/player in the locker room. He wasn't expected to contribute much on the floor, considering his age and the amount of wear and tear his body has endured in his career, but he did have his shining moments sometimes.

Positives: Was seemingly ready whenever his number was called. Provided a nice scoring punch off the bench from time-to-time. Surprised many people whenever he dunked. He was always the confirmation of when the game was over, as Larry Drew used him either as a "victory cigar" or as a "white towel". He also was the initiator for the Trayvon Martin tribute the team with photographer, Ish Holmes.

Negatives: Even though he had his moments, Stackhouse's experience and travel in his body has clearly affected him. He had trouble creating his own shot and defending and staying with his assignment. He also predicted that the Heat will win it all this year, even though his team was still in the playoffs. Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't remember him singing the national anthem once for the Philips Arena crowd....

Best Moment/Game: Stack had his moments. In the 30 games that he played, he reached double figures in points three times. You can also say that he scored at least 7 points in 8 out of the 30 games he played. Stackhouse's two most memorable moments both came late in the regular season. In a late April game against the Orlando Magic, Jerry Stackhouse scored a season high 11 points to help the Hawks get a 28 point blowout win (click here for highlights). His best game came in March, when he helped the Hawks come back from a 16 point deficit in the first half by scoring 8 points in the last 4 minutes of the 2nd quarter. You can see the highlights of that game below...

Final Grade: C-

Youtube Video: Stackhouse Is The Man of the First Half

Exit Question: Should Stackhouse call it "quits" and officially retire, or does he have more years in him?

Full Roster Review

Josh Smith
Joe Johnson
Al Horford
Jeff Teague
Zaza Pachulia
Marvin Williams
Kirk Hinrich
Willie Green
Tracy McGrady
Ivan Johnson
Jannero Pargo
Vladimir Radmanovic
Jerry Stackhouse
Jason Collins: Click Here.
Erick Dampier: Click Here.