Do the Atlanta Hawks want to WIN??

The buzz around town, is that The Atlanta Spirit Group do not what they are doing. Business wise, or front office wise, and there is growing speculation of actually selling the Atlanta Hawks. But lets focus on the Hawks as a team. What separates the Lakers, Celtics, Orlando, and Chicago are those organizations are spending money, to improve their team. The Hawks made it to the second round of the play-offs, but clearly underachieved and it starts with the roster. What did the Hawks do? Fire Coach Mike Woodson, and give Joe Johnson a max contract. Then they hired Larry Drew, a cheap solution to Mike Woodson, and refuse to give Jamal Crawford a contract extension. When Kobe wanted to win, the Lakers grabbed Gasol and Odom, when Wade stated his frustration; well you know what happened. So why not the Hawks? Since he is the franchise player, why doesn’t Joe Johnson make some rumbling noise, for some action to take place. The Atlanta Spirit Group are treating the franchise like a McDonalds. Put out a product, over sell it, make money, then cut your losses. Winning is not in their equation. So they say they want to sell the team. I say let them. Find an organization, who wants to win and doesn’t mind spending money for quality players. Another man’s trash is a city’s treasure. Quite frankly, its time for the Hawks to add a ring to the chest.

Poll of the day!

Why Trading Jamal Crawford might actually help the Hawks

ESPN reports Jamal Crawford is seeking a due to contract disputes. Crawford wants more money, and the Hawks are not listening. Crawford provided the spark to the Hawks off the bench, however trading Crawford might actually help improve them. The Hawks should look Denver’s way, and try to get Carmelo Anthony. Adding Anthony can help, Joe Johnson around the perimeter making them a stronger team. Also by trading Jamal Crawford, this gives Jordon Crawford more playing time and room to grow. So, lets hope the Hawks front office takes this opportunity to make the Hawks stronger,to make up for a weak off-season.

Larry Drew,The Atlanta Hawks, and The Art of the Motion Offense

Larry Drew is starting this year off the right foot, by changing the offense scheme to the Motion Offense.  Last year, it was too much one on one that was costly in time of possession and rhythm, as the Hawks relied on their skills & athleticism.  For those who are not familiar with the offense, it is a continuous pass and screen away from the ball, to free up offensive weapons; catching lazy defenders napping.  There are many ways to score in the motion offense, backdoor, in the post, and the scheme can also free up jump shooters. What is really interesting is, this offense is mostly used by high school, and collegiate teams who do not have the talented players.  I haven’t seen it used in the Pros that often, and would be fun to see how defenses react to it.  [Lester] Conner tells Hoops Opinion, “It’s very difficult to guard.” “You have to be precise in your defensive schemes. You can be beat at any spot on the floor at any time. NBA teams don’t like to guard a lot of movement and screens.” This is a complete change from last years two man game, and a lot of ball dominating one on one play.  Although, the Motion Offense does not add to the athleticism the Hawks have, it allows all the players to be involved with the offense.  What I find interesting is moving Josh Smith to the three position.  That means Smith is going to be more then just an athletic forward, he is going to be used more in the offense on the perimeter.  Larry Drew must have a lot of faith in Josh Smith outside developing telling Hoop Onion “He [Smith] certainly will be able to play some 3. At the same time, he can be a tough match up at the 3 as well. You play him at some 3, there is a high probability he is bigger than that three man, stronger than that three man.”

What I like about this change is since the Hawks did not pick up a prolific scorer, or a huge big man inside in the off=season, the Hawks are going to make one.  Smith certainly has the assets and length to be used effectively in this scheme.  In the Motion Offense, Smith will be able to get free off the screens that are set, and be able to use his size to score on smaller opponets.  Also in the Motion Offense, there are plenty of ways to get the ball to Smith, Bibby, Johnson, Crawford I & II, and feed down low to Al Horford. Whether its curling to the free-throw line, Crawford cutting back door, Johnson attacking on the weakside with good ball reversal, or Horford in the Low Post with a pin down off a screen. The Hawks new look will be great for the tea

Teams are going to have to adjust to the Hawks, and the Hawks have the weapons to execute.

My only concern is defense, as the cliché goes defense wins championships.  Let’s hope Larry Drew will get the Hawks to play tougher, something that was clearly lacking in the play-offs.  However, the Hawk players are excited about the offense, and it’s a new clean slate for the new season.  With a new coach, new scheme, look for the Hawks to put up big numbers next year.

Example of Motion Offense<\

Hawks Off-Season Report Card

Hawks off-season Report Card

It seems like everybody in the Eastern Conference made moves, except the Hawks.  And if they made a move, we might have missed it.  Technically the off-season is not over but the big sexy names are gone, unless they go after Tracy McGrady.  

Oops too late.  The Hawks missed out the Amare, Shaq, Wade, Bosh, and the likes of others, but did re-sign Joe Johnson.  Also rookie Jordan Crawford looks promising, having a outstanding summer league.  To compensate the inside game the Hawks signed Josh Powell and resigned Jason Collins. I can just see Dwight Howard drooling about playing against the Hawks.  With that said this off-season the Hawks did not get better, but on the other hand they did not fall off bringing the same core of guys from last season.  Problem is that window of opportunity is getting smaller, by what it looks like the Hawks believe their team is strong enough already and are going to rely heavily on the development of the continued development of Josh Smith, Al Hortford, and Marvin Williams.  Report cards are in for drafting Jordan Crawford to add depth to the bench, and keeping Joe Johnson their premier scorer the Hawks earned a B+. Then we take marks off for Jason Collins and Josh Powell, because lets face it mediocre players does not elevate a mediocre team, the final grade is a C.  Maybe the Hawks front office has a trick up there sleeve, and can pull off a mid-season trade bringing in a premier player that can take the load off Johnson.  From the looks of it, the Hawks front office doesn’t care, or not trying to compete with superstar players.  Larry Drew, has his work cut out for him.

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