Hawks end CAMP on the right note!
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After training camps, scrimmages, and a few new captains, basketball is alive in the city again. Josh Smith was named one of the team’s captains this season, and looks new Head Coach Larry Drew is making a statement from the beginning. In the Drew’s new offense Smith is going to have more responsibility, initiating the offense and becoming a leader. Smith has matured both on and off the court, and came into camp in shape and ready to play. J-Smoove is quoted saying, “‘I definitely have to carry myself in a whole different fashion because when you are captain you have to be more of a leader. I have to lead by example. I am an emotional player, obviously. Everybody knows that. But [I] just kind of have to hold my emotions together and just play basketball and stay positive throughout the game, no matter what happens.” As with all basketball camps from high school to the pros, week one was mainly conditioning. Even though a few guards (names were not stated) did not make the required time, Drew was overall satisfied with the results.
Larry Drew has even brought out the old bull-dog former NBA All-Star Nick Van Exle to teach new dog Jeff Teague a few tricks. The Hawks want Teague to be more aggressive, so they brought Van Exle one of the league’s most profound players to teach him. Teague aggressiveness and emotion is starting to show after guarding Veteran Mike Bibby. Mike Bibby called a foul that Teague did not agree upon, and Teague vented loudly (and playfully) and continued to play hard.
Looks like the Hawks will be pushing the ball up-tempo, Al Horford (also named captain) and Josh Smith will have opportunities to showcase their abilities with their size and quickness if the Hawks commit to pushing the ball. The Hawks may shock a few teams, but will have to rely on each other. The Atlanta Dream’s playoff run, has added some excitement to basketball, and the Hawks will surely capitalize. As the old saying goes, let the games begin!
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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 id="5"]
Poll of the day!
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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
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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.
