Highs and Lows: Atlanta Hawks
Joe Johnson (photo. Zach Wolfe)NBA training camps are starting soon. In preparation, we’re going team-by-team, from 1 to 30, exploring what each team’s ceiling is for the upcoming season and where their basement is. In other words, what are the realistic best-case and worst-case scenarios for each squad?
Additions: SG Mo Evans, SG Flip Murray, C Randolph Morris.
Losses: SF Josh Childress, SG Salim Stoudamire.
Ceiling: Conference semifinals
There’s no way to quantify the importance of Atlanta getting Josh Smith re-signed over the summer. More than simply keepings its starting power forward, best defensive player and #2 scorer — a 22-year-old future All-Star whose impact on the game is Shawn Marion-like in its subtlety — the Hawks also made a statement that they’re committed to continuing the success that began with last year’s postseason berth. If Smith’s reportedly shaky relationship with coach Mike Woodson doesn’t sink this team’s chances, Atlanta can build a solid foundation upon Smith, Joe Johnson and Al Horford. An established All-Star talent, Johnson had his superstar moments in the postseason, and will continue to be one of the toughest 1-on-1 matchups in the League who’s turning into a fourth-quarter killer, while Horford seems like a double-double lock for the foreseeable future. Point guard Mike Bibby has a whole season to gel with this lineup, plus the return of a (hopefully) healthy Speedy Claxton and ‘07 Lottery pick Acie Law IV improves depth for a franchise notoriously thin at the position in recent years. Free agent signees Evans and Murray bring athleticism and scoring off the bench, and between them and Marvin Williams, can cover what the Hawks are losing from Childress.
Basement: Lottery
For all of the promise and potential surrounding Atlanta last spring and this summer, this is still a team that finished eight games under .500 and was blasted by an average of 22.3 points in its three playoff losses (all on the road). The Southeast Division is going to be tougher this year, given the expected improvement of the Magic, the return of a healthy D-Wade and addition of Michael Beasley in Miami, the (eventual) return of Gilbert Arenas to the Wizards, and even reclamation specialist Larry Brown’s new position in Charlotte. If Atlanta wants to make a playoff repeat, 37 wins isn’t going to cut it. Evans, Murray and Williams may be able to replace Childress’ stats, but can they replace the intangibles Childress provided before taking his game to Greece? Plus, the pressure is on Williams to perform, as he’s basically in a contract year and the Hawks haven’t made any moves to give him an extension. Bibby has been on the decline for a while now; he seems older than his 30 years. Finally, there’s a definite implosion potential stemming from the Smith/Woodson dynamic. The coach might not survive the year if he clashes too much with the team’s newly-signed prize, and if he doesn’t, you’re left with new GM Rick Sund having to make a big decision that could determine ATL’s postseason hopes. And when that happens, would you trust the same guy who’s spent Lottery picks on Robert Swift and Saer Sene?
‘08-09 NBA preview archives
9/23 — Sacramento Kings
9/22 — Miami Heat
9/19 — Portland Trail Blazers
9/18 — New Jersey Nets
9/17 — Minnesota Timberwolves
9/16 — Cleveland Cavaliers
9/15 — Phoenix Suns
9/12 — Milwaukee Bucks
9/11 — L.A. Clippers
9/10 — Orlando Magic
September 24th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Kudabeen says:
Joe Johnson made a point about Bibby being healthy after season of struggling. He should hit a lot of daggers playing off of JJ. I look forward to seeing if Josh has been working on being more consistent on offense and his on ball defense. Hawks if confident and fans show up may be a 40 plus win team…
September 24th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
loc says:
I think the PG position is the question mark for this team. If speedy can cover some of Bibbys minutes and be a threat the team will be tough to stop. Really, its just nice to Atlanta finally putting together a respectable and fun team to watch, its been too many years. Sometimes they seem destined to be the easts clippers.
September 24th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
yallallreadyknow says:
i dunno about this squad. they don’t seem to gel. they look like 2 teams in 1. joe johnsons bunch of guards and perimeter players and josh smiths bunch of wings and frontcourt players.
jeff van gundy should be coaching this team. or maybe even avery johnson
September 24th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
James says:
They added Othello Hunter too
September 24th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Kobeef says:
The success of this team really lies with Josh Smith. JJ is the leader but Josh will be the player that can either rest-easy now that he got paid or continue to evolve into the all-star he has the skill and ability to become.
If Josh comes into this season hungry and looking to be the best SF/PF hybrid player in the NBA this team is going to be tough. If Josh is just Ok…this team is doomed to implode.
It might be over-stating Josh’s role to suggest he is the deciding factor but we know that JJ will come to play and similarly Horford is a stable force. jSmoove is important but inconsistent and as a result is the guy who will make or break the team.
In 2009 the need to re-sign Bibby for a lesser deal and get a real starting Center
September 24th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Ansonious says:
The Hawks are too strong to not clinch a playoff spot in the east, the eastern conference every year is like the MLB nationl league west .500 or worse will at least get you in, and come on seriously this squad is building a foundation that lands them a playoff spot for the next few years. Injuries are the key factor to any teams hopes to a good season so I could be eating my words at some point. I’m out like Bush in 09 peace!
September 24th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Diego says:
I think the PG spot and Marvin are keys. Bibby disappeared in the playoffs, which was very disappointing. Hopefully, Speedy can bring something and Acie has improved.
Marvin needs to step up and contribute more than his silky short-range jumper.
I’ve always liked Evans and Morris could surprise.
The killers for this team: Very rough schedule to start the season (lots of away games sure to guarantee a whole to crawl out of), and just plain poor coach.
September 24th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
Atlanta needs to grow up quick, this team as is should win 40-45 games if they play to their potential. The only downside i’m seeing is Woodson and Sund, they need to go…
September 24th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Tha Boddy says:
Reason why Marvin Williams has not been given any contract offers from the Hawks,they want to move Josh Smith over to SF next year and have Al Horford be the PF while they look to spend the MW money on a decent center in FA
September 24th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
me says:
It’s a fun team to watch, but I can’t see their inexperience beating out teams like: Boston, Cleveland, Toronto, Orlando, Detroit, Washington and Philly.
I see them battling for 8th against chicago and Miami, and if DWade is really back then sorry but it goes to Miami.
September 24th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
mavid says:
Austin, I think you are spot on about the ceiling and the floor.
But dude, how you can write about the “reports” that Smoove and Coach Woodson have a rocky relationship, and then link to an article where Smoove HIMSELF says that they don´t. That´s kinda weak writing, no?
A couple of things coming from someone who spends way too much time following the Hawks:
The local beat writer (best in the NBA, Sekou Smith), has put out interviews with Tony Delk (who´s been practicing at the Hawks facility all summer) as well as Josh Smith.
Delk said Al Horford is coming back MUCH improved (which is scary considering how good he already is). Apparently he is knocking down a midrange jumper with ease, and scoring in the post.
Smoove said Marvin Williams is looking REALLY good. Added a bunch of post moves, as well as a 3-point shot, and some better handles.
If those 2 guys step up even more, this team could actually be quite good (we already know what we´re getting from Bibby, Joe and Smoove).
September 24th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Austin Burton says:
@mavid — Smith is always going to take the diplomatic position, especially considering he just signed with the team long-term and probably doesn’t want to create a distraction. But everyone else who’s been around the team says he and Woodson clashed.
September 24th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Brown says:
Do they have any bigs on the team besides Horford? Sorry, I should say bigs with any shred of talent, cuz I don’t see any. I’ve always seen J-Smoove as a 3 who can play minutes at the 4, not a guy playing the 4 exclusively. More than likely it’s out of necessity because they put the best 5 guys on the court.
If Marvin Williams can develop into something substantial this year, they’ll have a pretty good starting 5, but I don’t see much coming from their bench.
September 24th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
IGP says:
What happened to Randolph Morris? I thought he was supposed to be really nasty coming out of high school, like comparable to Dwight Howard? I could be wrong, but I just thought he was. I know the whole potential thing, but still he has to have some talent. If he can be (and I can’t believe I’m actually saying this) like a Kwame Brown type player, he could be a decent back up. Like 8 boards and 8 points and a block or two? That would be servicable for the Hawks.
September 24th, 2008 at 11:41 pm
steve says:
i really this Acie Law will be key for the success of the team… he look good in summer league. i hope he gets good consistant mins behind bibby to make impact. hes a solid player
September 25th, 2008 at 12:13 am
kobeef says:
@Tha Boddy
Totally agree with that. The Hawks are looking at this lineup for the future
PG – new guy
SG – JJ
SF – Smoove
PF – Horford
C- new guy
September 25th, 2008 at 1:38 am
HyunATL says:
kobeef and Boddy, I disagree. Every Hawks fan, (that truly follows the Hawks and not just lives in Atlanta) knows that Josh plays much much better in the PF position. When Marvin was injured, they put Smoove in the SF and he played horrible. Local Hawks fans were even discussing trading him. As soon as Marvin came back he went to the PF and started tearing it up. Josh is not quick enough to guard some of the SFs. Josh is much better suited at the 4 than the 3. There is no way they get rid of Marvin to put Josh at the 3 and Horford at the 4. Horford says he likes playing the 5, and he has proven to do it well enough that keeping him there makes sense. And to Austin Burton- who around the team says he and Woodson clashed? they had one small argument and Smoove immediately apologized to Woodson and the team for it, that was 3years ago. I dont think they have a problem. Smoove says they dont. there has never been any other incidents that says they do. I think it stems from all the bad publicity that josh has gotten from that one writer out in Detroit who has been called out for writing articles about Smith that were clearly false (if yall dont remember the big deal 2 seasons ago regarding Josh and Tyronn Lue)
September 25th, 2008 at 4:42 am
Austin Burton says:
* July 2008, SI’s Chris Mannix:
“As I reported in Sports Illustrated during last season, league sources said Smith would not be interested in returning to the Hawks if the team retained coach Mike Woodson, who recently signed a two-year extension. The two have butted heads frequently in Smith’s four seasons, and sources said the relationship is beyond repair. With a dearth of offers, Smith may change his tune, but having a volatile relationship on such a young team may not be in the Hawks’ best interests.”
* And Smith was suspended for 2 games after arguing with Woodson. That was ONE year ago, not three. Maybe there is nothing really wrong with the relationship, but it’s not like I just made it up. It’s been reported before from more than one source.
September 25th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Diego says:
Agree with HyunATL re. Josh Smith as power forward. He is a 6′9″ 240 lb horse with limited handle who is much more suited as power foward. He can occasionally stroke the 3, but there is no rule big fellas can’t occasionally stretch the floor and do that. I just wish we still had Chill as the small forward. Only seeing will be believing that Marv has improved.
(Josh’s size and bulk make his incredible hops all the more outlandish.)
September 25th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
mavid says:
Austin, Im not trying to hate on you, Ive just seen this story unfold from the beginning.
It started with a Peter Vecsey article that was pure rubbish and fabricated (the ATL beat writer, Sekou Smith, said as much). Then, a bunch of other sports writers started picking up this “report” as well (they were all just following that made-up report from Vescey… a supposed “league source” or “insider”).
Sekou Smith, who travels with the team and is around them everyday, has blogged several times that the two don’t have a rocky relationship at all (he did say that 2 unnamed members of the team DID have major problems with Woody, but obviously wouldnt name who… pretty much everyone agreed it was Salim Stoudamire and most likely Zaza Pachulia or maybe even Josh Childress (who didnt like Woody´s slow-it-down offense or the fact he was never given the chance to start)).
The fact about Josh Smith is this: he would have had run-ins with ANY coach in the league; he´s had to mature a lot the past few years (dude is only 22) and he´s a very emotional player. He´s the type that when he get´s yanked from the game for making bone-headed plays (which happens a lot still), he´ll always go to the bench yapping… but it´s never really b/c he´s mad at the coach, he´s just frustrated. He´s been like that his entire basketball career. Plays with his emotions on his sleeve and an eternal scowl.
Feel me?