Keeping the defense honest; preseason’s almost over y’all
Describing how new coach Larry Drew’s movement offense can create more open shots for Hawks players, Joe Johnson remarked, “It keeps the defense honest, man…Excuse me.” Excuse me? Johnson wasn’t apologizing about the new-look offense in Atlanta. Rather it was for inadvertently spitting on TNT reporter David Aldridge while giving a post-game interview, displaying how good manners can earn you $119 million dollars.
In all honesty, though, Johnson played a nice game holding Lebron in check for most of the closing minutes, scoring 27 on 11-23 shooting while dishing out six dimes and grabbing six rebounds, and most of all he had me watching an Atlanta Hawks preseason game in Portland, Oregon while the San Francisco Giants and the Oregon Ducks were playing on national tv; I gotta get with some of these Western teams, I guess. And, yes, now I’m posting about a preseason game. Well here are my thoughts on the upcoming season:
- The Hawks will be inconsistent to begin the season. A new offensive scheme, new defensive strategy, and a new front court to piece together. Plus, there is a good chance much of this time will be spent trying to incorporate Jeff Teague into the regular rotation. The good thing about this, though, is that Teague won’t be alone in learning the nuances of Drew’s offense. In fact, I think it will help in the long run (more on that soon). Last year, Joe Johnson went ISO 37% of his possessions and averaged less than a point when he did. Still, the Hawks managed the second best offensive rating in the league. I’d like to think this won’t change/worsen with guys like Marvin, Bibby, and Joe getting more open shots as a result of swinging the ball side-to-side occasionally and 100% more off-the-ball movement than last season.
- Defense will still be a big problem. Big news? Not really. The Hawks lack a true center, at least a proven one, who can stop the likes of Howard and Shaq. Horford is very nice, of course, but can’t hold all the responsibility for these guys. It’s just unfair. ATL’s perimeter defense is an even bigger weakness as long as Bibby and Jamal struggle mightily to stay in front of opponents. At least the Hawks will now have to take individual responsibility in Larry Drew’s less switch more pressure defense, leaving hope that younger players like Teague and J. Crawford2 will be encouraged to earn extra minutes from their defensive progression.
- Speaking about Teague a lil’ bit more, I really think he’s got the skills he needs to do well in Atlanta and the new game plan from the Hawks should treat him even better. Even if he’s not handling the ball, Drew’s strategy complements Teague’s style of play. His quickness should allow him to get out and run the fast break at the point with Horford and able to make clean cuts off the ball, through defenders into open space. Defensively, Jeff will give guys trouble and will only improve with time. Again, his speed will allow him to beat his guy to certain spots and break up passes. We saw flashes of this last year. None of the above can be said about Bibby, though I do think the old guy will play an important role once again this year. And as long as he’s finding the spots on the floor for open jumpers, I’m fine with him; he’s almost automatic.
- How I see ‘em: The East is a beast this year. Don’t expect the hot start and the hype that the Hawks enjoyed momentarily last season. But I wouldn’t go much lower than the fourth seed in the conference. I think this team, while healthy and learning, is a consistent 50-win team, but it will be composure and intelligence which gets the Hawks back to the playoffs and beyond the second round. So no pressure, Hawks, but I think this Hawks team will make it further into the playoffs than they have yet been able to. Even if this only means a game seven in the second round. I’d honestly take that. Especially this year.
Who knows when I’ll be back with more. Deal with it.
