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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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<

[picappgallerysingle id="8472380"][picappgallerysingle id="373779"]When it comes to the Atlanta Hawk Franchise many think of the great Dominique Wilkins, Pistol Pete, the undersize Spud Webb, now the talented Josh Smith, and Joe Johnson.  With only one championship in the history of professional basketball, the Atlanta Hawks are known for competing in the regular season, fighting in the playoffs, only to come up short when it counts most.  The Celtics, Lakers, and Pistons not all have rings to show for their talented Hall of Fame individuals, they have the longevity of franchise players that make their debate easier.   However, when someone speaks Atlanta Hawks, how can one name the 5 greatest players; when in retrospect teams have come up short, or players haven’t stayed with the franchise long enough to become the face of the franchise.

     Obviously, we cannot judge or organize the list by how many championships a player has won alone, playing for the Hawks. (or can we?)  Then let’s go by awards and accommodations.  Pistol Pete, not only averaged 24 ppg but was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 1974, and also All-NBA First Team.  For those purist who judge by the number of championships a player wins, Cliff Hagon and Bob Pettit helped lead the Hawks to their only championship in the franchise history scoring over 13,000 points from 1958-1962 leading the Hawks with 18.0 ppg.

      With that said, arguably the greatest franchise player in Hawks history has zero championships.  Dominique Wilkins might be equivalent to Charles Barkley, top 50 in NBA history but no rings.  Wilkins, with the help of Moses Malone battled Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas in the late 80’s, then Wilkins’ battled Ewing and Jordan in the 90’s.  Wilkins’ Hawks were always competitive but could not get over the hump.  Wilkins, has to be among the best, even if losing in the Eastern Conference play-offs was the closes he ever got to a ring.  Mentioned with Wilkins was Moses Malone.  Malone played his veteran years with the Hawks in the late 80’s averaging a double-double and snagging a NBA All-Star appearance.  The 6’10 Hall of Famer help lead the Hawks to the playoffs, and was on the front line in some of the biggest play-offs battle in the franchise history.  If we are talking short stints but great numbers, we have to look at Dikembe Mutumbo who put up stellar defensive numbers, and help lead the Hawks to two 50+ win seasons, All-NBA Defensive team and two All-Star appearances.

                The point is when it comes down to naming the Hawks greatest players, what do we base the criteria on? Do we go right down the line of record holders, years played, and games won, or do we separate players’ individual success from their teams’ productivity.   The Hawks may not have had the biggest names in NBA history like the Pistons, Celtics, and Lakers; however the Hawks have had talented players’ just limited success in winning championships.  Old school players’ like Walter Bellamy, Lou Hudson, and Connie Hawkins, put up great numbers in their respective years, winning numerous awards and accommodations.  While players like Steve Smith, Danny Manning, and Jim Jackson also had great numbers, wins but only played a few seasons in Atlanta. Do we count Moses Malone outstanding two years he gave us, or perhaps we are over-looking the small guys like Spud Webb who may not have the big points, but his assist to turnover ratio helped spread the ball around?  No question the Hawks have had the talented Hall of Fame players and coaches, only when it comes to organizing the list from top to bottom.  Without the glorified championships wins, and the dynasties, that is when the problem begins.

Jordan Crawford is ready for what the Next Level Has to OFFER!

If there were concerns about Jordan Crawford’s ability to play off ball, after a good Vegas showcase its safe to say Crawford has answered his critics.  Yes, its only Summer League but the rookie from Xavier has proven he can play with some of the best in the NBA.  Including Denver who used several players from their starting roster, yet Crawford held his own.  In Las Vegas, Crawford averaged 18 points per game, and ranked 16^th in assist.  The funny thing is Crawford played Shooting Guard, during most of the summer.  Like all rookies, Crawford made mistakes, but it was his willingness to keep playing despite bad shooting nights that impressed the coaches.  In a not so pretty Hawk offensive effort against the Bucks, Crawford helped with his defense.  Crawford might be a steal for the tight pocket Hawks, who failed to sign any big name Free Agents.  Including Brad Miller, and seems like they may miss out on the three-time MVP Shaquille O’Neal.  However, if the rookie Jordan Crawford keeps up his consistent play, those missed opportunities by the Hawks can disappear real fast.  Look for a duo of Jordan and Jamal Crawford; they both have similar games when it comes to attacking the rim.  What is impressive about Crawford so far in his young career is he learning from mistakes and may be a key piece to the Hawks season.

Looks like the Hawks don't want to sign the former Finals MVP

Even though, there has been speculation about the three-time Finals MVP Shaquille O’Neal joining the Atlanta Hawks, sources say the Hawks have no plans to sign the All-Star Center.   With three roster spots open, the Atlanta front office does not want to exceed the luxury-tax threshold of $70.307 million.  The Hawks, are about four million shy, and may need to get lesser names for less money.  Sources, also said the Hawks shot down the idea of a possible sign and trade with O’Neal for Marvin William.

For now, its only speculation, but seeing how the Hawks spent 120 million dollars on a ageing Joe Johnson, it may seem true.  What it comes down to, the Hawks need an inside presence to help Johnson on the offensive end and somebody to try to stop, Dwight Howard and defend the rim against players like D-Wade and Lebron.  Even though Shaq was never noted for his defensive play,  his presence alone in the lane could have helped.

Shaq may not be what he was in 2003, however he could have still assisted, the underachieving Hawks get to that next level and perform in the playoffs.  If this is indeed true we learn one thing, the Hawks are not looking for a high-priced baby-sitter. Let’s hope the Atlanta Front office comes to some sense, and realize that the team on paper is not getting any better to compete with the Eastern Conference.  However, this can be  O’Neals’ people talking, plotting teams to against each other for Shaq’s help.  O’Neal, has been in public battle with his wife, and may need more money then he thought.  For Shaq’s sake, this better not backfire  Whatever the case is, lets hope the Hawks front office have a back-up plan.

The Hawks recently signed Joe Johnson to a max contract.  Drafted Jordan Crawford, who played his first summer league game shooting 40% from the field, scoring 16 points along with 5 assist.  Hawks got rid of the 27-year-old Josh Childress, in exchange for a  second round draft pick in 2012.  However, Atlanta is not finished yet and still can add some pieces to the pie with some big names.  The Hawks, have been talking with three time Finals MVP Shaquille O’Neal.  Landing O’Neal may boost the inside, which was clearly lacking against Dwight Howard in last years playoffs.  Also, there have been discussions to bring in Carmelo Anthony, who is not getting along with Denver’s front office and needs a fresh start to his career.  Anthony, can provide another scoring option to Johnson, and open the floor for his teammates. Carmelo, Shaq, and Johnson may be the answer against the Heat’s Wade, Bron, and Bosh.  We will see how this week, plays out.  What we learned so far, that the Hawks are making big time moves getting big time players.