Hawks need Horford, Smith for stretch

[evildallas]

Smith and Horford are being asked to carry the load inside on both ends of the floor, which is a tall order for any power forward-center combo. It's even tougher for a pair of undersized 22-year-olds

[evildallas]

One quibble with the piece is that Lo Wright and Shelden barely played before the deal. What's changed is that Woodson can't randomly choose which bench big gets to play and he can't have the quick impatient hook.

[conleyorbust]

I wish I knew what happened to Zaza this season. I don't actually believe that he just "lost confidence" because Al took his spot. If he were at previous season's consistency, our frontcourt depth would really be a strength.

I think that Josh and Al have been two of our best players this season. I checked 82games and referenced Josh against other defensive notables (Camby, Kobe, KG, AK47, Chandler, Artest, Duncan) and he has the highest defensive +/- in the league... we defend over 8 points better per100 possessions with Josh on the court. Of course that also shows you how bad our backup big men are.

Horford has been solid as a rock. He has given us the toughness and rebounding we need on a nightly basis and he allows Josh to roam on D and get the blocks and steals that ignite the fast break. I doubt Al will ever be an elite offensive player, doesn't seem to have the game or mentality for it, but I do think he could be a spectacular "glue guy" once he gets used to the NBA. He will be able to average in the mid-teens once we really set our offense.

I really like our starting frontcourt.

[tontoz]

The Hawks are really asking a lot from these two right now but there really isn't much choice. Long term it should help them but short term they could easily get worn out.

I really want to see Smith use better judgement with his shot selection and passing but i am starting to wonder if I am hoping in vain.

I just want to see Horford continue to look to score and try to drive. when he does drive and get inside he just needs to be patient. He seems in such a hurry to shoot which i guess is to be expected from a rookie. A shot fake here and there will keep the defenders off balance and allow him to gather himself and go up strong.

[reazun]

. I doubt Al will ever be an elite offensive player, doesn't seem to have the game or mentality for it, but I do think he could be a spectacular "glue guy" once he gets used to the NBA. He will be able to average in the mid-teens once we really set our offense.

I really like our starting frontcourt.

I think if Al was playing PF he could be much more useful offensively. I like him at center because Josh deserves to start. He is doing well at center, and I know that everyone says that size dont matter anymore in the NBA. but I think if you say that he will be just as efficient at the 5 as the 4, then your in denial. Our roster is so weird.

[Rip2137]

Again, the difference between PF and Center is pretty much meaningless in the NBA.

If we get a "real" center, that would probably change who Al guards defensively. Unless we get a Center with a strong post game, the other team is just going to guard Al with the bigger front court player like they do now.

If we get a Center that is really good offensively, why the hell would we go to Al on offense?

I seriously believe that Al will get the best results in his game at the position he is playing now.

[smabie]

Smith as SF would move him out from the middle, where he's best as a shot blocker. Everyone on the opposition talks about how he alters shots; he can't do that when he's forced to defend on the perimiter. As a result, he wouldn't be nearly as good. He's best in the inside.

On the other hand, if the bench had been properly developed and utilized throughout the season, instead of the last 2 weeks, then maybe we wouldn't have to worry about overplaying our players. The fact that most of our bench players have gone weeks at a time without playing has hindered more than helped this team.

[tontoz]

Again, the difference between PF and Center is pretty much meaningless in the NBA.

If we get a "real" center, that would probably change who Al guards defensively.

That is the idea. It is pretty sad seeing Al try to guard players that drawf him.

If we get a Center that is really good offensively, why the hell would we go to Al on offense?

There are no centers available that are really good offensively that i know of.

I seriously believe that Al will get the best results in his game at the position he is playing now.

Even if Al plays 25 minutes a game at center we still need someone to play the other 23 minutes at center. Zaza doesn't cut it and neither does Solomon.

[conleyorbust]

-= original quote snipped =-

Even if Al plays 25 minutes a game at center we still need someone to play the other 23 minutes at center. Zaza doesn't cut it and neither does Solomon.

You are even understating it here. If Josh and Al both played 40 minutes a night we'd still need someone to play the 16 minutes left in the frontcourt and as of now that is Marv, Zaza, and Solo. None of whom I like as frontcourt players for 16 minutes.

[JoshB914]

We have no depth right now. Any time Salim plays we will give up a ton of points and he has to play extended minutes.

[Hood President]

We have no depth right now. Any time Salim plays we will give up a ton of points and he has to play extended minutes.

salim has played well for us but i dont get why he dont put smoove, salim, richardson, bibby and horford on the floor at the sametime