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o.iatlhawksfan · 08-11-2007, 01:28 PM

http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/spo...ider_0812.html

o.iatlhawksfan · 08-11-2007, 01:38 PM

Sounds like alot of stuff going on behind the scenes!

Quote:

I just wanted to get away and try something new, something that worked for me. For three years I've been working out in Atlanta in the offseason, and I just wanted to get away from Atlanta and [get] my focus right.

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It's just something different, you know. But I like it. My dad has come out here and been here for a week at a time, just see how I'm doing, work out with me a little bit and even cook a little. But like I said, it was too many distractions in Atlanta

Good to hear

Quote:

A. I wanted to be more consistent on my jump shot and my handle, and pretty much everything. Off the dribble stuff. Coming off screens. All the different things I'm going to be faced with during the season are things I wanted to work on, and I need to be ready

On working out with Hakeem and Calvin.

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Q. So how did Calvin Murphy and Hakeem Olajuwon get involved?

A. Brian has known Hakeem for a while, and he just asked him if he could work me out. Brian already had a relationship with Calvin Murphy, so that's how that happened as well. I'll be honest, I really didn't know that much about Calvin Murphy before I got here. I mean, I knew he was a Hall of Famer and everything. I'll tell you what, he can still shoot the ball. And Hakeem, he's still light on his feet. He could still play some if he wanted to. The thing I like about both of those guys is that they're so humble. After all they've accomplished, they're just humble, down-to-earth guys

.

On his stroke

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Q. What specifically have you learned from them that you'll be able to use right now?

A. I'd be a fool to tell you all that [laughing]. They didn't teach me so I could tell everybody else about it. And if you want to know what I learned from [Olajuwon] just watch me play. But in general, [Murphy] just told me to take the stuff that I'm learning and put it to use in the game. He told me to be confident, that you can't ever back down. And you can't let yourself get down during those stretches when you're not playing well. One of the main things [Murphy] said was don't change your stroke, even if you're going through a tough shooting stretch. Don't change your shot ever. When you hear that from a Hall of Famer, it hits home.

235 now?

Quote:

Q. Should people expect to see a totally different Josh Smith than the one they've known?

A. I think that people are going to be surprised at how well my body and my game will look when I first come in. I wanted to stay at a certain size, a weight I was comfortable with. And I'm feeling more comfortable with my game offensively and defensively, than I ever have before. I'm at 235 [pounds] right now and I was like 245 or 240 part of last year and then I went down to 235. But I think that's all a part of your confidence. And when you have that in this game, I think the sky is the limit for you.

On making the playoffs?

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Q. With all the movement that's gone on in the Eastern Conference since the draft, do you think the roster you have right now is capable of making the top eight and fighting for a playoff berth?

A. I think if we come together and everybody knows what their role is and they abide by their roles we'll be there. If we do that and play together and play hard every night, I think we can slide in there and make the playoffs. But we have to be a team, a brotherhood. We have to all be joined together to do what we're trying to do.

On him and Mike Woodsen

Quote:

Q. You've had your issues with [Hawks coach] Mike Woodson in the past. Have all those things been cleared up and are you certain that your working relationship is in good order for the start of the season?

A. I think it's fine. Woody and I are fine. I'm coming into training camp not worried about anything. I know I'm going to be more focused. Woody and I have talked through all our differences, and it just won't be an issue for the upcoming season. But I want to win so bad that I won't let anything stand in the way of that. Nothing gets in the way of winning.

ATLien · 08-11-2007, 02:44 PM

He looked bigger than 240 at times last year. Smoove seems like 1 of the only Hawks who cares about winning, IMO.

**Blue Magic** · 08-11-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Smoove seems like 1 of the only Hawks who cares about winning, IMO.

Wait till Big Al shows up!

JMEWLS · 08-13-2007, 01:51 AM

Josh Smith i think needs to change his attitude on the game. As all young players, he thinks his the man. He has to step away from that a little, its what's stopping him from being a tremendous player.

He has the body, the athleticism and a great rebounding ability. He needs to work a little more on his passing and 3 point shot though, to establish himself as an elite player. Never the less, his an amazing talent, and I can see him going big places.

timr · 08-13-2007, 08:02 AM

What's with the attitude stuff being glue to Josh Smith? He showed that one outburst on Woody because of his competitive nature.

JMEWLS · 08-13-2007, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timr

What's with the attitude stuff being glue to Josh Smith? He showed that one outburst on Woody because of his competitive nature.

It comes with a lot of young players, he'll change though. But I think its really holding down his game.

ATLien · 08-13-2007, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMEWLS

Josh Smith i think needs to change his attitude on the game. As all young players, he thinks his the man. He has to step away from that a little, its what's stopping him from being a tremendous player.

One of the knocks against Boris Diaw when he was with Atlanta was exactly you are saying is hurting Josh Smith. Kinda funny. I think having that kinda attitude is needed, as long as you don't go ego crazy. And I want Smoove to develop his range and I kinda don't, I don't want to see him become a jump shooter. It's nice to add that to the game, but sometimes players fall in love with the J and stop attacking. I don't want to see that happen.

Anyone else get the feeling Smoove is gonna be a better player than Joe Johnson in a few years?

**BDB** · 08-13-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMEWLS

Josh Smith i think needs to change his attitude on the game. As all young players, he thinks his the man. He has to step away from that a little, its what's stopping him from being a tremendous player.

He has the body, the athleticism and a great rebounding ability. He needs to work a little more on his passing and 3 point shot though, to establish himself as an elite player. Never the less, his an amazing talent, and I can see him going big places.

Good post I agree he has the talent to go places. The team needs a point guard (and a better coach) to get into the playoffs.
I wanted the Hawks to get Sean Connelly from Ohio State.

Anyone else get the feeling Smoove is gonna be a better player than Joe Johnson in a few years?
It could happen but JJ's a pure shooter not too many of those left.

JMEWLS · 08-14-2007, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDB

Good post I agree he has the talent to go places. The team needs a point guard (and a better coach) to get into the playoffs.
I wanted the Hawks to get Sean Connelly from Ohio State.

Anyone else get the feeling Smoove is gonna be a better player than Joe Johnson in a few years?
It could happen but JJ's a pure shooter not too many of those left.

I can definitely see it happening.
Joe Johnson, i see really only excelling in scoring. Where on the other hand, Josh Smith can rebound, block and shows some flashes of a nice passing ability.

As for a PG, I think Acie Law was a nice pickup. He's a pretty decent passer, and can give you some points. I wouldn't mind him running the point for the Hawks, something you need do is be a little more consistent. This is a team, that can play against the top teams in the East. Then on some nights, just flunk and swoop down to lows.

There is great potential here, and this is probably one of the most promising teams. Josh Smith in the future will probably share the leading role with Johnson. Then eventually take over, but best bet now is to gain the experience and express the potential. As I said, the players are there. A decent coach would be of credit, but the main thing is expanding on potential and gaining experience.

ATLien · 08-14-2007, 12:28 PM

Wait.. you think all Joe Johnson can do is score? I thought that everyone recognized him as one of the most well rounded shooting guards in the NBA. Score, rebound, defend, pass.

**BDB** · 08-14-2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMEWLS

I can definitely see it happening.
Joe Johnson, i see really only excelling in scoring. Where on the other hand, Josh Smith can rebound, block and shows some flashes of a nice passing ability.

As for a PG, I think Acie Law was a nice pickup. He's a pretty decent passer, and can give you some points. I wouldn't mind him running the point for the Hawks, something you need do is be a little more consistent. This is a team, that can play against the top teams in the East. Then on some nights, just flunk and swoop down to lows.

There is great potential here, and this is probably one of the most promising teams. Josh Smith in the future will probably share the leading role with Johnson. Then eventually take over, but best bet now is to gain the experience and express the potential. As I said, the players are there. A decent coach would be of credit, but the main thing is expanding on potential and gaining experience.

I agree JSmoove is a better defender I know with his blocks at least.
I like JJ better but that's bc he's such a great shooter.
It all depends on what you like more.

I don't know I see him as a tweener more like a shooting guard in a point guard's body. Hopefully he'll work out tho.
Agreed the Hawks are inconsistent that's why I think they'd benefit from a good coach.
Can't believe I'm thinking this but Larry Brown would actually be a good fit.
He's a good teacher and would also bring some attention to the team.
Put some butts in the seats.

**B_&_B** · 08-16-2007, 09:28 AM

Dont you Hawk fans want to trade Smith to my Trail Blazers for J.Jack, M.Webster, and draft picks or J.Pryzbilla?

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