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Training Camp 2008 - Day 3 Report
Posted by: Micah Hart on October 2, 2008 at 5:28PM EST

Wednesday saw the Hawks put on a full scrimmage for the first time in training camp. Unlike the running clock scrimmages of the first couple days, today's action featured officials, free throws - pretty much your standard game atmosphere.

I don't want to put too much emphasis on what I saw today, because there is a long way to go, and it's much easier to look good on the practice court than in the heat of regular season battle - but I gotta say, I saw a lot to like. Let's get right to it:

- Marvin Williams was 2-2 from long range during the scrimmage. That's a tiny, miniscule little sample size - but the fact that he took them without hesitation is what made me happy. That he made them was gravy; I'd still be happy if he'd gone 0-2. But both shots came in the rhythm of the offense and with no added effort for Marv, who we all know spent his summer working on the three-ball. This is one component of the offense I know a lot of fans are anxious to see, and I'm happy to say so far, so good.

- Josh Smith was an animal today. He was aggressive going to the hole and getting rebounds, and he must have gone to the free throw line 6-7 times at least. One play stood out in particular that I hope is a sign of things to come - with the shot clock winding down and Smoove out on the perimeter, he initially went into a shooting motion, then thought better of it and took it to the rim for a lay-up. The more shots he takes inside, the better off we'll be.

- Solomon Jones' offense impressed today. I mentioned yesterday that I thought his offensive production would go a long way towards determining his minutes this year, and today he looked more confident on offense than I've ever seen. I asked him about it after practice today, and he said he spent all summer working on his game. I know most guys say that, but it looked today as if it were true. He scored on several different offensive maneuvers, moving with purpose and finishing with a soft touch around the rim.

- Man, Mike Bibby looks good. I think that was probably the thing I heard the most from people watching today. He was on fire from the field, hitting seemingly every jumper he took, and directed the offense with ease. I am prone to hyperbole - I know this - but I am telling you, if this is the Mike Bibby that plays for the Hawks this season, we are going to surprise some folks.

- Othello Hunter, who is chronicling his training camp experiences for us, also looked good today. He didn't do too much that would show up on a stat sheet, but he got up and down the court with pace, and corralled one rebound so high it made a few of us turn and look at each other with a "did-you-see-that?" expression on our faces. He's worth keeping an eye on.

- The word of the day for Mario West was attack. Man, I would hate guarding that guy. It seemed like every time he got the ball today, he was barreling into the lane come hell or high water. His energy and tenacity are what got him on this team in the first place, and he shows no sign of changing anytime soon.

And now for something completely different - some pictures from the afternoon's action after the jump...


Scrimmage begins


Othello Hunter guards Solomon Jones


Hunter matches up with Zaza Pachulia


Joe puts it on the deck against Speedy Claxton


Marvin soars for a dunk


Josh Smith runs the break


Hard to see here through the blurriness, but Marvin took it strong before getting fouled at the rim


Today's officiating crew


Acie tries to stick with JJ

(15) Comments
Posted by: Elizabeth aka "Fan Mom" on October 2, 2008 6:21PM EST
I am amazed looking at the pic of Solomon Jones and seeing the bulk he has put on. I just finished listening to his interview and I think this will be the season that he will become a force t/b reckoned with. I am still interested in seeing him excel in the post. I would have liked to have heard, some of the hard questions answered by Solomon, like what does he need to demonstate to the coaching staff in order to garner some valuable playing time. This is a player that I feel has a tremendous upside, that we were able to steal in the 2nd round, but I am a Mom , not an NBA Coach, but I still cannot help but wonder, why we have kept this player, if we are not going to play him. Micah, if you are allowed, ask some of the hard questions, cause we the fans who commit to sit in that arena and cheer these players on, for a minimum of 45 games, would like to know. Thanking You in Advance if you are able to let us know the meaty stuff.

Posted by: Elizabeth aka "Fan Mom" on October 2, 2008 6:31PM EST
I just thought I should clarify, Micah, you are doing a great job, I am just hoping they will allow to dig a bit deeper in a substantive manner.

Posted by: Sean on October 2, 2008 7:58PM EST
Thanks for the great coverage Micah, i really would like to know how the new editions of Flip Murray & Randolph Morris are progressing?

Posted by: Traceman on October 2, 2008 8:20PM EST
Micah, you are doing an OUTSTANDING job! You are getting better and better. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Lacsho on October 2, 2008 8:53PM EST
Micah, it was kind of quiet this summer, but you are doing a great job providing great info. Keep up the good work. I'm really looking forward to the 11th.

Posted by: Melanie on October 2, 2008 9:04PM EST
GO HAWKS! :)

Posted by: decriz on October 2, 2008 9:44PM EST
I hope the coaching staff molds Mario West into a Sidney Moncrief type of player. A bulldog on defense and on fire on offense. Even a poor man's version would do.

Posted by: Elizabeth aka "Fan Mom" on October 2, 2008 9:46PM EST
Hey fellow Hawks Fans, here are just a few quotes following todays scrimmage which noted the outstanding play of Solomon Jones. It's not just me that wants to see this player get off the bench.


"Solo is working his tail off. Seals his man and makes a great catch and finishes with a two-handed jam. Where has this cat been the past two years?"


"Solo is handling Oyedeji off the dribble and finishes with the nice layup. Solo is going nuts and his teammates are juicing him up along the way."


"Solo has worked out every second he’s been on the floor, rebounding, shooting, moves to the basket and finishes the scrimmage with a smooth turnaround over Randolph. Write about Solo for tomorrow."

Spurce of Quotes: Sekou Smith, AJC


Posted by: Sam on October 3, 2008 9:15AM EST
Mr.Micah first you or doing a good job.But I seen in the news paper that Bibby could be gone.New me and some fans will say Bibby had alot to do with use going to the playoffs.Speedy been their 2years and have not done any thing.I now he was hurt but when we got Bibby he was hurt too and still played he have done more for the team in a half of season then Speedy have in 2years.New how will you go with?DO NOT LET BIBBY GO HE'S BETTER FOR THE TEAM.

Posted by: Sam on October 3, 2008 11:09AM EST
BIBBY in and claxton out!!

Posted by: Anonymous on October 3, 2008 12:09PM EST
I agree with the comment Sam made Bibby should stay and in my opion Speedy should have been traded we have flip and acie he had his chance I don't think another team would have waited this long cut your losses and move on.

Posted by: Mirza on October 3, 2008 1:43PM EST
can anybody get a video of the scrimmage i wanna see this so called three point marvin

Posted by: BigBoi on October 3, 2008 1:50PM EST
Thank's once again Micah, I'm in France but it's just like if I was a part of the Hawks organisation, keep it up.

Every players are focus, that's the main thing. They all know that now that they've made the PlayOffs, they're under the spotlight. And it pushes them to give 200% every practice, everytime, everywhere, that's amazing. Joe is the undisputed leader and he works so hard that he pushes his teamates to follow him. You gotta tip your hat at this guy.

Actually even if Solo puts some amazing workouts, I'm still more focused on how Marvin approaches the game, and how Smoove and Horford are combining inside. They know they'll battle for a long time together, so a great chemistry is fundamental on and off the court. Marvin can reach the 20ppg level this year. Even with the pressure from the bench, even with Bibby healthy and Al more targeted on offense. He can do that, he's smart, he knows what to do and he can't wait to show his improvement.

I can't wait to see them play against Philly. What a great start it would be to cancel the party the Sixers want to have as the season starts. They're all fired up, they know with Brand it's time to win big things, but we all know our Hawks are one of the best team in the NBA when they're the underdogs. They had to start the season last year against Dallas, who came back from a record season, even with the PO upset. I had to bet with some friends on who would win. I was alone on my Hawks, and they've done it. When the Suns came a week after, everybody said it would be a blowout, and when the Lakers came in town with Pau, they said Horford would be dominated by Gasol and he won the game with one of the best games of his young carreer.

And I don't have to remind you what happened against the Celtics. This is a great start, I'm very very nervous like all of us, because we're a lot on the road, but for a lot of people, we won't go to the post-season next year. Guess what, I've already made my statement: 42-40 and a Play Off appearance.

We have to keep believing, and it will be as fine as it was last year, even better. Keep it in mind, NEVER BE SATISFIED!

GOOOOO HAAAAWKS!

Posted by: Anonymous on October 3, 2008 2:45PM EST
Joe Johnson is not just a superstar this guy is special their's not that many superstars who can that a team and focus them on one common cause like he did yes it took a couple of years but the team is their and like Bigbol said you need to take our hats of for him. Good news Solomon is coming around I have always had my eye on this guy and he will be a difference maker.

Posted by: Justin S. on October 10, 2008 7:40PM EST
Hey, do you think we will be able to get the NBA players autographs after their practice if we go.

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