<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Competitiveness -? up. Attention to defensive detail -? way up. Overall intensity -? way, way up. Hawks coach Mike Woodson and his staff designed it this way. Woodson said after Wednesday morning?s workout that he?s had to do much less teaching (now that his roster only slightly resembles that of a Division I program) this year as compared to the last two. The extra emphasis on defensive intensity shouldn?t surprise anyone. The Hawks were one of the league?s most accommodating defensive units last year, negating all the positives that usually come from putting up 102 points per game of their own. Without the benefit of any scrimmage action thus far, it?s extra hard to tell which players have made the biggest improvements in their specific games. But if the frantic nature of the drills I?ve been allowed to watch are any indication, the scrimmages should be plenty entertaining. Guys are going to be going after each other in an effort to earn the starting jobs and minutes that are available.</div> Source
They have the personell to be a solid defensive squad, but coaching will be a big factor along with defensive strategy (which is related to coaching). Speedy when he's healthy can give them great pressure defense, JJ is solid defensively, and Smith gives a nice shot blocking presence, and should improve as a man to man defender.
All of our starters are going to be going hard at all times on the defensive side that is for sure. Shelden, Zaza, and JSmoove is going to be nasty for teams at the S-PF-C positions. I also like having Marvin come off the bench. He brings hustle and so does Tyronn Lue.
