[外電] Hawks looking for more from Marvin W …
Hawks looking for more from Marvin Williams
Last year's first-round pick says he's 'definitely a better
player'
By CURTIS BUNN
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/12/06
If you did not know any better, you would think all was well with
the Hawks, that the peculiar and potentially crippling legal
machinations were a figment of someone's cruel imagination.
There was Billy Knight, the team's general manager who has
constructed a team of youthful, potential-laden talent, laughing
and chatting it up Tuesday. Coach Mike Woodson and his staff
were teaching and instructing a collection of young players.
And the players, none with more than two years of NBA experience,
hardly seemed fazed by the legal proceedings that have consumed
team ownership.
Rather, it was business as unusual for the Hawks, who begin play
in a summer league in Utah on Thursday. It should mark, according
to Woodson, the start of the emergence of their prized first-round
pick of last year, Marvin Williams.
A breakout summer for Williams — and a trade of forward Al
Harrington — certainly would assuage the taint of the court
proceedings. Selected with the second pick of the 2005 NBA Draft,
ahead of a couple of credible point guards, the 6-foot-9 Williams
slowly progressed as a rookie, earning more and more playing time.
"Now, we're looking for Marvin to step up and do more," Woodson
said. "I want him to shoot as much as he wants. ... I won't put
the clamps on him at all. We brought him along slowly last year,
which I think was the right thing. This [summer] team is his
team; it's his time to shine. He can go out and do his thing."
Which brought a smile to Williams' face.
"I'm excited," he said. "It should be good for me. It's a big
difference from last year to now. Completely different."
For one, Williams has worked hard on getting stronger, which
promotes confidence in his ability to physically match up.
"That's definitely better," he said. "I've been working on
adding a post-up game, and being stronger helps with that."
Additionally, Williams, who last month turned 20, has an NBA
season from which to draw.
"I know so much more. I watched some tape from last year, and
it didn't even look like me out there," he said. "Last year
was a learning experience for me. I'm definitely a better
player, and I'm ready to show it."
Speedy Claxton is expected to show up today for the first
time as the Hawks' new point guard. And Harrington could be
dealt in a matter of days. See, business is moving right along.
"I'll let that [legal] stuff play itself out and keep going about
my business," Knight said. "If the players ask questions about it,
I answer them. But our focus is on what we have to do as a team,
getting readyfor next season."
Added Woodson: "I can't concern myself with [the legal issues].
I'm concerned, though. The side I'm on has done a great job in
working hard to get this organization turned around. We're
coaching and teaching, and that's what we're focused on. With
Marvin, Salim [Stoudamire] and Shelden [Williams], we have a
lot to be excited about."
資料來源
http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0712hawks.html
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