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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