True or False in Hawksville!
What's Joe Johnson going to do, take the Hawks' extension offer or leave it? No one knows because the Hawks' quiet All-Star and captain isn't saying.
HAWKSVILLE - While we wait for this week’s transaction(s) to be completed, why don’t we dive into a quick game of True or False-Hawksville style.
True or False, Joe Smith is going to sign with the Hawks?
True. And it could happen any day (if you haven’t leaned by now how critical that phrase is around here, I can’t help you). So what’s the hold up? Well, these contracts don’t work themselves out magically. They have to be negotiated and fine-toothed by agents and attorneys and whoever else has a stake in them. It’s not rocket science on this one, a one-year deal at the veteran’s minimum (of $1.3 million). I’d tell you to be patient and that things will work out but you’ve been doing that for weeks now. Again, the deal could be finalized any day now, so stay tuned.
True or False, the Hawks are interested in adding Jason Hart to their point guard mix?
False. It was reported somewhere that the Hawks were one of three teams in the running to add the veteran to their mix. I’ve since found out that someone got it twisted. The Hawks were never in the market for Hart (or any other point guard they were interested in adding). They’ve got Mike Bibby, Jeff Teague and veteran safety net in Jamal Crawford. If the Hawks were going to add another 6-3 point or combo guard to their mix they could have retained Flip Murray rather than hitting the free agent market for someone else. And before you ask, no, they do not have designs on bringing Flip back (that’s right, no more FlipMo Squad references around here).
True or False, the Hawks will add another veteran big man or two in addition to Joe Smith?
True. And we’ve already discussed two guys in particular, Johan Petro and Jason Collins, that could be in that mix. And that doesn’t include rookie behemoth Garret Siler, who will be on the Hawks’ training camp roster. But all of those reasonable fears about this team’s size and depth on the frontline could be wiped away with the addition of any two of these aforementioned larger humans.
True or False, the Hawks’ ownership feud is officially over?
Not exactly true or false. But things took a decisive turn with Monday’s court ruling in favor of the seven-man Atlanta/Washington, D.C., contingent. The options for the other partner, Boston-based Steve Belkin, were mapped out in today’s paper. One more option Belkin has that wasn’t listed: he can just walk away from his initial investment in the teams. He wouldn’t have to pay the $25.8 million in cash calls he’s missed during the litigation but he would also have to forfeit his 30 percent ownership stake. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
True or False, the Hawks will sign Joe Smith before Joe Johnson agrees to a contract extension?
True. Barring a sudden change in the tone I’m hearing from folks in the know, Mr. Smith will definitely beat JJ to the punch on this one. In fact, no one seems to know which way JJ is leaning since the Hawks extended their offer for an extension. We’ve already talked about the figures (4-years, $62-$64 million range). It’s a huge decision and JJ has time, it’s not like he has to decide this minute. So I didn’t expect his process to be sped up just for our sake. If nothing shakes (one way or the other) by the start of training camp … then it might be time to start wondering what the heck is going on.
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528 comments Add your comment
doc
August 21st, 2009
3:37 pm
kevin a he kind of opened the door and walked right into that one didnt he?
gee mac you just cant say a guy needs an extension and in the very durn next post say that same coach who needs an extension had a team quit on him in the second round of the nba championships. dude, do you see how contradictory that was?
personally, ill say this, i am more sold on woody as our coach than i was last year. i agree with the powers that be, it behooves us to see how he manages the horses when he has a full stable … ok?
Daniel
August 21st, 2009
3:41 pm
GeeMack- I wasn’t on you for wanting a championship. I just was telling you not to discount how far we have come, and assume we can’t get further. Dude, I never get on you. You know what’s up.
Up front I admit that I am seeing this through Hawks colored glasses, but I will say that Marvin at the SF(if healthy) can be an All Star. I will also go there with Horf. Not so sure about Josh (not because he isn’t very talented) but because there are so many great PFs right now. But, if we don’t get it from within then we are in a position to make a trade down the line. Like everyone else, I have no idea about Teague, but I remain hopeful.
doc, I don’t think I have ever tried to correct your grammar or spelling.
Daniel
August 21st, 2009
3:43 pm
Ramon- I agree with most of your 3:24 post, but no WAY is Vince a HOFer. Also, it is Stan Van Gundy.
Daniel
August 21st, 2009
3:48 pm
KevinA- In reference to your 2:54 post. The loss of Childress is the one gaping hole left from this off season. (assuming Joe Smith and JJ extension) I would give Sund a near perfect off season, except not getting something from Childress. It could come back to haunt us.
kmjice
August 21st, 2009
3:50 pm
people have to wanna come to atlanta.. believe the hawks have reached out to some of these other all stars..and they said no!!! i talked to dwight howard the other day. he said that the hawks called him to talk about a trade.. he told them no becase they was too young and unexperienced…. but now that they have started winning some.. u see some people are thinkin about coming to atlanta.. thats y boston always get the best people. thats y lakers always get the best.. cuz they are already good!!!
Ramon
August 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
Daniel it is Steve Van Gundy who is unemployed, as I was mentioning unemployed coaches. And Daniel another thing is there is no WAY Marvin would be an all star before Josh. The all star ballad isn’t based off of SF or PF, its just forwards. And also, if they considered Chris Webber hall of fame material (which many have lobbied for), I wouldn’t be so sure that they wouldn’t lobby the same for Vince. He still does have 4-5 years left.
doc
August 21st, 2009
4:08 pm
no daniel you havent, just kidding around as i hoped the little yellow marker would attest. you can try to correct it any time you want, others have and you can see how far it got. heh heh
also, i used to be an excellent speller but now i do spell check so you wont have that issue with me just to make sure i get it right. when they get punctuate check an cap check ill be golden.
doc
August 21st, 2009
4:23 pm
ok mr. jice, ill remember that joe smith will play more minutes a game than zaza and you said it first. only it goes against nature and what gearon said yesterday that he is for 10 minutes max a game where most 35 year old guys are. whatever you say man. just check the data.
Daniel
August 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
Ramon- OK, missed the Steve one. My Bad. I hear your argument on Josh; I am going out on a limb here, but I will stick with Marv. Hell, man I hope they all become All Stars and Joe is the MVP and Teague wins ROY, but I got to make some guess. I admit it is a little strange, just a feeling. If Marvin stays healthy (big IF there) I say he is our most improved player and the one that most helps us take that next step.
terrell barron
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
GeeMack, Nope.
Anakin Joe
August 21st, 2009
5:28 pm
Is Steve Van Gundy the dopey brother of Jeff and Stan? Kind of like Connor Manning, huh? Or Tito. HA!
Dos Hawkquis
August 21st, 2009
5:32 pm
There were 32 games where JJ scored 19pts or less. The Hawks went 17-15.
There were 48 games where JJ scored 20+ pts per game. The Hawks went 29-19.
JJ didn’t play in 2 games.
When JJ scores 20+ pts, we win 60% of our games. When he scores 19pts or less, we have a 50-50 chance of winning.
WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEANS?
I am not sure…I was bored at work.
“I don’t always watch Hawks games, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends!”
Ramon
August 21st, 2009
5:34 pm
AJ, you’re right, Jeff. My bad. See he’s not even close to being as good as Woody. I forgot his first name (how I don’t know) for a brief moment.
Sautee
August 21st, 2009
6:04 pm
AJ,
You asked this: ‘I could assure you that in the NFL, a coach on a 1-year deal isn’t feeling too warm and fuzzy about playing a rookie QB or MLB. Why would that coach develop a player for the next coach?’
um……. because it’s in his JOB DESCRIPTION?
Sund said in his first interview that player development was an important part of the coach’s responsibility.
Dos Hawkquis,
About this: “When JJ scores 20+ pts, we win 60% of our games. When he scores 19pts or less, we have a 50-50 chance of winning.”
“WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEANS?”
That our offense is WAY too reliant on Joe. Period.
AND that you were VERY bored.
doc
August 21st, 2009
6:04 pm
dos, rolf … lol and csl
you have just about summed up the whole of the individual parts on this blog as well dude.
O'Brien
August 21st, 2009
6:07 pm
Good stuff Dos Hawkquis,
If you’re still bored, maybe you can tell us how other teams do when their stars go for 20 pts or more (especially Wade, Kobe, LeBron).
Ken Strickland
August 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
DOC-if Woodson makes the necessary adjustments, or at least enough of them to help the Hawks get to the next level, he’d get my support for an extension. My biggest problem with him has been his stubborn unwillingness to make adjustments, even when it’s painfully obvious they’re needed. In the beginning I was one of his biggest supporters, but like the man that hired him, former GM Billy Knight, I changed my opinion of him.
I can see our current Hawks getting to the next level by becoming a bigger, taller, stronger, more athletic and physical version of the Phoenix Suns, before the failed Shaq experiment. If we ran more, we wouldn’t be as dependent on Woody’s limited halfcourt OFF and there’d be far fewer ISO Joe’s.
Blast
August 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
Hawks players likely to make the All Star game in the future?
Josh Smith. BUT that is only IF he gets more under control. No stupid turnovers, no dumb gambles, don’t yap too much at the refs, acquire a jumpshot or use his skills closer on the block, improve his free throw %… Josh has the markings of a real stud. He was clearly the best Hawk during the playoffs. Y’all remember how he was balling the first 6 games of last season b/f he got injured? And how Hawks cohesion sort of fell apart after that?
The next sleeper player is Jamal Crawford. Jamal is going to be so hyped up playing for the Hawks, a playoff team, that’s it’s gonna be like coming to the grand stage for him. Actually competing for a high seed against the Big Three in the East? Ouch! Dream come true. if he plays off the bench all year, 6th Man Award, here we come!
Marvin has a shot, but only if he stays healthy. He was on a nice tear last season b/f he got injured.
Bunch of folks actually campaigning for Woody? Who would have thunk it. I like that he’s coaching for a contract. He has better players now, players he wanted. Hawks defence is good, apart from the switching D, which shouldn’t be used all game, but offense needs help.
There should be more ball movement on the half court, more picks, slashing/cutting/backdoor. Of course they need to run, but you can’t run too much if you cannot secure your defensive rebounds and end up inbounding the ball because your opponent scored on you. All 5 Hawks must rebound.
So let Woody play his year out. Hawks win 50+ games and advance past the 2nd or at least put up a good showing, then extend him. Someone made a good point. If the players want him back, then they will play hard for him.
Melvin
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Hoopsworld at it again…
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13643
KevinA
August 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
Marvin has a shot, but only if he stays healthy. He was on a nice tear last season b/f he got injured.
Marvin says he is working on ball handling. I hope he is preparing to take it to the hole more.We shoot to many jump shots now. With a healthy JJ lets hope he returns to his floaters and driving to the hole. Both Josh and Al were better last year about being aggressive to the basket, lets hope they improve once more.
If Crawford has a great year, Woody might be more inclined to give JJ and Bibby more rest. The same for Joe Smith. Woody might be more inclined to give Al and Josh more rest. Having the starting 5 fresh for the last 10 min of the game will pay big dividends.
Crawford seems to play his best in the 4th qt. Bibby may get more rest than he needs.
mythbuster
August 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
Will the hawks ever get a center?
mythbuster
August 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
Why does this ken guy keep writing all those negative things about the atlanta hawks coach. Looks to me like Coach Woodson has done a great job without a center. Ive read a lot of his articles and they seem irrational and full of hatred. Hes now asking the coach to take his team to compete as a finalist and the man doesnt even have a center. This guy ken sounds like he got his short on backwards with the zipper to the rear!
mythbuster
August 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Ken Strickland
August 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
You are the one whose stubbon and unwilling to adjust. You arent a coach, your opinion is childish, your stratergy is weak and your understanding is limited. No body pays you to coach or recruits you for you opinion. You are just a blog sight jockey full of anger and hate. You arent mentally capable of coaching a team, so stop being jealous of Woodson who has done a GREAT JOB. The city loves him. When he gets a legitimate center then the hawks will be ready for the next level. I see what truth serum means about you. Hater hater!
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:20 pm
U-u-h-h KEN STRICK:
Don’t you have a pretty strong coaching background?
vava74
August 21st, 2009
9:54 pm
Sautee, Mike Brown was thoroughly outcoached by Stan Van Gundy – who i personally do not regard as a great coach – who on the other hand was completely outcoached in the Finals by Phil Jackson.
Mike Brown and Stan van Gundy both benefited from better overall rosters than Woody.
With the addition that Mike Brown not only has a beast of a player on side with Lebron but also all the hype and income for the NBA which grants him the protection of the refs (just look at how they stole from us a win in the regular season with a bogus call).
The Truth
August 21st, 2009
10:08 pm
This is yet another reason why Joe Smith will be so important to the Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
Key additions: Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague
The Hawks needed another playmaker and they got it in Crawford. He’ll be able to keep teams from paying too much attention to All-Star Joe Johnson. But Crawford’s addition won’t keep foes from leaving Josh Smith alone when he ventures outside of the paint.
That’s what the Cavs did in the conference semifinals, and Smith obliged them by missing jumper after jumper. Smith is an athletic freak and a defensive force, but these days, teams need at least four guys on the floor who can shoot. With Smith playing power forward and either Al Horford or Zaza Pachulia playing center, the Hawks come up short on that end.
Smith shot just 42 percent from the field and 2-for-15 from 3-point range in the Playoffs. If he hasn’t improved his jumper, the addition of Crawford won’t make the Hawks much better.
Najeh Davenpoop
August 21st, 2009
11:04 pm
IT’S ALWAYS THE SAME DAMN TOPICS OF DISCUSSION EVERY TIME I COME HERE FOR THE LAST 3 MONTHS WHEN IS THE SEASON GONNA START DAMMIT AS;DFJASDFAMSDPCIAMPDIFAPSODIFMAPSIDFPASIDNFASDIFADF (ain’t hating on any of y’all, I’m just frustrated that there’s so little going on to talk about)
RealSquawk
August 21st, 2009
11:04 pm
Mike Woodson will refine in 09!!!!!
other than that. i got nothing.
I have to give the HAwks an A for this offseason when Joe Smith signs. and an A+ after i see who they fill out their roster with.
Anybody who is pessimistic about the Hawks chances this year and is looking at someone other than Mike Woodson as being the problem please let me know cause I don’t know where you are coming from.
Healthcare?
If we we ever got a center who we thought would be good enough to move Al Horford to power forward that means Josh Smith is coming off the bench, which I have no problem with as long as he is getting his minutes.
Rain?
O Brother Where Art Thou Track 8.
refine in 09! Woody refined in 09!
dos hawkquis
August 21st, 2009
11:12 pm
Here is something that I have not heard mentioned yet, but is very important. At what point does Sund offer Woodson an extension? Woodson has to be offended that he has not been offered a contract yet, after taking the Hawks to the playoffs twice after a 10 yr drought.
If Woodson leads the Hawks to another playoff appearance, without a contract he could have Sund over the barrell come next June. The Lakers will have an opening next year, Miami may have an opening, depending on how Spoelstra does this year.
While everyone is talking about re-signing Joe, you better take care of Woody. His philosophy has worked. Another philosophy at the helm, with these players, may not produce the same results.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
Mystikal
August 21st, 2009
11:40 pm
I don’t think Woodson is in a position to be offended by Sund. It is not as if he as other teams beating at his door with offers. That is why I think after one more season Woody will have proved himself, as well as our image to other players around the league will be enhanced. We are not considered doormats anymore, but we still have ways to go to be considered in same breath as Lakers, Celtics, Spurs, Magic, etc..
doc
August 21st, 2009
11:49 pm
dern dos now why didnt i think of that as something new to talk about. najeh is going to be real impressed that you brought up something new to talk about, this said very facetiously.
dos man did you fall in a hole or are you not serious with that comment?
gwite
August 22nd, 2009
12:09 am
I have heard Woody, at least once, express that he was disappointed that “his coaching staff” had not received contract offers. Pretty sure that was around the end of this past regular season, going into the playoffs.
Mystikal
August 22nd, 2009
12:12 am
1) Okay, say Woody blow his chance next season. What coaches do you guys would make a good replacement?
2) As far as veteran leadership, where are Dominique Wilkins and Steve Smith? I know both of them are still around the team in some capacity. I heard Smoove was at least working some with Steve, but what about Nique, “Human freakin’ Highlight Film” right there and no one is hitting this man up for some knowledge. Anbody feel me on that?
gwite
August 22nd, 2009
12:17 am
Or maybe it was after they had taken Miami in the first round. I think he had been asked about the future of the staff after taking the team to a level of success not experienced by the organization in quite a while.
Ken Strickland
August 22nd, 2009
1:00 am
MYTHBUSTER-go back and reread your post and you’ll see you succeeded in describing yourself. That was nothing more than a rambling, negative, opinionated collection of BS from an individual that appears to be jealous of me. If you can classify everything I say as nothing more than my opinion, what makes everything you’ve said about me anything but your opinion? REMEMBER THE OLD SAYING. OPINIONS ARE LIKE A–HOLES, EVERYONE HAS ONE AND THEY ALL STINK.
DOS HAWKQUIS-If you must know, the numbers you quoted on JJ tells teams that if you double and triple JJ, you stand a very good chance of defeating the Hawks. Why, because we don’t have another player on the entire roster that can match his overall OFF production and versatility. If you’d broaden your thought process you’d also have a better understanding of why Woodson hasn’t been offered an extention. Unlike you, Sund understood it was BK’s trade for MBibby that led the Hawks to their 1st of 2 consecutive trips to the playoffs, not anything Woodson did.
Also, Sund probably realized last season’s progression was due to the marked improvement of young players like MWilliams and AHorford, the addition of FMurray and MEvans, and having Bibby healthy and on board for the entire season. I believe management is waiting to see if Woodson can prove to be a contributor to the teams progression rather than the beneficiary of the teams natural progression.
If management thought Woodson was as responsible for the teams progression and success over the last 2yrs, as some of you seem to think, he’d already be locked up with a longterm contract. By allowing him to play out his current contract, it’s obvious the Hawks aren’t worried about having to compete with other teams for his services. Now that’s my opinion, but if anyone can challege the logic behind these opinions, please have at it. But, please don’t come up with the kind of ignorant rantings and ravings like our resident hater MYTHBUSTER.
Ed
August 22nd, 2009
3:45 am
John Schuhmann of nba.com strikes again with this breakdown of the Hawks
Atlanta Hawks
Key additions: Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague
The Hawks needed another playmaker and they got it in Crawford. He’ll be able to keep teams from paying too much attention to All-Star Joe Johnson. But Crawford’s addition won’t keep foes from leaving Josh Smith alone when he ventures outside of the paint.
That’s what the Cavs did in the conference semifinals, and Smith obliged them by missing jumper after jumper. Smith is an athletic freak and a defensive force, but these days, teams need at least four guys on the floor who can shoot. With Smith playing power forward and either Al Horford or Zaza Pachulia playing center, the Hawks come up short on that end.
Smith shot just 42 percent from the field and 2-for-15 from 3-point range in the Playoffs. If he hasn’t improved his jumper, the addition of Crawford won’t make the Hawks much better.
If you have a question or comment for NBA.com’s John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail. You can also follow him on twitter.
truth-serum
August 22nd, 2009
6:25 am
mythbuster
August 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Thanks for the shout out. Yeah, I agree. Ken is mentally challenged and full of anger. His position is unjustified and he is a true hater. He also has is the grand dragon of the southern chapter of the knights of the bubba crew. Just ignore is evil.
truth-serum
August 22nd, 2009
6:26 am
just ignore his evil hatred. Go hawks. Get and center and compete for the finals. Good job woodson. Bless you!
truth-serum
August 22nd, 2009
6:28 am
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:20 pm
No, ken doesnt have any wisdom or coaches experience but He does coach his bubba crew in hatred.
Melvin
August 22nd, 2009
9:08 am
Hoopsworld is full of it. Big Al is definitely top 5.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13644
Yahoo
August 22nd, 2009
9:20 am
Dear Hawks Fans,
BEWARE!
This Blog is infected with a virus called MTAJ:
MOLES, TROLLS, AND JERKS!!!
Melvin
August 22nd, 2009
9:23 am
Another Hoopsworld analysis. Gee, not even an honorable mention for JSmoove…
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13636
mythbuster IS truth-serum
August 22nd, 2009
9:49 am
Like we wouldn’t know?
Clueless is as clueless does.
dos hawkquis
August 22nd, 2009
10:28 am
KEN,
This season will foretell Woodson’s future as a NBA coach. He has nice enough pieces to make a nice season, 1st round playoff push and a 2nd round exit. Will this be good enough for a contract? I don’t know. But that is what I see this year for the Hawks. Depending on if someone in the top 3 gets hurt, the Hawks may be able to get a 3 seed. If that happens, look out.
“I don’t always watch basketball, but when I do, I prefer the Hawks. Stay thirsty my friends.”
Stating the Obvious
August 22nd, 2009
10:49 am
What the f*ck is taking so long on the Joe Smith signing? Jesus.
Ken Strickland
August 22nd, 2009
10:50 am
TRUTHSERUM and MYTHBUSTER are using an old tactic that’s been used by countless individuals and organizations, and it goes, “IF YOU CAN’T DISCREDIT THE MESSAGE, ATTACK THE MESSENGER. You see, clowns like these have not once tried to show where anything I’ve said about Woodson has been incorrect. They’re not attacking me because I’m consistently making an issue of their beloved MWoodson’s shortcomings. They’re doing it THE TRUTH HURTS, and I’m doing it too often for their comfort.
They’re constantly using the teams progress to justify their support for him, without ever mentioning anything that he’s done or does consistently to contribute to the teams success. I guess they believe
(1)overplaying starters
(2)refusing to commit time and effort into developing young players
(3)refusing to develop and effectively utilize his bench
(4)refusing to use in gm strategy and make adjustments
(5)refusing to treat younger players and vets equitably
(6)refusing to employ an OFF philosophy that best suits the individual talents on his team
(7)refusing to expand or adjust a limited guard oriented OFF system that limits frontline involvement, which broke down far too often and ended up with too much ISO Joe or one on one play by Flip or Bibby.
If I’m wrong about anything on this list, please point it out and explain why it’s incorrect. Then make a comparable list of things he’s done the last 2yrs that’s definitely contributed to the overall success of this team during that 2yr period.
O'Brien
August 22nd, 2009
11:15 am
Hoopsworld has David Lee as honorable mention, but no mention of Josh Smith? I’m surprised.
Can anyone think of two games where Woody outcoached his opponent? I sure can’t. Because other teams seem to dictate how we play, instead of the other way around.
Remember, Woody’s in game adjustments are:
1) play with more intensity
2) defend better
I give him credit for the defense, but if the Hawks let Woody go, the kind of teams who would be interested in him are teams like the Clippers, Grizzlies etc. A young team that knows they’re not going to win a championship anytime soon. A championship team would probably want Woody to be an assistant coach.
Samuel
August 22nd, 2009
12:10 pm
“They’re constantly using the teams progress to justify their support for him”. DDDUUUUHHHHH!!!!!
Ken, Are you serious? Progress is all that matters. Your BS is just that. You’re a Hater. We know that.
EXTEND WOODY NOW
Samuel
August 22nd, 2009
12:20 pm
I don’t believe JJ will sign until he knows the fate of Woody.
EXTEND WOODY=EXTEND JJ
UGA
August 22nd, 2009
12:25 pm
I would be happy to extend Woody. I have a funny feeling Teague is going to be a stud. I also think the Joe Smith signing will not only help the team but he is going to be great for Josh Smith. If you look at our roster:
Teague > Law
Crawford > Flip
Joe Smith > Solo
Petro/Collins > Morris
We are about to be pretty solid!