Some pre-Grizzlies talk
Hey, folks-
My apologies for not coming to you earlier. I was going to blog last night, then this morning and it’s just been one of those days.
Anyway, loyal blogger Nunna Yo Biznezz gave me a few questions he wanted asked in the locker room.
Here are the ones I was able to ask:
Of Al Horford: Will we see you playing power forward this year? Do you miss playing (and dominating) at that spot like you did in college:
1) “That’s a good question. That’s a good question. I don’t’ think it’s happened this year necessarily. Last year I played more forward with Zaza (Pachulia) in at the 5. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
(I’m guessing you can read into it, but it certainly sounded like he wouldn’t mind playing some minutes there.)
2) “See, in college we really didn’t have a center or a power forward. Me and Joakim (Noah) played both. Coach (Billy Donovan) never said, ‘You’re the forward, you’re the center. We just played. In college, it’s kind of like me and Josh (Smith’s) situation right now, except that with Joakim, we could switch. He’d guard the center sometimes. Sometimes I would. It just depended. Here, it’s just different.”
To Jamal Crawford: Did the team need you more or did you need the team more?
“I needed the team more. I needed the team more, but I think we can really help each other. I think that that whole playoff streak, they’ll help me get there. (No active player has been in more games and not played in the playoffs than Crawford) And then once we get into the playoffs, I’ll help them.”
(A great answer, and the last line is kind of, ‘Hey, did he just say that?’”)
To Josh Smith: What’s the difference between the Josh Smith of last year and the Josh Smith of this year?
“Just another year where I’m just growing as a player, maturing as a player, knowing how to play and just doing whatever it takes to win.”
(Not the most colorful answer, but honest.)
(I realize I’m opening a can of worms here, but if you have questions you’d like answered, give me a couple and I’ll try to get to the ones I like best.)
A few links:
First, I was reading ESPN’s Daily Dime this morning, which was a column about the merits of the San Antonio Spurs, when I came upon this:
“San Antonio has played only twice against the league’s six heavyweights (Lakers, Nuggets, Celtics, Cavs, Hawks and Magic)”
I imagine those of you who have followed the team far longer than I have must be amused. John Hollinger just puts the Hawks out there as one of the league’s six heavyweights and feels no need to qualify or substantiate it. I imagine that must make some of you giddy, and make others of you want to fire Mike Woodson and trade Joe Johnson, just out of habit. (kidding)
A way for you to save lives and get Hawks tickets (presumably).
This came up when I did a google news search on Hawks and NBA. It’s information on the betting line of tonight’s game. Just thought it was interesting reading and a different perspective, no more, no less. (This has nothing to do with what I wrote about David Stern the other day or my opinion on legalized NBA gambling.)
My quick two cents on Hawks-Grizz: It’s a game the Hawks can lose. They’re riding high, Memphis on paper looks like a win. But Memphis is long and athletic like the Hawks and on a roll. It’s cliche, but if the Hawks take this game lightly, they’ll be in some trouble. Just ask Al Horford.
“I’ve been paying a lot of attention to them. They’re a fun team to watch. They have a lot of athletic guys. They have a real good center and a solid point guard. They’re a team on the rise. They beat Miami in Miami and lost a close one to Boston. We know we have our hands full [Wednesday].”
Lastly, hope you read my story today on Mike Woodson’s contract situation. I don’t have a lot more to add to what I write, but consider this: Rick Sund could well have fired Woodson when he took the GM job two years ago, but kept him. That says something. You could certainly make the case that the Hawks ought to be re-doing his deal right now. Obviously, Woodson thinks so, as do many of you. But Woodson has often said the following about his situation now, that if he does his job, things will take care of themselves. I asked him about how he was basically betting on himself.
His answer: “I’ve always put the chips on me.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
222 comments Add your comment
Short lived memory.
December 17th, 2009
1:56 pm
According to some of Bodog’s prop bets, the over/under on the Hawks’ win total is 44.5, which is a step back from last season’s 47.
The “dis” factor doesn’t end there. Some examples:
♦ First coach to be fired: The Hawks’ Mike Woodson is 3-1. That ties him with Chicago’s Vinny Del Negro as the No. 2 favorite — barely behind the leader, Lawrence Frank (9-5). Not sure how that affects contract extension talks.
♦ Southeast Division: Hawks are 15-2 to win the division, which is third behind Orlando (1-4) and Miami (13-2), whom the Hawks beat in the playoffs last season, and they’re barely ahead of fourth-rated Washington (10-1). Looking for a longshot? Charlotte is 55-1.
♦ Eastern Conference: Hawks are 20-1 to win the conference title, which is tied with Chicago, Detroit and Miami for a DISTANT fourth behind Cleveland (5-4), Boston (2-1) and Orlando (3-1).
♦ NBA title: Hawks are 45-1 to win it, which ranks tied for 11th. (Lakers are favorites at 2-1.)
A few other observations follow.
♦The Sporting News has been previewing each team, one per day, backwards from No. 30. The Hawks check in at No. 12 overall and will rank only sixth in the East, behind — in uncertain order as of today — Cleveland, Boston, Orlando, Washington and, yikes, even Toronto.
♦ ESPN had a panel of 10 each predict standings. Most have the Hawks fourth in the East. Once exception is Chris Sheridan, who tabbed them for seventh. His analysis: “Mike Bibby didn’t look like he had a lot left in the tank last season. I was surprised they re-signed him and thought Andre Miller would have been a better fit. Joe Johnson is entering a contract year. And newcomer Jamal Crawford likes to put up 20 shots a night. Hmmm.”
♦ Sports Illustrated picks the Hawks to finish fifth in the East. An excerpt from an unnamed scout: “I like their signings of Joe Smith and Jason Collins because they needed
size off the bench. Those are moves a contender would make, and moves the Hawks didn’t make in the past.
♦ ♦ ♦
Westurd
December 17th, 2009
1:56 pm
If Woody begins to start Mo instead of Marvin then I will call myself a Woody convert and believe that he is finally gets it………..
Mo over Marvin at this point right?
Short lived memory.
December 17th, 2009
2:00 pm
WOODSON, COACH OF THE YEAR!
IDIOTS. WOODY DOESNT HAVE TO WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP TO BE AUTHENTICATED AS A EXCELLENT HEAD COACH. THAT WILL BECOME MORE APPARENT WHEN HE BECOME A FREE AGENT AFTER THE SEASON. WOODSON AND JJ WILL GET A NEW TEAM AND A NEW CONTRACT. AS FAR AS COACHES GO, WOODSON IS ON A SHORT LIST AND IS A TOP FIVE COACH IN BOTH LEAGUES, IDIOTS.
DEZZ NUTTS
December 17th, 2009
2:02 pm
HEY, EXTENDEZ MY WOODY TOO.
Sybil
December 17th, 2009
2:04 pm
ok grandma, I never like to get between lovers.
Sorting things out
December 17th, 2009
2:08 pm
Both Woodson and JJ will Walk after this season. Idiot Sund and the Bubba’z can keep up the hate on the new coach. There is no way a new coach connect with these loyalist. We Woody and JJ walk after the rude treatment from the bubba crew and sund, this team will be back where its always been, rebuilding!
Degenerative detector
December 17th, 2009
2:10 pm
somebody please find this idiots new ip address and ban him again
Degenerative detector
December 17th, 2009
2:11 pm
if woodson and jj walk, will this idiot leave with them too please. i think its a fair trade.
Truth-Serum
December 17th, 2009
2:12 pm
and you too degenerate…
Degenerative detector
December 17th, 2009
2:12 pm
extenze doesnt work for degenerative idiots
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
2:13 pm
Big Ray:
I know it’s not as easy as we make it sound.
However, I figured, Chi. was in disarray so we [maybe] could pick their pockets. I absolutely love J.Noah’s competitive spirit.
I trust Mr. Sund would only enhance chemistry rather than the alternative. [J.Crawford]
DEZZ NUTTS
December 17th, 2009
2:16 pm
Degenerative detector
December 17th, 2009
2:12 pm
extenze doesnt work for degenerative idiots
THEN YOUR STUPID AZZ WILL HAVE TO TRY SOMETHING ELSE…DUH!!!
Sorting things out
December 17th, 2009
2:19 pm
I know that wasnt you posting T.S. I also know that there is a double standard here.
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
2:20 pm
Grandad ,
The last rumor I heard was that they were happy about Taj Gibson’s progress and play, and would be looking to deal Tyrus Thomas. If we could pry Noah away from them, that would be an absolute coup. I too, trust that Sund would only do what it takes to enhance chemistry, rather than do something for the sake of doing it. So far, all of his additions have worked out (Collins being the early exception, but he’s not hurting things). Heck, we hired him to anchor the very end of the bench, so even that wasn’t a blown move, if you ask me. Now if we can just get him to quit picking up all the cheeseburgers that RandMo decided to put down…
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
2:24 pm
You know, I’ve heard of “playing with yourself”, but this is just plain crazy.
Are we bored?
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
2:27 pm
Grandad ,
I sure hope that’s really you, because beyond that….I have NO idea who is talking to whom.
sorting sybil out
December 17th, 2009
2:36 pm
nobody is talking to you ray so get gone already.
Fundamentals
December 17th, 2009
2:58 pm
What’s with the crap today? Can’t we focus on hoops. For all the griping Ken has definitely responded to our outcry for Hawks articles and blogs. He’s been more than responsive on questions directed to him on the Blog and I feel deserves to enjoy his Christmas thinking he’s done an excellent job.
We’ve got a full roster. Who are we going to trade to add this “big” to the equation? We’ve got alot of great parts that are tough to let loose? Othello & Collins? Maybe Mo or Marvin? If you’re dumping Mo or Marvin you better be getting us a legit center or keep what we have in tact. Right now we’ve got more to lose than to gain by jumping after trades.
The Mo over Marvin debate will continue. I think it’s healthy to get them both minutes regardless of who starts. I’m hoping Woodson’s trend of playing mis-matches and sending in the hot man continues. He’s improving his management of players as he gains confidence. If the trend continues we’ll have well managed quality pieces to move in and out of the line-up. If Joe Smith comes back healthy and Randmo improves we’ll be easily 10-11 deep that you could count on in any situation.
cp
December 17th, 2009
3:06 pm
How many names does this one clown use? I know its the same person. Some of you guys are more concerned about a new contract than Woodson himself.
Ken Strickland
December 17th, 2009
3:10 pm
When it comes to people that can’t handle the truth, I’ve always heard the old saying THE TRUTH HURTS. However, I never understood just how excruciatingly painful my truth can be until it started forcing ANAL MINDED IDIOTS like TRUTH SERUM to routinely rupture into an entire group of ANAL MINDED IDIOTS. And to make things worse, these mulitple moronic representations of the one routinely seek comfort and acceptance among themselves by conversing with themselves. HOW UTTERLY SICK IS THAT?
Before signing his last 2yr contract extension, how many job offers did Woodson receive? If I remember correctly, there were a few HC vacancies at the time, including his former employer, the Detroit Pistions, and they didn’t even offer him an interview. That tells me and anyone with a clue, that none of the rest of the NBA owners and GM’s shared your opinion of his HC abilities. Although he’s showing obvious growth as a HC, he’s certainly not there yet. He’s had only one winning season in 5, a losing record overall, his 1st playoff appearance can be attributed more to the midseason acquisition of PG MBibby than anything he did. The remaining question about him that still begs to be answered is could this team have done better with better:
(1) player development, (2)bench utilization, (3)attention to details, (4)in gm strategy and adjustments, (5)managememt of player mins and (6)utilization of an OFF/DEF system that’s better suited for teams overall talents.
I doubt if any HC that’s as good as some of you claim Woodson is, and has been, would have taken 6yrs to recognize the importance OF paying attention to details and style of OFF/DEF this team is best suited to playing. FOR THOSE WHO INSIST ON CLAIMING WOODSON IS COACHING THE WAY HE’S ALWAYS COACHED AND/OR IT’S HIS COACHING THAT’S MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN HOW THIS TEAM HAS DONE, PLEASE TELL ME WHY WE HAVEN’T ACHIEVED SIMULAR RESULTS AND CONSISTENCY BEFORE NOW.
Fundamentals
December 17th, 2009
3:21 pm
Inconsistent, Immature kids that haven’t reached their stride. Before Bibby, now Crawford & Joe Smith the kids didn’t know any better. Pro coaches can’t do everything. Alot of the blame on slow development can be put back on the players themselves.
Did any of the kids we lost via trades or free agency blossom immediately under a new coach? Answer = NO!
I’ve vented many gripes about Woodson, but everyone deserves a chance when they’re meeting the expectations laid out for them. Maybe you’re trying to raise the bar. Maybe you’re just a jerk.
I’m firm in my belief that one of the reasons we’re so strong now is the direct result of growing and learning together. Our team is a pretty tight family with good chemistry. They know each other. They know each other’s faults, mistakes and thus share in the success. To take Woodson out now or at the end of the season would be a dissappointment to me. He deserves a chance. He deserves the rest of the season. When it’s all over in July decide what both sides want to do. He might just get himself a fat pay raise and a big time contract for proving that his players have matured, they did buy into his system and we kicked some teams right off the court.
Nobody is perfect. Quit acting like there’s some perfect/magic coach that we could’ve used to win the championship with. Our kids weren’t ready. They’re still growing now. Hold them to the expectation of being stiff competition in the second round. Anything less is a dissappointment. Anything more and a celebration is in order. Also note injury can greatly affect all of this. That’s what happened last year.
If Woodson continues what he’s started this season he’ll be calling the shots come July.
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
3:43 pm
Big Ray:
It was me.
Hopefully, people can usually figure me out. I leave clues. Ol’ Syb has figured out some of em’.
Now Sybil, he’s kinda’ like Lane Kiffin’ part genius/part stark ravin’.
I kind of enjoy his posting. Gotta give him credit…he’s innovative.
Astro Joe
December 17th, 2009
3:48 pm
If the Hawks maintain a top 4 finish, both sides will surely have options… Woody and the ASG/Sund. There will likely be some decent openings (e.g. Hornets and likely Bulls) and Sund will have a handful of brand names and promising assistants to choose from (please, no re-treads like Bob Hill). But like I said a few months ago, which ever way they decide to go, I hope that they give the coach at least 3 years, because anything less than that doesn’t quite feel like a roaring endorsement.
doc
December 17th, 2009
3:52 pm
ken we heard you get a replacement soon.we all knew it was coming but i got to say you have done an admirable job on short notice.by your take on things you seem to have read what folks were saying and connecting with some of the chatter. good lucj going forward.
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
3:53 pm
Fundamentals:
On getting a Big; just wishful thinking.
Plus Mr. W. needs all the help he can get to reach cOY status.
Another thing…I think J.noah could help any team regardless of his size due to his competitive nature and charisma.
Big Ump
December 17th, 2009
4:08 pm
Grandad
You didn’t offend me at all . You the Man. I can’t wait for the holidays. Hope you and the family have a good one also.
Big Ump
December 17th, 2009
4:10 pm
Fundamentals
Great post at 3:21 pm. I totally agree with you.
Fundamentals
December 17th, 2009
4:47 pm
Why can’t we have a game tonight? I know the guys need rest, but I need some Hawks basketball!
Rufus1
December 17th, 2009
6:36 pm
Good article about the Hawks.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=14686
Funny.. this is one of the guys who thought Toronto and Washington would be better than the Hawks.
Idiot Watch
December 17th, 2009
6:45 pm
“FOR THOSE WHO INSIST ON CLAIMING WOODSON IS COACHING THE WAY HE’S ALWAYS COACHED AND/OR IT’S HIS COACHING THAT’S MADE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IN HOW THIS TEAM HAS DONE, PLEASE TELL ME WHY WE HAVEN’T ACHIEVED( SIMULAR) RESULTS AND CONSISTENCY BEFORE NOW” – Idiot!
2005 Roster
12 Kenny Anderson
20 Jon Barry
1 Josh Childress
40 Jason Collier
00 Tony Delk
13 Boris Diaw
14 Predrag Drobnjak
54 Obinna Ekezie
7 Tom Gugliotta
3 Al Harrington
36 Royal Ivey
10 Tyronn Lue
34 Jelani McCoy
2 Anthony Miller
15 Donta Smith
5 Josh Smith
44 Michael Stewart
0 James Thomas
8 Antoine Walker
42 Kevin Willis
2005-06
1 Joe Johnson
2 Al Harrington
3 Zaza Pachulia
4 Marvin Williams
5 Tyronn Lue
6 Tony Delk
7 Josh Childress
8 Jason Collier
9 Josh Smith
10 John Edwards
11 Salim Stoudamire
12 Donta Smith
13 Royal Ivey
14 Esteban Batista
15 John Thomas
2007-8
1 Joe Johnson
2 Speedy Claxton
3 Marvin Williams
4 Zaza Pachulia
5 Tyronn Lue
6 Lorenzen Wright
7 Shelden Williams
8 Josh Childress
9 Anthony Johnson
10 Josh Smith
11 Royal Ivey
12 Salim Stoudamire
13 Solomon Jones
14 Esteban Batista
15 Stanislav Medvedenko
16 Cedric Bozeman
17 Matt Freije
18 Dijon Thompson
19 Jeremy Richardson
Idiot Watch
December 17th, 2009
6:51 pm
2005 roster has 11 guys who are no longer in pro basketball
2006 has 8
2007 has 9
Where is the talent? Dept? Better question is how did he get better and better each year this is Shyt?
Idiot Watch
December 17th, 2009
6:52 pm
* with this shyt!
newkid
December 17th, 2009
7:08 pm
Please excuse if someone mentioned this earlier, but doesn’t it seem as if JJ has more dunks in the first 24 games of this campaign than he had all last year? Could it be rested legs?
And on the ‘Woody question’, it just occurred to me to ask myself if I’d fire my stockbroker after five successive years of steadily increasing gains, or would I try and ride him out until I had a year of two of year-over-year losses. I guess we’ll see in May or June just how much of a gambler Sund is? Although if it’s June, Sund would’ve certainly decided to ‘fold’ because surely that’ll mean we’d have gotten to the Finals.
Truth-Serum
December 17th, 2009
7:20 pm
newkid , I think it is an unreasonable demand to say look, I don’t give a F about your five year list of accomplishments. Either you win a world title without a legitimate center or you are fired!!
There will be only 1 world champion and 4 conference finalist. Based on this unsound reasoning 25 coaches will be let go this year and 4 will have to win the championship next year or be fired.
2 days ago there was an ajc poll asking would the Hawks win the championship with Woodson. The clear and definite answer was, YES. now they’ve taken the stupid poll down. How about a poll that asks will the Hawks win a championship with a power forward playing center?
Truth-Serum
December 17th, 2009
7:22 pm
the jj dunk question…no, its to early in the season to be tired even if he played 40 minutes a game. He’s trying to step his game up to superstar level (not doing a bad job either)and marketing his name.
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
7:43 pm
newekid:
Mr. W.’s here for the entire season. He’s earned that already.
He will be judged/evaluated by R.Sund during the play-offs.
Mr. W. should just relax for a while (un-clinch his fanny).
It seems that he has already done so. Play-offs are gonna make or break him. Like it or not, whichever camp you currently reside:
“FIRE WOODY” or “WOODY=COY”.
He’s our’s for the balance!
So, we may as well unite, at least until the play-offs start.
The way I see it; he, needs/must ‘win’ @ least 2 series to keep his job. Once again; like it or not, remember Leeman Bennett. The Falcons front office said ” We need someone who can get us to the next plateau.”
Go Hawks!
KevinA
December 17th, 2009
7:58 pm
Another great game of balanced scoring and ball movement.
Guards – 19-40
Swing – 7-14
Post – 17-36
26 assists
Even Al got a few shots up. 7-15. Last I heard he was 5th in the NBA in FG% Amazing he doesn’t get the ball like this every game.
Grandad
December 17th, 2009
8:12 pm
Now that we are united should we be the:
‘woody crew’ ?
or
‘bubba=Coy’ [crew of the yr.] ?
or
‘fire sybil’ ?
or
I’ve got it – ‘the sybil crew’! Naw, thats a one man club.
Go Hawks!
Go Sybil!
Go Mr. Woodson!
Go get Joakim!
Kennet
December 17th, 2009
8:15 pm
Does anyone know if Horford stole Truth-Serum’s girlfriend? if the guy were the Hawks GM, he would trade Horford and cash for Kwame Brown any day…
Melvin
December 17th, 2009
8:29 pm
In the great words of Charles Barkley “You can’t fake energy and effort”. My gosh, D.Wade body language look bad on the court against the Magic tonight…
What Ever!
December 17th, 2009
9:12 pm
If Woodson had Beasley to coach Beasley would be a dominate player. Pat Riley had Pat Ewing in NY and Could not win. What a poor coach Riley was proven to be.
O'Brien
December 17th, 2009
9:24 pm
Miami up on the Heat by 15 at the half. I hope Miami can hold on (and not pull an Atlanta…we were leading by 12 against Orlando at half time, only to lose by 27).
RLP
December 17th, 2009
9:41 pm
IDIOT WATCH:
I think you just gave the definitive answer to the question as to why Woodson is doing so much better now. It reminds me of the improvement exhibited by Doc Rivers in Boston after Danny got him Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to go with Paul Pierce. It is amazing how much his coaching improved.
As for the Hawks give Billy Knight and Mr. Sund credit. We have a young athletic starting group that will be could well into the future as Jeff Teague gradually replaces Bibby. I do not think I can ever recall a Hawks team with the kind of depth this year’s team has.
As far as success this year I do not think that a team must advance to the third round to be considered a success. After all if the four top teams are playing each other two really quality teams will not move on to the next round. That is one reason the regular season means so much to this team this year. The more success they have the greater their confidence will grow. But when you get to the second round there will be two very strong contests in the East. I think all of us should be willing to wait until the playoffs are concluded before making definitive declarations about the coaching situation. But what would we have to talk about if we did that? So I know it will not happen.
newkid
December 17th, 2009
10:05 pm
Sound logic Truth. Barring a castrophe for the reminder of the regular season campaign, I’d hold on to him. BUT, if Woody wins 60+ and doesn’t get extended before the playoffs, might he feel ‘disrespected’ enough to be tempted to take his bag of balls elsewhere this summer for bigger/longer ducketts than ASG might offer? He said he’s a free agent after the season, and like JJ he may have an extremely attractive array of options from which to choose if the youngsters continue their organic growth (ever wonder the difference between ‘organic’ growth and ‘inorganic’ growth?). Sund could potentially regret sitting the regular season out without kissing Woody’s agent’s ring.
What say you Grandad? Would you risk the Wood man walking by waiting until June, or would you make your move before the mid-season break?
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
10:08 pm
Truth Serum ,
I agree that it’s unreasonable to say a coach is legit unless he wins a championship. On the other hand, why should the stipulation surround the idea of a dominant center? I’m just sayin’.
The only problem with making a broad statement like that is there is always an exception. Most of the teams in the last 10 and probably 20 years have won the championship with a dominant center, true.
But here’s a coach who does it WITHOUT a dominant center: Phil Jackson. Won several rings in Chicago without one. Didn’t have one til he got to L.A. and had Shaq. Even then, he just won one last year with Andrew Bynum, who isn’t even the best big man on his team.
Larry Brown won one with Ben and Rasheed. You may disagree, but I say that’s two very active power forwards. After all, Wallace is about Horford’s size….
Will the Hawks win a championship with Horford at center? I don’t know. Larry and Phil did it without dominant centers, leading one to believe that this isn’t all there is to the equation. Orlando has Dwight, so how come they didn’t beat the Lakers? What if Orlando doesn’t win it all THIS season, then what will the explanation be? Atlanta not winning it all can’t be all pinned on Horford or even the center spot alone, I don’t think.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not arguing against such a player. But I don’t see us getting one anytime soon. Trading for one might seem like a marvelous idea, but everything has to be just right for the trade to go down, and you have to do things without giving up too much. Too many teams have a good center, but can’t get anywhere. New Jersey is set at center for the next however many years, but what is it REALLY going to take for them to get out of the cellar? Brook Lopez can’t do it. Not by himself.
And if the thought process is that Woody can’t win it all without a dominant center….well, that’s actually not a good sign for Woody. Because then that would indicate that management needs to not worry about Woody, and just go get a center. Won’t matter who’s on the sidelines then, right? ‘Cause all we’d need is that dominant center.
Big Ray
December 17th, 2009
10:17 pm
Newkid ,
That’s a great question. Glad I’m not the one who has to answer it. I’ll say this, though: it’s a gamble either way. But what the heck…the team is doing well, and if they’re doing this well by the midway mark, then they’re liable to keep it up right on through the rest of the season, barring some catastrophe, as you say. So extend him.
Then again, what’s your measurement of success? If the Hawks win 60 games but have a less than improved showing in the playoffs, and injuries aren’t the reason…then is this really the guy you want to keep?
Like I said, it’s a gamble, and the regular season is just NO indication of how the playoffs will go. Ask Avery Johnson about that when he coached the Mavericks. Ask Flip Saunders about that when he coached the Pistons. Both guys got fired despite winning records (and winning CAREER records, something Woody doesn’t have yet), and despite making it to the playoffs each year.
Spin the coin again, and if you’re even considering NOT extending the guy, then you better be prepared to replace him. Which means you better have somebody GOOD in mind. If not, then you duped yourself. So, if you don’t have a good replacement in mind (actually, you’ll need more than one candidate, as teams will be looking to snap the good prospects up), it’s a good idea to extend him, rather than allow him the opportunity to go elsewhere. Besides, if you can’t think of anybody that has a reasonably good shot at being a better coach, then why take the chance?
Heh…Sund’s got his work cut out for him. At least he’ll be objective, which is more than can be said for most of us. Too many of us fall on one side of the fence or the other, and absolutely REFUSE to acknowledge the other side…..
Idiot Watch
December 17th, 2009
10:18 pm
RLP I feel you. Its not worth talking about. Ill say this then Im done with the subject. Woodson has proven he is a very good coach. There are only a hand full of very good coaches in the NBA. I dont think Woodson has anything further to prove.
Woodson said it best when he said that he would be a free agent at the end of the year. I think Woodson is coaching for his own pride and will be coaching another team next year.
The question becomes who will coach after him and how will the players react to him and the perceived disloyalty.
Blast
December 17th, 2009
10:34 pm
I was hoping Heat would beat Magic tonight but never expected a blowout! If Hawks win tomorrow, they lead the South East Division! For now, anyway.
Rufus1
December 17th, 2009
10:38 pm
The are Woodson debt
We have 3 distinct camps..
1) Woodson Supports
2) Woodson detractors
3) Marvin Haters and Josh Lovers(we will call this group team ROD)
1.The Woodson supports say the team is doing well because of coaching.
2.The Woodson detractors say the teams growth is organic and thru free agents.
3.Team ROD says Marvin has improved very little and is a bust and Josh has played the same way for 6 years.
Team ROD
If you support teams Rod’s assessment of Marvin and Josh….then Coach Woodson hasn’t had any significant impact on ANY(NOT ONE) of the players we drafted in 6 years.
You can draw your own conclusion from that last statement, I am just adding to the discussion.
GO HAWKS
Truth-Serum
December 17th, 2009
10:47 pm
I appreciate the shout, I disagree with you, because the facts disagree with you. Chicago’s Phil Jackson had 7 ft James Edwards and a 7′2″ Luc Longley not to mention M.J.. So the truth is fleeting in your argument.
You answered your own question about Rasheed€ and big Ben.
Im not going to expounds on whats already known. If you like why dont you pull out NBA history off all the Champions in history and see how many of them had a power forward playing center and what percentage. 95.9 percent had a legit center.
But listen. Id rather not have this conversation with you on this site. May be another place and time.
Have a good night.