Atlanta Hawks: Will they come to praise the Lakers at Philips?
Will they clap for Kobe at Philips? (US Presswire)
I’m curious what my blog people think about Woody’s pretty forceful comments about Hawks fans showing too much love for some visiting teams. If you are reading this then you probably aren’t a casual fan; I doubt any of you are heading to Philips in your Kobe jersey. So since Woody probably isn’t talking about you, can you get on board with his view that Philips needs to be more hostile to visiting stars or do you think he’s off base?
Woody first mentioned the topic a few weeks back because he thought support for visiting teams at Philips had increased even though the Hawks are better. I kept the angle in the back of my mind and planned to address it when a marquee team came to town. Well, the Lakers are here and obviously they fit that description.
There’s just something about the Lakers, and I think it goes beyond winning. I spent a decent amount of time reporting on the Lakers in 2004-05 season because they’d traded Shaq to the Heat the previous summer. That was the year it was basically Kobe surrounded by nondescript guys. The Lakers won 34 games and missed the playoffs. But what struck me after following the team was how they still got so much support even though they were also-rans.
I remember going to a shooataround in Orlando and there was a crush of fans in Lakers jerseys trying to get close to the team. At the arena before the game there was a group of probably 200 fans hanging around the tunnel during warmups hoping to get autographs. When I interviewed fans at the Staples Center, they were all so sure (or smug, depending on your perspective) that the Lakers would be good again soon because, as one guy said, “We’re the Lakers.”
At the time, Lamar Odom said he was at first disappointed to get traded to the Lakers from the Heat but eventually embraced the move because of the increased opportunities for exposure in LA. I silently scoffed at that because, well, he was only Lamar Odom. But now I see him in Taco Bell commercials and hugged up on a hot Kardashian and it turns out dude was right.
And, oh yeah, Odom also got a ring.
– Hoopinion looks at USA Today’s story on Josh Childress’ options this summer. In the blog comments, Brett Lagree opines on whether he thinks Woody and J.J.’s futures are tied together:
“I do think that the playoffs will determine whether or not re-signing one or both would be a positive or negative PR move for the organization. I think the very public show of interest in Ilgauskas from an organization that typically doesn’t announce whether they give restricted free agents qualifying offers shows that they’re fairly concerned about appearing* to compete. Ultimately, the decisions on Johnson and Woodson may not entirely be informed by basketball concerns.”
*I’m skeptical they’re interested in the risk and/or cost of actually competing.
MC
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184 comments Add your comment
Daniel
March 31st, 2010
10:19 am
blazerdawg- I support your 9:27 post. The whole Atlanta sports fans, blah, blah, blah thing gets old and doesn’t truly reflect fans here. Usually these stories are a result of lazy journalism (not you Michael, I understand you are following up a Woody quote and asking for opinions—very reasonable). But, ultimately I don’t care I root for my Hawks, Braves and Falcons whether it is fashionable or not or whether “the media” notices or not. Just win baby!!!
terrell
March 31st, 2010
10:30 am
Lakers are 5 and 5 in their last 10 road games. Lets make it 5 and 6. F… all that other crap about fan support. The Lakers have been an elite franchise for years. They’ve got fans all over the world. And last time I checked, Atlanta was filled with people from all over the world. Duh! Not that big of a deal. Woody needs to stop making up excuses and just Coach.
Barnes
March 31st, 2010
10:44 am
It wouldn’t hurt if the AJC helped build some fan support. I just do not get why the Hawks are never on the homepage of this website. Maybe the discussion should be why the AJC doesn’t support the Hawks.
Michael Foster
March 31st, 2010
10:52 am
There is NOTHING you can do about this. We live in Atlanta, the central hub of the entire South East…where tons of people are coming for work b/c it’s transition from rural industry to business.
People who live here are from Boston, Philly, LA, Chicago, NY, you name it! We are always going to have fans who show up against us.
Plus, I dont want to cross a line here, but there is a truth in minority culture and their interest in specific athletes as opposed to teams. We probably have more minorities show up for games than anyone…and their perception of sports is a lot different than all of those Irish up in Boston who feel the Celtics are the 5 tallest men of their blood line…you know what I mean?
That might sound kind of farfetched…but if you really think about it it’s true. Certain cultures deal with sports in a different way
JuniorBridgeman
March 31st, 2010
11:07 am
The curtain has finally come up for Al Horford. Eveybody keeps saying the Hawks don’t have a center. What most people fail to realize is that Al Horford, based on his last performance against the Indiana Pacers, is the greatest center since Wilt Chamberlain. He completely torched the Pacers with his timed jumpshots all over the court and I believe “Big” Al shot 100% from the floor. Ive never seen that in my entire life. Horford didnt miss one shot all night. AL HORFORD HAS COME OF AGE and I believe he is better than Shaquille O’Neal and almost as good as Wilt Chamberlain. Al Horford is now the secret weapon the Hawks have been missing for years. Horford will make the difference in the playoffs and will make the Hawks a world championship winner.
Hurricane
March 31st, 2010
11:10 am
I will also say that African Americans do tend to follow superstars more than actual teams.
A lot of the fan base here in Atlanta treat the games of the pro teams more as social events than they do actual sporting events, especially compared to other cities.
EW
March 31st, 2010
11:11 am
Makes sense that fans here cheer a lot for other teams….
1. We sucked for a loooonngg time, during that time people cheered for winners and became fans of them.
2. Atlanta is a city of transplants, not a whole lot of native Atlantans to cheer for the Hawks, but plenty to cheer for other big stars.
3. Why is Woody even noticing what the fans are doing? Shouldn’t he be focused on the fact that he’s probably done after this year, that we don’t play defense unless we “feel” like it, that we lose to bad teams and manage to beat good ones…
4. Young kids don’t care who Joe Johnson is, they love LeBron, Kobe, D Wade, etc… we have a good team, but limited star power.
5. The Atlanta Spirit Group is a joke and the fan experince they provide is awful, I can watch at home in HD and enjoy it 10 times more. The ASG also isn’t committed to spending money to win or bring in star power.
EW
March 31st, 2010
11:14 am
Junior…wha??? you for real?
Daniel
March 31st, 2010
11:24 am
Junior- you are hilarious!!!! keep it up.
PMC
March 31st, 2010
11:32 am
When the Hawks start winning people will turn around take off that hideous urine yellow and purple and start cheering for the Hawks.
Eraserhead
March 31st, 2010
11:35 am
I’m coming with my 14 year old son who will be wearing his Josh Smith jersey with pride. BEAT LA!
The Truth
March 31st, 2010
11:37 am
Hawks Fans need to be careful about singling Kobe out and booing him. Yes boo the Lakers team (bad calls, etc.) but please don’t single out Kobe. That just adds fuel to his fire. Do we really want an extra motivated Kobe on our hands tonight? Kobe is the most dangerous when he has something to prove. Since the Lakers have already drop two games (out of their last 3) on this road trip, I’m sure Kobe will want to hurt some feelings in front of a hostile Hawks crowd anyway. So singling him out with boos may not get the desired effect. Last year, we beat the Lakers because they were over confident in a victory and apparently didn’t game plan well. Kobe tried to put on a personal show and loss sight of the prize. This year, the dynamics are completely different. They have something to play for.
Hawk n the Ham
March 31st, 2010
11:50 am
Ryan Cameron should start a BEAT L.A. chant right before tipoff, just to get the crowd in check and loud.
wordy
March 31st, 2010
11:51 am
The Lakers fans are a special breed. I doubt most of them are from LA. For Atlanta the long periods of suckiness caused the basketball fans in Atlanta to choose other teams. This was my experience growing up in Atlanta. LA happens to be an easy team to choose when you don’t want to cheer for your home team. if you sit next to a LA fan tonight ask em if they have ever lived in LA. If not please laugh….hard
Astro Joe
March 31st, 2010
11:58 am
Yesterday on 680The Fan, I heard Mike Gearon suggest that fans should lay-off of Kobe tonight because some players feed off of the negative energy and use that to “go-off”. It was sad and embarrassing to hear our owner essentially say “now y’all don’t make Kobe mad because he will light us up if you do”. At a time that he should be calling for the Hawks fans to treat Kobe like the POTUS at a Tea Party rally, he asks for calm and respectful cheering. An owner should NEVER ask for a dispassionate response toward the enemy from his fan base. Maybe all of that jeering of Kobe will inspire the home team to heights unknown. It seemed to work that way in Game 4 of the Celtics series two years ago. I know I grabbed my pitch-fork and was ready to join Zaza in battling those Beantown B@stards from my cheap seats in the arena.
wordy
March 31st, 2010
11:59 am
Al Horford has logged in as Junior
Hawk n the Ham
March 31st, 2010
12:05 pm
Is Bynum still out on injury?
MsDee
March 31st, 2010
12:11 pm
Hay..I totally agree with Junior..Al is a BEAST!! Very smart, talented, b-ball IQ and I’m grateful to have him on our team. Al, too, has something to prove every day he steps on the floor that he can put up double-double against the best of them. Tonight it’s Pau Gasol and I perdict Al goes 18 and 12 tonight with Hawks win!! Go AL..I’m glad we got u instead of Greg Oden or Durant, for that matter. I believe your position was much needed for us than at SG.
sam'l
March 31st, 2010
12:16 pm
Interesting that the headline sounds very Roman…..and the Lakers used to play at the Forum.
Cheer the Hawks when they deserve it, and give opposing teams credit when they deserve it. Don’t boo unless something happens that is clearly wrong….
I am a Hawks fan and predicting a Hawks victory over both the Lakers and the Cavaliers.
Living on the West Coast for 30 years, I must say one thing about the Lakers…..their radio was the best. Chick Hearn apparently traveled on the team bus or team plane and knew more firsthand about the the players, the coaches, et al than anyone else alive, and he shared this information each and every game. As a result, We KNEW the Lakers, and when something was wrong, Chick would point it out.
I remember Kobe Bryant’s first appearance in a game….late in a game which had already been decided. Chick paused as if to announce a breaking news story…..and said something like, “Ladies and gentleman, this is a kid that the Lakers think will be a superstar of the future and we want to make note of his appearance tonight. ” then a little about Kobe’s history, history…and back into the flow of the game…..”
Pinipoint phophetic accuracy, beautifully and respectfully expressed.
I am a Hawk fan and will be in their corner tonight 100%, Excellence on all levels should be rewarded.
GO HAWKS.
When I was in Boston cheering the Hawks, the nearby fans saw me drinking blackberry brandy and threatened to have me thrown out if I didn’t shut up.
At Golden State, I arrived at haltime to find the Hawks 22 points down, and then something happened I have never seen before that had the entire arena laughing at the Hawks. They were so pissed, they rallied and won the game. I will share this story at some other date.
jf
March 31st, 2010
12:38 pm
the big question is not the fan support for the hawks, but the nba ref support for kobe. will he continue to be allowed to travel and push off before his shot, will he be allowed to slap the arms of the player he guards, and will he get a good call every time someone breathes on him.
coach.com
March 31st, 2010
12:49 pm
I was at the Hawks vs chartlotte bobcats game a very close and exciting game. The majority of the fans just sat there making no noise. I was sitting in the 100 section of phillips arena and as my 9 year old son and myself stood up to cheer on the last seconds of a close game, people behind me was telling me to sit down so they could see. I told them to move farther up, but these are the type of fans we have. I would love to have the home court environment like Utah,Denver,Portland and other up and coming teams. we need to really have a home court advantage no matter who come to visit.
Caz
March 31st, 2010
1:18 pm
I hope we beat the crap out of the Lakers tonight! A good friend of mine was at a Hawks-Lakers game a year or two ago and 75% of the crowd was chanting M-V-P! everytime Kobe touched the ball – disgusting.
I do think the atmosphere is getting a lot better though; I was at the Hawks-Spurs game a couple weeks ago when we won in OT and the crowd was behind the Hawks the whole way, even when they were down big early. I can’t wait to get to some playoff games this year.
GO HAWKS!
northcyde
March 31st, 2010
1:22 pm
Caz . . .and speaking of the M-V-P chant . . . if Joe Johnson is having a monster game, and we’re beating the Lakers . . .the fans should chant M-V-P for JJ late in that game. Don”t let those Los Angeles Kobes fans take over that arena!!
northcyde
March 31st, 2010
1:35 pm
As for the race issue at Hawk games, what people say may be true ( some Blacks cheering for superstars . . . some whites not caring enough at all to even be in the arena ). LOL . .but I have to say that it’s usually the Black and White MALES who are guilty of this.
The most passionate and vocal fans at Hawk games are kids under 12 ( of all races and genders ) and Black females . . . who REALLY get into the game. White females get into the game too, but not like the Black females.
The kid factor is definitely evident on those nights in which we don’t have a marquee named team at Philips. The kids really get into the game, do all of the chants, and know EXACTLY what is going on throughout the game. And if you sit alongside a Black female in Philips, she’s usually complaining about the refs, about the rebounding, and cheering our guys on when they make great plays.
So at least the women and the kids are doing what they’re supposed to do at Hawk games.
SkyWalker
March 31st, 2010
1:55 pm
Again, I am impressed with Al Horford’s game. He has evolved into a true leader and a great professional. Josh Smith is ALMOST there. The maturity is there, Josh just sometimes reverts back to his old ways of dribbling the ball down court like a guard and subsequently TURNING THE BALL OVER AT CRUCIAL TIMES. After Josh makes a fool of himself so many times he will learn he is hurting the time by making those mistakes. When Josh Smith’s game becomes polished the Hawks will undoubtedly compile the best record in the league. Next Season.
terrell
March 31st, 2010
1:56 pm
Why are we talking about color? Black, White, who cares? Nothing good ever comes out of that subject. Drop it! Lets stick to Hawk basketball. PLEASE! If you dont like going to the game, because other teams fans are there, DONT GO! I dont hear the ASG complaining(ticket sales), so why should we? Or why should Woody for that matter? Hell, the Hawks bring on themselves to tell you the truth. They were advertising the Laker game before the freakin season started.
ASG
March 31st, 2010
1:56 pm
Does anyone else get annoyed by the way the announcer yells DEFENSE? It doesn’t sound right to me…
VenomSpitter
March 31st, 2010
2:04 pm
If the jumpers aren’t falling the hawks better take it to the rim. Andrew ByInjuryPronEnum isn’t playing so it should be easy.
terrell
March 31st, 2010
2:11 pm
No way Artest can stop a surging Marvin Williams tonight. lol!
Hawksgirl
March 31st, 2010
2:14 pm
on another note, Do we hate the mavs now since the kid incident?
Hawksgirl
March 31st, 2010
2:16 pm
jj and kobe usually have a shooting match around the 3rd quarter. Maybe it will be crawford vs kobe. interesting
VenomSpitter
March 31st, 2010
2:18 pm
Hopefully JJ doesn’t feel like he has to do everything himself 2nite. I want to see good TEAM effort.
Rod from College Park
March 31st, 2010
2:19 pm
“No way Artest can stop a surging Marvin Williams tonight. lol!”
LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Hawk n the Ham
March 31st, 2010
2:20 pm
If you guys remember last Lakers game, Artest had to leave Marvin and guard JJ, because JJ was scoring at will on Kobe.
Truth
March 31st, 2010
2:29 pm
Yes yell “RAPIST” at Koby everytime he is on the floor.
Hawk fan since the 'pac man' logo
March 31st, 2010
2:31 pm
Not only will I cheer the hawks- I will absolutely try to drown out any of these sissies that have been BEGGING for a good team in Atlanta for years- FINALLY have something really consistant- and they still would rather throw on purple and gold…
Im a supporter of all the local teams, but take a look around- the numbers dont lie, over the past few years the Atlanta Hawks are the better team of all pro sports around here.
northcyde
March 31st, 2010
2:32 pm
I disagree Venom. If JJ has it going tonight, he should ABSOLUTELY try to take over the game. Every other star player does this when they have it going, so JJ should look to do it too.
He can still play the team game, and take the game over at the same time. I’m not going to be mad at JJ at all, if he goes for 31 points – 6 rebs – 7 assists tonight.
For us to advance in the playoffs ( especially in that 2nd round ), he’s going to have to have a few games in which he’s playing superstar basketball.
Jerome
March 31st, 2010
2:35 pm
Woody and players need to shut up and do what they are paid to do. Win a couple of CHAMPIONSHIPS and whoever coach the Hawks or play for the Hawks will not have to gripe about FAN support.
O'Brien
March 31st, 2010
2:41 pm
I agree with AJ. I dont want to hear our owner say take it easy on an opposing player, because you dont want to get him riled up. What? Does our owner not have confidence that our team can beat the Lakers even if Kobe gets riled up?
Let the fans get on Kobe. And if he wants to take it personal, and step his game up? Fine. Woody and the Hawks players need to step their game up so that even if Kobe has 50 points, the important thing is for the Hawks to win the game.
I wonder what is the Hawks home record over the last 3 years against the Lakers, Boston and Cleveland, and Miami? I think if the Hawks can beat these guys consistently at home, the fan support will increase.
northcyde,
I dont care how we win. I just want to win. If JJ has to score 82 pts with 0 assists, as long as we win, thats all that matters. if JJ has 22 pts, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, thats good too, as long as we win.
Just win baby!
I do think bench play will be critical tonight.
tim
March 31st, 2010
2:47 pm
The RAPIST is in town.
Sautee
March 31st, 2010
2:47 pm
northcyde,
I agree that Joe will have to play like a true star for us to advance. And that would be WITH major contributions from his mates, particularly Horford and Josh.
But here’s my question:
If JJ lays an egg in the playoffs…. let’s say 32% shooting, 16.2 pts, 4.5 ast but 3.9 TO’s, maybe 3.8 reb.
If THIS happens would you still commit to 6 years at max money?
I want us to re-sign JJ, but if he’s had two consecutive years of subpar playoffs does that queer the deal?
And before you say it, yes he was dinged up last year even before he twisted the ankle against the Cavs. And like you, I EXPECT him to come back with a vengeance.
But if he lays an egg……..?
JLo
March 31st, 2010
2:50 pm
Atlanta needs to recognize the Hawks for the true champions they are on and off the court. They deserve all the hype they can get. You never hear about them in scandals and then they hit the court and truly put on a show.
Tim from EP
March 31st, 2010
2:59 pm
I mentioned in another post that the Hawks ownership has a marketing problem. Anytime you have a good product and it doesn’t sell well, you are missing something in your marketing strategy. The Braves haven’t been seriously relevant in a number of seasons now, but they still pull their fan base…easily.
CherryBlossom
March 31st, 2010
3:02 pm
The Lakers have two of the nba most scandalous “THUGS” on their roster. THUG#1 Kobe Bean Bryant was accused of rape a few years ago in a Colorado hotel. To this day we still dont know if Kobe did it or not. THUG#2 Ron Artist got suspended by the league for approximately 70 (SEVENTY) games for going into the stands to assault a fan for accidently bumping Artest and spilling his drink. Artest tried to literally murder someone for mistakingly spilling a drink on him. Artest has a violent temper and he should attend anger management. But instead of doing that, the world champion lakers signed Artest to a contract, regarding Artest for being a THUG. So the Los Angeles Thugs are in town tonight at Phillips arena. At least there is one team playing tonight that isnt soiled and stained.
Shane
March 31st, 2010
3:02 pm
Most ATL fans are just front runners anyway. They cheer for whoever is winning.
I dont see what people see in the Kardashians. Go get yourself a plastic doll. They are about the same thing. Plus the doll might have something to say and a personality.
Tim from EP
March 31st, 2010
3:04 pm
But it also takes part on the sports establishment to embrace the Hawks. Even before the NCAA tournament, I was in a Applebee’s tournament and they had some random college game on on all the TV’s and no Hawks game!
JASon
March 31st, 2010
3:05 pm
So Michael; you are “addressing the issue” by saying how much you support the lakers. Why don’t all you media people just get together and start a GD lakers fan club? What is wrong with the media in this country? Seriously, what is wrong with you people?
Hawk fan since the 'pac man' logo
March 31st, 2010
3:08 pm
Jerome- turning a franchise around from one that won 13 games just a few years back… increasing the win total for 4 consecutive years- making the playoffs for the 3rd year in a row- and advancing to round two last year- and looking at a good shot at the eastern conference finals this year…… is not good enough to ask for a little fan support?
this team has a FANTASTIC home court record this year BTW- maybe Atlanta SHOULD go and witness it.
The Real Deal
March 31st, 2010
3:10 pm
When the Hawks rep tried to get me to renew my season tickets, he offered me some of the mini season ticket package options. His selling point was, “If you take this package you get to see Kobe, Lebron, and D Wade. Or if you take this package you get to see …..” My response to the rep was, “I come to Josh, Al, Joe and all of the Hawks. I could care less about the other team or their players.” This guy thought I was nuts. I am not a transplant. I’ve been a Hawks’ fan since they became the Atlanta Hawks. Maybe Rick Sund and his staff can help us (the fans) out by training the Hawks’ sales reps to sell the Hawks and not the other team’s superstars. That could make a difference!
Hawk n the Ham
March 31st, 2010
3:12 pm
COSIGN!! The real deal