Atlanta Hawks Squawks Game 3: Magic 105, Hawks 75
– Presented with a chance to get back in this series, the Hawks instead checked out. “I wish I knew [why],” Woody said. “It’s very disappointing. After we played three wonderful quarters there in Orlando, I figured we would come home and really play at a high level, make a series out of it. We were so flat coming out.”
– Guess they shouldn’t have been so indignant at those questions about their heart and toughness after that Game 5 loss to Milwaukee. They rallied to beat the Bucks but the Magic are a much better team. Faced with that challenge, the Hawks have laid down in two out of the three games. Is there any way they won’t fold again in Game 4?
– At least Al still seems to care: “It’s frustrating. It really is. I’m not the kind of person that’s going to get out there and point people out. I will acknowledge it. I’ll let them know but you’re not going to see me cursing somebody out or things like that. They know what they have to do. And it’s just frustrating when the effort’s not there.”
– It was an ugly scene at Philips Arena. Fans let the Hawks know that competing and losing is a different deal than failing to show up for a home playoff game. The boos started in the first quarter, grew louder at halftime and reached a crescendo when the home team walked off the floor.
– After Smoove shot a jump shot, Woody barked at him to pass the ball. Smoove shot Woody a look as if to say, “Whatever.” That kind of sums up the way the Hawks played. They weren’t really competing but, oh well.
– J.J. acknowledged the “embarrassing” effort but then seemed to be saying “oh well” to fans who didn’t like it: “That doesn’t bother me and I hope it doesn’t bother anyone in this locker room. It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if [fans] showed up.”
– That’s the Hawks’ leader, All-Star, and highest-paid player talking. And oh, by the way, he’s been pretty bad in the playoffs. He said he doesn’t think he’s costing himself money with his performance but I’m not so sure. He’s definitely raising more questions about his future with the Hawks.
– “It’s terrible to have a performance like that, especially individuals, [including] myself,” Joe said. “These guys look to me for guidance, and when you are playing like that, it is almost impossible for us to win. I take a lot of heat for this, a lot of criticism.”
– He doesn’t have to like the boos but better to say nothing at all than insult the paying customers. A professional basketball team that gives this kind of weak effort in a big game deserves to be booed. “We expected to come out today and play at a high level,” Woody said. “I’m sure our fans expected that. We deserved that. We didn’t compete today.”
– It’s amazing how quickly the atmosphere surrounding the Hawks has soured. It wasn’t too long ago that they finished a 53-win season and there was a debate about the futures of J.J. and Woody. Then they pummeled Milwaukee in Games 1 and 2 and it appeared maybe they were on their way.
– Ownership has pretty much said that the Hawks need to make a good showing in the playoffs or all bets are off. And then the Hawks struggle to beat Milwaukee in 7 games and now are on the verge of being swept by the Magic.
– Don’t get me wrong: Orlando is a better team than the Hawks and a bad matchup. That doesn’t mean the Hawks shouldn’t at least be able to deliver more than one victory and two-perhaps-three competitive efforts in their last seven games against the Magic.
– It’s about more than Dwight Howard, too. Yeah, he was beast in Game 2 but, think about it: He only scored 10 points over the final three quarters of that game and the Hawks took an 8-point lead. The Magic made their comeback when Howard was on the bench.
– This time, Howard was on the bench with two fouls and the Magic down 24-16. When he returned to the game in the second quarter, the Magic were up 38-24. The Magic’s bench players outplayed the Hawks’ starters over that stretch. That has little to do with talent and more to do with a team that is sharper than the Hawks.
– Watching the Magic run their offense and then watching the Hawks try to do the same is like seeing two teams who play in different leagues. “Offensively, the ball was stuck on one side of the floor,” Smoove said. “They’re a great defensive team. When you do that against a great defensive team, you just play into their hands.”
– How many times have the Hawks made similar comments this season? Why are they still saying it in the East semifinals? The stagnant offense has been an issue all season long but it was masked by the good offensive numbers and opponents who didn’t have the time to lock in on the Hawks for the regular season.
– Now it’s the playoffs and Scott Skiles and Stan Van Gundy, two coaches who push their teams to defend at a high level, figured them out. And when the Hawks have a tough time scoring, usually everything else falls apart, too.
– Skiles didn’t have the horses to beat the Hawks, but Van Gundy certainly does. He never lets up on his team, either, and that’s important when Howard is the dominant personality. The Magic have a potent combination of talent, skill and coaching. “What I really like is the intensity,” Van Gundy said. “The guys never got big-headed. They came to play. They played hard.”
– Woody hasn’t been able to get the same kind of consistent effort from the Hawks, not even when they come back to Philips Arena for an important playoff game. Before the game he said this about his future being up in the air: “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone else, but it is what it is. I am sure we will sit down at the end of the season and talk about a contract. I’ve got a two-year deal, and I’ve proudly honored it. We’ve had a wonderful season. There are a lot of teams still watching us. We control our own destiny with these next two games at home.”
– After the game, Woody said: “Tonight was just unacceptable. I’ve got to take responsibility. I’m the coach. I thought we were going to come out and compete and we didn’t.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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201 comments Add your comment
Clyde
May 9th, 2010
3:23 am
A azz whippin is a azz whippin
FIRE WOODY
o.O-Mac-Town -Macon, Georgia- Westsider-O.o
May 9th, 2010
3:32 am
At least Al still seems to care: “It’s frustrating. It really is. I’m not the kind of person that’s going to get out there and point people out. I will acknowledge it. I’ll let them know but you’re not going to see me cursing somebody out or things like that. They know what they have to do. And it’s just frustrating when the effort’s not there.”
Translation: I see some very wrong things going on and people acting out of order, but I’m scared about putting them in their place
Najeh Davenpoop
May 9th, 2010
4:27 am
I don’t think niremetal’s opinion is entirely wrong, but I don’t really follow the logic that “Atlanta fans suck” because “most of Atlanta’s population is transplants”. If someone was born and raised in Chicago and moved to the ATL a year ago, as far as I’m concerned, they are a Chicago fan living in Atlanta, not an Atlanta fan; therefore, they wouldn’t be included in the group “Atlanta fans”. “Atlanta fans” are natives of Atlanta who care about sports to some extent, whether they care about local teams or not. A more accurate statement is to say that a much smaller percentage of Atlanta’s population is made up of Atlanta fans than in a city like Philadelphia.
And even there, I’m not sure I agree that that’s the reason for the attendance issues. I think more than any demographic reason, the reason for Atlanta’s spotty attendance record is that Atlanta’s fan base is driven by stars, not by teams. On the other hand, fan bases in Northeastern cities where the pro franchises have much stronger and older ties to the city care more about the teams than the stars. Michael Vick had the dome full of Falcons fans every Sunday, Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz at the top of their games had Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium full, and Dominique Wilkins had the Omni buzzing when he was here.
We just haven’t really had the top-tier, ESPN highlight reel stars in this city that other cities have had. In the all-but-impossible event that the Hawks trade Joe for Dwyane Wade, even if Wade never wins over 53 games here and never gets out of the 2nd round, I can almost guarantee that attendance will be significantly higher while he’s here than it is now. If that makes Atlanta fans somehow inferior so be it, but I don’t think this city as currently constituted is incapable of supporting a local franchise.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 9th, 2010
4:33 am
“And if knowing that what you have been able to achieve and what you strive is worthy of boos is hurtful, very, very hurtful. Obviously, it is frustrating when your shots won’t go down, but it only makes things worse when you get insulted on top of that.”
When someone who strives to and achieves being a doctor screws up a surgery, a patient dies or files a lawsuit.
When someone who strives to and achieves being a pilot screws up, they and hundreds of people die.
When someone who strives to and achieves being an engineer screws up, they get fired or lose opportunities to get promoted.
When Joe Johnson screws up, he gets booed.
Which one of those doesn’t belong?
The reality of the entertainment industry — of which sports is a part — is that your life is open to public criticism. Anyone and everyone entering the entertainment industry knows this and should be prepared for it. If Joe Johnson got his feelings hurt because fans booed him for giving a half-azz effort and playing like sh-t, well, welcome to reality buddy.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 9th, 2010
4:40 am
Wow.
Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com (who has been covering the Hawks-Magic series) is on point.
Hawks get flushed
May 9th, 2010
6:03 am
see folks I told u hawks would lose by 30 pts n get Booed off court n JJ crys and Josh smith is lost as a show of abc Lost Woodson are Woody with his we tryed are best to lose by 70 crap.Look at Ytah down 3-0 but my god they played there best win lakers are better Utah lost by 3 are more pts to LA. Reason they have a coach name Sloan n they give 100% all time.Hawks give 25% doin nothin other 75% is sittin on bench mopein like babys.and yes Fans paid see NBA not GT basketball are Ga also! Woodson u Man are like that show called the weakest link anne robison would say..Coach woodson you are the Weakest link Goodbye!
Hawks get flushed
May 9th, 2010
6:09 am
Utah i mean hate when hit a Y..anyway Monday on TNT u see the worst in basketball when u watch The hawks on TNT see J Johnson score 7pts see Josh smith rather help mothers with kids without a dad n job see Josh smith tank Game4 see 12,000 show up see orlando win by 45 also see Fans throw beer bottles at woodson n owners n GM who should be fired.If we only had Utah brass owner n coach he white that why Utah wins alot also remember use be New orleans Jazz to.sloan is Utah best coach he may never make but he has coachin n his team never quits like we do.Its orlando 120-65 over the AAA squad hawks under woodson (who will get his contract resigh) and coach us to another 2nd rd exit in 2011 also
Fritzenheimer
May 9th, 2010
6:11 am
Grandad’s 1:46 am post is the most sensible post I’ve seen on this board. All of you who want to blow up this team seem to be overlooking the fact that we won 53 games and could have won 60 if we hadn’t had 4th quarter meltdowns due to our lack of an offensive system.
We need a penetrating point guard and a big defender to get over the top, but most of all (sorry Woody) we need a coach who has an offensive plan other than the one on one, jump-shoot crazy, I don’t give a crap about the offense mentality that is killing this team.
Don’t blame Marvin or others when we don’t know how to use our pieces effectively. Whether smoove is coachable is a REAL question.
Let’s not blow it up. No need to.
Do we have the $$$ to get a coach? Are the Spirit willing to shell out for one. that’s a huge problem too.
vava74
May 9th, 2010
6:26 am
“I thought in Game 2 we really came out ready to play and competed, and lost it at the nine-minute mark of the fourth quarter,” Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. “But tonight was just unacceptable, and I have to take responsibility for that as coach. I’m not happy with our play, it wasn’t called for, and I don’t think anybody saw it coming.”
interestingly enough, do you know what happened at the 4th quarter 9th minute mark on game 2?
AFTER AN ORL TURNOVER (travelling by Pietkus) Woody called a tImeout! AFTER AN OPPONENT’S TURN OVER!
Let us all give him resounding round of applause! There’s our coach everyone!
As for JJ:
The boos were normal and deserved for all the team. However, JJ tried his best to defend yesterday.
It was not lack of effort. His shots were not going down. I would call it a choke job or a result of an injury rather than lack of interest for the game.
Anyhow, with regard to his remarks, I think Drake (above) was spot on. JJ is not articulate and has knack at saying bizarre things in post game interviews. It’s like he does not even think in what he is saying.
Anyhow, I think we should offer him exactly what we offered him in the summer. Not a cent more.
Eventually work out a sign and trade which allows us to get anything back in return.
Juan
May 9th, 2010
6:58 am
Joe Johnson is right. The fans don’t have to show up. But you know what: JOE JOHNSON has to show up. Joe Johnson hasn’t shown up in these playoffs (which one has he shown up in???)
Do the Hawks really need to commit max money to this guy? An average “Joe” at best… LET HIM WALK!!!!
I’d rather lose with players who care and show effort and potential than win in the regular season with selfish players who all of a sudden turn tentative, soft, and painful to watch when it counts most.
BYE J-J-J-JOE
Norman Cochran
May 9th, 2010
7:19 am
Maybe if JJ doesn’t care about the fans, it is time to let him go. Find someone who has enough pride in himself and the team to WANT to improve!!!
Norman Cochran
May 9th, 2010
7:21 am
SIGN AND TRADE? Are you kidding, who would want that sniveling little whimp!!
"B"
May 9th, 2010
7:26 am
Been a HAWKS FAN some 35 years. Still one. The HAWKS need a coach who has been there and knows how to get a “chip” Avery Johnson or Mark Jackson would be my choice. If Wade is avaible try to get him, but get a coah who has been there (A chapionship ring) first. We have the talent, but chemistry wins
Jo
May 9th, 2010
7:40 am
replace JJ with Bosh, get a new coach, and a takk stout real center to help out Horford and the rest will be OK. Also, Josh has has had a great season so I am not concerned with his lack of enthusiasm now as he knows JJ and the coach are gone anyway.
Atlorl
May 9th, 2010
8:25 am
I keep hearing Woody and the guys brag about their solid 3 quarters in Orlando for game 2. The truth is it was ONE and a HALF solid quarters. The box score looked like this.
First quarter 32-27 Orlando took the quarter
Second quarter 30 – 17 ATL took their ONLY quarter of the series through 3 games
Third quarter 35 – 26 Orlando again took the quarter
Fourth quarter 28 – 15 Orlando again took the quarter.
Total 112 – 98
Looks like Woody just wants to save his job and the players want to save their jobs by acting like they accomplished something in game 2. If it wasn’t for the second quarter (the only quarter they actually won) it would have been easily another 30 + pt blow out. The Hawks need to stop claiming moral victories, take a truthful look in the mirror and asses the way they have been utterly dominated. They have won ONE quarter. Not 3
Magic Bury The Hawks 105-75, Take Commanding 3-0 Lead in Series | Soaring Down South | An Atlanta Hawks blog
May 9th, 2010
8:33 am
[...] feel this observation by Michael Cunningham more than sums this game up offensively: – After Smoove shot a jump shot, Woody barked at him to [...]
dap01
May 9th, 2010
8:43 am
Woody called a timeout after an Orlando turnover. Nuff said. He was hired because he was the cheapest option.
Please fire him or the seats will be empty next year.
Nativebird
May 9th, 2010
9:02 am
“It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if [fans] showed up.” – J.J.
and this is why I don’t show up. Ever.
Peter
May 9th, 2010
9:04 am
JJ is correct…….. the Fans don’t have to show up, and guess what……..the Spirit will continue to go deeper into DEBT.
For an organization who lost over 10 Million last season……this is getting worse……..and the poorer the players Play……..The Poorer the team becomes.
JJ never really will get that I guess, his and the teams performance, are tied directly to how much money management, and the organization makes.
Peter
May 9th, 2010
9:09 am
Hey Fritzenheimer …The Spirit lost 10 million as an organization last year……..I bet with the lousy season the Thrashers had, they have lost even more Money this year.
Now with the attitude of JJ, they will lose more of a fan base………. The Sprint will need to sell the teams, and move on……..or they will go broke as an organization.
Big Money for a high profile coach ? Not gonna happen !
slim
May 9th, 2010
9:14 am
Grandad, 40 years has everything to do with now.. The Atlanta Hawks are keeping up their tradition of being dysfuntional and losing big games and series.. This one in the present takes the cake!! This is a HUGH SETBACK DUDE!!!!!!! For years to come!!!!!! Start over Rick!! You’re gonna earn your big salary now……
Gonna Be Awright
May 9th, 2010
9:18 am
It’s never quite as good or as bad as it seems.
New coach + true center and the Hawks are on their way again. Let JJ walk. Replace him with a TRUE GUNNER….3 point maker…spread the floor. Plenty of them out there.
Teague will be OK with playing time.
JS will be fine with a new coach. People forget that JS came straight out of HS. He has never had to deal with adversity and is somewhat spoiled. How many HC’s has he had to learn from? Woody and his AAU coach. I think that he will improve (mentally and skillwise) at least 50% again this year.
Al is fine.
Bibby is OK as #2 or #3 pg.
New coach will help MW tremendously also. He has talent. Needs a head correction.
EVYTHANG GONNA BE AWRIGHT!!!! looking forward to the shake-up!
O'Brien
May 9th, 2010
9:21 am
Vava,
U should not blame woody for taking a timeout at the 9 min mark w/o looking at the big picture.
Did the hawks have a bad possession the last couple times down? Was Orlando doing something different? Maybe he just wanted to make sure hawks were on the same page for the stretch run.
As for JJ, they ask him if he is costing himself $, and he says no. That is not a good response either. What he should say is that’s not on his mind right now, or its up to whichever team wants him to make that decision.
In my opinion, For him to respond no, it sends the wrong message, and it makes him sound indifferent to his performance.
Jeff
May 9th, 2010
9:31 am
JJ needs to go as with Woody. JJ has spent his time and most of that time being well in helping us get where we are. However, he has proven he isn’t worth big money come playoff time. I wish him well. But- New coach and a new #2 guard that doens’t ISO and ball-hog will do this team wonders I do believe. Heck- I don’t think a big time signing to replace JJ is necessary. Just a good locker-room precence and TEAM player first mentality will work fine. Maybe- a draft choice for #2? Don’t know who that could/would be yet. But JJ’s time here has to be over. He isn’t worth 75 million either. Not in ATL. We should’t be paying per dribble/ but per points.
Why has the NBA ladened (maybe mispelled) contracts with incentives rather than guarantees?
New HC
May 9th, 2010
9:39 am
The most important decision that will face The Hawks this offseason will not be whether to keep JJ or JS or any other player. It will be WHO IS THE NEXT HAWKS HEAD COACH.
THERE IS SOME VERY GOOD TALENT ON THIS TEAM!!!
With the right coach, we will not take as big a backwards step as you think.
JeJe
May 9th, 2010
9:42 am
THANK GOD I WILL NOT BE IN TOWN TO WATCH GAME 4. IT COULD GET UGLY
SVG WILL NOT LET ORLANDO LET UP
FIRE WOODY
sam'l
May 9th, 2010
9:47 am
Did the Bucks quit?
Did the Bobcats quit?
Did the Hawks quits/
Does Elmer Fudd have trouble with the letter R?
sam'l
May 9th, 2010
9:48 am
(Doggone typos…)
Did the Bucks quit?
Did the Bobcats quit?
Did the Hawks quits/
Does Elmer Fudd have trouble with the letter R?
.
JeJe
May 9th, 2010
9:48 am
“I just tanked on being aggressive and was just taking the shot when it was there,” Johnson said.
NCBravesFan
May 9th, 2010
10:22 am
O’Brien @ 9:21 — totally agree about Joe discussing his contract status. He’s done it multiple times during the course of the season and I think it sends a terrible message to his teammates.
It would appear that situation has resolved itself, however. I find it hard to believe the season ticket holders will settle for just a coaching change — they’ll probably demand the roster get shuffled.
I’m still stunned at how the Hawks have quit in this series. Give credit to ORL – they’ve executed their game plan and played hard throughout. Wish our guys would have done the same – it would have been a much more entertaining series to watch.
Fundamentals
May 9th, 2010
10:27 am
Dissappointing yet again. We never seem to give the effort to see what this team can do. I’ve said it repeatedly, they’d rather lose w/o trying so nobody will ever know what’s possible than try their best and lose a tough series.
Why not go out 4-0 in a series of heatbreaking losses. I can take that, but laying down 3 straight games. YOU OWE THE BUCKS AN APOLOGY!
This team has sealed it’s fate. JeJe will get his wishes in July. Hopefully someone will learn from this lesson. Effort, professionalism, character. We’re just not showing it on the floor, on the sidelines or in the stands.
We care Joe, obviously we’ve learned you don’t.
Thank you to Jamal for at least making real honest comments on the podium.
Fundamentals
May 9th, 2010
10:27 am
Dissappointing yet again. We never seem to give the effort to see what this team can do. I’ve said it repeatedly, they’d rather lose w/o trying so nobody will ever know what’s possible than try their best and lose a tough series.
Why not go out 4-0 in a series of heatbreaking losses. I can take that, but laying down 3 straight games. YOU OWE THE BUCKS AN APOLOGY!
This team has sealed it’s fate. JeJe will get his wishes in July. Hopefully someone will learn from this lesson. Effort, professionalism, character. We’re just not showing it on the floor, on the sidelines or in the stands.
We care Joe, obviously we’ve learned you don’t.
Thank you to Jamal for at least making real honest comments on the podium.
Rod from College Park
May 9th, 2010
10:36 am
The best part of the game yesterday was at halftime in the club section, I turned around and guess who was there? Rudy Gay. I’m really hoping that somebody or something is telling him to come to Atlanta. I told him that he needs to consider Atlanta, and he had a little smile on his face.
Let JJ walk, unless he takes less than what we already offered. Trade Marvin for a bag of hot fries. He truly is one of the worse starting players in the league. Drafting him was one of the biggest mistakes the hawks have ever made, but it was even worse for Sund to resign him for 8 million a year. I will not renew my season tickets if have have to look at this guy become the invisible man for another year. Make whatever moves you need to make to get Rudy Gay in here to replace Joe. Bring back Childress at all cost. Start Teague, and make Bibby the Atlanta version of Jason Terry. Do not bring back Woodson. He has done a good job with this group, but he is not a good enough coach to get this group over the hump.
Fundamentals
May 9th, 2010
10:39 am
Granddad – you got it right buddy!
We need to decide on who will coach ASAP, that way any potential players know who might be coming to the team. It’ll give us our best shot at securing a team with good chemistry.
Rod – Rudy would be a good fit for any team. What is his price tag and availability?
Ken Strickland
May 9th, 2010
10:40 am
I don’t know why everyone’s so upset with JJ and his comments, since we all all knew deep down he didn’t intend to resign. His play and remarks only demonstrate he’s decided to check out early. As frustrating and disappointing as Woodson has been to us fans at times, can you imagine how much greater that frustration and disappointment must be for the players?
How motivated can we expect our key players to be when they’ve routinely been allowed to do as they please, with absolutely no accountability from Woodson whatsoever, and have, as a result, developed a sense of total IMMUNITY from their HC and fans. They know Woodson isn’t going to challenge them for what the do or don’t do, or allow anyone to challenge their position/status on the team, or with him, especially any young players.
Now, they know he’s capable of holding players accountable and taking actions when things go awry, because they’ve routinely witnessed him go overboard when it comes to young players like SStaudemire, ALaw and JTeague. How can there not be a divide between the players when Woodson has created a divide between the way he treats certain players?
When it comes to the divide between our young players vs our veterans, Woodson’s approach seems to have fostered an US AGAINST THEM mentality. How can you expect players like Teague and ALaw to learn anything from Bibby when he mocks them and the fact they’ll never get a chance to challenge him, no matter how one dimensional, limited and nonproductive he is.
We lost JChildress because of that same stupid mentality. JJ is gone and there’s nothing we can do about it. However, get rid of Woodson and we solve 2, maybe 3, problems with one firing.
(1) We get rid of a very limited HC with an assistant coach’s mentality and approach.
(2) We get rid of the PG problem(Woodson is the only HC stupid enough to start Bibby and/or play him major mins.
(3) We get rid of the problem with Marvin, either by benching, trading or actually including him in the OFF.
Who knows, losing JJ, and getting rid of Woodson might increase our chances of resigning Childress. Starting him, along with a real PG, and acquiring a quality SG, either by trade, FA, or the draft, could end up making us a much better team. Imagine a starting lineup of:
PG-JTeague, SG-?, PF-Smoove, C-Horford, SF-Childress, and a bench of: Zaza, Crawford, Marvin, Bibby, RMorris, JoSmith and ?.
Ramon
May 9th, 2010
10:44 am
Basketball goto http://www.nba.com/2010/news/05/06/all.nba/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2 and you will see.
Cali girl
May 9th, 2010
10:52 am
THE SEASON IS SAID & DONE NOW. LIKE I SAY GET RID OF JOE JOHNSON HE SUCKS AND BASICALLY SAID F*** THE CITY OF ATLANTA AND FANS U DESERVED TO GET BOOED WHAT U EXPECT ESP U SINCE U ARE SUPPOSE TO BE THIS ALL STAR AND CAN’T EVEN SHOOT WELL AT HOME AT LEAST THEIR COACH THINKS THEY DESERVED THE BOOS
FURTHER SPEAKING PICK UP A TRUE CENTER THIS YEAR BECAUSE AL IS TOO GOOD TO HAVE TO STRUGGLE BECAUSE HE HAS TO PLAY A POSITION HE CAN’T AND GET DOMINATED BY D HOWARD. GET A LEADER PICK UP D-WADE STOP BEING SO STINGY WITH YO MONEY HAWKS ORGANIZATION!!
IM WITH EVERYBODY ELSE FIRE WOODY! YEAH U HAVE GOT US 50+WINS THIS YR AND 3 PLAYOFFS APPEARANCES BUT EVERY APPEARANCE HAS BEEN A WASTE OF TIME!! I BELIEVED THE HAWKS COULD HAVE MADE IT BUT THEY LACK A GOOD COACH CENTER POINT GUARD AND LEADER
SPEAKING POINT GUARD THEY NEED TO DEVELOP JEFF TEAGUE BECAUSE HE’S YOUNG AND CAN BE REALLY GOOD LET BIBBY COME OFF THE BENCH NEXT YR GOSH
SOME MAJOR CHANGES NEED TO BE MADE ASAP!!!
HAWKS FAN WHAT A SEASON!!
that year 2000
May 9th, 2010
10:57 am
“I think Joe Johnson is a great player who has had three subpar games for him. Our guys are doing a really good job trying to guard him. We are double-teaming him on his postups. Otherwise, he’s getting shots that he would normally make, but they’re not falling for him. Joe’s a great player, and he’s had great games for them in the past. We’re working hard on him, but I don’t think it’s anything in particular that we’re doing.” — Magic coach Stan Van Gundy on what his team is doing to fluster Joe Johnson
Basically Joe just doesn’t care anymore and its pretty clear that Joe does not want to be hear anymore because if he did he would have sign last yr, he wants to be somewhere else let him go he ain’t doing nothing for us no way!! Bye Joe
Ramon
May 9th, 2010
10:59 am
Rod, I know you’re forever hating the play of Marvin. But as I continue to say over and over, the big problem is ownership. Until they’re willing to go over the luxury tax to get talent and to fill out the bench, they will have this problem. With a more defensive minded PG who could also get into the lane (and a better offensive minded coach), I truly believe Marvin would be able to average 14-15 ppg. Imagine if you added R. Brewer, B. Haywood, and Salmons or Outlaw to this lineup (with a new coach) how much better the team would be. Or maybe made a trade for Devin Harris to play the point. Or even signed Felton to back up Teague for two years and traded away Bibby. Those moves would only be a combined $16-$17 mil. And the Hawks would be in the same ball park of player payroll as all the other teams that are still in the playoffs now.
I’m going to make a list, and every one tell me what game doesn’t seem to fit on the list.
Jerry Sloan
Doc Rivers
Van Gundy
Mike Woodson
Alvin Gentry
Greg Popovich
Mike Brown
Phil Jackson.
Now you take the coach you think doesn’t fit in that list. And do the research and find out that his coaching staff is operating on half the budget of the rest of the team also. Now tell me you think they’re operating in the same league.
GT
May 9th, 2010
11:04 am
The same coaches in basketball win both college and pros. Larry Brown, Jackson, K, Roy Williams. They win multiple times multiple places while others serve as tackling dummies. Boston is just as puzzling as Atlanta, most teams in the NBA and college are underachievers. Bob Huggins goes to Cincinnati to West Virginia and you have instant chemistry. This decade Florida has won twice, North Carolina twice, Duke twice, Connecticut once, Maryland once, Mich. State once, Syracuse once. Seven coaches, none a surprise Cinderella winner, there is a theme here a pattern, Hawks nor Tech basketball get it. We are just filling a slot, we are the Washington All Stars, there has to be two teams out there or there cannot be a game, tickets cannot be sold. Who coached the Washington All Stars or did it matter?
Mitch
May 9th, 2010
11:19 am
Thanks for the excellent summary, MC. You are doing a fine job presenting as many sides of the issues as you can. I appreciate it.
In all fairness, Woody and JJ were the ones who led the Hawks out of the NBA doldrums and back to the playoffs. They hung through all the hard times and persevered.
That said, the stakes and the expectations are different now. It seems one good to decent series in the playoffs is all we are going to get with Woody and JJ. Two years ago, Woody could just lean on JJ and iso him, and, let’s not forget, Iso-Joe was phenomenal versus the Celtics as he single-handedly took the offense on his shoulders and delivered three stunning home wins on an array of sensational and clutch iso buckets. BUT, that was then and this is now. The team has grown to the point where iso-ing Joe is a detriment rather than the only hope to win.
The biggest problem with Joe is his defense. He simply does not want to sustain any strenuous effort on the defensive end (which is often why he plays more with his hands reaching than with his legs…how many untimely fouls has he committed especially late in games?)…and when he has to sustain his effort to stay out of foul trouble, like he had to covering John Salmons in the first series, it drains him mentally and physcially to the point where he lacks the legs and focus to score. This is what’s wrong with JJ in this playoff series. The Bucks series drained him, all because he hadn’t bargained for having to play hard defense.
The other thing is leadership. JJ and Woody have a tacit understanding that Joe can pretty much do whatever he wants…and unfortunately Joe’s demeanor on the court does very little to excite the players around him. He’s painfully introspective and at times just plain sullen. You look across the way at the energy and enthusiasm the Magic are getting from their guards and there’s no comparison.
Where Woody has failed is in insisting on ball movement, proper spacing and smart play calls. Part of this is tied to the green light he gives JJ, and thus, others on the team (worst of all Josh Smith) want the same freedom. In Game 5 versus the Bucks, with a 13 point 4th quarter lead, the lazy Hawks just started fouling which had them over the limit with an eternity left in the quarter, and the ball movement stopped, largely because Iso-Joe was trying to do his thing , but the ball was taken away from him at two awful times because of JJ’s sloppy sideways dribbling. BUT…here’s one of the most unbelievable stats imaginable: up 13 in the 4th Quarter AT HOME, and the Hawks NEVER once go to the foul line in the ENTIRE quarter (0-0), while the visiting Bucks go (15-18).
THEN, Woody says AFTER the game, “I want more ball movement.” And even though he got it from the players in the next two games, we don’t see a lot of it in the Magic series and as Josh Smith said yesterday, “the ball stayed on one side of the floor.”
Speaking of Josh Smith…and this is at the gist of Woody’s failure to insist upon movement and smart offensive plays…how in the world after all this time and scrutiny, is Josh Smith playing point forward 30 feet from the basket? And even worse, hoisting up bricks at terrible times? Clearly, Woody hasn’t defined the offensive roles…which was confirmed again yesterday when Woody told Josh to pass after missing another brick and Josh gave him the “whatever” look.
The good news is the Hawks have a blue collar hustler and leader by example on the team in Al Horford. And Jamal Crawford gets after it pretty hard, and so does Marvin when he’s not walking a round in a funk. Other than that…this team is LAZY…and the coach lets them get away with it.
Lastly, what this team needs is a coach who can get the players in great shape and play with great intensity and enthusiasm…and one who can actually put some trust into rookies and younger players to bring them more quickly into the fold…the truth be told, had the Hawks drafted Brandon Jennings he wouldn’t have gotten any run from Woody…and as we saw in the Bucks’ series, what a waste that would have been. make you wonder what Jeff Teague would be looking like in this series, other than another demoralized Woody rookie.
terrell
May 9th, 2010
11:22 am
Time to shake things up.
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
11:25 am
Joe i have always supported you, and for you 2 come out and say fu#k the fans i am a shame of you, yeah you sit around and collect your 40,000 pay check every 2 weeks why us fan spend our hole check to go the games and support the hawks, me personally i dont give a fu#k 2 because im financially stable, so joe take your rabbit a$$ up 2 new york and be happy FU#K YOU JOE.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Geemack
May 9th, 2010
11:26 am
I’m not sure if blowing the team up is the answer. Prior to JJ comments I wanted him back, but not as a max player.
Since he has shown where he stands, the most the ownership should offer him is 10 -12 mil per to stay, anything over that is way too much.
Al Horford is the leader of the team, and needs to be moved to PF position immediately. We need to go get a center, and Portland has 3 see if they would be willing to trade Pryzbilla or Oden.
I would be willing to part with JSmoove to acquire Oden, however I think Pryzbilla is the more logical acquisition, without have to give up Smoove, plus he gives us toughness and rebounding in the middle and moves Horford to his natural position.
Two things to keep in mind this offseason Jamal is in the last year of his contract which pays him 11 mil next season and Josh’s 10 mil could be put together to bring us the player needed to make us a better team.
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
11:33 am
MY BAD JOE YOU COLLECT 1,000,000 DOLLAR EVERY 2 WEEKS AND US FAN SUPPORT YOU SO FU#K YOU 2.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
JeJe
May 9th, 2010
11:45 am
Are the Hawks even gonna try win tomorrow?
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
11:47 am
The hawks have 2 make a choice between horford and josh this year who do they keep.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
11:49 am
At first i want 2 trade our pick but the 24# pick will be value 2 us we must keep that pick.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
May 9th, 2010
11:51 am
RICK SUND SOLOMON ALABI WILL BE THERE AT PICK 24# DON’T MISS OUT.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Geemack
May 9th, 2010
11:53 am
Ken Strickland
You made some very good points. I read somewhere, that one of Chills main gripes, was Joe’s unwillingness to trust the maturity of the younger guys.
Rod
Can Rudy get you 25ppg? We need a stud & leader and he dosen’t strick me as that type. Also would you be willing to trade Josh to get him?