Atlanta Hawks: Season’s Over
– The Magic swept the Hawks. The total losing margin of 101 points is the largest in NBA history for a four-game sweep. The Hawks were booed in their own arena.
– They hope all of that doesn’t define their season.
– “We are disappointed at the series,” Smoove said, “but we can’t let a bad series overturn all the good we did the whole entire season. Coming into the postseason we thought we could do something special but we couldn’t get it done.”
– “I told [teammates] to keep their heads up regardless what they say about us,” J.J. said. “We had a hell of a year. It wasn’t a good series, but the whole season was good.”
– “I’m proud of our basketball team and what we’ve accomplished this season,” Woody said. “We did a lot of good things this season. I’m happy in the direction the team is going. Sure we have to get better. But it’s a big jump from the first round to the second, third and Finals. We’re still learning.”
– Clearly there wouldn’t be so many sour feelings about the Hawks if they had competed in this series. There is no way taking two franchise-worst beatings in a four-game series is going to leave them on good terms with their fans. At this point, the Bobcats can claim to be closer to the Magic’s level than the Hawks.
– Of course it also didn’t help that the Hawks gave lackluster effort in two games. Josh’s antics (he was looking at the Kiss Cam during one timeout) and J.J.’s comments about fans just added to the ill feelings.
– Still, 53 wins isn’t easy and not something the Atlanta Hawks have done very often. When I see some of my blog people talking about how they should have won 60 (shoot, I’ve even seen 65) I start to wonder. The Hawks are a talented team but, as I’ve said, it’s more physical talent than basketball talent, if you know what I mean. Of course you do, because you’ve watched this team play longer than me.
– No matter what you think of him as a coach, it’s indisputable that Woody is speaking the truth when he says: ““Whatever happens, whether I am here or somewhere else, this team is in a better place than before I got here. That means a lot to me and my staff.”
– Also true is if Woody doesn’t come back because of high expectations, they are expectations he helped create . “I would like to think that,” he said. “Sometimes I don’t think we get the credit because the media is so brutal on coaches. It’s awful. But I’m not going to let that send me in a tizzy or send me the other way because I can hold my head high for what I’ve done in six years.”
– He says he still wants the job: “I would love to stay. I started this six years ago and I would like to finish it.”
– Joe was non-committal about his future, saying he hasn’t thought about the factors that will go into his decision or which teams he might consider. But he said he hasn’t ruled out a return to the Hawks. “I will take some time off, clear my head and spend some time with my family. I am sure I will sit down with my agent in the next couple weeks and see what’s out there.”
– Fans booed J.J. during the game and when he left the floor for the final time. “It don’t bother me,” Joe said. “I’ve got thick skin.”
– Why does he think he had such a bad series? “[It's] a number of things I’d rather not talk about,” J.J. said. “Like I said, no excuses.”
– Asked if he was injured, Joe said: “No.”
– Don’t forget that the Hawks played what has looked like the best team in the league for two months. The Magic are deep, talented and committed. “One thing I’m real confident in with our team is our mental preparation,” Stan Van Gundy said. “I know our energy and intensity will be there. When we get beat, it’s not been because we’ve not been ready to play. As a coach, that’s about the best thing you can say.”
– “Just watch and see their level of intensity they play with,” Al said. “That defines their team. They’re a championship-caliber team. Just take that in and play like that for next season. It takes a whole lot of effort. It’s almost to the point where you have to make yourself feel uncomfortable out there. We didn’t have that this year. With some of our guys when fatigue set in, everybody kind of shied away from it.”
– That’s the kind of thing Woody means when he says the Hawks are still learning how to win. Woody never could get the Hawks to that level this season. It’s too simple to say that’s due to his failures as a coach. The Hawks need better depth–more “bonafide pieces” as Woody says. They need more leadership in the locker room and maybe a different mix of personalities. Otherwise, if Woody doesn’t return the next coach could run into some of the same problems.
– Also remember that it’s tough for any NBA coach to succeed when players know his job security is shaky. That’s just the truth in this league. It’s easier for a player to tune out a coach if he knows he can just wait him out and eventually he could be gone.
– Despite their flaws, the Hawks won 53 games and made it to the second round. “We was playing confident all season long, and we thought we could give them a good fight,” Josh said. “But they are playing great basketball. We never did bring our ‘A’ game.”
– “It’s disappointing, but I feel like I left it all out there and gave all I had,” Al said. “I wish it could have turned out better.”
– I’m out, Hawks fans.
MC
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
255 comments Add your comment
kimforJoe
May 11th, 2010
3:15 am
I remember when the hawks had no chance of making it to the playoffs, yes the team could have played better, but we should be thankful that we made it this far. I think the hawks need to make many changes, but we can not blame Joe for everything. I think he needs to get back focused and really think about what he can do to make himself better and the team. He is a great player I am thankful for the thing that he has done for the team.
northcyde
May 11th, 2010
3:26 am
@ Najeh
. . . if he consistently got to the FT line, he’d a much more efficient scorer. The problem, is that he falls in love with the jumpshot ( no matter how bad of a jumpshot it is ). That’s why he was 1 – 8 FG in the 1st half and took only 2 FTs. He took a couple of horrible shots he had no business taking.
In the 3rd quarter, he started attacking and got to the FT line 7 times. That’s what drives me mad about that dude. He can take just about anybody off the dribble and get to the hole, but he flat out REFUSES to do it, unless his jumper is way off ( ala Gilbert Arenas ).
*****************
@ Grandad . . . I’m not dogging Crawford to hype up JJ. I’m just saying that this dude played no better than a lot of people being villified. Smoove had a much better series than Crawford, yet, people are dogging him left and right for his “lack of attention and effort” . . but acting like Crawford had a decent series?
Please.
He shoots 38% in the Milwaukee series . . and 33% in the Orlando series . . but people are talking about “building” around him? Really?
Grandad
May 11th, 2010
3:43 am
nc – Joe, Josh, Jamal – all pieces on Al’s team.
Just saw something about the Celts are now Rondo’s team.
Well, the same can be said here with Al.
Lose Bibby, bring back Childress = good starting
point for new coach.
We could use a very good veteran leader / as we all
wished Joe Smith was going to be.
Not a big-time player but a glue guy with leadership
qualities such as Battier.
Al probably needs that in the locker room as he pushes
Joe out of his nest (remember I’m hoping Joe stays)
and Joe cedes his role of capt/leader.
Bibby must be elsewhere as he is too closely tied to
the hip of Wdsn. Bibby leaving most likely helps Joe
become a better team guy.
Can’t believe yawl are still up?
MsDee
May 11th, 2010
3:56 am
Northcyde,
This team is not Crawford’s and I truely believe that is the reason his % is so bad. I’m not saying build around him either but at least it doesnt take him 50 drimmbles to create a shot or drive to the basket. Crawford has been on bad teams who had never made it to the playoffs and he HAD to shoot his way to try and get there but couldn’t. But now that he is on a playoff bound team, he was able to get 6th man award b/c he didnt have to try as hard to get points. Now I know JJ leads the team in points (only b/c Jamal comes off the bench), in assists (only because after he had drimmble 50 times & couldnt get a shot up, he passes at the last min for a quit made shot by Bibby or ‘God forbids’ Josh Smith..He never set players up to get easy high-percentage shots for his assists but forced assists), doesnt mean JJ is the one we should build the team around either. I feel Horford should be THAT player to build around. He is the only player with heart, true passion for the game, leader on and off the floor, has championship experience, etc…If we could bring in a coach who can draw up offensive plays that requires the ball to move at ALL TIMES, I could see Jamal sticking with the plan and passing the ball b4 JJ..when the ball gets to him, the movement stops..but dont get me wrong, maybe its coach Woodson fault JJ held the ball so long cause that was his only offensive play the Hawks had.
N-Trigue
May 11th, 2010
4:56 am
Sign and Trade joe for Granger or Gaye….trade Marvin and bibby for marcus CamBy! Lineup will be Teague, granger, Smith,horford, and Camby!
sidneykool
May 11th, 2010
6:06 am
bottom line. we never seen the hawks from the regular season. they look like they were scared of dewight howard. so wht if u get blocked 85 damn times…drive,drive,drive. it creates fouls. josh is our only explosive player( off an alley-oop).. Joe johnson is not a super star, never has been. wht super star gives u 20 points 1 night, then nothn the next. super stars bring it every night.. (sick or dead) they show up. we havent had a super star since dominique wilkins..we are a happy 2 get there playoff team. we iso 2much. whn we dont pass, we loose bottom line. first rule of the game. this is a team sport. then u say its the fans. how come the falcons dont have the same problem then. there sold out every game. win or loose. u no y? because we can see them trying. they show effort, so we ride and die with them.. bottom line until we get a super star ill never step foot in the (dim lights arena),. so b4 i go hawks fans\owners\players\coaches\doctors\mascots\cheerleaders\scoreboard keepers\ryan cameron…etc. Y NOT SPEND EVERY FU$#%% DIME WE HAVE TO BRING THAT BEAST OF A MAN, HEART OF A LION, SOUL OF A FIGHTER, DUDE NAMED DEWAYNE WADE HERE 2 THA A.. hes a free agent, go get his ass…lol even tho i no im wasting my breath it was worth a try.. after all im just a fan… hell do i no..lol!! b easy. joe must go. from mister. youll never see me at a game koolwave…
jose
May 11th, 2010
7:21 am
Hawks proved me wrong! They were CONSISTENT in losing. Since J J was so instrumental on bringing back Woody, I suggest they take the same bus out of town. Hey Joe, the grass looks greener on the other side. GOODBYE JOE, GOODBYE WOODY!!
O'Brien
May 11th, 2010
7:39 am
Najeh,
Sund drafted Sene, but didn’t he also draft Robert Swift? Or was it Petro? Either way, his draft history is not so good. And last year, he had a chance to make some changes. But what did he do?
He resigned Bibby, Marvin and ZaZa. Who were the 3 players who regressed the most? Bibby, Marvin and ZaZa. So I am taking a wait and see approach with Rick.
Northcyde,
Crawford played horrible, defense was bad, and his shot selection was bad. But right or wrong, people will go easier on him because this was his first time in the playoffs, he is not the team leader and best player (JJ is), and he is not the one who helps set the tone with his motor (Josh is).
Woody and JJ,
I appreciate all the work you guys did for the Hawks. There were a lot of bumps along the road, but you guys helped get us where we are today. That being said, JJ: I would like to have you back (for the right price), but Woody: Thanks, but good luck on your next job.
Peter
May 11th, 2010
7:44 am
The answer is in the lack of passing game…….a team can’t win with an ISO Offense at the higher level in the playoffs. Team ball is what works, one on one will carry you only so far.
Anyone that doesn’t get that, needs to learn about the game itself.
For Woody, JJ and the guys who don’t know this, they should move on if we are going to have a real legit chance at a championship.
Dap01
May 11th, 2010
8:01 am
JJ had a horrible series but the main blame goes to Woody and his LACK of coaching.
JJ can be a very valuable piece to a great team.
trint
May 11th, 2010
8:09 am
It still falls on Woody’s shoulder. I was listening to an interview with Alvin Gentry yesterday(you know the coach of the team that just swept the Spurs) well he mentioned that he not only coach the top 6 or 7 players on his team but he COACH all twelve players, because you need an entire team to play great basketball especially in the playoffs. Even though they may not play there will never be a player who is not prepared to play. He also mentioned that he and his coaches hold everyone accountable. From the coaching staff to the players, if you’re not doing what you are suppose to do, he has no problem pulling you for one of those other 12 players on the team. Thats the knock on Woody, he never COACHED all 12 players, regardless of talent any player on an NBA roster has something to offer. He did not hold anyone accountable, Marvin and Bibby was unproductive all season long and instead of trying to shake things up as far as the starting lineup he ran the same starting 5 every game. When Josh felt the need to pout like a baby instead of getting back on defense, he just let it happen.
Woody states, “oh it does not goes unnoticed, we discuss it when we review the tape” (that may not be word for word), but thats too late. You have lost the game now, maybe if you would have pulled in in the first or second qtr and got in his face then everyone would be on notice that I have to give all out effort, but remember Woody does not coach EFFORT. Oh well, we went from 47 to 53 wins so I guess you can hold your head on that.
The Real Hawk
May 11th, 2010
8:10 am
Anyone who thinks a leader can DEMAND respect has never BEEN a leader!
Ray
May 11th, 2010
8:14 am
It is never good when the coach says in press conferences “We didn’t compete.” Players is gutless and heartless. Wont call them a team. There were times the Bucks were down by 20, they never gave up. They did everything to fight back. Against Orlando, time after time watched Orlando players cruise down the lane and dunk with NO defense. That is lack of effort. Johnson, if you want to get paid like Lebron and Wade,,, then put up the numbers and show LEADERSHIP. He has an off night he scores 2 points. I watched Ginobli the other night.. off night he scores 15. Our guy has an off night–our star he disappears and scores 2. Josh Smith,,, dude you were flat out intimidated. The Magic is strong, a better team. But NO excuse in being heartless and not trying. We will not get better til we get a point guard, a good point guard. Oh and Johnson, boo yourself right out of town. You are a nice player, star player…hmmmmm you proved you are not.
Fundamentals
May 11th, 2010
8:28 am
Time is now to step back and be realistic folks. The season is over and it’s time to relect. We need time to clear our heads to decide what is the real status of each individual asset on our team. What do they want. Where do they want to be. I pray each and every one committ to that over the next few weeks.
The unity, intensity and passion of the Magic weren’t created over night. They bought into a system, they bought into a team, they gelled at the right time. We didn’t, our gel came early in this season. From there we fell short. We got our gift before Christmas, and from there forward we played to meet expectations. For many we did, but for so many other we fell so entirely short. There is no unity.
Like Woodson & his team or not, they have changed us from the laughing stock of the league into a 2nd round matchup. Thank Joe for one heck of a piggy back ride. As we grew up we became too heavy. Like him or not he’s carried quite the load for a long time. Ask the Nuggets how much they’d die to be in our shoes the past 2-3 years. Many teams can’t get out of the first round.
The playoffs have manifested our weaknesses. We have a bench we don’t know how to use, we have starters who don’t mesh with their unit, we have obvious talent that isn’t coming close to being maximized. Is it the coach, is it the system, is it the players? I think it has to do with unity and selfishness colliding. When they truly bought in, the system was flawless and amazing, but when they were selfish…we get embarrassed in the playoffs, we lost games we should’ve won in the regular season, it was just too clear folks didn’t really care.
Think about where you want to be Hawks. I love this team. I see value in every player right down to someone like Morris becoming a starting center in this league. Each piece can be utilized if given a real chance somewhere, but you’ve gotta want it.
Laugh if you want, but Orlando’s bench looks so superior, because they’ve been developed, they’ve bought in and they know they can contribute. Half our team acts depressed and out of place, mainly because they know they won’t get an opportunity.
Who really wants to be here? Who really wants to play. BE HONEST! That’s what I want to see – DESIRE, UNITY, COMMITTMENT. Our team just fell apart when it counted.
When does summer league start? I need some more Hawks Basketball.
Thank you for an amazing regular season. My family loved it!
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
8:30 am
I agree with many of you. Woodson should not come back.
But, that being said, I’m not putting this series on him. This is on the players. They are the ones who are accountable for this. The lack of effort, will, desire from that group is sick. Tired of listening to people rip Woodson on here, radio, where ever and never point the finger where it should be pointed…at the players.
Josh Smith is back to being Josh Smith. You really think a new coach is going to be able to deal with him? What happens the first time the new coach benches him? What happens the first time the new coach gets on him? It won’t be good. Josh Smith should follow Joe Johnson right out of town. Smith has no heart. When the going gets tough, he whines to the ref.
As for Joe Johnson…I do not think a player has ever fallen further from my grace than him. Not only was he exposed as a fraud of a player, but the comments he made about the fans still p#ss me off. Proud to say I was part of the crowd booing him off the floor last night. All Joe had to say was “I’m sorry”. He didn’t. And, therefore, he can go F himself. Hope he ends up in NYC. Those people will run him out of town on a rail.
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
8:31 am
Fundamentals, quit trying to put a positive spin on this. It’s thinking like that that will get us right back here next year.
Glitchy
May 11th, 2010
8:33 am
Quitters!
And stop with the first name crap – you sound like a stinking cheerleader. And by the way, Smoove is not a freakin’ name.
Try looking up the word “Sycophant” if the AJC owns a dictionary.
ATLFANSSUCK
May 11th, 2010
8:45 am
Atlanta: Worst Fans in sports!!!
darrell starks
May 11th, 2010
8:47 am
No time 2 clear our heads it’s time 2 get busy, that was horrible last night i mean horrible no excitement at all, look the hawks need at least 2 or three stars on the team in order 2 go to the next level, but owner ship must show and prove if they are going 2 keep the fans coming 2 the games, you have 2 spend money 2 make money point blank period.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
i_am_soulstar
May 11th, 2010
8:51 am
Resign JJ, trade Marvin and Bibby for a second round pick. And for God’s sake, develop Teague.
NC Braves Fan
May 11th, 2010
8:52 am
Personally I think Woody did a fantastic job the past several years in elevating the club. But clearly it is time for a change for both sides and I do wish him well.
It’s been overlooked by many, but I find it quite odd that the Hawks made some really nice adjustments in Game 2 against ORL and then fell apart in the 4Q. Worse yet, they could not take any positives from what was really a pretty good road performance.
I’m guessing that if they had stuck with that plan of attacking Dwight and passing the ball on offense, they would have won one or both games in ATL. As it is, they showed no commitment to the things that made them competitive in Game 2.
In fact, I didn’t see any consistent plan at all in games 3 or 4.
Finally, it’s easy to blame Woody or Joe or anybody else you want to — but this is a team failure that reflects on everyone. I know that’s simplistic — but the day after, it seems fitting to say.
jean
May 11th, 2010
8:53 am
33% or not he got to the line and led the team in scoreing this series of the bench……if jj did his job aside from the first game all the games would be close
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
8:55 am
The owners of the Hawks, affectionatly known to Thrasher fans as the Atlanta Spirit Clowns, Atl. Ass Clowns and The Octocluster are business men first. They know nothing about either sport. Guys, it is time for JJ and Woody to go. JJ because he is not the leader Atl. needs and Woody’s time has come. No hard feelings, just need a change at the top. The Clowns are not going to fire Sund, but they will force Sund to get rid of Woody.
Scrotie McBoogerballs
May 11th, 2010
8:56 am
“Atlanta Hawks: Season’s Over”
Atlanta Fans: Who cares?
Grandad
May 11th, 2010
9:00 am
The Real Hawk:
Respect – 1st you demand it then you *command it.
*(earn)
But in the beginning if you don’t demand it you never get it!
Once you *earn it, then the responsibility is up to you to
*maintain it.
*(command)
Fundamentals:
Co-sign!
KnightHawk
May 11th, 2010
9:00 am
Hire Hubie Brown right now to be the Hawks next coach!! Pay the man what he wants!!
Bertie
May 11th, 2010
9:19 am
Al Horford will be the future leader of this team. He is a winner, has the desire to win and will command respect from his teammates. He and Josh get along and Al will control him and keep him focused, kind of what he did in Florida with talented but not always focused teammate Joachim Noah.
First, Coach Woodson should not be resigned. I recognize he did a great job in his tenure here but he has no offensive game plan to take this team to the next level. Also, Joe Johnson should not be resigned. He is a great player but is too much in love with dribbling the ball reducing substantially the number of possesions and making his teammates ineffective, specifically Josh, Marvin and Al inside. Use that money to bring a lights out shooter to open it up inside for our workhorses (e.g. Ray Allen, Mike Miller, etc. – Sund can fill up the list), increase Jamal’s minutes but still have him coming off the bench, and bring or draft an upgrade to Zaza as backup center were in some matchups can start and move Al to 4 and Josh or Marvin at 3.
the omni
May 11th, 2010
9:29 am
The hawks were not built to be in the playoffs ans they got exposed they are not that good they simply played in a weak conference they are no better than jazz, trailblazers, thunder, they are a regular season team so dont get mad. Y ou should be proud of your hawks cause they suckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
SLAM ONLINE | » Atlanta Hawks Seek Positives from Their Season
May 11th, 2010
9:30 am
[...] sweep at the hands of the Orlando Magic, players from the ATL tell the Journal-Constitution that there’s no shame in the kind of year they’ve had: “The Magic swept the Hawks. The total losing margin of 101 points is the largest in NBA [...]
O'Brien
May 11th, 2010
9:39 am
Section 303,
I was disappointed in Josh as well. But I dont think we should trade him until we get to see what another coach can do. If a new coach comes in, and him and Josh get into it, then I say trade Josh. But give him another chance with another coach.
And I dont blame Woody for all that went wrong. But as the HC, he has to take the blame. Plus, a lot of it was due to his shortcomings.
I think he deserves another job with another team, as long as its a team thats starting over.
BigTimeTECHFan
May 11th, 2010
9:41 am
Woodson got out coached to series in a row.
Our talent is closer to Orlando the the Bucks (-minus Redd and Bogut). The Bucks competed with us yet we could not even compete with Orlando.
Riddick and Williams played as good in their few minutes as any of our guards, it because a coach has a system that utilizes player talent.
Hawks are built to run but Woodson walks the ball up to much.
Joe Johnson is good player but is very easily intimidated, not good when your go to guy is playing scared of defense, he no superstar. There are about 15 better 2 guards in the league. He should not be 3rd team all NBA.
Hawks need some pure shooters and a athletic garbage player that does nothing but get offensive rebounds, defends, Jason Maxiell would be nice.
terrell
May 11th, 2010
9:44 am
And to think, a lot of people around here wanted Orlando. lol! Horrible matchup for the Hawks. Would’ve had a better chance vs. Cleveland or Boston. And btw, is Woody still in Atlanta?
Mike is Back
May 11th, 2010
9:48 am
MC, well said…you encapsulated the drama of an entire season…in a few paragraphs. The only solace for me this season…was game seven at Phillips against the Bucks. IT WAS ROWDY LIKE A HURRICANE AT THAT GAME…THE CROWD WAS INSANE THAT DAY.
That was the highlight of the season for me. That took me back to my Nique days…when the Omni use to rock. The Hawks was the Big Ticket in town back than…it was nice just for once to get that feeling back.
No disrespect to Woody….I Don’t know about the ASG…BUT I’M TIRED OF HEARING EXCUSES. I’ll leave it at that.
terrell
May 11th, 2010
9:50 am
Woody can take his jumpshooting offense and switching defense to Philly, or wherever he ends up when he gets the axe..
Juan
May 11th, 2010
9:50 am
Like Ricky Bobby says, “If you ain’t first, you’re last!” How could the players think it was a “good season” with the way it ended. You could go 82-0 in the regular season but if you go out in the playoffs like this the season is a huge disappointment.
ChiTownBrian
May 11th, 2010
9:54 am
GREAT SEASON HAWKS!!!!!!!!! Hey we ran into the wrong team, thats the only reason I wanted us to be the 4 seed so we’d play the CAVS. You can’t trade 3’s for 2’s. I think the Magic will win the finals with the way they are shooting. Woody needed to change the D for this series but we only played 1 kind of D all year! We tried to go Man against the BUCKS and when that didn’t work I said to myself wait till we play the Magic and thats what happened. We needed to let howard do his thing but keep the magic from killing us with 3’s cause we can’t match them on that and looking at the total they would have us by 25-30 a game on 3’s.
Very sad to see the season over but WE HAD A GREAT YEAR AND HOPE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN FOR NEXT SEASON! I HOPE WE RESIGN JOE BUT GET A NEW COACH!
Stop all the HATING ON SMOOVE! Hate to say it but yes I’ve given up on Marvin too. If you’ve ever got to the game EARLY he’s the only one out on the court shooting Round the World and he hits EVERYTHING!!! But he’s too soft! Always goes to the rack and falls down! Love Marvin but he’s not a starter! Will always LOVE the hawks but today is a sad day!
darrell starks
May 11th, 2010
9:57 am
Go get bosh and devin harris and bring joe back on the low low, okay here are some of the trade scenario that is possible, the nets must get something for devin if they sign john wall and raptors must get something bosh before he leave for nothing, here are some of the trade scenario.
1.TRADE JOSH AND ZAZA AND MOE EVANS FOR BOSH.
2.TRADE MARVIN AND TEAGUE FOR DEVIN HARRIS.
3.BRING JOE 5 YEAR 70MILL.
4.BRING CHILL BACK
5.FREE AGENT OUTLAW AND AL HARRINGTON
6.24# SOLOMON ALABI
7.COACH AVERY JOHNSON
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
5.
Ken Strickland
May 11th, 2010
9:59 am
Overall, we’ve had good regular seasons over the last 2yrs as far as wins are concerned. But in the playoffs, it’s been embarrassing, including the two 1st rd wins over Miami and Milwaukee. Our playoff woes over the last 2yrs are the result of Woodson’s inability to see into the future, and as a result, he doesn’t plan for the future. He also allows his personal bias’ to interfere with this teams ability to move forward, like:
(1) refusing to play rookie guards no matter what,
(2) refusing to make changes or adjustments that might help struggling players,
(3) refusing to allow younger players an opportunity to challenge veteran players.
(4) refusing to make regular season decisions designed to prepare the players, bench, and team overall, for a successful playoff run,
(5) Refusing to caring enough about OFF and OFF woes to actually do something about, or get help for, what is obviously a very flawed and limited OFF system and philosophy,
(6) Refusing to hold veteran players accountable for their mistakes and poor performances, while giving them complete autonomy, and holding young players to an error free standard that’s almost certain to insure some degree of failure and loss of confidence.
As teams get better and make adjustments to Woodson’s predictable OFF/DEF and his personal bias’ and philosophy, we see during the playoffs the results of him doing nothing different to offset those adjustments. Each yr we do better during the regular season, and each yr we do worse during the playoffs, to the point of being totally embarrassed.
We have to do to Woodson what he’s refused to do, and that’s hold the team, the veteran players and him to a higher standard than just regular seasons wins and making the playoffs.
If Woodson isn’t resigned, I want to extend a heart felt thanks to him for helping this team get to this point, and I wish him well. If he’s resigned, we need to FIRE SUND!
Ken Strickland
May 11th, 2010
9:59 am
Overall, we’ve had good regular seasons over the last 2yrs as far as wins are concerned. But in the playoffs, it’s been embarrassing, including the two 1st rd wins over Miami and Milwaukee. Our playoff woes over the last 2yrs are the result of Woodson’s inability to see into the future, and as a result, he doesn’t plan for the future. He also allows his personal bias’ to interfere with this teams ability to move forward, like:
(1) refusing to play rookie guards no matter what,
(2) refusing to make changes or adjustments that might help struggling players,
(3) refusing to allow younger players an opportunity to challenge veteran players.
(4) refusing to make regular season decisions designed to prepare the players, bench, and team overall, for a successful playoff run,
(5) Refusing to caring enough about OFF and OFF woes to actually do something about, or get help for, what is obviously a very flawed and limited OFF system and philosophy,
(6) Refusing to hold veteran players accountable for their mistakes and poor performances, while giving them complete autonomy, and holding young players to an error free standard that’s almost certain to insure some degree of failure and loss of confidence.
As teams get better and make adjustments to Woodson’s predictable OFF/DEF and his personal bias’ and philosophy, we see during the playoffs the results of him doing nothing different to offset those adjustments. Each yr we do better during the regular season, and each yr we do worse during the playoffs, to the point of being totally embarrassed.
We have to do to Woodson what he’s refused to do, and that’s hold the team, the veteran players and him to a higher standard than just regular seasons wins and making the playoffs.
If Woodson isn’t resigned, I want to extend a heart felt thanks to him for helping this team get to this point, and I wish him well. If he’s resigned, we need to FIRE SUND!
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
10:00 am
O’Brien, I understand what you’re saying. But, I don’t trust Josh Smith to respond well to any kind of coach that comes in here. Woodson was a saint to Josh, I think. He didn’t bench him for stupid shots, arguing with refs, being lazy…you name it. I betting the new coach will not tolerate those things.
When (I’m not even going to say if) Josh lashes out at being benched or punished in some way the Hawks probably will look into trading him. Problem with that is teams will know the Hawks are desperate to deal and that kills any kind of leverage the Hawks will have. Trade him now while there are still teams stupid enough to take him on.
Zebras don’t change their stripes. Josh Smith will always be Josh Smith.
Dawg 17/20
May 11th, 2010
10:03 am
Overheard from the Hawks locker room after game 4 – “The season is over, now pay us!”
darrell starks
May 11th, 2010
10:03 am
ATLANTA HAWKS 2010 WITH COACH AVERY
STARTER DEVIN, JOE, CHILL, HORFORD, BOSH,
BENCH ACIE LAW, JAMAL, OUTLAW, HARRINGTON, SOLOMON ALABI
RESERVE BIBBY, MORRIS
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
10:09 am
darrell starks, what are you talking about? How do you come up with that roster. And, if that’s what we have to work with, it’s welcome back to 2005. That team would suck.
SN
May 11th, 2010
10:18 am
Fire WOODSON. We need a coach that develops rookie talent and not them them rot on the bench example Acie Law, and now Jeff Teague.. Why get a 1rst round pick if your not going to do anything with em. And why did we even sign Joe Smith just to barely play him. Keep JJ and bring in someone like Avery Johnson.
Simon says he has a new identity system | ZDNet
May 11th, 2010
10:20 am
[...] Sun’s open source executive suite is being broken up faster than the Atlanta Hawks and for the same reason – losing. [...]
Ry
May 11th, 2010
10:21 am
One thing I do agree with is that Horford play his heart out, and produced. I used to think that Josh Smith was one of the best players on the team and the Hawks needed to keep him. However, after watching him all season and especially in the playoffs, I am not sure he can be coached. Sure he is the most talented athlectically, but I am not sure he will listen to any coach until he matures more. His whining and just giving up on plays is embarrassing. He walked down the floor so many times while every member of the Bucks and Magic were hustling their butts off. I really think they should attempt to trade Josh.
BigTimeTECHFan
May 11th, 2010
10:23 am
I’m going to just start pulling for the Suns this year.
Think they will beat the Lakers?
Relentless
May 11th, 2010
10:23 am
What a season…regardless of how it ended, it was a heck of a season! I think people tend to forget that athletes are real people with real lives outside of the arena. Yes Johnson is a leader of the team and when it seemed he was no longer playing with heart what do the fans do, turn their backs. This seems to be a typical Atlanta attitude. When things go your way you’re happy when they don’t you turn on people. What if people who you count on day in and day out do the same thing to you when you’re “going through something”.
Woodson did a lot in the 6 years but I do agree he has run his course. Sometimes coaches are really really good at one thing in particular. He has proven he can build a team and that’s what he’s good at, but not so much as carrying his team. So thank you Woodson for all your hard work and eventhough you may not be the kind of coach that can take a team all the way, you are certainly the man for the job when it comes to setting a foundation and without the foundation, championships can’t be won. You done something for the Hawks that hasn’t been done in a long time and for that Atlanta should be grateful.
To all the Hawks fans, learn to get behind your team and encourage them when it seems they can’t seem to encourage themselves, you’ll be amazed at how much it could turn a situation around. The staff, coaches, players and fans all have to work together for the success of a team. Take care of home first! I was ashamed to even be at the game with all the booing that took place…what a disappointment and what 2-faced fans! I’m not even from Atlanta and haven’t been here long but I never boo the home team. As for Johnson’s comments, hey when you’re not getting the support you need from the people you count on, who needs you…I feel ya Joe!
Can’t wait til next season! Let’s go Hawks…See ya in 2010-2011 Johnson!
Horford, Williams, Smith and Crawford…..way to go hard in the Playoffs!
BigTimeTECHFan
May 11th, 2010
10:24 am
I forgot about Steve Nash, been watching playoff’s and man is he good.
BigTimeTECHFan
May 11th, 2010
10:27 am
I wish we had:
PG J Jack
SG J Crittenton
SF T Young
C Bosh
PF D Favors