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
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255 comments Add your comment
Najeh Davenpoop
May 11th, 2010
10:30 am
“Zebras don’t change their stripes. Josh Smith will always be Josh Smith.”
Good thing the Pistons didn’t say the same thing in 2004 about Rasheed Wallace, or else they neve would have won a title.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 11th, 2010
10:37 am
Co-sign Ken Strickland’s 9:59 post.
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
10:40 am
Najeh, you never heard the coaches/teammates get on Rasheed Wallace. He has always been a good guy. He just got ripped by the media for getting T’s. Most of which came defending teammates. And, don’t remember anyone ever questioning his effort, either.
Stop trying to be an apologist for Josh Smith. I can’t believe anyone would ever defend that guy after the weak effort he displayed this series.
I can live with playing bad. That happens. Can’t take pro athletes that won’t play hard. But, you know…let’s just rip the coach, right?
Let Me Lay It Out 4 U
May 11th, 2010
10:40 am
ok….ok….ok….i got it….here we go….
1st: IMO get a new management team…ASG just sucks big time.
2nd: Get rid of Sund. Horrible GM so far… The Jamaal signing was a GIFT from an old friend.
3rd: Get rid of Woody. Nuff said.
4th: Joe has got to go. Obviously.
5th: Marvin’s time has run out.
6th: Bibby’s days are numbered. Release him.
7th: Josh is the only player with any trade value. Sorry Josh. See ya.
8th: Everyone on the bench is worthless except for Jamaal and Teague. Get rid of the rest.
So…..lets see….that leaves Jamaal and Teague and infinite possiblities.
GO HAWKS!!!!
Let Me Lay It Out 4 U
May 11th, 2010
10:43 am
Ooops…I forgot….KEEP AL!!!!
Let Me Lay It Out 4 U
May 11th, 2010
10:56 am
HA!!!!! Just as I thought!!! EVERYONE AGREES WITH ME!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
May 11th, 2010
11:00 am
“He has always been a good guy. He just got ripped by the media for getting T’s. Most of which came defending teammates. And, don’t remember anyone ever questioning his effort, either.”
Huh? I can’t even count the number of times I have heard commentators mention how Sheed could be as good as KG if he really wanted. If that’s not a criticism of his effort, what is it?
By the way, Josh was (as usual) the only Hawk yesterday who tried to pass the ball, get teammates involved, and make something happen on defense. If pointing that out makes me an apologist, so be it.
Trade Josh to a team with a working offensive system and he will become a 20-10-5 guy like C-Webb, not that he’s too far off from that as it is. After all the talent this team has already let slip through its fingers, that’s the last thing we need.
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
11:11 am
Yeah, sure he will Najeh….and he will still stand around and not play hard. It isn’t going to change.
You and I must have watched a different game last night…..was your favorite play Josh’s dunk he got because he didn’t run back on defense?
I blog with more Heart
May 11th, 2010
11:11 am
The Hawks got problems from top to bottom, Penny Pinching Owners, No Leader on the floor, and fans that are fed up with a bull$h!t product.
I blog with more Heart
May 11th, 2010
11:15 am
Looks like we are in for a 13 win season next year, thanks! Cause mabey we would get a great draft pick to go with Horford.
darrell starks
May 11th, 2010
11:15 am
SECTION 303 WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, this squad i put together can compete with any one.
STARTE D. HARRIS, JOE, CHILL, HORFORD, BOSH
BENCH ACIE, JAMAL, OUTLAW, HARRINGTON. SOLOMAN ALABI
RESERVE BIBBY, MORRIS
AND COACH AVERY
SECTION 303 WHAT ARE YOU SMOKING.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:18 am
Here is a repost from this morning……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
Melvin
May 11th, 2010
11:20 am
The problem I have with some of the players responses is that they refused to own up to team poor play in the playoffs. They got embarrassed by Magic (and the Bucks considering they were missing 2 key players) and trying to put a positive spin own it by referencing their regular season record. We as fans would accept it better if they would just admit they didn’t play well and deserved to be booed (like the Celtics did after their game 3 blowout lost to the Cavs) and accept the criticism of their poor play instead of pointing fingers at the fans. They played in front of a sold out Philips Arena in game 3 when they got outplayed by the Magic and suffer their worst home loss. Why would they expect anybody to pat them on the back and say good game (or series) after setting the NBA record for largest margin of defeat? They should have been upset with their own play and vow to play better the next game/season. Instead, they make comments about they could careless if the fans show up or not. This team needs to see the Wizard of Oz for a heart.
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:22 am
By the way, Bibby needs to go along with JJ and Woody.
What the HELL is a Smooooove, you bunch of ignorant azzes. Who the eff in Chill??? Use their name please.
To Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:26 am
Looks like YOU are the only IGNORANT AZZ who doesn’t know who we are talking about….DOH!!!!
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:26 am
Hockey player, stops on side of roag after a game 7 loss in the playoffs, changes the tire of a stranded lady’s car who’s granddaughter is with her. And aplogizes to them about losing the game
Joe Johnson, blames the fans…..
GOD I LOVE HOCKEY
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:27 am
Chill, what a crock of bull sheet.
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:28 am
road***
Amazing
May 11th, 2010
11:29 am
So the rumors are true. There IS a hockey fan in Atlanta.
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:29 am
by the way, i love the sport of basketball, just not the ignorant punks that try to talk about it. uh-oh, i might be talking about me….
CRACK HEAD
May 11th, 2010
11:30 am
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
DEM HAWKS BE HOLDIN THE BIG TROPHY IN A FEW WEEKS!!!! DEY GUNNA SWEEP DA PATRIOTS IN THE SUPER FINALS!!!!
YEEEAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:31 am
i am in savannah….lol…good one…yall aint gonna come see Evander Kane, the next great hockey player to play for the Thrashers??? He is named after Evander Holyfield, you know, anotha brotha.
HawksFan1
May 11th, 2010
11:33 am
The Hawks looked like they gave up after blowing the fourth period lead in game two…they just didn’t put forth any effort. And for a ’superstar’ like Joe Johnson to get shut down like that, speaks volumes. The Hawks played like they were afraid…forcing shots, making bad shots…they are better than that…I know Dwight Howard is a force, but he’s only one man…I mean really…maybe a new coach would make things better…he would know to stop the Iso…play man, it was pointless to double team Howard with the ball movement the Magic had…there was ALWAYS and open man…I’d rather get killed with a 2 pt dunk, than 3’s raining down on me…really…They need to think about trading Bibby and some more folks for a legitmate big man..maybe trade Marvin Williams with Bibby…move Horford back to his natural position…time will only tell…and why is it not possible for the Hawks to go after a big name this offseason???? Who wouldn’t want to see LeBron or D-Wade in a Hawks uniform…Mike Vick sold out the Dome by himself…don’t they think LBJ or Wade would do the same…sometimes you have to spend money to make money…Why are the Atl teams so tight with money????? Look at what’s happening to the Braves right now…they don’t want to spend any money, and they suck!
RedNeck
May 11th, 2010
11:33 am
to friend at hockey game: Are you SURE they’re gonna let us snort this ice when they’re done playin?
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:34 am
The Thrashers would like to add Jerome Iginla(anotha brotha too) as a free agent, maybe get some of the scalpers off the street in inside the arena to watch a game of hockey. More money for the spirit clowns means more money for both franchises.
darrell starks
May 11th, 2010
11:35 am
The hawks are hurting at 3 position 1. 3. 5.
1.devin harris is and up grade over bibby
3.chill is and up grade over sorry marvin
5.bosh and horford on the blocks give you a better inside game than josh and horford.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
11:35 am
Exit: Woodson, Bibby, Mo Evans
Enter: Avery Johnson, Travis Outlaw, Brendan Heywood, and A.J Price
Draft: Gordon Heyward or Gani Lawal
Re-Sign: Joe Johsnon
GET ER’ DONE SUND!
Hey Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
11:36 am
The hockey blog is on another page….oh…..wait….my bad.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
11:39 am
Ha! Childress, Linas Kleiza and the rest of those Greek flunkies got crushed in the Euroleauge Championchip Game Against FC Barcelona a team which had Ricky Rubio and Juan-Carlos Navarro. I mean Blowout crushed.
Please Rick! Trade Childress’ Rights We don’t need him!
Jonathan Dupree
May 11th, 2010
11:44 am
They need to sign ROD STRICKLAND because he can’t be stopped except by hotdogs and cops!
Sautee
May 11th, 2010
11:46 am
LOL at someone posting as “Glitzy” complaining that “Smoove” is not a real name.
Now THAT’S funny!
Samuel
May 11th, 2010
11:49 am
It’s finally over. I guess many of you are happy and will no doubt get your wish. Woody will probably not get resigned and we’ll see this great new coach take us to the next level (Eastern Conference Finals). LOL!!
Props to my boy Woody for taking this bunch as far as he did. He’s still COY in my book. I guess Sloan is the “horse shoes” COY since they played “closer” than we did in their sweep.
I definitely believe JJ will go too. Then it’s back to the Lotto. Good Luck.
Fundamentals
May 11th, 2010
11:52 am
Section 303
I realize change is needed. Sorry you think I’m sugar coating us back to a repeat next year. I’m definitely not. I’ve been a solid Woodson supporter to give him the respect he deserves. He’s brought us a long way. You are a fan of his team if you’re reading that. At least give him that.
I think it’s time for Woodson to get a new look – here or somewhere else. Our team and it’s philosophy has to change. If he’s willing to do that, let him continue to build with new pieces. I honestly don’t think he can do that here. The players have shown they need a new voice.
My main message: WHO WANTS TO BE HERE AS PART OF OUR TEAM!
As far as Joe goes he needs a leader here to direct him. We all know if we sign him he’s our marquee guy. If he stays he’ll need a new coach and some strong vets or new personalities to dominate this team and keep them in check. Joe can’t do it alone. He’s proven that. Will that happen, we’ll see what comes up?
As far as Bibby goes we should respect what he did for us. If he wants to be here he must take the back seat. We need Teague to develop ASAP. We need to sign another guard who can shoot the 3 and defend tenatiously against quicker guards. Bibby’s role needs to be secondary or even shifted to an assistant coaches role. He should be a stabilizer for 2-3 minutes per quarter to give Teague rest.
Teague – those other guards people put up every day on the blog actually got a shot in a real offense along with professional players who bought into the system. Teague seems to be an awesome prospect who can lead this team. He was just never given the shot. He needs to start next season and play starters minutes or we need to sign someone who can. Either way Bibby is our new Anthony Johnson.
Will Marvin step up if Joe is gone? Would he be a force under a new coach? What does he really want? That’s the 7.5 million dollar question? Who can we get for him if we were to trade him? It’s obvious he has no role on our existing team. He can’t find his niche. He’s too gifted a kid to waste. He deserves a real shot here or there.
Crawford will always be a perfect 6th man role. He’s too streaky and too lackluster on D to really count on as a starter. I love his game, his class, his efforts this season. He doesn’t fit in a starter role for a playoff contender. I’m sorry, there’s a reason his playoff drought was so record breaking. We used him well, but needed other options when he’s obviously off. We didn’t do that. We rode the ISO offense till it failed.
ZaZa – proves he can be efficient when he wants to. That depends on chemistry and the direction of the team. When unity fades, he does as well. He’s our barometer.
Josh – Woodson tried, the next guy will as well. He limits himself with his attitude and childish nature. Kid can be a 1st team NBA player. It’s all in his hands/head. He needs to be a 3.
Horford – showed great promise in becoming a dominant power forward. He needs help. I’m looking forward to seeing what he adds to his game this summer.
Morris – deserved a real shot at being a reliable backup. Eventually maybe even a starter. He and Teague were cheated more than anyone else this year. He showed great progress. I hated him last year. This year I just feel for the kid. He deserved so much more this season.
Mario – needs to find a team where he can really be a role player. We signed him, but never used him. I’m not saying he’s some great assett, but I still say we wasted what he had to offer. I bet the Bucks, Phoenix or San Antonio would know how to use him effectively. Loved the kid since GT, aint stoppin now.
Joe Smith – I’m sorry. You got shafted. You deserved better. I hope you’re healthy enough to try it again somewhere you fit in. Woodson screwed you.
Collins – I’m sorry for you as well. You showed great strides at getting in shape. You showed some good play when you got in to me. Nobody can stop Dwight. Especially with the crappy calls you got handed. I think Collins, ZaZa and Morris could’ve been a serviceable center combination. Too bad we didn’t ever try it.
Mo Evans – thank you for your effort and energy. You control your own destiny with the player option. What would you like to do? If you stay we need you to work on footwork and quickness to help reduce fouls. Why do you play so well when you start and sulk when you don’t? It’s so clear you have potential, but why does it shine when others are out? Chemistry, pride, motivation? What gives?
Is that enough 303? It all coming down to who wants to be a Hawk. We need to make a major decision on Woodson soon to set the tone. That’ll give us an opportunity to evaluate who wants to be an Atlanta Hawk. From there we can feel out opportunities to make adjustments. After that we can look towards the draft.
I think the real gems will come in finding rising talent who need a shot. We need a coaching staff that can maximize the talent and craft a system to ulitize that maximized talent. Both playoff series proved our team was tired of being round pegs crammed in a square hole.
Thank you for one of the best seasons we’ve had Hawks players and coaches. We love you. We’re not mad, we just want the best situation moving forward for everyone. It’s obvious change is needed. The sooner we’re honest, the better!
Who REALLY wants to be an ATLANTA HAWK? That’s the real question for preparing for 2010/2011.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
Wee need a coach who uses the “Read and React” offense or the “7 seconds or less” offense…
Mike is Back
May 11th, 2010
12:04 pm
Section 303, I can understand your frustration with Josh…but to say he is un coach able…is going too far. If you haven’t notice Josh is the kind of guy that wears his emotions on his sleeve. Yeah, his attitude and behavior drives you crazy…but I like stated at the end of last season. CAN THE HAWKS PLEASE GET JOSH A MENTOR…yeah just like DHoward. He needs a Patrick Ewing type mentor…someone to help him control his emotions and help him focus more on the mental aspect of the game. It has done wonders for DHoward…maybe it could work for Josh.??????? No way I’m trading him…unless I can get something of equal value.
I got to admit…I read Shultz Six-point plan for the Hawks…and I totally agree the move he suggested…WOW!!!
Clyde, I’m joining the tee shirt business…we need to partner up. The name of my tee shirts will read…WAS BK RIGHT??? Sorry, I know that was a cheesy shot…but I couldn’t resist. HEH HEH
MC, its been great…However, its time to LOG MORE TIME with ODLed and them DIRTY BIRDS.
Sund, please don’t drag this out…no sense in postponing the obvious…HE IS EITHER COMING BACK OR NOT…get it over with please.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:11 pm
Avery Johnson uses a controlled Nelly-ball style offense….I think he will be a good fit. He will also give this team the leader it desperately needs! He’s serious Defensively as Well!!!!
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:17 pm
Question: Why do TV personalities say “You know what to expect from a Jerry Sloan team. They play hard”
Why is there a double standard in Atlanta??? Whay are the players being blamed when they are just executing what they were taught and told to do!!!!!??????
Woody is a soft, unimaginative, Inconsistant, bad offensive coach and his team took on his personality!!! End of story!!!!
Clyde
May 11th, 2010
12:18 pm
We need to sign Sean Williams. Bring him in to play on our summer league team and see what he can do.
Dwayne
May 11th, 2010
12:18 pm
Thrashers have a blog….Fewer bloggers, but more knowledgable that basketball bloggers about their chosen sport. Still…who is Chill? Must not be too good if I don’t know him.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:21 pm
I thouught we were trying to win a Chip?
Sean Willims belongs either in the D-League or some Mental/Correctional facility. Are you people serious?
Section 303
May 11th, 2010
12:22 pm
Fundamentals, I’m with you. I just don’t want to hear anything positive about this team right now. But, I’ve said this over and over…I do not put this series on Coach Woodson. This series was a player problem. And, I have major doubts that any new coach is going to come in, wave a magic wand, and all the troubles go away. The Hawks players were exposed all over the place in this series. Not just on the floor, either. They’ve been proven to be, with the exception of a few, just a bunch of gutless brats.
Mike is Back, I stand by everything I said about Josh. I will never be convinced he shouldn’t be traded. Dwight Howard and Josh Smith are two totally different guys. Bringing Ewing in to help works with Dwight. I don’t think it would with Josh.
And, put it down in stone, whoever the new coach is, if they tangle with Josh (benching, yelling at him, you name it), Josh won’t take it well. Then what? Is it the new coach’s fault? Philips Arena may turn into a graveyard for coaches.
Rob G. (ATL Homeboy) _ (over in San Diego)
May 11th, 2010
12:27 pm
I would like to add several particular points as to some of the comments and the Atlanta Hawks season in general:
First off, true Atlanta Hawks fans, lets give the team a round of applauds for the season in which they recorded 53 wins and perhaps could have maybe recorded several more with a little luck here or there. Also, maybe those who are wishing for Mike Woodson to leave shouldn’t be as critical or bias. Lest not forget, this is a coach who came in when no one else wanted to coach the Hawks because of lack of talent on the team at that time. Also, with most things in life you have to crawl before you can walk or run. In the Hawks case this is exactly the maturation process in which a good or elite team reaches that lofty goal (the Finals) and hopefully winning the championship. Yes, I know there are many critics or so called fans who would want more. But it doesn’t work like that in life. There are highs and there are lows in the NBA. You have to grow as a team and work out the flaws in order to become NBA champions.
I could go on and on as to why we should feel good about the accomplishments of this team, the head coach, the players etc. We must not forget how proud we are. Yes, I agree I wished a lot of nights the Hawks would prevail or should have prevailed in most of their contests, but it doesn’t work like that of course in life. It would be too draining and most of you would probably end up visiting a doctor from so sort of ailment or ailments. Let’s keep in mind that it is only a basketball game and not life or death. With that being said, shall we go over the roster?
Again, I will try not to be too harsh, but again what I saw over the course of the season and the playoffs. The players who did/did not stand out in my view.
Za Za Pachulia – Watching Pachulia for the last several years and particularly in the playoffs. I am not particularly fond of ball players who are flat-footed, doesn’t have a particular array of moves or a shot selection. Who only dish out hard fouls at the most inopportune times of the game. Need a new replacement? Yes.
Mike Bibby – Although Mike came in and put things in so sort of order as from as running the team for the last couple of years. I have observed Mike for many years now – even in his hey-days with the Kings. Good player throughout those years, but last year and this year in particular. There were way too many times, Mike was slow of foot, not enough speed or quickness to defend the other team point guard. Probably not a starter at this stage anymore, but a good second or third option. Mike thank you for making things better in Hawksville!!
Mo Evans – I don’t have much to say about his game. A good role player….can do some good things when counted on. Should the Hawks retain him? – Yes.
Joe Smith – I really would like to know why Smith was brought in. I did not see enough of anything to form a valid opinion. Replacement? – Yes.
Josh Smith – I saw way too many highlight reels. A very fine player who will only get better with time. I believe this would only be his second year in the league had he went to college. From that perspective, he will only mature into a Karl Malone type real soon…..only the left-handed version.
Marvin Williams – I am very baffled, I keeping trying to put a finger on this one. I see some good things and not some good things. What is it? Is Marvin the second or third scoring option? However, I did not see enough effort in those areas if that is the case. Retain – ????
Joe Johnson – Put the Hawks on his back for the last five years. Gave the Hawks some sort of NBA identity. The only problem I have is the time clock elapsing with all the dribbling and isolation plays. Yes, he should go to the line a lot more like the other superstars and his scoring average would be higher in the area such as the others. It is not that hard to score twenty points per game if you shoot it twenty or more times a game. I would definitely like to see more effort and if Joe is suppose to be a leader, then assume that role and move forward. Retain – only time will tell, Joe has options and that’s only all you can ask for.
Al – Continue to improve his offensive game and define it a little more. I would like to see a little more quickness from him. Retain – Yes.
Jamal Crawford – Nice scorer, I would like more defense from him. Saw way too many times defensive lapses. Retain – Yes.
Jeff Teague – I have no opinion. I may even be somewhat suspect to the status of this very important position. All the other players did not do enough for me to form a valid answer as to their status on the team. Do the Hawks need help? – Yes. Oh? By the way should Mike Woodson remain the coach? – Answer – Yes. You cannot overlook all the good Mike W. did for this City or Team. The GM Sund – I do not know of any outstanding players who have come across his way other than J. Crawford. The jury is still out considering this is his first year with the Hawks.
STEEL (Formerly VenomSpitter)
May 11th, 2010
12:30 pm
If anybody missed the Magic-Hawks series lemme describe it real quick for u:
The Magic ripped out the Hawks’ intestines and then choked them with it. Thats basically it.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
Head Coach: Avery Johnson
Top Assistant Coach: Sam Mitchell
That is all….we’ll never have another j-smoove effort problem again….
SWAT Native
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
I agree with Fundamentals. The loss to Orlando is too fresh to make decisions on what to do next with this team. Sund and the ASG have until July 1 to make decisions on what to do with Woody or any free agent (ours or anyone else’s). They would be wise to take some time to reassess the season as a whole, including the playoff performance, and make their decisions.
I was talking with someone over the weekend, and we were talking about what happened in the past when the Hawks decided that they had gone as far as they could and made drastic changes. I remember when they got swept by the Knicks in the ’90’s and traded away Steve Smith, Mookie Blalock and Dikembe – they spent the next ten years in the lottery, and they are not long out of those dark days. I also remember in the Dominique era when they traded to get Moses Malone and Reggie Theus and the team went backwards. Don’t even get me started on trading Dominique for Danny Manning.
People act like this is still a lottery team. Don’t forget that this is a team that won 53 games whose core players are mostly 23-24 years old and still several years from their prime. The reason that the Hawks have had success the past few years is that they kept their young core together, let them develop, and added key veterans like Bibby, Flip, Mo and Crawford at the right time. Why can’t the Hawks add a legitimate center, develop their young point guard, bring in some more veterans for their bench and improve that way?
If you think back to the beginning of this season, if someone had told you that the Hawks would win 53 games, be the 3rd seed in the East, and get knocked out in the second round by a team that almost won 60 games, you would have been happy. Unfortunately for the Hawks, they ran into probably the worst matchup possible for them in Orlando, who happened to be the hottest team in the playoffs having won something like 28 out of their last 30 (and one of the two losses came from the Hawks). The way they are playing, Orlando may also sweep the team they play in the next round. Every one says that Bucks didn’t have Bogut like that makes them a lottery team, but they won 6 of 8 to finish out the regular season without him.
All I’m saying is to give it some time to regain perspective.
Fundamentals
May 11th, 2010
12:41 pm
Mike – Section 303 is right in his worry. Josh controls his future. His attitude changes us so quickly from amazing to absolutely frustrating. If he doesn’t grow up he’ll absolutely be a coach killer.
Josh needs to work hard on a short jumper (just outside the paint similar to Horford) and his post moves. He needs to grow up. He could be a fierce leader, All Star, possibly even MVP, but he won’t allow himself to do that. He’s a spoiled kid who gets his way. He’s pampered, he feels entitled. I wish he’d just step out and grab what’s his. Potential is dripping off the kid. He just can’t realize it.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:41 pm
Josh is the player. If he can’t act like a man and own up to his mistakes then he will get benched nuff’ said. If he wines about getting benched the he STILL won’t play……IDK whats so hard about that?
It’s PPL workin’ their azzes off tryna feed their families on minimum wage paychecks and you mean to tell me this fool Josh smith should be allowed to step foot on the court with the wrong atttitude???? Making 10mill a year???? F-outta here!!!!
He can sit his butt on the bench or get traded. He sould be thanking God for the position he’s in!!!!!
If I was his coach he’d learn real quick! MIKE WOODSON IS SOFTER THAN COTTONELL TISSUE PAPAER!!!!!!!
Fundamentals
May 11th, 2010
12:43 pm
Yup!, Sam and Avery would wind up in prison for what they would’ve done to our kids after this years playoffs. How do you think Josh will respond to Sam? Would Sam have the GM, President and owners support to do what’s neccessary?
Ken Strickland
May 11th, 2010
12:48 pm
I would like to see the Hawks move forward without a drastic overhaul. The more I think about it, the more I like the idea of not resigning JJ. If we do the following, we can improve as a team with minimal disruption to team chemistry without JJ.
(1) Replace Woodson,
(2) Bench or get rid of Bibby,
(3) Replace JJ with JSalmons, who’s also a FA.
(4) Bring in another shooter like KKorver, who’s a FA.
(5) Bring in a vet PG to either challenge Teague for the starting position, or back him up. A combo guard like FA JCrittenton would add size and a lot of versatility.
(6) Sign FA bigs that can compensate for what we lack in our starting frontline.
(7) Instead of trading Marvin, as some you seem obsessed with suggesting, why not have the new HC design options into his OFF that will incorporate him? We’re talking about a player that’s already proven he’s capable of playing good DEF, rebounding, and scoring at a 15PPG clip. In order to get consistent production from him, we first have to get his confidence up, get him more consistent opportunities, and allow him to play to his strengths(movement & coming off screens) rather than his weaknesses(ISO’s and one on one).
Adding Salmons would give us a go to starter that plays excellent DEF. Then we add a KKorver, make Teague the starting PG and sign a vet PG to back him up. These moves would:
(1) Make us a much better DEF team overall, especially in the back court,
(2) Allow us to run, and do so more consistently,
(3) Give us the ability to penetrate, break down DEF’s and create easier scoring opportunities for others.
(4) Become more offensively balanced and not rely so much of outside shooting and ISO’s.
(5) Minimize any possible chemistry or adjustment issues that might arise as a result of a lot of trading, personnel changes and roster disruption.
I find it virtually impossible to believe that during the entire regular season, there was absolutely no way possible for Woodson to have gotten more production out of JCollins, RMorris, JoSmith and JTeague without sacrificing wins.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:54 pm
Fundamentals, That’s a good point lol, but I don’t think it would’ve gotten to that point of they were on our coaching staff. I certainly don’t theink we would’ve gotten swept either.
I don’t think anything extreme would need to be done to Josh, just bench him. For however long it takes. His teammates and the fans will loose respect for him if he doesn’t get his act together and would rather sulk that help the team out……at 10.5 milll per no boubt. He’d grow up real quick.