Sund: Players Need ‘Another Voice’ After Six Years of Woodson’s
The Hawks decided not to offer coach Mike Woodson a new contract.
Woodson coached the Hawks for six seasons. The team improved its record in each of the last five years, including a 53-29 record this season that was fifth-best in franchise history, but GM Rick Sund decided the team needs a new leader.
“It was a hard decision,” Sund said. “When I analyzed and looked at it, I went round and round. Finally I think it got to the situation where the compelling thought is, ‘Maybe change is good for everybody.’ That happens quite a bit in the NBA. Maybe the players need to hear another voice, and maybe Mike needs to talk to another group.”
Sund declined to comment on the details of his evaluation of Woodson. Sund also didn’t want to discuss any potential candidates to replace Woodson or offer a broad outline of what qualities he wants in a successor.
Early media speculation has centered on Dallas assistant Dwane Casey, whom the Hawks interviewed before hiring Woodson. Sund was the Seattle GM when Casey was an assistant coach there for five seasons.
Woodson, who is free to seek other jobs, did not return a message. He has defended his tenure with the Hawks while highlighting accomplishments that include three consecutive playoffs appearances, and said he received unfairly harsh criticism for the team’s loss to Orlando in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
But Hawks management had doubts that Woodson’s approach would lead to further improvement, according to two people with knowledge of the decision. Among their concerns was that Woodson would have an increasingly difficult time getting through to his players if he returned.
Some players felt Woodson didn’t rebuke certain players as strongly as he did others for their mistakes, according to four people familiar with the locker-room dynamics. The differing levels of accountability led to resentment for some players , the people said.
Players credited Woodson with helping to maintain a loose atmosphere and reducing the length, frequency, and intensity of practices in an effort to keep them fresh for the playoffs. But one player said he hopes a new coach who doesn’t “play favorites” can improve the team’s chemistry.
Beyond those issues, the Hawks weren’t satisfied with Woodson’s 8-14 postseason record over the past two seasons. Last season the Hawks beat Miami in the first round before losing 4-0 to Cleveland in the semifinals. This season the Hawks beat Milwaukee in the opening round before losing in four games to the Magic by an NBA-record total margin of 101 points.
Hawks forward Josh Smith said the team’s decision to part ways with Woodson despite his success is a sign of the higher expectations for the franchise.
“It feels good to know we are not just satisfied with just being the eighth seed or improving every season,” he said. “We’ve got expectations of going to the playoffs every year and being a difference-maker in the playoffs. The organization has everything going in the right direction.”
Woodson, 52, had a 206-286 record with the Hawks. He took over for Terry Stotts in 2004-05 after previously serving as an assistant coach in Detroit, Philadelphia, Cleveland and Milwaukee.
Former Hawks GM Billy Knight tried to fire Woodson more than once during his third season but ownership rebuffed him. Knight resigned after the 2008 season and was replaced by Sund, who signed Woodson to a two-year contract after he guided the Hawks to their first postseason appearance in eight years.
Smith is the only player on the roster to play all six seasons under Woodson. The two had a contentious relationship at times but Smith said they had come to an understanding.
“It was rough starting out, but everything was smooth sailing a couple of years ago once we finally figured out what we wanted out of each other,” Smith said. “You just hate to see somebody you came in the game with leave like this.”
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590 comments Add your comment
where's #21 at?
May 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
although i was the guy at games, screaming behind you, “you $uck woodson”, i do have some respect for the guy. and i wish him well.
with that said…
YO, Nique! Atlanta’s “Human Highlight Film”!! it’s time to rejoin YOUR team. they are in desparate need of a leader. i’ll miss your on-air commentary… but c’mon, you belong on the other side of the bench.
let’s make this happen, ATL. let’s bring Dominique back to the Hawks!
JoJo the Godfather
May 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
Oh Yeah??? You’re in luxury tax territory. Hawks don’t go there. That plan won’t work.
D Hawks
May 14th, 2010
1:27 pm
Darn screen refreshed and sent out a blank message.
Congrats to Woody and good luck at the next stop, but it was time for you to go.
@cdog – Really? 6 yrs, 286 losses. Woody would have been gone a long time ago in any other city. Was it racism when the Thrashers coach got fired after only 2 seasons, and when the only coach that ever took them to the playoffs was fired 6 games into the following season? Please be more thoughtful than that.
Wabe
May 14th, 2010
1:28 pm
northcyde
May 14th, 2010
1:05 pm
“******13******
*************26*************
***************30***************
******************37*******************
**********************45********************
**************************53**************************
The legacy of Woody . . like it or not.”
What’s his playoff record?
That’s really how your legacy is written. Go ask Lebron how much regular season success means. You don’t judge progress by how many wins you rack up in the regular season. The Cavs had back to back 60+ win seasons with nothing to show for it, but will their back to back 60+ win seasons save Mike Brown’s job?
“Star players” are judged by what they do in the postseason, and the same goes for coaches. I appreciate everything Woodson’s done for this team, but it was time for him to go.
Dan the Nerd
May 14th, 2010
1:28 pm
Atlanta needs to move fast – after last night’s collapse I expect Cleveland to be looking for a new coach as well. Woody would be a great fit in a lebronless Cleveland. Not sure who we need here – I like the idea of Vinny or Avery.
carlton
May 14th, 2010
1:30 pm
we see that Cleveland is also a regular season mirage, so Mike Brown will likely join Woody somewhere…on the sidelines.
nside hawkfan
May 14th, 2010
1:31 pm
@Oh Yeah, Dude Thabeet? Seriously? He got sent down to the D-league and could’nt perform there. We don’t need any projects. I’d rather see Siler back.
Albany Ga. Falcon Fan
May 14th, 2010
1:31 pm
Everyone must understand that Woody is not on the court. True he make the calls and setup but he,s not on the court. He do not used his timeouts like he need to but. Hey anyway. Good job on improvement of the Hawks. Now bring in Bosh and sign Joe.
JB
May 14th, 2010
1:31 pm
DON’T HIRE AVERY JOHNSON!!! REMEMBER, HE HAD THE MOST EXPENSIVE ROSTER IN THE LEAGUE AND GOT BOUNCED IN THE FIRST ROUND!!!! WOODY HAD 2, 3 AND 5 PLAYERS THAT HE HAD TO DEAL WITH, NOT A STACK OF #1’s!!!!! AVERY JOHNSON COULDN’T HANDLE THE CHALLENGE WITH OUR OWNERS, BUDGET CONSTRAINTS AND NEED TO DO MORE!!!!!!!!! (Yes, I’m shouting – I’m hoping the Spirit Group will hear)
terrell
May 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
What is Clyde going to post now? lol! And Northcyde, we’ll that’s Philly’s problem now. Iso Iggy’s??? lol!
Rick Sund
May 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
Since our season has now come to an end, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on a memorable year, and let you know how much we appreciate your continued support.
Though it ended on a disappointing note with our loss to defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando in the Conference semifinals, I’m extremely proud of what the club has accomplished, both as individuals and as a team.
Once again, our record improved, as our young players continued to develop and mature. Our 53 regular season wins put us in the third position in the Eastern Conference, and we’re proud to say we beat every team in the NBA this season, except Oklahoma City.
For the second straight year, we were one of the final eight teams competing for an NBA championship and I feel confident that we’re positioned for a sustained run of success.
Individually, several of our players were deservedly recognized for their talent and contributions. Joe Johnson made his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance, while also earning third team All-NBA honors for the first time in his career. Third-year center Al Horford, one of the NBA’s best young big men, was named as an NBA All-Star for the first time. Josh Smith was the runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and appeared on the league’s All-Defensive second team. Jamal Crawford, who led the league in scoring off the bench, won the league’s Sixth Man Award, a tremendous achievement after starting 145 games over the previous two years.
But the accomplishment I’m most proud of is our regular season performance at Philips Arena. You created an undeniable home court advantage, helping us reach an elite 34-7 record, tying for second-best in the NBA. As evidenced by those results and our third consecutive playoff berth, your enthusiasm, dedication, belief and support proved your designation as what I call our second “Sixth Man.”
As we look forward, I’m pleased to know our expectations have shifted from just two years ago, when we were simply hoping to reach the .500 mark, to thinking in terms of playing in Conference finals and beyond. We will continue to work diligently in the coming months to improve our team, and provide the best opportunity to make a deep playoff run, and ultimately have the chance to play for an NBA championship.
I honestly believe your support makes it possible for us to pursue these goals, and I look forward to moving into next season with each of you.
http://www.nba.com/hawks/fans/Letter_From_the_GM_2010.html
feudfinder
May 14th, 2010
1:34 pm
SK,I agree with you on Josh,but I do not see Joe as arrogant. Yes he said what he should not have said because the fans get him paid. He is one of the hardest workers on that team.
O'Brien
May 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
People are quick to point out Avery Johnson’s playoff record, and Mike Fratello’s playoff record, so I will point out Woody’s record. It is 11-18 in the playoffs. And what makes it worse (to me) is our point differential. When Cleveland swept us, I think we lost (on average) by 18 ppg. We lost to Orlando by an average of 25 ppg.
If Larry Brown goes to Philly as president, I can see Woody being the head coach there. I think Woody can be a very good assistant coach, but I would not hire him as a head coach (this offseason).
Looking back in hindsight (which is always easy), we might have been further ahead (in terms of player evaluations) if Sund had brought in his own guy instead of giving Woody 2 more years when he did.
Because to northcyde’s point, our current set of players have flaws, but we dont know to what extent another coach might help them improve, or to what extent did their flaws led to the team’s issues.
Can JJ be just as effective without the ball in his hands all the time? Can another coach help Josh to be more focused? Would the other coach have reccomended that we resign Bibby, Marvin and ZaZa last year? Would there have been more development from Teague?
We dont know the answers to these questions, and that will complicate matters for the Hawks this offseason.
Jay Are
May 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
Woody is a class guy, and hopefully he knows his accomplishments are appreciated throughout metro Atlanta. These posts verify that. But when the team tunes you out, it’s time to tune someone else in. Someone who’ll smack the brat out of Josh “Poutsalot” Smith, and will hone Jeff Teague like the dynamic talent he is.
Chuck B
May 14th, 2010
1:35 pm
About time! Woodson was the key to the teams lack of character and poise. “Potatoe Head” was not respected among officails either. Stil need more for the team, but good he is gone.
michaelprick
May 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
SI.com is reporting that Cleveland coach Mike Brown has been fired too.
The Bullhorn
May 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
I’d rather have Byron Scott than Avery Johnson.
TXDawg
May 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
Bill Laimbeer is a wuss….if he could coach, he would already be doing so (and not in the WNBA). Avery Johnson is a student of the game and will coach somewhere again. The knock on him was his demanding nature and agressiveness…..not underperformance. The underperformance may have showed face because the pieces he had in Dallas were too soft.
I’m not saying Avery is the answer for the Hawks, but he sure would be an upgrade from Woody.
Old devil
May 14th, 2010
1:36 pm
TWO WORDS: Mark Price. At least we’ll make our free throws at crunch time!
A-Ville Ranger
May 14th, 2010
1:37 pm
Keys to improving the team..
A- Hire the right HC
B- Re-sign Johnson
C- Bring in a top long range shooter
D- Bring in a hard-nosed grunt, low post defender, with some back to the basket offense.
Robert
May 14th, 2010
1:37 pm
The Hawks improved every year that Woodson has been the coach and now you get rid of him. Guess what Atlanta Spirit, the problem is with two your players….Josh and Joe! STUPID MOVE!
TXDawg
May 14th, 2010
1:37 pm
Wow!! Mike and Mike have been fired…really?
ESPN
May 14th, 2010
1:37 pm
This is a bad move to fire woodson. for his team clearly not showing up. i mean there was nothing the man could do other than suit up himself. everybody choke. joe, smith, crawford, bibby. well maybe horford showed up a couple games. how was this the coaches fault. he took them from being nba stepping stool to a top 4 team in the east. I was born and raised in georgia and will never be a hawk fan for specific reason like firing a coach who has help put u back on the map
D Hawks
May 14th, 2010
1:38 pm
“Once again, our record improved, as our young players continued to develop and mature.” – Rick Sund
The GM said it himself. A lot of the Hawks gradual improvement was the result of the players development and maturation. No kudos for the coach there.
Joe
May 14th, 2010
1:38 pm
Woody would be a great coach on a veteran team. He isnt a good fit for a young team. I wish him the best, there are a lot of openings. He will find one…
I'm a Man, I'm 40
May 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
Mike Woodson should be arrested for stealing paychecks all these years. He is a horrible person and will spend his eternity with Lucifer for his cowardly actions on Earth. Move out of Georgia, Woody.
Marcus
May 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
I wish Woodson well. He did all he could here. 1 win would have been nice against Orlando but our “superstar” has 1 foot out the door, Josh Smith is a crybaby and doesnt hustle back, hard to coach character
nside hawkfan
May 14th, 2010
1:40 pm
Um. Mr. Sund, If you’re still reading this blog, could you at least call D-wade, Bosh and Lebron before settling for less?
Respect and Trust,
Nside Hawkfan
Ramon
May 14th, 2010
1:41 pm
The BEST guy for this job really can’t be had. And I think that’s Rick Adelman!
hunkerdown
May 14th, 2010
1:41 pm
I hear a few people grumbling about CMW and I have this to offer. Did the Hawks perform poorly in the playoff? Yes, absolutely, most especially the Magic series. I think many people are still upset with the recent colapse in the playoffs. But I asked you this. Did the Hawks have a successful season? I say yes, the fifth best win percent in the league isn’t too shabby. Are the Hawks a better team in the six years since CMW took over the reins. Absolutely, no question about it. I have no doubt that Rick Sund was an intergral part of the process but give Mike Woodson his due credit as well. Had CMW taken the Hawks as far as he could take them? Maybe, we wil never know and it remains interesting to see how we will rebound next year and which direction we are heading.
BYC
May 14th, 2010
1:41 pm
I’m with nire, I don’t think he has done crap for us. People keep saying he improved our record each season and got us to the playoffs. I say, how? Someone give me a specific example.
He seems like a nice guy off the court and he’ll find work easily. LATER WOODY! DON’T EVER COME BACK (unless we’re playing your Sixers in the playoffs).
Oh Yeah???
May 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
nside hawkfan, but in a game during the regular season Thabeet blocked 3 of D-Howards shots in like five seconds it was beautiful. Kid just needs time. He was giving Howard fits though….
Native ATLien
May 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
I am native Atlantan, who has suffered with all of the Atlanta franchises. It’s not like I did not expect this firing to take place, based on the performances of the Hawks over their last two playoff appearances. It is as if the team laid down and stop listening to Woody and did not compete.(This was UNACCEPTABLE!)
However, with all of that said, there appears to be a double standard here in the “Dirty South” especially when it comes to the Atlanta sports teams. Case and point, Bobby Cox has been allowed to hang around for twenty years or more in mediocracy. Granted he has won (1!!!!) World Series title (1995) and 14 consecutive division titles over the course of his tenure. With the level of talent he has over the years there should have been more championships! Not to mention the 1996 World Series debacle, where the Braves were up (3-0) in the series and lost the series (4-3). Was there the same outcry for his job? (Comparatively speaking of past performances, let’s not mention Paul Hewitt and Mark Richtt, this is a story for another day, although here again in different sports, but on the college level)
Although, I think Woody had reached an apex in his ability to manage the talent that he currently had to create mismatches (in particular on offense) that favored his team. I repect the job that he has done over the course of his tenure as the Hawks head coach. Taking the team from a laughing stock to a semblance of respectability deserves to applauded if only for the hope that his efforts leaves the Hawks to aspire to in the future.
With all this said, All Atlanta sports fans, whether native or transient must expect more of there sports organizations from management, coahches, and players alike. And there must be an unbiased barometer of criticisms tendered across the board if we are to improve the sports environment in Atlanta area in particular and strenghthen our fan base in other markets as well.
Peter
May 14th, 2010
1:42 pm
This is what was needed……team quit on him, and the lack of ball movement was a cancer.
One guy a Buck fan overheard Smooth cuss at him during the playoffs…….so that couldn’t be good.
I hope like heck we can get a guy the young guys will relate too, especially Josh.
Volmania21
May 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
While we are at it get rid of Bibby, Joe, and Josh. Bring in some people who have some heart! Oh yeah, Marvin can go too. The only players on the hawks with heart are, Al Horford and Za Za. Everyone else is soft. Might as well start over cause we are getting nowhere with this bunch!!
I blog with more Heart
May 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
FIRE WOODY!!!!! in everybody’s post is what I’ll miss most!!!
Truck Robinson
May 14th, 2010
1:43 pm
Wish we got Doc WHEN WE HAD A CHANCE. Would ‘Nique make a good coach or would he even want it? He made some good points during the year. I believe this team could do much better with better coaching. Do we make a trade for a good solid center? or give this team a shot.?I just don’t want to see another Moses Malone type deal that will upset the apple cart. Would the addition of Josh Childress help if we can move Marvin Williams? Why did we shoot so many jumpers when we had the big guys to go inside? We are close. Don’t make any bad moves and go backwards.
Brandon
May 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
This move was overdue, the team needs a coach with serious playoff experience.
Now it’s Joe Johnson’s turn to leave.
Khao$
May 14th, 2010
1:44 pm
On the real, any body making this a color thing has a questionable basketball IQ. I’m a black man, who wants to see black men succeed. That said, I know basketball. Woody sealed his fate with his unimaginative “iso based” offense, inability to motivate his team, lack of in game adjustments and dreadful switching defense. More than all of this, our team didn’t have an identity.
Woodson’s not completely the game, but the ultimate goal of a coach is to leave his imprint (positively) on a team. We were known for being athletic. We’ll Horford, Josh, and Marvin were known for that before Woodson became their coach. Granted, Billy Knight missed out on some picks and ASG had its issues. However, we still had good talent.
I wish dude well. He’s a class guy. That said, after losing by the biggest margin in NBA playoff history, it was time for him to go.
tree rollins
May 14th, 2010
1:45 pm
I’m astounded! I figured Woodson had pictures of the Hawks owners with goats in compromising positions.
A-Ville Ranger
May 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
I don’t see D Wilkens as coaching material at all.God love him, he was not a smart player, let alone an NBA quality coaching mind.There are still some of us who remember how uncoachable DW was.He absolutely refused to learn to pass when double,tripled and even quadruple covered in the low post.
the ghost of Rankin, Sr.
May 14th, 2010
1:46 pm
The last time an ATL professional team fired a coach after reaching a ‘plateau’ they hired Dan Henning to take them to the next level………..
D Hawks
May 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert has scheduled a news conference for 2:30 apparently to announce the Mike Brown firing…and maybe to beg LeBron to stay.
All I'm Saying Is...
May 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
Woody and the team grew up and got better each of the past six years including finally winning a playoff series but now the city and the team have outgrown Woody’s capabilities.
If the Orlando debacle wasn’t enough, the Milwaukee series this year told us all we needed to know about Woody. No way that series should have gone seven games, no way we should have been down 3 game to 2, no way we should have blown game five at home, and no way he should have tolerated, by leaving them out on the floor, players not hustling back on defense and/or taking bad shots.
Scott Skiles out-coached Woody starting with the second half of game two and only our sheer talent enabled us to win that series which we won in spite of Woody.
So thanks Woody for what you did but we must move on in order to move up.
Who is next?
I say Byron Scott. He was a guard and ought to be able to develop Teague and get the most out of Bibby and the rest of the team will instantly respect him because he took a team to the NBA Finals twice.
I also like Avery Johnson. Again, former guard and ought to be able to help Teague and work with Bibby and took the Mavs to the NBA Finals.
Either way, don’t dawdle, Rick because the real heavy-lifting is what will we do this roster. I say re-sign JJ, sign Chris Bosh, and go to running the floor fast-break style to take advantage of our athleticism while still having a low post, half court operator like Al Horford and one we’d like to do more of it like J-Smoove to help us score points when we are not fast breaking!
LET’S GO HAWKS!
DecDawg
May 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
@ Tarheels3…that “what goes around comes around” stuff is probably how we ended up with Woodson in the first place. I’m more than willing to take our chances without Woodson. Larry Brown will make sure he has a place to work so we don’t have to worry about him being unemployed.
And I can’t believe I’m saying this but I agree with Nire…Woody isn’t responsible for half the stuff he’s getting credit for. We might actually have some plays next year…and guess what…we might even have in-game adjustments…woo-hooo!!!!!
tree rollins
May 14th, 2010
1:48 pm
Somebody told me they’re going to give Lon Kruger another go at it!
All I'm Saying Is...
May 14th, 2010
1:49 pm
Meant to type that Scott Skiles out-coached Woody starting with the second half of Game One.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
JOE BROWN
May 14th, 2010
1:49 pm
GREAT SUCCESS! ITS ABOUT TIME! LET JOE GO TOO AND BIBBY FOR A GOOD TRADE.
Jay
May 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
Everyone that’s bashing Woody needs to get over it. The facts are that he took helm of a bottom feeder team & transform them into playoff contenders in 3 years. That means he had 3 non playoff seasons & 3 seasons of playoff berths. The TEAM improved every year under his guidance. Did some of the players (no names needed) IMPROVE to help the TEAM is another story. Management didn’t do a lot to help Woody out much during his tenure either except for Crawford’s acquistion. Woody took this team as far up as he could & now its time for a change in direction. Management fired Woody but if they don’t get the necessary players for the team, we’ll go backwards from now & it will be all their fault.
Tube Steak Shapiro
May 14th, 2010
1:50 pm
I should be the next Hawks coach with Brandon Adams as my assistant.