Atlanta Hawks: Avery Johnson continues talks with Hawks as his other options dwindle
Avery Johnson is in continued discussions with the Hawks about their vacant coaching position as at least one and maybe two other jobs he’s interested in are out of play.
The Philadelphia 76ers hired Doug Collins today after Johnson had been one of several candidates to interview for the job. And the Hornets reportedly have moved on in their search after Johnson lobbied for dual front-office/coaching position for his hometown team, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Representatives for Johnson said they’ve continued to talk with the Hawks after Johnson met with the team on Monday. However, a person with knowledge of the Hawks’ search said today that the team has not narrowed its field of candidates.
The Hawks still are set to meet with Dallas assistant and former Timberwolves coach Dwane Casey this weekend in Chicago. They’ve also conducted a phone interview with Portland assistant Dean Demopoulos.
Johnson also reportedly will meet with the New Jersey Nets about their coaching position. If he’s still is looking for front-office power, he’s not likely to get it in either New Jersey or Atlanta.
Hawks general manager Rick Sund owns full personnel power with the Hawks, including the ability to hire and fire coaches. Though Sund said he often consults with the ownership group, co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. said owners leave decisions up to Sund.
In New Jersey, new Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov announced general manager Kiki Vandeweghe will not be retained and that team president Rod Thorn would take over his duties. Thorn has been Nets president since 2000.
Meanwhile, the Hornets apparently no longer are considering Johnson. Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau and Portland assistant Monty Williams will get second interviews for the New Orleans Hornets’ head-coaching job, according to a Yahoo! Sports report.
MC
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296 comments Add your comment
Here we go again
May 23rd, 2010
7:42 pm
We have a young core, so we should have young and youthful PG’s as well. That way in a few years we’ll only have to replace the SG spot (Mal and JJ)
Here we go again
May 23rd, 2010
7:44 pm
NO MORE “VET” BS!
Grandad
May 23rd, 2010
8:22 pm
terrell:
Value – If we could get up high enough to get X.Henry
or Paul George then yeah.
Henry will go between 8 & 15 @ the lowest.
When P.George measured out @ 6-9 he shot up into the lottery.
Alabi may be there @ 24 ”but” – he had foot surgery:
freshman season; think back…Bigs who have had foot surgery:
*Sam Bowie & Bill Walton
Once a Big has broken bones in their feet – watch out.
He’s not Bill Walton.
Jerome Jordan is fine but I suspect he & Dex pittman will be
picked @ the top of the 2nd round. Will not be there when we pick.
That’s why if you like someone – don’t gamble.
A value pick is [if] who you want is there when you pick.
J.Jordan will be 24 before the season starts next yr.
That will lower his stock somewhat. Due to Age.
Another name to keep an eye on @ 24 is Damion James:
combo forward / tough guy / defensive specialist /
put up good offensive #’s / NBA body. [Tex I think]
Could be a solution if Marv is traded.
He [D.James] is tough with mean streak. (the good kind)
One last item on Dex Pittman and his offensive numbers.
He only played 20 to 25 min per game because of his weight.
He has come a long way, losing over 100 lbs. he still has
a ways to go. But as a needs player, he fills the bill.
He has proven that he will and will continue to work on
conditioning. ‘Cousins’ is 292 15% body fat & was out of shape.
He is a bigger risk due to conditioning and other red flags than Pittman. In my humble opinion.
Big Ray
May 23rd, 2010
8:34 pm
Good points about bigs with feet issues.
Rik Smits had them.
Zydrunas Ilgauskus.
Greg Oden.
The list goes on…
Hope we announce a new coach this week as well.
Here we go again
May 23rd, 2010
9:09 pm
During his time at Kansas, Collins was a four-time All-Big 12 honoree and helped the Jayhawks to the 2008 NCAA Championship while winning more games (130) than any other player in school history. While those accomplishments, as well as his laundry list of awards, are impressive, they don’t mean a darn thing when it comes to the draft positioning.
This time of year, every prospect’s game is picked apart and scrutinized. The smallest flaw is magnified and made to seem like the elephant in the room rather than the simple acknowledgment that nobody is perfect. Even Brad Pitt did “The Mexican.”
But, alas, so is the world of professional sports.
“I think I showed in my workouts and I think I have been proven at Kansas what I can do,” Collins told HOOPSWORLD. “I think I have shown my strengths. I just want to be remembered as a winner, pretty much, and that is what I try to do: Win.”
“As a rookie in the league as a point guard, you have to have a mindset that you can’t be scared to say anything to a veteran,” Collins explained. “You can’t be scared to say anything to an All-Star. That is your job. You have to be the quarterback. You have to know every spot. You have to know where players need to be. That is my attitude. I just like to win so I’m going to do whatever it takes. I don’t need to score. If it is guarding a guy for 94 feet or doing whatever coach asks me to do, I’m going to do it.”
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=16302#ixzz0onxgBXml
Najeh Davenpoop
May 23rd, 2010
9:10 pm
“‘Cousins’ is 292 15% body fat & was out of shape.
He is a bigger risk due to conditioning and other red flags than Pittman. In my humble opinion.”
Well, more than anything, he’s a bigger risk because he’ll be getting paid $6 million a year guaranteed, whereas Pittman will be getting $500,000 a year non-guaranteed.
It’s the same reason why I haven’t really been advocating Daniel Orton with the Hawks’ first round pick, even though he’s a player with a similar skill set to Pittman who might be able to fill a similar role down the road. Orton would require using a first-round pick and paying guaranteed money, and if you are going to pay guaranteed money to a guy, I’d rather he be the best player available instead of a reach.
Yup!
May 23rd, 2010
9:21 pm
A blind person could see that cousins was out of shpe. Derrick favors it too. These guys can barely jump and have too much bulk on their frames. Just pull up some footage of them and watch it. Those guys arent as athletic as people are claiming them to be. They will struggle early. Even Al Jefferson and Kevin Love had to shed the pounds. Luke Harangody dropped weight as well. Guess these cats didn’t get the memo (too many yes-men around them). Tch I’d rather have Gani Lawal than those two. Pittman needs to drop another 40lbs as well.
Melvin
May 23rd, 2010
9:28 pm
Jason Richard must be the worst leaper of all time to win a dunk contest. Heck, he even won two dunk contest..SHM.
Big Ray
May 23rd, 2010
9:46 pm
Here we go again
Good post. I like what Collins had to say. That’s absolutely the attitude you want to hear from a pg.
Grandad
May 23rd, 2010
10:25 pm
Najeh:
Another Big – that’s a [4] / [5] & people didn’t realize
before measurements:
‘Latty Sanders’
listed @ 6-8 during career @ VCU. Scouts were concernened
that he may measure only 6-6.5…to…6-8.
per DraftExpress – 6-10.5 with shoes / 7-5.75 w-span / 220
Scouts say if he adds 20 to 25 lbs he will be a force in the post.
Grandad
May 23rd, 2010
10:27 pm
How in the dickens does one type *Latty instead of *Larry.
”Larry Sanders” not Latty Sanders.
mike
May 24th, 2010
12:15 am
I am from Seattle. This is typical for Sund. Candidates are no better than the current Coach. Rick did a nice job of maintaining mediocrity in Seattle. I can assure you that he is not the GM to get you to the next level. Welcome to Seattle.
drmaryb
May 24th, 2010
12:56 am
I Like BIG – BUTTS!
And I can not lie! Get us a Big-Baby to push Dwight around!
The knock on Deron Williams was that he was to big in the bottom to play the point. (Something @ too many hamburgers)
I hearing Cousins has attitude/personality issues tho. (Something @ he’s lazy? Like Derrick Coleman?). Anyway, he’ll be gone by the time we pick anyways – unless we move up to get someone.
drmaryb
May 24th, 2010
12:59 am
I love my Grand-Daddy!
He gives me cherry popsicles and let’s me sit on his knee – when my team loses!
I love Doc too!
He keeps it real on the Blog – Daily!
-sniggles-
O'Brien
May 24th, 2010
6:50 am
Another COY fired. This time it’s Mike Brown, despite one finals appearance, 5 straight trips to the playoffs, and back to back 60 win seasons.
The last 4 COYs have all been fired within 2 seasons after winning it. Mike Brown, Byron Scott, Sam Mitchell, Avery Johnson. Will Scott Brooks break the trend?
Sund usually moves at a snails pace, but I’m hoping he selects his coach this week. And more and more, I’m starting to think it will not be Avery, and it will be Casey.
JohhnyWalking
May 24th, 2010
7:57 am
Big trades are coming!! They have to be with the coaches being considered. The Hawks are NOT serious about winning a TITLE. A ROOKIE head coach??? Yeah Casey is rookie. 53-69. Starting Teague at point??? Yeah things are going down and FAST. Sund is making B Knight look real good right about now. He gets Punked by Joe Johnson into a Max Deal or no Deal and then misses the boat on the biggest FA class in NBA history. Why give Woodson a 2 year deal when you KNOW that you are not going to renew his contract at the end?? You need TWO years to evaluate him? Casey has been the choice the whole time. A FAST train to nowhere.
oldmike
May 24th, 2010
8:34 am
Coaches only get you so far. After that the players take over. Witness the Magic. Could anyone have seen this debacle coming? They look like the Hawks. Should Stan van Gundy be fired too?
Ramon
May 24th, 2010
9:38 am
I really wish Atlanta could’ve made a play for Dirk. Oh well, the life of an Atlanta fan. lol..
Ramon
May 24th, 2010
9:56 am
A frontline of Josh, Dirk, and Al would allow Josh to guard the SF, but play PF on the offensive end, and allow Dirk to be on the perimeter.
PRESTONI
May 24th, 2010
10:10 am
Enter your comments here
I think when all the dust settles that the Hawks Head Coach will be MIKE FRATELLO. He was in Atlanta yesterday doing work for NBA TV–perhaps this was just coincidence, but more likely a prelude to a Job Interview. He may very well be the Choice to Appease Most Fans and I know he has a good relationship with the Gearons and with Nique. I also know that he wants to be back as an NBA Head Coach and this opportunity to coach the Atlanta Hawks again has to be so appealing to him that I’m sure his Salary Demands won’t be a roadblock for consideration. He certainly has a Wealth of Basketball Knowledge and will be able to work with Rick Sund. I feel he will adapt to the Players on the Team as far as Offensive and Defensive Styles go. He is the Connection from Hubie Brown to Doc Rivers. The Hawks need a Coach with a Personality and I think that Fratello would really give it his all to make the Hawks a Winner–since this would probably be his last chance to do so. Dwane Casey is way too drab to be a Head Coach–he just doesn’t have the Right Personality for it. If he is truly a favorite of Sund, then perhaps he could be an Assistant Coach for the Hawks under Fratello. After the Terrible Knight/Woodson Era (should be spelled Error) we should not have to endure another mindless period and lack of personality in our Leadership. I still cannot believe the Horrific Choices that Billy Knight and Mike Woodson made. I don’t know where Knight will pop-up again, but I’m sure that Mike Woodson will end up on His Eyebrows somewhere–perhaps at a McDonalds near you. So hopefully Fratello does get a chance at that Job Interview–I don’t think he will disappoint.
G-MAN013
May 24th, 2010
10:15 am
Hey guys would yall be interested in bringin back Lenny!
http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/66774/20100524/lenny_wilkens_open_to_coaching_again/
bigdave
May 24th, 2010
10:19 am
Wilkens Would Consider NBA Coaching
Posted: 5/24/2010 5:44:00 AM
Source: Frank Hughes of SI.com
Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens has agreed to serve as a consultant to the South Korean National Team and said he’s open to returning as a coach
in the NBA.
“If the situation was right, I certainly would consider [coaching again],” Wilkens said. “I have not explored it. But Cleveland certainly has a good team. So does Chicago. A few teams are good and need coaches. Let’s see how everything shakes out and then we’ll see.”
Read more NBA news and insight: http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStories.asp?lc=NBA&c=1&TEAM_ID=&PLAYER_ID=&hd=20100524#STORY_26250#ixzz0orAaOPey
lewis
May 24th, 2010
10:59 am
“A frontline of Josh, Dirk, and Al would allow Josh to guard the SF, but play PF on the offensive end, and allow Dirk to be on the perimeter.”
that’s actually a great idea
shame there’s no chance in hell
Westurd
May 24th, 2010
11:07 am
Stupid idea. Josh is not a 3 fool!
Ken Strickland
May 24th, 2010
11:09 am
OBRIEN-I definitely had that same thought in mind when I jumped on the Thibodeau bandwagon. You’d think that with his track record and the way he’s prepared the Celtic’s DEF during this playoff run, he’d be at or near the top of every teams list that’s looking for a HC. I thought that maybe it’s known throughout NBA circles that he’s more interested in remaining in his current capacity, or is more interested in becoming the Celtics eventual HC if Doc decides to leave.
Either way, I’d love to see what he could do for our DEF either as our HC or assistant. After reading the article about the reason Cleveland fired HC Mike Brown, it looked like a reprint of the reasons Woodson was let go. The only difference was Brown was able to rely on LJames, who was far more talented than JJ, and had enough sense not to rely on a total liability like Bibby, at the expense of everything else.
Mike is Back
May 24th, 2010
11:24 am
I still say despite the circumstances Avery is the best choice if you’re seriously thinking about challenging or advancing to the EC playoff…next season. Like MC said, no one is going to give him dual positions…so solely as the coach of the team…I think we may be able to get him at a reasonable price…do to those circumstances.
Its hard to imagine a rookie coach being able to take you farther than the second round of the playoff. Casey is a very intriguing candidate also…he would be my preference of the Assistance coaches…at the very less…we need someone that has been a head coach before.
While we are picking projects in the draft…why not take another look at Siler…and see how far he has developed. lol
Ramon
May 24th, 2010
11:30 am
Westurd, you say Josh is not 3 fool?? Well tell me why the last 4 seasons Josh has guarded EVERY position just as much as he’s guarded the PF position? Woody’s switching constantly put Josh in position of guarding other positions all over the floor. Josh and Dirk would be a great tandem at the forward position because the traditional things that you would want of an SF you have in Dirk at the PF. What SF (aside from Lebron) you know can handle the ball better than Dirk? And the traditional things you want in a PF you have in Smoove. There’s no way that they wouldn’t dominate most teams that they play, fool. lol
Jeff D.
May 24th, 2010
11:33 am
This would indeed be a shocker based on the Spirit’s history. I think Avery can be the guy to get this team to the next level. Plus he can run his PG-U and get Jeff T. ready to run the show and reach his true potential. If somehow they can’t sign him I have a feeling we’ll drop to a level of coaches in the same realm as Woodson. Spirit, you need to sign this man! Remember your words: RAISE THE BAR!
SWAT Native
May 24th, 2010
12:23 pm
I hope that the Hawks will consider Mike Brown now that he’s available. I know that Cleveland got knocked out of the playoffs just like the Hawks, but I think that this is the Celtics’ year and I don’t think anyone will beat them, so I wouldn’t put too much stock into this year’s playoff performances. The Celtics are making Van Gundy look bad right now, and wait to see how they make the “Zen Master” look in the finals. Brown’s playoff performance is better than Avery’s and just about any coach that the Hawks could attract. I personally would rather see Mike Brown than Avery Johnson, if only so I don’t have to hear that voice all the time.
GeeMack
May 24th, 2010
12:28 pm
How is Stan Van Gundy’s ability to make adjustments helping the Magic right now?
Is it coaching or player desire that’s destroying the Magic?
Ramon
May 24th, 2010
12:40 pm
SWAT, remember Mike Brown has played with the referees calling anything he asked for the last 4-5 seasons. So I wouldn’t exactly put too much stock into his coaching ability. There are only two things David Stern and the officials like more than a team with Lebron on it, and that’s the Lakers and the Celtics. And if he coached the best player for this long, with a team that had 25-30 mil in their payroll and still couldn’t get it done, I don’t see how he would here.
O'Brien
May 24th, 2010
12:43 pm
Ramon,
I like the combination of Al, Dirk, and Josh on offense. But I still have concerns about Josh guarding other SFs. One of his best assets on defense is his ability to block shots from the weak side. But if he is guarding SFs, he will be further away from the rim than he is accustomed to.
And although his man on man defense is ok, playing against SF (who are more athletic than the PFs Josh guards) will force him to move his feet even faster to stay with his guy. In m yopinion, if Josh has to guard SFs, I dont think he makes (second team) NBA all defense.
What about having Dirk guard SFs? Either way, the advantages on offense with those 3 would probably outweigh the disadvantages on defense.
GeeMack,
Just like the Hawks, part of it is coaching, but a big part of it is on the players. Rashard Lewis has disappeared, Howard cant make shots consistently etc. But I dont know why SVG has not given more PT to Brandon Bass, since Rashard’s shot isnt falling.
K-Dogg
May 24th, 2010
12:55 pm
Glad to see Dwight and the Magic getting thier s*** handed to them so people around atlanta will see in basketball its about matchups!! The Hawks i know could have beat the C’s b/c they match up better with them b/c our front line is more active and can score on them!! We have to be able to match up though better with the Magic or Cavs b/c in the east with all of us being the best 4 teams will will have to play one of them like it or not!!!!
Ramon
May 24th, 2010
12:55 pm
O’Brien, I agree that it would put Smoove out of position for a lot of block shots. At the same time, as you said, I think the advantages will outweigh the disadvantages. And I would like the idea of Dirk guarding some SFs, because they know if they drive (Dirk is really good at drawing charges- that’s his only defensive move lol), they’ll run into Smoove and Horford. Also, I think teams would take more jumpers against the Hawks with Smoove playing the SF at times, than just driving to the lane. And those three would leave so many possibilities for lineup changes when letting one of the three get a rest.
K-Dogg
May 24th, 2010
12:57 pm
Mike Brown and Mike Woodson are the same coaches as far as style of play!!! Defense 1st and letting one player go one on one and if that does not work dump it in the post to somebody!!
terrell
May 24th, 2010
1:44 pm
Ken, I know you like Thibodeau, but just because he can gameplan a defense, doesn’t mean he’ll be a good Head Coach. A lot of assistants are not cut out to be Head Coaches. More so in the NFL than the NBA, but still. I’d rather go with a guy who’s proven he can win in this league like Byron Scott. I’m afraid a few of our players wouldn’t respect a rookie Head Coach. Just my 2 cents. And dont forget, the Celtics have 4 all-star caliber players in the starting 5. We’ve got maybe 1 or 2. But hey, I’ve got to see the players play some more man on man defense before I can criticize em. And one more thing, is the Celtics defense really this good, or are they just a bad matchup for Orlando? If they’re so good, why couldn’t they stop the Iso express? lol!
Wabe
May 24th, 2010
2:27 pm
I’ll be honest, I think Sund knows who he wants to hire, but he’s presuming with “caution” to keep the fanbase happy. I personally think he’s going to offer Casey the position, but he’s kept up talks with Avery to keep the fanbase satisfied. It’s strictly a PR move.
I may be wrong. Like I said, it’s just my theory. I’m not as hot about Avery Johnson as some here, but I don’t think he’s going to get the job as it is. I think his asking price will be a bit too high. Sund’s connections to Casey + Casey landing a 2nd interview just confirms (at least to me) that Casey’s gonna be the guy.
terrell
May 24th, 2010
2:42 pm
I agree totally Wade. Just a front. I want Byron Scott. Another intriguing name imo, that’s never mentioned anywhere, is Brian Shaw. If we’re going to hire an assistant, might as well get one from the Zen. He played pg. He’s won titles as a player and an assistant. He knows the triangle. I just wonder why I never hear his name mentioned when teams fire their coach? Puzzling to say the least. Could he possibly be the Lakers coach in waiting?
Huh?
May 24th, 2010
2:54 pm
Mike Brown is a glorified Mike Woodson! I HOPE you were joking.
The only difference is that Iso-LeBron works better.
Brown Had like Five Former All-stars on his squad! Including Shaq and LBJ. 90+ million dollar team salary. It would be hard even for Woody to screw that up!
Where in the HELL is Elston Tuner’s INTERVIEW!!!! Rick!!!!! ugh-!!!!
SWAT Native
May 24th, 2010
3:27 pm
I still say that Mike Brown is the best candidate of any name that has been thrown out there (that the Hawks have a realistic chance of getting), including Avery Johnson. Byron Scott is looking to get the Lakers job when Phil retires (after this season). I don’t think Dwayne Casey excites anybody except Sund and Mark Bradley. The Hawks need a seasoned head coach, or they could have kept Woody.
Huh?
May 24th, 2010
3:36 pm
#crazytalk^^^^
jroc
May 24th, 2010
3:53 pm
Mike Brown + Avery + Casey + Byron Scott + Fratello + Brooks + Mark Jackson = Woodson
Huh?
May 24th, 2010
4:01 pm
#morecrazytalk^^^^
jroc
May 24th, 2010
4:24 pm
Hawks fans be patient the hawks will keep there core guys and compete better next season at least they won’t get swept out of the playoffs.Just watch all the pieces will fall right in place after Lebron make his final decesion.The only guys i will cut ties with is Bibby Marvin and Za Za.Honestly is it really all about winning championships or just putting a good product out there that you fans can enjoy.Wouldn’t be awesome if Atlanta had fans like Phoenix or Utah.Just face it, Atlanta is a city full of transplants that only sell out games when stars come to town.Now tell me did it feel better when you guys took Boston to 7 games in the first round or had 2 second round sweeps.Remember fans where you come from you guys aren’t NBA royalty.I think the fans was much happier when the hawks were a below 500 team that took Boston to 7.Reality check Atl the hawks are fools gold just hope that Sund can put a team together that competes.Fanatics you will get more results if you demand more by showing up the whole season at the games.
Psychokidd
May 27th, 2010
2:11 pm
Enter your comments here
Psychokidd
May 27th, 2010
2:17 pm
To me all the hawks need to do is sign and trade joe.We can get any of these coaches we’er interveiwing.i’m kind of glade woody is gone because he just did not look nor sound right. to me at least