Atlanta Hawks: Larry Drew is the choice for coach
Hawks pick Drew to be next coach.
The Hawks have decided to hire Larry Drew as their next head coach, people with knowledge of the decision said today.
Drew was Atlanta’s lead assistant for six years under Mike Woodson, who was let go last month. Drew and the team are working out the details of a contract this evening and the official announcement of his hiring is expected on Saturday.
Drew, 52, emerged from a group of finalists that also included Avery Johnson, Dwane Casey and Mark Jackson. Once Johnson agreed to coach the Nets early in the week, that left Atlanta’s ownership group and GM Rick Sund to choose from among the other three candidates.
This will be Drew’s first head-coaching job after he’s been an NBA assistant for the the last 14 seasons. He worked for the Lakers, Wizards, Pistons and Nets before joining Woodson’s staff for the 2004-05 season. Drew played 714 games over 10 NBA seasons from 1980-91.
“He’s very experienced, just being around the game,” Hawks guard Jamal Crawford said. “He’s very knowledgeable. I think he is prepared for a lot of different situations.”
When Sund decided not to retain Woodson, he said the team needed “another voice” after the team lost in the second round of the playoffs the last two years. The Hawks apparently decided Drew will have a leadership style distinct from Woodson while also having the advantage of established relationships with players and familiarity with the team’s issues.
“He knows the faults of our teams,” Crawford said. “It’s not like we are a bad team. Now we can continue to build; we don’t have to start over.”
Drew inherits a team that won 53 games next season and, among its core players, has all but Joe Johnson under contract for next season. But he will face some challenges as the Hawks look to break through after getting swept in the second round of the playoffs in consecutive years.
Drew is popular among players but now his role changes from sometimes-confidant to the person in charge of their playing time and involvement in the offense. He also will have to reprimand players for their mistakes while trying to maintain relationships and team chemistry.
“Everything is going to be a first for him,” Crawford said. “But I think it will be a little bit easier transition because he knows our team. He doesn’t have to come in and learn the different personalities, what makes people tick and how to motivate them.”
When the Hawks let Woodson go, among the concerns expressed by players and management was what they considered Woodson’s differing levels of accountability. They said Woodson didn’t rebuke certain players as often as he did others, leading to some resentment in the locker room.
The Hawks also want to move away from an isolation-heavy offensive approach that was influenced by guard Joe Johnson’s playing style. Johnson is eligible to become a free agent next month, and the Hawks still want to re-sign him.
A person with knowledge of Johnson’s plans said he’s still open to returning. But the person said the new coach would have to sell Johnson on relying more on his teammates in the offense and ensure him that locker-room chemistry would improve.
MC
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552 comments Add your comment
OK
June 12th, 2010
6:07 am
mike bibby’s bro,
Bibby aint starting next season kid.
OK
June 12th, 2010
6:19 am
Hopefully we will trade him before his value completely evaporates into thin air….
Douglas
June 12th, 2010
6:38 am
And people wonder why Atlanta is picked as a lousy sports town! It’s poor decisions like this that keep us this way. So glad I prefer college sports because the pro sports in this town is cheap and pathetic.
jsmith
June 12th, 2010
7:05 am
bfd who cares about the hawks
Jack Tucker
June 12th, 2010
7:21 am
No surprise here. It only figures that the Hawk’s owners would go the CHEAPEST way possible in hiring a new head coach. Nonetheless, best of luck to you Mr. Drew.
sam'l
June 12th, 2010
7:27 am
Sure,we’d all like Drew to make it…..but we’d also like the Hawks to make it.
This team needed a talent…not a would be second banana to a fifth rate monkey brain.
.
Crawford’s cool, but totally off the mark here.
Steve
June 12th, 2010
7:29 am
I wish Larry Drew the best but with the ASG group we will be back in the lottery in a few years
The Real Hawk
June 12th, 2010
7:30 am
Does a team with 53 wins hire a coach that “could” work out? And why should any fan settle for that?
This is about money. The owners picked the person they could get for cheap. 3 years? No one with head coaching experience would take a 3 year deal. It’s about the Benjamins!
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
7:36 am
When Woodson was hired, I supported him until he earned my criticism. It will be the same for Larry Drew.
For those who absolutely detest this move and haven’t been anything but haters all this time (you know who you are), I hope this finally drives you away from here, so you don’t plague us true Hawks fans anymore. That may be wishful thinking, of course…
I still think it’s funny that some folks automatically feel that this move has doomed the franchise. Wow, is your vision narrow. The problem has never been, and never will be limited to the coach.
For those who can’t get with this, I hope you feel better later on. In the meantime, saying nothing at all beats being nothing but negative.
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
7:47 am
“This is about money. The owners picked the person they could get for cheap. 3 years? No one with head coaching experience would take a 3 year deal. It’s about the Benjamins!.”
I have news for you.
Three year deals are more normal than you think. Most coaches have signed them, it’s how things work in this League.
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks won Coach of the Year last year. He just signed a 2 year extension, so there’s more evidence.
Three year deals are more normal than you think. Most coaches have signed them, it’s how things work in this League. Tom Thibodeau just signed a 3 year deal to be the new head coach of the Bulls.
Monty Williams, new head coach for the Hornets? 3 year contract.
I can keep this up all day…
cp
June 12th, 2010
7:48 am
I felt that it would be Drew who got the job. I have no problem with Drew at all. Drew wanted to leave a few years back and I’m guessing its because of issues with Woodrow. Woodson said many times that he didn’t listen to input from his assistants so you cant blame the offensive problems on Drew. Drew is said to want an up tempo type of offensive system. That doesn’t sound anything like what Woodson ran now does it. That alone tells you he is a different coach. If any of you had watched how he coached the summer leagues you would understand. They constantly pushed the ball and shared it. It was nothing like what Woodson was doing. Woodson allowed the locker room split by not holding everyone accountable so hopefully that’s one of the first things Drew does. Sekou reported that it was Drew that the players went to when they had issues with Woodson. He knows the problems of the team and I think he will fix them. I also hope he lets guys compete for jobs instead of playing favorites like ol Woodrow. You have to give Drew a chance just like you gave Woodson a chance…… Its just crazy that he would have been the head coach if the ASG had allowed BK to do his job.
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
7:51 am
I think I just repeated myself in that last post.
I think I just repeated myself in that last post.
Bob LeBlah
June 12th, 2010
7:53 am
Wow the Hawks went the cheap route.. Wow Im shocked.
Matt
June 12th, 2010
7:54 am
This was a true “no brainer”. In a bad way. This is the NBA, not High School Basketball. The Hawks have made yet another horrible decision. The fan support will start to vanish and soon the Hawks and Thrashers will be leaving for another city. But, maybe that’s what the Spirit Group wants. Their decisions seem to only put money in their pockets and not fans in the seats. I hope I’m wrong but I’m usually not.
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
7:54 am
cp
Exactly. While I’m trying to avoid heaping coals on the dearly departed, you have no idea how much Drew was endorsed in the past. There was a reason Billy Knight wouldn’t let him go when he was trying to leave.
Hit me up on the fan blog. You can post the same post there if you want to. Got somethin’ for ya.
doc
June 12th, 2010
7:55 am
is it irony or my cynicism, didnt billy knight essentially get a vote of no confidence just two and half years ago for wanting this move made? u;timately he left the hawks because the big dogs wouldnt listen to him. not saying it wont work but you gotta ask is this organization credible?
on the bright side i would assume if they were smart this is a locker room hire that makes sense. if the locker room essentially says the asame things as drew did and approve of him then there is an a ready made accountability system. it also might mean it is “easier” to keep jj on the roster if he approved the hire. i would assume there would have been some discussion with the players about the hires and the preferences at least in style if not in name.
good luck larry drew, got your back for now. just a true fan.
Atlanta Spirit
June 12th, 2010
7:59 am
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!. $7.25/hour.
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
8:09 am
Doc ,
That’s the point. We have to be able to separate the “why” from the “what.” It should bother us how the decision came, we do have credibility issues where ownership is concerned. On the other hand, where Drew is concerned, the thing that matters is what he does in this job. If it works out, people will very quickly forget the so-called debacle surrounding his hire.
And what will the other coaches we “coulda had” look like in 3 years? Will Thibodeau wear out his welcome in Chicago in 3 years, the way Scott Skiles did? Remember when Byron Scott was all the rage? He got fired from two teams. How does that make him a great coach? What happens when Avery Johnson meets up with the Nets and their cast of young, unproven players? Last I knew, he was dealing with veterans. What if Rod Thorn decides he has had enough?
In the end, the grass always seems greener on the other side. Until you get there, that is.
El Cheapo
June 12th, 2010
8:26 am
The hawks are broke—had to go cheap and find someone, anyone who would work for peanuts. They got their man!!!
MannyT
June 12th, 2010
8:33 am
I’m not mad,
I’m not glad,
An interesting time
by all to be had.
Just get me a staff
and some players too
Let’s play some games
before we judge Larry Drew.
GT
June 12th, 2010
8:43 am
How does a coach insure locker room chemistry? I think the Hawks have the exact underachieving problems Georgia Tech has. Both had and I think have a player’s coach. Someone needs to follow Doc Rivers around and see what he is doing different. He is an ex players with a lot more primos than the Hawks, though grant it not as immature, he is part of the brotherhood yet he obviously has the respect of his players. The same coaches win in basketball so there must be something to the theory that that is where it begins not in the locker room chemistry. Look as far back as you want in the NCAA champions no surprises, great coaches, do the same with NBA though a little more murky. The difference in the NBA is every once in a while some of the spoil brats wake up on the wrong side of the bed and play for the team instead of themselves and the talent is enough that the attitude makes the difference.
Native Son
June 12th, 2010
8:46 am
All right y’all!!! Had a little sleep, some oatmeal & coffee this morning, so I feel good(da-da-dada=da-da-da) I realize why some people are disappointed with the ASG & Larry Drew. It’s like your best friend is getting married, and he chose someone else to be the best man. Well, when you look at it from a different perspective, the ASG made the correct call, I don’t think money was the main issue, though it may have played a part in it. They wanted Avery Johnson, and I believe they were willing to pay whatever, but his stipulations were way over the fence. And when he went to New Jersey, Drew became the logical choice. I sir, have to concur with that decision. I opine that Avery Johnson didn’t so much want full control of the team, as it was that he didn’t want to be dealing with the structure of the organization itself. tried to cancel out the owners. On the surface it does seems arrogant, and that he is “The Little General”, but I say, “give the man credit for a shrewd move”. Since, everyone here believes the ASG shot down Rick Sund’s wanting to hire D. Casey,here’s this scenario. the hiring of Casey would have given Sund another voice, strenghtening his position. Shrewd move for the ASG. Mark Jackson……no confidence vote. That left L. D.- the L is for “logical” And if you look at his resume, you have to agree that he does indeed have some head coaching experience. He coached the rooks, the 2cd, and 3rd year players in the summer sessions. Come on y’all !! Get behind this guy, what’s there to lose. Support can work the same way for a coach, as it can for a player…………………………………….Peace from the most Native
Shout to Big Ray!!! where the heck is your blog man?
ctrim
June 12th, 2010
8:52 am
I wish Woody the best – at times he exceeded my expectations during his tenure but he wasn’t going to take this team any further. Larry has earned this chance and I look forward to giving him my support. Biggest concern for the Hawks is what happens with JJ and the further development of our young players.
Im still laughing@Sund and the bubba crew
June 12th, 2010
8:52 am
He who laugh last laugh best!!!
LMAO!
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
8:58 am
Native Son ,
I’m still around. My blog is listed below MC’s blog. No longer called the Hawks Hack, it’s called the Hawks Fan Nest blog.
Truth Serum (Im still laughing@Sund and the bubba crew) ,
Laughter is good.
Im still laughing@Sund and the bubba crew
June 12th, 2010
8:58 am
We could have had Bob Weiss for less….Helll we did get the black bob weiss. Poetic justice baby. woodson has got to love this!
Yeah the hawk will be world class contenders now…..LMAO again!
This definitely sends a statement to the NBA.
On a more serious note I guess that means lebron wont be coming here.
Im still laughing@Sund and the bubba crew
June 12th, 2010
9:02 am
There is a reason they only gave barney one bullet….somebody check Sund’s pistol…
RICK SUND
June 12th, 2010
9:10 am
To the rear… M-A-R-C-H!!
lewis
June 12th, 2010
9:11 am
lol @ 1.2 Million for 2 years guaranteed, 3rd year option
4 Jacks
June 12th, 2010
9:11 am
It definitely sends a statement to the Atlanta fans. The ASG is making the statement that we are cheap, we are stupid and we are LOSERS. Nothing against Drew, but Gearon and the rest of the morons that own this team are not going to make a real committment to bring a top notch contender to Atlanta, and if this does not prove it then your head is buried in the sand…sorry, nothing personal…but the ownership flat out sucks and is just pathetic.
RICK SUND
June 12th, 2010
9:12 am
ACTUALLY PREFERRED DICK CHENEY OVER BUSH.
RICK SUND
June 12th, 2010
9:13 am
DOUBLE TO THE REA..R M-A-R-C-H!
JeJe
June 12th, 2010
9:13 am
So we wasted 3 weeks interviewing outside candidates then all of a sudden the ASG is like “let’s just interview Larry Drew who was there the whole time?” LOL what a joke. I’d probably take Drew over Casey, but he’s in a tough spot this year because if he doesn’t break 53 wins, geniuses like Woody or Gearon will claim he failed since “REGULAR SEASON SUCCESS IS ALL THAT MATTERS”
ken
June 12th, 2010
9:14 am
the Spirit does it again—-let’s see how little money we can spend—-this is the Thrashers experience all over again—-hire the cheapest guy we can find——looks like we will get the winning traditions his years at New Jersey and Washington and under Woodson have resulted in
Brain Fart!!
June 12th, 2010
9:15 am
how you like me now?
JeJe
June 12th, 2010
9:16 am
“Hey, it was a tough decision any way you go. If it doesn’t turn out, it’s the wrong decision. If it turns out, maybe it was the right decision, I don’t know.”
STRONG WORDS, RICK!
I feel like Joe and LBJ are the same in that ATL and CLE fans are terrified to say anything that will disturb them one bit and that they’d ditch the town if anyone perturbed them.
Native Son
June 12th, 2010
9:23 am
Big Ray: Going twenty – twenty with the hind sight. Is it any way possible, that Marvin was Woody’s pick? I had support for him early, and still do. However, I just haven’t seen anything from Marvin to justify him starting. It’s what pissed J. Chill’s off. I’m probably over the top on this, but #1 it was BK’s pick, or it’s the evidence of Woody’s favoritism.
Rufus1
June 12th, 2010
9:27 am
A CHANCE!!!!!
We have to give Drew atleast the draft and free agency, before we begin to pass judgement….
J.DAWG & Section 303
Woodson didn’t want anyone to challenge his favorite offensive players…Why else wood Mario have a roster spot and why our bench was never developed. If we had a legit 7ft player, Al or Josh would have to come off the bench…Who would Woodson have benched?
Drew would go along way to convincing me he is the right guy, with his player acquisition. Sergi maybe as good a shooter as Bibby or Crawford, but may cost 1mil or less. A 7ft shot blocker and rebounder would put Al, Josh and Marvin on notice.
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
9:31 am
Native Son ,
Marvin was both Woody and Billy’s pick. Back when they were agreeing on things, that is. CP3 was considered too small, Deron too slow, and Rondo without a jumpshot. Marvin had the most potential of any draft pick at the time, but potential is all there was. He was a good player off the bench at UNC, but since when do you pick a guy off of a team’s bench in the top 3 of the lottery?
I’m not sure how 11 points and 7 rebounds off the bench screamed “future superstar.” I would have understood if the guy was averaging 18-20 ppg as a freshman or destroying college records the way Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley were. Marvin wasn’t anything close to that.
As it was, Woody played him ahead of the more cerebral and effective Josh Childress, who not only had a higher field goal percentage (despite his fugly looking jumper), but just about matched Marvin’s output while coming off the bench. Furthermore, Childress could bring the ball up the court and function (and defend) the 1, 2, and 3 spots.
It was a mistake, and we’re still paying for it. Literally. I hope Childress comes back now. We could really use him.
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
9:33 am
MC ,
One of these days, I’ll learn to log off before coming over to hang out at your blog. My bad…
Big Ray
June 12th, 2010
9:34 am
Rufus ,
I hope they let Sergei come over and play in the summer league this year. Word is that the kid can really shoot. Why not let him see if he can earn a spot?
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
9:36 am
Ray I appreciate the shout out. It just goes to show that truth is stranger than fiction. It does challenge all logic that you would fire a 50+ wins coach who has shown steady improvement with the teams growth and hire his assistant who he was grooming… The only way I could justify this would be to say a) coach’s dont win games players do so I really dont want to exhaust my capital on a coach but rather the players.b) attract a big name player who says that the reason for there coming here was because Sund hired Woodson’s assistant coach and I believe there is now a clear path to competing for a championship. .
But then reality sets in and I realize that this is a ‘BRAIN FART” OF GASTRIC PORPORTIONS!’
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
9:38 am
Well, he certainly still has YOU watching, doesn’t he?
YOU MEAN LAUGHING!
Ricky
June 12th, 2010
9:39 am
@Jody
June 11th, 2010
6:47 pm
Though I don’t quite understand this, congratulations to Mr. Drew.
****************************************************************************
My sentiments exactly.
Good Luck Larry, just remember, the higher we soar the smaller we appear to those that cannot fly!!
Native Son
June 12th, 2010
9:43 am
Rufus1: Man I never could figure that Mario move. Like he was Woodson’s illegitemate son. He was the exact same way as Charles Barkley pronounces ” terrible’. I can see how he split the locker room with the stuff he did. A few more examp’s – Pachulia – Mike (no legs) Bibby – Collins. Woodson spent all last summer moaning about getting some bigs. And then he does’t play any of them. And the only thing he ever developed was a fat bank account.
RT
June 12th, 2010
9:43 am
I bet that will sell alot of tickets.Should have hired Bobby Cox!
Truth-Serum
June 12th, 2010
9:44 am
THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION IS , HOW DOES THIS MAKE THE HAWKS A BETTER TEAM AND GETS THEM CLOSER TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP RING.
THE ANSWER IS IT DOESNT, IN FACT ITS A STEP BACKWARD. UNLESS THERE ARE MAJOR CHANGES WE WONT WIN 50+ NOR GET PAST THE FIRST ROUND. 1 AND DONE.
WHERES THE LOGIC?
Rick Sund
June 12th, 2010
9:45 am
To the rea..r M-A-R-C-H!!
lingering oder from Sund's brain fart...
June 12th, 2010
9:49 am
, just remember, the higher we soar the smaller our chances of winning a championship
Ramon
June 12th, 2010
9:50 am
Now that the hiring has been made, I have no reason not to fully support Drew. I think he will do great in the new role.