Atlanta Hawks: Players say Drew isn’t Woody 2
LD, second from right, moves over to Woody's spot (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com)
It wouldn’t be a bad thing in the larger sense if LD is another Woody. In the aftermath of the recent postseason disappointment, it’s easy to forget Woody led the Hawks to one of their better seasons after helping them rise up from their status as laughingstocks. But Rick Sund said the Hawks needed “another voice,” after all, so there’s some understandable skepticism when they hired Woody’s right-hand man to be the “new” voice.
Clearly Atlanta believes LD offers something distinct from Woody. The Hawks hired him after rejecting not just Woody but his entire program. Promoting his lead assistant means they don’t think LD got much of a chance to put his stamp on that program. And the Hawks are telling you that not only do they expect LD’s way to be better than Woody’s way, but that he’s the guy to guide them to the next level even though he’s never been in the head coach’s seat before.
Anybody making snap judgments about the legitimacy of those views is just guessing. Sund and ASG made their choice. LD gets his shot to win over skeptics. At some point it will become clear if he’s the right choice.
I talked to some players this weekend, and all of them said they expect LD’s approach to be different than Woody’s. Drew often ran the second-team offense in practice and was said to deploy creative sets, with one player describing them as a “fun” departures from the isolations. Another player said when things went badly for the Hawks, LD tended to be more of an “encourager” than a “screamer” and focused his energy on laying out a detailed plan for how the Hawks can get better.
The players have better insight into LD than the rest of us, and so it’s significant that he enjoys wide support among them. But they can’t be sure how Drew the assistant will work out as Drew the head coach. His relationships with players will be tested. Now LD has the final say on how the run the team, including playing time and touches, and players inevitably aren’t going to like some of his decisions.
It’s probably not much different than most real-life workplaces when your direct boss becomes the “big boss.” It happened to me at a previous job. I knew that when my supervisor became the department’s boss our relationship would necessarily change. Where once he would go into his boss’s office as my advocate, and sometimes privately agree with my gripes, suddenly I was griping to someone else about his decisions. We talked every day when he was my direct supervisor; when he became the department head and had wider responsibilities, sometimes the explanations came down through the chain of command, and sometimes not at all.
I knew that when he was promoted my boss had to put some of that “command distance” between us. I’m not saying I always liked it but I accepted the circumstances and did my job. It’s not an exact analogy, I know, but Hawks players now have to do much the same with Drew. It’s part of being a professional.
That raises another important point. It’s not just ASG, Sund and LD who are under pressure. The players have a lot to prove, too. It’s fair to critique Woody’s strategies, his management of the team, and his failure to bring along Rook’. But, in what’s probably a common NBA tale, the players whom Woody treated like pros and gave some degree of say in their working conditions eventually let him down (and that’s before you even get into the issues with his roster, which is another blog altogether).
The players credited Woody with creating a loose atmosphere that made it enjoyable for them to come to work but then they didn’t get serious when it was time to do so. Woody backed off from the long, hard and frequent practices players didn’t like and in the end they didn’t work as hard as they should. Woody gave them on-court freedom (especially J.J.) and instead of taking that trust and becoming a free-flowing offensive team, they became a selfish “get mine” kind of team–and resisted Woody’s efforts to get them to share the ball.
Now Hawks players get a replacement for Woody whom they know and like. The new voice in charge is a familiar one and the internal hire causes fewer disruptions and less uncertainty. As one player said, now it’s up to him and his teammates to support Drew by getting on board with his program, respecting his decisions even if they don’t like them and sacrificing for the team.
Otherwise, no matter if LD draws up better plays, holds all guys accountable and develops the next Rook’, he might end up just like Woody did in the end.
MC
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399 comments Add your comment
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
8:32 am
Woody should have new by keeping marvin in the starting line up, by the end of the season he wouldn’t be back, but his stubborness will always be hiS down fall.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
8:39 am
Glad to see the conversation is moving towards free agency and the draft. I appreciated Drews comments, now we’ve gotta see if the players buy into the system and when they don’t if Drew can effectively hold them accountable.
Okafur and Chandler are serviceable centers in this league. They’ve fallen out of favor with their teams b/c of the high expectations. We might have those as well, but right now I think we need someone servicable at center to allow Al to move to PF. By doing that we’ll now have 3 players on the block? Can Tyson hit jumpers to allow Josh the space down low he’ll need?
Will Josh develop that short jumper like Al to help spread the offense. Nothing much more than just outside the paint. Why must Josh shoot 1/2″ inside the 3 to prove he’s not stupid enough to shoot 3 pointers? It’s the same thing!
I like the thoughts of Bibby headed to the bench. No disrespect to Bibby, but it’s time for Teague to show what he can do with a real shot, a committed to Teague shot to help this team grow. Bibby can support this team with timely baskets and veteran leadership at key times and from the bench. I wouldn’t mind seeing another point guard option to add speed, possibly the 3 and some D. Is that out there?
Who do we keep from our roster last year? Joe – we need to convince him we can treat him differently. Better ball movement, fewer touches, but identical or better stats due to better use of his energy. No more superstar iso’s – treat him like the great catch and shoot guard he is! Randolph to me deserves another chance and a real shot for minutes. Mario – I don’t see him sticking with the team with Drew in charge. Joe Smith – good option, but what does he want? Collins – Could’ve been a serviceable backup, what’s his committment level? Hunter – don’t we have new options? Siler – what’s he look like after a year in China? Chills – is he even willing to come back or willing to be traded?
My main question is what’s Marvin up to? What are his thoughts about the summer, about Drew, about his plans to show us something next season? What does Drew intend to do to extract our expensive lump of coal and turn it into a diamond from the rough.
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
8:39 am
If the hawks decide 2 keep marvin and larry starte him it would be the same BS as if woody was coaching, NO WAY MARVIN SHOULD STARTE PERIOD HE IS A BUST.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
8:40 am
BigDave
@ 813 PM that You-tube link was wild! Wow!
Based on what I’m hearing – maybe Woodson was the BONE of contention of the chemistry issues IF he had personality conflicts with all those players? Wow!
The HC is supposed to push different buttons with all the different players! More so than treating everybody the same. It is so psychological at the
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
8:45 am
Woodson killed the chemistry by sticking to his guns and sticking to what he thought worked. It led to no reason for others to improve. Marvin for example would never be an option in Woodson’s sets, so why improve? We all knew what would happen at the end of games. He would play the same players, same sets and never change regardless of performance.
I think if Drew rewards hard work and makes positions, minutes and touches up for grabs he can be successful just from the competitiveness it’ll create. Those who think they have talent and don’t buy in can be trade chips.
Woodson created the ill will from his lack of accountability. Drew can easily correct that by setting a standard and sitting folks who don’t meet it!
Who on our team is working hard now that they know a new sheriff is in town? That’s who we should see getting the touches next season!
JoJo the Godfather
June 15th, 2010
8:53 am
1st Question….Are the Hawks better off if Joe Johnson comes back on a 5-yr $90M deal (let’s say starting at $16.5M this year) -or- if Joe walks, we bring back Childress on a 4-yr $27.5M (let’s say starting at $5.75M this year) and sign another wing like R. Brewer, M. Miller, J. Salmons, or A. Morrow with a 3-yr deal somewhere at or under the MLE…..In summary, are we better off with Joe and little to no room for additional players, or are we better off with the deeper team?
JoJo the Godfather
June 15th, 2010
8:56 am
2nd Question….Assuming Joe walks, we get nothing in return, and we sign Josh Childress: at that point, would you rather spend the MLE on a wing player such as in my 1st question, or would you rather spend it on a big (B. Haywood, T. Chandler (looks like he may opt out), etc…) and go with what we have on the wing (Crawford, Evans, Marvin, Childress, draft pick???)?
Big Ray
June 15th, 2010
8:57 am
For those who can appreciate Al Horford…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOmH8wO2yfg&feature=related
Big Ray
June 15th, 2010
9:00 am
CP ,
I agree. Some people refuse to show any optimism, or at least remain neutral. All they do is whine and pi$$ and moan. Time to move on and see what happens. Sour grapes…keep it to yourself and if you’re so unhappy PLEASE leave us in peace. And last I looked Joe Johnson ain’t gone yet, so the gloom and doom isn’t necessary. On top of that, even if he decides he’s outta here, there is no reason to lose ALL hope. We have some players on this roster, and some pieces to work with. The talent pool won’t be as good, but it’s not guaranteed lottery land, either.
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:01 am
The biggest Q can the hawks trade marvin ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Big Ray
June 15th, 2010
9:01 am
Fundamentals ,
Excellent posts, my friend. Truly excellent.
Disappointed
June 15th, 2010
9:05 am
Enter your comments here
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:08 am
Marvin remind me of jenkins of the falcons, every year waiting for and break out year but at the end of the season was a waste of time.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Disappointed
June 15th, 2010
9:09 am
I don’t wanna call LD a bum, but I will call this a bum-hire by ASG! They took the cheap way out and will pay for it in the end. We went from a team on the rise to being ushered back to the basement. SMH
Ken Strickland
June 15th, 2010
9:09 am
DRMARYB-you have to understand that psychologically, people like TRUTH SERUM are perpetually on the run from anything that even remotely approaches the truth or facts. He is the antithesis of his chosen on line moniker. Therefore, when slapped across the face with the FACTS, or THE UNDESPUTED TRUTH, like has often been done by SAUTEE, he simply can’t deal with it.
So, whenever he, and others like him, are caught in their lies, and/or challenged by facts and/or UNDESPUTED TRUTHS that exposes their self serving BS, they resort to the old tried and true approach, at least for them, of ATTACKING THE MESSENGER, WHILE DELIBERATELY AND CONVENIENTLY AVOIDING THE MESSAGE.
He, like so many like him, craves attention and uses the adversarial approach to try and demonstrate his intelligence. And make no mistake about it, he has plenty of intelligence, just not enough to take advantage of it.
If JJ wants to walk, that’s fine. In the long run, he could be doing us a favor. If we could use the money we’d save from his departure to sign 2 players like SG John Salmons and C TChandler or BHeywood, I think it would make us a better team in the long run.
JJ is an excellent all around player that does everything well, and can make most teams better. However, he lacks the quickness, speed, athleticism, explosiveness and inspirational fire that seems to come with guards that are able to carry their teams. So, while their won’t be a player available to us that can adequately replace everything he brings to the table, we can certainly add an insert, another 2 chairs, and rearrange the seating to expand the tables seating capacity.
LDrew will have plenty of talent to work with. It’s like the difference between having a $100 dollar bill or 5 $20 dollar bills. While the $100 and the $20’s represent different denominations, collectively they have the same value. It’s just that having 5 $20’s, instead of a $100 dollar bill, gives you more flexibility and options.
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
9:13 am
Thanks Ray, I’m just 100% focussed on how to make our team better!
Question with Joe will probaly take all summer. Teams with lots of cash will wait on Lebron, Wade, Bosh and Amare to sign. Joe, unfortunately will be 2nd fiddle. Maybe not, but I’m guessing so.
With that said waiting on what offer will secure him will cost us time signing other free agents. We’ll get Joe at a discount or nothing if we wait too long? Is that what we want? Who can we immediately sign to replace him? Would they be better? How committed is Joe to buying into Drew’s system? Does he want to be here? Will he like being here if nobody makes a big offer and we get him on the cheap?
I definitely like JoJo’s thoughts. If I knew we were getting several rising quality players in place of Joe I might take that chance. If Joe leaves and we get nothing all our eggs are in Marvin’s basket. He’s great at laying eggs, but I don’t think that’s what I was hoping for.
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:17 am
Big brother ray i have always like horford but the problem is the hawks have 2 player playing the same position, as we saw in the playoffs the hawks got exposed bad in the trenches, the hawks have 2 draft a center or sign 1.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
9:21 am
Darrell – I’m all for signing one? What about the Chandler or Okafur options? I tend to like them better than Haywood? How can you bash our roster when Woodson didn’t use the centers he had on the bench? I know we bash Randolph and Collins for their 2 minute stints on Howard but how could they be prepared? To defend someone like Howard you need consistent solid minutes in the rotation. I think Randolph showed promise. Collins has been a decent backup for many teams. Neither got a shot here under Woodson? Do we want Randolph and Collins back? Who can we get besides Chandler, Okafur or Haywood? Do you think we can get Haywood from Dallas or will he be the next Gortat?
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:25 am
24# pick solomon alabi, the guy will make a differce on defensive end of the court bring him and zaza of the bench will be a plus, then zaza can move 2 power ford.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
lewis
June 15th, 2010
9:30 am
Honestly, JJ is big, a solid defender, creative on offense but slow to get anything done. If Childress is not coming back, we could pull a Paul Pierce and turn JJ, for the latter part of his career, into a bigger, slower, rebounding, passing and shooting SF.
PG – Teague
SG – Jamal Crawford
SF – Joe Johnson
PF – Josh Smith
C – Al Horford
is our most offensively powerful lineup if people are willing to share the ball.
But i’m under the impression that Jamal and Joe can’t co-exist in a successful, ball moving offense, nor would Jamal be able to do anything on defense against guys like Kobe, D-Wade, premiere sg’s. Then again, Kobe’s been dropping 38 on Ray Allen, and Boston’s about to win a championship, so maybe it wouldn’t even matter?
Then, there’s the chance of,
PG – Teague
SG – Joe Johnson
SF – Josh Childress
PF – Josh Smith
C – Al Horford
or
PG – Teague
SG – Jamal Crawford
SF – Josh Childress
PF – Josh Smith
C – Al Horford
or, my biggest fear,
PG – Teague
SG – Jamal Crawford
SF – Marvin Williams
PF – Josh Smith
C – Al Horford
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:35 am
FUNDAMENTALS I AGREE WITH YOU, but if solomon alabi is there at pick 24# you have 2 draft him the guy is a beast in the post on defense.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
JoJo the Godfather
June 15th, 2010
9:35 am
I like Tyson Chandler enough that if he opted out I would offer him the full MLE over 5 years (I think like 5 yrs $34M for a 27 yr old). The understanding would be that he would come off the bench and play in combinations with Josh at PF and Horford on bench, Horford at PF and Josh on bench, and Horford at PF and Josh at SF. Getting him 20-25 minutes a game off the bench. Keeping his minutes down should help him to stay healthy. Still not sure why he would opt out with $12.5M on the table for this year though.
Big Ray
June 15th, 2010
9:36 am
JoJo the Godfather
Excellent questions. I think that if Joe gets 18 mil a year, then it’s best at 5 years and not 6, as you seem to suggest. There is no denying Joe’s talent, but if Larry Drew’s offensive schemes can make Joe more efficient and effective, then that makes keeping him all the more attractive. I just have the feeling that the 5 yrs vs 6 yrs thing might become a sticking point in negotiations, and I don’t want to hand him a 6 yr contract for that kind of money, particularly one that might be heavy on the back end. But again, the idea of him becoming more deadly in Drew’s offense is very, very enticing and encouraging.
Would we be better off without him, and with better depth at the wing? That’s a hard argument to be convincing with. Bringing back Childress is still something we just don’t know will happen. If we can get him back, fine. He was a very good player for us before he left. But let’s say we can’t. Two wings I would want are two from your list: Anthony Morrow and Ronnie Brewer. Why? Brewer is a rabid defender who can get after it, defending the 1, 2, and 3. Think Mario West, but bigger, under control, and capable of providing some offense as well. Morrow is a pure sniper, a guy who can be absolutely deadly from the perimeter. Do they make up for Joe? Nope. But they do provide depth.
Why not Salmons or Miller? Well, I really like Salmons, and he’s a pro’s pro. But, playing like he did in a contract year (and I hate to sound cynical) will likely earn him more money than he is truely worth, and he’s older than Joe. Also, when he goes in a funk, he seriously goes in a funk. Having said that, I would not have an issue with having him over Jamal, but wouldn’t want both. Reason being, between the two, the minutes at SG are all eaten up, and between the two they don’t provide the defensive impact that Joe does. I mean, if you’re going to pay out 18 mil a year or more for shooting guards….
Mike Miller is very talented, and he can do a lot for you at the 2 or 3. I think the time to get him was a couple of years ago, though. Miller’s downside can be inconsistency all over the court. When he’s on, he’s getting you points, rebounds, assists. When he’s not, he gets you just about nothing. More glaringly, he can’t seem to play a full season. I really wanted Miller here a couple years ago. We didn’t get him, and I think he will only be more injury prone as he gets into his 30s.
The other reason for going for the youngster is they will cost less. We still need a fairly rugged big man to play down low, off the bench. Like it or not, and whether you like Horford as a center or power forward, in order to replace him at center and move him to power forward (let’s be honest, this is NOT a guy you send to the bench unless you have two bonafide, perfectly matched starting five all-star players at the 4 and 5 in place already), you must have a better center than him. And I mean BETTER. If the guy isn’t an all-star, don’t even bother. The only exception would be that he and Al would make one heck of a 4/5 tandem, the kind that would force Josh Smith out (and probably to another team). For those who keep suggesting that we trade Josh Smith for a center, quit smoking that dirty stuff. Bad weed makes you really stupid. No team is going to trade a good center for a forward unless they have TWO good centers. Who has two good centers? Better yet, who has two good centers that doesn’t need one of them?
Obviously Joe walking with us getting no compensation is the worst case scenario, as you have no assets to work with out of the deal. Well, I say that, but it’s possible to do a sign and trade for contracts that we really don’t want, and players that don’t help us, I suppose that might be worse, but I can’t think of a particular deal that we would be that stupid and desparate to do.
Having said that, I’d rather spend the MLE on a big guy that can help down low off the bench. Spend less money on a guy like Brewer. Morrow can shoot, but if Joe leaves, we need a defender on the perimeter, and as I said earlier, Childress coming back is no guarantee. I realize I probably didn’t answer your question straight out, but to be honest, I haven’t thought it all the way through.
Big Ray
June 15th, 2010
9:37 am
Darrell
True, but we also got exposed in the backcourt. Badly.
Big Ray
June 15th, 2010
9:39 am
JoJo ,
If Chandler can be had for that price, I’m in. Younger and more athletic than Haywood, who will be overpaid (that’s just life), and probably a better fit than Okafor. But I don’t think he can be had for that price, nor would he want that role with this team. I’m just guessing, though.
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:40 am
Lewis i like the second option better you don’t want 2 starte jamal he bring that spark of the bench 2 up lift the team.
STARTE TEAGUE, JOE, CHILDRESS, JOSH, HORFORD.
GO HAWLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 15th, 2010
9:44 am
IF THE HAWKS KEPT IT SIMPLE AND DRAFT ALABI AND SIGN FREE AGENT HARRINGTON.
STARTER, TEAGUE, JOE, AFRO PUFF, JOSH, HORFORD,
BENCH BIBBY, JAMAL, HARRINGTON, ZAZA, ALABI
RESERVE MARVIN, MORRIS.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
doc
June 15th, 2010
9:54 am
fundamentals, nice synopsis of what sword woody fell on. he rode certain horses hard without allowing others to grow. you are right, performance didnt matter when it came to play time. he would say it is all about practice and being ready, then he wouldnt reward playing which is where the rubber meets the road. yeah athletes have egos too, which require rewards other than pay day is my guess.
53 wins is nothing to sneer at. i wish woody had been able to somehow keep it together at the end of the season. that is where the coaching begins anew. i hope drew can draw on his background with the team and seriously look these guys in the eye and say this is what is expected and get it from the get go and continue it throughout the season and have guys get better in the end.
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
10:03 am
Ken S
That post was, well – Rich!
I never thought about Þhe analogy of Joe being a $100 bill -vs- 5 – $20 bills! Damn! What a thought?
I can really see the value in 5 pieces versus one.
That reminds me of Jimmy Johnson trading Herschel Walker for 5 players – and we ALL know the rest of that story with Leon Lett & aaah! TWho was the running back that broke Walter Payton’s record?). But, I like it … I like it!). The point you made is that we need multiple pieces in place of a Joe Johnson Max – Player contract!
What’s ironic is a Jimmy Johnson “JJ”. Philosophy versus a Joe Johnson “JJ”. Max-Deal!
Very Very Very – RICH!
Here’s my meal plan for you today:
1. Fresh peeled stewed tomatoes (I hate eating tomato skins -uuggh!)
In a spaghetti sauce (not canned tomatoes please – too many preservatives!),
served over organic wheat pasta.
2. Fresh spinach salad with blue cheese and vidalia onions sprinkled with lean freash bacon bits, topped with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. (very light bacon serving)
3. Italian bread with garlic pesto butter spread. (very light butter portion)
I hope you have someone to cook for you? The cooked tomatoes are the key ingredient to combat P.C. Cells)
Sent from my blackberry: I love you KenS. Get well Soon! We need you on this blog for many years to come!
terrell
June 15th, 2010
10:12 am
Did anybody on the team like Woody? Seriously.
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
10:12 am
That’s the ticket Doc, get players to continue to grow as the season progressed. We saw some new flashes from Horford this year, but then nothing else really new…except Marvin going further backwards? What happened to his 3 pt shot? He was ballin early the year before only to degrade slowly all year. We need Drew to push kids to develop and grow all season long.
I think Tyson would be able to fit in here. He’s about the same age, he shows the skills we need. He doesn’t want to be a superstar, just to fit a niche. I think he’d be a nice fit for our team at center. Much better than Okafur and or Haywood. Time will tell as to who gets his services.
Is there anyone else Michael will run off from the Bobcats?
terrell
June 15th, 2010
10:18 am
Fundamentals, I think Chicago will go after Joe, especially since Wade basically said he didn’t want to go back home to the Windy City, because they’re not loyal to their players. And JJ wouldn’t mind being Robin instead of Batman(Rose) as opposed to Wade.
Undisputed Champ!
June 15th, 2010
10:23 am
Co-Signing with her majesty!
KenS. Get well Soon! We need you on this blog for many years to come!
terrell
June 15th, 2010
10:24 am
Your’re dead on with the Marvin/Jenkins comparison D Starks. lol!
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
10:24 am
Fundamentals
You must have – Ate your wheaties! Because, you are mean-mugging the blog this morning!
Maybe just Maybe … You can go to the GULF of MEXICO and plug that oil leak with your pinky?
Like DOLOMITE – and stick your finger in the ground and spin the world around! ROF & LOL!
IF Dirk and Tyson C. throw their team hats in the ring? That will push Joe Johnson further down the food chain.
He may be looking at a MLE contract and will NEVER see 4 years at 60 million ever again – he and his agent will be officially PUNKED! Besides, how many cousins does he need to support anyways?
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
10:24 am
If they do I hope it’s early and lucrative. If we’re going to lose Joe we need it to happen quickly to give us all possible options. Do they have the cap or who would they prefer to sign and trade? Don’t get me wrong I’d love to keep Joe, but he’s the one who needs to decide. I just pray it’s not another Josh Smith or Marvin type deal where we wait to long or pay too much too early.
terrell
June 15th, 2010
10:25 am
Darrell Starks, I’ve been hollering for a #2 rec, and a new sf for years. lol!
Undisputed Champ!
June 15th, 2010
10:26 am
1 and done =
AGENT HARRINGTON.
STARTER, TEAGUE, JOE, AFRO PUFF, JOSH, HORFORD,
BENCH BIBBY, JAMAL, HARRINGTON, ZAZA, ALABI
RESERVE MARVIN, MORRIS.
O'Brien
June 15th, 2010
10:27 am
If I’m Rick Sund, I would offer JJ no more than 5 years, $90 mil. If he wants to leave, hopefully we can work out a SNT.
If he leaves, I would go after Salmons. He should cost half of what JJ costs ($8 mil vs $16 – $18 mil). Salmons is 2 years older, but JJ has played a ton of minutes too. I would only offer Salmons a 4 year deal though (4th year team option).
Ray,
Remember that Salmons played well for Chicago (last season) down the stretch and in the playoffs too.
And if we resign JJ or sign Salmons, I would trade Crawford. He is an expiring contract, and I can’t see us resigning him next year. Plus he should bring us a couple solid bench players in return.
Fundamentals,
I like Tyson too, but he will be out of our price range (if he opts out). And now we are seeing some of the ramifications of Rick giving Marvin, Bibby and ZaZa $18 mil last year, because we have no money to spend. And neither of those guys are good trade assets.
Undisputed Champ!
June 15th, 2010
10:28 am
lewis
June 15th, 2010
9:30 am
The object is to win not participate.
Fundamentals
June 15th, 2010
10:32 am
I’m sure Tyson will go elsewhere for more, but it’s my dream today? What else do we have? Draft prospects?
terrell
June 15th, 2010
10:51 am
Fundamentals, they cant pay him as much as the Hawks can, but it’s close. I think? Question is, where does he think he has the best chance to win?
Rose/JJ/Deng//Noah or Teague/JJ/Josh/Al
A sign and trade could happen though. Something like Hinrich/Gibson/Flip for Joe.
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
11:39 am
Ali! The Undisputed Champ. (Period.)
Thank you for the “Holler – Back!”
Isn’t Ken-S. , well, – RICH?
I love the fact that even though this man is fighting for his LIFE?
He is still fighting for his TEAM!
The Hawks need to match that! And, recognize the Fans for who they are – DIE HARD!
I hope Sund has someone to screen out the BS-Posters and FEED him what the REAL – BLOGGERS are saying on:
THE Best Blogs in the World! MC & Blue-Ray too!
Our BLOG deserves a Lombardi Trophy for 2010!
wantawinner
June 15th, 2010
11:39 am
The Hawks owners are really Cheap and don’t care about getting a winner! I am not convinced that Larry Drew will sit, fine, suspend players who continue to do what Woody let them do: play bad, not give it their all, hog the ball, break the rules, and get into trouble off the court. I saw a recent photo of the Hawks team at a meeting and they were all slouched on the floor not paying any attention. Drew will not change that. The team needs a leader, not a friend. The Hawks don’t need another Obama!!
JoJo the Godfather
June 15th, 2010
11:56 am
I’ve seen the name Okafor and his bad contract thrown around….I’ve also seen where T’wolves will most definitely shop Al Jefferson….Could a Jefferson/Horford/Smith rotation at the 4 & 5 work, or is that too much money to still not have a true C? You would be hard pressed to find two more young/athletic guys rotating at the 5 spot than the two Al’s.
Ramon
June 15th, 2010
12:09 pm
I think the Hawks should sign Joe for a 6 year/ $98.5 million deal with the 6th year being a team option.
I wonder if the Hornets would consider a Marvin and Zaza for Okafor deal.
Big Ray, if the Hawks just flat out renounce the rights to Childress (what I wish they would do), then the Hawks would be better off. With the 7-8 million that Childress is counting against the cap space, the Hawks would be able to add Brewer and Miller (I’d prefer Miller over Morrow). The Hawks would be able to do this WHILE still keeping Joe. Think about this back court depth, Teague, Joe, Crawford, Bibby, Brewer, and Mike Miller. Those six would provide GREAT depth at PG, SG, and SF, with Josh, Horford, Okafor (off the bench), Morris, and draft picks solidifying the front court.
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
12:14 pm
Want-a-Weener!
(Because I can’t find mine)
Of course the MAJORITY of owners Want-a-Winner! But, the MINORITY MONEY OWNER – Boris Yelkin,
(my attempt to evade the BLOG’s black-hole), sued them all to block the Joe Johnson for Boris Diaw (how ironic?) trade! As a matter of fact, the battle is still on-going years later!
If, the Hawks Majority group did NOT Want a Winner? We would be the CLIPPERS and NOT the exciting and competitive HAWKS that we are! (Yes I am defending the Minority Spirit owners!). Just
drmaryb
June 15th, 2010
12:24 pm
Want-a-Weener! ( Cont’d. )
……Just NOT Boris Yelkin! How ironic that he’s the guy that tried to block the – Boris Diaw – for Joe Johnson trade! A shrewd play on evading words? ROF.
Bottom line is this – We have a team that Improved every year! The core was maintained! Even to do that – we stretched and re-signed players that maybe we shouldn’t have… But in the SPIRIT of trying to give us a product? No ONE is perfect! T leat we don’t have Jermaine Oneal sitting on our bench at $23 million per year or, Gilbert (shooting blanks none-the-less shooting in the locker room) Arenas!
Give credit where credit is DUE! Again, we could be the basement buddy to the CLIPPERS!
Not!
Sautee
June 15th, 2010
12:30 pm
drmaryb,
Don’t you mean Steve Belkin?
Sautee
June 15th, 2010
12:32 pm
yes, I KNEW you were foolin’. So was I.