Atlanta Hawks: ASG says Hawks not for sale
AJC wise guy Jeff Schultz weighed in on the latest report about the Atlanta Spirit Group’s supposed desire to sell the Hawks. The New York Post says ASG is looking to sell Philips Arena and the Hawks as a package deal and wants to unload the Thrashers separately.
Judging by the sports radio chatter this morning and blog comments in the past, Hawks fans would love it if ASG sold the team. But each time these stories flare up, ASG owners (when they’ve addressed the rumors) have consistently denied an interest in selling the team and insist they only want to take on investors. Micheal Gearon Jr. and Bruce Levenson released a statement today:
“As has been shared publicly for more than a year, we are interested in finding minority investors and have engaged a firm to assist us in that effort. We have no plans to move either team, and remain committed to the Hawks, the Thrashers, Philips Arena and the city of Atlanta.”
That’s not exactly a firm “We don’t want to sell the team,” though Gearon also e-mailed WSB-TV’s Zach Klein and said: “I have no interest in selling.”
It seems fans who want ASG to sell are dreaming of a deep-pocketed owner swooping in to spend big money on the franchise and provide one, clear voice for the direction of the team. But the chances of that happening are slim even if ASG is willing to part with the team because, think about it, apparently ASG is having trouble even finding proverbial minority investors.
It’s not an easy sell. The new owner(s) would have to continue to take short-term losses while believing there’s a chance to make money in the near future, an iffy proposition in the Atlanta market. Also, there just don’t seem to be many rich people running around looking to buy franchises nowadays. As the Post story notes, the Nets got “lucky” to sell the team to Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov after an 18-month search–and that’s a team in the New York market that eventually play in Brooklyn.
So whether ASG is looking to take on investors or, as the Post says, sell the whole dang thing, first they need to find investors or buyers. Good luck with that.
MC
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297 comments Add your comment
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
12:50 pm
Blue Ray you and the peanut gallery must learn that its not the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog.
So now you’re calling yourself a dog? LOL!
Like I said, I’d pay to see you talkin’ that smack to Horford. He’d probably pat you on the head and give you a scooby snack…and you’d be all happy…LOL
James Brown
June 19th, 2010
12:52 pm
Hell atlanta struggled against Milwaukee a team with out a center that’s the reality. Hard to believe you can write such a long winded ignorance of why the hawks cant get to the serious levels of competition without acknowledging we cant compete in the most crucial aspect of the game…the post.
And dont whine like saltee telling me what he did against other powerforwards playing center. he did not stop them either. In FACT HE DOESNT STOP ANY ONE!
Whine Serum
June 19th, 2010
12:53 pm
I represent those comments! I mean, I resent them comments!
James Brown
June 19th, 2010
12:53 pm
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
12:50 pm
RAY, WHATS YOUR OPINION OF DEZZ NUTTZZ?
James Brown
June 19th, 2010
12:55 pm
I SEE IF YOU WANT TO STIR UP THE HORNETS NEST COME TO THIS SITE AND TALK ABOUT HOREBYTCH AND HER WICKED STEPSISTERS COME OUT OF THE WOOD WORK
James Brown
June 19th, 2010
12:56 pm
Whine Serum BIG GAY…IS THAT U?
Dolamite
June 19th, 2010
1:02 pm
I wish yall would stop complaining about Al Horrible. No body else wants the job. If you think you can do better than Al Horrible you are welcome to try.
Al Hor-rible
June 19th, 2010
1:06 pm
I had a great career and I happy I got my career average up to 12 pts per game and only 17 centers are better defenders than me. I did not make the defensive team nor the All NBA team but the flip side is I did score 1 more basket a game than my career average.
yeah , Im an all star?
drmaryb
June 19th, 2010
1:08 pm
MEAN – MUGGING?
Ryan @ 1146 AM; would you be describing – The FSNS take on a bad case of:
Mean – .Mugging?
I like it … I like it!
Whine Serum
June 19th, 2010
1:09 pm
Im not gay! Am I?
Kobe Byrant
June 19th, 2010
1:12 pm
Weve got lots of defensive centers…Oh thats one of the reasons were World Champions and you are not because you W h o r e s (no offense W h o r e f o r d) use a power forward for a center. Stupid idiots
Kobe Byrant
June 19th, 2010
1:13 pm
Whine Serum
June 19th,2010
1:09 pm
Im not gay! Am I?
I dont know Ray, are you Gay…never mind dont answer that
drmaryb
June 19th, 2010
1:13 pm
;• (
Mean – Mugging!
Whine (aka big ray) Serum
June 19th, 2010
1:15 pm
I apologize this is the best I could do to get back at Truth Serum. He just gets on my nerves and bring the bytttch out in me!
Whine (aka big ray) Serum
June 19th, 2010
1:18 pm
“U PEOPLE SAY THE SAME !@#$ EVERY FREAKING BLOG. U CAN’T GET A CENTER IF HORFORD AND SMOOVE ARE STUCK AT THOSE POSITIONS. IF SMOOVE PLAYS SF WE WILL WIN 30 GAMES NEXT YEAR”
How hard is it to trade your bitch-jesty Al Horrible?
Najeh Davenpoop
June 19th, 2010
1:18 pm
“If I were Mike con “what a Ham”, Id just resign! Lets get a writer with out an anterior motive take charge. ”
With all the talking out of your azz you do, you seem to have quite a posterior motive.
By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask this for a while — what exactly does “Mike Con & the Ham” mean? I realize it is supposed to be some kind of insult to our beat writer, but how exactly is it clever or insulting?
Whine (aka big ray) Serum
June 19th, 2010
1:24 pm
Truth Serum you must be having an impact(em pact) at drawing attention to Atlanta center problem because all the Horford nutt huggers have stop singing cume-ba ya and are swarming like an angry nest of insects…(bugs). Better get some raid
Whine (aka big ray) Serum
June 19th, 2010
1:25 pm
Oh Poop!
northcyde
June 19th, 2010
1:28 pm
( correction: I meant to say that we’ve never reached the ECF since being in ATLANTA, not Boston . . but I’m sure most of you know what I meant )
And another thing. All of this Horford bashing needs to stop as well. The one thing he can do, is to simply play with more intensity. Like in the situation with Smoove, Al is just going to have to start playing tougher at the center position, like Smoove needs to do at power forward.
If Horford is the potential leader of the squad now, he’ll elevate his game next season. That’s the last dude I’m worried about right now.
As for the Milwaukee series, when the Hawks decided to play defense, we handled the Bucks pretty easily. But just like we did in 2008 vs the Celtics, they played over their heads and took 3 games from us. Apathetic fans shouldn’t pentalize the Hawks for not dispatching of the Bucks in 5 or 6 games, even if Bogut was out.
When the entire world thought we were done going into Game 6 ( including a good chunk of Hawks fans ), that team pulled off their best defensive performance since the days of Mookie and Dikembe.
The only thing last year told me, is that we still have a ways to go before we can be in that elite top 4 or 5 class of teams. But we didn’t take a step back as a team, contrary to popular belief. We improved in the regular season, but still didn’t play at the needed playoff intensity.
Let’s hope Coach Drew can get these guys playing with more intensity as the season progresses.
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
1:28 pm
Northcyde
I think any real Hawks fan (not the guys who simply like to trash talk) are happy with a 50 win season, but unhappy with a team that did not play like a 50 win team in the postseason. Are we supposed to expect a team that won 50+ games to barely compete against an inferior opponent, then not compete at all against an opponent that is better, but not vastly better? I don’t think so.
After all, what’s the point of winning that many games? You don’t get a prize just for your win total. No, you get playoff position, homecourt advantage, etc. I think what bothers the borderline team trasher and the diehard fan alike is seeing our 53 win team act like they didn’t even know why or what they were doing in the playoffs. We were more talented an diverse this past season then we were when we faced the Boston Celtics in 2008. But to be honest, I feel that we competed better then . Sure, we got destroyed on the road, but we still fought them. Against Milwaukee, we were forced to fight, instead of forcing them . Against Orlando, we never really fought. Maybe for a quarter or two. Other than that…nothing but a string of individual performances.
Anyway, that’s how I think the avid fan sees things. The fickle critical type will always find something to run their mouths about. That never changes…
Back to the point!
June 19th, 2010
1:31 pm
Mark Bradley
Bradley also mentions that the Hawks don’t appear on Chris Bosh’s sign and trade wish list, which doesn’t surprise me for the same reasons Bradley discusses in the piece. And really, it echoes what Bret LaGree has spoken nationally about adding another big man with big minutes to the Hawks frontcourt. Unless it means either Josh or Al moves out, it doesn’t work. Josh Smith can not be efficient on either end at the small forward position. Heck, Horford would be better out there than Smith.
So what would benefit the Hawks the most if, say, Joe Johnson were to be dealt? Well, I’m biased here in that I have written extensively about the problems at a particular position over the last decade or so in the ATL, but a young, pure point guard would be the most help. Not saying there is anyone out there that fits that bill, unless New Orleans is willing to be so down on Chris Paul that they deal him, but that would be the #1 place to start for me. Apart from that, a scorer that can defend and get to the line would be a welcome replacement for Joe.
Speaking of Hoopinion, Bret is plowing through his annual performance evaluations (does not guarantee raises) and has produced gems on Rick Sund, the late Mike Woodson, the potentially former Hawk Joe Johnson, and the dynamic duo of Josh Smith and Al Horford.
My analysis of Bret’s work there: Fantasticus. That is all. Seriously, it’s a highlight of the off-season–go and enjoy.
One of the Bird Watchers from afar, Lang Whitaker, sends Mike Woodson off in the most complimentary and honest summary/farewell to the former head coach. Anyone who didn’t read the piece Lang did in-season when he was embedded with the Hawks need to click the link within the story about it. An all-timer.
Finally, Al Horford gave an interview to the Associated Press regarding playing in the Dominican Republic this offseason. He also indicates he’s ready to sign a long term deal to stay in the NBA and offers this (translated, emphasis mine) gem:
Horford considered that the young Hawks need a point guard and a genuine center, enabling him to play as power forward.
If Al truly believes this, then he disagrees with Mark Bradley and Rick Sund, who both believe he is perfectly suited for his role as center. I believe that Al still struggles mentally with having to take on the biggest the NBA has to offer every night, and it shows with hurried moves and shots against larger opponents. But with Josh Smith on the roster, as noted earlier regarding Josh’s inability to play efficiently from the 3, it leaves Al having to man the pivot.
Exit question: If the Hawks stick with Josh and Al gets increasingly antsy about having to play his prime years in what he feels is out-of-position, will he be less willing to sign that long-term NBA contract with Hawks?
http://www.peachtreehoops.com/2010/5/25/1486247/its-come-to-this-another-links
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
1:32 pm
Truth Serum ,
You’ve outdone yourself. Why are you posting as “whine serum” and then trying to indicate that it’s me? Clearly, it’s YOU. I realize there must be a joke in there somewhere, but I must have missed it…..
Back to the point!
June 19th, 2010
1:34 pm
Trade all get a real center problem solved
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
1:36 pm
Najeh ,
Far as I can tell, it’s a play on words for anybody that can’t spell “Cunningham”, which is strange considering all one has to do is copy and paste….
Back to the point!
June 19th, 2010
1:36 pm
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
1:32 pm
Truth Serum ,
You’ve outdone yourself. Why are you posting as “whine serum” and then trying to indicate that it’s me? Clearly, it’s YOU. I realize there must be a joke in there somewhere, but I must have missed it…..
Check the mirror and dont laugh too hard.
Fire Al Hor rible.
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
1:38 pm
TS,
That last post made even less sense. Stop smoking whatever you’re smoking before your ability to type erodes as well.
On second thought…smoke some more…
drmaryb
June 19th, 2010
1:43 pm
DEFENSE!
Sometimes the Hawks DEFENSE amounted to nothing more than “A – Dirty – Look!”
At the OFFENDER on his way to the basket!
I call that “Mean – Mugging”.
; • (
Big Ray
June 19th, 2010
1:51 pm
Truth Serum ,
Good link to Peachtree Hoops. Here’s what’s funny, though. Just like every other time I hear something about Al not being a center and the need to get a starting center for the Hawks……it’s followed by suggestions that we trade Josh Smith, NOT Al Horford. In fact, that’s what most of the fans responding to that blog keep saying. Funny that you left that part out.
Suffice it to say, no matter how much you hate Al Horford (and you do), so many people will be more willing to part with somebody else and keep HIM. Sorry, dude.
hawks4lifer
June 19th, 2010
2:00 pm
Until Horford himself comes out and says he would rather play pf I am not listening to any moron who says he cant play center.
ignition
June 19th, 2010
2:02 pm
Having gone to both Falcon games (post Vick) and Brave’s games I can honestly say that they don’t sell out either..
I think its more of the economy and the teams than anything.. Atlanta need excitement with their pro teams in order to be motivated to go to the games. The Braves of the early and mid Nineties, Dominique era Hawks, the Vick era Falcons… Thats how you get the fans out..
The Hawks have an exciting team that didn’t play with that excitment all the time, keep winning and the fans real come.
cp
June 19th, 2010
3:17 pm
Seriously can we get some ip banning going on around here. I come here to talk about the Hawks not ready 493434 post from the same dude complaining about the same shid everyday. How pathetic can your life be if you sit on here everyday and make up a million names just to agree with ya self.
Exactly Melvin . This draft is a lot deeper than last years draft. There were quite a few gems found in the second round last year and late first round. Sounds like the Hawks front office is just giving us an excuse now as to why they will blow another pick.
Sautee
June 19th, 2010
3:27 pm
Wow, I guess the whining accusation must have really stung you Truth-serum.
Now you are whining with both barrels. Keep it up. We ALL enjoy how much of a fool you are willing to make of yourself.
Keep On Whinin’ Sybil, it’s what you do best, regardless of which name you post under.
Actually today you’ve taken your whining to a whole new level. You’ve now earned the title “King of Blog Whining”
All Hail the King!
northcyde
June 19th, 2010
3:48 pm
drmaryb talks about “mean mugging”.
In case one doesn’t know what “mean muggin” is, check out Carmelo Anthony’s fiance ( LaLa . . former MTV VJ ) and Kim Kardashian. But they’re not the ones “mean mugging”. When you see the pic, you’ll obviously see who the “mean mugger” is.
http://www.watchyoursetup.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/kim-kardashian-lala-carmelo-son-picture.jpg
FromtheBARstool
June 19th, 2010
4:03 pm
Sell while you can. NBA players are not worth 1/10 of what they get paid. Adding more owner is not even close to a good solution. SELL!! Hell, give the Hawks away if you are losing $30 mil/yr.
Najeh Davenpoop
June 19th, 2010
4:10 pm
RIP Manute Bol.
drmaryb
June 19th, 2010
4:16 pm
NorthCyde
Great LinK! “That KID puts the “M” in “Mean – Mugging”! ROF.
You Sir, are awesome!
That was, well – RICH!
Jody
June 19th, 2010
4:33 pm
Actually, I really don’t it matters what forward position Josh plays. I think it’s how he plays that matters. Remember, he came into the league as a small forward and has had to play the 4 out of necessity and poor draft selections (you figure it out). As long as Josh attacks the basket, he will be a factor. For example, go back and look at the game against Golden State in Phillips when Josh was matched up with Corey Maggette.
O'Brien
June 19th, 2010
5:19 pm
There is an article floating out there on The Hoop that chills greek team wants him to return to the NBA. The laws Are changing in Greece, and it would cost them more money to pay his salary.
Plus chills changed agents, so the rumor is he wants back in the NBA.
northcyde
June 19th, 2010
5:58 pm
Adding Chill will definitely help the quality of the bench, which desperately needs to be upgraded. Personally, I’d give him a contract. If not, make some type of decision on that dude. Just as long as he’s not dead money going into next year, I’m cool with whatever we do with him.
jroc
June 19th, 2010
6:53 pm
If the hawks resign jj, re-up with Chills, and add a solid vetern free agent. The Hawks would have to be a favorite to win the East next year. All of it really hangs on if the players live up to all the hype that they give Drew and play hard for the man. Man I can’t wait to see how all this drama unfolds.One thing i notice about the hawks is that when they put their mind to it to beat a team like they did the Celtics all season nothing can stop them. I can almost garuntee that the Hawks are going to play better against the Magic and Cavs next season.Hurry up NBA season and come back to me I miss you already.
ILL-logical
June 19th, 2010
7:01 pm
@Jody: there you go trying to confuse the haters with the facts.LOL
Seiously, with a S&T with Joe(my perferred outcome because of the leadership issue) there is enough talent to spread around to ensure not only a continuation of the trend of wining,playoff appearances ets; there is a great chance that the decline of/ disorder within of the perennial eastern conference powers, that the Hawks could move up a rung next season.
With the “new voice” may come some attitudes and new leadership to motivate players like Randolph Morris to play. The kid drilled All-Star Al in college and he is taller and much more potent offensive weapon than Kendrick Perkins.Maybe AAA can exercise some of his vaunted locker room leadership with RandMo in order to get the chance to be the starting 4.
Maybe the much maligned Marvin can loose 10 lbs and play the 2 i the new 5 headed offense. Coach Drew is on record as saying that he thought MMM’s future was at the 2.
And maybe Jeff Teague can be allowed to be the bigger,stronger( and more free throw proficient)Rojon Rhondo. Who knows but now we will have the opportunity to find out.
ILL-logical
June 19th, 2010
7:21 pm
Once again the local media misses the story:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/frank_hughes/06/19/hawks.drew/index.html?eref=sihp
ant banks
June 19th, 2010
7:55 pm
i really hope that management puts up a good fight in labor negotiations. i hate:
1.guaranteed contracts-it hamstrings a team, unmercifully. keith van horn has been out of the league for 4 yrs and is STILL ON SOMEONE’S PAYROLL.
2.players who have run in wit’ the law should not hamstring a team with his salary. see washington wizards & gilbert arenas.
3.stern needs to figure out a way to bring parity to league, ie the nfl. look at the last 10 nba champs vs the last 10 nfl champs
ant banks
June 19th, 2010
8:02 pm
NBA DRAFT BLOG (DOES AND DON’TS)
1.please stop sayin’, “the hawks need to DRAFT a center.” no sh!t. the hawks pick 24 this year. 23 other teams have that same logic, get a big man. there is no big man to draft at 24. dumarses.
2.stop postin’, “hawks need to package marvin and bibby in a deal for a center.” wtf? who in the hell is goin’ for that. if we know that marvin and bibby sux, why would 29 other teams not be thinkin’ the same things?
3.stop postin’, “asg needs to spend money, they are cheap.” if you are not a season ticket holda, YO’ AZZ IS CHEAP. the season tix are reasonably priced. if 19,000 ppl in a city of 4mil would purchase season tix and pack the house nightly, asg would HAVE MORE MONEY TO SPEND. sellouts bring in revenue on concessions, liquor, and parkin’.
why would asg go over the luxury tax threshold when they avg. 15,000 per night on a 53 win season.
darrell starks
June 19th, 2010
8:17 pm
NORTHCYDE 3:48 POSTED THATS FUNNY LOL, yeah i no lala she went 2 redan high school with my cousins back in the days she is a cool person.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
June 19th, 2010
8:20 pm
NORTHCYDE maybe lala can get carmelo anthony 2 play with the hawks lol.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Grandad
June 19th, 2010
8:45 pm
Mary Ellen:
In Tn. For a funeral. Tried to call yesterday, got a rec., didn’t leave mes.,
prefer to speak live. Will try again Mon. Will be on & off blog all weekend.
Sautee:
Sent mes. will check in on Mon.
Northcyde:
In Qeeen City this AM for funeral.
Will be back in Clarks-vegas tom. to visit friend.
It’s cooler up here.
I was roastin’ my ches’nuts, back home.
Been tellin’ everybody, McDave’ went B-rupt, thanks M.E.
for remindin’ folks econ bad everywhere.
It’s not just a neg ploy this time.
[well it is] but it’s also true.
That’s why Childress will be back in States.
In Greece they don’t know whether or not
they’re are gonna get their checks from wk. to wk.
I still think Pendergraph is a DORK.
I also have *[recent]* reason to believe Sund may
be a _ ____ __ ____ _________ity ______.
I hope I’m wrong.
*If so,* I’m ‘glad’ owners over-ruled him & hired Drew.
Note – so far, I’m happy with LD anyway.
Ken Strickland
June 19th, 2010
10:13 pm
RIP Manute Bol. It’s a shame that such a beautiful human being, who lived his life trying to ease so much pain, he had to endure so much pain. Now we all have to suffer the pain of his loss.
There’s an old African saying that goes, A PERSON DIES WHEN THEY ARE NO LONGER REMEMBERED. So let’s always remember the gentle giant and keep his legacy alive. Reading about what he had to go through makes me feel so much better about what I’m having to go through.
Jody
June 19th, 2010
10:20 pm
R.I.P. Maute Bol.
Jody
June 19th, 2010
10:24 pm
It’ll be interesting to see what happens during the draft? I wonder if the Hawks are involved in any trade talk? We’ll see.