Atlanta Hawks: Joe Johnson is back

If I was in Joe’s shoes, would have done the same thing. Welcome back Joe, and congratulations on being rich!

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I want to hear about this no trade clause/exception that was supposedly discussed and finalized. You know anything about it MC???

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Thanks for staying JJ. But I’m just glad that’s over so the Rick Sund can focus on everything else.

If JJ’s serious about doing some recruiting, then that’ll be good for the Hawks. Because other than Shaq, I haven’t heard a single player talk about going to the Hawks.

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I remember the Hawks not making the playoffs for years, so this does confirm that the Hawks will be a playoff team for the next few seasons. From a financial standpoint, that is a good thing for ASG. I’m just unhappy that a deal like this had to be done in order to maintain the status quo, which I’m afraid does not include truly contending for a championship.

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Tellem’s last line:

“LeBron, you’ve already met with the front offices of six teams. How about considering the Hawks?”

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We need go and get Tyson Chandler and Josh Childress for Mello.

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JJ Help us get a center and find a home for Marvin and Bibby.

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Anyone know what free agents were going after? how about any trades brewing live in Indiana don’t get much info on the squad during the summer

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He’s going to actively recruit….you know the sound Sideshow Bob makes when he steps on a rake? Atlanta is collectively making that sound right now….

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Here come the haters in 5,4,3,2,1…………………

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WELCOME BACK JOE!!! THANKS FOR STAYING!! LETS GET SOME GOOD FREE AGENTS & HOPEFULLY COACH DREW WILL MOVE YOU AROUND ON OFFENSE MORE & RUN YOU THROUGH SOME PICS & TELL COACH DREW WE NEED EVERYBODY TO BE MORE PHYSICAL!!

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Joe has to hear from all you sissy fans about a comment he made when he was pissed off about losing and having a bad game/series. Half of you probably cuss your wife everyday. When people shoot at you (fans) it’s kind of normal stuff to shoot back. Joe’s a good dude and a great player. Is he over paid? A little. Is he James, Wade or Kobe? Nope. But he’s damn good and we are lucky to have him. Also we no longer have a worthless coach. So go easy on Joe and let’s try to get better and kick some butt. And remember it’s not Joe’s fault the dumbarse owners offered him a billion dollars. Go Joe, welcome back and let’s kick butt.

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like 5 players**

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Need sharp shooter to camp out and bang tri fectos aka Eddie house cheap bibbys brother in law. Brendan haywood good fit for center. Good NBA rumor mill site hoopshype.com

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Assuming Joe will apologize for being a douchebag and ripping the fans, I’m fine with this. I think Joe’s presser announcing the signing will be interesting.

As I was booing Joe off the floor when he was taken out of Game 4 against Orlando, I never thought he would be back in a Hawks uniform again. I’m glad he is….just as long as I hear “I’m sorry for what I said” come out of his mouth.

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JJ’s new contract = John Koncaks of the 80’s
At least with Koncak I could hate the Pistons…..but who am I to hate here? This one is self Inflicted.

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Unbelievable!!!!!!!!! Joe Johnson has made it clear he does not like the fans of Atlanta. ASG screws up again. Why even go to the games when we are not appreciated. I know I am not going. To heck with all of them and their $. I don’t know if they get it that the fans pay their salaries. We have already proven we cannot win with this roster. What’s Up????????????

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Sund, you truly are one of the worst GM’s in professional basketball.

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The resigning of Joe Johnson is great news!

it’s funny how people forget how bad we were without Joe Johnson.

I suffered long enough throughout the early 2000’s; I’m glad Joe stayed and all
of you ship hoppers should be too!

When they sucked people never commented on Hawks Columns!

WELCOME BACK JOE JOHNSON – NOW LET’S FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED AND BRING THAT CHAMPIONSHIP TO THE A!

THIS TEAM WILL BE BETTER THAN DOMINIQUES HAWKS TEAM!

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OK that’s it I had enough with this joke of a team. I will not be renewing my season tickets.

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Heard gstate interested in Marvin let’s pull another jcrawford trade with them what a steal how about Josh childress wants back into league sign and trade sounds like a smart move on our part.

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Well, it’s official. I’m through with the Hawks for the next six years then. consider this comment my last posting on ajc.com regarding the Hawks.

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where home town discount, like dirt did for dallas, are atlanta worse city than dallas, or dirt better man compare to jj.

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ASG way to step op to the plate!!!!!!

good job Sund/ Drew…

Joe welcome back.. glad you didnt turn your back on the city your represent well in the midst of defeat.. you are an unappreciated talent..

ENJOY THUMBIN THRU THAT CHECK.. !! SHEEEEESH!

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Don’t forget, Dominique’s teams never won anything. He was just like Joe – a guy who failed to make his teammates any better. That is exactly why the Hawks will never win a championship with guys like Joe or Dominique as your leader.

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OWNERS could have saved there money. JJ will not be a money player except when he cashes his checks.

1st or 2nd round will be the norm to get knocked out of the playoffs.

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I actually like Joe alot! He has scored his points and does bring his presence to every game… can’t say the same thing for Marvin or even Josh. Let’s get the center and the PG that we have always needed. WELCOME BACK JOE!!!!!

P.S. Rick Sund has done more good things in two years for this team than the last 3 GM’s have done

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NikkiFree, goodbye. I’m holding you do that declaration that you’ve made your last post about the Hawks. The readers/contributers to this blog are now that much smarter, not having to read your totally uniformed comments.

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a good read from Soulja’s blog:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/arn-tellem/a-robust-cup-of-joe_b_635159.html

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Joe don’t care about winning he only cares about money if he cared about winning he would have went elsewhere. The Hawks are stupid they could have made a deal with Dallas and signed and traded Joe to Dallas for Caron Butler and Brendon Haywood.

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included in the read:

“On his way out of the gym, Michael Jordan — on hand to scout him for the Washington Wizards – told me, (”Mark my word: Joe could turn out to be the best player in the 2001 draft.”)”

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MOST OF YOU FOOLS UP HERE POSTING THAT JOE SIGNING IS THE WORST IN NBA HISTORY weren’t watching the Hawks until Joe Johnson came along and made them good!

All of these fake fans! The 1st game lost w/out Joe I’m sure all of you Joe haters had every intention to fill all of those empty seats after the 1st lost too huh!

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Flip off the fans and get a raise. On top of that, he continuously shows he has no heart during the playoffs. He is not an elite player. Only the Hawks. Never will go to a game as long as Joe is on the team. Pathetic.

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the hawks are about to make a serious move to becoming a contender, i can feel it.

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za za needs to be traded good energy but like Marvin Williams they don’t know how to use there athleticism. Lst year teague should have been starting but woodson just let him rot on the bench. Speaking of bench if your not going to spend money on bench then utilize the dleague and bring up there top scorers gstate does this so well. Use all your bench not just an 8 man rotation that is how u stay fresh come playoffs.

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““On his way out of the gym, Michael Jordan — on hand to scout him for the Washington Wizards – told me, (”Mark my word: Joe could turn out to be the best player in the 2001 draft.”)””

This was the funniest line to me. If Jordan thought so highly of Joe, why did he take Kwame Brown with the #1 pick?

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Hawks should’ve signed Lebron and Wade. Both of them are better than Joe. If they’d signed both of those guys, the Hawks would really be in business. I’m going to boycott the Hawks for the next six years because they failed to sign both Lebron and Wade and instead signed Joe. I’m done with them now! Sund is an idiot for not signing Lebron and Wade!!!

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HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA…LMAO..Way to go ASG, another brillant move. Mr. I Don’t Show Up for the Playoffs gets all that dough…Win your 50 games and get beat in the first or second round again. Do it without my money this year, and hey Joe, I really don’t care if you show up or not.

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PEOPLE IN THE A LOVE TO HATE!

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Bleu_Bayou42 ….I’m with you 100% ….Suddenly we have all these NBA professionals with commentator opinions who believe they know more than the Hawks management does…..Welcome back Joe!

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10 things that will happen in this year’s free agency.

1) Stoudemire will end up in New York orange, blue, and white
2) Lebron will stay in Cleveland
3) Shaq will sign with Atlanta to help them make a run for a title.
4) Dewayne Wade will sign with Chicago and bring Chris Bosh with him
5) The Celtics big three will stay in place
6) Shaq and Joe Johnson will bring Iverson to Atlanta to finish out his career and to add charisma and grit to the locker room.
7) The Knicks will also get Monta Ellis, Al Jefferson will go to the Warriors.
New Jersey will lose out
9) Miami will lose out
10) Carmelo and Tony Parker will end up being New York Knickerbockers when the smoke clears from this year’s free agency.

Most Improved team next year: New York Knicks

Championship team TBD hard to call this early of course.

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Glad that JJ is back. A lot.

Would have preferred to pay less but it’s the law of the market: offer and demand.

We could not bargain with JJ since we could not afford any other major free agent and JJ was being courted by many willing to offer him 90+ million for 5 years.

Now, let’s be creative and find a way to balance our roster a bit better.

WE WON 53 GAMES WITH THIS CREW UNDER AN PAINFULLY LIMITED COACH.

If Drew is able to install a more varied offense and use the switching D only as one possible defensive strategy out of many variations (man to man, zone, …) we can easily win 57-60 games
and be competitive in the playoffs.

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So much for Joe taking a little less money to bring in more talent like Dirk did. But oh well, time to move on. Gotta make a trade now to get some depth. Too many sg’s on the team. JJ,Jamal, Mo, Jordan, and Bibby.(who can no longer play pg). Need a sf(Chills?), a center, and another pg. Bibby should be the 3rd pg.

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Wow – $120 mil for a ball hawking 2 guard who, in too many situations refuses to pass the ball until either he, or a teammate has to take a desparation shot. When the Hawks first got Joe, I started going to less games because we overpaid for the Suns 3rd or 4th best player and now, I’ll watch more at home because I refuse to help pay the salary of such an overrated player….

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Welcome Back JJ! We’re glad to have you here. Now let’s recruit more vets for the home team! Now we need to sign and trade Childress… Add Muhammed, or Mbenga. Also consider adding Farmar. If we can do that, will it work?

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Why’s we take Jordan Crawford if we planned on offering Joe the max, knowing good and darn well that he’d accept? I see a trade coming. Probably involving Jamal or Marvin. Or both.

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“Bibby will be a good backup. You will have to stand in a long line to convince me he can’t shoot the ball.”

The league is full of decent shooters who can’t play defense who cost a lot less than $6 million. In fact, there are free agents that are better shooters who play better defense that are likely to sign for less.

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Nikki Free, have you ever posted on here before? I guess this is your 1st, and your last post? lol! You people act like it’s coming out of your pockets. Joe is the ONLY player that we could pay that type of cash to. Be happy and move on.

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I’ll be fine w/this deal IF Joe would apologize to me personally and clean my feet. I’m guessing he’ll probably be willing to do that around mid-week. Right now his people and my people are trying to schedule it. Will keep you posted.

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JMar, like I said, wait the offseason out. I agree that Bibby is overpriced, but he can still contribute. He may not even be here, though. Some rumors about Bibby and Marvin being traded to Golden State. I will join you dancing in the street if that trade is true and it fetches either Ellis or Biedrins.

Still….Bibby can do somethings. Plus, if he is here, then his contract will be an attractive trading chip for the Hawks next year.

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ok, i’m not crazy about this either, but it’s done and there’s no point in whining about it now.

what i’m wondering is if it’s realistic to think Joe can help recruit someone else to come in and help this team. the ASG keeps saying it recognizes bringing Joe in alone isn’t enough to win, and they they plan on putting other pieces around him to take this team to the next level. that’s encouraging to hear, but will it actually happen? and if so, what are the options at this point? i’m not hearing the Hawks mentioned in talks for any of the big guys… the closest thing i’ve heard is that they were interested in trading for Chris Paul, which would be amazing, but those talks have died down.

come on ASG… show me something here. i want a reason to believe in you again, but you’ve gotta give it to me.

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HawkFan, what would you consider a “breakout year” for Marvin?

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I’m keeping my money in my pocket but I do wonder what kind of buyout Joe will get to go away in 4 or 5 years.
But tell u what.
If Joe and the ASG actually produces just one NBA championship in the next 6 years then I’ll put my real name up and apologize and say I was all wrong.
But no way do I see how this is Joe’s actual value which we’ll never know.
Wonder what the Knicks offered to bring him back to us.
5 mil a year probably.

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Michael Cunningham
July 4th, 2010
4:48 pm

“they have no cap room. the only way to add free agents is with the mid-level, bi annual and minimum exceptions.”

Add that they can trade our player to a Free Agent if this Free agent and his team agree to a sign-&-trade.
This is the way to get a star.

chuckw/deadjournalist
July 4th, 2010
4:55 pm

“MC – Theoretically, couldn’t the Hawks trade under-contract players to a team under the cap (Clips, Nets, etc.) in exchange for future picks/considerations to free up cap space? ”

It would not help.
At 63M, we are already 7M above the Salary cap, and certainly 5M under that Tax threshold.
If you send 10M of contract to a team that has room to absorb it, we would be at 53, so only able to use 56-53 = 3M of room, and to do that, we have to renounce Childress and this exceptions.

It doesn’t make sense.
Better keep MLE, BAE, Childress rights.

The only way to get a good player is now making trades, or making sign-&-trades of FA.
Childress can also be sign-&-traded alone, or added to one or more of our player.

We could do Childress at 6M + Zaza for a player around 10M
and Crawford + Marvin for a player about 16M (already under contract, or FA agreeing to sign-&-trade)
and still use the MLE to sign Shaq 5-6M, then the BAE to bring Murray back at 2M.

It’s just some examples, and we need to find team and players agreeing to that, but it’s still possible.

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All these haters need to GET OVER IT! Joe Johnson is the best thing that has happened to the Hawks since “The Human Highlight Reel” and that’s 100% FACT!! Is he LeBron? NO. Is he Wade? NO. But we didn’t have a chance of signing those guys and someone else was going to sign Joe to a max contract, so regardless of what ANY of you haters say… Joe is WORTH his contract. Take him off this team and bring in any other free agent that would actually have been willing to come to Atlanta and we are a 6 to 8 seed at best. I was upset with Joe over his playoff performance and actions afterward, but I’m over it and I’m sure that he has learned and is ready to come back and give the fans more. We have a nice squad and an awesome player in J-J-J-Joe Johnson. I am looking forward to the rest of the off-season and anticipating a great 2010-2010 season.

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The only breakout year I can see Marvin having involves him using a lot of Proactiv.

People are hoping that Josh will somehow break out, but he’s entering his seventh NBA season. It’s hard to believe that he’s suddenly going to become something better under a new coach. In fact, he made a major adjustment to his game last season: he stopped shooting threes. The amount of effort he gives is up to him, but aside from boosting his FT percentage, I don’t think Josh has much room for improvement. He’s just a solid, very athletic player who will continue to excite and frustrate in equal measure.

Can Horford get better? Maybe. I don’t know.

Is a suddenly filthy-rich Joe going to like the idea of not having the ball as much? Isn’t it odd that you’d pay a guy a lot more money to do less? Will Jamal Crawford even be on the team?

The offseason is just getting started.

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MC,

As a Hawks fan, I must comment on the negative comments being made in regards to the Joe Johnson signing. Last I checked, the regular season in the NBA consists of 82 games. To those who truly enjoy the NBA each game is a different story, each game a chance to chase a Division title or higher seed in the playoffs. Whether it’s a Tuesday night in Chicago or a late Friday night matchup in Portland, each game has meaning. For the Hawks, for the last three season each game has had meaning. That was not always the case.

In a time of ebbs and flows for most NBA teams the Hawks has consistently improved. Joe Johnson has been at the core of that improvement. When he needed to carry the team, he did so. Last year, when he needed to make room for a talent like Jamal Crawford, he did so. I have no reason to believe it will not be more of the same going forward. He and Coach Drew has a strong relationship with one another, and Joe will do all that he can to ensure that Drew achieves an early success, to help hush the same critics that have responded negatively to his 120M signing.

I have no answer to the Hawks failures in the Eastern Conference Semi’s. What I do believe, the skewed opinion of Hawks basketball in the city of Atlanta is due to the fact that so few fans tune in until those Playoff Games.

I have respect for Joe Johnson. I’m glad he’s a Hawks. I’m glad the Atlanta Spirit Group made him the offer that they made. I look forward to the 82 game season, and we’ll take the playoffs as the come.

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That’s why I don’t have a “the” in my name, Steve-o.

And you’re right. The Hawks will just get better and better. They will never cease to improve.

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Why is everybody so hellbent on trading Jamal? He just won the six man award and there is no way the kid Crawford is going to score 18 points a game. He is our second best scorer. Why would you frigin trade him? I would sign him for atleast 2 more years.

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The real Harry the Hawk spends his summertime doing this…

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“Why is everybody so hellbent on trading Jamal? ”

Because with his expiring contract, trading him is the easiest way to add quality players to the roster at positions of need. The Hawks are not getting a quality big man with the mid-level exception in free agency, thanks to the inflated market. Brendan Haywood is asking for $10 million a year.

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FIRE SUND

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Recruit other top FA’s?

Is he talking about THIS summer?

if so, ship Josh outta here for A’mare or BOsh, even if they aren’t Centers.

Or Josh+Marvin for Melo

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Look:

Joe’s contract sucks but if ASG can bite the bullet and spend some more money, this team is in excellent shape.

Trade Chilz’ rights for McGhee or Blatche (pipe dream for Blatche even if he’s hurt) and ship deadweight Bibby and Marv outta here and then we are talking.

Only other team in East that is ahead of us right now is Orlando

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NEXT STEP:

GET MARVIN OUTTA THIS CITY. HE’S A GOOD GUY BUT HE HAS HAD HIS TIME

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MC,

Great updating us these last few days…Why couldn’t Joe do what Dirk did and take less money? Arenas also took less money. Is it this lockout crap next year or what? He coulda easily taken $105 Mill. Even with that amount, that 6th year is worth more than he’d probably get in a new deal after 5 with another team

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Ditto on the Wolves trade… move Marvin and/or Josh for a legit Center and we can compete against Orlando

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NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

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So, what’s next?

I, like most people, would like to see the Hawks bring in a quality big man. A vet that could be capable of starting, but is also more than comfortable coming off the bench.

I would also like to see the Hawks bring in a quality wingman that could, at minimum, compete with Williams for the starting position. Of course, it would be nice to have an all-star or near-all-star wingman join the team …

I know a lot of people would also like to see the Hawks bring in another quality PG. But I think Bibby was a big reason why the Hawks led the league in fewest turnovers. (Only with Atlanta fans does the starting PG not get credit when their team leads the league in fewest turnovers.)

Of course these are the realistic (and boring) what I would like to see next … perhaps the Hawks still have a trick or two up their sleeves and will bring in at least one more genuine star player without having to disrupt the core.

Who out there does (1) Joe Johnson have a quality relations ship with, (2) could immediately help the Hawks in a significant way, and (3) at least be semi-realistic that the Hawks could land him?

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I guess he enjoyed being booed by his own fans. He’ll be hearing a lot of it when everyone finds out what a mistake this deal is.

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Micheal – any word on a Center other than Jermaine O. or Shaq? I think we need another PG as well, any chance on a Rafer Alston or similar? Any chance at all on a shot at LeBron, or just agent posturing by Tellum? We would by far be LeBron’s best option to win a championship, followed by Clips and Bulls.

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The Damon Evans, former UGA AD, fiasco is all the fault of the Hawks and re-signing JJ. The panies were “Hawks” red, and Damon was just celebrating the re-signing of the Hawks leading scorer during a night on the town in the ATL!!!!!

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Now what?

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Najeh – Re: T-Wolves. Don’t forget they are in on Lee and also close to signing a Euro 5 to a mult-year deal

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With JJ back, the Hawks will have some very good seasons, win some big games, battle as one of the top 5 teams in the east, make it into the 2nd round of the playoffs – with luck maybe make it to the conf finals.
That will be about it. In the grand scheme of things, that’s not bad. It will draw decent crowds and keep a fan base. The alternative with losing JJ wouldn’t be good short term. Long term, who knows. If Lebron’s team is stacked, Hawks wouldn’t be beating them for the next 6 years anyway. At least the Hawks won’t be a laughing stock for the forseeable future.

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Why not sign Boozer on the mid-level, trade Marvin and Bibby to Golden State for Ellis (GS history has shown they do these type of deals) . Sick line up.
C-Boozer (Za Za)
PF-Horford
SF-Smith
SG-Johnson (Jamal Crawford)
PG- Ellis (Jamal Crawford)

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Sign Boozer for the MLE?

LOL!

Is encouraging to see ASG is committed to winning, even if it’s a potential lie

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I have purchased four lower level season tickets since 1999 and two years ago added two to make six season tickets. This are tickets I purchase to use for my business. I have said all along if the ASG is dumb enough to resign Joe after what I saw in the playoffs this year…. then I WILL NOT RENEW!!!! Yes I am speaking with my wallet!!!!
Maybe they don’t need my money!!!!

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Rono…I like the way that you think…while JJ is a welcomed commodity to Atlanta, we will be well suited to add a center…why in the world has this not been addressed. I would like to know what our AJC writers can dig up on this…and yes, that one yr contract to A.I. not a bad idea. If it doesnt work, cut him.

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I am more concerned about Larry Drew…..Woody was the worst…..his rotations were horrible…..his pulling a hot player because of the number of fouls he had was a momentum killer What will Drew do? Up tempo? Why should we expect greater effort for him?

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I didn’t like Joe Johnson’s comments, but, it’s already been established that if we let him walk, we wouldn’t be able to sign a player with comparable talent to him, so the Hawks did what they had to do. If he helps take the team deep into the playoffs, we can put up with his attitude. My only concern is the numbers he puts up on the court. I dont have to like him as a person.

This was the right move by the Hawks to re sign him. Re signing him will keep the Hawks as a solid playoff contender for the next several years.

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Najeh, I’m reading the book “Good Save the Fan”, by Will Lietch. He has glossary sections in the book, in which he gives summaries of various sports figures. One of the sports figures is Najeh Davenport. I never realized your namesake on here is also called “The Hamper Sh#tter”. Too funny….

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I’m excited to hear the Hawks are moving forward quickly and early. We now have time and tradeable players to get players on our team that fit into Drew’s system. I think Drew made it clear he wants Joe and Jamal to be more efficient. Oh yeah, all this IMO, this should mean strong point guard play and play calling to get them the ball for what they’re good at, jumpers in the flow of the game.

What is Marvin doing this summer?

What will Horford add to his game?

Will Josh put it together mentally for the entire season? What are his goals for the summer?

Can Drew maintain Teague’s confidence to get the most out of him?

What can we get for Bibby, Marvin, Chills and Mo to bolster our interior defense and rebounding?

Who can we sign with our two available contracts?

What will happen to Joe Smith, Jason Collins, Randolph Morris and Mario West?

Are there pieces there worth getting into luxury tax problems?

I think we have great pieces that could be manipulated to put us right where we need to be. What happens next will be truly interesting.

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Hey Fundamentals…what is Drew’s system?

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“I never realized your namesake on here is also called “The Hamper Sh#tter”. ”

Haha yeah that’s where I get my screen name from. I believe he is also known as the Dump Truck.

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Big Man trade possibilities that would be an upgrade over Zaza Pachulia-

R. Wallace – $6.3M (Zaza & Evans – $6.7M)
T. Chandler – $12.6M expiring (Zaza, Bibby, & Evans – $12.2M)
S. O’Neal – FA (S & T for Zaza & Evans – $6.7M)
Z. Iigauskas – FA (S & T for Zaza – $4.2M)
E. Dampier – $13M expiring and not guaranteed Zaza, Bibby, & Evans – $12.2M) Hawks could waive him immediately and have $12M to use on other trades
B. Haywood – FA (S & T for Zaza & Evans – $6.7M)
A. Biedrins – $9M (Marvin & Evans – $9.2M)
J. O’Neal – FA (S & T for Zaza & Evans – $6.7M)
A. Jefferson – $13M (Marvin & Bibby – $12.2M)
E. Okafor – $11.5M (would not trade unless they add C. Paul and the combined salaries would be $26.4M – Crawford, Bibby, Marvin & Evans – $25.5M)
J. Przybilla – $7.4M (Zaza & Evans – $6.7M)

Does anyone see any chance of these trade possibilities happening?

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[...] of whether some think this is a good deal or if it is good for the future of this franchise, the deal is officially done.  Joe Johnson has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Hawks and will get somewhere around $120 [...]

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Najeh, great name!

As for Joe getting booed in game 4 of Orlando series….Yes, the fans were booing the team the whole game. Myself, and many others, were booing Joe thoughout (I actually booed him everytime he touched the ball…never done anything like that in my life). Joe was booed by a good portion of the crowd when he was taken out of the game for the last time. Plus, there were signs all over the place referencing his comments. So, I just do not think Joe gets booed had he not said what he said.

But, assumming he steps up and apologizes, whatever….I’m ready to be a big fan of his once again.

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Somebody…anybody…what is Drew’s system?

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The Hawks organization is a joke!There is no way they should have signed that disappearing act to six years! He disrespected the fans and The City of Atlanta .He should have went elsewhere since his mumbling a$$ thinks he was in such demand!

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If I were Sund and Joe Johnson came into my office saying I want the same money/deal that teams are offering LeBron and Wade, it would be tough to say no. You know because I’d be laughing so hard. Johnson is a good player, not a great one. And definitly not on the level of a LeBron, Kobe, or Wade. Do you think fans in other towns say run to the box office to buy tickets because Joe Johnson’s coming to town? He’s a good piece to have if you have a top guy.

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Fundamentals

Re: @ 639 PM Post: an AWESOME task list you put out there! Those are perfect
questions that beg an answer from the GM & HC! And, the Players – BigTime.

Great Stuff – Thanks! For keeping it constructive and positive -
I wish I could clone you like 100 X per day on this blog! ;-0

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Woody was such a joke, it is difficult to tell if JJ has played as well as he can…the “leadership” he played under was horrible….

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Hyprocrit call out! It is easy to criticize JJ, but when our contracts are up at work, we do the same thing; negotiate a better salary, work conditions, etc. Everyone here thinks they are worth more than they are paid. So what about giving these players a break and put some pressure on these owners and GMs. The issue is not one player, it is the players you surround the one player with. Come on people, I know you arent falling for the superstar hype. No one player can win a championship alone, never has! Forget JJ, we need some key players (center in particular).

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WHEN JJ SAYS HE WILL HELP TOP FA’S COME HERE, WHO IS HE REFERRING TO AND WHY WOULD HE NOT TAKE A DAMN PAYCUT?

IF HE WAS THINKING OF BRING A BOSH OR LBJ HERE, THEN WHY HESITATE TO SIGN? WTF IS GOING ON

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Welcome back Joe, now all we need is for you to convince management to do the following.

1.Sign Travis Outlaw SF who is only 25, would come cheaper, and would allowing team to move Marvin or Chillz
2.Sign Josh Powell pick and pop guy who is younger and better fit than Joe Smith at doing what Joe was suppose to do
3..Trade Jamal Crawford and Marvin Williams for Biedrins and Randolph
Or
3A.Trade Jamal Crawford and Mo Evans for Andries Biedrins and Anthony Randolph
Or
3B.Trade Josh Childress for Javal McGee

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It will be a long time before the Hawks recover from choosing Marvin over CP3 or Deron Williams….

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HALFof you people making all these hateful comments and complaints about Joe’s signing don’t know basketball, 99% of the people on here have NO CLUE what it takes to run a team from the office or the floor, 100% of us don’t know what or if they have more plans in store! Stop talking out the side of your necks! Either your a fan or your not, if your a fan be a fan through and through, stop jumping on the wagon when it’s all good and jumping off and throwing rocks at it when things go wrong!! He did make some comments out of frustration, comments that were really taken out of context and made out to sound more offensive than they really were meant. The team may have a plan in store, they may have some moves they are planning to make, they may not! We have a new coach, a supposed new offense scheme, new philosophy, and new attitude, so shut up and let the product hit the shelf before you complain, “FANS”.

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Who is JJ going to recruit?

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The second worst signing in Atlanta History the first being Big John Konkack and Now Joe Johnson who will finish his career in Atlanta because no one will ever take Joe and his expected salary. The Hawks management “JUST DON”T GET IT”. They are 2nd rate at best. You get rid of Mike Woodson but you hire his assistant. Everyone but Hawks management knows as long as Dwight Howard is in the east you will never beat them in the playoff’s with neutralizing big man, which you can not afford now because you tied all your money up in a second rate card that barely averaged 13 points agame during the playoffs and basically just disappears during big games or when there is any competition at all on the floor. Why should care what the Hawks fans think or if they show up to watch them play, when Hawks mangagement is will to pay for a guard thats thats just a fraction above average at best. Atlanta is afraid of Orlando just look at the last playoffs. I could have went to the old “Run and Shoot” and picked five guys and been more competition than the Hawks were. I am an avid Hawks fan but this type leadership who don’t learn from making the same mistakes over and over again. Maybe management should know that you’re going to lose fans.
If we can’t aford to run with the big dogs we need to get off their porch…..

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joe is no where near a Koncak!! And I agree we looked lost against OL but thats cuz we lost faith in the coach and started playing as a bunch of individuals and not a unit. As for what you said about hiring Larry Drew, Phil Jackson was his replacements assistant before he started so what is that saying??? Stop complaining and wait and see!!

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Since I’m not familiar with how cap space works entirely, about how much cap room do the Hawks have to spend on free agents?

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OOH JOE. SINCE YOU GOT THAT HUGE PAY RAISE HOW ABOUT YOU TAKE US ALL OUT TO EAT FOR THE HOLIDAY.

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AND SHOPPING TOO. LET ME PICK THE MOVIES THO.

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Truthspitter, there is no way we are including Jamal Crawford in any trade with GS. We just got him from there last year plus Crawford’s play off the bench will be key to maintain and improve.

With that said, whatever issue I sensed between him and Johnson when they are on the floor together will be cleared up. It almost looked like they we competing with each other at times last season.

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Dummies. There are dummies running this team. No way JJ lives up to this contract. $120 Mil is Lebron/Kobe/Wade money. Joe is clearly a class below the best players in the NBA. A 6 yr. max deal for a 29 yr. old 2 guard?? No way he’s worth it. Shoulda done a sign and trade or just let him walk and keep the cap space. Now we’re screwed. We still gotta pay Al and find somebody to play center and point- that’s gonna be hard to do giving $20 mil a year to a glorified role player.

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I wouldn’t walk across the street to wipe my muddy shoes on the hawks doormat let alone pay for a ticket to help fund an idiot move like this. With our economy going like it is and a Marxist in the white house this country is headed to hell in a hand basket and then you click on the news a read stupid stuff like this. I hope they don’t win a game for the next 6 years.

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I am a Hawks fan for life and so therefore I welcome Joe back with open arms. Fact is….we won 53 games last year with this team and JJ is a big reason why. Hopefully we can shift some other things around and bring in some new pieces….ie a C or dead eye outside shooter. Go Hawks!

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I think this is a terrific signing for the Hawks. I believe Joe will bring the top free agents to the Hawks. Next year’s lineup – Joe, Dwayne, LeBron, Chris and Amare. They will win at least 75 games. First team in history to win all 16 playoff games – and all by double-digits. I also believe in Santa, The Tooth Fairy, and Pro Wrestling.

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I believe ub The tooth fairy, santa and pro wrestling more than i believe that joe is worth 120 mil bucks

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So we have JJ, Jamal Crawford and Jordan Crawford. If one of the Crawfords arent moved in a deal then something just isnt adding up logically.

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Stuff like this is why I don’t watch NBA basketball. I’ll stick to college basketball where players actually earn their money.

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I don’t buy that big-time free agents don’t want to come to Atlanta. After all, Joe did just choose us over the Knicks and Bulls, and while he may not be LeBron or D-Wade, he’s still a top-tier free agent. The reason we haven’t been in the mix for one of those truly elite guys is because the Spirit doesn’t seem to like to make huge waves. I don’t say that as a criticism, that’s just their philosophy when it comes to building a team. They seem to prefer a methodical, stay-the-course approach with the Hawks. They’d rather let this young team continue to make incremental progress each year than blowing up the roster and trying to hit a grand slam with someone like LeBron.

But, getting back to my original point, if the Hawks did decide they wanted to put all their chips in the table for a LeBron-type free agent, I don’t think that player would be deterred by the prospect of playing in Atlanta. It may not be Chicago or New York, but there’s a lot for a pro athlete to like about it.

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Since some of you hawk fans are upset with Joe Johnson ,we could use him in charlotte. We’re a up and comming team. Send Marvin Williams with him

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Chip,

Ron Artest was also asked if he’d be going to Disneyland after winning the championship, and he said he’d rather go to Compton. Consider the source.

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I was really ticked off at Joe Johnson for those playoff comments…but that isn’t the issue here. I just don’t think his leadership is worth 6yrs and $120,000,000.00. He is a very good player, but he is not great. I’m not excited as a Hawks fan to see so much money tied up on him.

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this hawks team reminds me of the pistons that year before they won there first champion ship but some of the hawks need to improve i saw j.j workin hard a.f on the court but one of my favorite player josh smith was walkin around the court i realy dont like j.j cause he doesnt make me jump out of my seat with a cross over thats all but i think the magic will get so much better then last year n maybe win it all but i gotta see wat james is ganna do but yea i love the hawks for them free tickets they used to give out thats the only reason y i support them

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The Hawks are a bad joke. This is the worst contract in the history of the NBA. Congrats Atlanta!

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Move JJ to sf he will be a better player if he does. Get these black young men off the streets JJ. Start businesses(Auto Body Shops, Trucking Business, Grocery and Machanics businesses) that will pay these black young men decent salaries. Do this for those who are willing to become devoted husbands and fathers. Also start some type of programs that will teach our black young females to say no to sex until they see a engagement ring on their fingers. We need to start back producing productive childrens like we did in the 50s, 60s and the 70s. If you do this other nba and nfl players will follow. That’s a dream of minds.

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The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

Joe Johnson makes too much money, blah, blah, blah!

The ASG are crazy, blah, blah, blah!

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!

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we should have drafted Chris Paul……(this is a dumb post…but I had to post it…)

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@Michael Cunningham – I was just reading the ESPN article on JJ accepting the deal. I think the most interesting comment in that article was by his agent, Tellum, and he said, “For his next act, Joe plans to actively recruit other top free agents to Atlanta, a place not unlike his hometown, where he feels comfortable and appreciated. LeBron, you’ve already met with the front offices of six teams. How about considering the Hawks?” As impossible I know this may be, is there a chance they could make it possible and what would they need to do if they keep their big 3 (JJ, Smith, and Horford)? To all the other fans on this blog, forgive me for wishful thinking….lol

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GET SHAQ IN THE ATL NOW………… Hey MC do you think Joe is really going to try and recruit other players here? I suspect he will cah his check and we wont see him till camp in October. Im happy he is back and the Hawks sure need him but he seems like Basketball is the last thing he thinks about in the offseason.

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I agree Wabe

Chris Bosh is good, but he’s Pau Gasol good (which is still pretty damned good), not Dwayne Wade, Lebron good

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@JeJe….He can’t play the 5…lol nor the 1 or 2. he’s a good defender (runner up to defensive player of the year). I really don’t think he would be bad against playing the leagues best 3’s (james/anthony). Nor is he slow. He would only play the 3 in certain situations, for instance, on defense. I wouldn’t make him a 3 on offense. Even with that said, i think they should bring in a good center (haywood) and take it from there. He’s too good of a talent to just sit on the bench. If i’m not mistaken, Josh and Marvin are like the same size.

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Well Fellas personally I don’t think the Hawks should have given Joe all of that money. They need to move most of the players on their roster. Besides Crawford and Smith, everybody could go. Joe is very much overpaid. However, it’s not what you’re worth but what you negotiate. And the Hawks bit the bait:(

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do the fans have to stay home until his contract ends?…are we allowed to attend the games?…he did say “he didn’t care if we come or not”..i could use the refund on my season ticket…

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We don’t need any more guards or wings. We have 2369 guards right now — Where does T-Mac fit in? We need bench bigs and I think RandMo and Collins and Joe Smith would be good additions and would cost nothing.

Also, I heard through a friend that Smoove does not like driving to Suwanee to practice free throws with Mark Price because he thinks it’s too far. This is definitely true and I heard it directly. Apparently, Rondo works out with Price during the summer.

FIRE SUND

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I mean all these clowns can sign wherever they like, it does not matter. I own this league and will 3-peat for the second time. And the only player we will add is a waterboy and will still win it all.

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@ Truth Serum – you are a trip…lol…i’ll admit that i am a fan of the Hawks. It was like a bitter sweet moment for me when he signed….he’s the best fit for the A, but i didn’t think he should have gotten max money. Then again, that would have been the only way we would have keep him. I’m honestly going through FA lists and i’m looking at howard from the mavericks/wiz. Would he be an excellent pickup? And do we have the money? I’m trying to see what we have left after JJ signs the contract. Also, if J-Chills doesn’t want to come back to Atl, we should do a sign and trade for him. I think the guy can ball his butt off.

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Truth-Serum

July 4th, 2010
11:28 pm

di

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You are right, I dont have a life, youve won every argument with me and this is all I have left to do. I hate you truth-serum

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You dumb butts keep saying it’s about Joe Johnson making too much money, who cares how much he makes. So many are mad for the Hawks acting like children offering the contract that no other team seem to be interested in giving. Why didn’t the Hawks offer him what his true value was, and bargain off that, I mean jumping out with a max offer is ludicrous. I would much rather the Hawks offering LeBron $250M, now that makes sense, the value back in local interest and ticket sales would make that kind of offer fantastic.

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Wow, I see that Golden Grain sells were off the chain over the last holiday weekend! By the way, go check out who the New Jersey Nets bought in to try compete for a spot on their roster…
http://www.nba.com/nets/news/Summer_League_Roster_Release_100628.html

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Joe welcome to the overpaid, cap eating and aging fast NBA guard club that will screw up our NBA franchises for years. My agent said the same crap when the idiot GM of my team signed me too, to this crazy long term deal. Maybe one of us can get traded for you one day.

Signed: Baron Davis, Michael Redd, Gilbert Arenas

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CONGRATS JJ, ASG, & RICK SUND. THIS WAS THE RIGHT MOVE. NEGATIVE ATLANTA FANS ARE NOT THAT INTELLIGENT & CLEARLY NOT THAT WORRIED ABOUT WINNING. FOR A CITY WHO SITS ON THEIR HANDS AND WHINES AND COMPLAINS ABOUT EVERY MOVE, IF DONE RIGHT OR WRONG, SHOWS THE UTTER STUPIDITY OF THE SPORTS FANS IN THIS CITY! YOU DO NOT BUILD A TEAM AND THEN BLOW IT UP. YOU REMAIN A WINNER WITH JOE, AND A COUPLE OF TWEEKS HERE AND THERE, AND YOU ARE A CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM. YOU ALREADY HAVE 3 ALL STARS AND EVERYONE IS TRADEABLE, BESIDES JOE AND AL. THIS WAS THE RIGHT MOVE AND I THANK JOE FOR COMING BACK TO A CITY WHO FANS ARE CLUELESS, BANDWAGONERS, AND ARE THE SUCKIEST FANS IN THE WORLD. YOU GUYS KEEP COMPLAINING ABOUT MONEY THAT IS NOT YOURS!!!

HOW DO YOU CRIPPLE YOUR FRANCHISE IF YOUR WINNING 50 GAMES EVERY SEASON!! UGH? AM I MISSING SOMETHING? ATLANTA FANS SUCK AND WISH ANYONE WHO HAS SAID THIS IS A BAD MOVE AND NOT GIVE ASG OR RICK SUND CREDIT FOR THIS MOVE….PLEASE…..PLEASE…..KILL YO SELF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Still no one has ventured a guess about what Larry Drew’s scheme/system will be? How can anyone just assume that the team will put forth more effort for him?

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Dammmmmmm Dr Mary….tell us how u really feel.

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I was 50/50 on the J.J situation,but now since back, ASG-please bring in a true center. Im not a big Shaq fan,but he didn’t have a bad season last year. Plus at 7′1 & 350 who else is like that? I read something someone post about Allen Iverson. The Hawks also said they need more veterans on the team, why not? He stays in the ‘A” full time, he will put more fans in the stand, and he way better than Bibby still plus cheaper..

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ClassicHawks:

You are dead wrong on your assessment of being a championship team with a couple of tweeks. U must remember the Hawks are behind at least 3 to 4 teams in the East who are more competitive now and will only get better – so Championship? What Championship? What free agent is sitting out there right now saying – I could join the Hawks and be in championship contention – I’ll answer that for ya – “O”! How about being bounced in the playoffs in round two each year that’s the long and short of it – expectations are limited!

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Unbelievable!

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To all the people who are calling us bad fans for criticizing: Eff you! Excuse us for caring about our teams decision. I am a loyal fan of every atlanta team and I cant believe we just spent so much money to bring Joe back. Do you remember the last atlanta franchise that overpaid someone. If you dont let me remind you…Vick. Im not saying Joe is like him but the situation was the same. The organisation was weak and turned into cowards once Joe wanted to leave. We didnt even bother talking to other agents…

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We could also try to pry away Marc Gasol if Memphis would let him go. That would be a total plus for the Hawks. We would get rid of two veteran players (JJ-a proven scorer and Bibby-a great veteran floor general). I do not think Memphis would part with all these pieces but who knows. I did not think Minnesota would ever let Garnett go but they did and for far less than what I am proposing.

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That is the all time dumbest mover ever. Way to go Hawks. You over paid a guy who during the playoffs berated the fanbase in ATL.

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I LOVE IT ” LET’S GO” I LOVE THE HAWKS- THESE PEOPLE ARE CRAZY- THEY HATE TO SEE SOMEONE COME UP

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Let me start by saying that regardless of the fact that we TOTALLY overpaid for Joe Johnson, I am still a huge Hawk supporter. That being said, it makes absolutely no sense to me that we would commit that much money to someone who is not even willing to publicly announce that he is the bonified leader of the team. Joe Johnson is a great player, but as far as his leadership skills go, I’m not convinced. If you are making the kind of money Joe will be making in the years to come I expect a few things: 1) YOU SHOULD BE THE VOCAL LEADER. PERIOD! All this silent leader stuff is total BS. Nearly every other team in playoff history had a vocal leader, especially championship contenders (which is what he claims he wants to be). The vocal leader holds his teammates AND himself accountable for lackluster performance. In my estimation, Joe did neither, which tells me he is not an effective leader. 2) TAKE COMMAND OF THE GAME! When things aren’t going well for a team, great players take it upon themselves to take over the game. Does this mean shoot everytime you touch the ball? No. It means taking an active role on both sides of the ball to make sure a great play is made. I’ve seen Joe fold too many times and defer to other players when the pressure is on. Excuse me Joe, but that is not what we’re overpaying you to do. In other words, we need him to be a superstar when the pressure is on too. I’ve only seen him do it once, and that was two years ago in the Boston series. 3)Lastly, I’m not confident in the Atlanta Hawk’s front office. Obviously they are privy to information I am not and have inside knowledge regarding players and coaches. However, it amazes me how we had such a poor performance in the first two rounds of the playoffs this year and we essentially commit to bring back the SAME team we had last year. FAIL! How the hell are we supposed to compete in the east when we have done nothing to improve our team? We weren’t able to compete last year so why would the same team with the same coach (Larry Drew was sitting right next to Woody last year cosigning that bland offense) be able to compete now. Our division just became considerably more competitive boys and girls. Miami and Orlando are better than us right now. Charlotte is making noise as well and won’t make the same mistakes we’re making. I’m not a gloom and doom type of person, but I am a realist. Being a realist means stating the obvious. Obviously, our best shot at going deep in the playoffs is when we have one of the top four spots. Miami, Boston, and Orlando have the top three on lock. Chicago and Charlotte are up and coming teams and we need to make sure that we don’t allow them to gain any ground on us. I’m confident that we will make the playoffs, BUT if we have to see any of those top teams in the first round, it’s pretty much a wrap. First order of business should have been securing a legitimate center, but that’s a rant for another day.
RANT OFFICIALLY OVER… for now anyway.

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