Atlanta Hawks: Joe Johnson speaks
I had a sit-down today with J.J. after he signed his new deal at Hawks headquarters. Thought you might want to peep the Q and A:
Q. Can you take me through the process of when you met with the Hawks, they made the offer and then you also had interest from other teams?
A. “It was pretty much the free-agency frenzy that was going on. It was a fun time. I enjoyed it. All along I pretty much felt like Atlanta was the place for me. I have had five great years here. I haven’t regretted anything since I’ve been here. I’ve had a lot of fun. The team has improved every year. The coach and the ownership have done everything possible to improve as a team. I think right now, it is pretty much our time. We have just got to believe in ourselves.”
Q. Did the Hawks discuss their plans for the roster during the meeting?
A. “We kind of sat and talked. They pretty much said how they felt about me coming back to the team and how much they wanted me back. It was a great meeting. They said they are going to do whatever possible to improve the team. They have been doing that since Day One. You can’t argue with that. . . . It was really a brief meeting. We didn’t really have to sit and talk long. I understood where they were coming from, and that was that.”
Q. What did it mean to you for them to offer you the maximum deal?
A. “It meant a lot to know they have got the confidence in me to try to lead this team in the right direction and over the hump. I think we can definitely get over the hump. Knowing they have my back like that makes me want to work even harder. I’m sure I won’t let them down.”
Q. You know how it goes when guys get maximum deals. There’s going to be even more scrutiny of your performance. Are you prepared for that?
A. “I know it’s going to come. I can’t really worry about that. I have to control the things I can control and go and compete night-in and night-out and have fun with it. At the same time, this is definitely my job. I am up for the challenge.”
Q. L.D. has talked about making changes in the offense to get the ball moving more. He says that will help take pressure off of you. Are you cool with not having the ball in your hands so much?
A. “It definitely takes a lot of pressure off of me. Me and Drew talked about it. He wants me doing a lot more catching and shooting. Not creating so much until late in the game so I am not so worn down. I respect his opinion on anything. He is our head coach now. He is definitely going to make the right decisions.”
Q. Your agent said you planned to recruit other players. Any ideas on the guys you’d like to come play with you?
A. “(Laughs). We have to go out and see what is out there. Honestly, I think we have the team now we can win with. That’s no question. The last two years we have averaged 50 wins. We all know it’s time to step up and take it to the next level. I think with the team we’ve got right now we can do that.”
Q. Some fans still have hard feelings about your comments during the playoffs. It seems like that has contributed to some of the negative reaction to the news that the Hawks were offering you the contract. Now that some time has passed, do you have anything more to say about what happened?
A. “It was just in the heat of the moment. We had a tough battle against a great team in Orlando. I think I can speak for a lot of guys on the team [that] there was some frustrating moments. I was just really speaking out of frustration.”
Q. What would you say to the fans who are still mad about it?
A. “There is nothing I can do about it now. I just look forward to the season and getting out there and playing. This is my job; this is what I do. I am going to come out and try to have fun and hopefully change their minds.”
Q. There has been lots of criticism from media and fans around the league about your contract. Have you seen or heard it?
A. “Naw. Uh-uh.”
Q. There are lots of people saying it’s a bad deal for the Hawks. Does that bother you?
A. “There is nothing I can do. You have got to deal with it. You deal with the bad. It doesn’t bother me at all. I am going to still come out and do my job and be effective and do whatever it takes to win. You can’t worry about what people say about you. You have got to move on.”
Q. Do you feel added pressure to live up to the contract?
A. “Not at all. I don’t feel no pressure at all. All I have got to do is keep playing my game.”
MC
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406 comments Add your comment
N-Trigue
July 9th, 2010
12:51 am
MC,
Since Ny traded David Lee to Golden State that has to mean Brandon Wright is available in a trade. I hope we go after him he can replace Marvin at Sf and he can play PF too. Throw biedrens in to and we have a solid backup center for Al. I would try and trade Marvin and bibby and a future 1st round pick. MC what do you think about this move?
Hawk4life
July 9th, 2010
12:56 am
One thing is for sure no one should bad mouth the HEAT on this board. I hope we beat the tar out of them, but when is the last time Atlanta had something that exciting? Would you like it if Bosh and James came with Joe to the Hawks? Sure..I hate we have to compete with them, but I truly feel we are better than the Heat. With a few adjustments we can be as good as anyone.
Coach
July 9th, 2010
12:57 am
I really think Jordan Crawford is going to be great!
Jordan was great in HS and in college. He went to Indiana the same year as Eric Gordon, and when interviewed Eric Gordon talked about the competitor and athlete Crawford was, and how hard Crawford made Gordon work in practice. Jordan then transferred to Xavier when all that mess went down in Indiana. He was a beast in the NCAA tournament. He can score all day, but can he play D??
Coach
July 9th, 2010
1:00 am
I would like to see Lebron start at the point position. Wow!
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
1:18 am
Blu-Ray
(50″ Sony Flat Screen)
Get ‘Em!
1206 AM: Yes…Yes…Yes! I like Joe NEED fan support! But, don’t HATE me – Cauz’ I’m beautiful!
IF YOU booed me then? Then boo me NOW! You were NOT on board to begin with!
So, yeah! Stay your AZZ home!
I wouldn’t apologize to an Anal-Spinchter either! Why should JOE take less money to help the ASG?
Help those who HELP themselves! Maybe, the ASG should take LESS personal trips and fly commercial!
IF the ASG can’t afford to field a better team and make BETTER draft picks? How is that JOE’s fault?
Maybe YOU’RE the TEA PARTY and everything’s OBAMA’s fault – Even when BUSH did it!
IF so, then go to – WELL …. That’s your problem! Joe should only help those that help’s themselves!
This ASG was in-fighting BEFORE he got here and IF he left? They would have been in-fighting when he left!
IF I were him? I wouldn’t apologize to anybody either! IF yall don’t like it? Then thurn your station and “Get Your Scroll – On!
Nobody made you buy a ticket – Don’t buy it! Find yourself another TEAM!
Change your diapers! Warm your bottle! Just leave us alone!
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
1:20 am
YOU can NOT make somebody LOVE you!
LOVE yourself!
tidog
July 9th, 2010
1:22 am
i hope shaq is packing his bags for the atl. no need for him too hang around cle now that lbj is gone. bring a championship wit ya shaq.
cdog
July 9th, 2010
1:30 am
prison mike, you mean he’s better than rick sund.sund is the reason after knight left the hawks are not championship caliber.he failed improve the team.as of right now, he’s just sitting back with a cell stuck in his ear and is doing nothing. just watch and see, i know a sorry GM when i see one .sund is that.we hawks fan deserve better THAN SUND.
cdog
July 9th, 2010
1:32 am
drmaryb, amen to that.you told them right whoever that was.they truly must love themselves before they can love and respect others.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
1:35 am
Props to Dan Gilbert for keeping it real and saying what’s on the mind of every Cavs fan — and what’s on the minds of many people who are not Cavs fans but who sympathize, like me. All of us ATL fans should be able to feel what the people of Cleveland are feeling right now — we too had a superstar stolen from us under f-cked up circumstances in 2007.
At the same time, props to Pat Riley for making it happen.
I am still in the minority that thinks the Magic and Lakers have better TEAMS than the Heat. I don’t think this guarantees the Heat a title. But to be honest, bringing in Shaq won’t cut it anymore if this team wants to be with the Magic, Celtics, and Heat at the top of the conference. Sund has to find a way to bring in CP3 to pair with Joe in the backcourt. The Hawks went into “win now” mode by giving Joe the max, but they won’t be a serious contender without another player of at least Joe’s caliber on the team.
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
1:41 am
Shaq is going to the Heat now… you watch. And the Heat have apparently signed Mike Miller already as well.
Gainesville#1
July 9th, 2010
1:42 am
Glad you agree with me coach. But people don’t seem to understand that it’s more than just jj’s good shooting. He can post up and he is a great defender.
Gainesville#1
July 9th, 2010
1:44 am
I don’t think can afford to sign mike miller.
Ethan
July 9th, 2010
1:45 am
Joe is our best chance to come in third for the next six years behind the Heat and the Magic.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
1:46 am
Profit – Sharing!
So, you’re telling me – IF you worked for BP OIL Co.? And, they’re making 240 BILLION per Quarter – because you’re drilling the wells day in and day out … YOU would offer to take less money, so, they can hire more labor and make MORE money?
Then – You’re dumb azz is HIRED! And, all I wanna’ know is – Can you recruit me some more of your dumb azz friends and family to work here too!
I have just been sitting back and Scrollin’ Past all you idiots and reading the ICONIC bloggers ONLY – for the past Five Days. And, just picking my spots … But, most of these bloggers are the SAME person holding
Irrelevant conversations with themselves – because, anyone with an ounce of sense – is just laughing at YOU!
And, only blogging with the REAL brains:
Najeh
Sautee
Grand-Daddy
OBRIEN
Manny T
Astro Joe
Northcyde
MC
BluI-Ray
BigDave
Terrell
Ken Strickland
Vava
Im_A-SoulStar
IMUS WRITE
MsDeeLite
Doc
Decatur
Dap01
GaTechFan
Hawk4Life
N-TRIGUE
That’s the relevant Bog Roll Call – Period.
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
1:46 am
drmaryb-
I think that post was pretty spot on for a guy the Hawks are going to invest 120M+ dollars into… He SHOULD be the team leader… in the locker room, with the media, on the court, in the playoffs and vocally whenever its needed at any point in the season. That’s why Joe Johnson is paid the big bucks. If you want mediocrity for a 120M+ player… you’d be in the minority.
It has nothing to do with loving yourself first… and everything to do with winning (like Lebron said).
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
1:51 am
And:
Gainsville#1
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
1:51 am
Yea, I didn’t think the Heat had the money either. It’s apparently because of the trade sending Beasley to Minnesota that this is possible. It’s on ESPN here and there. Google it.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
1:53 am
And:
Cdog – fo sho!
Volman
July 9th, 2010
1:56 am
I’m not relevant? Guess I should go somewhere else according to Maryb.
hawkfan
July 9th, 2010
1:57 am
Ok, I’m sorry but the more comments I hear about Dan Gilbert just shows why Lebron did not contact him before his decision, he would probably sent the mob to him and threaten for him to stay, Dan sounds unprofessional especially as an owner and shows he was just another Lebron fan not a Cavs owner this whole time, sigh, the media hyped this too much so lebron made it into a soap opera with his hour long special, at least kobe challenged his front office to bring in more talent not just leave when the going gets tough but then again it is cleaveland (no championships) and not la, can’t wait to see kobe interviewed about the super miami trio and kobe say “ooohh, I’m so scared I should just quit now” haha, funny how everyone thought joe johnson would leave his team (even though he’s getting more money) and lebron stay with the cavs, now the cavs have a new head coach with rebuilding process now a reality, for their fans “for every high there is a low” and they were all on that lebron stuff and now know all his dust, dancing, and jokes were just that and nothing more
Big Rob
July 9th, 2010
1:57 am
“If the Hawks don’t make any moves, I’m signing my walking papers and joining Bron Bron & D. Wade in MIA!”
The definition of an Atlanta fan right here. Its sad really.
Gainesville#1
July 9th, 2010
1:58 am
Miami didn’t waste any time trading micheal beasley. The cavaliers owner is bashing labron.
Gainesville#1
July 9th, 2010
1:59 am
drmaryb
My feelings were hurt for a minute.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:00 am
Tckr83
That’s why YOU are NOT on the ICONIC blogger’s list:
What has LeBron – WON?
hawkfan
July 9th, 2010
2:04 am
and will we ever win the southeast division now, our division just got that much deeper if it wasn’t already, orlando and miami for 8 games, not looking good and add the bobcats to that and bucks looking for revenge and this could be DISASTER already, we need a major change because this (same lineup) will not work next season; dwight, wade, lebron, and bosh in same division, bye to hawks being talked about again for awhile, I say Chicago and Boston come out easily from their divisions with padded wins so we might end up 6 or 7 in standings
Clyde
July 9th, 2010
2:05 am
Drmaryb you left my name out too. Oh well.
Back to the Hawks. Do any of yall think we can compete for a championship this year? If you do you been hanging aroung Montell Williams too much.
The Hawks are pawns. The Hawks are punching bags. The Hawks are sparring partners. The Hawks just sit back and watch other teams improve ignoring their weaknesses year after year. So why should the city of Atlanta support a team that does not strive for excellence?
F the Hawks
Roll Tide
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:06 am
Tckr83
You’re LUCKY – i even replied.
Joe won 120 MILLION DOLLArS – What did YOU win?
Hey everybody, let’s show TCKR83 what he’s won:
A Comment on an irrelevant BLOG!
“The higher You soar – The smaller YOU appear to those who can NOT fly”
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
2:06 am
drmaryb-
The people that are on your list, could care less about the fact that they ARE on your little list.
I’m not talking about Lebron. The 2 time league MVP and an NBA finals appearance. Lets stay on topic. I’m talking about Joe Johnson and what he needs to do to take the Hawks to the next level. Agree?
It’s funny that you say people laugh at others on here… yet you compare Joe Johnson to Lebron… something you just shouldn’t do.
Mike Miller to Heat, 5yrs 27-30M. All over twitter, msnbc, various other sites.
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
2:08 am
Mary-
It’s called a conversation. Kinda what message boards are… for…
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
2:10 am
Why are you posting here if it’s an irrelevant board? I’m posting because I love my Hawks and want to see them improve… yes, more is expected out of Joe Johnson with this new deal. Ask anyone associated with the NBA if this is a fact or not.
Harry Hawk
July 9th, 2010
2:10 am
Kinda hurts me that I didn’t make the list. Then again, I don’t blog all that much.
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
2:12 am
It’s a known fact that Miami fans are in fact worse than Atlanta fans… and this is published by their own sports writers in Miami. Bandwagon.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:12 am
TCKR83
Money Aside!
LeBron = Joe Johnson.
Championships = ZERO.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:15 am
Volman
You are definitely ONTHAT LIST!
Sorry for the SNUB!
Its like Grammy NIGHT. … YOU always forget the MOST deserved.
VOLMAN. Is an ICONIC blogger!!!!!!!!!!!
MsDee
July 9th, 2010
2:18 am
I think bring in Shaq would be a great idea right about now..Shaq has played with both LeBron & Wade, what better way for Shaq to WANT to play against these guys in OUR conference, no doubt! Dont be mistaken, I think Shaq still has some compete in him to want to win another title. I know Shaq may not be the best option, but who is that next option????? I can see it now, LeBron & Wade both driving left and right into the lane all day on us. We could really use Shaq to stop all that IMMEDIATELY!! Also, the Hawks could really use that kind of attention from ESPN and Southcenter, esp since Miami is in our conference and all. I also believe having Shaq would be good for Josh Smith cause he would want to listen to someone who has won a title a time or two. And for those who saying Josh wouldnt want to come off the bench, well, with the right players around him, I believe he would sacifice since that the new thing in the NBA and all with all 3 mega players sacificing their paychecks..hint hint JJ!!
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:20 am
CLYDE
OMG! You are the ORIGINAL! Without YOU? WE would be STUCK with WOODY!
CLYDE is an ICONIC blogger! I NEVER Scroll Past:
CLYDE! Mmmmmmwah! (A Big ole’ Fat WET – deep throat – KISS!)
CLYDE is truly an ICONIC blogger – he Keeps IT real!!!!!!
MsDee
July 9th, 2010
2:21 am
Instead of me saying conf, I meant to say ‘division’
N.D.T.K.A.
July 9th, 2010
2:23 am
I thought the comments by Dan Gilbert was a hoax. Unbelievable to think an owner would make comments like that. I would suspect a fine by D. Stern is in order. Lebron did look really nervous before he announced his decision.
What are the chances of us getting Rafer Alston or Anderson Varejao?
hawkfan
July 9th, 2010
2:25 am
It’s obvious this mega 3 crap only occurred due to boston’s big three now 4 counting rondo, if celtics never won that championship 2 seasons ago, lebron would have stayed in ohio, I guess Pierce is Wade, and KG and Allen are Bosh and Lebron since lebron figured all boston had to do was lock him down and watch the cavs team unfold which happened in the playoffs so lebron needed brave guys to step up when it counts and not just in the regular season
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:26 am
Harry Hawk: YOU SUCK!
You Sir, ARE NOT:
Harry – THE – Hawk!
You ARE an IMPOSTER!
bigstack19
July 9th, 2010
2:27 am
drmaryb
are you really like 15 years old or something? Who seriously gives a crap about who’s most popular or iconic on an internet blog? Is that something you’d want mentioned in a biography about yourself or on your tombstone?
You are lame as hell.
Are they giving out awards for most time with no life logged into the internet blogging now???
lol wack people I tell ya.
MsDee
July 9th, 2010
2:29 am
I wonder how Mo Williams and others on the CAVS team are feeling right about now/after he made his decision?? All the ‘taking pictures/blowing out b-day candles’ b4 games are looking really silly right now for those players..I want to feel bad for them, but I dont. They should have known that was foolish to behave like that without winning a title 1st..now LeBron is off making plans to get that ring next season…w/o them!
Harry Hawk
July 9th, 2010
2:30 am
I would be an imposter if I called myself “Harry the Hawk,” but since I don’t call myself that, I am not an imposter. So what if my given name was Harry Dee Hawk? I can’t help it, but I certainly won’t pretend to be a mascot. I have too much respect for mascots.
True Atlanta Fan
July 9th, 2010
2:30 am
Wow according to ESPN’s scroll bar Childress is the 5th best free agent out there right now…Interesting.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
2:33 am
“Shaq is going to the Heat now… you watch. ”
He would have to take a minimum salary to do it. Not saying he won’t — I never thought LeBron would go to the Heat either — but I’d be surprised to see it happen.
bigstack19
July 9th, 2010
2:34 am
drmaryb is the lamest person on here. ROFL@actually remembering that many names of people off an internet blog, and acting like being a long time poster or something means anything. It’s an internet blog!!!!!
drmaryb wants an AJC Hawks Blog Hall of Fame induction banquet celebration and I bet she’d actually attend.
How Lame.
True Atlanta Fan
July 9th, 2010
2:37 am
Looks like the Warriors and Knicks made a sign and trade: Lee will get a six-year, $80 million contract. The Knicks will receive forwards Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/basketball/nba/07/09/warriors.knicks.lee.ap/
I say we do a sign and trade Marvin and Childress for Monta Ellis and Anthony Tolliver?
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
2:38 am
Shaq will go to Miami and get paid in peanuts if he has to, to tie Kobe’s ring count… if I had to bet.
Zone 6
July 9th, 2010
2:38 am
ok its time for the hawks to make some moves!!!!!!!!!!!