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
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
2:40 am
bigstack-
I think you just removed yourself from consideration of the “Iconic” message board message poster list… I feel your pain and disappointment…
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
2:41 am
Sour Grapes!
Sour Grapes are just that – SOUR!
bigstack19
July 9th, 2010
2:46 am
tckr83
It really is lame, it’s the internet man!!! rofl.
drmaryb
I bet you’re one of those people who list how many page views or myspace friends you have in your display name.
“BuSt IT BaBy #1 Dr. MaRy B {80K}”
Get a life.
hawkfan
July 9th, 2010
2:50 am
and after seeing lebron not shake hands last season in the playoffs what else did people expect from him, he is not loyal and disrespectful, it’s all about him all the time and he knows what he’s doing at least his agent does by trying to suck up as much money and media time that he can from others
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
3:07 am
PRODIGY!
IF I could become a DR. In 15 years? Then, I truly am a PRODIGY!
N-Trigue
July 9th, 2010
3:08 am
Hawks will be fine! Our roster wasn’t the problem coaching was! With a little tweeks and better coaching we will be fine! Let everyone talk about the heat and everybody else that just takes the pressure off of us! Really no different than past years everyone will say how we won’t compete and probaly will predict us to finish 4th in our division that’s ok because we will prove them wrong! Go Joe and the Hawks I will be at the Highlight Factory cheering for the hometeam just like the rest of yall once we start whipping up on everybody!!!
northcyde
July 9th, 2010
3:10 am
The funny thing about people giving guys like Wade and Lebron props for taking “less money”, is that they KNOW that Wade and Lebron make tons of money off of endorsements.
Lebron makes almost 30 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR off of endorsements.
D-Wade makes close to 20 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR off of endorsements.
People act like when they say that they’re going to take “less money”, that they’re all going to play for 10 million a year or something. So instead of making 17 mill a year next year, they’re going to make what? 15.5 mill? 16 mill?
You wanna hear a secret Atlatna?
Joe Johnson will NOT make 80 million dollars in his first 4 years of his contract.
The only thing JJ did,was secure a longer contract than what the others did. And he was able to do that because he was the only one that STAYED WITH HIS CURRENT TEAM.
That’s what not being said in all of this. Every one of those guys could’ve stayed with their current team, and made the same type of money that JJ did. But they left their team, with the exception of Wade and Dirk.
And even in the Dirk situation . . his 4 year – 80 million contract is under the assumption that Dallas will continue to stay above the Luxury Tax, and trade for high salary players to help Dirk. It’s NOT a situation in which Dirk took “less money” so that Dallas can get under the cap. LOL . . that team will NEVER be under the cap, or even under the Luxury Tax line.
Dirk, by signing a 4 year deal, essentially reduces the Luxury Tax payment that Cuban would pay. Cuban is simply going to swap out high salary contracts like chess pieces.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
3:17 am
“And even in the Dirk situation . . his 4 year – 80 million contract is under the assumption that Dallas will continue to stay above the Luxury Tax, and trade for high salary players to help Dirk.”
And more importantly, Dirk can’t get more years even if he wants to. League rules limit how much a guy can make after age 36. I don’t knkw the exact rule, but I know Dirk and Pierce signed 4 year deals for this reason.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
3:26 am
Here’s the over-36 rule explained. I’m not smart enough to summarize it so just read what he has to say. Bottom line is a team is not going to pay a long term contract to a guy beyond his 36th birthday.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
3:28 am
NorthCyde
I am so in LOVE with your BRAIN! You HOT man! YOU Hot!
Najeh
Get ‘Em! The simpletons don’t even UNDERSTAND the words that are cumin’ outa’ Yo’ MOUTH!
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
3:37 am
SCRUBS!
“I don’t play with SCRUBS.”
- Tim Hardaway -
bigstack19
July 9th, 2010
3:46 am
drmaryb
There are plenty of people with very well respected occupations in high places that end up doing some of the dumbest, most embarrassing, immoral, etc. things. Several of these people are even in some of highest occupations and positions possible.
Your position as a “Dr.” does not excuse or justify how LAME it is to continuously post on an internet blog of all places that some kind of “blog hierarchy” exists.
You’re on here talking about dude should be lucky you even replied to him because he isnt on some laughable “Iconic Bloggers” list you made up.
I dont even see the other common posters around here CONTINUOUSLY bring that up like it means anything at all.
It’s bad and lame enough when people think they are “special” for how many myspace views or friends they have, but proclaiming a hierarchy on an Atlanta Hawks Internet Blog takes it to a new level of lame.
Chill out, you’re a lame.
bigstack19
July 9th, 2010
3:52 am
….and I know some of your “Iconic Bloggers” that you’re coattail riding have to agree with me, because I’m just keeping it 100.
People just come on here because they are interested in Hawks basketball for whatever reasons. They type in a username..and they post. That’s it.
Aint nobody around here gonna be getting any trophies for “most blog replies posted” to put on the shelf next to their awards that actually matter.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
4:04 am
You Succcck!
northcyde
July 9th, 2010
4:09 am
See Najeh. I had no idea that rule even existed. I need to take time and read the entire CBA one day. So according to the Over-36 rule, Dirk or Pierce’s 5th year in that contract would’ve been counted against that team in the first 4 years of the deal.
They’re giving those guys props for taking “less money” and reducing their share of the payroll of their respective team this year. But all they were really doing, is getting as much money as they could before their 36th birthday, so that last year wouldn’t be counted against the team at the beginning of the contract.
*********************
LOL @ drmaryb. I just try to use logic, instead of emotion. Women appreciate that . . lol.
It’s too easy to get too emotional about players making millions of dollars. But I know double talk when I see it. The Raptors would’ve gladly given Chris Bosh a 6 yr – 124 million deal, had he’d been willing to stay in Toronto. That federal tax in Canada KILLS a contract like that though ( 45%+ ). Let’s see how much less per year Bosh signs for.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
4:11 am
I have washed dishes and drove pizza’s and mopped floors and served KINGS t the
Ritz- Carlton of Buckhead! And – Cleaned toilets!
I have NO NO NO NO agenda about A Career! I just SO happen to be a Dr. By – “The Grace of God!”
I just think ….YOU Suck!
Atlanta Transplant from NY
July 9th, 2010
4:27 am
I’m from White Plains, NY and the Hawks and their fans are a joke. This is not a real sports town. Atlanta is not a real city, the Hawks are not a real team, and Johnson is not a real superstar. They all deserve each other.
You cant really discuss anything sensible with Atlantans though, as they think their teams and cities are on par with the San Frans, Bostons and Chicagos of the world when they havent even caught up to other sunbelt cities such as Dallas and Houston.
I cant wait until I leave this over sized suburb with no urban character or infrastructure .
What in the hell is a Marta?
I bet you Bible Belt Thumpers are waiting on Jesus to bring the Hawks a title lol.
drmaryb
July 9th, 2010
4:43 am
Transplant!
Then, GO BACK to where ever YOU came from! We don’t care.
Master of the Obvious
July 9th, 2010
4:59 am
Atlanta Transplant from NY,
Have fun watching your Knicks get crushed by the rest of the league again next season.
tckr83
July 9th, 2010
5:05 am
Fact. Knicks and Nets have a 0% chance each of winning an NBA title in the next 4-6 years. Enjoy.
JayBee
July 9th, 2010
5:37 am
To all the haters threatening to quit being Hawks fans..
This is the team that drafted Shelden Williams 5th overall. How in the world are you threatening to jump ship from the Hawks NOW.. after this same lineup won 53 games last season. What were you waiting for?
All they’re doing these days is spending their money on the best talent we can keep around. There are no other JJ’s out there we could sign, you know?
You’re lucky when your team finds talent like Joe Johnson. Let’s hope any one of our young starters can emerge this season to play at the level Joe has played at all by himself all these years.
Master of the Obvious
July 9th, 2010
5:55 am
Lebron doesn’t loose much by moving to Florda and leaving 30mill on the table. In Florida, he doesn’t have to pay state income tax on his endorsement deals anymore. So he’s Not losing much money.
Master of the Obvious
July 9th, 2010
5:56 am
He is barely gonna see a difference from that extra year he could have gotten from the Cavs.
Atlanta Spirit
July 9th, 2010
6:26 am
Shaq was an albatross in Phoenix and Cleveland. What makes you think he would help the Hawks. While we do need a big, the most pressing need is someone to replace Bibby who is just old and in the way. Teague has potential – see the last game of the regular season against Cleveland’s 2nd team. Best thing we did was get rid of Woodson. LD has got to be better.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
6:26 am
You’re from White Plains and we’re the oversized suburb? GTFOH. Don’t claim NYC coming from your pansy azz glorified country club.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 9th, 2010
6:33 am
By the way, our friendly neighborhood airline offers hourly flights to one of those dumps you New Yawkers call an airport. Feel free to get you a one way ticket.
Marcus
July 9th, 2010
6:44 am
:confused:
The folks complaining about JJ’s contract and taking less money don’t seem to understand. MIA can do that because they have the cap room to maneuver 30+ million to split between 2 players, plus their own (”Bird’s rights”?) FA. For us, I think all we could do is offer the max. to JJ and then work with the 7 mill (perhaps) under the salary cap. JJ taking less money does nothing for us because all it means is less money for him, he can’t “contribute” the difference in the potential max. and whatever less he signed for as salary cap relief. Doesn’t work that way ….. I think
Now that the apparent star power has shifted to South Beach, we better get something resembling a counter move to keep from getting left in the dust.
aubrey
July 9th, 2010
6:48 am
This is not intended as a knock on Joe but who would have believed that he would be the only premium free agent getting a 6 year deal wuth max money.
Mystikal
July 9th, 2010
7:30 am
@MC,
You hear anything about that deal with Washington? Trying to move Chillz for Javale McGee and change; know if that is still in the works?
Iblameurparents
July 9th, 2010
7:52 am
I really do not need to comment, Granddad has been on point with his post
dap01
July 9th, 2010
7:58 am
Wow, this is a lot of reading for very little information.
What next for the Hawks?
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
8:01 am
Another thing to keep in mind. Although Bosh and LeBron are taking less money, the fact is that Florida has no State tax. So although they signed for less money, its not as “less” as some people think it is.
Najeh,
Agreed. If we give JJ that contract, and only add Shaq, are fans really supposed to be excited about our chances of winning the division? As it stands right now, we are looking at 3rd in the division, and potentially 5th in the East.
I hope Rick Sund takes some chances, and shakes things up by making some trades to improve the team.
ken price
July 9th, 2010
8:01 am
Is there a way for the Hawks to trade for Al Jefferson of the Minn. Temb., without hurting the Hawks nucleus of players? This would give us another much needed center.
Hoops
July 9th, 2010
8:05 am
Dan Gilbert got a “little fired up” over LaBron leaving Cleveland I would say. I’ll bet that letter costs him some money with David Stern! We’ll see!
JeJe
July 9th, 2010
8:13 am
WE NEED TRADES.
THE SAME CORE CANNOT STAY TOGETHER FOR 4 YEARS. WE NEED NEW STARTERS
JESUS
tony
July 9th, 2010
8:27 am
If JJ isn’t concern about what people say about him then why did he make that stupid comment about the 100 fans. If the fan based were 95% white there ain’t no way in hell they would have signed a mediocre basketball player to a max contract. Since the fan based is mostly blacks the owners could careless what the fans thinks about the decisions that they make for that team.
ICEMANcometh10
July 9th, 2010
8:34 am
Have you ever seen a CHAMPIONSHIP won on paper?
1. MUST have a bench
2. The strongest starting five in NBA history has NEVER won a championship!
3. How many ways can you split a basketball when the game is on the line?
4. How many ways can you split a basketball when the game is not on the line?
5. Injuries happen everyday in this league…..bummer!!
THERE SHOULD BE SOME BANGIN’ PARTIES AROUND THE SOUTH BEACH AREA THOUGH.
TROTTINGHOME
July 9th, 2010
8:40 am
There goes the Neighborhood
Truth-Serum
July 9th, 2010
8:42 am
Joe has nothing to apologize for. The Bubba-Crew should apologize for their negativity. Haters.
Obviously
July 9th, 2010
8:43 am
Iblameurparents = grandad
GeeMack
July 9th, 2010
8:47 am
The Heat just got KG PP & Ray in their prime.
Obviously
July 9th, 2010
8:48 am
bigstack19 Co-Sign that. Its been nice the last few days with out the sleaze duo Grandad/dmaryr. I dont think their suspension was long enough.
The subject is the hawks, not personal hatred or blog defamation through name impersonations or haughty attitudes.
TROTTINGHOME
July 9th, 2010
8:40 am
There goes the Neighborhood
CO-SIGN THAT!
Truth-Serum
July 9th, 2010
8:55 am
10-4 on that! mr. obvious, TROTTINGHOME,bigstack19 , Its Jerry Springer re-run hour!
Buy the way, I disagree with the Heat not having enough bench players to supplement the trifocals of Wade/lebron/Bosh. Individually they are capable of breaking a team down so they will allow their partners in crime plenty of time to be rested.
Obviously
July 9th, 2010
9:02 am
LOL @ drmaryb. I just try to use logic, instead of emotion. Women appreciate that . . lol.
Again, co-sign.
Can somebody turn the channel?
Funny thing. If you read dmaryr posts and grandad post they actually have very little to do with basketball or the hawks, but more to do with tabloid reporting, witch haunting and pig wrestling.
I wonder whats their opinions on the Hawks.
Truth-Serum
July 9th, 2010
9:03 am
GeeMack
July 9th, 2010
8:47 am
The Heat just got KG PP & Ray in their prime
??????
kwooden1
July 9th, 2010
9:04 am
Nire I read the letter from the owner of the Cavaliers, that’s so bad I can’t believe that it is real. If it is real, then I’ve official changed my view on sports owners as a whole. I’m sure their are some owners that are cheap and really don’t care, but that letter showed me that there is at least one that doesn’t. He spoke that as a true fan that was all in for his team.
Travy Trav
July 9th, 2010
9:08 am
lets get monta ellis and melo and have our own big three!!!
O'Brien
July 9th, 2010
9:13 am
Mike Miller is reportedly joining the heat, so they have their shooter If he signs.
The Real Hawk
July 9th, 2010
9:22 am
If someone told you that after the announcements so far that Joe Johnson would have the highest contract of them all.
OMG! And that’s all he can say. Was the word championship mentioned by him?
ICEMANcometh10
July 9th, 2010
9:23 am
New York Knicks = DO DO
New Jersey Nets = DO DO
New York Jets = DO DO
New York Giants = DO DO
Buffalo Bills = DO DO
White Plains NY = DO DO
NY Yankees = only team to do anything = DO DO
Any TRANSPLANTS FROM NY = DO DO