Atlanta Hawks: Joe Johnson: ‘No excuses’
LOS ANGELES–Wadup, blog people. Busy day finally over so checking in from the Left Coast, where it’s chilly and rainy just like when the Hawks were here in January. What the hell do I have to do to get blue skies and warm sunshine? Yeah, I’m bitter.
Anyway, no real news for your Hawks reps at the All-Star media session today. Well, Al said he and Amar’e are good after all of their back-and-forth, which he thinks really isn’t news.
“We cool, man,” he said, laughing at the question. “I told you he was just trying to make a big deal out of nothing. I didn’t have to say anything [to him]. He knew he was in the wrong, so he was cool.”
Some interesting stuff from Joe, though. When media types asked him about the Hawks, he kept coming back to the same theme: “No excuses.”
“I think all of the excuses are out the door,” he said. “We can’t hang our hat on we are a young team anymore. We can’t still say it’s a new coach. It’s just put up or shut up.”
Which brings me to something I’ve been thinking about lately. Perhaps some of you saw the quotes from Rick Sund in Hoopsworld a couple weeks back. If you didn’t, no big deal, because you’ve seen these quotes before (though that part about the Hawks being analogous to the Spurs was new–and regrettable).
Sund basically just rattled off the list of the team’s accomplishments. I get a similar list whenever I talk to Sund and certain other people in the organization. They talk about improving the record for five consecutive seasons. They talk about the 14 straight winning months. They talk about being a young team. They talk about doing all of these things while operating below the luxury tax threshold (which is, in my view, justifiable for the market, though the allocation of those funds is open to questioning).
As the beat guy, I have a responsibility to be accurate and fair in my coverage of the team. I strive to give an accurate representation of the Hawks–their strengths and weaknesses, their successes and failures–and place it in the context of what is a fair expectation for the team. I have to figure out what is a reasonable standard by which to judge them, and then do so honestly and dispassionately.
Sometimes formulating that standard can a tough thing, but here’s the thing when it comes to the Hawks: I don’t have to do it. The Hawks already did it for me when they let Woody walk.
After all, Woody was the coach when the Hawks improved their record for five consecutive seasons. He was the coach for 10 of the 14-month winning streak. He coached a young team to the East semis two years in a row. He did all of this with a team with a payroll below the luxury-tax line.
That’s not meant to give Woody a pass. The point is, Woody’s not the coach anymore and that’s tactic tacit acknowledgment from Hawks management that it believes all those accomplishments they like to recite weren’t enough. Shoot, forget tactic tacit: Michael Gearon Jr., Sund, the players,and L.D. all have said they expect more this year after the surrender to the Magic last spring.
Maybe the Hawks don’t get enough credit for their recent accomplishments, especially since this franchise doesn’t have many better times in its past. But, again, they weren’t enough for Hawks brass, and they’ve said so. That’s why I just don’t see how it’s helpful for management to continue to cite those achievements as a defense against calls for change or as some kind of proof that they belong among Sund’s elite.
So when I chronicle the Hawks’ season, I do so with the understanding that their ultimate goal is the East finals (while considering mitigating factors like injuries). If those standards are uncomfortably high for the Hawks, it’s because they made it that way when they parted ways with Woody and then said they think this team should do more.
Once they did that, it’s like J.J. said today: All of the excuses are out the door.
Check back in with you later in the weekend, blog people.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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276 comments Add your comment
O'Brien
February 19th, 2011
10:14 am
Thanks for the link lewis. Some interesting stuff in there.
In which aspects do you feel you’re a better player compared to last year?
AH: “I’m more aggressive offensively. This year’s coach is giving me more freedom to go out and play and that has helped me a lot.”.
How have the Atlanta Hawks changed as a team with this new coach?
AH: “Well, I think we’re a little bit more organized as a team. We had more of a free wheeling system. Now we’re more organized.”.
What’s your take on the point guard position? Seems like the team is searching for help there. Mike Bibby maybe is a little old, Jeff Teague maybe is too young… Is that the team’s weakest spot?
AH: Well, I think Bibby is doing a good job, although it’s clear that in the future we’re going to need another person. We don’t know for how long he’s going to be able to keep it up..
KevinM
February 19th, 2011
10:37 am
The Knicks get Melo, then this core drops to 6th in seeding for the playoffs. They don’t even have to play .750 basketball. They just have to have a winning record to start trimming the lead that we have over them.
If we don’t make a move within 6 days, the core as we know it will get lambasted along with Larry, Sund and Gearon.
Marvin’s albatross of a contract will be tough to get rid of. The only way to move forward is to move JC1 and get back a couple of smaller deals, but are non-expiring.
JJ/Marvin/Zaza/Bibby – killing the salary flexibility of this team.
The days of Rick Sund as a GM in the NBA should be dwindling. Cheap GM, Cheap coach, and even more clueless ownership team gets you an early exit in the playoffs if they even make it at this point.
It is pitiful to depend on a minor trade to get your team jumpstarted for the last 1/3 of the season. Because we know Sund doesn’t have the knowledge to get a big deal done.
The Big 3 remains intact and flawed going forward.
KevinM
February 19th, 2011
10:48 am
One name that could make an impact to this team defensively:
Shane Battier
Try to get him, Aaron Brooks & filler to shore up our roster. Ask Houston what they want as they might accept JC1 & Marvin. You get a PG with penetrating skills (Brooks is a 12ppg/4 ast guy), a defensive minded SF, and move Bibby to the bench. You depend on Wilkins and perhaps JC2 for 5-7mpg, but we need to improve the starting 5.
With 1/3 of a season left, not much hope for a move of significance.
brigadierjerry
February 19th, 2011
10:56 am
Kevin M you make a good point of Aaron Brooks dont know what his contract is but that is the type of guard the Hawks would need because he can penetrate.
Ra'mon
February 19th, 2011
10:58 am
O’Brien, the question is though is it better to be a 6th seed than a 5 seed? I personally believe if you’re not going to get the 4th seed, than the 6th seed is better. Despite the records, and the way Rose is playing like a man possessed, I still like the Hawks chances at beating Chicago 4 out of 7 than defeating Orlando.
Also, in the 2nd round, the Hawks have a better chance (in my opinion) of beating the Heat a couple of games than they do Boston. Yes three seasons ago, the Hawks took Boston to 7 games. But that was when Rondo wasn’t an all star, and Davis didn’t dominate any big off of our bench. And that was also before they added Shaq to their bench, who can easily foul out any of our back up bigs. And don’t forget, its not unfeasible for Troy Murphy to end up in Boston, playing as their back up 3-4.
Against Miami, we trump at least one of their big three (Bosh). And with Sessions, we’ll offer a better pg than they have on their team (I really believe Sessions is a better pg than Chalmers or Arroyo). So if in the second half we lose more games, and come out with a better bench. To me that’s not a terrible thing, especially if Joe, Josh, and Al end up even healthier than they normally are in the playoffs.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
11:18 am
790 The Zone is talking Hawks @ STATS down on Luckie St. Live.
They sound like us bloggers magnified re: this whole damned team:
PG
Center
Joe Max
Marvin
__________ & Josh is the Best value @ 10M/per.
__________ & Dude said everybody tradeable but Al & Josh
They stole my original words: “As Currently Constructed”. We got 2 PF’s and 2 SG’s and that’s all we got!
darrell starks
February 19th, 2011
11:29 am
GO GET DEVIN HARRIS RICK SUND, no way do melo sign with NETS he wants go 2 the knicks with amare and bring in chris paul next year, if the hawks get devin who is only 27 then you have a the big 4, DEVIN, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 19th, 2011
11:34 am
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=479vq56
Ra'mon
February 19th, 2011
11:38 am
Would any one else do a straight up deal of Joe for D. Williams, without knowing if Williams will sign an extension or not? Would that be a terrible deal, when you consider that even if Williams doesn’t extend, his contract ends at the same time as D12 (Mr.Never said I want to leave Orlando which means he does want to leave, lol). Would Josh, D Williams, and Al, be better than Joe, Josh, and Al?
darrell starks
February 19th, 2011
11:39 am
The nets want to clear money up for darrin william, and with jamal money coming of the books next year plus outlaw contract is gone it’s a good trade for both team.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ra'mon
February 19th, 2011
11:41 am
Darrell, you do realize Outlaw’s contract would become the worst contract on the team, right? $35 mil owed to a guy who’s never play two seasons at 75 plus games back to back, except for once, and all the other seasons he’s been under 69 games (including seasons with 8, 59, and 34). Outlaw is not a valuable player per contract. Unless you have a superstar, you never agree to pay a guy for more than four seasons max!
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
11:46 am
790 guys are saying, “Go get Ty Lawson!” for Jamal ASAP.
They said, “Outside of John Wall, Ty Lawson is lightning in a bottle and would solve all The Hawks problems. Especially since, Billups does not want to leave Denver.”
_______________________
Personally, I believe Denver sees Ty Lawson as untouchable.
But, “nothing beats a failure – but a try”
They said, “Hawks are shopping Marvin Williams, but, then, The Hawks are always shopping Marvin Williams!” & then they all – LOL!
_________________
They said, “Why should The Knicks gut their roster to get Melo, he is NOT a world beater, and besides they can get him for nothing this Summer!”
But, I already said that: (sounds like a wordpress error to me).
darrell starks
February 19th, 2011
11:50 am
Ramon outlaw is not a bad player, plus your bench would be deeper and solid PLUS your still under the luxury tax with a good solid team who would be a legit contender in the east.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
February 19th, 2011
11:54 am
STARTER DEVIN, JOE, JOSH, HORFORD,COLLINS
BENCH BIBBY, OUTLAW, MARVIN, POWELL, ZAZA
RESERVE DAMIEN, EATAN
This team would be good and deep enough 2 contend.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!
KevinM
February 19th, 2011
12:03 pm
brigadierjerry
Aaron Brooks – QO of 2.976 next year….he’s cheap considering. Then you can determine if he can a long term fit here. At least he can shoot a 3 unlike Sessions and Miller, 2 more expensive options.
Ramon, Deron for Joe makes sense if you plan on bringing back JC1, but I would not think that would be the thought process. I wouldn’t worry about DWill not willing to sign an extension at this time. We would have 2 years to determine if we can move forward with him.
And DWill is in the same light as Joe; he needs some major help in a just-as-tough market to attract eliteness. I would be willing to deal Al/filler for DWill, but we know that won’t happen.
KevinM
February 19th, 2011
12:07 pm
Going forward with cap deductions and uncertainty, the Heat have made themselves formidable for a long time. They have the ability to mix and match side items on their buffet bar all day long.
They don’t have 1 bad contract going forward with possibly the Joel Anthony contract.
Realistic Trade
February 19th, 2011
12:29 pm
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=48waxnb
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
12:31 pm
790 The Zone @ STATS LIVE:
Brandon Roy’s surgeon just reported, this guy has a 2 Year shelf – life remaining @ 20 mins per night and a DNP on B2B games. After that, Roy’s career is over. He has absolutely no cartilage in either knee.
_______________
Bees – Knees!
______________
Is Portland the worst franchise for picking damaged goods? Or, just incredibly unlucky?
Sam Bowie – over Michael Jordan
Greg Oden – over Kevin Durant
Brandon Roy
all of no use at max pay salaries.
Maybe, we Hawks fans should consider ourselves lucky for not drafting those type guys, decades upon decades._
Grandad
February 19th, 2011
12:41 pm
Joe for D.Williams (w/o ext) is still a bargain.
D.Howard would be salivating:
Josh – Al – D.Williams – D. Howard !!!!
___________________________________________________________
whew !
I straight-lined there for a minute just thinking ’bout it.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
12:52 pm
BA trade deadline update
I may end up updating the trade deadline review before Sunday, given the reality that the league may decide that waiting on Chris Broussard to convince Donnie Walsh to give the farm up for Melo – just isn’t worth waiting for. Potential deals are starting to gain steam, including one that would send Devin Harris, Anthony Morrow, and Travis Outlaw to Portland for Andre Miller, Rudy Fernandez, and Joel Przybilla, a relatively new deal that would send Ramon Sessions to Atlanta, and a host of other deals I could spend all day on here. Note that neither deal is imminent at this time, and again, be on the lookout for this weekend’s trade deadline review and check out Rotoworld’s NBA Player News page.
___________________________
Like I said, Sessions is on the way here. Love it or Hate it.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
12:59 pm
Grand-Daddy!
Is that my Daddy? Poppy! I did not know you could spank me like that!
____________________
DWill for Joe? Its a damned shame, if it were not for arrogance? We should have had Both! What a pile of Hot-Garbage “Afro-Man” left here.
Now, The Black Knight is at home, like that Auburn Fool – pruning and killing trees in his own back yard. No LOL going on over here.
________________
A Kanye Shrug.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
1:02 pm
Q: Who can predict what Sund gives up for Sessions?
Grandad
February 19th, 2011
1:23 pm
Mary Ellen:
Hey Sweetheart, I can’t be on here but a few.
[and - "spank you very much"]
Gotta go see Baby Boy on Sr night. (afternoon)
He only has two games, three at the most (tourney) left.
I’m prob’ly gonna shed a tear.
I’ll catch up this eve.
ryan
February 19th, 2011
1:41 pm
If Sund gives up JC 2 for Sessions Rick Sund should be fired i would not be surprised if Jeff Teauge is one that gets traded and will eventually come back and haunt the Hawks .
Samuel
February 19th, 2011
1:50 pm
We will lose in the 1st round unless we play NY or Indy and that aint happening so we went a step back. I hope nobody really believes that BS about us “contending”. Well, maybe KS. These trade suggestions are seriously funny. ZaZa, Marvin and Jeff teague. I wouldn’t give JC2 for sessions. Sessions is just OK and Ok is what we got now.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
2:13 pm
I wouldn’t give JC2 either. Maybe Cleveland will remember how well Jeff played against them that last game of last year.
The salaries line up as well for Teague. I almost don’t want to see Teague go either, haven’t seen him play enough yet. Word is they want JC2 and I forget who else. I wouldn’t over reach for Sessions though. Marvin makes twice his salary and ZaZa is our only true banger. IDK, I’m glad I’m not a GM. That’s why Sund makes the big bucks.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 19th, 2011
2:13 pm
I don’t think the Knicks even with Melo have what it takes to make up 5 games in the standings over a 25 game stretch, considering what little depth that team will have if they make that trade. They are pretty much negotiating to send out every quality player they have except Fields and Amare.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 19th, 2011
2:17 pm
If LD is willing to play Sessions, then I’m all for giving up Teague or JC2 for him, since clearly LD has no plans to play either one of them. Might as well get something for them in a trade if the coach won’t allow them to be assets on the court.
Najeh Davenpoop
February 19th, 2011
2:18 pm
No excuse not to make this trade.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4ukp8yw
O'Brien
February 19th, 2011
2:21 pm
Najeh,
Dont underestimate the possibility of the Hawks going on a losing streak and the Knicks going on a winning streak.
If the Hawks go 2-3 on their 5 game road trip, and the Knicks go 4-1 in their next 5 games, that lead would be down to 3 games, with 20 games to go. Anything can happen.
dmb,
I would give up Evans and Teague for Sessions (and maybe a second round pick, since we dont get much contributions from our second rounders anyway). But I am not giving up JC2.
Samuel,
If neither the Hawks nor Magic make any moves, I think we could beat them 4 games out of 7 in the playoffs (although I wouldnt put any money on it).
NCBravesFan
February 19th, 2011
2:26 pm
How is Sessions defensively? Would he help out on the perimeter in that regard?
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
2:32 pm
If the knicks have to fish gut their team to get Melo, that seems counter productive. Don might be smoking that Kush. Why not wait a few months and do the deal they want.
Why let NJ and Melo pressure you?
Even Amare was paraphrased on hoopshype as lamenting, “He is not in favor of gutting the team just to get Melo right now. Even though, he admitted they are friends.”
Besides, what’s the big hurry? The knicks aren’t going to win a Championship this year regardless of what they do.
________________________
Like they say in the military: “A lack of preparation on your part, does not constitute an emergency on my behalf.”
dirty
February 19th, 2011
2:36 pm
I’ve said it before and I’m gonna say it again. Trade for Devin Harris or Mo Williams, J.R. Smith and Nene or Gortat and Petitrus. Bibby and 1st rnd pick for Mo Williams or Harris, then trade Mo Evans, Williams and 2012 1st rnd pick for J.R. Smith and Nene or Gortat and Petitrus
C- Nene or Gortat
PF – Horford
SF – Smith
SG – Johnson
PG – Mo Williams or Harris
Bench
C- Collins/Zaza
PF – Zaza
SF – Petitrus or J.R. Smith….Pape Sy
SG – Ja.Crawford/Jo.Crawford
PG – Teague
I think this team could beat any team in the East, cause when our starters go out or strugglin you’ll have players on the bench that can step in. hawks don’t develope their picks anyway so why not trade them away.
drmaryb (*_*)
February 19th, 2011
2:46 pm
Word is Sessions defense is about as good as Nash’s. But, offensively he is a pure PG who penetrates hard, pressures the defense and lives at the FT line. Is a nice ball distributor. He should flourish here with our wings and guards filling the lanes. Can you say Alley-Oops?
__________________________
O’Brien I LOVE your offer for Sessions. It does not over reach nor hurt the Hawks in any way. I definitely would not send Marvin for Sessions and filler. I’d rather keep him here. Many of us have under valued Marvin a little, but Marvin doesn’t go out of his way to dispel much of the knocks on him either. Unless we are dumping salary to sign a specific player, Marvin does fit our bench role.
P. Bull Terrier
February 19th, 2011
2:51 pm
This time next year the discussion will be about the Hawks moving to another city. Just like they are doing with the Thrashers this year, the ASG will be trying to shift the blame for their financial problems onto the fans. They’ll point to declining attendance numbers and insinuate that fans in Atlanta should be buying more tickets if they want to keep the Hawks in town.
When you look at Arthur Blank and the Falcons and you see an organization that you know will keep moving in the right direction. They might not always make the right move, or win the big game, but you can be sure they are always working to get better and they aren’t afraid to make changes if they think it will get them a step closer to the goal. Frank Wren and the Braves prove that a General Manager can continue to try to improve the team even when the owner isn’t as comitted to winning as fans would like.
When you look at ASG and the Hawks you see an organization that isn’t capable of getting any better than they are right now. They may change back-up centers, or replace the 10th man on the bench, but other than that – what you see is what you get. NBA salary cap rules insure that a poorly managed team will spend years paying the price for bad decisions. Next year’s team will look about the same as this year’s team and the ASG will tell us that we should be excited because the Hawks aren’t the worst team in the league. Eventually no one will care.
tyger
February 19th, 2011
2:53 pm
Kudos MC!!!
Thanks for stating publicly, the obvious – nobody is buying their BS! This team isn’t going anywhere as constructed. They made very poor decisions over the past two summers and now the team is in decline.
They are not candid and the fans are losing interest. Nobody, in their right mind, is going to pay good money after bad, to be humiliated at home, by mediocre teams! If the Magic playoff fiasco wasn’t bad enough, the “quitters” have carried over into the regular season.
Most fingers point to Bibby, JJ and ZaZa right now. But I’ll go back even further to Flip Murray – if anyone deserved a new contract, it was Flip. Now, we’re looking for the same thing we tossed away for little of nothing. No, he wasn’t a prototypical PG, but Flip had “heart”, which is sorely missing from this cast.
NCBravesFan
February 19th, 2011
3:07 pm
Thanks, drmaryb … assuming Bibby goes to the bench I’m guessing that helps to improve depth there as well (at least in the short-term since JT0 & JC2 are eating lots of pine). I’m with Najeh – if you aren’t going to play the kids, might as well trade one of them if you can improve the team now.
O'Brien
February 19th, 2011
3:14 pm
drmaryb,
The Heat have a big 3, but they are surrounded by mostly average/role players (Big Z, Juwan Howard, Carlos Arroyo, Joel Anthony) etc.
If the Knicks get Anthony, they will start Melo, Anthony, and Amare. And they still have Ronny Turiaf, Toney Douglas, Wilson Chandler, Landry Fields.
Sure, they would gut their team, but every big name player that gets a buyout at the deadline would want to sign with the Knicks.
And even if they suck for 2 years, Chris Paul has implied that is where he wants to end up in 2012, and their owner does not care about luxury tax.
The Knicks cannot afford to take the chance of Melo signing with NJ.
Ra'mon
February 19th, 2011
3:22 pm
Najeh, if that deal could become reality, the Hawks would become the 2nd best team in the East. They would have improved defense, rebounding, more scoring options, and a deeper bench (with McGrady and Sessions able to run point). And who’s to say Crawford wouldn’t request a buyout to come back to the Hawks, or Mo Evans?
I’m truly not excited about trading JC2 for Sessions. Something tells me he will be the leverage Sunds have for JC1 negotiations if JC1 isn’t traded. And I also believe with half of a season there’s no reason to believe he wouldn’t be as an effective scorer as Jamal is for 15% of the cost. But I’d give up Teague for Sessions straight in a second. I would actually offer Teague, Evans, and Powell for Sessions and Ryan Holmes.
O'Brien
February 19th, 2011
3:23 pm
And for those asking about Sessions’ defense, I read that he is a very bad defender.
However, he does not shoot as many jumpers, so when the offense gets jumper happy in the 4th, he is one guy who would probably look to get to the FT line.
Case in point, in 26 mpg this season, Sessions has taken 269 FT. In 30 mpg, Bibby has attempted 46 FT.
Obviously, Bibby is a much better shooter (113-253 from 3), while Sessions is only 1-6, but we dont need him to take jumpers. That is what costs us some of the games anyway.
we need penetration, and getting to the line. I can live with Session’s bad defense and horrible jumper if he is penetrating, getting guys easy shots, and getting to the FT line.
Ra'mon
February 19th, 2011
3:31 pm
O’Brien, Sessions sounds like a poor man’s Tony Parker.
Rufus1
February 19th, 2011
3:37 pm
“Case in point, in 26 mpg this season, Sessions has taken 269 FT. In 30 mpg, Bibby has attempted 46 FT”
OB
That can’t be true. That must be a TYPE O……
Sessions could create a 4 or 5pt in crease in our point total and create a deeper bench if we can get him for Teague.
Bibby Jamal and Marvin coming off the bench would make this team a 9-10 deep…..I will take it.
tom
February 19th, 2011
3:38 pm
the hawks have been trying to ‘take the next step’, ‘turn the corner’, ‘become elite’ for the last 3 years now. it frustrates me to no end to see what chicago is doing this year. that is how it’s done and that’s how you get credit and respect.
superiorblogman
February 19th, 2011
4:18 pm
Say No to Ramon Sessions. Teague can be better and Jordan is already better. MC, I don’t know if you think you represent us or not, but could you please ask them if they have inquired about Devin Harris?
doc
February 19th, 2011
4:33 pm
DMB interesting info there. it is against FICA regs, so i will take it with a grain of salt until i hear it from roy, however, before the last op there was talk of trying cartilage transplants so the prognosis was terrible from the get go. the surgeon probably didnt have the permission of his patient to say those things so i imagine he could be in a heap of trouble if he is talking off the cuff and saying anything close to the truth.
nice article MC. this has become the mantra and to quote you:
They talk about improving the record for five consecutive seasons. They talk about the 14 straight winning months. They talk about being a young team. They talk about doing all of these things while operating below the luxury tax threshold.
you left out WE ARE AN ELITE TEAM beause we get 50 wins a year. good interview last week on 680 the fan with gearon. it was primarily about the thrasher situation but he came to the hawks, to give his qualifications to be the guy in charge because he has been around the NBA since the age of 10. he also gave the view that he wants fans to support the team because it is winning and entertaining. that should be enough for the fans and is disappointed there isnt more interest.
note there was nothing said of a goal to win the cup only the suggestion that is out of reach because only one team gets it a year. i think if you dont strive you dont get there. it is like hearing mark richt the year he had a chance to win it all downplay it by saying, “we just want to be able to play our way there by getting to the sec championship”. set the bar and really go for it, take some chances is what fans want to see, true competition after over 50 years without a ring.
The Truth
February 19th, 2011
4:53 pm
A Recipe for Disaster (when mixing these events together)
1. Per MC: Parting ways with Woody and then declaring the team should do more
2. Passing up opportunities early in the season to strengthen the roster
3. Ignoring the signs that the team is on a decline
4. Conflict views from GM (“I like core”) and Coach (“Trade maybe necessary”)
5. Producing an unbalanced roster with a mediocre bench
6. Soft attendance even with a winning record
7. Owners documented financial struggles (selling off thrashers assets)
8. Not good enough to win a playoff series but not bad enough for a high draft pick
9. GM slow to respond and now desperate to upgrade; prime for the sucker offer
10. Mortgaged the future from a sucker offer and now selling it to the fans
O'Brien
February 19th, 2011
4:55 pm
superiorblogman,
Say No to Ramon Sessions. Teague can be better and Jordan is already better..
FACT: For his career (this is his 4th year in the league), Sessions averages 11 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebs per game in 25 minutes.
Jordan is a SG who MIGHT be capable of handling the PG position. And even if Teague can be better than Sessions, is he better than Sessions right now? I dont think so. And Sessions is only 2 years older than Teague, so Ramon can still improve too.
I think Teague has the potential to develop into a PG like Sessions (penetrates, gets to the line, not a good shooter), but why take the chance if a sure thing is available.
Bibby can play 24 minutes per game, and Sessions plays the other 24 minutes per game (on average). At least we know what we would get from them. We have no way of knowing (for sure) what we will get from Teague and Jordan.
O'Brien
February 19th, 2011
5:02 pm
From a nytimes.com blog;
Carmelo Anthony is informing those close to him that he will not sign a contract extension if he is traded to the Nets, according to a person aware of Anthony’s preference.
But the Nets are unlikely to agree to trade for Anthony without the assurance that he would sign an extension. On Saturday, a spokeswoman for Mikhail D. Prokhorov, the Nets’ majority owner, said that he had no plans to meet with Anthony while in Los Angeles for the All-Star Game, according to The Associated Press.
“Mikhail has not met with and has no plans to meet with Carmelo Anthony,” the spokeswoman, Ellen Pinchuk, said in the statement. .
Either way, I just want the trade to be over so other teams can start wheeling and dealing.
NCBravesFan
February 19th, 2011
5:20 pm
Doesn’t sound like the Sessions addition would have us playing for a championship, but let’s face it – Miami is still building their roster, Boston is always one key injury away from being vulnerable and Chicago is a bit of a wild card when it comes to playoff time. This could be the Hawks’ best chance to play in the ECF for the first time in ATL. And barring the ASG doing something bolder (hahahahahah!) it may be the last chance for a while.
C’mon Sund, roll the dice and try to make something happen!
johnBRAVES
February 19th, 2011
5:25 pm
PLEASE SOMEONE FIRE RICK SUND. This franchise is headed right back to where we started (worst team annually) unless we make some changes.