Atlanta Hawks: Judging Joe Johnson
It would seem the pressure is on J.J for the playoffs.
He faded during the playoffs last spring and dismissed Hawks booing Hawks fans. J.J. came out of last year’s free agent summer with the most expensive contract in the league, one that limits the team’s financial flexibility going forward. He made his fifth consecutive All-Star game but just finished the least productive and efficient of his six seasons with the Hawks.
J.J. is the Hawks’ lead dog, and lead dogs in the NBA usually are judged by how far they take their squads. But J.J. said he doesn’t feel that burden.
“Not at all,” J.J. said. “In this case, it is not like that. We’ve got equal opportunity around here. We ain’t just depending on one guy. We’ve got two All-Stars. It’s not just going to be all on me. I don’t get all of the glory when we win so I don’t get to take all the [blame] when we lose.”
But as he said during the Orlando series last year, chances are J.J. will “take a lot of heat” if he stumbles and the Hawks fade like in the last two postseasons. Injuries were a factor both times for J.J. This year he had elbow surgery in December and sprained his shooting thumb in March.
Each time he’s queried about those injuries, he’s gone out of his way to say they won’t be an issue.
“It’s not going to affect anything,” he said. “I ain’t worried about it.”
All season J.J. has said he was looking forward to the playoffs so the Hawks could “prove everybody wrong.” And now that the postseason is about to start, I’ve noticed a difference in his mood. He seems more restless, as if he can’t wait to show what the Hawks can do.
J.J. has never been one to provide much clue to what he’s really feeling, but L.D. and his teammates have noticed a difference, too.
“You don’t get a lot of him from an emotional side, but just watching the things that he’s doing I can see that his focus is there,” L.D. said.
“I think he is ‘grind mode,’” Smoove said. “I know he definitely wants this series and definitely wants to play, and it all starts with him. If he looks like he is passionate and really wants it, I think it will trickle down. I think it might be a little bit more emotional for him this postseason.”
Perhaps J.J. feels slighted and disrespected. Maybe that could end up being a good thing.
“That’s the mentality we need him to have, and that’s the mentality we all should have is playing with a chip on our shoulder,” Al said. “That’s important.”
J.J. always has said he doesn’t care about the perception of outsiders. Now that it’s time for the Hawks to prove they are better than the beatdown they took from the Magic last spring and several times this season, he seems to be using the doubts as fuel.
“Speaking for myself, we are all we’ve got in this room,” J.J. said. “So we can care less what anybody else thinks about us. We are going to move forward. We know we are a pretty good team. We have just got to show it.”
Joe’s has played with more of an edge lately, too.
With the No. 5 seed locked up, he said he was using the last four games to “get in a rhythm.” You could see he was playing faster and getting to his sweet spots regardless of how defenses tried to play him. J.J.’s spot-up jumpers still weren’t falling–they haven’t all season, really–but there was purposefulness in his moves to the basket.
He got his post-ups and his floater. He made decisions quicker when the double teams came. It won’t be easy against Dwight and the Magic but J.J. going to the basket can be an an anecdote antidote to Atlanta’s jump-shot happy attack.
“I am really looking for him to get out of shooting slump he has been in,” Drew said. “He has been doing all the other things hard and I can’t really fault him on any of that. He’s doing things hard; he’s doing things with a pace; he’s doing things with energy. That’s where it all begins.
“I’m going to be going to him a lot in this series. He’s played well against Orlando [this season] and I expect him to do it again.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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238 comments Add your comment
tbhawksfan
April 14th, 2011
4:15 pm
“Speaking for myself, we are all we’ve got in this room,” J.J. said. “So we can care less what anybody else thinks about us.”
What JJ thinks about fans again. JJ is prepped for the playoffs
Hawk Str8Talk
April 14th, 2011
4:24 pm
I would like to say that this is EXACTLY why Joe Johnson, while a good shooting guard, should have never received an extension over $80M from the Atlanta Hawks. If he thought that they paid him that money to lose in the first round this year and NOT take responsibility for it, he must be more delusional than I even thought he could be.
chem
April 14th, 2011
4:26 pm
It’s true Joe, you don’t get all the glory when the Hawks win, but you do get all the money. Consummate team player
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
4:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Booo!
April 14th, 2011
4:36 pm
I dont care about what happend in the past Joe, Just get it done man. Drop 60+ on somebody and put the rest of the league on notice.
Go Hawks!!!
Free The Teague!!!
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
4:36 pm
LOL.
Joe didn’t play well last night. Apparently moving quickly equates playing with more of an edge. He still has had a garbage season. Score 25 a game as the highest paid player vs. Orlando and prove me wrong
What a joke
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
4:37 pm
Joe hasn’t had multiple 25 points games in like 3 years
Gainesville#1
April 14th, 2011
4:38 pm
Orlando doesnt have any gaurds that can guard him so he should post up and draw doubleteams all day.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
4:43 pm
Listen up. If someone offered you 20 mil a year would you turn it down? I think not. Yall can hate all you want. I dont see the Bucks fans crying about paying M. Redd 18 mil a year and he has played in about 36 games the last two year. He is a top 10 shooting guard rather you like it or not. Maybe top 6. And how many shooting guards are in the league? Around 70. We would not have been to three straight playoffs without him. Stop hating haters. Go Hawks
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
4:45 pm
@JeJe-Joe and Kobe are the only shooting guards to avg 20,5,5 the last five years. But I guess you knew that.
Starrman
April 14th, 2011
4:45 pm
I bet Joe the Choke shows up again
Hollywould
April 14th, 2011
4:45 pm
Yeah, he will draw doubleteams after dribbling for 15 seconds and then passing out so someone has to shoot a 30 footer.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
4:46 pm
From MC’s Twitter — this would be funny if it wasn’t so sad.
Hollywould
April 14th, 2011
4:52 pm
The Game, Do you know any Buck Fans?
bigdave
April 14th, 2011
4:53 pm
i’ve said in the past..
though not a vocal raah raah guy that most like and i personally could care less for, if Joe Johnson showed fire/passion to some extent it would go a long way in this locker room.. when the Hawks play w/ emotion they play at a high level.. if Joe hits a big playoff shot and does one of those, “get up” arm motions to the phillips crowd.. hell would break loose..
LETS GET IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
fan4life93
April 14th, 2011
4:53 pm
We believe Joe, show us and the world what you have. Take J Rich to the f’ing basket! You are our leader and we believe!!! Get your rings this year and put Kobe and everyone else who thinks the Hawks are a bunch of no bodies in there place! Go Hawks!!!
bigdave
April 14th, 2011
4:53 pm
be special Joe!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
4:54 pm
“Perhaps J.J. feels slighted and disrespected. Maybe that could end up being a good thing.”
If this results in him playing more quickly and aggressively rather than letting the defense dictate what he does, then it will be a good thing. If it results in him trying to take even tougher shots than usual, then no.
It really just comes down to how Joe feels like playing. If he would just stop thinking so much and force the defense to react to him rather than pound the ball into the ground deciding what to do, both he and the Hawks would be so much more effective.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
4:58 pm
“Injuries were a factor both times for J.J. This year he had elbow surgery in December and sprained his shooting thumb in March.
Each time he’s queried about those injuries, he’s gone out of his way to say they won’t be an issue.”
I appreciate a guy who doesn’t make excuses. This was my favorite thing about Woody and it is one of the things I like about Joe. But ultimately, when the season is over, when it comes time to “judge Joe Johnson”, injuries are going to play a big part of the equation. If these injuries are more serious than he’s letting on and they have contributed to his decreased efficiency this season, he has a legitimate excuse and we in turn have hope that he will get back to the level at which he’s played over the past few years. If they are really as irrelevant as he wants us to believe, none of the other possible explanations regarding his decreased efficiency cast him in a very good light.
HawkFanWithClearVision
April 14th, 2011
4:59 pm
who’s ready for j-j-choooooke JOHNSON!!!!!!
niremetal
April 14th, 2011
4:59 pm
Antidote, MC. Antidote.
isssie
April 14th, 2011
5:00 pm
JJ sucks. Total black hole. hope they trade him soooon.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
5:01 pm
Yes Sir. I work for Airtran and thats one of our busiest station outside atlanta. I have to go there and work 6 times a year. I attend games there because we get free tickets. Dont forget about Marbury contract and Jamison contracts. I can go on and on.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
5:03 pm
@Fan4life93-Well said. Im with you
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
5:03 pm
““I’m going to be going to him a lot in this series. He’s played well against Orlando [this season] and I expect him to do it again.””
If he’s going to go to Joe a lot, at least get him the ball in the places where he’s most effective. As NBA Playbook so brilliantly points out, the Hawks are good when they post up Joe and when they use off the ball screens. Both are good ways to free up Joe to get him makeable shots. On the other hand, the Hawks as a team are not very good in isolation and Joe is merely average as far as his efficiency in isolation. There are effective ways to get Joe the ball without resorting to iso-Joe. Hopefully the Hawks realize this and plan accordingly.
The Owl of Prophecy
April 14th, 2011
5:09 pm
@The Game has Changed…you are correct, and so has our culture. There is no “team spirit” anymore, just showcase individual talent without fouls being called because ‘the fans want to be entertained’! The NBA is real close to WWF, but with body art rather than costumes. Belkin has been laughing all the way to the bank in how he snookered these trustfundbaby owners. Everyone on this blog knows the Hawks will be one series and out. Who cares.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
5:12 pm
@Issie-We are not giving up Joe. Why would we give up a top 6 or 7 shooting guard.
WaltFrazier
April 14th, 2011
5:19 pm
The Hawks are a PHENOMINAL team that was built from the ground up by Mike Woodsen, Billy Knight and Dominique Wilkins. They are a wonderful team to like because they have players who fight and play hard (jsmoove, al horford, jamal crawford, jeff teague and joe johnson). The Hawks are lacking only two things: direction and leadership. The Hawks have enough athleticism to win a championship but many times they are clueless as to what play they are going to run. Their offense sputters on many occasions and they tend to get outrebounded alot. The other two big shortages is there is a preponderance of many turnovers routinely and there is a disdain and failure to share the basketball and get enough assists to win a game. The problem with the Hawks is you dont know which Hawk team will show up. All I can say is if the Hawk team who recently beat Orlando AND Boston on consecutive games; IF THAT HAWKS TEAM SHOWS UP, WATCH OUT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF WINNING THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP. On the other hand, if it is the other (lazy) Hawk team that quit on the season and finished the regular year by LOSING FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES BY completely quiting and failing to compete, then that Hawks team will get blown out four straight times and swept into the offseason. The hawks, if you havent noticed, have a jekyll and hyde team and you dont know which of those teams is going to show up. That is the major underlying problem being a hawks fan. The pathetic hawks team usually is being blown out by 30 by halftime. That team i refuse to watch. The other hawks team (i call them the championship hawks team) who competed with boston 3 years ago, taking them to 7 games, that hawks team shares the basketball and plays competitive, fun, entertaining basketball. I hope the great hawks team shows up for the playoffs and makes a concerted effort to bring home the gold trophy. Go Hawks.
ag
April 14th, 2011
5:21 pm
JJ best five best scoring games this season (Tor 37, mil 36, Sac 36, Phoe 34, NY 34)- all wins
His worst – not including 10 minutes against Char (NO, Mia 9; NY 7;Phil & Bos 6) The Hawks are 1-4 in those games.
I guess what sticks out is except for NY, his best games came against non-playoff teams. Yet, his worst games came against all playoff teams.
I don’t expect much out of Joe
START JEFF TEAGUE
FIRE WOODY-LITE
cp
April 14th, 2011
5:27 pm
It would be nice if he played well but I wont hold my breath.
steve brown
April 14th, 2011
5:29 pm
Competed in athletics my whole life without being paid a dime and can’t think of a single time I didn’t give it my all in an effort to win. The Hawk millionaires including players, coaches, management and owners should be ashamed at the lack of desire, integrity and just plain caring displayed by this team the past 2 weeks. Disgusting exhibition demonstrating not even a hint of self respect.
XYZ
April 14th, 2011
5:34 pm
Hawks should have never signed JJ. He is not a true leader. He’ll gets his points, but other than that, there isn’t anything special about this guy. The only reason he made the All-Star is because he’s a ball hog and shoots a ton. He doesn’t work hard. Big Al Horford is the true leader on this team and the offense should goes around him. The Hawks will never be a true contender as long as JJ is on the team. I said get rid of him. He suxs.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
5:34 pm
@Waltfrazier-I feel the same way . I wish they would just get out and run run run. I feel if you have Joe, Marvin, Josh, Al, and Za Za on the court at the same time we shouldnt get out rebounded. That line up would give us the height advantage over every playoff team. All those guys are big, athletic, and talented. Lets Go Hawks
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
5:36 pm
@XYZ-The other 5 shooting guards that are better than Joe are in long term deals so we are going to keep Joe. So deal with it
Hawksfan31023
April 14th, 2011
5:36 pm
The Hawks will win in 5 games.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
5:37 pm
The Hawks will win the series in 5 games.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
5:38 pm
Wow, I’m finally able to post on the blog again, after being unable to every since I moved to Smyrna from Macon. SO many things I have wanted to comment on, over the last month, lol. So give me a moment.
mykhalc
April 14th, 2011
5:43 pm
the only switch that the Hawks have is an ‘OFF’ switch…PERIOD!!! and they showed it to us durin’ the course of most of this season. 6 losses in a row mean anythin’??? oh yeah…there was a reason right?? KA BOOM…PERIOD!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
5:47 pm
Interesting to see the contrast in Dwight Howard’s approach to the series vs. Joe Johnson. Joe goes out of his way to emphasize that everyone on the team shares in the glory and the blame; Dwight goes out of his way to put the onus on himself. Not saying this to diss Joe, just pointing it out since it’s such a stark contrast.
Dr. Dave
April 14th, 2011
5:53 pm
Joe Johnson has no charisma and no heart. He is not a vocal leader. This is why the Hawks are in trouble. I wish we had let him go and saved our cap room for Dwight Howard so that he can come home to Atlanta. Now THAT would be worth a max contract.
mykhalc
April 14th, 2011
5:54 pm
yep…leader vs non-leader…simple
drmaryb (*_-)
April 14th, 2011
5:58 pm
Ra’mon
Welcome Back! And welcome to Atlanta.
_______________
XYZ …. never mind.
mykhalc
April 14th, 2011
6:00 pm
there is NOTHIN’ magical to figure out about this team!!! 3 years ago…yeah maybe. today, for those that continue to search, merely do it as a mental (maybe demented) exercise IMHO. i’ll always be a Hawks fan. but i’m NO fan of a bunch that has no team concept and with NO leaders. and LD is nightmare too and that’s bein’ kind. blow ‘em up PLEASE!!!
Rufus1
April 14th, 2011
6:07 pm
The moment has come….
The Hawks have waited for this moment all year, knowing they would be in the playoffs and the playoffs are all that matter.
The Hawks will be ready. If joe goes off for 30pts, the Magic will get blown away. We don’t need 30pts Joe, we need 20pts, 5rebs, 5ast Joe, and the defensive Joe, to win this series.
I PREDICT…
Josh will not miss 5 shots from 16-23ft, because he won’t take those shots….unless his is making them.
Al will average 16pts and 10rebs for the series.
Jamal will average 14pts and 3ast.
Marvin will average 7rbs a game.
NO ONE ON THE MAGIC WILL AVERAGE 18PTS A GAME!!!!
Hawks win in 6 games…
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
6:09 pm
First, its funny how when Horford was out, everyone made such a big deal about the Hawks losing to a playoff team. Yet, when Josh was out, the Hawks couldn’t beat the Wizards, and the Pacers (barely a playoff team).
Despite his shot selection (which is still pretty good actually if you consider his overall field goal percentage), Josh is the most important, and consistent player on this team. He’s shown up big for more games this season, than anyone else on the roster. And since the all star break, Al’s rebounding average has dropped more than a half of a rebound. Al went from 9.9 rpg to 9.3. Al is a great serviceable guy. But why does everyone on the roster say they get their energy from Josh, even though there are many times when Josh is the only one hustling? On the Bulls, every one got their energy from MJ, the Lakers – Kobe.
I don’t believe Josh is the type of player that may lead a team to a championship alone. But I do believe Josh is a championship type of player. And I would choose to keep him over Al and JJ. I actually would consider trading Al and Marvin to Dallas for Chandler and Terry. Then I would start Terry at the 2, and move Joe to the 3. After this I would cash in the difference of JC contract for 2-3 more valuable bench players.
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
6:11 pm
We ain’t just depending on one guy. We’ve got two All-Stars. It’s not just going to be all on me. I don’t get all of the glory when we win so I don’t get to take all the [blame] when we lose.”.
I understand JJ wants to give credit to everyone on the team and say they are all threats. But I would have preferred if he put more of the onus on him. Its like he is running away from the responsibility.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
6:15 pm
Drmary, thanks.
Najeh, Joe has NO leadership qualities. He just happened to be the best player on the team for a few seasons, but was never a leader. Anyone who says they wants to be a ’superstar’ (his words) along with Wade, James, and Kobe, knows that they are solely judged on the playoffs. McGrady and Vince Carter were never really considered great players because they never made it to the conference finals even though they had the talent (even more talent than Joe) to lead their team. And guess what, neither of them were ever considered great leaders either .
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
6:16 pm
@Ra’mon-Josh has shot us out of 10 games and turnovered us out of 7 and complained us out of 5. If anything I would get Chandler and Terry for him.
Elton
April 14th, 2011
6:22 pm
““I’m going to be going to him a lot in this series. He’s played well against Orlando [this season] and I expect him to do it again.”
This quote says it all. I’m already feeling worse about this series after hearing that. Going JJ more almost always hurts us. Everytime our worthless coach tries to force-feed Joe the ball, it results in an extremely inefficient and predictable offense, and we typically lose badly in those situations. What sickens me the most is that Drew still hasn’t learned that, and he calls himself a coach. It’s disgusting to even think about.
At some point, people need to realize that if you want to base your entire attack off of one player and isolation basketball, then you either need that one player to be a hall-of-fame caliber player who can do it all on the offensive end, or you need to have some other great strength to fall back on. For example, if your offense is based on inefficient isolation plays and you don’t have a superstar to go to for efficient isolation scoring (Joe does not fit these credentials at all), then you better be playing some incredible defense on the other end of the floor, otherwise, you are not going to go very far.
Think about it, all the great teams who have had success with their offensive revolving around one player have had something else special going for them. In recent history, when you think about this year’s bulls or last season’s cavaliers, both teams have had offenses that were dominated by one player (i.e. Rose, Lebron), but they have also had excellent defense to fall back upon, in case the offense just isn’t functioning correctly at all times. When you have great defense, you can get away with subpar offense to some extent.
Unfortunately, we don’t have either of those luxuries that I just described. We don’t have any single player capable of carrying us entirely on the offensive end, and I, personally, do not like that style of basketball anyway. Also, we don’t have a strong defensive team. Because of that, we have to win with unselfish team basketball where we maximize the strengths of our players, along with hustle and grit on the defensive end. That hustle and grit is almost nonexistent amongst most of our players, and our worthless coach has no clue how to maximize the strengths of our players, he only knows how to maximize our weaknesses (e.g. having all players resort to the jump shot as the primary attack). Additionally, we don’t have enough unselfish players on the team. Amongst the starting unit, we have only two players who play true team basketball and never play selfish – Marvin and Al. Those two players are, unfortunately, the players who receive the ball the least in the offense, unless they are just being used as middle-men to get the ball to someone else (e.g. Joe or Jamal). Our other unselfish players (Damien, Teague, Zaza) are sadly just not big enough factors to really impact the game much on the offensive end in this offense. Teague is never given the freedom, and both Damien and Zaza are basically garbage players (in the rebounding-putback sense) when it comes to offense.
With all of that being said, I don’t feel confident at all about this team. Until we get a competent coach who knows how to get the most out of his players and knows how to develop strategies that actually utilize their strengths, I’m afraid we will just be incredibly mediocre. Under Drew, I think we will probably become a lottery team.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
6:22 pm
The Game has changed, which games has Josh shot us out of 10 times? And how is his shooting any worst than Joe’s, JC’s, or Al’s through various games of the season? He’s turnovered us out of 7 games? How, do you realize how many games Lebron, Kobe, Wade, Joe, and others have had with more than 7 turnovers in a single game. Complained us out of 5 games? Kirk Hinrich has been here for a month, and has already complained more on this team than Josh does. Or Kobe and Dwight have both reached the limits for technical fouls for a season. Yet, how many techs does Josh have on the season? Josh energy, defense, play making , scoring, rebounding, and simple presence, have won us over 25 games this season. Josh doesn’t even get to crash the boards on the offensive end because he has to get back and stop any fast break opportunities, yet he STILL ranks in the top 15 in the league in rebounding. Josh may should take the ball to the rim more, or post up more. But he stills post up more than anyone else on the team. Our starting center averages 2 free throws a game. TWO FREE THROWS A GAME. How is that going to get the other teams big in foul trouble?
ag
April 14th, 2011
6:23 pm
Ra’mon
April 14th, 2011
6:09 pm
ditto
Kyle
April 14th, 2011
6:32 pm
I think it’s safe to say that Joe Johnson has been the biggest disgrace of the season in terms of NBA players. There have obviously been worse players, but no one was offered a max-scale contract this season and produced like a ball-hog role player. If you are going to happily accept that type of money, you better bring something to the table to at least try and convince people that you are worth it. Joe hasn’t done any of that. He’s done nothing but smother the offense and tag-team with Josh Smith to shoot us out of games that we had a chance to win or make it more difficult for the better players to lead the team to a win. I don’t even know why we are talking about “judging Joe”, I mean, after all, the judgments were made long ago, and just about everyone views him as being an overpaid third option, at best.
Ethan
April 14th, 2011
6:41 pm
Joe Johnson disgusts me. That response is proof of a decent shooter with zero leadership. Kobe, Lebron, Pierce, etc, etc, etc would never make a comment like that about not taking all the blame when we lose. They WOULD take it, deserved or not.
Bottom line…Joe doesnt have a killer instinct, or a champions heart. He is a mediocre person, so that reflects in his play. Mediocre Joe…its got a ring to it.
superiorblogman
April 14th, 2011
6:42 pm
I could care less what JJ has in his pockets and bank account and I am 100% sure that noone on this board has spent more time being flat out broke as myself. Honestly, if Drew, Sund, or the ASG wanted the max out of JJ offensively they should have never changed the offense in which the guy had not dipped below 20 points in since he came to ATL, and if Joe was worried his numbers would dip he should not have resigned with the Hawks but went somewhere else. So, honestly I don’t respect anyone that tries to look at Joe’s numbers being down and point the finger at him.
Ethan
April 14th, 2011
6:51 pm
BTW, Hawks Blog. Its 2011. We should be able top respond to peoples comments up in here.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
7:07 pm
“@JeJe-Joe and Kobe are the only shooting guards to avg 20,5,5 the last five years. But I guess you knew that.”
So what? he has done nothing this year. He can’t even make a 3 anymore
Michael Cunningham
April 14th, 2011
7:08 pm
@niremetal: “Antidote, MC. Antidote.”
well, if Joe goes to the hole there will be a story to tell.
fixed
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
7:08 pm
Joe is the same person who said he’d help recruit Free Agents here over the summer, then said he was kidding (go reread the blog about Joe agreeing to the contract)
Joe NEVER uses “I,” it’s always “we”
The Game Has Changed, where are you on that one?
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
7:15 pm
@Ra’mon-Josh should not be shooting jumpers the way he does. We have shooters and he is not one. He is a rebounder and a slasher. We rank last in second chance points because he leaves Al to rebound be himself. And as far as you comparing his complaining to Wade and Lebron. They get back on defense when they complain he doesnt. He runs down the sideline with the ref. Thats crazy. And Im not even going to go into details about his desire to be a point guard. We all know he dribbles to much and too long. If you ever played ball you yourself should know to find the guards.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
7:21 pm
@JeJe-I will go back and read that. But I know after he signed he did welcome Lebron to Atlanta. But we all know where Lebron was headed. I think Lebron would have been better off coming here. He would have been an added piece and not a rebuilding piece like he is in Miami. But I think Joe is a very unselfish player. Otherwise he would be fighting Josh and Jamal in the locker room after every game. But I do feel he needs to take charge and call it his team.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
7:22 pm
@MC-I think it would benefit us if Joe starts in the post.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
7:23 pm
Joe said our team does not know who should take shots in closing minutes of games. As one of our 3 Captains (it’s already pathetic we have 3 captains), that’s a pathetic thing to hear.
The guy has no idea how to talk to the media or communicate with his teammates.
I can name dozens of solid players in this league who don’t talk much but are leaders (Derrick F’ing Rose is one). Joe is nowhere close to being a leader
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
7:24 pm
Joe can’t even get it going vs inferior defenders. He scored 13, 16, and 12 against Chicago. Who on that team was guarding him? Keith Bogans? It’s pathetic when you can’t even score on non-stars when you are allegedly an All Star
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
7:35 pm
“That’s how he feels,” Johnson said. “They are confident. You are supposed to be confident. It doesn’t bother me.”
LOL!! Typical Joe Johnson. I don’t think Chris Paul or Kobe would ever say this
What a loser
*yawn*
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
7:39 pm
““I’m going to be going to him a lot in this series. He’s played well against Orlando [this season] and I expect him to do it again.”
LD you’re in for a short series then..Joe has lost 2 steps and his reaction time to double teams has slowed considerably!! He looks like Matty Meltdown with the pocket collapsing around him! “SACK”.3rd down and 20……………………………
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
7:43 pm
That man has been playing hurt for 3 months. Come on Je Je. Dont crown Rose as this Hall of Famer yet. He hasnt gotten out of the first round. They might get upset my the Pacers. He is an all-star shooting guard that has been to the playoffs three straight years. I dont know what else to tell you. He is trying to figure out this new system along with the coach and the other players. Do you remember game 7 against Miami in Atlanta when he outplayed Wade? How we so soon forget. He avg 18.5 this year and it was a down year. It is very important for a shooting guard to be in rhythm with the point guard. Joe has had to play with 4 or 5 different point guards this year. All which I would consider 3rd string point guards. As a former shooting guard myself I understand what he is going through
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
7:43 pm
18 17 23 11
Those are Joe Johnson’s point totals vs. Orlando this year. Apparently, that is playing “well against Orlando.”
Joe Johnson has fallen off.
Career iso player
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
7:48 pm
27th in forced to’s, 28th in steals,27th in blocked shots, 24th in rebounding= _______________!
fill in the blanks……..
The Fat Lady took her first step towards the stairs that lead to stage yesterday…shes warming up her voice…….
Reggie S
April 14th, 2011
7:48 pm
I really don’t understand why Joe Johnson doesn’t believe he shares a little heavier load than the rest of his teammates. While I do agree one player can not win a game/series/championship, but you do need one person to lead the way. I don’t know ANYBODY would pay someone top dollar to be just a “face in the crowd”. That is clearly bad business practice. He can not have these 14-18 point games regularly. Everyone needs to step up their game, but the EXTREMELY High-Paid Joe Johnson but lead by example and raise Da Standard!
ag
April 14th, 2011
7:50 pm
Hawks center Al Horford said Nelson’s comments have been a subject of conversation in the locker room, but guard Joe Johnson shrugged them off.
“That’s how he feels,” Johnson said. “They are confident. You are supposed to be confident. It doesn’t bother me.”
What get’s this guy going? I don’t like Kobe, but it is clear that he will not let his team lose. Joe is the anti-kobe, he just does not care about anything, EXCEPT WHEN IT WAS TIME TO SIGN A NEW CONTRACT!
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
7:55 pm
HOW BOUT THOSE THUNDER CATS??????????????????????
That Denver/Thunder series will be on for the ages…..going 6 or 7 games…Thank goodness the Hawks dont play in the West or they would lose by 30 a night to either one of these teams……………
joewhite
April 14th, 2011
8:01 pm
The boy and yes i said boy needs to go see the wizard to gain a heart and nutts to become a man. If he does not get off in the playoffs, sund trade his ass give up everyone except hortford. hell rebuild he is a pure bum in my book
James on Pharr Rd
April 14th, 2011
8:02 pm
JJ has been unapologetic about his refusal to wear the “leadership jacket” for this team. At best, we have been forced to watch his stats sort of justify a “lead by example mentality”
Personally, I dont think this is something Joe could pick up at this stage in his career, however his attitude is emblematic of our culture here:
1. On any given night we dont know what to expect
2. Lack of Accountability.
3. Lack of formal structure and direction.
All of this means that no matter how far we go or fall behind, there is little to judge us by because we have no set standards. And standards/direction are created by Management.
What is sad is we all know players in the league that aren’t traditionally cut out to lead because of their personalities-Dirk,AI, Nash and the old Dwight, but they have succeeded in embracing the role by virtue of their position on the team. This troubles me about the character of JJ.
Samuel
April 14th, 2011
8:03 pm
It’s no accident that I took 1st Place in the fantasy league this year. Excuses anyone?
*
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba/64999
J from the A
April 14th, 2011
8:03 pm
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/playoffs/2011/04/13/2011_hawks_top10.nba
Samuel
April 14th, 2011
8:07 pm
OH, the link doesn’t work. But take my word for it. I waxed yall’s as_. Maybe next year scrubbs.
The Game Has Changed
April 14th, 2011
8:31 pm
Joewhite-You may not like the man but show a little respect. We dont need that kind of ignorance on this blog. Maybe 50 yrs ago it was cool to yall but not now.
Jae Evolution
April 14th, 2011
8:37 pm
Can’t believe Marvin’s block on Derrick Rose didn’t make that top 10.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
8:43 pm
The Game, Josh doesn’t ‘leave’ the offensive rebounding to Al, that is LD’s scheme. When shots go up, Josh has to go back on defense, instead of crashing the boards, to deter any fast break opportunities for the opposition. And while doing that, Al still only averages 0.6 offensive rebounds more than Josh. And truthfully, this season, Josh has shot the jumper just as good as Joe has. And Josh still scores more points in the paint than any one on this team.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
8:46 pm
By the way, Josh has been playing on one leg for two months now, and still keeping up with Al in rebounds.
joe
April 14th, 2011
8:51 pm
how does Sund still have a job?
atlienforlife
April 14th, 2011
8:52 pm
I am a die hard hawks fan and have defended them for years, but the moves of Rick sund is terrible. Joe johnson is a good number 2, but not a max player in this league period, and his salary is going to kill us for years to come. Jamal gave us 1 good year, but he is playing worse then joe. The game has changed, as far as shooters, who are you talking about. Joe, Jamal, Kirk, Marvin, pleeeese. You may not like Josh smith, but as the games he missed proved. There is no defense on this team without him; furthermore, there is no low post game without him. Al horford is a midrange jumpshooter.
atlienforlife
April 14th, 2011
8:55 pm
As far a shooting guards: Kobe, Paul Pierce, Dwayne wade, Danny Granger, Manu. Theres 5
and I would take going forward: Tyreke evans, Eric gordon, Monta ellis, and andre iguadola. over Joe Johnson.
atlienforlife
April 14th, 2011
8:56 pm
And none of those guys is getting paid anywhere near Joe Johnson.
honest_abe
April 14th, 2011
9:02 pm
josh has the maturity level of a 12 year old. i can’t imagine how great he might be if he played on a team like boston with strong leadership and vocal veterans giving direction. the guy has no business leading a nba team which is why is why the hawks are so unpredictable.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:13 pm
“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.”
-July 2010
Michael Cunningham
April 14th, 2011
9:14 pm
@The Game Has Changed: “@MC-I think it would benefit us if Joe starts in the post.”
yes, he can post up J-Rich. but the ball has to come out quickly if the doubles come and then it has to keep moving since the Magic are so solid on closeouts.
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:16 pm
“Do you remember game 7 against Miami in Atlanta when he outplayed Wade?”
Yes, I do. He hit a monster 30+ footer over D.Wade.
Joe has REGRESSED SINCE then. He was in his prime that year and maybe the Boston series the year before
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:20 pm
Joe passing out of the double quickly? LOL. The guy still has no idea how to pass out of the double team. Didn’t he explicitly say this (or LD did) like 2 weeks ago?
Section 303
April 14th, 2011
9:22 pm
I’ve just learned to roll my eyes whenever Joe Johnson speaks. He should really get help speaking to the media. Last year’s “care less” comments were a f’ing debacle. This year he’s talking about how he does not have all the pressure on him, while he makes way more than anyone else on the team.
I get what he’s trying to say, by the way. That there are other good players on the team besides him. However, to me, he sounds like he is dodging the responsibility that comes with being the team’s highest paid player and “leader” (we all know Al is the real leader of the team).
If he’s really itching to show what he and the Hawks can do, well…here’s his chance. Go do it. Go get it. For once, step up and perform for an entire series. Earn the paycheck.
Sautee
April 14th, 2011
9:32 pm
Ramon,
Good to have you back, man. I’ve been asking where you were.
Horford seems to have regressed since you were around. Too bad. I’d like the 07-09 version back. You know, the one who mostly played in the paint?
I’m delighted that he worked on his jumper. Now he needs to work on a go-to post move and a left hand counter. And get his ass back in the freakin’ paint.
And if he HAS to be a PF, be like Maurice Lucas, and not Boris Diaw.
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
9:33 pm
the hawks biggest problem is that they don’t have an ALPHA male on the team at all. no player nor coach will get in no one’s ish if they eff up.
WHAT WOULD POPOVICH DO IF JOSH JACKS AN ILLADVISED TRE EARLY IN THE SHOT CLOCK?
WHAT WOULD JORDAN HAVE DONE IS KERR OR PAXSON TOOK AN ILL ADVISED SHOT?
dennis was a menace EVERYWHERE until he got to chicago. jordan wasn’t playin’ that ish.
so in the absence of a coach or player wit’ balls (pun intended) there is no accountability on the hawks team
JeJe
April 14th, 2011
9:35 pm
Al is not the true leader on this team. He doesn’t lead us much.
We get articles about how he loves playing vs. CHI and NYK then he chokes in 3 of the games (last 2 Knicks games and at least one of the Chicago games)
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
9:36 pm
1980-2010, 30 years, there have been on 7 nba champions: LAKERS, HOUSTON, SAN ANTONIO, CHICAGO, DETROIT, MIAMI, AND BOSTON. what is the common thread in these winning organizations? storied franchises? great owners? hof players? great coaches? great fans? whatever you say is right and the hawks don’t have anything in common with these franchises.
JJ IS NOT THE REAL ISSUE WITH THIS TEAM
atlienforlife
April 14th, 2011
9:36 pm
Sautee, couldn’t agree more. I don’t know what happened, maybe to other players attitude on this team has rubbed off on him. But, Horford has become a soft player.
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
9:38 pm
JEJE,
al horford is not an alpha male, either. kobe, jordan, barkley, d wade, lebron, WES UNSELD are types of alpha males. hawks ain’t got none
Sautee
April 14th, 2011
9:43 pm
ant banks,
Eight teams. Philly in ‘83.
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
9:46 pm
SAUTEE,
that’s why i like you bruh. lol. thanks. i forgot them. dangit. thought that i had done my friggin’ research. i hate puttin’ out wrong info. thanks bruh. 8 teams the past 30 years.
ant banks
April 14th, 2011
9:51 pm
SAUTEE,
8 teams, 30 years? 22 teams never have a shot. lol. 5 of those 8 are back in it this year, so it may be 31 years with the same 8 teams having won. dangit hawks
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
10:03 pm
Guys, lets keep it real. Every single player on this Hawks team can be criticized for various actions (or lack thereof) during the season.
When you lose games by double digits the way we do (including historic beatdowns at home), everyone deserves blame (ownership, GM, coaching staff, and players).
So lets not put one particular Hawks player down to try and make another Hawks player look better. They all have their faults. And this is why I think we need to shake up the roster.
O'Brien
April 14th, 2011
10:09 pm
Hawks finished 14-26 against teams over .500. Only one playoff team out of the 15 other teams had a worst record, and that the Pacers, who went 13-31 against teams over .500
joejohnson_is_a_bum
April 14th, 2011
10:32 pm
hawks should have traded joe and resigned jamal crawford, everybody on the team carry joe johnson. he will do what he does every year in the playoff and disappear. the only difference this year is he has more money coming to him.
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
10:44 pm
“We rank last in second chance points because he leaves Al to rebound be himself.”
And when Al sets screens and pops out instead of rolling to the hoop even when there is no resistance for him to do so, who is down there to rebound?
Al does this just as often as Smoove does. The difference, of course, is that Smoove is an average at best jump shooter whereas Al is an elite jump shooter, at least from mid range. If your problem is that Smoove doesn’t make that shot, I’m with you. He shouldn’t set himself up for jumpers if he can’t hit them consistently. If your problem is with the very idea of a big man spotting up for jumpers instead of rolling to the hoop and the resulting negative effects this has on the offense, Al is just as culpable of this as Smoove is.
I don’t really blame either one of them nearly as much as I blame LD for allowing them to do this.
Coach D
April 14th, 2011
10:53 pm
“Shock the World” Hawks!!!!!
Najeh Davenpoop
April 14th, 2011
10:55 pm
Congrats Samuel. That would have been a lot closer if I didn’t miss like 15 player-games over the last 3 days due to teams resting players.
doc
April 14th, 2011
11:02 pm
samuel, such grace in victory, maybe i need to come back and teach you a lesson. heh heh
doc
April 14th, 2011
11:05 pm
yes nba silly season is no time to finish the fantasy playoffs najeh and one of the reasons i dont participate. samuel, is a tough customer for sure as his record over time will attest.
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
11:07 pm
“1980-2010, 30 years, there have been only 7 nba champions: LAKERS, HOUSTON, SAN ANTONIO, CHICAGO, DETROIT, MIAMI, AND BOSTON”
That is not an accident..Why do franchises like Atlanta consistently shoot themselves in the foot for the past 43 yrs????????????????????????????????????????? Ans:cause maybe its being done on purpose????
Mr. Stern, I finally get it!! There will be no NBA Championships in Atlanta…Never….. at least not under your watch…………………………………
Kaye
April 14th, 2011
11:11 pm
everyone check out this Hawks song for the playoffs! send it to every Hawks fan you know! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTY074F6Oio
Slimjr
April 14th, 2011
11:11 pm
“Hawks finished 14-26 against teams over .500. Only one playoff team out of the 15 other teams had a worst record, and that the Pacers, who went 13-31 against teams over .500″
That is an unacceptable stat and that alone should get LD outta here… The playoff debacle to come will put the hammer on the nail…………………………..
brigadierjerry
April 14th, 2011
11:15 pm
1980-2010, 30 years, there have been on 7 nba champions: LAKERS, HOUSTON, SAN ANTONIO, CHICAGO, DETROIT, MIAMI, AND BOSTON. what is the common thread in these winning organizations? storied franchises? great owners? hof players? great coaches? great fans? whatever you say is right and the hawks don’t have anything in common with these franchises.
ant banks what happen to philly in 1983 as one of those teams?
Grandad
April 14th, 2011
11:37 pm
” I don’t get all of the glory when we win -[Joe Johnson]-
so I don’t get to take all the [blame] when we lose.”
If Joe is such a socialist then he should *not*
have taken all the money.
” We’ve got two All-Stars.” -[Joe Johnson]-
yeah but one all-star gets alot more money
than the other all-star.
Perhaps J.J. feels slighted and disrespected -[MC]-
As well he should !
________________________________________________
Injuries = No Excuses:
Kobe, Jordan, Willis Reed, et al
________________________________________________
Joe to NYK
for
Chauncey Billups
*[straight up] NYK would need to exercise their option.
The #’s work.
Ra'mon
April 14th, 2011
11:37 pm
Sautee, thanks man. Its funny because one game last week when Al was bombing (forgot against who), I saw you asked about me. I tried to post “Is Al not playing tonight” to be sarcastic, but it was lost with all the others.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:12 am
As bad as we hate on Al around here, especially recently and sometimes deservedly so, it’s nice to see Bill Simmons just non-chalantly put Al on his All NBA 3rd Team:
“Third team: Al Horford, Garnett, Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul and … Zach Randolph? Paul Pierce? Carmelo Anthony? Blake Griffin? Aldridge was the best of the bunch. The Blazers had every right to pack it in after Oden and Roy went down; Aldridge wouldn’t let them.”
Good for Al and let’s go Hawks!
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:18 am
As far as a prediction for this series, my gut says Orlando in 4, all close to double digit wins, but with ATL competing in 3 of the 4 games.
The fan side of me says ATL in 6, because we can, and then we win 1 or 2 against the Bulls and make it interesting in the 2nd round. We have way more experience in the playoffs than most of the Bulls players, and we may have an edge.
I’m afraid the pragmatist will be the truth over the fan side. I can even see us beating Orlando in 5 if we get on a roll.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:20 am
So the official prediction is: Orlando in 4, with at least 3 of the wins in double digits, but only one by 20+. I hope I’m wrong.
Go Hawks!!!!
Ra'mon
April 15th, 2011
12:26 am
SteveW, that’s part of the problem with Al. Bill Simmons put Al on his list as a CENTER, not as a power forward. I don’t know anyone who would think that Al would be one of the top 6 PF’s in the game.
Playoffs – Hawks face Magic, face themselves | Atlanta Hawks: Fan Nest
April 15th, 2011
12:31 am
[...] The Hawks have what should be an advantage when it comes to star power. Joe Johnson is a 21 point/5 rebound/5 assist threat anytime he hits the court, though he fell off of that this past regular season. Joe’s body language and attitude in the wake of a massive max contract have rubbed many fans the wrong way, and the playoffs will be his chance to make people think differently of him. He can’t repeat last postseason’s miserable performance for the Hawks to have a chance at success, but there is already a caveat in place, however slight it might be. Clearly Joe has not recovered from all of his injuries (bad thumb), and though he always plays through injury, it’s silly to think it will not have any effect on his game. For what it’s worth, both Joe and those around him think he’s in the right mind/mode for the playoffs. [...]
marcus
April 15th, 2011
12:59 am
the hawks made a big mistake with jj, he is not a leader of men. i don’t begrudge him his salary, but if you ask any other fan of the nba who is the highest paid, jj’s name would not immediately come up. he has done nothing to distinguish himself amongst the nba’s finest. except make the all star team and get paid.
My Man Woody
April 15th, 2011
2:54 am
Do you think if the Hawks gave up teague and their 2013 1st rounder that some foolish team would take Joe “NBA equivalent of Barry Zito” Johnson for cap relief and 2nd rounder?
northcyde
April 15th, 2011
3:36 am
The comments in the blog are funny.
If you were to ask most Hawks fans . . “who is the best player on the Hawks?” . . most would NOT say Joe Johnson. In fact, he may come in 3rd. And this would’ve been the sentiment even last year.
Fans don’t want JJ taking the majority of the shots, or even forcing a few shots.
Fans don’t want JJ handling the ball, despite him leading the team in assists 5 of the 6 years he’s been in ATL.
Fans want JJ to be more of the “team guy” on a nightly basis, than to try to be the “hero”.
So when JJ basically affirms all of this with his comments about “him not getting the glory when we win, so he shouldn’t get all the blame when they lose”, why are people mad at what JJ says?
That IS the JJ that you want, right? The complimentary team type player? Not the megastar mentality that takes 20 – 25 shots on a given night, and tries to will his team to victory.
Which JJ do the fans want?
Because you can’t have it both ways. You either have to live with that man simply doing what he can do, even if it means forcing a few shots . . or you can expect him to be the exemplary team player at all times.
*********************************
Having said all of that, I disagree with his comments and his mentality.
At some point, he’s going to have to realize that this team isn’t going anywhere unless he plays at an extremely high level. And because he’s one of the only shot creators on the team, he shouldn’t even hesitate to get up his shots, especially when he has the advantage.
He played at an extremely high level in the first 4 games of the Milwaukee series last year. We’re going to need more of that from him. But it also means that when he’s a little cold, people can’t act like he should defer every shot to somebody else, and be the decoy. This team is nowhere near talented enough to survive playing like that.
The bottom line is that when JJ has a good game in the playoffs, we usually win. When he plays poorly, we usually lose. So yes, his play is going to be a BIG REASON why we win or lose games.
When the team needs points or a play made, his mentality should be that he should make that play. And whatever happens ( good or bad ), is because of him.
Honestly, it’s the same type of mentality that Danny Manning brought to the Hawks back in 1994 when he was here. In the playoffs, you simply can’t be just “one of the guys”, you have to try to be “the man”.
With this being his 4th trip to the playoffs, he should expect a lot more out of himself, than to just be “one of the stars”. Be THE STAR, and let the other two follow your lead. If this doesn’t happen, we’re not beating Orlando ( unless Jamal plays out of his mind to make up for any offensive shortcomings that JJ may have ).
sam'l;
April 15th, 2011
3:55 am
The whole team has to show up to win this series…..they have to play together…….and each player has to defend. Simple enough request. We’ll see if it happens.
The thing about Joe Johnson is he is a great player and has proven himself to be that. But I don’t think he gives all he’s got 100% of the time. the teams that do, Chicago, OKC and recently Philadelphia are hard to beat. you can’t just try hard the last four games…..you’ve got to do throughout the year…..
Hey…..Joe have a good series…I’m happy…..but as someone else said “Don’t hold your breath.”
northcyde
April 15th, 2011
4:01 am
“Honestly, it’s the same type of mentality that Danny Manning brought to the Hawks back in 1994 when he was here. In the playoffs, you simply can’t be just “one of the guys”, you have to try to be “the man”
****************
That should read . . . “honestly, JJ’s mentality is the same type of mentality that Danny Manning brought to the Hawks back in 1994 when he was here.”
********************
And it’s the wrong type of mentality. When these playoff games grind to a halt, because everyone is giving maximum effort ( hopefully including us ), the people that come through, are your playmakers and shot makers. I don’t want JJ deferring to Marvin to make a play. JJ needs to make that play.
Unfortunately, part of JJ’s approach does relate back to how Drew wants this team to operate. To not have to depend on one guy to carry the team offensively, but to have the entire team do it. This is the reason why JJ is averaging 2 less shots per game this year.
Mike Woodson
April 15th, 2011
4:50 am
This is the year of the HAWKS, look at their record against East Conference Playoff teams. Jan 28, they 10-4, they ended up 13-14, most were meaningless games and the 3 victories after Jan 28 were against Chi, Bos and Orl. If the fans show up, the Hawks will prevail against Orlando, then Chicago or Indiana. JJ is ready, AL is ready, SMOOV is ready, JAMAL is ready, MARVIN is ready and the man who now has the experience playing with all the talent, HEINRICH is ready. LETS GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
Jameer Nelson hasn’t accomplished anything, Van Gundy would be better off bring Rafer Alston back.
hot_cup_of_joePLZ
April 15th, 2011
6:01 am
We have the worse fans in every sport. We expect to get wine with beer money every year. Yes we have a good team, but we need to understand that we don’t come from championships. I’m just glad to have my team in the playoffs so I can talk junk to my knick friends. Joe has been a blessing for us. If we should be made at someone it should be josh smith and that horrible ugly jump shot and that coach with his thrift store suit.
STRETCH
April 15th, 2011
6:38 am
I dont know why anyone on this blog thinks that these Atlanta Ducks are going to play any better now that the playoffs are here. Please, somebody tell me, im curious???
JustAThought
April 15th, 2011
6:56 am
It’s going to be game time Saturday in a few minutes people……………then all this BS talk will be put to rest. So why is Josh supposely “wink wink” taking what palyers from Orlando has to say personal……………Seems to me he should have taking the “azz” whupping from last year play-off
personal and played during this season like a man with his hair on fire. hawks fans, you should really get your mind right, cause it’s going to be the same result as last year. ESPN2….what a joke!
HawkFanWithClearVision
April 15th, 2011
7:08 am
Joe Schmoe: That sounds like he’s getting prepped to say “it wasn’t me” when they bow out in 4
JustAThought
April 15th, 2011
7:14 am
The beating that Orlando put on the hawks in last year play-offs was an embarassment to the entire state of Georgia. More importantly, how did these “panty-waders” respond? They sign a 2nd rate guy as head coach, and a 2nd rate player to a $120,000,000.00 max contract. Then on top of that, they played this season like they had no particular place to be. This team has NO heart or soul! I wouldn’t be caught within 20 mile of Phillips Arena next week to watch this bunch of NO GUSTS losers.
O'Brien
April 15th, 2011
7:25 am
northcyde,
I dont put it all on JJ, because players need to do a better job communicating, and giving JJ better options when he has the ball. And LD also takes some of the blame. However…
Fans don’t want JJ taking the majority of the shots, or even forcing a few shots..
I think thats because he doesnt make them at a high enough % against good teams, and he doesnt get to the FT line to help offset nights when his shots arent falling.
Fans don’t want JJ handling the ball, despite him leading the team in assists 5 of the 6 years he’s been in ATL..
Some fans just want him to make a quick decision. Either pass quickly when the double comes, or take the shot before the double comes. But his tendency is to pound the ball and wait for the double team. When the double team comes, pound it some more. And then either a) pass to somebody else who has to take a tough shot (Josh?) with the clock winding down or 2) JJ takes the tougher shot
Fans want JJ to be more of the “team guy” on a nightly basis, than to try to be the “hero”..
I dont think fans had any issues with JJ in Gane 4 against the Celtics in the playoffs when he had like 20 points in the 4th and was the hero. The problem is, he has not shown the ability or the emotion (this year) to be the hero, especially when other guys are off.
voice of reason
April 15th, 2011
7:52 am
“I DON’T TAKE ALL THE BLAME WHEN WE LOSE”
that is the problem with this team. joe has always been looked to as the leader, and he refuses to be one. he does not want the role, but no one else has his talent, so consistently the ball is put into his hands. thus the lackadasical attitude of this team.
tp
April 15th, 2011
8:04 am
True leaders take none of the glory and assume all of the blame. Until Joe Johnson accepts this simple fact, he will never garner the respect or admiration of the fans, NBA insiders, or his teammates.
Hey Joe, why don’t you go have dinner one night with Matt Ryan and learn a thing or two about leadership?
Veteran Fan
April 15th, 2011
8:17 am
Joe who? He is irrelevant and has made himself totally expendable! He got his money because the Gearons can’t admit their mistakes and he steals from the fans and the franchise every night! When he is done whining and going through the motions in the playoffs, we need to trade him to NJ for their last #1 and Lopez. Then send Josh to Minnesota for Love and package two #1s to whoever will draft Jimmer Fredette. Line up Lopez, Horford, Love, Fredette, and Heinrich. Resign Jamal and the team improves and is exciting and maybe the fans come back!
RMikel58
April 15th, 2011
8:40 am
Atlanta vs Orlando hmmmmm may not be humiliated like last year but the end results will be the same. Orlando in 5.
JJ has a history of not showing up in the playoffs and this year should be no different. Losing 6 games in a row should tell you something bout these Hawks.
So what if they get pass Orlando, they still have to face Chicago. The only team that they would have a chance against would be Boston. Lets be realistic about this.
Do you think the Hawks have a chance to go to the NBA Finals? They are no where close to having a team that can win it all so why bother even discussing how they’ll fare.
Yeah its good entertainment and maybe good for Bar Room discussions but the Hawks have not showed all year “they belong” and to put all this on Joe Johnson is a joke.
I believed in the Falcons last year because they showed that they belonged, the Braves havent showed me that theres hope the past few seasons so i dont get up for them to win it all and the Thrashers will never win.
Take me anyway you want but im being realistic more than optimistic and flat out saying the Hawks arent going anywhere this year and all its about is revenue.
Orlando vs Chicago and Boston vs Miami, you know that and i know that so to make any comments about JJ and the Hawks are fruitless at this point.
JeJe
April 15th, 2011
9:03 am
Highly doubt any of the home games sell out LOL
Trojan
April 15th, 2011
9:13 am
Everytime JJ speaks he sounds down, disgusted and tired of explaining.
Jon Koncak
April 15th, 2011
9:17 am
The fans don’t matter. Hawks management proved this by awarding a guy like Joe Johnson who simply does care about anything but ball hogging.
vava74
April 15th, 2011
9:39 am
The Hawks are like the Bounty:
Fletcher Christian (LD) led the troops into a mutiny situation against an excessively disciplinarian and strategically blind Captain (Woody – Capt. Bligh) – LD’s soft discipline mentality is clearly at the source of last year’s playoff collapse and I am now convinced that LD laid the bed for Woody’s dismissal by undermining him.
Then, at the elm of the Bounty, just like for Christian, things started well for LD and the Bounty, with morale up.
But when Christian’s plan lead them to nowhere: unable to return to England, stranded in the middle of the Pacific, the soft discipline brewed a new mutiny and Fletcher Christian (LD) lost control over the ship and his men.
This, just like the Bounty, does not mean that Bligh/Woody was the right man, simply that discipline is necessary and a leader emerging out of a mutiny will always be a bad leader.
vava74
April 15th, 2011
9:40 am
Captain Bligh was excessively disciplinarian.
Woody was only excessively disciplinarian in the mind of Josh.
That’s the only wrong parallel, but you’ll get my drift.
Grandad
April 15th, 2011
9:50 am
vava74
That was beautiful
Rufus1
April 15th, 2011
10:10 am
HAVE A LITTLE FAITH…
The reason most believe the Magic will win, is about a lack of faith in the Hawks. Most think the Hawks won’t bring the consistent effort. Most feel the Hawks will fold mentally. HAVE YOU WATCHED THE HAWKS AND MAGIC PLAY THIS YEAR? The Hawks have not taken off ONE MINUTE in those games and have played with focus and determination. When we play this way, our talent WILL OUTLAST THE MAGIC.
The Celtics beat the Magic last year with the exact same stratagy and Twin plays better post defense against D12 than Perkins. The Magic are shooting like 22% from 3 against the Hawks, they are smaller, less athletic and they have one player who can break down our defense. THEIR PROBLEMS ARE REAL AND PLAYOFFS WON’T FIX THEM!!!
have a little faith, the Hawks in 6.
Kaye
April 15th, 2011
10:12 am
everybody check out this Hawks anthem and lets get HYPED UP for teh playoffs!!! Go Hawks!
Send to all the Hawks fans you know!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTY074F6Oio
northcyde
April 15th, 2011
10:15 am
Vava . . that’s an interesting analogy. To me, it was obvious that Woody tried to push these guys to do things that they didn’t want to do. Some responded, some bucked up to him.
Even with JJ, he gave him “superstar like responsibility”, even if he wasn’t a superstar. He pushed Smith to work on his inside game, even though most people thought Smith was doing that all on his own. The same goes with Horford, and forcing him to play center.
It’s almost the opposite under Drew. Drew has tried to play these guys where and how they WANT to play, instead of where and how they NEED to play. It’s unfortunate that the players didn’t respond to Drew’s system, but then again, the team as a whole isn’t good enough to play like that.
*******************
@ O’Brien . . the fact still remains that someone on this team has to take those shots and make the plays for others. When you look at the East playoff team that JJ has played the best against, it actually is Orlando, while he played the worst against Boston. Drew wants this team to play offense like the Celtics, and we’re just not talented enough to do that efficiently.
Taking the ball out of his hands not only limits the amount of touches he gets, it limits the amount of points he can make and the amount of points he can create for others. Without a true PG on this team, or a good low post presence, or great shooters, he’s pretty much one of the only options we have to do those things.
I think when Drew installed the offense, he imagined JJ being this great catch and shoot type player who could get the majority of his points like Ray Allen. He imagined JJ shooting 40%+ from three, while getting easier looks in other areas.
When that didn’t materalize, it threw things out of whack for JJ and the team in general.
Grandad
April 15th, 2011
10:16 am
northcyde
To be ” The Man ” [Alpha Dawg]
one does not have to take the most shots or lead in assists.
He doesn’t even have to be the best player.
*[However, your Danny Manning analogy is right on.]
But [ - tp - ] hit the nail on the head:
” True leaders take none of the glory and assume all of the blame ”
Some statistical categories [Alpha Dawgs] might consider leading:
taking charges, coming up with loose balls, rebounds,
be *The Best Defensive Player,
those blue collar stats that say to his teammates:
” I’m the lead dog get behind me and let’s run ”
Also ” The Man ” doesn’t put up with mediocrity (or worse).
Those guys like Kobe, Jordan, Bill Russell, et al,
put the team on Their back or the team feared Them so much,
or the team just did not want to let ” Their Man ” down out of respect.
Whatever method worked !
Last thought;
with all that money came responsibility.
Joe is not up to the task.
He never was and should not have been led to believe he was.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
10:39 am
A Good Read!
vava74 — Brilliant analogy! Fundamentally fantastic perspective.
-The Bounty-
Plain & Simple...
April 15th, 2011
11:18 am
Joe is the least passionate, non emotional athlete in all of pro sports.
honest_abe
April 15th, 2011
11:22 am
the words “danny manning” should never be uttered in a hawks blog. EVER!!!!!!!!!
Lp
April 15th, 2011
11:34 am
Enter your comments here
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
11:35 am
Honest_abe
Can we mention: Ed Gray, Isaiah Rider or Roshown McCloud?
Barry
April 15th, 2011
11:40 am
Hey Y’all:
It’s that time. It that time to “SHOCK THE WORLD!!”. The have been counting this Hawk team out all year with a new coach and a new scheme of doing things but I believe the HAWKS at this point are one of the most “DANGEROUS” teams in this playoff. ALl year the have been feeling and tinking. Seeing what works and won’t work. They are an EMOTIONAL TEAM team on both ends. They showed when they are good they are good. And when they are bad they are bad. They are however, in my opinion, FEELING each other under this new “FAST PASSED SCHEME.” I believe they cam into the season out of shape and unprepared to play fast pace on offense and defense throughout a whole game, for a whole year. That is something they have to address this summe which is “CONDITIONING” AND HAVING LEGS AND WIND. But right now, I think they are in shape enough to show us what this motion offense and defense is all about. THEY SHOULD BE READY TO HEART A LOT OF TEAMS IN THIS PLAYOFF!! I AM LOOKING FOWARD TO IT!!!!!!!!
IT IS ROUND 1. DING!!!! THE BELL SOUNDS!! OUR HAWKS MOVE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING SCOWLING AT THE OPPONENT AND THEIR FANS. FEAR IS IN THE OPPONENST EYES. ANGER IS IN THE HAWKS EYES. THE ANNOUNCER COMES TO THE RING AND SAYS AER YOU READY TO “RUUUUUMMMMBBBBLLLEEEEEE!!!!”
“SHOCK THE WORLD!!”
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
……………………….”SHOCK THE WORLD!!!”………………
Najeh Davenpoop
April 15th, 2011
11:58 am
“Hey Joe, why don’t you go have dinner one night with Matt Ryan and learn a thing or two about leadership?”
At least Joe has won a playoff game.
B
April 15th, 2011
12:04 pm
Obviously the hawks had their ups and downs through the regular season. Everyone thinks the Orlando Magic is going to win the series. No one gives the hawks credit for anything. This is actually going to be a good series. People, PLEASE TAKE IN CONSIDERATION THAT THE HAWKS HAVE ALREADY BEAT ORLANDO THREE TIMES THIS SEASON. The Hawks have found out how to play them. So all you analyst and people who are hating on the hawks. This series is going to be an UPSET!!!! Sorry
decriz
April 15th, 2011
12:14 pm
the Hawks shouldn’t rely on JJ. he’s a proven choker and sure disappointment. better to rely on Jamal or Marvin or even Al to take us through.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:24 pm
Fantastic article on the stats when Collins guards Dwight:
“Collins averaged 19.8 minutes per game against the Magic, compared to 11.4 against all other clubs. Though Howard still scored better than one point every two minutes against Atlanta–19.3 points in 37.1 minutes, to be precise–Collins limited his efficiency; Howard’s 43.1 percent shooting mark against Atlanta is his worst against any team this season.
Thanks to PopcornMachine GameFlows and ESPN play-by-play data, we can further isolate instances in which Collins and Howard played together. The results are staggering: in the 78:10 both players shared the court this season, Howard shot 14-of-33 (42.4 percent) and committed 13 turnovers. The data don’t tell us whether or not Collins actually defended Howard on each possession–he could have gotten caught on a switch, or lost in transition–but they nonetheless show Collins’ tremendous defensive impact.
As a bonus for Atlanta, Collins does more than bottle Howard up: he also limits his minutes by drawing fouls.
…
Collins drew eight of the 14 fouls Howard committed against the Hawks this season; five were offensive outright, and another two came in a loose-ball situation, which automatically gave Atlanta possession. Generally speaking, both teams play at slow paces, which raises the value of each trip down the floor. The Magic must limit their giveaways anyway, but especially ones which also tack a foul onto their best player.
The good news for Orlando is Howard utterly dominated the Hawks whenever Collins sat, which indicates it’s in the Magic’s best interest to saddle Collins with fouls to keep him on the bench. In 69 minutes versus the Hawks without Collins on the floor, Howard overwhelmed Atlanta offensively to the tune of 47 points on 13-of-16 shooting. That Howard attempted almost twice as many foul shots (31) as field goals with Collins benched indicates how vital Collins is to Atlanta’s success, as neither his backups (Zaza Pachulia, Josh Powell, and Etan Thomas) nor the other Hawk capable of playing center (two-time All-Star Al Horford) can muscle Howard out of the lane or limit his easy shot attempts.
Josh Smith may be using perceived disrespect to motivate him for this series. The bigger worry for the Hawks, I suspect, than something Jameer Nelson said should be Dwight Howard’s disinterest in people continuing to marvel at how well Jason Collins can guard him.
The easiest way for Howard to get the better of Collins is to get Collins on the bench with foul trouble (real or perceived). This season, Collins committed a foul every 6 minutes and 20 seconds he was on the floor against the other 29 teams. Against the Magic, Collins committed a foul every five minutes he was on the floor. If Howard can get that down to one foul by Collins every four minutes, every four-and-a-half minutes, well, next thing you know he’s got Etan Thomas guarding him.”
Now if Collins can just give the secrets to ZaZa and Etan, we may win this series.
And that picture of ZaZa next to Dwight on another article (or is it this one? Too lazy to look) shows that Josh is indeed correct: ZaZa has a head at least twice the size of Dwight Howard. He has one enormous noggin’!
And Northcyde – I totally agree with you about JJ. If we have the January JJ, we may be hard to beat in the playoffs. Any other JJ, and we most likely lose, even if LD plays Jameer and Dwight properly.
And when I first read JJ’s comments, I thought he was being sarcastic and taking a swipe at Drew. I have since re-read them, and maybe he was not. But then again, I just don’t know.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:25 pm
BTW – The above article is from today’s Hoopinion.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:30 pm
We bash Sund to high heavens around here. Let’s at least give the man some props for re-signing the D12 stopper Jason Collins! For vet minimum money no less.
And yes, I was critical about the re-signing in the off season as well. But I’m glad now.
Now if we just had Dampier and Shaq instead of Powell and Etan, I might feel even better.
northcyde
April 15th, 2011
12:33 pm
Grandad
April 15th, 2011
10:16 am
northcyde
To be ” The Man ” [Alpha Dawg]
one does not have to take the most shots or lead in assists.
He doesn’t even have to be the best player.
*[However, your Danny Manning analogy is right on.]
Miami . . Dwyane Wade or Lebron ( take your pick )
Boston . . Paul Pierce or Rajon Rondo ( take your pick )
Chicago . . Derrick Rose
Orlando . . Dwight Howard
NY Knicks . . Carmelo Anthony or Amare Stoudemire ( take your pick ) . . even Billups isn’t the leader of that squad over them
Philly . . maybe the only team outside of ours, without a definitive leader, maybe Iggy is the closest
Indiana . . Danny Granger
All of those teams are led by the guy who puts up the numbers. In the NBA, you are not led by complimentary players. You are led by your star players. So for us, that has to be either JJ, Smith, or Horford . . our statistical stars. I think out of the 3, Smith has the overall mental makeup to be that guy, but he’s also the most unstable.
**************************
But [ - tp - ] hit the nail on the head:
” True leaders take none of the glory and assume all of the blame ”
I agree. And the main problem I have with JJ is that he defers way too easily. When he needs to step up, he may do it, or defer to the other guys. And that’s not what a leader does. Leaders look to do it themselves, then pick the right time and place to trust those around him.
********************
Some statistical categories [Alpha Dawgs] might consider leading:
taking charges, coming up with loose balls, rebounds,
be *The Best Defensive Player,
those blue collar stats that say to his teammates:
” I’m the lead dog get behind me and let’s run ”
Actually, the complimentary “hustle” guys do that. Matter of fact, you pretty much described guys like Dennis Rodman and Ron Artest.
Funny how you leave out assists though, something that Johnson has led the team in for 5 out of 6 years. And when someone is needed to guard a star perimeter player, JJ is usually the one called upon to guard them. Statistically, he’s one of the best defending guards in the game, as far as what the opponent does against him.
But I do agree, the “Alpha Dog” should do more for his team than just score. In JJ’s case, he’s already doing some of the intangibles. He just needs to be a better scorer. A more aggressive scorer, to be honest.
*********************
Also ” The Man ” doesn’t put up with mediocrity (or worse).
Those guys like Kobe, Jordan, Bill Russell, et al,
put the team on Their back or the team feared Them so much,
or the team just did not want to let ” Their Man ” down out of respect.
Whatever method worked !
No question on that. And that’s why they’re Hall of Famers. JJ, and most other star players around the league are nowhere near as mentally strong and have the will to win as those guys did. That’s why I was raving about Kobe the other night. It’s the one thing that separates him from Lebron. Lebron may have greater overall talent, but his will to win is nowhere near on the level of Kobe’s.
*********************
Last thought;
with all that money came responsibility.
Joe is not up to the task.
He never was and should not have been led to believe he was.
It’s the Uncle Ben from Spider-Man mantra.
“With great power comes great responsibility.”
I agree. It’s just curious that Drew chose to reduce his role, rather than expand it. But internally, JJ should’ve embraced the contract as a challenge to be a top 5 player, regardless of the system.
With the makeup of this team, he’s the guy that has to get it going. It’s unfair to ask Smith or Horford to average 25 pts – 12 rebs, because that’s not what they do. To get those types of numbers, they’ll have to rely on others getting them the ball. But JJ elevating his game to average 20 – 25 points and 5+ assists, is what is needed to get us to that next level.
If that doesn’t happen, this team better rapidly become a premier defensive team that can hold opponents under 80 points.
Priest Lauderdale
April 15th, 2011
12:33 pm
Sometimes, the best thing to do is let a player walk. Why shakey ownership with financial problems gave Joe Johnson that contract is beyond me. That type of money only goes to a transcendent player…..a difference maker, and he isn’t it. While the fanbase would’ve screamed, the best thing to do was let him walk and let somebody else overpay him. Now the franchise will be burdened with this contract for 5 more years and it will eventually drag it down.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
12:49 pm
And JJ did attempt 225 less shots this season while playing in only 4 less games.
He’s never shot this few 3’s (thank goodness!) or made them at anywhere nears this abysmal of a clip since he’s been in ATL. Only his 1st season with Boston did he shoot 3’s worse.
And who is this guy who keeps posting about JJ being a 20/5/5 guy like Kobe for the past 5 years?
JJ has never averaged 5 rebounds per game since he’s been in ATL.
JJ has not averaged 5 assists per game in 3 out of the last 5 seasons.
What’s up with that?
O'Brien
April 15th, 2011
12:50 pm
JJ is a perennial player and a top 5 SG. However, the Hawks will continue to look to him to be Batman. But it’s not in JJ’s DNA, and I really dont know if he wants to be Batman. He seems quite content to be Robin, and sometimes, he doesnt even play like one of the SuperFriends.
I just hope he is really close to healthy (which he insists he is). And if his 3’s are not falling, I hope he doesnt insist on taking 5 per game anyway.
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
12:52 pm
680 the fan is going to talk about our sorry Hawks around 1pm..Hawks/Orlando matchup…..YAWN…
O'Brien
April 15th, 2011
12:54 pm
From si.com;
KEY MATCHUP: Dwight Howard vs. Jason Collins.
The crafty Collins has been Atlanta’s secret weapon against Howard this season, averaging 20 minutes per game in their four meetings. Collins is a technically sound defender — not to mention a heck of a flopper — who had big-game playoff experience with New Jersey. The ability of the 7-foot, 265-pound Collins to successfully defend Howard one-on-one enabled the Hawks to stay at home on Orlando’s three-point shooters in the regular season, a strategy they will try to employ again in the playoffs.
X-FACTORS
Hawks: Kirk Hinrich.
Hinrich has had his good nights (15 points, six assists in a win over Detroit in March) and bad (a combined 1-of-11 shooting in recent back-to-back losses to Washington and Miami ) since coming over from the Wizards at the trading deadline. But at his best, Hinrich is a proven playoff performer (15.3 points, 5.8 assists in 34 postseason games) who can provide lockdown defense at the point. That D will be crucial as Atlanta tries to keep Jameer Nelson from creating in the paint.
Magic: Gilbert Arenas.
Ah, Gilbert. Time to earn your $17.7 million. Arenas has been, well, pretty bad with Orlando, averaging 8.0 points on 34.4 percent shooting. He also has a hard time keeping quicker guards in front of him, a result of his continued recovery from multiple knee surgeries. But Arenas can still get hot from the outside; he scored 25 points (6-of-11 from three-point range) in 45 minutes in a victory at Charlotte last week. Arenas doesn’t have to carry the load anymore but his production would be a big boost for a Magic bench that has been particularly weak this season..
I didnt realize Kirk had a playoff average of 15 and 6. I hope he can give us 10 and 6, and solid defense on Jameer (and not what he gave in the last Orlando game).
I think everybody realizes that Collins vs Dwight will be huge. And thats why Dwight came out and said the whole series will depend on how he plays. However, even if Dwight doesnt play well, we could be in trouble if their 3’s are falling.
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
12:59 pm
JC1 on 680 the fan in about 4mins@1pm. Jamal stop taking 24 foot fade away jumps shots..Take it to the hole and draw fouls or kick it back out to Marvin or ISO..If Josh or AL cut to the basket then dish it to them, but they like to stand around and watch…
The 3 stooges need some serious coaching up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:00 pm
Personally, based on JJ’s comments and game observation, I think LD has been the single biggest contributing factor to JJ’s demise offensively. I think JJ knows this as well.
But as terrible as we feel JJ has been for most of the season, elbow and thumb and all, he still had the 2nd best overall shooting % he’s had in 4 years.
And per minutes played, he still went to the FT line at higher clip than last season.
JJ may be fresh for these playoffs. JJ hasn’t played this few minutes per game in a season since his 2nd season in Phoenix. 35.5 per game, compared to 38.0 per game last season, and 39.5 per game the season before that and his last season in Phoenix. He’s been at 40+ minutes per game 4 times in his career.
So he should be fresh.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
1:07 pm
Eight is Enough!
“Now the franchise will be burdened with this contract for 5 more years and it will eventually drag it down.”
______________________
If the “Eight Orangutans” would stop throwing feces at each other for about Eight Minutes? Perhaps they can scrape up enough moxie to go into the luxury tax arena and pay for this team to be a contender.
What they can or can’t afford to pay a Joe Johnson for the next 5 years is of no concern to me and is not a fan’s problem. They probably can’t afford their private jet either, but that didn’t stop them from buying one.
So, why do poor people worry incessantly about what a rich man has to pay for anything. I promise you whatever they are paying Joe?
They are making 8X more from his services.
If there is a player or two that The Eight Orangutans can go and get?
Then dammit? Go get them, and stop bytching about money or being saddled. It’s WIN or go home! Miami has 3 Max contracts, New York has 3 Max contracts … You don’t see their fans bytching about what is cost their owners! It costs to be the boss.
If LeBron needs two Super-Stars to help him and he is a Super-Star in his own right, then where is the logic that Joe can do it with not a Super-Star in the building at all: not a Owner, GM, Coach or Team Mate in sight.
Why should he take the blame? He is not the highest paid player in the franchise – The Owners Are!
Therefore, I purport: Eight is Enough … owners to split the bill!
NBA sux
April 15th, 2011
1:07 pm
Is it finally playoff season? Good Grief. Yay, now the playoffs will last two full months. How entertaining. Barf!
I love the people on here that defend the Hawks because they MAKE the playoffs. The goal is to win a championship, no? This “team” cannot, will not ever win a championship.
Why would Joe play harder in the playoffs? He gets $20 million regardless of winning in the playoffs.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:07 pm
In JJ’s defense, he was 22 the last time he shot this few 3’s per game, 4.2 per game average. He’s now 29.
And I was stupid enough, based on past history, to think JJ’s 3 would start falling sometime on a consistent basis. Boy, where we both wrong about that.
But I still say Jamal and Marvin could be big keys in this series. Who else guards Anderson and Hedo on the wing except Marvin? Hilton maybe?
newkid
April 15th, 2011
1:13 pm
JJ? “Bound for Brooklyn” (for Nets two 1st rounders in ‘12 draft)?
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
1:14 pm
Is it true Gearon is worth at least 300 plus million..Add the other 7 buster owners you got a billion maybe??????????? Phuck the cap u arrogant________________________! fill in the blanks…..
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
1:18 pm
Sorry to bust your bubble, Allstar AL is not an allstar pf..He has very little comp at the center position.That’s the only reason why he gets invites….No handle ,no post up game………et al…
AL for NENE
AL for DeAndre
Al for Lopez
Al for __________? take your pick…………
northcyde
April 15th, 2011
1:22 pm
@ SteveW
You’re right. JJ has never averaged 20 – 5 – 5. If you round the numbers up, he’s done it two times. But a legit 20 – 5 – 5 . . no.
The 20 – 5 – 5 club in the past 5 years
Lebron: 5 times
Kobe: 3 times
T-Mac: 2 times
Carter, Wade, Paul, Stephen Jackson, Tyreke Evans: 1 time
If you reduce the parameters to the 20 – 4 – 4 club . . . now you’re talking about a situation in which JJ has done that 4 of the past 5 years. The only people who have done that more, or as often are Lebron, Kobe and D-Wade, who have done it 5 times
- JJ: 4 times
- Vince Carter: 3 times
- a whole host of others have done it twice.
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
1:22 pm
regular season=playoffs, not!!!!!!!!!!!
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:23 pm
JJ has played in 44 career playoff games
Josh 29 career playoff games
Al 27
Kirk 34
Jamal 11
Marvin 24
ZaZa 29
Collins 78
Etan 17
Powell 37
Wilkens 7
Teague 9
Hilton 12
The point being, can we still use this young an inexperienced excuse for the Hawks?
I say not. Think they should have the playoff fortitude by now. 7 games versus the world champion Celtics 3 years ago.
The Heat with Wade and the Cavs with LeBron 2 years ago.
A 7 game series with the Bucks and 4 games of desolation with the Heat last season.
I think these guys should be ready for the ECF. But bad coaching may kill us.
WaltFrazier
April 15th, 2011
1:24 pm
I believe that all the Hawks need to do to advance to the finals is get on a little bit of a roll, BEAT ORLANDO, and then if they play the Chicago Bulls next, PLAY THEM THE EXACT SAME WAY THAT THEY DID WHEN THEY DEFEATED THEM 83-80. In that ballgame, the Hawks kept Derrick Rose out of the paint and forced Rose to either be (a) a facilitator or (b) shoot outside jumpshots. That style of forcing the bulls star to play that way will minimize Rose’s effectiveness and give us a chance to dominate the Bulls. We must also win the rebounding battle with the Bulls, with Pachulia, Smoove and Marvin Williams leading the charge. The Hawks are good enough to make the semi-finals against miami and make the conference finals against Boston. We always play Boston tough so I see the potential for the Hawks to make it all the way to the finals. Should the hawks get to the finals, they will face either OKC Thunder, Dallas, S.A. or the Lakers. The Hawks can dominate any of those teams. As I predicted at the start of the season, I SEE THE HAWKS WINNING THE NBA TITLE and I dont think anybody will stop atlanta’s air force. Bring on the playoffs!
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
1:25 pm
Nelson is going to make the Heimlich look like he’s stuck in mud……..
Hey iso whats plan be if your jump shooters are firing blanks on the road?????
northcyde
April 15th, 2011
1:26 pm
The big difference though, is that Lebron, Kobe, and Wade are more near the 25 – 4 – 4 club, which is elite status. Both Kobe and Lebron have done it 5 of the past 5 years. Wade has done it in 4 of the last 5.
Ray Allen, Arenas, Carter, Monta Ellis, Derrick Rose ( this year ), and JJ ( in 06 – 07 ) have all done it once.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:26 pm
And something tells me we may have some hungry players in Jamal, Hinrich, Wilkens, Collins, and Etan. Players in their 30’s who know how special the playoffs are, and want to win
Maybe even JJ, who’s 29, and not getting any younger. He’s sounding hungry also. Remember JJ – “No Excuses”. You said it, not us.
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
1:27 pm
JC1 what are you guys are supposed to do in this playoffs? Please tell us on 680 the fan…Elaborate please.You just said it……………………………………………………………….
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
1:29 pm
SlimJr
Exactly baby! That’s what I’m talking about! Bump these 8 fools! I hope þhey spend till they go belly-up! I don’t give a damn about what they paid Joe! If they don’t go over the cap or into the luxury tax?
Then, they ain’t trying! Every serious contender out there is way beyond any cap restriction. That is just what Billy Knight said, “They are trying to operate on the cheap. And, then want to point fingers at everybody else.”
Joe’s contract has absolutely nothing to do with how well this team can do in the next 5 years! Pay up or shut up. You got to pay to play.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:30 pm
Northcyde – Your not the guy who keeps saying the 20/5/5 thing. Can’t remember his handle, but I’m like wait a second – not true.
NBA sux
April 15th, 2011
1:31 pm
This speaks volume about the “leaders” in the NBA…
“Not at all,” J.J. said. “In this case, it is not like that. We’ve got equal opportunity around here. We ain’t just depending on one guy. We’ve got two All-Stars. It’s not just going to be all on me. I don’t get all of the glory when we win so I don’t get to take all the [blame] when we lose.”
Spoken like a true LOSER. Man up Joe. You absolutely have 20 million reasons why you should be a leader.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:33 pm
Well Miami could be getting Haslem back. That could help them immensely.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
1:38 pm
Unless we get terribly destroyed in the playoffs, I kinda want us to keep the core together and see how we do with a real NBA coach. I think we may be surprised. Then if Josh still won’t listen, get him outta here.
But we have 3 very good players, probably top 50 in the League by anybody’s standards, and we have some decent pieces around them in Marvin, ZaZa, Kirk, and Teague (assuming Jamal walks). I may even include Wilkens as a decent piece as an 8th or 9th guy on the bench. Collins and maybe even Etan could be 10-13 guys.
I just think our problem is, and has been coaching, plain and simple. Bring in Rick Adelman or Mike Brown and see how that works for us.
NBA sux
April 15th, 2011
1:38 pm
Walt Frazier
Please go do a Just For Men commercial. Your posts are hilarious.
northcyde
One player’s stats don’t win games. Teams do. Write that down.
WaltFrazier
April 15th, 2011
1:43 pm
I really believe the Hawks will beat the Magic, if they feed the basketball to AL HORFORD early and often. Also feed the ball to MARVIN WILLIAMS and JOSH SMOOVE as they are making their lightning quick cuts to the basket. As you feed marvin, give marvin enough space to kiss it off the glass. Marvin is an expert at doing that. When you feed Smoove, feed him the ball at the crest of the rim so that smoove can slam that baby home! Give Al Horford a steady diet of open looks and Horford will deliver since he shoots about 64% from the field. Let Jamal Crawford (the silent assasin) heat up and become the difference maker that he always is. Joe Johnson must be the catalyst for the Hawks, catch fire and carry the hawks to victory. Joe Johnson must torch the magic for at least 40 points each game for the hawks to win each playoff game consistently. This is a good time for Joe Johnson to start earning the big contract that he was given in the offseason. Pachulia always plays hard and bangs exceptionally hard under the boards and this would be a good time for Zsa Zsa to be an enforcer if it calls for him to be one. Collectively as a team, the Hawks can flat out return the favor and the embarrassment that orlando dished out in last years playoffs. Hawks in 5.
EmirS.
April 15th, 2011
1:49 pm
Well I’m ready to watch the playoffs! I stopped watching after we clinched a playoff spot.
Tomorrow is our first game. I’ll be at work sadly. But you can bet your ass i’ll still be keeping up on the scores thru out the night!
I’m really excited. I beleive we can take out the Magic in Round 1. If we stick to Collins on Howard and then Zaza on Howard jsut for the simple reasons to frustrate him, then I beleive we have a very nice chance. The X-Factor will be Larry Drew. Again if he’s going to be going with a 6-man or a 7-man rotation…then we might as well call it a wrap-up. Coach Drew has to know when to go with defense or offense. We know what the Magic bring. They know what we bring…an inconsistent coaching job. Lets suprise the crap out of them Drew!
Hawks in 6!
heartofdarkness
April 15th, 2011
1:56 pm
Your title reminds me of the Lyle Lovett album “Joshua Judges Ruth”.
vava74
April 15th, 2011
1:56 pm
Grandad, northcyde, drmaryb,
Thanks for the props!
G
April 15th, 2011
1:57 pm
Joe brings about as much passion to a game as your averge Hawk fan! Look, if your job offered You a raise, just because of who you know and not for what you deserve……….I’m sure you would do the same as Joe and take the money. Sund and the Atlanta Spirit Group are the real problem. Joe didn’t come to the table demanding that pay. Someone had to offer it to him………there lies the source of the problem.
Rusty
April 15th, 2011
2:00 pm
I don’t give a crap how much they pay jj, my only problem is that he stinks, is a ball hog & is a choker. He has proven that time & again. If any one here thinks he wiu lead us to a championship you are crazy . Does anyone besides nortcyde think he is that good?
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
2:01 pm
In defense of Rick Sund (quit throwing the tomatoes! I see you!!):
My understanding of Rick Sund’s job description by the ASG 8 (the Gang of
was you’ve been in the business almost 30 years, pretty well respected, even though you did a disasterous job in Seattle, we have a pretty good core, come see if you can protect the core and take us to another level.
He let Childress walk. Maybe a smart move.
Re-signing Josh (matching the offer sheet) def. a smart move.
Acquiring Jamal for nothing – a smart move.
Getting Pendegraft to evaluate talent for the draft – in my opinion a smart move, because he has drafted Teague at #19, JC2 at #27, and Sy in the 50’s somewhere I think.
He pleased his boss Gearon Jr., but selling the 1st pick in the second round and making 3 mill for ASG, after Yahoo sports reported last April 19th that ATL was shopping their 1st pick, Gearon Jr. denied it, but Rick somehow walked the tightrope of getting his owners the 3 mill., getting a good player at #27, saving face for Gearon Jr. No easy task.
I think he did well not re-signing Woody.
He had no choice on the Hiring of Drew. It was an ASG, financial decision, so you can’t blame him on that one.
He was evaluating Woody the season Marvin, ZaZa, and Bibby became FA’s. Woody desp. wanted Bibby (and we can assume LD also, who was his position Coach), so we overpaid for Bibby. But I understand why we did it.
We got Marvin at a decent price. Remember, this is the off season Hedo in his 30’s (or about to be) got 11 mill. per. Charlie Villenueva go somewhere near the same. There were terrible contracts all around – Andre Miller at 7.75m per etc. So I say we got decent value on Marvin. Disagree with me, but that’s my opinion.
And ZaZa at 4-5 mill per year, for a decent backup C? That’s good in this League.
Now Hinrich trade was really out of his hands. He had an unbelievably incompetent Coach in Drew, who may turn out OK, but def. not then. Historically bad (no exaggeration, check the record books). LD hated Teague. LD was going to play Bibby and Jamal at PG regardless of facts and logic. LD was going to play Mo’ over Wilkens regardless.
Sund’s two choices – go to ASG and have Drew fired. That was the best move. He may have done that, we don’t know. It would be like Sund saying “I told you so” if this would have happened.
Let the team disintegrate into the lottery, which is where we will be if LD comes back, as seen by the last 30+ games – almost half the season.
Or make a trade for a PG better than Bibby, get Mo’ off the team, and hope for the best. Unfortunately we had to give up JC2 and a first round pick due to LD’s ineptness.
So that is my defense of Rick Sund. Was he terrible in Seattle? Yes. But I think he’s done about as well as he could here with ASG:
1) Hiring a bad Coach without his consent
2) ASG basically bringing him in as a caretaker for what was here
3) Trying to sell a 1st pick without fans screaming
PS – He re-signed JJ also – best move available, even though it was a terrible move. I think it will turn out ok, once we get a different Coach in here. LD and JJ are like oil and water.
So disagree with some, many, or all of my points. But I think Sund has done a very good job with what he’s had to work with, and I hope he comes back for a couple of more years.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
2:04 pm
vava74
You’re welcome. It is that type of contribution that makes the blog worth reading and scrolling through all the junk!
To be educated and enlightened on a sports blog, is a rare treat.
“The Bounty” analogy has improved my mind in general, not just in sports.
_______________
BOTD – Blog of The Day
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
2:05 pm
if Sund and Ld come back= 2013 lottery
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
2:13 pm
Walt ” Clyde”‘ Frazier= Hof, one of the best 6′4″ pg’s of all time, 2 championships in 71 & 73. Best play by play men on the mic today..Take a listen to him Nique, you may learn something?? Not….
Sund will you just retire dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 32 years of __________________!fill in the blank..
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
2:17 pm
Sund=14-26 against above .500 teams…………..KICK ROCKS………………………..
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
2:26 pm
Hawks=2 road wins in 28 playoff games the past 3 years. WOW………..
We Still Know
April 15th, 2011
2:30 pm
Van Gundy drops the beat about Hawks vs. Magic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBkpa9hqoh4
Jcard120
April 15th, 2011
2:58 pm
If I were coaching the Atlanta hawks, there would be more pick and rolls with Josh Smith and we would lead the league in offensive rebounds. We are loaded with shooters, but soft when it comes to down low presence. Horford and Smith need to float around inside and earn their living with their athleticism in the paint. We can’t win ball games when the opposing team just has to only defend an outside shot. Inside to Outside is the way to win playoff games in the NBA. We are lucky to have the fifth seed and play the Magic because we have Jason Collins who for whatever reason only plays against the magic. Larry Drew should have used him all season long because he is a big body on the offensive and defensive glass. The hawks rank 22nd in the league this year in rebounding because everyone wants to live on the perimeter. I want to see Collins and Pachulia push Howard on the floor. Get tossed out, Get fined, Give the fans something to cheer about. Win this series.
SteveW
April 15th, 2011
2:59 pm
Slim – If LD comes back – it’s 2012 lottery – no need to wait until 2013.
willie
April 15th, 2011
3:01 pm
Goodness, it is hard for me to ever recall an athlete that had more apathy than this guy. He would be an amazing player if he had more competitive juices.
Sautee
April 15th, 2011
3:02 pm
SteveW,
I do indeed disagree about Sund. You made some good points, BUT:
Giving three years to Bibby when his skills had already visibly begun to wane was idiotic. Two at best would have been more appropriate for a stop gap replacement (which by the time he re-signed was all you would ever get).
Giving Mo a player option for his third year here tied his (Sund’s) hands, making Mo un-tradeable last off season.
In retrospect, the contracts to Marvin and Zaza look awful relative to the production these two players have given us. Remember I said RELATIVE TO THE PRODUCTION. You could throw JJ into that category as well.
But most of all, his view of the team as “elite” when they CLEARLY were not sends the wrong message to the team and is completely disingenuous to the fans and season ticket holders. It tells the team: “You are already there” and obviously the team bought into drinking the Kool-aid.
Steve, do you believe we are an elite team?
This alone is reason for dismissal in my book. Elite my ass.
Give me a proactive GM like Dimitroff any day. Please.
Games
April 15th, 2011
3:34 pm
The Hawks have the emotional and mental strength of a 3 year old. They have no leadership from owners, management, or each other. NONE! All teams have comparable physical skills, but without something between the ears, it’s a waste. Another first round disaster awaits these pathetic losers. They have NO idea how to focus and keep making effort for an ENTIRE game. Sad, sad, sad. Even sadder are the ripped off fans that will fill 3/4 of Philips hoping beyond hope that an ounce of courage and dedication and focus will magically appear. Not gonna happen. The Hawks are losers.
N.D.T.K.A.
April 15th, 2011
3:36 pm
Giving Joe Johnson the contract he got is really a major problem for the Hawks. J.J. continues to try to put the onus on his teammates to shoulder the burden of responsibility and leadership and this is probably why Drew made the co-captains move to relieve the pressure from Mr. Johnson. Of course at the time to maintain the Hawks “position” in the East and the “core” it seemed prudent to resign Joe.
The problem comes when J.J. opens his mouth, his contract is for the best player on the team. J.J. does not understand that his contract deems that best player is not only his talent, but his work ethic, his hustle, his defense, his demeanor, his ability to show emotion on the court. Even if J.J. is not outspoken let your actions prove you out on the court. Lead by example. When J.J. opens his mouth his quiet leadership loses credibility and makes him look like a selfish kid.
Drew needs to limit Hinrich’s minutes. Is it me or does it seem like the longer Hinrich is on the floor the worst his defense gets?
In order to beat Orlando Hinrich and Jamal’s minutes need to be limited and Teague and Damien need decent playing time. Teague should be starting but everyone already knows that.
Can we get a new coach in 2012, please??????
SP
April 15th, 2011
3:38 pm
Find another team willing to take Joe Johnson next season. Also find a new team for Josh Smith and Marvin Williams. Problem solved.
JOEY1
April 15th, 2011
3:41 pm
if they play with all their effort and heart hawks win in 6 games..guaranteed…
Ramon
April 15th, 2011
3:42 pm
Sautee, I agree with you. The disturbing factor of Sund and ASG is, they’ve never seemed HUNGRY for a championship caliber team. They’ve always seemed satisfied with status quo, and not verbally demanding more or changes would come. If you remember, they didn’t even fire Billy Knight, he resigned. Jerry Buss said all kinds of things about Mitch K. before they started winning about demanding to turn it around or else. And the Lakers then, were STILL going to the playoffs. If the Hawks make it to the second round and make it to game 6, I’m not confident there will be any major changes, at least not any positive ones. When the Hawks lose ownership, management, and even coaches seem either satisfied or confused. They never come flat out seeming PISSED. That’s what’s missing.
This is why, I would want to see JVG as the next head coach of the Hawks. I know he had Yao and McGrady (although McGrady was never healthy), and flamed out. But he did demand a certain level of excellence on simple things that would resonate with this team. People talk about Josh’s personality, but JVG coached Oakley and Mason (or LJ) at the same time. Not only that he would be cheaper than Avery, but bring respect.
Speaking of leadership, I think the fact that Josh never had a leader (rather player or coach) on his team during his career, has been the thing that has prevented him from being a great leader. You look at all of the great leaders, they all came from teams that already had great leaders and who could teach. Magic had Kareem, Bird had Parrish. MJ had Cartwright. Wade had Alonzo AND Pat Riley. Shaq had Phil. KG wasn’t a great leader until he got to the Celtics, and did it as a committee. Duncan had Robinson. If nothing else that’s why I wish the Hawks did pursue someone like Ben Wallace who has been a leader on a championship team. Instead, I believe JVG would be a good leader for him. So he could grow to be a great leader.
BIG BOI
April 15th, 2011
3:52 pm
Joe need to earn his dam money, he need to show up in the playoff. He need to be a leader and lead his team to a championship! Be like Mike and be a leader!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
3:52 pm
Selfish?
“When J.J. opens his mouth his quiet leadership loses credibility and makes him look like a selfish kid.”
______________
Selfish is ………
Beating your chest.
Grabbing the microphone relentlessly.
Beginning every sentence with ME not WE.
Injecting every sentence with “I”.
Self-Promoting.
Drawing ALL the attention to yourself.
Never passing the ball.
Taking every last shot of every game.
Alienating your team mates at every turn.
Taking credit for every win.
Saying this is MY team.
Yelling and pouting with team mates on the bench.
Arguing every call with the refs.
Blaming your team mates after every loss.
______________
I have NEVER seen Mr. Johnson do any of these things – have you?
Has anyone?
___________________
Next LIE please!
Walt"Clyde"Frazier
April 15th, 2011
4:01 pm
The Hinrich trade has turned out to be actually a “himlick maneauver” to resussitate a DYING FRANCHISE. The Hawks made a desparation move in bringing Hinrich in and what it actually did was made the team appreciably WORSE. The Hawks gave up 53 points of nightly scoring in return for 3 points of scoring for Hinrich. That was the most stupid thing the Hawks did since signing JOHN “contract” KONCAK to his lucrative millions for averaging a WHOPPING 2.3 POINTS A GAME. That was a genius bold move by the Hawks back then and immediately Dominique Wilkins insisted that his contract be re-negotiated because Nique was making LESS than Koncak after Koncak received his millions. History has repeated itself with the Hinrich trade because the entire salary infrastructure of the Hawks is completely ruined.
JOEY1
April 15th, 2011
4:06 pm
12
Ramon
April 15th, 2011
4:06 pm
Drmaryb, I agree with you. Joe hasn’t truly done anything selfish. Because someone shies away from being a leader, you can’t call them selfish. Then that would mean every one on a team who’s not the leader is selfish. You can’t call him signing the contract selfish or blame him for it. No one on this blog would turn down a contract like that to stay at the same place and not have to move. There’s not a player on this team who wouldn’t have signed the contract. The main issues with Joe, should be directed at either coaching or management, not really at Joe.
Am I fan of Joe Johnson? Of course I am, he’s lead the Hawks to three straight playoff appearances, when previously they were disposable (he didn’t lead them this season so I don’t count this season). But I will say, people forget that basketball has two sides, offense and defense. Despite whatever he’s missing in jumpers, Joe still remains our best defensive perimeter player by far. Before Teague, he was the best player on the team at guarding PG, SG, and SF. Is he overpaid? Of course he is. But that’s because of Sund not because of Joe.
N.D.T.K.A.
April 15th, 2011
4:18 pm
Selfish is saying that “fan’s don’t matter” as a perennial all-star on an NBA team after being swept at home and quitting in a playoff game and series!!!
Selfish is quitting repeatedly during the season during games that everyone knows you should have won and then saying you don’t know what happened while slyly blaming your younger teammates for the problem!!!
Selfish is not holding other guys on the team accountable, not getting in their grill because you don’t won’t anyone to say something to you about your lack of leadership or performance!!!
This is a team. J.J. is not an independent contractor. It is not enough to sometimes just pull your own weight and fade into the background when things go bad. Pay does matter because leaders are paidd more for the intangibles that they bring. Dont’ get me wrong I think J.J. is an above average ball player and a good guy. But he should not except a contract that puts him under the bullseye. He is the same thing Rashard Lewis was to the Magic, a high-priced role player. His contract makes him problematic for the Hawks because other guys (Al and Josh)want to lead but don’t know how. Joe and his contract are a distraction and sends the wrong message to the younger guys. Team comes first, period.
No, not a lie but truth. Matter of fact the lie was last summer when you stated Avery Johnson or Byron Scott would run this team into the ground. Now we have Drew. There is your lie!!!
gp
April 15th, 2011
4:25 pm
God forbid J.J. feels any pressure.
Joey
April 15th, 2011
4:31 pm
Come on Joe. No reason for you to feel pressure.
Hawks fans expect NOTHING in the playoffs from “Shrinking Joe.”
Ron C
April 15th, 2011
4:32 pm
Nope
Little Fawkers
April 15th, 2011
4:34 pm
Joe Johnson cares about one thing and he got a lot of it during the off$ea$on.
Joey
April 15th, 2011
4:35 pm
Hey, drmaryb (*_-) 3:52pm,
I actually would like to see about half of these things from “Mr Johnson.”
Hell, then we’d know he cares about SOMETHING . . .
phil
April 15th, 2011
4:35 pm
Joe doesn’t care what people think and doesn’t play hard either….the guy stinks….any of you who think differently are delusional….
when he and smith are gone, we’ll have a better TEAM….
phil
April 15th, 2011
4:37 pm
Drmaryb – I’ve told you before not to skip your meds….it induces crazed lists of things you hallucinate that JJ hasn’t done….
now go pop a few and settle on down…
phil
April 15th, 2011
4:38 pm
Heinrich has clearly made things worse, which i didn’t think was possible….i won’t even say why i think it’s this way to avoid the r word….
ChokeArtist
April 15th, 2011
4:40 pm
Joe is a proven 1st ballot hall of famer! Many of you folks have completely forgotten how 3 years ago the Hawks, coached at the time by Mike Woodsen, took the Boston Celtics (the eventualy world champions that year) to seven games in the opening playoff round series. That was largely because of Joe Johnson who single-handedly REFUSED TO LET THE HAWKS GET ELIMINATED until the seventh game. I hope that Joe johnson will go back and review the watch tapes of that series. JOE WAS UNSTOPPLE AND ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR IN THAT SERIES AND PROVED HE IS WORTH THE MILLIONS THAT HE SIGNED FOR IN THE OFF-SEASON. Joe used to be the SECOND BEST closer in the game behind the great Kobe Bryant. Joe is still close to that calibre of player. Most people underrate joe because they are clueless as to just how great he is. JOE IS A FIRST-BALLOT FUTURE HALL OF FAME PLAYER AND DONT YOU EVER FORGET IT!
pete
April 15th, 2011
5:27 pm
What a typical comment from Joe Johnson. How many true leaders would ever say they should not get the blame when their team loses? The Hawks won 44 games, are the 5th seed in the East, and have very little chance of advancing past the first round of the playoffs with Joe Johnson. Without Joe Johnson, the Hawks probably win about 42 games, still get the 5th seed, and lose in the first round of the playoffs. Is there anyone out there that really thinks it was a smart decision to pay non leader Joe Johnson and keep him here?
South25
April 15th, 2011
5:40 pm
Guess it is showtime for the Hawks. National game to show what a choke job Joe Johnston will give to the nation. When the going get tough Joe seems to disappear. If someone is paid like a superstar maybe they should play like one. Just remember last year when he threw the fans under the bus during the playoffs. He has more excuses than points. Hard to believe we have five more years of this so called superstar, could not trade him if we wanted.
pete
April 15th, 2011
5:56 pm
Joe only had one real good game, game four, out of the whole 7 game series against the Celtics a few years ago. One good game out of 7 does not get the job done. In the game 6 win over Boston, Joe was 4 for 13. In the game 3 win, he was only 7 for 18. And in the 4 losses, he stunk it up big time, including a 5 for 17, 3 rebound, 1 assist game in the deciding game 7. The next year, he stunk it up in the Cleveland series. Last year, he had games of 4 for 11, 5 for 16, 3 for 15, and 5 for 15 in the 4 game disaster against Orlando. He does not rebound well, gets very few assists, and rarely stops the other team’s best player. He has to go down as one of the worst leaders the NBA has ever seen. What exactly does the guy do well? Thanks to giving that horrible contract to such an average player, the Hawks are stuck and will never do better than what they are now. 44-38 and 5th seed? Yea, you are what you are.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
5:58 pm
Next LIE!
“Selfish is saying that “fan’s don’t matter”
_________________
Mr. Johnson NEVER said this!
If you have that link? Then, please post it – if not?
Then STOP saying it.
_________________
The interview is on you tube, go back and comprehend his words accurately, not your flawed, baseless interpretation.
hot err
April 15th, 2011
6:06 pm
The Hawks died as a franchise the moment the ink dried on JJ’s contract. JJ signed a max deal but the ASG signed a death sentence. They were fools to pay him more than LBJ. The Hawks will be mediocre for the next decade. Get used to being a lower seed or just missing the playoffs for years to come. Where we are is the worst possible place to be in sports. Not good enough to contend for the title and not sorry enough to rebuild through top picks in the lottery.
joewhite
April 15th, 2011
6:19 pm
from joe white to joe johnson just one word describes you, BOMB
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
6:22 pm
“his view of the team as “elite” when they CLEARLY were not sends the wrong message to the team and is completely disingenuous to the fans and season ticket holders. It tells the team: “You are already there” and obviously the team bought into drinking the Kool-aid.”
Sund didn’t believe that word “elite”?..He’s not that crazy.is he???? No I believe he said it to generate more interest and ticket sales, to purposely mislead..
Sund run do not walk…………………………………….
MisterEarl
April 15th, 2011
6:25 pm
So long as the Hawks play three men out of position they will be in trouble against elite teams.
Joe Johnson needs to deliver a superstar performance when it counts.
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
6:26 pm
The experts 3-D and Greg Anthony with NBA TV predict, the Hawks will go 7 games with Orlando and lose….Oh well….
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
7:11 pm
Selfish is NOT the word to describe Mr’ Johnson’s weaknesses:
Get a Thesaurus and find another word that is more accurate.
That’s all I’m saying. I’m not saying the man does not have issues.
Don’t call a turtle fast if it moves slooow. Proper communication is the key to complaining effectively.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
7:15 pm
“I actually would like to see about half of these things from “Mr Johnson.”
Hell, then we’d know he cares about SOMETHING . . .”
-Joey-
________________
This is true Joey, and I agree with you wholeheartedly!
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
7:32 pm
Reality Check!
” JJ signed a max deal but the ASG signed a death sentence. ”
______________
What is stopping the 8 Orangutans from signing one or two more Max Players? If the 8 couldn’t afford it, then why put it on the table? The CBA Limit is 3 Max contracts, they only have one.
Orlando, New York, Miami (et. al.)has signed three.
Keep signing them, I say. Orlando has a 90M payroll, so does L.A.
Nobody ever said you can’t go into the Luxury Tax, that’s what it is there for. The real question should be:
How bad does the 8 Orangutans want to win? How is this Mr. Johnson’s problem, is he blocking them from doing this? He didn’t hold them at gun point, they offered the money and begged him to sign it.
______________
Get Real!
Don’t get it twisted people: “The 8″Being ain’t broke! They are collectively billionaires. A fan being poor and small minded doesn’t necessarily have to go together. Stop injecting money to make your points, just make your point!
And base it on what you see on the court and in this case, the court room, that has very little to do with how much player earns.
______________
IMHO … I’m just trying to help you strengthen your arguments based on basketball performance and nothing else.
drmaryb (*_-)
April 15th, 2011
7:37 pm
* multiple typos
Slimjr
April 15th, 2011
10:24 pm
“Get Real!
Don’t get it twisted people: “The 8″Being ain’t broke! They are collectively billionaires. A fan being poor and small minded doesn’t necessarily have to go together. Stop injecting money to make your points, just make your point!
And base it on what you see on the court and in this case, the court room, that has very little to do with how much player earns.
______________
IMHO … I’m just trying to help you strengthen your arguments based on basketball performance and nothing else.”
Preach on DRMARYB!!!
Teezo
April 15th, 2011
11:34 pm
Stop talking trash about JJ…We all know this team wouldn’t be nearly as good without him…Whatever happens, I got JJ back..Yeah, he’s no Kobe or LBJ but he gets that kind of respect from opposing teams or he wouldn’t get double and triple teamed…Clearly the opposing teams know what he’s capable of…Go JJ and Go Hawks!!!!!
LetsWinTonight Yeah buddy
April 16th, 2011
8:19 am
Joe sounds like a loooser, he should just STFU.
JOEY1
April 16th, 2011
3:15 pm
what nelson said was a big deal hes already overlooking the hawks to the secound round, when the hawks beat them 3of 4 this years, the hawks can make this series real interesting with their new way of playing d howard one on one and if joe johnson plays with some heart and goes off the magic will lose this series,…bc we havent seen joe johnson go off since the boston series 3years back… hawks in 6 games