Atlanta Hawks: Meruelo set to take ‘complete control’ of team from ASG
The AJC’s Tim Tucker reports that L.A. businessman Alex Meruelo is set to buy a controlling stake in the Hawks and the operating rights for Philips Arena. The deal is subject to approval by the NBA Board of Governors.
Meruelo is not allowed to comment on his specific plans for the Hawks or the team’s personnel because he’s not yet been approved as owner and also because of the lockout. But Meruelo did tell Tucker that although some members of the Atlanta Spirit ownership group would remain as minority partners, “I will be in complete control of the team.”
Meruelo told Tucker there is no circumstance in which he would seek to move the team from Atlanta and that he planned to be a “hands-on” owner like he is in his other business ventures. Meruelo’s career in business began with a chain of pizza restaurants and his portfolio eventually grew to include real estate holdings, a bank, a casino and a television station.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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127 comments Add your comment
Guido
August 7th, 2011
10:52 am
He better be ready to make good move also I hope he did not pay too much
ryan
August 7th, 2011
10:59 am
The one good thing is he one person and from LA and young hopefully bring some excitement like Cuban did i hope finally this will be an owner that not afraid to make big moves .
bigdave
August 7th, 2011
11:00 am
welcome Mr. Meruelo, just put the right people in the right places…
Casey Fouls Out
August 7th, 2011
11:02 am
This has to be an improvement, even if some of AS remain as minority owners. It can only up (can’t it?)
Billy
August 7th, 2011
11:11 am
what bigdave said!
ryan
August 7th, 2011
11:13 am
Come everyone join in sing with me NA NA NA Hay Hay gooooood by ASG and good riddance .
Nathan D
August 7th, 2011
11:14 am
hopefully he knows a thing or two about basketball and help us get a center without trading horford.
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
11:15 am
FIRST
FIRE SUND
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
11:15 am
FIRE SUND
JayInAtlanta
August 7th, 2011
11:17 am
Congrats to him. I do hope he’s a visible owner. That’s one thing I could say about a couple of those ASG guys. Plus, maybe he’ll bring some LA swagger and passion to the team…one can hope.
Boy, ASG sure got the HELL out of dodge, huh?
We were bamboozled.....
August 7th, 2011
11:26 am
Can he made a bid for the Coyotes so we can have an NHL team again since ASG screwed the fans over?
Dave
August 7th, 2011
11:27 am
I googled this guy on net worth and got this I hope he buys the Braves as well.
His net worth is $14.5 billion as of 2007, making him the 18th richest man in
America. … Alex Meruelo is a Los Angeles area property developer. …
Dwight
August 7th, 2011
11:29 am
White Herman Cain will lead us to the promise land!
Worldwide Clyde
August 7th, 2011
11:31 am
Hey Meruelo
I’m Worldwide Clyde a long time Hawks fan. I think you should read this blog daily to really know what the fans want out of your team. We have been on this blog for 8 or 9 years putting in work.
First move you should make is Fire Sund. He sucks. Signing Joe to a max deal was a mistake. Giving Marvin a new contract was a mistake. Giving Bibby a new contract was a mistake. Giving Jordan Crawford and a first round draft pick for a guy that can’t stay healthy was a mistake. Now we are stuck with the same team from last year. The same one that got beat in the second round.
We need a GM that knows what he’s doing. If you need a consultant to help you look for one i’m available.
Second thing you need to do is FIRE LD. He sucks.
Third thing you need to do is try and improve the atmosphere at Philips. The game experience is so boring sometimes i want to fall asleep. They need to play more rap music to get the crowd hype instead of that techno crap. All the groupies in the crowd need something to shake they thang to.
Welcome Meruelo
From the 2008 Blogger of the Year
Worldwide Clyde
Brad Lyons
August 7th, 2011
11:38 am
Until ALL MEMBERS OF THE ASG are removed from anything relating to the Hawks or Philips, I refuse to spend as much as a penny or even walk on the sidewalks of our wonderful arena. It took me involving WSB TV to make a public situation of my refund for the Thrashers to get my money back. The ASG and ALL PARTNERS are slimy, lying, money-hungry fools that have no clue how to run a franchise. From the moment they got involved, they created a situation that kept them from effectively managing a franchise and the Thrashers got the boot NOT because of fan support—but because of owners that didn’t have a clue. They denied everything, and even denied the sale of the Hawks—-once again proving they are liars. BUT for now at least the majority of these worthless morons are gone! ATLANTA DESERVES A HOCKEY TEAM—WE GOT SCREWED! Unfortunately, Gary Bettman doesn’t know the difference between his head or a hole in the ground.
CONservative Johnson
August 7th, 2011
11:42 am
Alex Meruelo is not who the $14.5 billion is referring to. Try again. We would all like to know. He sounds like Herman Cain LMAO . . .
Section 303
August 7th, 2011
11:49 am
This is great news! This guy sounds like a good owner and an owner with cash flowing, too.
I’m not that big of a hockey fan, but the ASG should never be forgiven for losing the Thrashers. Very happy to hear that their reign of terror is over. They should not be able to do too much damage as minority owners.
ryan
August 7th, 2011
11:57 am
There are some negative people on here Alex will be a lot better than ASG this is fresh start we all need to give him chance .
ryan
August 7th, 2011
12:03 pm
He is young owner has lot energy maybe another Cuban a one man owner is better than bunch guys fighting with each other all time so i am happy with this move .
Prison Mike
August 7th, 2011
12:10 pm
HUUUUGGGEEE.
To think we were arguably the MLE away from competing for a title and this owner could have been the difference. Long time coming for the A town, calling on all fans to support this franchise if Mr. Meruelo is going to do what it takes.
Thrasher Fan
August 7th, 2011
12:18 pm
Too bad he didn’t get involved before the Thrashers left town – would’ve rather had them than the Hawks in town.
clark kent
August 7th, 2011
12:20 pm
Don’t let the door hit you in the ass A$G. You, nor any of your cursed offspring are welcome here in Atlanta.
ArtMan
August 7th, 2011
12:30 pm
He is an unknown quantity so we don’t know what kind of owner he will be. A hands-on owner could be a real mixed bag. However we do know what kind of owners the ASG were and they were terrible.
As a fan, assuming we have a season, gives me hope. After the years under the ASG, hope is a good thing.
Dukester
August 7th, 2011
12:30 pm
Congrats sir I look forward to seeing how this franchise evolve in the next couple of months. This is a very tricky city to own a team in. There are not many native Atlantans like myself here. But one thing I know if you put a great product out they will join in and support and you will never know they werent Hawks fans. I know I there are a lot of fans that don’t like Rick Sund I dont either but in his defense I believe ASG asked him to hold this team together so the stakes would remain high until they found a buyer. You can look at the coaching decisions and the resigning of players that should have been released long ago. (Bibby, Marvin Williams, and Zaza Puchalia) I will say first order of business replace the figure head GM and coaching staff. By any means necessary find you a legit center there are 4 or 5 available. Land one.
Cable Guy
August 7th, 2011
12:32 pm
Christmas in August!!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS HAWKS FANS !!!!!!
ILL-Logical
August 7th, 2011
12:36 pm
First congratulations and best wishes to Mr.Meruelo for putting his money -and energy- into a franchise that has lacked leadership and direction during the tenure of the ASG.
While the ASG kept the franchise alive and made some progress in terms of the team’s success, their actions resulted in the franchise becoming the laughing stock of the league and there was a definite loss of fan support due in no small part to the ASG’s pitiful marketing efforts.
Atlanta is a town that has and will embrace an exciting, wining proffesional basketball team. A team that has championship aspirations and whose ownership provides the resources and personal involvement to make that happen. I, for one, hope that you are that guy.
litz
August 7th, 2011
12:37 pm
Boy it sure says something about peoples’ opinion of the ASG that a blog post goes up “XXX buys the Hawks, Philips rights” and 95% of the responses are “Sayonara ASG” !!!!!
(And I’ll add mine
Sayonara! Goodbye (not), and good riddance.
Now let’s start working on the new guy and get him interested in ice hockey.
ILL-Logical
August 7th, 2011
12:37 pm
*wininng*
ILL-Logical
August 7th, 2011
12:38 pm
So excited about the news that I can’t spell: winning
Thrashers Season Ticket Holder
August 7th, 2011
1:11 pm
Burn in Hell, Atlanta Spirit Group!
(Yes, really.)
Thrashers Season Ticket Holder
August 7th, 2011
1:13 pm
Get Ready, Folks, because it is eventually coming once Philips Arena is paid for entirely:
The Los Angeles HAWKS of Anaheim
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
1:14 pm
1st -&- foremost:::::
*If Anyone @ the Dad-Blasted AJC Reads This Blog:
Then Keep the ____ Thang Up -&- Runnin’ !
Or … If You Should Care !
kreedham
August 7th, 2011
1:18 pm
Several years before the Hawks would be allowed to move. By then he will love Atlanta and stay here. Probably start expanding his Pizza empire to the Southeast. NHL won’t approve of his purchase of a team (Phoenix) until the ASG is completely out of the equation. Bet he’ll buy it all eventually!
Wink
August 7th, 2011
1:19 pm
Great to have you on board Mr. Meruelo! As long as you have complete control I am down with you. I understand this is your first time owning a professional sport team, but any businessman is an improvement over the ASG. By the way….good bye ASG.
As a result of starting with a single pizza parlor and building your holdings to a point to acquire a professional sports franchise, leads me to believe you got the goods to lead this NBA franchise. It seems you are just doing what you always done, buying controlling interest in a business, but the “hands on part” is the best news. It suggests you may go “Mark Cuban” on the Hawks and that would be refreshing.
If we have an NBA season, I realize the previous regime has really tied your hands. The signing of JJ being the biggest hurdle and no available salary cap to work with. I hope you are a good poker player, because all you have to work with is Josh & Marvin contracts and no number one pick available. By the way, one of your best players (Jamal Crawford) is a free agent, maybe you can mend fences with him, since the ASG did not recognize his value!
Anyway, great news to have you as the controlling owner of this misguided NBA franchise…Good Luck & God Speed Mr. Meruelo.
WELCOME!!!!!!!!
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
1:21 pm
Mr. Cunningham,
I hope all is well.
If not, then my prayers are with you.
Let us know…..we are a community.
My concern comes from your continued abscence.
My thoughts are sincere, as in recent weeks,
I’ve begun to worry about you.
Once again, I hope all is well with you and your family.
Sincerely,
G-dad.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
1:23 pm
A learned man should know how to spell absence.
ATLBrave
August 7th, 2011
1:27 pm
Just shaking my head at people saying the Hawks will be moved. Atlanta is a huge NBA market, attendance struggles aside, and I sincerely doubt Stern would ever give up the opportunity to continually tap into that market. I love hockey as much as the next person, but you guys sound like jilted lovers who expect the worst at every turn. Not to mention the bonds on Philips arena don’t end until around 2028 or so, so unless the guys has a master plan of moving the team 16 years from now, I’d calm down.
ryan
August 7th, 2011
1:40 pm
Hawks can not move i don’t think the Lakers or Clippers will not let a third come into the city anyway so haters don’t get hopes up that the Hawks will move .
K.W.
August 7th, 2011
1:47 pm
YES! GOODBYE ASG!
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
August 7th, 2011
1:50 pm
Get ta steppin ASG!!!! PEACE!!! and take Rick Sund with ya!
Alex Meruelo, welcome and thanks for taking the team out of incapable hands – KEEP THEM IN THE A.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
1:51 pm
Mary Ellen is havin’ an Organism right now !
gcs
August 7th, 2011
1:56 pm
Michael Gearon Jr., Bruce Levenson and the rest of you ASG jerks are now cordially invited to get the bleep out of Atlanta.
.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
1:57 pm
The bloginator studied that one for 15 minutes;
-before it got posted- !
Najeh Davenpoop
August 7th, 2011
2:00 pm
Great news. If Meruelo wants to make money on his investment, he can start by making Teague and Dwight Howard the faces of the franchise and hiring a proactive, not reactive, GM.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
2:05 pm
I was speakin’ of the 1:51 pm post;
then ol’ bloggiter must have his eye on me
’cause my 1:57 took 6 min to air. }-ha-{
kreedham
August 7th, 2011
2:12 pm
I believe he will buy 100% eventually but the Gearon’s can’t let go! Interesting to see what ASG owners remain as I suspect some will be out completely!
ArtMan
August 7th, 2011
2:12 pm
The first two things I would like Mr. Muruelo do is hire a good GM and then hire Rick Adelman as coach. Turning a franchise around has to start with good professional hires at the top.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
2:16 pm
Halleleujah!
How fitting that I just learned of this sale & I’m in Church right now. I’m texting under my Bible! Oh no! Here comes the offering plate!
I’m broke, should I throw my B-Berry in there? (sniggles)
Later! PTL!
Dept. Of Unintended Irony
August 7th, 2011
2:18 pm
Grandad,
The presence of the blog’s absence addles the brains of learned men. Well, it’ll be gone again by tomorrow night, wait and see. Too bad they didn’t just keep Big Ray’s blog open if this one keeps closing shop.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
2:21 pm
Mr Meruelo May Be the 1st Latino owner…..
~But~
He’s Only the 2nd Cuban !!!!!
He Will Not Move the Team;
Not Only Because he Says So;
But Because the Team Cannot be Moved
~For~
*24* ..Yrs.. Without Paying an Exorbitant…….
[..*abscond..-&-..*betray..] Fee
Brian
August 7th, 2011
2:25 pm
I will buy tickets again! Good luck and time to make some bold moves!
Worldwide Clyde
August 7th, 2011
2:35 pm
The AJC keeps shutting down the most popular blog on its website. SMH
Drmaryb posting from church. SMGDH
Bluestreak
August 7th, 2011
2:35 pm
ASG: Don’t let the door hit you where the Good Lord split you…and I’m not talking about Belkin (but the screen door bustin him for good measure wouldn’t hurt).
Mr. Meruelo, welcome! I hope you are not just owning to be a ‘member of the club’ but actually want to win. Your minority owners were not trying…any winning that happened they fell into by accident.
Also, if you want to be the most popular owner in Atlanta sports not named Arthur Blank, once the For Sale sign goes up on the Islanders or Coyotes, please make an offer or work with a partner to bring hockey back to the town the NHL and ASG conspired against. You’ll have sellouts for two leagues and, again, be the most popular owner in Atlanta (not named Blank).
drmaryb (*_-)
August 7th, 2011
2:41 pm
ALEX BABY!!!
Hurry and restock this Hawks team with big BIG MEN!! Dwight Howard has the biggest muscles this side of the Rio Grande, so PLEASE bring him to HOTLANTA!! And if you can find some BIG Hispanics, BRING THEM HOME, so us ladies can GO WILD, right, ladies??
OMG, I LOOOOOVE MEN!!!
Price
August 7th, 2011
2:45 pm
LOVE IT!!! Josh Smith better watch his back
Keep The Thrashers
August 7th, 2011
2:56 pm
His 1st action should be getting the ASG to bring BACK our Thrashers & move themselves to Winnipeg!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
3:13 pm
Troll Alert!
“drmaryb (*_-)
ALEX BABY!!!
Hurry and restock this Hawks team with big BIG MEN!! Dwight Howard has the biggest muscles this side of the Rio Grande, so PLEASE bring him to HOTLANTA!! And if you can find some BIG Hispanics, BRING THEM HOME, so us ladies can GO WILD, right, ladies??
August 7th, 2011
2:41 pm
OMG, I LOOOOOVE MEN!!”
_________________________
Apparently my “B!tch Pa-TROLL” is a homosexual!
He loves BIG MEN too! (she smirks)
ant banks
August 7th, 2011
3:13 pm
59 COMMENTS…BETTER HURRY BEFORE AJC CUTS OFF THE BLOG. LOL
ant banks
August 7th, 2011
3:14 pm
where else do y’all go when the ajc blog is down? i miss readin’ comments from you guys.
drmaryb .(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
3:24 pm
We chitty chat on BEEFCAKE.COM, where the Hawks talk is as hot as our ladies’ nethers.
Someone hose me down, and FAST!!
Melvin
August 7th, 2011
3:25 pm
Yes, get the ASG outta here ASAP….
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
3:30 pm
Mereulo is worth 14 billion? I couldn’t find that anywhere besides one site
Prison Mike
August 7th, 2011
3:36 pm
“LOVE IT!!! Josh Smith better watch his back”
Yeah you know Al would be in his ear speaking espanol if he isn’t the full time power forward. AM is a business man, he knows Duck is the dead weight though.
A-Ville Ranger
August 7th, 2011
3:56 pm
We may have the first hispanic owner in the NBA, but not the first Cuban, that would be Mark Cuban.
litz
August 7th, 2011
4:15 pm
Googling either Meruelo Group or Alex Meruelo you really don’t get much information … I guess because it’s a private company.
As for the net worth … the question is : is he, personally, or The Meruelo Group as a whole, buying the team+arena rights?
If it’s the Group, it very easily could have a net worth in the billions. Look at their holdings … and the fact that they’re financially strong enough to buy a multi-hundred million dollar Reno casino/resort (Grand Sierra Resort is basically equivalent to any of the Las Vegas Strip properties).
And, now, apparently several hundred million into a basketball team and arena operating rights.
As for him, personally … if he had that kind of net worth, he’d be all over the Forbes listings .. and he’s not.
My guess, is the Group is behind the purchase, but it’s his baby to run.
Prison Mike
August 7th, 2011
4:16 pm
Dang mayne, look at this dudes prices, lmao. Straight for the hood.
http://www.lapizzaloca.com/menu-carryOut.php
Selling at these prices in LA/SC area says something. There are no more places you can get 10 wings for 6 dollas in Atlanta and I’m a true chicken wing fiend. He has a niche in this community if he chooses to expand here.
Hoops
August 7th, 2011
4:22 pm
A new owner that wants to win! Thank you Lord!!!
Gwinnett Fred
August 7th, 2011
4:23 pm
The first 2 moves he can make, that has nothing to do with the salary cap – is pay top dollar for a Head Coach and a General Manager. The ASG went as cheap as they could in both of these ULTRA IMPORTANT areas for many years and has really kept the team from taking the next step.
I look forward to FINALLY having an owner that is ready to do what it takes.
P.S. – Why would anybody (ASG) want to keep a minority interest in a business that loses money? They have no say so in any day to day happenings (THANK GOD) – it makes no sense. So at least they stay consistent in doing things that make no sense. Maybe they just want to be able to keep their courtside seats.
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
4:26 pm
THE WORK IS NOT DONE
ASG IS STILL A MINORITY OWNER, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY,
THE DEFIANT, ARROGANT RICK SUND WHO HAS ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING IN HIS PATHETIC 30+ YR CAREER IS STILL AROUND. GET RID OF THIS JOKE AND LD. THEY HAVE 1 YR LEFT ON THEIR MINIMUM WAGE DEALS
FIRE SUND
FIRE LD
FIRE JOE
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
4:32 pm
I HAVE STRONG DOUBTS THIS GUY IS A BILLIONAIRE, BUT WE NEED MONEY INVESTED IN THIS TEAM. GO INTO THE LUXURY TAX AND GET GUYS IN HERE
NO MORE SCRUBS LIKE SOLOMON JONES, POPSEED, CHEESEBURGER COLLINS, OR KING OTHELLO HUNTER
GET PLAYERS LIKE UDONIS HASLEM ON THE BENCH
mykhalc
August 7th, 2011
4:42 pm
ASG…GTFoutta here!!! the bball gods have smiled on ATL!!!
Spanky McPaycheck
August 7th, 2011
4:49 pm
What’s wrong with Sund? We just dogged out the friggin’ Orlando Magic a few months ago!!! I really, really admire the moves that the guy has made.
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
4:53 pm
WHEN WILL THE COMMENT SECTION FOR THIS BLOG BE CLOSED DOWN? I KNOW MYSELF AND ALL THE OTHER HUGE HAWKS FANS LOVE NOT DISCUSSING OUR TEAM
FIRE SUND
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
4:57 pm
Mr. Meruelo is most probably smart / intelligent.
He is a college graduate, which is not the end all,
he is an astute business man, [r e Tim Tucker]
~But~
has he lived long enough to acquire wisdom ?
(having lived long enough being relative)
Here’s lookin’ for an extended honeymoon !
Now about that wisdom…….
Al is the Hawks Most Valuable Commodity;
“Like it or Not” !
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
5:00 pm
What’s wrong with Sund? We just dogged out the friggin’ Orlando Magic a few months ago!!! I really, really admire the moves that the guy has made.
HE’S MADE 2 MOVES IN 3 YEARS
HE GOT JAMAL ,WHO DOESNT PLAY DEFENSE
AND HE GOT HINRICH, WHO IS SOLID
THIS IDIOT GAVE $18 MILL DEAL TO BIBBY (WHO?) AND 7.5 A YEAR TO MARVIN
LOL
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
5:01 pm
SUND GAVE MARVIN A PLAYER OPTION FOR THE LAST YEAR OF HIS DEAL.
HE’S BASICALLY LETTING MARVIN’S UNDERACHIEVING @$$ DECIDE IF HE WANTS TO MAKE 8MILL . THE GUY HAS 3 YEARS LEFT ON THIS G-DAMN CONTRACT
Najeh Davenpoop
August 7th, 2011
5:04 pm
I go to Peachtree Hoops when this places closes down. But how about ushering in a new era for the AJC Hawks blog now that there is new ownership. Keep the blog open, even if it means Flavor Flav rambles on for the next six months about how Thabeet is the next Mutombo.
Grandad
August 7th, 2011
5:25 pm
Let me explain this:
We, the Hawks, cannot trade Josh or Al for Dwight…
-straight up-
anything (..Big Man..) less (than Dwight) is 2nd tier.
~So~
Josh -&- Al are seen / perceived as duplicate parts.
The -true- Center [5] position is empty.
We all know this…..so don’t blame it on Al.
~Now~
We have * “3″ * count ‘em, three options !
1. Play Al @ Center, Josh @ [4]
2. Play Al @ [4], Josh @ [3],
and ” piecemeal ” @ Center … Collins / Zaza / Benson / et al
3. Trade for an upgrade @ Center.
~So~
Whom do you trade ?
It’s that simple?
*Trading Centers – the Hawks cannot get equal value for Al.
(( a [5] for a [5] straight up ))
(Al would be ranked ahead or younger than anyone available)
note – [or contract prohibitive]
*What about trading Joe = best option !
We the Blognoscenti / Blogerati / blaudience / or the blurkers,
cannot know what options the new CBA will eventually offer.
*Therefore trading Josh seems to be the most logical option.
The Hawks / we / us – could get Value for Value.
It would balance the roster.
Plus, as I’ve said before, when Josh’s legs go…..
[sooner than later]
his value will diminish rapidly.
And, I say once more, I like Josh !
“Contrariwise, if it was so, it might be;
and if it were so, it would be;
but as it isn’t, it ain’t.
That’s logic.”
-Lewis Carroll-
~Nevertheless~
” Better to be without logic than without feeling ”
-Charotte Bronte-
I MUS WRITE
August 7th, 2011
5:37 pm
Miracles do come true……….Enuff with the 8 smurfs making decisions, I really hope they no longer have any say in basketball moves,the draft, free agency etc.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
5:38 pm
Thanks for leaving this blog open, so we can talk about those BIG MANLY MEN!!
I’m about to EXPLODE!!!
ryan
August 7th, 2011
5:39 pm
I agree we wont see any moves right away maybe in a year or two we may see the new owner pull off some big moves we need give him a chance Hawks have been a laughing stock for long time and now we have a fresh start and a new era potential FA could start giving a second look .
Najeh Davenpoop
August 7th, 2011
5:41 pm
It’s not necessary to trade anyone immediately if Joe and the head coach can agree to de-emphasize Joe in the offense and put the ball in Teague’s hands permanently. If that happens, at least they will be closer to maximizing the value of the players currently on the roster, which would allow the Hawks to get more in a trade in the future. Specifically, if they make Joe a complementary player, maybe his efficiency numbers increase and he becomes more tradeable.
Big Ray
August 7th, 2011
5:52 pm
Hope springs eternal…
Grandmaster JeJe
August 7th, 2011
6:23 pm
Josh and al for tHABEET
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
6:25 pm
Hi-Jacked!
Since, I can’t use my ID on the blog today. I will log off, since the blog is perennially closed, I have found better things to do with my time, rather than blogging behind a Troll.
Enjoy the good news, and I’m GONE! Peace.
Katie
August 7th, 2011
6:45 pm
LOL @ Thrashers Fan ~~
“Too bad he didn’t get involved before the Thrashers left town – would’ve rather had them than the Hawks in town.”
Yah, you and all of 3 other people.
Ryan Donald
August 7th, 2011
6:47 pm
Thank the father, the son, and the holy spirit that the ASG are getting the heck out of dodge…..
~” There is a spirit in the air, and a prescence on the ground…yeah yeah !!” ~ Hawks promo circa 1989
Oh yeah, trade MAX JOE and STARVIN MARVIN for someone that can be bought out ( i.e. Michael Redd) and then use the freed up cap space to get someone like DWIGHT HOWARD
Follow me on TWITTER@RyanDonald4
nba-stinks
August 7th, 2011
7:37 pm
SEATTLE NEEDS THIS TEAM, nba is nothing in Atlanta anymore, MOVE THIS TEAM NOW !
Astro Joe
August 7th, 2011
7:38 pm
Congrats to the new owner.
Worldwide Clyde
August 7th, 2011
8:58 pm
The new owner needs to go out and sign Kris Humphries. Having Kardashian at the home games would improve the atmosphere at the games.
FIRE SUND
O'Brien
August 7th, 2011
9:02 pm
I dont know what kind of owner he will be, but at least he will be the one making the final decisions. I just hope he is nothing like Donald Sterling.
To his credit though, he was willing to buy the Hawks this year when who knows if there will even be a season coming up.
hawksfancents95
August 7th, 2011
9:42 pm
im so happy we got a majority owner. he gave the ajc/MC a reason to have to open up the blog. even if he sucks like asg he got our blog open for a day or two.
but seriously i think having a smart LA area developing business man is about the best scenario other than maybe bil gates or donald trump buying the hawks and pouring in the dough. the hawks 11-12 season even if not played has been better than expected with the departure of asg. LD and Sund are not enjoying this news..
hawksfancents95
August 7th, 2011
9:45 pm
good to see some of the familiar bloggers rising back from our holes like cicada
Geemack
August 7th, 2011
10:07 pm
First order of business bring in Ronnie Lester former assistant GM of the Lakers.
O'Brien
August 7th, 2011
10:27 pm
No wonder the ASG didn’t mind giving JJ the big Contract. They knew they wouldn’t be responsible for the majority of his contract.
Although one comment that leaves me skeptical is he said he plans to a hands owner.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
10:51 pm
O’Brien
Wassup Bruh? I feel your concern, however the Hawks have NEVER had a hands on owner & we need that!
Somebody with deep pockets who gives a damn!
Luxury Taxes will no longer be a problem. Hopefully, the new owner will sit behind the bench and yell at players and referees too!
Don’t you want to see SOMEBODY who cares?
The NBA Cares.
Nookah
August 7th, 2011
10:52 pm
Greetings Hawks fans!
I have been away for a while but I am so ecstatic. This could be the start of something big. I wish nothing but the best for our beloved Hawks!! With change always comes great expectation especially after an eternity of under achievement.
I am not one to be too negative because I like to give people the benefit of the doubt. However, history tells us that the ASG was out of their league (no pun intended). It is past time for them to move on and I hope the new owner is creative and recognises what this team needs. Our fan base has suffered more than enough and it is time we change the nation’s negative opinion of us.
The change has to total so I think we have to get ourselves a new GM and ultimately a new coach. It cannot be business as usual it has to be a new beginning.
Go Hawks and here’s hoping our new owner makes a significant difference.!!
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 7th, 2011
11:00 pm
OMG, this Alex is 100% BEEFCAKE!! Clean up on aisle 4, right, ladies??
Slimjr
August 7th, 2011
11:14 pm
Yawn…..Add your comments
42,43,skip,44,45,46…50 years,no ECF visits or Finals! Blah,Blah,Blah
Adios Sund and LARRY…Make it so ASAP!
2011maxima! zoom zoom!
August 7th, 2011
11:16 pm
drmaryb has a stalker?
This Blog will self destruct in 5 seconds!
August 7th, 2011
11:19 pm
4,3,2,1 Matty meldown@#$%^&*(________________________-
EmirS.
August 8th, 2011
12:11 am
Nice.
Can’t wait for the 2012-2113 season now!
Grandad
August 8th, 2011
3:01 am
Hatter;
Satan…really ?
vava74
August 8th, 2011
4:51 am
Looks a solid owner.
But… the drawback is that he’s a guy to whom Al will be able to complain in spanish that he does not want to play C…
O'Brien
August 8th, 2011
8:03 am
Wassup dmb,
Spending the money was not the problem for the ASG, as evidenced by our top 10 payroll. The problem was spending the money wisely, and bringing in the right people.
I hope Mr. Meruelo will hire some good basketball minds, and get out the way.
bitter "B" ball fan
August 8th, 2011
8:21 am
it keeps getting better, god help us—–pizza and a halks game—the state of owners in the ATL
have bottom out—————–who gives a f——-anymore—i only support collage sports and the
rome braves———pro sports are only about the owners making money and using the cities name sake———————–the fans are truly the suckers
————————————–at least money made at the collage level goes to higher learning
——————————-and the kids at class A ball in rome do try hard.
==================pro sports —bha hum bug===============
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 8th, 2011
8:33 am
Hope Springs Eternal!
O’Brien
August 8th, 2011
8:03 am
___________________
Boy have I missed your comments! (she winks).
Co-Sign your post:
“The most successful men in business, hire the right people and allow them to do their jobs.”
-arthur unknown-
One can only hope that Mr. Murelo embraces this basic philosophy. The way Mr. Blank has learned to do with The Falcons.
Astro Joe
August 8th, 2011
8:58 am
Yeah, let’s hope that he models himself out of the RIGHT owner in LA… Buss and NOT Sterling. Only time will tell.
vava74
August 8th, 2011
9:00 am
“hands on approach” means that Meruelo will look to have the first all hispanic starting five in the league.
vava74
August 8th, 2011
9:20 am
And will change the name to “Hotlanta Burritos”
Where's the Logic?
August 8th, 2011
10:17 am
“If we American people ever allow monopoly banking to control the issue of currency, first by inflation and then by deflation, these banks and bureaucracies that will grow up around them will deprive we, the people of all our property until our children will wake up homeless on the continent which God gave us for stewardship.”
~ Thomas Jefferson
“Mission Accomplished!” bubba jr/bummer sr
I’ll take a Burrito and a Tequila please…
terrell
August 8th, 2011
11:17 am
Now go get us a GM AND A Coach.
Where's the Logic?
August 8th, 2011
11:40 am
fire sale?
Astro Joe
August 8th, 2011
12:43 pm
I wouldn’t get too excited about any short term massive changes. If dude is buying into the NBA pre-CBA, then clearly Stern has led him (and the new Pistons owner) into believing that they won’t settle for a deal that won’t virtually guarantee profitability for all owners. That likely means a reduced salary structure. The Hawks don’t have much flexibility and even if they did, there aren’t many elite free agents available this summer. That doesn’t mean nothing will change, but I wouldn’t hold out hope for this guy to be holding the golden trpohy in his first year as an owner.
Ray
August 8th, 2011
1:18 pm
Hey guys I’m back
I was just on ESPN they were talking about this as their headline.
From one thing the 5 people that were writing the story are saying that Jeff Teague should start straight up.
From what I can also gather it’s a mixed bag on letting Jamal Crawford walk plus it’s also a mixed bag with trading Josh Smith.
I’ve already said my statements on both I think Jamal should walk and Josh should stay. As bad as we pound on Josh Smith for jacking up jumpers he’s not the one that really loses us the games.
Worldwide Clyde
August 8th, 2011
1:37 pm
FIRE SUND
Ray
August 8th, 2011
2:05 pm
This I can agree with, but the only thing is who do you replace him with that’s the first thing we need to find out.
A Hit..
August 8th, 2011
2:36 pm
Trade Al and Marvin ASAP! Keep Josh! He’s the more talented of this group….
“Enthusiastic Co-Sign! I was against the ordinance for fining young men who wore their pants on the ground – UNTIL:
I left the confines of the suburbs in Roswell, GA yesterday and trekked over to South West Atlanta. I went to The Pearl Bistro next to Greenbriar Mall for the first and last time. While eating dinner with some new friends, I looked up and saw a THUG leaned over the bar and his pants were belted underneath his butt cheeks. All up in my face was his azz covered in gray cotton under-roos and his butt crack clearly defined!
I’m a beautiful young black woman, who had NEVER seen such a disgusting display of disrespect for others in public!
I nearly barfed, became enraged and simply left to head back to the suburbs, where I don’t have to see that ISH!
I will NEVER go to SWATS again! NEVER!
I now, fully support the ordinance. As a matter of fact? The ordinance is not strong enough. These THUGS should be arrested for indecent exposure! (smdh)”
drmaryb, most of these dudes are probably under cover or on the down low! Why else would they show their butt crack in public? To advertise desert for tonight?
A Hit..
August 8th, 2011
2:39 pm
Bring back Billy Knight so he can correct his mistakes!
Grandad
August 8th, 2011
3:29 pm
Ray;
I agree that Josh is -Not- the problem:
r e *[spew hater aid on the Josh fans]
as I continually say::
” I Like Josh ”
If people had examined any of my disquisition;
they would know that !
Sorry Ray;
I got off topic for a sec.
My feelings remain;
Joe is the larger problem.
[not so much his contract - *currently]
But, his refusal to adapt to a team oriented offense;
plus, his inability to understand that;
” to the one superfluous $ are given – a whole bunch is required ”
[paraphrase].
*Defense, Hustle Plays, Leadership (at least by example), etc.
Grandad
August 8th, 2011
3:34 pm
If that’s not you ” Hat ” – my apologies.
To the original – ” Wingnut ” [code-name] :
I hope all is well ! How's your daughter ?
Grandad
August 8th, 2011
3:37 pm
Wing-nut;
How is your daughter doing ?
(that sounds more resspectful)
sincerely, G-dad
Grandad
August 8th, 2011
3:39 pm
*respectful
note – the blog’s been down so long, I can’t spell anymore.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 8th, 2011
11:45 pm
Troll Alert!
I didn’t post those last two comments on here.
__________________
So, Let’s Go Hawks!
Buddy Grizzard
August 9th, 2011
7:04 am
Can’t believe people trolling the true blognoscenti like G-Dad and dmb. Ya’ll like school on summer vacation… no class.
I got two words for ya’ll and you heard it here first.
Dennis
Lindsey
He is the assistant general manager of the San Antonio Spurs, the best-run organization in professional sports. The last understudy of Spurs GM R.C. Buford to get his own GM job? Sam Presti of the OKC Thunder. Need I say more? Hire him now before Toronto has a chance to steal him just like they stole the coach we should have had (Dwayne Casey).
Hawks are going to live to regret not getting Lawrence Frank as well. Obviously in a dream come true, Dennis Lindsey would hire Rick Adelman. But if we can just get Lindsey I will trust him to find the right coach.
drmaryb.(*_*).
August 9th, 2011
8:08 am
That’s right! Stay away you mean trollies!!
All I care about is BIG BURLY MUSCULAR MANY MEN!!
Dwayne
August 9th, 2011
11:52 am
He bought the rights to all things Thrashers…here is hoping for a return of hockey to Atlanta. With a owner who wants a championship, I’d start going to Hawks games again…one can wish.