Atlanta Hawks: Season’s over
Boston–The Hawks’ streak of second-round playoff appearances ended at three. After a 40-26 regular season, the Hawks lost in six games to the Celtics in the first round. There will be time to dissect things later but, for now, here’s what the participants had to say. . . .
- Larry Drew on the season: “Given everything that we went through in the season with all the injuries and not having Al and so many guys missing games, I am very proud of our guys. We could have folded the tent. We responded very well, very professionally. Given 40 wins I’m very happy about that, given all we’ve been through. Tonight was disappointing [because] we didn’t advance. I thought we played a very gutsy series other than the one game. Overall I’m very proud of this bunch for what they accomplished.”
- Al Horford on if there are any ‘what-ifs’ for the season: “There is. I’m proud of the guys the way they reacted and came out every night and competed. That’s tough having so many injuries and different guys having to fill in. I feel like each guy has had their moment this year. I just kind of came in at the end trying to help us out. Unfortunately for us the run ended.”
- Josh Smith: “We overcame adversity throughout the season. Obviously it’s disappointing that we couldn’t do something special this season. The road was paved as good as it’s ever going to get for us but we didn’t take advantage of it. That’s the frustrating part. But we can’t hang our heads. We have to look at all the positives this team did this season. Losing Al pretty much the whole season and people counting us out, and for us to be able to do what we did, it’s something special. It’s not all negative. We have got to look at the positives and take this into the offseason and work more harder to be able to better ourselves as a unit.”
- Joe Johnson: “I thought we did what we could with what we had. It was tough. We are just now getting our full squad back together, what is it here, Game 4 of the playoffs? We still had a chance to win and advance. All we wanted to do was give ourselves a chance to win in Boston and we did that. Unfortunately, we came up short.”
- Doc Rivers: “You’ve got to give Atlanta a lot of credit. You really do. Especially tonight. I mean, Atlanta is criticized so much about who they are and all that stuff. And they had 10 times tonight where they could’ve went away and said, ‘You know what? We gave it great effort.’ And they just kept putting the pressure on us. And I though that was what this series was more about: I thought they kept putting the pressure on us and we had to answer. Game 2 still was the biggest game. Not having [Rajon] Rondo and winning that game was huge for us. And then down the stretch we won games with execution at times.”
- Drew on Atlanta’s penultimate possession that ended with Josh’s missed jumper: That wasn’t [the play]. We were in our wrong spots. We did not execute what we had drawn up in the huddle. We can’t have that type of mental breakdown at the end of a game. You just can’t have it. That play is not designed to be at the elbow shooting a jump shot. We did not execute it.”
- Josh on the fourth-quarter offense: “We were getting the shots we wanted. We got some looks. A couple of in-and-out. We tried to drive the paint and get to the free-throw line but we wasn’t getting the calls. If I had to do it all over again, I’d do the same thing in the fourth quarter. We was getting the shots. This team helps so much on the strong side, they kind of make you live with the weak-side perimeter jump shots. Especially when they know what satisfies them the most is it’s not the star players doing it.”
- Horford on the foul by Marquis Daniels as Atlanta was attempting to inbound the ball: “I know that I was trying to get through and he was grabbing me and I couldn’t really move. I don’t know if the ball was inbounded or not. I was just trying to cut through. Obviously the ref saw [the play] and didn’t call it.”
- Horford on not intentionally missing the second free-throw attempt down a point and no timeouts: “I didn’t really think about it. That’s something I probably should have given some thought. The first one felt good. I was surprised I missed it. Looking back I should have missed the second one, not realizing we didn’t have any timeouts. I did [realize it] before but there was a lot of stuff going on through the game.”
- Josh on what “one or two” things could have made a difference for the Hawks: “Maybe we could have shot a little bit more free throws. It was 24-10. We was being aggressive; we just wasn’t getting the calls. I don’t know what we had to do. We played our hearts out tonight. We fell short. A couple controversial calls. Things like that happen when you are on the road. You have to try your hardest to try not to make it a close game. When you play in an environment like the Garden in Boston, they have some of the best fans in the whole entire league. Like I said before, I was a little jealous because the fans here are so supportive of their team. You go out, look in the stands there is nothing but Celtics jerseys. I don’t see a trace of red in there. Understanding that the fans are that passionate, it adds an extra advantage for them. A bad shot can be as good a turnover when you are playing against a team like Boston, especially with the fanbase they have.”
- Drew on what went wrong when Hawks blew eight-point lead in second quarter: “Bad shots. We had some bad shots. We had some turnovers and those made it into transition baskets. I told the guys at halftime, looking back at how we defended their sets we did a good job but turned it over and took some bad shots. In this building a bad shot is just as good as a turnover and if you don’t have proper floor balance, they can run you right out the gym. That’s what led to that spurt. We didn’t get into our offense very crisp. They pressured us, they took us out of our sweet spots and it just kind of made it tough for us and we didn’t respond to that.”
- Joe: “We just got a little stagnant. We turned the ball over a few times, they scored. That’s not where we lost the game. In the fourth quarter, we had a three-point lead with a minute and something on the clock. That’s what hurts the most.”
- Drew on Kevin Garnett: “‘KG,’ he was an All-Star tonight. He made some big shots tonight. He put them into a great position early. He was really fighting for the low block. We were trying to disrupt his rhythm as much as we could. We tried to double team him at times we didn’t get down there fast enough. He made some big shots for them.”
- Josh on Garnett: “He asserted himself early in the game. We were supposed to trap him a little bit but the traps were a little passive, not aggressive. He took advantage of it. He got himself started early and made some shots down the stretch for them. He’s definitely their emotional leader. He still has a lot in the tank.”
- Garnett on Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr.’s comments: “First off, I want to say ‘Thank you’ to their owner for giving me some extra gas tonight. My only advice to him is next time he opens his mouth, actually know what he’s talking about, Xs and Os versus checkbooks and bottom lines. . . . We’re not dirty. We’re firm, we’re aggressive. We’re not dirty. You have to understand the word ‘dirty’ in this game is very defined. Going under guys, trying to hurt guys, ill intent–is not they way we play basketball. . . . We play with a lot of passion, play with force. It’s the playoffs but I’m not trying to hurt anybody, nor has my teammates. I just found that comment to be a little rude and a little out of hand and I wanted to address it. Just because you got a bunch of money don’t mean you can open your mouth.”
- Josh on feeling like the Hawks didn’t get to show what they could do with a full squad: “Al came back. I got injured in Game 2. I think that was a winnable game. Things happen, man. The margin there is so small in the playoffs. Anything can beat you at any given moment. We had opportunities where we could have won games and we couldn’t get it done. We can definitely learn from that basketball team in that other locker room. The way they play collectively on the defensive end together, they really make you think, really make you work for every point. I think we definitely can take their philosophies and apply it to this basketball team because we are long and athletic. Their philosophies can help us be one of the top defensive teams in the entire league next year.”
- Horford on returning for the playoffs: “I don’t regret any of that. I feel like I went out and played and gave everything I had.”
- Horford on playing 46 minutes: “I was dragging, to be honest, most of the game. Then in the fourth [quarter] I had to dig down deep and I was like, ‘Let’s make one more big run at this. Let’s try to win this game.’ That’s kind of what fueled me throughout that fourth quarter. I was fatigued but I knew my team needed me.”
- Joe on “what-ifs”: “Yeah, it hurts. The last three years we advanced and made it to the second round. After last year, we looked at if like we was ready to make that jump. Give them credit. They are a great veteran team that has been around the block, knows what it takes. They came into our house and stole one. That’s all they needed.”
- Drew on “what-ifs”: “Man, I’ve been saying that from Day One. If we would have had a full squad, if we would have had Zaza [Pachulia], all the games that Kirk [Hinrich] missed, all the games [Jason Collins] missed, the games Marvin [Williams] missed. I’m proud of these guys for responding the way they did given all the injuries. Everyone counted us out. The other day I saw when we lost Al, they projected us to win 25 games. I think that says a lot about [the players] and about my coaching staff with all the adversity we faced this season and yet we were able to overcome.”
- Josh on moving forward: “Go into the offseason and try to get better every season. Working out, keep having the same work ethic I’ve been having my whole career. Use this as fuel. That’s a great basketball team over there. They’ve done some special things. When they acquired the Big Three, since then they’ve been doing some special things in the postseason. We can definitely learn a lot from that ballclub. It definitely hurts not being able to get out of the first round. . . . I felt like we had the best opportunity to be able make it to the Eastern Conference final, this year more so than other years. That’s always disappointing but we’ve got to take this into the offseason, be able to work hard and try to get better next season.”
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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206 comments Add your comment
Sugar Ray
May 11th, 2012
12:54 am
Bye, Josh.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 11th, 2012
12:55 am
FIRE GEARON
FOOL
doc
May 11th, 2012
12:56 am
The Hawks are 1-11 in playoff series against Boston. They last beat the Celtics as the St. Louis Hawks to win the 1958 NBA title. …
this is where it started for me in 58
no wonder i hate green
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 11th, 2012
12:59 am
Read Doc’s comments. It’s obvious they didn’t think we had a shot vs them.
Joe said we did all we could with what we had.
Pretty much means we have hit our ceiling…
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:00 am
Joe Johnson: “I thought we did what we could with what we had. It was tough. We are just now getting our full squad back together, what is it here, Game 4 of the playoffs?
oh my
i hope it is a typo otherwise it is a severe wattage issue. maybe this explains the time to i itiatethr offense untilball the space is gone.
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
1:00 am
I told y’all the Hawks would miss Jamal Crawford this year [postseason].
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 11th, 2012
1:00 am
LOL @ LD acting like missing Collins and Kirk was a huge deal
Hawks4Life
May 11th, 2012
1:01 am
Next yr can we please get a beat writer who cares about the team
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 11th, 2012
1:02 am
i hope it is a typo otherwise it is a severe wattage issue. maybe this explains the time to i itiatethr offense untilball the space is gone.
****
wow
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:05 am
denver has taken the refs out of it
that is the only was a small mariet team can win against the big boys
Joe for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:07 am
Jamal Crawford wouldn’t have won this series. No way. You remember he doesn’t play D, right? Or rebound…
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:07 am
Sugar… who do you feasibly, and the key word is feasibly, get that makes you a better team if you just flippantly jettison Josh?
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:09 am
Doc – “maybe this explains the time to i itiatethr offense untilball the space is gone.”
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:09 am
what was that nonsense?
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
1:11 am
thank you josh smith for calling out the refs, but no hawks fan would be caught dead in boston. lay off the hawks fans. maybe make the ecf first and we will come crawling for a ticket to the games. plus, boston is full of bandwagoners. they didnt fill the stadium like that pre-big 3
Najeh Davenpoop
May 11th, 2012
1:14 am
Go Braves
Najeh Davenpoop
May 11th, 2012
1:15 am
FIRE WOODY
Doom and Gloom
May 11th, 2012
1:15 am
I hate to sound like yet another whiny poster, but the we didn’t play the boston celtics tonight, we played the boston referees!!!! This was some bull, shame on you nba!!!! Most rigged sport in the World!!!!!
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:16 am
When does Joe ever get the balls to say what is really the truth? He should be saying,”i’m not living up to my end of the deal and I need to do more if we are going to be more.”
Instead he says bs like “I don’t feel any added pressure” when referring to the money he’s being paid. I will say it now since no one else really wants to man up and say what really needs to be said.
Joe Johnson IS what is wrong with this team. You can’t pay a guy like THAT, that kind of money and not cause serious chemistry issues with the team.
Joe get paid to be the man but he is anything but that in every aspect of what he should be. Jamal Crawford resented it, other players resent it, you can tell Josh resents it, and Al called him on his b.s.
Joe is the sleeping Elephant in the Room…
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:16 am
http://nbadoppelgangers.tumblr.com/post/22721786368/mikewoodson-steveharvey
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:16 am
Like I said before, I was a little jealous because the fans here are so supportive of their team. You go out, look in the stands there is nothing but Celtics jerseys. I don’t see a trace of red in there. Understanding that the fans are that passionate, it adds an extra advantage for them.
dont worry josh i am giving up my seats next year so colored jerseys can sit there. maybe it is fun for them to watch solid mistake free and choke free basketball played by their home team. me i think i will become a nugger fan because they have a smart coach who tyeir owner pays well and they are giving it all. they have had their share of turmoil and survived too
dude you need a sport shrink bad. great body and equally big ego under too small a brain.
we really missed al this year for his heady play in spite of the haters
jjm
May 11th, 2012
1:16 am
Lol josh get the hell out of atlanta
Mark
May 11th, 2012
1:20 am
Well Josh maybe the team would have more support from fans if they didn’t have STUPID PLAYERS LIKE YOU who settle for jumpshots with the season on the line.
Hawks4Life
May 11th, 2012
1:20 am
It aint joe fault that we didnt resign jamal…you gotta blame that on gearon and co. All the elite teams have max players and know that they have to go over the cap to fill the team with quality players. We have to get qualtiy coach and a damn center.
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:21 am
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:09 am
Doc – “maybe this explains the time to i itiatethr offense untilball the space is gone.”
try this as response to jj’s fourth game comment:
maybe this explains the time it takes to initiates the offense until the space is gone.
LinkReport this comment
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:21 am
Doom and Gloom – I hate complaining about refs too, but that game was called like a joke. 10 FT attempts for atl, 24 for bos.
It’s not like the hawks weren’t driving and getting inside. They were. They just never got a whistle on the shot. Conversely, every time Boston went up for a shot down low, the whistle would appear.
tjhook
May 11th, 2012
1:21 am
goodbye LD please
Fats
May 11th, 2012
1:21 am
They fought like warriors in Boston. Got called for too many technicals and what is with the 25 foot jumper in the last 30 seconds? Stupid mistakes kill ya,but they went to war and cant complain of the battle they put up.
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
1:22 am
HAHAHAHAHAH GUESS WHAT U BUNCH OF CHOKELANTA STEPPINGSTONE PLAYOFF FOOTNOTE CHOKERS EARNED URSELVES WITH THE FIRST ROUND EXIT TONIGHT IS A 1 WAY TICKET BACK HOME TO CHOKELANTA WITH UR GOLF CLUBS IN HAND TO TAKE IN ALL THE GOLFING U GUYS CAN ENJOY YEAR ROUND NO SECOND ROUND PLAYOFFS FOR U CHOKERS JUST A YEARS WORTH OF GOLFING ICE FISHING AND SOME MORE GOLFING U GUYS WILL ALWAYS BE KNOWN AS NOTHING MORE THAN A BUNCH OF CHOKELANTA PLAYOFF STEPPINGSTONE CHOKERS THAT TURTLED OUT OF THE FIRST ROUND INTO THE OFFSEASON OF MEDIOCRITY UNCERTAINESS AND BY THE WAY MORE GOLFING AND ICE FISHING HAHAHAHAHAH GREEN AND WHITE FOREVER GO CELTICS AS THE OLD SPORTS SAYING GOES WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR IF U MAKE IT NEXT YEAR HAHAHAHAHA:)
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:22 am
I’m born and raised in ATL and I feel his pain. Hell, i hate going to the games having to drown out the other teams’ fans.
But it is what it is until.. until gawd knows when.
Mark
May 11th, 2012
1:23 am
I guess this ends Michael Gearon’s theory on us being 1 of three teams to get out of the second round in the entire NBA. What a loser! Please stop calling players like Garnett and maybe start calling out your COACH and 120 Million dollar superdud!
jwmoney12
May 11th, 2012
1:24 am
jj is getting paid to much money
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:25 am
You know Gearon’s battle cry for the off-season. “With a healthy core and more experience, we will really see what this team will do.”
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:26 am
im glad we saved our guys in game two for game seven. right?
Rick Sund
May 11th, 2012
1:27 am
I hope you fans saw plenty of UPSIDE tonight. Joe SUPERSTAR Johnson really showed why I gave him so much money.
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
1:28 am
okelanta is full of chokers tonight hahahahahah enjoy the offseason of ice fishing and golfine oh and by the way guys let me know how ur golfing and ice fishing season is going
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:28 am
george karl is so cool and he has a great smile on his face. cat eating the bird.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:29 am
Mark, can you believe that in an elimination game that the $120M gave you 0 pts, 0 reb, 1 ast?
If it wasn’t for the fact that tonite Joe’s performance was par for the course I might be shocked.
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
1:29 am
TRADE JOSH SMITH FOR A BIG. HE IS A TEAM KILLER WITH HIS SHOT SELECTION. HE BELONGS IN CHARLOTTE. AL HORFORD MADE THIS A SERIES. AL HORFORD HAS THE HEART OF A LION.
Hawks Fan Down Under
May 11th, 2012
1:29 am
First things first….we need a new coach.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 11th, 2012
1:30 am
With one knee, Pierce had just as good a game as Joe
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:32 am
wow terrible call
kobe should have been heading home early
bynum maybe done in this series fareid and mcghee may rule the west
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:32 am
JeJe
CORRECTION: Pierce had a better game with one knee.
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:33 am
Bynum with a serious sour-puss.
CamiloAtlanta
May 11th, 2012
1:33 am
Who cares what they say. They are all losers.
Hawks4Life
May 11th, 2012
1:33 am
Joe was going to get a max deal where ever he went so get over it… If joe didnt come to the hawks we would never even smell the playoffs and we still wouldnt get anybody to come play here with way the owners do bus and the lack of fan support.
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
1:36 am
@Joe for 3
Joe for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:07 am
Jamal Crawford wouldn’t have won this series. No way. You remember he doesn’t play D, right? Or rebound…
———————————————————–
He [Jamal Crawford] may not play D or rebound but he [Crawford] can score and help get you [and the Hawks] out of the first round of the playoffs. See Hawks’ postseason playoff runs of 2010 and 2011.
P.S. Crawford can also make his free throws at a very high rate/percentage [92.7%]. As George “Ice Man” Gervin would say, “Jamal Crawford can finger roll.”
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ATL/
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:37 am
BS – Not this season. This team would have been in the playoffs without JJ. What does he do for this team now. Vanish in crucial situations, avoid any attempt at rebounding, have a contract that renders ATL from making any moves.
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
1:38 am
THOSE REFS COST US THE GAME!!! COME ON HAWKS PLAYERS AND COACHES, CALL THEM OUT ON IT.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:39 am
Just because Joe may have, key word is “may”, doesn’t mean that it was smart for ATL to give him $120M. There are plenty guys out there that can give you points without meaningful contributions in other areas of the game for a hell of alot less.
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
1:40 am
chokelanta is full of chokers tonight hahahahah hey guys let me know how ur offseason full of ice fishing and golfing turn out for ya go celtics green & white forever hahahahahahah chokers turtled out of the 1st round
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
1:42 am
REFS FAVORED BOSTON THE WHOLE SERIES. SMH.
Hawks4Life
May 11th, 2012
1:43 am
Knicks and Bulls where right there lined up to sign joe. Without joe is was going to be iso al and josh mann please…the reason there open is because the def is focus on joe
northcyde
May 11th, 2012
1:43 am
I got the trade.
You talk to the Russian billionaire and Jigga, and tell them . .
“You need overall talent, we need a legit star and a leader. So how about a trade
Deron Williams for Jeff Teague + any Hawk you want
- Joe Johnson
- Al Horford
- Josh Smith
Teague is a good scoring PG. Joe Johnson is a 6 time All-Star. Josh Smith is a very good athletic PF. Al Horford is one of the best PF/Cs in the game.
And I know Deron has a player option. But we can also do a sign and trade to bring him here. Convince Deron that he can live it up in ATL, and still have some good pieces to work with if he comes here
JJ + Teague will probably bring in Deron and maybe a filler like Jordan Farmar.
Teague + Smith or Horford would simply get you Deron.
1st trade: Ship Teague + JJ to Brooklyn for Deron
Hawks lineup:
Deron
( free agent SG )
Marvin ( unless amnestied )
Smith
Horford
Brooklyn lineup:
Teague
Johnson
Gerald Green
Gerald Wallace
Brook Lopez
2nd trade: Teague + Smith for Deron
Hawks lineup:
Deron
Johnson
Marvin ( unless amnestied )
Horford
Zaza
Brooklyn lineup:
Teague
Gerald Green
Gerald Wallace
Smith
Lopez
3rd trade: Teague + Horford for Deron
Hawks lineup:
Deron
Johnson
Marvin ( unless amnestied )
Smith
Zaza
Brooklyn lineup:
Teague
Gerald Green
Gerald Wallace
Horford
Lopez
This is not an indictment on Teague. It’s just that Teague should be a piece used to bring in a legit All-Star ( borderline superstar ) like Deron Williams. And a team may covet Teague as a young asset. I’d possibly even leave it up to Deron as to which 2 of “the core” he wants to play with.
My thing is . . let a proven star PG like Deron make the on the court decisions for this team. Maybe he can make guys like Johnson, Smith, or Horford better players.
And if Deron isn’t coming back to Brooklyn, Jigga will need SOMETHING to sell to that fan base. A Teague + “a core member” would be a start.
And make no mistake . . Deron IS the marquee guy now. Not JJ or Smith or Horford . . it’s DERON.
Market the team around him for the next 4+ years.
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:46 am
Iso al? are you kidding me? Al posts up, or shoots an 18 footer off a pass.
There would have been no iso al.
Hawks4life, you forget that if ATL had the money not spent on JJ, they could made moves for other players.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
1:46 am
If you believe that then you’re just as foolish as the guys that gave him $120M to get 17 pts a nite. However, you can believe what you want to believe, but just because you seem to believe the sky is orange doesn’t make it so lol.
Rusty
May 11th, 2012
1:48 am
JJ is a offense killer LD is a team killer. Nortcyde is a idiot.
Hawks4Life
May 11th, 2012
1:51 am
If doc coached this team we would be a elite team. Joe and marvin arent utlized right period
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
1:52 am
CHOKELANTA BLOWS LARRY DREW’S SAUSAGE HAHAHAHAH ENJOY THE OFFSEASON CHOKERS
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
1:53 am
You just defended Marvin Williams. Your opinion has been rendered useless.
doc
May 11th, 2012
1:53 am
thank you hawks for life
Mike D
May 11th, 2012
1:54 am
High sider get off Jamal he is not that good where is Portland? Oh yea, they did not even make the playoffs an jamal does not even start for them Wes Matthews play before him Jamal would have nothing in dis series
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
1:55 am
THE REFS ARE THE REASON WE ARE NOT ADVANCING.
Hawks4Life
May 11th, 2012
1:56 am
I guess you like ld having marvin living at the 3pt line. I know doc good get more out marvin and everbody else.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
2:02 am
Hawks
Talking to you Is like arguing with someone that thinks the earth is flat.
al
May 11th, 2012
2:08 am
I wish some of the other players would show some emotion.
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
2:09 am
“…Joe Johnson IS what is wrong with this team. You can’t pay a guy like THAT, that kind of money and not cause serious chemistry issues with the team.
Joe get paid to be the man but he is anything but that in every aspect of what he should be. Jamal Crawford resented it, other players resent it, you can tell Josh resents it, and Al called him on his b.s.
Joe is the sleeping Elephant in the Room…” – Super Randy
That’s just it. It all starts at the “top” with [the] bad personnel and contract decisions made by Rick “Dumb” [Sund] and the ASG. Executive Management is the blame for this debacle. Joe Johnson is not the blame/culprit. ATL Hawks’ brass should have never offered Joe Johnson a max contract. When management grossly overpays a player [or an employee] and that player’s [employee's] salary is publicized, that public knowledge of the salary is going to cause resentment, envy, jealousy, backbiting, backstabbing, anger, rage, fury, murmuring, etc. but all of those negative emotions are usually misdirected at the wrong individual[s]. The anger about Joe Johnson’s contract should be directed at Dumb and Dumber [Rick Sund and the ASG]. Dumb and Dumber are responsible for disrupting team chemistry and cohesion by grossly overpaying one player. That type of sh-t happens everyday in the [regular] workplace – employees getting undeserved raises and promotions.
If your employer overpays you, should [or would] you give that money back [to your employer]? And as much as black people [black men in particular] have been underpaid, underemployed and unemployed [in America], why should Joe Johnson give [some of] that [contract] money back [to the Atlanta Hawks franchise]? Don’t get mad at Joe [Johnson]; get mad at Dumb and Dumber.
soullrenaissance
May 11th, 2012
2:09 am
the hard-headed never learn.
…If I had to do it all over again, I’d do the same thing in the fourth quarter. We was getting the shots. This team helps so much on the strong side, they kind of make you live with the weak-side perimeter jump shots. Especially when they know what satisfies them the most is it’s not the star players doing it.”
smoove
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
2:14 am
This blog is borked, can’t post anything.
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
2:16 am
High-sider – you love the [brackets.]
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
2:19 am
CELTICS SHOT 14 MORE FREE THROWS TONIGHT.
hawkfan
May 11th, 2012
2:24 am
hahahhahaha what a joke 3 out of 5 of shaqakin a fool was from the hawks, what a great ending to the season
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
2:25 am
Joe not for 3
May 11th, 2012
2:16 am
High-sider – you love the [brackets.]
—————————-
Yes, I do [love (the) brackets]. [LOL]
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
2:27 am
I HATE SHAQ. HE COULDNT BE ANY MORE BIASED TOWARDS THE CELTICS TONIGHT.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
2:33 am
High,
I agree that it is not Joes fault that the ownership group were fools. However, that doesn’t make him less of a problem. Every single reason I was was always against that max contract offer has turned out to be right in point.
Joe is not the type of person, or player, you give that contract to. There are only a handful of guys you give those contracts to, and Joe, as “good” of a player that he is, was never good enough player, had enough top side, nor the type of guy you put in that position.
It has left us in a bad situation from a leadership, chemistry, and financial point of view.
jjm
May 11th, 2012
2:34 am
Lol how they leave joe off the gone fishin. They should have put him on there with that sane overpaid shirt on
5150 UOAD
May 11th, 2012
2:36 am
How can any smart person follow or cheer for the NBA much-less the Hawks?
vava74
May 11th, 2012
2:40 am
Coaching deficit, Refereeing and Injuries stole the series for BOS.
If LD is back next year I will not dole out $$ on league pass. It’s pointless without a shakeup on the bench.
I honestly don’t think that the problem is the roster, but how the roster is used and how there is so little structure on what is done by the Hawks.
They have improved their x and o’s from Woody’s time but once things get complicated and tough, over the season against top teams and now in the playoffs, they simply can’t execute, in particular down stretch and that boils down to what they have on the bench.
The Hawks may not be the best “car on the race” but the pilot is clearly just average and that does not cut it.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
2:42 am
And one more thing. If people don’t understand that horford has more of an advantage playing the 5 instead of the 4 then I don’t know what they are looking at. Horford is not the mismatch at the 4 that he is at the 5.
I just don’t get why people seem to wax so poetic about horford playing the 4. I just don’t get it.
Hawksgoingbackward
May 11th, 2012
2:45 am
I live in Atlanta (moved here 10 years ago) was a die hard fan, defended them to everyone who doubted them. Til they I saw their true colors as a heartless bunch of fast guys who make way to much money (Joe Johnson). This team is never gonna be any good with cheap owners. The only thing the owners have more than money is excuses. We are gonna here an off season full of excuses. Joe Johnson is what is wrong with this team, hopefully Josh S. gets traded to a team with some heart and ownership who is willing to pay to take advantage of the small windows you get to do something special.
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
2:47 am
Mike D
May 11th, 2012
1:54 am
High sider get off Jamal he is not that good where is Portland? Oh yea, they did not even make the playoffs an jamal does not even start for them Wes Matthews play before him Jamal would have nothing in dis series
———————————————————————————-
Just because Jamal Crawford was the Blazers’ sixth man doesn’t [necessarily] mean that Jamal [Crawford] was the sixth best player for the Blazers or the second best 2- [shooting] guard for the Blazers. Jamal was the second best scorer [13.9~14.0ppg] for the Blazers behind [All-Star] LaMarcus Aldridge. Jamal’s scoring average right there should tell you something. How well did the Hawks score in their playoff run this postseason? Last year with Jamal [Crawford], the Hawks ended their postseason playoff run with a win-loss record of 6-6. This year without Jamal [Crawford], the Hawks ended their postseason playoff run with a win-loss record of 2-4. Which is the better [playoff] record? You add it up; you do the math. And after you’ve finished, book it.
Super Randy
May 11th, 2012
2:50 am
Vava,
I agree. Our roster really is not an issue by itself. However, if you were to truly take advantage of your current roster that would mean de-emphasizing joe and using him I was that just don’t justify the money he is being paid and I think that is truly what’s going in here.
But all things being equal, our roster, with the right coaching philosophy is good enough to get it done. Don’t get me wrong, I think joe is a very good player. He has just been annointed the wrong role.
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
2:54 am
at some point, the refs take away your reason to watch the game. i love the nba, but the refereeing tonight finally took its toll on me. tim donaghy was real folks. that is all.
Grandad
May 11th, 2012
3:01 am
I will give a season synopsis a bit later.
Tonite I must get a few things off my chest.
Rusty you are a name caller.
I defied you to give some concrete X`s and o`s to substantiate
your claims about LD and you have not done so.
Now you call nc a name with nothing on your docket but
saying folks are stupid or an idiot.
Is there anything you can add to the discussion ?
Please dissect LD`s coaching for us and elucidate your reasoning.
Rusty;
you got nuthin` !
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
3:03 am
the hawks owner said some stuff about the refs and clearly david stern made the call down to make sure we didnt win that game tonight. the nba is rigged. i am done.
Bravesfan79
May 11th, 2012
3:20 am
You mean NO ONE told Horford to miss the 2nd free throw?? Oyea, and nice to see the worst jump shooter on the floor taking a 2 just inside the 3 pt line with the season on the line, josh smith has to be one of the dumbest athletes ive ever came across. And nice comments josh, cant you appreciate the fact your a millionare from playing a game, and appreciate the fans that you do have!?
Grandad
May 11th, 2012
3:21 am
Tonite I must get a few things off my chest.
Now for some Hawks play-off wrap-up:
LD did a darn fine job;
both reg season and the play-offs.
Does he always make me happy ……?…… No !
But tonite during the game he made adjustments;
especially doubling PP.
That was a wise move.
But on this board – we – know it alls – yes – I included myself.
We carp and nit pick over every little detail with the benefit of hindsight.
-and-
Without the benefit of all that LD knows;
everything from internal issues to scouting reports for the opponent.
Sure he`s lobbying for his job;
but he`s correct, he coached this yr shorthanded.
*[all yr + the play-offs]
LD is nor would he be my 1st choice *’`but`’* he has earned another yr.
____________________________________________
Our Hawks played a gutsy series.
I really do not care for the attitude that DogNole takes;
in that 43 yrs ago had nothing to do with these kids who played tonight.
Sure we didn`t close out the game but there were mitigating factors.
The officiating made me nauseas.
Someone said earlier on the blog;
[my apologies for not remembering the penman]
the NBA is the most crooked of the Pro sports. [paraphrased]
* -exception wrestling- **(which is billed as an exhibition)
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
3:22 am
TO JOSH SMITH,
JUST BECAUSE THE ARENA ISNT ALWAYS FULL DOESNT MEAN THERE ARENT TONS OF FANS LIKE ME ROOTING ON THE TEAM IN FRONT OF MY TV. NOT EVERYBODY HAS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO WASTE LIKE YOU ON GOING TO THE GAMES.
Bravesfan79
May 11th, 2012
3:23 am
Teams that the refs help out in the playoffs: Chicago, NY, Boston, LA, Miami. Anyone else… gluck getting calls in crunch time! Seen it happen time and time again in the playoffs to the Jazz (against Chicago), the Kings (against Lakers)… some things never change.
Its hard being a true fan knowing the league can pretty much control crunch time if they choose to.
Bravesfan79
May 11th, 2012
3:33 am
To Josh Smith: I wasnt able to go to any games this year, im poor, and the seats are 2 expensive for my taste to fit yalls bloated salaries… *unlike Braves games. BUT… i watched almost every game on tv this season, and rooted hard like a true fan should. Dosent most of your salary come from tv contracts anyways?? Without fans like me watching on tv, a big chunk of your revenue dosent come in! How about taking responsibility for that IDIOT shot you put up at the end! Sad because im a josh smith fan and keep expecting him to play with some intelligence.
Thats why i liked the old Jazz teams from the 90’s, they played with smarts and passion!
And if the refs didnt love the bulls so much they would of gotten a championship.
ryan
May 11th, 2012
3:44 am
It wasn’t the refs, Larry Drew or the TNT announcers that won this game. It was the celtics, yes they are old but they are still very good particularly at the halfcourt defensive style that wins in the playoffs. Just to review their recent performances
2008- world champions
2009-lost round two (Orlando) without Garnett
2010- lost NBA finals (game 7) without Perkins
2011- lost round two (Miami) without Rondo
Boston went 24-10 in the second half of this season and are reasonably healthy
They get performances like Pierce (game 2) and Garnett ( Game 6) because those guys are superstars, albeit aging. Atlanta does not have a superstar and they do not have Doc Rivers or Rondo who can change a game on his own.
The Hawks are a solid team, much like the late 80’s Milwaukee Bucks or Cleveland Cavs those teams fell short because guys like Mark Price and Paul Pressey were good but they weren’t Bird or MJ
surfmaui
May 11th, 2012
3:46 am
Don’t break up this team. Here’s what we discovered. Despite the fact that they make some stupid plays and the offense can become stagnant, and despite the fact that Teague didn’t show up today we learned that we really can play with anyone. Series could easily have gone the other way and there was a particularly gutty performance in game three without Smith, Horford, and Pachulia.
But more important we discovered in general that Teague is getting better and can play, He was second in NBA’s most improved player I think. More important we discovered that Pachlia is a very productive center. This would enable moving Horford to his more natural power forward position , with Smith playing small forward and Johnson at SG. This creates an athletic team and with Pachulia some enforcer toughness as well as mismatches all over the place, at SF, PW and SG.
The guy who has to go is Marvin Williams and possibly Drew. Resign McGrady if he has anything at all left because he also creates big time matchup problems and is a great passer except when he expects Dampier to try to catch it. Frankly Iwas encouraged by the playoff performance
Grandad
May 11th, 2012
3:47 am
Tonite I must get a few things off my chest.
Part III
Joe Johnson:
____________________________________________
note – for *’`northcyde`’*
Please my friend, I do not wish to debate.
We have differing opinions on this.
I`m gonna state mine, while acknowledging you and I disagree.
With all due respect >G-dad<
____________________________________________
Joe Johnson:
Joe must go, somewhere, somehow !
It`s not that Joe is a bad player.
It`s really not about the contract, altogether.
The fact is He/Joe just don`t fit.
Joe does not fit anymore than Bibby did.
It`s chemistry:
Joe had some sort of chemistry with Bibby.
But not with Josh and Al.
For all the Al bashers;
I hope you saw it after the long layoff,
Josh and Al have chemistry ,,, they enjoy playing together.
You can see it when their on the ct together.
I think Teague enjoys it too.
Zaza makes it even better, allowing Josh and Al to play …
'`Forward`'
do not try to put a # on Josh or Al just let them play together
call one a [3] the other a [4] and let them run.
It don`t mattrer. They have divergent talents.
No Zaza is not a SS but he is a workman;
find another just like him and have two Zaza`a tag-teaming at the [5].
*Omer Asik comes to mind / another topic for another day.
Back to Joe;
he will never change.
We should stop right now trying to fit a square peg [Joe]
into a round hole [the the diverse speedy runners and jumpers]
that make up our new *stars = Josh/Al/Teaguer … [Nash, perhaps]
If we cannot trade him [Joe] the use the Amnesty clause. Please.
____________________________________________
Sorry nc:
I had the poor fortune of -having- to listen to Steve Holman [radio]1st half.
Nothing wrong with SH; I would rather have had access to a TV.
(Grandaughter`s recital) … priorities.
Holman quote:
'`We can`t win with Joe playing this bad`'
hawksfan2012
May 11th, 2012
3:47 am
@ryan boston underachieved with all that talent in my opinion. they will lose to miami in the ECF this year and that will mean 1 title in 5 years for the big 3. underachieving if you ask me. also, the refs did screw the hawks tonight. what game were u watching?
northcyde
May 11th, 2012
4:45 am
vava74
May 11th, 2012
2:40 am
Coaching deficit, Refereeing and Injuries stole the series for BOS.
If LD is back next year I will not dole out $$ on league pass. It’s pointless without a shakeup on the bench.
I honestly don’t think that the problem is the roster, but how the roster is used and how there is so little structure on what is done by the Hawks.
They have improved their x and o’s from Woody’s time but once things get complicated and tough, over the season against top teams and now in the playoffs, they simply can’t execute, in particular down stretch and that boils down to what they have on the bench.
The Hawks may not be the best “car on the race” but the pilot is clearly just average and that does not cut it.
*******************
The FT and rebounding disparity alone ( not just in the Boston series, but all year ), shows that this team, while talented, isn’t properly constructed to make a deep playoff run.
This team needs a great ( not good ) but great decision maker at the PG, and a talented bruiser on the front line that can score down low and preferably defend.
These are 2 elements that we lack on this team, despite our talent. It’s simply not the right mix of players. What we have here is like a real good AAU All-Star team full of athletes. But they’d lose everytime to an organized team.
Coaching is important, but that coach also needs the right mix of players.
It’s the reason why Golden State finally had to decide between Ellis and Curry. Get rid of one, to bring in what you REALLY need.
It’s the reason why the Clippers basically gave up all of their young talent, to get one superstar PG.
Hopefully Gearon ( since he’s the face of the owners ) and hopefully the new GM, isn’t so loyally blind, that they won’t see how a trade involving one or two of our “core” might make us a better team.
When Denver traded Iverson to Detroit for Billups, that Denver team instantly got better. When Golden State traded Mitch Richmond for Chris Webber, that Kings team instantly got better.
If fans and ownership are SERIOUS about winning around here, blind loyalty has to go out the window, and you have to do what may be best for the team.
northcyde
May 11th, 2012
4:49 am
And some of you fans need to stop being so sensitive about Josh’s comments. His comments are the absolute TRUTH. There were literally 5,000 Boston fans in that building on Tuesday. And most of then were in the lower bowl.
So what is Josh supposed to think, when he sees the crowd looking like Christmas decorations, with all of the red with green sprinkled everywhere. The crowd IS an issue in Atlanta. Name whatever reason WHY it is . . but it IS an issue.
If you go to the games and cheer for the Hawks, Josh obviously wasn’t talking about you. But what else SHOULD he think, when he sees all of those Boston fans on his home court?
robdawg
May 11th, 2012
4:56 am
We lost tonight because:
Lack of Coaching – No coach in his right mind or left mind calls an isolation play for Joe with the season on the line. You take the ball to the hoop and draw a foul. He should go for that alone. We need a coach that can control the idiots. Which brings me to our 2nd move of the off season. Josh has to go and he is tradeable. We should ship him anywhere. Somewhere, anywhere, it does not matter as long his moronic, idiotic, you name it is not jacking up fadeaways for our team next year. This is a no brainer. If we do not get rid of him, this moron will be doing the same crap next year. He is almost 30 and still behaves like he is 17. It’s time to cut our losses. The season is on the line and he is still shooting 20 ft fadeaways rather than going to the hoop and extending our season. Call it lazy, undisciplined, whatever. The fab 5 at Kentucky were smart enuff after one season with JC’s coaching to know this. Josh still is too stupid to figure this out. If we do not unload this idiot, we will be scratching our heads a year from now wondering how could this happen again. What’s the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing and expecting different results. He needs to go now. That brings us to the third off season move. Someone will take Joe. Maybe if we either package him with idiot boy above or take on some bad contracts. Joe also took one more ill advised jumper with our season on the line when he should be driving to the hoop trying to draw a foul. Makes you wonder if there is anything going on inside his head. I believe all Hawk’s fans have seen enuff of these two dimbwits. I would rather us play intelligent (read Steve nash, pick and rolls) and lose than be tortured anymore by just plain bad, sloppy, not even good high school basketball. This game is not that complex. You pass the ball around till you find the open man. We might lose again next year, but that does not mean we have to lose with these same two MORONS. Apoligizes to Larry Drew, but he is not the answer. We need a coach that’s in charge. When your season is on the line and all you can come up with is an isolation play for Joe to shoot a 20 footer. Next time down, Josh shoots a 20 foot fadeaway. This is our season on the line. Larry needs to just go quietly. The time for these changes is NOW. Anyone that disagrees really does not know much about basketball and should be subjected to more of this crap. Just take it somewhere else. This is way beyond enuff.
Edward
May 11th, 2012
5:22 am
The team failed because management nickle and dimes the fans every year. Not paying Crawford was dumb. And I believe we only had to give him 7 million for this season. Maybe less, but you do not let a multifaceted offensive player go when he is such a important part of your team. Our bench capability was all smoke and mirrors. We never build on what we have the year before. This years version of the Celtics would have lost in 5 games if Crawford was still on the team. And I am saying that with our injury problems this year. Here is a question, When did the Celtics have a answer for Crawford when he was in a Hawks uniform? They didn’t and this years roster did not have a answer either. I am keying on Crawford because he was a special piece that enhanced the team and the players around him. Plus, he was a playoff performer. If you did not know, you should know that the regular season and the playoffs are two totally different animals. Just ask the Chicago Bulls. This current team with all its injuries including Crawford would have beat Boston, ran through Philly, and challenged Miami to go to the finals. The franchise needs to progress not regress. Losing to the Bulls the year before showed that we needed more shooters and that Josh Smith needs to stay in the post. We did get more shooters and Josh Smith actually stayed in the post a lot more this season. But what was the purpose of losing Crawford? The only purpose I see is to regress as a team. That transaction said everything about what the Hawks were trying to accomplish this year. My friends thought we would be okay without Crawford this year because of some of the other bench additions. I told them, “wait till the playoffs.” Now, they understand. Do you?
ryan
May 11th, 2012
6:00 am
@hawksfan2012
I was watching the game with the three hall of famers, Rondo, Doc and Danny Ainge, seventeen world title banners versus 120 million dollar Joe, a dysfunctional ownership group and an arena with a banner heralding energy effiency ( Thanks Rutherford Seydel)
Josh will look good in Green next year and get the accountabilty he needs from pros
Also was watching in 88 and 2008 with similiar outcomes and advantages- hmmm lets see would you rather have Cliff Levingston or Kevin McHale, Randy Wittman or Ainge.
ATL never had a chance ( in any of those series)
that dude
May 11th, 2012
6:03 am
Celtics deserved that win, please people, stop crying. It sucks, but it is what it is. Maybe next year.
ryan
May 11th, 2012
6:06 am
@Bravesfan79 and anyone else complaining about Celtics attendance/Josh comments, upper level tickets for this series were available on Stubhub for 10 bucks. Also my row in the lower bowl was full of Green including college kids who got tickets for 50 bucks.
Lower level tickets for the NBA playoffs were too easy to get in this soft market and regular season Hawks especially midweek you can get lower level for 15 bucks on Stubhub or Craigslist.
If Hawks had drawn say Indy, Philly or Orlando Philips may not have looked like a Christmas tree
FRANKZABBA
May 11th, 2012
6:11 am
Not a Hawks fan, but Jeez this team is so hard to watch. There’s good talent on this team (Teague, Horford) but a glaring issue stands: GET RID OF JOE JOHNSON ALREADY. He’s the most overpaid player in the Association not named Carmelo Anthony.
Marcus
May 11th, 2012
6:23 am
thanks Grandad, Wading through all the emotional and irrational commentaries here is fatiguing. I guess the regulars with real b-ball insights () are getting over the last nite’s loss.
I am proud of this team. Despite Barkley’s running commentary, and even the warts on this team, this year was a totally different team. You can call it the ‘vet factor’ but we played with guts the majority of the time and scrapped as if our very survival depended on it. If you weigh in the compressed schedule, there were very few times (in comparison to recent years) where we took games off or were blasie to the point of NUMEROUS inexplicable losses.
We played with heart this entire series, but I betcha the analysts will point to Game 4 as the symbolic of this series because of who we were in the past (thinking the 2010 ORL blowout series) when they were not …. Games 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 were. Those games were hard-fought down to the final minute.
No one on this board, even the passionate fans with insight like Najeh, can tell me that this Hawk team wasn’t more resilient and determined. Execution sometimes, ehhh, shot-selection … (see execution), but we FOUGHT, which wasn’t always the case.
We played with who was here … not who we didn’t draft in 2005, not who we couldn’t trade for this season, not who we let go in FA last year … and although we came up short vs. BOS and, in theory didn’t make it as far as we did the last three years, I do believe we actually witnessed the establishment of a TEAM vs. some gunners all trying to be The Lone Ranger.
Now, I do hope and pray for a new owner, because our $$$ limitations will cause us to start doing a “fire sale” like MLBs Miami (nee Florida) Marlins used to do like clockwork.
LD deserves to come back, I hope Josh stays, and I hope Rick Sund, if he chooses to move on, will pave the way for a dynamic GM to come in and get us to the next level.
Oh well, so long playoffs…..sorry to see my team go and probably won’t watch unless in passing or just to keep up.
Loyal message board members, be safe this summer. As Hawks news pops up, so will I, but will probably lay low until the draft or whatever random news MC pops up on the AJC.
Hawks Fan Down Under
May 11th, 2012
6:24 am
The problem with the players is two fold. Firstly I think the main problem is Joe Johnson. He isnt a leader or a superstar and was lucky to be all-star the last 2 years. He would go really well as a second fiddel to someone like Rose or Williams or Paul etc. He also blames everyone else on the team through the media with little accountability to his own play.
But the other problem is Al and Josh play the same position. I like Al and I think Josh has matured greatly this last season. So much so that I think he is easily the Hawks best player. Still takes some bad shots and passes but overall he’s grown into a true star of the game.
First person I’d lose is JJ but who in this league will take that retarded contract?
If we can trade either Al or Josh for a legit star centre that’d be great and possible.
But as always these changes mean little with LD running the show.
blonju
May 11th, 2012
6:26 am
if joe can be moved, move him.. new GM, new COACH.. everything else is fiiiiine.. if we’re healthy, we win.. sad day in ATL if we move Josh Smith.. He’s had a better field goal percentage than Joe for the last 5 seasons.. Josh is NOT the problem.. Bring in a Jerry Sloan and watch guys get a lesson.
Marcus
May 11th, 2012
6:29 am
Oh yeah,
KG balled, but he has some gall getting mad because the ATL owner called him dirty, when he is one of the oneriest, non-PC trash talking/obscenity-spewing players in the NBA. He get all sensitive for that when he calls out C. Villanueva looking like a cancer patient, has words with Y. Noah, and spews so much cussing on the regular that military recruits take notes before joining the Navy. Get real.
Hope the 76ers run y’alls Methuselah @sses into the ground.
AG
May 11th, 2012
6:30 am
I am very proud of our team. Stephen A Smith bet Skip Bayless that Boston would win by 20. No moral victory though. The biggest play of the night went to the officiating. Instead of Al shooting FT’s with 3.9 secs and a timeout, the ref’s made us inbound again. LD – one of several mistakes called his LAST timeout! If Al went to the line the first time, we would still had a last shot at the buzzer.
I also fault LD for refusing to play Al on Garnett. I did not understand it Game 5 or tonight. He finally switched late in game 5. I still am stratching my head. MC should have asked that question, 6′9″gimpy Josh on KG.
Hawks Fan Down Under
May 11th, 2012
6:30 am
..and to everyone who is saying that the Hawks have won respect and that its so great they didnt give up etc….lets just get some perspective here. We lost to a Celtics team that is over the hill…in 6 games after having home court. We didnt just lose the Finals in a tough game 7. Good teams always fight. It should be a given for any team with title hopes.
And injuries dont matter as Pierce was on 1 leg and they missed Rondo and Allen for games as well.
The ATL needs a major overhaul. I’m betting it doesn’t happen.
steven West
May 11th, 2012
6:33 am
Are you Josh haters crazy? Actually, I do not have to ask you; its apparent from your stupid ass remarks.
Why the hell would any athlete not want to have the support of their home venue? Aside from that, the case can be made that he has been disproportionately criticized locally.
Josh is the one player on this team who is obviously passionate about this game; in addition to that intangible, he is a helluva player. Did you miss the end of season run where he was producing on both ends of the floor, filling the stat sheet, and most importantly, leading this “undermanned” team to victories?
You could not sniff JJ’s jock hard enough if he had done that, but where was he? MIA as usual.
Josh is not perfect, but overall, his positives dwarf his negatives and that never seems to be acknowledged by so called fans.
It is obvious to anyone who can see that JJ is the problem on this team.
To Hell with the Celtics and their future HOFers!
Go Hawks!
AG
May 11th, 2012
6:35 am
I think LD grew a lot this season. Although I am willing to give him another shot, if a more experienced coach is available, you have to upgrade. I doubt it will happen, but a Larry Brown (okay he went back to college) or Jerry Sloan is what this team needs. LD is an upgrade over Woody.
AG
May 11th, 2012
6:40 am
Again, people move from those crappy Northern cities for a better life in the ATL. That is why so many people from Detroit, NY, Chicago etc are here. Then people for Missisippi etc who already joined another team (LA Lakers) all are here. There team plays once or twice a year in Atlanta, so they support there team. Can’t fault them. I am sure there are more Boston transplants in Atlanta than Atlanta transplants in Boston. I think Josh could have kept that comment to himself.
Marvin did show up, but is it really enough to keep him? KH should not unpack, along with Twin and a couple of guys. If we can land a superstar for Joe, yes I would trade him.
Dwayne C
May 11th, 2012
6:41 am
As usual the Hawks coach and players give themselves a pat on the back after falling short in the playoffs. It is this kind of attitude and culture of the Atlanta Hawks that has to change before this team can ever become a serious contender for an NBA championship. Me, I’m not optimistic it will ever happen, given some of the players on the Hawks’ roster, milquetoast head coach Larry Drew, inept GM Rick Sund and equally inept owner Michael Gearon.. Hawks fans can, I think, expect more of the same in coming years from this team: a decent W-L record during the season and then watching the Hawks become fodder for a playoff opponent who is more motivated to win.
KB
May 11th, 2012
6:56 am
Game 2. Game 2. Game 2. One of the worst losses in our team history. That loss cost us the series. No way we should have lost that one. I think we did mIss JC this year but we stil could’ve won. Just think, we could being playing Philly to get to the 3rd round. Golden opp missed. Sigh.
hawks fan
May 11th, 2012
6:57 am
probably the worst officiated game in NBA history. Does that cost you the series? maybe. maybe not. but it should never happen. the officials looked clueless, arguing amongst themselves, clearly unaware of the Shag rule, and generally not being playoff caliber. it’s a shame. they were so out of control that they just gave the benefit of every doubt to the home team. stern even admitted to me it was the toughest year ever for officiating. hopefully their new boss (soon to be named) will have an impact. the game should be won or lost by the players. period.
HawksFansStink
May 11th, 2012
7:10 am
Northcyde-AMEN!
Tn Hawk
May 11th, 2012
7:17 am
Mike (Cunningham),
I haven’t read all the responses here or last night (31 pages!) but sure would like to see for the whole series what the fouls were against Boston and us. An article about this would be great.
Thanks for considering.
Admirable SnAckBar
May 11th, 2012
7:18 am
I’ll tell you what Josh should think when he sees other teams fans in ATL.
he should think that Hawks need to win so they can make their own fans fill the ATL.
Till you win something, Josh, you don’t deserve any damn fans. Losers only get losers for fans.
Time to grow up and join the adults of the world.
Loserville
May 11th, 2012
7:25 am
One fluke title in atl pro sports since 1966—a baseball title in a strike year. Every other team—choke. Maybe the atl owner can call out another player next year in a key game!!!! Come to New York for championships and titles!!! I miss Brooklyn—hopefully I can move back next year.
Tom
May 11th, 2012
7:26 am
I’d like to thank Gearon. Classic example of money but no brains.
kojak
May 11th, 2012
7:28 am
Next for JSmoove….the Olympics…..the Special Olympics!……the dumbest player ever-good riddance
BIG DOG
May 11th, 2012
7:29 am
Keep Josh and Horford it’s a no brainer, Joe can be traded there are teams out there that would take on Joe contract whom feel they need just that 1 player than get them over hump.
Keeping Josh whom can sometime play all three positions SF, PF, C depend on matchup is a diverse player that not many NBA teams can do advantage Hawks, LD who never played there guys to there strength has to go, Josh never had any touches in the paint specially at SF is crazy to me, Josh over the summer lost atleast 20pounds so he could play SF but LD never did so all year long.
LD NEED TO GO ALONG WITH JOE.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Lucky to Be Here
May 11th, 2012
7:31 am
All things considered, Ownership, coach, Joe’s contract, and J. smoov’s inability to learn or follow directions, I’d day we do pretty good. …….dontcha think?
asg
May 11th, 2012
7:38 am
we pay these guys big bucks and when we get to the playoffs all we get is choking, pouting, bad shots and stupid coaching. we shoud just send nique and smith for some grammar training.
O'brien
May 11th, 2012
7:39 am
Northcyde,
If you’re Deron Williams, and you have a chance to go back home (he’s from Dallas), and play for one of the best owners (Mark Cuban) in the game (imo), a very good coach in Rick Carlisle, and play with Dirk…or come to ATL and play for the ASG and LD…
Deron Williams is not walking through that door.
Dawg
May 11th, 2012
7:42 am
Why no Alvin? He could have gotten under KG’s skin for a couple of minutes. Boston complains to the refs after every call. Yet Josh is call for a tech for excessive complaining.
The offense next year needs to get away from JJ. You can not run ISO Joe and be successful.
We need a big defensive minded center. We need a SG/SF that can shoot from distance.
The Hawks are not that far away but their window of opportunity is closing. Get new ownership and things could happen fast.
Atlanta Spirit Employee
May 11th, 2012
7:45 am
The real problem with this team is ownership!! Atlanta Spirit will continue to make the same promises year after year without results! When ownership is more concerned about the bottom line than building a winner you can expect more of the same! Atlanta Spirit Sux! Hawks fans if you want to see your future take a look at the Thrashers debacle.
terrell
May 11th, 2012
7:47 am
Just saw the highlights on NBA TV.Joe cant even beat old azz Pierce to the rim?? Wow. Now let the excuses to keep LD begin. What a joke of a coach that dude is.. Btw, JJ made us a better team when we signed him, I give him that, but we got worse as a franchise at the same time. We’re strapped. But hey, it aint my money.
Grandmaster JeJe (GM)
May 11th, 2012
7:52 am
Ppl here are pleased with our season and want the core back!!!
LOL!!!
DawgNole where u at homie??
Major shoutout goes to Rod. Pretty much predicted the whole series…OFFENSE was the issue
terrell
May 11th, 2012
7:52 am
Pierce might of fouled Joe, but who’s gonna call that at the end of the game? Especially for a guy who has never complained about anything whatsoever. Hell ,he looked like he was moving in quicksand. Gotta be able to beat a hobbled Pierce to the rack there.
Paddy
May 11th, 2012
7:54 am
Ok ASG, time to sell and get out of our city!
BIG DOG
May 11th, 2012
7:55 am
Every body blame Josh for shooting somany jumshots, when running plays why Josh always outside and never posting up in paint specially at SF is the ? need to be answer by coach LD, 70percent of Josh touches came from perimeter not from post who falt is that, HA
LD has no clue as a coach and should not be hire.
I said yesterday that Josh and Horford can not guard KG in the paint and Doc would explore that, but what this dum coach do play Josh and Horford on KG and scored 26points, if any body think LD has a clue just not no basketball, Collins and Dampier should have played keeping KG out of the paint from scoring easy basket.
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Statick
May 11th, 2012
7:57 am
1. The ASG really need to sell the Hawks. They are incompetent owners. Whenever you have a bunch of non-basketball minds making decisions on how to run an NBA team, well, that’s not good.
2. Fire Larry Drew and get a real coach in here. It’s obvious the players don’t respect him or Josh Smith wouldn’t still be thinking he’s a jumpshooter.
3. Give Josh Smith the trade he so desperately wants. Get him and his Sybill-like, spastic game out of Atlanta. I’ve never seen a player so schizophrenically opposed to getting his points in the paint, like he should. Trade Smith for a first.
4. Trade Marvin Williams, too. He’s an overpaid bench warmer with half the production. He does nothing well and can’t do anything consistently, which shows the incompetence of the management for giving him that new contract. He can’t score on the regular, can’t box anyone out for rebounds, can’t play defense….just useless.
5. Joe Johnson…ugh. Talk about a contract that’s a ball and chain around this franchise’s neck. I don’t know what to do about him other than pray that he finally grows a pair and stop his weekly disappearing act.
Dee
May 11th, 2012
8:00 am
I agree with you, statick. Same old crap year after year. Josh and his attitude should be with another team after this draft.
ohhhhYEAH
May 11th, 2012
8:03 am
The player who was really missed in this series was Zaza. Yeah, I know, he’s terrible offensively, but man oh man does he really get under KG’s skin, and he can play some defense too. The only reason KG gets to open his mouth at our owner is bc he didnt have to see Zaza this time around, otherwise that big Georgian would have had KG crying the whole series.
CHUCK NORRIS
May 11th, 2012
8:04 am
BIG DOG,
Good point, and what do you think about the Mavs? Cuban would be the kind of guy that would take on JJ’s contract. But i dont know what they could provide the Hawks. And its obvious they need to move Al to PF.
Someone said earlier on here that Al and Josh basically are playing the same position. Zaza can play center, he proved that before he went down.
And, bottom line is this team won 40 games out of 66 with all the injuries and inconsistancy on offensive. I will take that everytime.
But Robert “Big Shot” Horry said this morning on NBA.TV that they need to bring in a center. Eventhough this is old news, its still a fact for this unit.
yeahsure
May 11th, 2012
8:04 am
Hawks put on a good show this season. Hopefully enough to attract a wealthy Owner.
Eb
May 11th, 2012
8:08 am
Josh’s grammar is as bad as his jump shooting.
CHUCK NORRIS
May 11th, 2012
8:10 am
terrell,
Flip the situation and let Pierce be the one driving to the basket at the Garden with the game on the line and im pretty sure…no im positive, 100% positvie that the refs would have called JJ for a foul!
O'brien
May 11th, 2012
8:17 am
Props to Marvin for 2 good games in a row. Trade him now, because his value will never be at its highest. If Marvin could put up those numbers more consistently, Hawks would be so much better.
And props to Al Horford, who gave us 46 minutes. However, he has to knock down those FTs. And if you miss the first, shouldn’t you miss the second?
I know it’s his first year starting, but Teague looked bad at times. Hopefully he will be more improved next season.
Steve Nash has a house in NY, and the Knicks might be his top choice, but do the Hawks have the money to go after him?
Rick L
May 11th, 2012
8:17 am
Hawks get mugged and hacked, no foul call. A Celtic player gets breathed on and they cslled a foul. Terrible officiating. No suprise, ATL teams always get the shaft by the refs.
Section 303
May 11th, 2012
8:22 am
I don’t really know where the Hawks go from here. I know the injuries were a huge part of this season. Really do not feel like the better team won this series. Will never convince me that the Hawks at full strength are not better than the Celtics at full strength.
I am so down on the bench…they were good during the season, but totally disappeared in the playoffs. I still say that the biggest play in this series was Willie Green’s missed, wide open, 12-footer in Game 3. He makes that shot, the Hawks win that game, and we get Game 7 here in Atlanta. Instead, he misses and that great effort last Friday is all for nothing.
Everyone seems to rip Rick Sund on here, but I’m not sure what else he was expected to do. The main focus was to build depth and he did that. The bench was a bust in the postseason, but I’m not even sure the Hawks make the playoffs this year without the bench support.
If Sund leaves, do you invest a ton of jack in a new GM? There are some interesting name, like Pritchard, the ex-Portland GM. But, I’m always leary of outsiders coming into this organization. Seems like the Hawks have so little credibility, that it takes outsiders sometime to realize that the team is not THAT bad.
Would be great if there was a way to get from under Joe’s contract, but I don’t think there is. No team is going to take on that kind of dough. We’re stuck with him. He is not going to be an amnesty canidate, either. No way the ASG just eats that kind of money. Marvin, on the other hand…..
Hate the end of the year. I am always down the day after the season ends. Sucks.
CHUCK NORRIS
May 11th, 2012
8:25 am
Hawks from the FT line: 9-10 (Missed that one at the end)
Celtics from the FT line: 19-24
Thats pretty much the story in the playoffs every year when it comes to the major market teams getting past the smaller market teams.
Mister.Earl
May 11th, 2012
8:25 am
Leadership Void
Q. How many points did Joe Johnson score in the fourth quarter?
Rick L
May 11th, 2012
8:30 am
Pathetic mediocre Hawks. Same ole, same ole. Chokers! Turnovers, bad shot selection, defensive lapses, Nothing new! We have seen this every year and it gets magnified in the playoffs
Tim
May 11th, 2012
8:31 am
The sad fact is that with the contract given to JJ, this team cannot improve. It was a gamble that hasn’t paid off. And there’s nothing the team can do really to improve in any significant way. Poor ownership and management of the team have sentenced Atlanta to an “also ran” status for the forseeable future.
IBall
May 11th, 2012
8:32 am
Anybody surprised?? Horford has the heart on this team. Everybody else can go.
St. Bernard
May 11th, 2012
8:33 am
Dear Josh Smith,
Stop throwing the ball away and shooting terrible jumpshots at critical points in the game and your fanbase will improve. Stop whining about the fanbase after you throw away a close-out game on a jump shot from the elbow. Boston fans are Boston fans because Boston wins. No one will cry when you’re traded. It’s not because you’re from ATL, it’s because of the way you play.
Rick L
May 11th, 2012
8:34 am
I will admit if ZA was in there he could have banged in the paint and got some points, which would have made the hawks less one-dimensional
Rick L
May 11th, 2012
8:36 am
Man it is hard being an ATL sports fan! Hawks, Braves, Falcons……. what is the common thread?
MsDee
May 11th, 2012
8:37 am
CHUCK NORRIS
May 11th, 2012
8:10 am
terrell,
Flip the situation and let Pierce be the one driving to the basket at the Garden with the game on the line and im pretty sure…no im positive, 100% positvie that the refs would have called JJ for a foul!
Yeah, JJ would have gotten a foul called on him cause Paul knows how to pump fake to draw the foul, while JJ simply just goes up w/o making the proper contact on Paul to put the pressure on the ref’s to call a foul. This is the difference between a SMART/CRAFTY player like Paul and a Player w/o basketball IQ
PETER
May 11th, 2012
8:41 am
1-11 ON CELTIC IN PLAYOFFS ==.== I LOVE ATLANTA HAWKS FTW BABY ALWAYS SUPPORT YOU GUYS AND I HATE CELTICS GARNETT PEICRE RONDO ALL 3 OF YOU D:<
the buster
May 11th, 2012
8:41 am
All you JS bashing idiots. Don’t you see his defensive stats? Give them the credit. Keep the team together, do minor changes, let them mature more, teach them how to close out the crucial game, and they’ll beat Boston next year.
Han
May 11th, 2012
8:41 am
Every single guy quoted talked about the injuries they had during the year. That is a joke. Every team had injuries, and a lot of teams in the East had long stints with great players out – Wade, Allen/Rondo, Rose, Howard, etc. The problem with this team is that they are soft, plan and simple. They have no “playoff” basketball players – guys that increase their accountability and their intensity and get better when the postseason starts. That’s what great players do.
MsDee
May 11th, 2012
8:41 am
northcyde,
I like your trade options and would prefer Option1, sending Teague & JJ for Deron. By getting rid of JJ’s contract frees up money to get another good/great SG. Josh and Horford both with get all kinds of recognition for ESPN & SOUTHCENTER with Deron leading the way. By-the-way, which option would u choose?
HawksAllDay
May 11th, 2012
8:46 am
Joe must go!!!!!!!!!!!!! 20 Mill a season hahahahahaha he is NOT A SUPERSTAR TRADE HIM!!!!!!!!!!! Josh should stay and form team around he and Horford!! Send Joe and Marvin and who ever else to NY for Melo and JR Smith. Teague, JR, Melo, Smoove and Horford starting 5.
MsDee
May 11th, 2012
8:48 am
I would like to get Jerry Sloan over here too but not sure how he and Deron Williams would clash considering how things ended with them in Utah.
O'brien
May 11th, 2012
8:56 am
doc,
I wonder if Melo is rooting for the Nuggets?
Faried is off the chain. Averaging 11 and 10 in the playoffs, despite going up against Bynum and Gasol. And he is just a rookie. Props to George Karl for the job he has done.
SteveW
May 11th, 2012
9:00 am
How about those Nuggets?
I’m drained. Too intense to even post here last nite. Couldn’t do it.
Moving forward, to make a run at a Championship, with an healthy Al Horford – Salary dump Marvin and sign KG for a 3 year deal at 8 m per season. He probably takes it because he’s old. Maybe he doesn’t because he hates our owner now. But money talkes.
A team of KG, Al, Josh, JJ, and Teague takes the Eastern Conference next season. Especially in the playoffs. ZaZa, Ivan, TMac, Hinrich (at a much reduced salary) off the bench. Get some young players in here – Benson – Get Sy back for all I care, Draft well this time. Get Damien Wilkens back for wing help.
And if Chicago fires TT, hire him within 1 minute.
Eb
May 11th, 2012
9:01 am
Josh needs to shut his trap regarding fan support in Atlanta. Try winning something of SIGNIFANCE and the fans will follow. Even the national media sees what a heartless, inconsistent, and boring team this is and has been for years. Why would I drop $180/ticket to watch these clowns mail in a playoff game? Josh’s intellect makes him a perfect candidate to join the ASG one day.
Little Richardd
May 11th, 2012
9:02 am
2nd tier players at a 1st tier salary cap. Make the playoffs in the bottom half and go away early. We will be stuck this way till management changes.
gvj
May 11th, 2012
9:03 am
The reason why i started to follow and root for the Hawks this year was the fact that they signed McGrady who happens to be my favorite player though past his prime. The Hawks are a team with so much potential and have been for so many years now.I do not agree they should blow up this team who just needs a leader. Josh Smith is a heck of a player who needs a little growing up to do and if he decides to leave this team so be it. Joe Johnson is no max contract player but he can ball we cant blame him for not being clutch(look at Lebron). Al is a big boost and has a shot/moves great without the ball.JT will be an elite player when he learns to live with his mistakes and keep his head up.I really hope McGrady does not retire and could give us a last “Hoorah” with the Hawks(if he does not retire i would hate to see him in a Celtics/Heat jersey).The Celts fans can celebrate all they want but they did not realize how easy they just made it for the Heat to reach the finals.The only teams i thought could give the Heat trouble were the Hawks and Bulls.
SteveW
May 11th, 2012
9:03 am
Beside the guys who follow basketball from afar – ATL is getting alot of love in defeat.
At least we fought these goons.
JM
May 11th, 2012
9:07 am
Some of these fans kill me. So are you saying the Hawks have to win a title before you would go out and buy a ticket. GTFOH.
As far as the game, I’m still pissed. Too many blown opportunities. First order of business is a real head coach. LD did okay during the regular season but was completely out coached during the playoffs. What about in game adjustments. Pissed.
And thank you Josh Smith for a great season and trying your best on a bad knee in the playoffs. Thanks to Al for game 5. Wish we had Zaza, great season to you too.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 11th, 2012
9:08 am
Job Criteria!
If Mr. Woodson was not re-signed for his play off performances, then what happens to Mr. Drew for digressing in the post season? Mr. Drew has dialed back the rounds from 2 to 1. No Excuses – right?
This team does not have one player that plays within the concept of any roles. Pretty much everyone does whatever they want, with no accountability. Sort of like the owners.
SteveW
May 11th, 2012
9:08 am
Ya’ll do know that if the past is any predictor, Teague is going to progress pretty good next season? Rondo and Conley, 2 guys Teague is really similar too in some ways, really turned the corner at age 24.
And this was his first year starting. Played every game – Regular season and playoffs. No other Hawk can say that.
And for a First year starter, he gave you what he could against an All star last nite – 6 assists, no turnovers – 1st time since March 9th Rondo did not have at least 10 assists in a game – left the scoring up to the big boys.
Look for Teague to take another step up next season.
phil
May 11th, 2012
9:08 am
I’ve said it for years now.
No one gets it.
We are Atlanta. We are losers. There is nothing we can do to change it. Nothing.
The same thing will happen next season too. We all know it. Every single one of us. You can’t win with dunderheads calling the shots and when your best player, Idiot Josh, doesn’t have the sense that God gave a brick wall.
Another season mercifully over. We can turn our attention to the Braves and how they will choke, followed by the Falcons and how they too will choke. It’s not a question of if with these teams, just when and how.
Polly Anna
May 11th, 2012
9:09 am
Hawks = Losers!!!
Until they actually make a deep run and win a championship, they will never get the full support in a city of transplants.
Rufus1
May 11th, 2012
9:10 am
The only change we need to make….
Is let Teague run the OFFENSE. His decision making is getting better and he is the only one that can consistently beats his man…Our Offense needs to looks more LIKE BOSTON’S, with RONDO at the PG.
Josh Smith complaining about the crown…
40% of the no-shows don’t show-up because of YOOOUUUU and your BAAAAAD DECISION MAKING…. the rest is split between ASG, MARVIN AND JOE’s Contract.
NO Changes will be made…
They will play out the year and let Josh walk at the END…Getting his money of the Books.
phil
May 11th, 2012
9:11 am
SteveW
May 11th, 2012
9:03 am
Beside the guys who follow basketball from afar – ATL is getting alot of love in defeat.
At least we fought these goons.
Link
Report this comment
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JM
May 11th, 2012
9:07 am
Some of these fans kill me. So are you saying the Hawks have to win a title before you would go out and buy a ticket. GTFOH.
As far as the game, I’m still pissed. Too many blown opportunities. First order of business is a real head coach. LD did okay during the regular season but was completely out coached during the playoffs. What about in game adjustments. Pissed.
And thank you Josh Smith for a great season and trying your best on a bad knee in the playoffs. Thanks to Al for game 5. Wish we had Zaza, great season to you too.
*************
And here, for your reading enjoyment, is the loser mentality that explains partly why we remain losers year after year.
Excuses and praise for pathetic failures. Always an excuse or wait til next year.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 11th, 2012
9:14 am
Congratulations again, to the players!
Each and everyone of you played your hearts out. I look to ownership and the general manager to hire an effective coach, to build this roster and, to support the team on the elusive championship quest.
Reid in EAV
May 11th, 2012
9:14 am
Gearon should be tarred, feathered and run out of town on a rail.
ATLtodolavida
May 11th, 2012
9:15 am
Hey Michael Gearon, don’t insult the most emotional NBA player the day before the team you own plays an elimination game against his team. That just makes him play mad. The result: KG rarely missed last night, and played like a man on a mission. Maybe he would have anyway, but who knows.
JM
May 11th, 2012
9:16 am
Phil
I didnt say the season was a success. Read. I said fans act like they won’t support unless they when it all. Only one team wins it all. So should fans of all the other teams stop supporting their team because they didn’t win? Come on man!
Mike
May 11th, 2012
9:17 am
Blame this one on the owner with that unbelievable silly rant he did on KG and the Celtics. So KG hears this and puts out one of his best games of the year…best of the series by far. Way to piss him off guys. The team played well enough to win. Had the ownership kept their mouths shut, this series is back in Atlanta for game 7.
This is the kind of thing a team that doesn’t know how to win does. That’s exactly why the Braves are the only team with any real measure of success in this town. They never gave bulletin board material to the other teams. The Falcons and Hawks have yet to learn that lesson. Let your game do the talking, not twitter or the news media.
glw
May 11th, 2012
9:17 am
drmaryb(*_*),
I agree with you, above all else, we can talk about having heart and all that, but the bottom line is the Hawks dont have clearly defined roles. Everyone does his own thing. Joe does his own thing and doesnt call the other guys out. Josh definitely does his own thing, and naturally that just has a trickle down effect on the team. Thats on ownership, starting with the Spirit and down to LD. For that reason, the Hawks need a coach that can do that.
The fact that Josh is so multitalented is both a blessing and a curse. Yeah he can do a lot of things, but then the bottom line is when he leads the fast break and shoots those jumpers, he thinks he is fulfilling his role when we all know his role should be posting and cutting to the basket, and not camping out for jumpers and acting like he is Ray Allen. I think Josh creates a lot of the chemistry issue. Joe Johnson is a leader by example and we wont call Josh out for it, If when Joe was running the infamous Iso Joe if Josh would cut to the basket more and move without the ball, this team would become much more efficient in the half court.
SteveW
May 11th, 2012
9:17 am
As much as I’ve been a proponent of tweaking this team, blowing it up or whatever, I actually, upon reflection, say keep it together 1 more season. If Josh has another off season like he did, and makes another step up like he did this season, with a healthy Al Horford, and ZaZa, with Teague taking another step up, we may do something next season.
Get a sports psychologist to get Marvin to play the way he did the past two nites on a consistent basis.
I feel like the Braves “This Could be the Year”.
I mean the Lakers and Boston will be down. Miami may be in turmoil. Chicago def. is. Phiily was a disaster until they beat the Bulls. We can beat Indy. Gotta be rational in an emotional time.
Rod
May 11th, 2012
9:18 am
I don’t care what Marvin Williams did last night he’s trash we are going to suck badly next year watch we need a coach who can actually draw up a offense identity not ISO all day we deserve this anyway too many fair weather fans here NY has not done anything and they NEVER cheer for another team not ATL fans they wear opposing jerseys to the game try that in Philly lol
phil
May 11th, 2012
9:18 am
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 11th, 2012
9:14 am
Congratulations again, to the players!
Each and everyone of you played your hearts out. I look to ownership and the general manager to hire an effective coach, to build this roster and, to support the team on the elusive championship quest.
******************
Here we have some more unbelievable praise directed at this pathetic bunch that can’t manage to win more than 2 games against a team 3 years past its collective prime. This thinking is why we never get anywhere. It’s ok guys, way to go, here’s your participation cookie. Better luck next time.
It’s just what these pathetic failures want to hear….let em off the hook, again. Expect the same results.
phil
May 11th, 2012
9:20 am
JM
May 11th, 2012
9:16 am
Phil
I didnt say the season was a success. Read. I said fans act like they won’t support unless they when it all. Only one team wins it all. So should fans of all the other teams stop supporting their team because they didn’t win? Come on man!
**************
This is the 5th straight year of this. It’s not going to get better. It’s already getting worse, in fact. It’s been old for 40 years now.
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
9:20 am
@Edward
Edward
May 11th, 2012
5:22 am
In reference to your post dated above, I co- ["motherf-ckin'"] sign. Word to the mother on [just about] everything you said.
Rod
May 11th, 2012
9:23 am
I hope this pisses Gearon off and makes him actually care KG is dirty duhhhhhhh he punched someone in the nuts earlier this year and you sure aren’t going to get calls in Boston they played playground ball and it showed the Hawks get no respect from TNT or ESPN but we deserve this I’m A ATL fan win or lose
Statick
May 11th, 2012
9:24 am
“This team does not have one player that plays within the concept of any roles. Pretty much everyone does whatever they want, with no accountability.”
^This in a nutshell.
Which goes back to the team not having any respect for the coach. They didn’t respect Woodson and they damn sure don’t respect Drew since he was a leftover from Woodson’s staff. I thought the days of Iso Joe was over, but it raised it’s ugly head again in the playoffs. WTF, man?
Get a new coach in like a Stan VanGundy. These players are stuck in a rut and they need a reality check. And to you fans who keep waiting for Josh Smith to show any maturity, just how long are you fools willing to wait on that? Another 9 years?
SteveW
May 11th, 2012
9:29 am
Phil – I am no part of the reason the Hawks lose year after year. But having coached – I gotta give some credit – we fought the guys, showed some heart, as we did all season when we lost Al.
We lost last nite because Billy Knight didn’t know how to draft, plain and simple, end of story. No losers mentality. Really no LD, JJ, The Contract, whatever. Billy Knight deep sixed us for at least another 10 years unless we can somehow tweak the current unit into Champions.
When you are in the lottery for what, 7 straight seasons or more and you draft:
#2 Marvin Williams – passing on Chris Paul and DeRon Williams
#5 – Shelden Williams, passing on Rudy Gay and just everybody
#6 – Josh Childress
#11 – Acie Law
Game. Set. Match I don’t have a losers mentality. I just respect hustle and not folding up the tent.
But the game last nite was lost by decisions made many moons ago.
Something to think about.
Jbone
May 11th, 2012
9:30 am
Im not saying this game was rigged, but can someone please tell me how KG doesnt get called for his first foul until halfway thru the 4th quarter. Seems a little fishy to me, like maybe the refs were instructed to look the other way when he was playing d. Just sayin….
KBP
May 11th, 2012
9:32 am
What’s the point of bashing Joe about his contract? I am a JJ fan and I do not think he’s a max contract player but the ASG is to blame for his contract. Marvin is better than he is given credit for. He gets very few shot attempts on this team to be a consistent offensive contributor. Look at his shot attempts in the 2007-09 seasons and his ppg and compare that to the last three years. We need him, Joe, Josh, Al, Teague and if there is a shot-blocking, rebounding starting center out there and let Marvin come off the bench, then this team will be competitive in the East for the next 4-5 years.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 11th, 2012
9:33 am
Phil
Kick rocks boy. Get the lotion and go do yourself. You are probably a fat couch potato who has never played professional anything, but has a whole lot of nothing to say. No one is interested in your foolishness this morning.
Disappointed
May 11th, 2012
9:39 am
I realize that injuries played a huge role in our limitations on the court and with our coach. Although I think we played better than I expected, Larry Drew is not the right answer at coach. We can not wait any longer before making moves. If we do not trade Josh, then we get nothing for him when he walks in a year. Deron is not coming here!!! Best deal is to trade Josh for Pau Gasol. Gives you a legit big man who the Lakers will want to deal. Josh gets them younger and Gasol gets Al in the PF position. You can’t move JJ but I would not resign any of our bench, with the exceptions of Zaza and Ivan. T-Mac retires and Marvin must find a way to retructure his deal or get moved. Maybe try to deal Marvin for a pick. This draft is deep! I think the more picks we have, the better off we’ll be.
Astro Joe
May 11th, 2012
9:40 am
Entertaining season and one that exceeded my expectations (after Horford went down). Great effort last night, they win as a team and they lose as a team.
Here’s hoping the Nuggets pull the upset so that the lakers will give more serious consideration to breaking up their Twin Towers.
And I’ll add the same thing I said when Woody was approaching his final year of his contract… having a head coach on a one year deal is bad for everyone involved (other than ownership). If they like LD, they should at least add a 2nd guaranteed year to his deal… if they aren’t willing to do that, replace him in the coming weeks.
Boy, I’d love to know which player(s) decided not to run the right play as LD described above.
Jbone
May 11th, 2012
9:41 am
The fact is, the nba is a business. It doesnt want the hawks in the finals because that means poor tv ratings. No one wants to see ATL in the finals except us hawks fans. It was the hawks against the celtics, the refs, the nba, and the world last night, and Im proud of these guys for fighting like they did. Get healthy for next year guys and make believers out of everyone.
O'brien
May 11th, 2012
9:44 am
From espn;
With the Atlanta Hawks eliminated from the playoffs, changes could be in order on the court and in the front office. General manager Rick Sund, in the last year of his contract, has drawn interest from the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources.
The Blazers recently asked the Hawks for permission to speak to Sund, but Hawks ownership refused to grant permission until its season ended. Sund agreed with ownership’s stance.
“I don’t want to discuss anything until the end of the season,” Sund said by telephone before Thursday’s season-ending 83-80 loss to the Boston Celtics. “At the end of the season, we’ll address the future.”
Sund’s contract ends on June 30 and the Hawks have attempted to initiate talks about a contract extension. However, Sund, in his fourth year in Atlanta, has insisted on keeping his options open, the sources said.
While no interview with Portland had been scheduled as of late Thursday night, a meeting between Sund and the Blazers is likely..
I hope Rick goes to Portland.
OMG they suck (cept for Horford)
May 11th, 2012
9:44 am
If I were to tell you that your $120M player would score 1 more point than Marvin Williams in a Game 4 elimination game, what would you say the odds were that the Hawks would win that game??
Joe Johnson absolutely SUCKS, his contract has crippled this franchise and honestly, no one in Atl really cares. If Vick was a coach killer, JJ is a franchise killer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUFjYIsO57s
Astro Joe
May 11th, 2012
9:46 am
Or, I’d like to know that LD lied and he actually drew up a play with Josh taking that perimeter shot with about 9 seconds left. Either way, I’d love to know the whole story behind that specific play. Either our head coach is throwing a player under the bus (and needs to be let go quickly) or someone decided to ignore the head coach (and likely go solo) during the biggest half-court possession of the season. And the player(s) who may have done that don’t need to be on a team trying to advance in the playoffs. They need to go and join Audray Blatche or Tyrus Thomas.
Ray
May 11th, 2012
9:48 am
I see we already talking about trades you guys might as well put a stop to that now.
1. Deron Williams is not coming to ATL and honestly I don’t want him too yeah he’s a semi-superstar, but he’s a coach killer when you make someone like Jerry Sloan quit man I’m just saying.
2. All these other stars you guys trying to name ain’t coming here either. They’ve already cited guess who the owners as their biggest issue.
One thing that does need to be done is Marvin Williams dumped off and get himself a new start somewhere else he’s not doing anything here his overall stat sheet can be reproduced by Pargo of all people.
If you guys want a legit chance to win we’re now in need of a C and a SG we already got the PG who will become a force in the league.
First things first the franchise needs to be sold to someone who gives a damn then after that they need to either give L.D the boot, or only give him one more year cause there are better coaches out there right now.
Oh yeah and FIRE RICK SUND!
ATLSucks
May 11th, 2012
9:48 am
So did ATL shoot off confetti when they got knocked out of the series too?
STRETCH THIS YO BOY
May 11th, 2012
9:48 am
Maybe the Hawks need a trainer that can keep all these guys from getting hurt. Zaza,Marvin,Joe,Al,Pargo,Twin,Josh,Hinrich, hell all of them got hurt at some point.
Ward
May 11th, 2012
9:49 am
I have been a life long Hawks fan and this series defeat & the moves of ownership/Sund over the last 12 months have been very frustrating… I would have never paid Joe Johnson that much to stay when the market was void of anyone else bidding on him. Our owners are too cheap to amnesty his contract, no one would trade anything of real value for him (although if we could just get 1st round picks and 2years of junk contracts I would do it)… Josh Smith has to go somewhere else to be a better player; he has potential (the worst word in sports), but he is tapped in his hometown. He has value, so please trade him… Marvin??? Just amnesty him. I just want him gone; he brings so little to our team…That leaves Al and JT to build around… That’s better than nothing.
N2thaIzzo
May 11th, 2012
9:50 am
As a Boston Celtics fan living in Atlanta, here are my views on the team. The hawks are a better version of the 76ers. Decent players all around, but not one great person. If Atlanta could somehow find that great player (they missed horribly drafting Williams over Paul), Atlanta could match up with anyone. The Hawks should give up EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO in order to get Dwight.
Big Ray
May 11th, 2012
9:52 am
Exactly why LD does not need to be the coach of this team, because this isn’t just one play in one instance, it’s 2 years worth of this crap:
•Drew on Atlanta’s penultimate possession that ended with Josh’s missed jumper: That wasn’t [the play]. We were in our wrong spots. We did not execute what we had drawn up in the huddle. We can’t have that type of mental breakdown at the end of a game. You just can’t have it. That play is not designed to be at the elbow shooting a jump shot. We did not execute it.”
Why Josh Smith may as well get traded away, like he wants to, even though he denies saying he wants out:
When you play in an environment like the Garden in Boston, they have some of the best fans in the whole entire league. Like I said before, I was a little jealous because the fans here are so supportive of their team. You go out, look in the stands there is nothing but Celtics jerseys. I don’t see a trace of red in there. Understanding that the fans are that passionate, it adds an extra advantage for them. A bad shot can be as good a turnover when you are playing against a team like Boston, especially with the fanbase they have.”
I mean, I get the whole part about the fans. But two things don’t seem like they are going to change – ATL basketball fans and Josh’s inability to understand certain things, like how not executing your offense has nothing to do with fans, and how “bad fans” have nothing to do with bad calls by the refs….
•Garnett on Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr.’s comments: “First off, I want to say ‘Thank you’ to their owner for giving me some extra gas tonight. My only advice to him is next time he opens his mouth, actually know what he’s talking about, Xs and Os versus checkbooks and bottom lines. . . .
1) Nobody in Atlanta could have called this one better. I have to say that the irony that this comes out of Boston is more than I could stand. Had to laugh, though bitterly….
2) Garnett exposed Gearon, who has embarrassed himself, the team, and the city by making the comments and then getting beat. Mark Cuban you ain’t. Get the F out of Atlanta, you’re no good. And though Garnett may not know it, his comments about Xs and Os vs. having a lot of money are more accurate than he can imagine. Gearon controls all in this organization, and has no clue about Xs and Os, hence his promotion of Larry Drew, even though the old man (Sund) didn’t recommend it.
Yep…Gearon is all money (misspent) and no Xs and Os.
Can we get the pizza guy back? Please?
Big Ray
May 11th, 2012
9:55 am
As a Boston Celtics fan living in Atlanta, here are my views on the team. The hawks are a better version of the 76ers. Decent players all around, but not one great person. If Atlanta could somehow find that great player (they missed horribly drafting Williams over Paul), Atlanta could match up with anyone. The Hawks should give up EVERYTHING THEY NEED TO in order to get Dwight.
You mean the more talented version of the Sixers. Clearly if we were the better version, we’d be facing the Sixers instead of the Celtics.
BTW, you’re about to find out just how much better than us the Sixers are.
Astro Joe
May 11th, 2012
9:55 am
OB, hard to imagine any GM would choose Atlanta over Portland. Portland’s owner (Allen) sends you to the mall with a Black AMEX card. The ASG sends their GM to the mall with one of those $25 pre-paid Visa cards you buy at Kroger.
If the Hawks are forced to hire a new GM, they will undoubtedly force LD to work with a single year guranteed for the new Gm to “evaluate” him (we’ve seen that story before). All this does is prolong when the roster changes significantly or when we get an upgrade at the head coach position. That is why I tend to cut these guys a break… because of the dysfunction at the ownership level. The roster lacks talent and the GM lacks the authority to make bold moves with the roster or the head coach. You can only do so much while operating under these circumstances where there is no clear long-term direction or stability. Managing in 2-year increments may work if you are secretly trying to sell the team, but it sucks for long-suffering fans.
mike
May 11th, 2012
9:56 am
So many what ifs on that game.. why didn’t we get that inbound call? not many calls went our way.. wasn’t that flagrant foul when dude ripped Horford down in final seconds? why didn’t our coach/bench make a big deal about that, they should have lobbied..
im not one for blaming refs but I thought we really got fleeced on lots of important calls, am I right?
JM
May 11th, 2012
10:00 am
LD did make a big deal out of any calls. I don’t see how he doesnt get a T in that game or least try to. Doc was on the refs all game, LD like once or twice.
MS Bully
May 11th, 2012
10:01 am
The Refs also caused you to lose Game 2 when the C’s played without Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. If the Refs caused you game 6 they cost the C”s game 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JM
May 11th, 2012
10:01 am
didn’t*
Iblameurparents
May 11th, 2012
10:03 am
Idiots! This game and series for that matter came down to coaching and execution or lack thereof. For all the JJ is overpaid, he does nothing in the playoffs again I say it comes down to coaching and execution or lack thereof. JJ had it going in the second half coming off screens and spotting up, which is the best opportunity for him to score because of Boston’s help side defense, and we stop going to him. You can not go one on one in the playoffs so game plan for it and execute. In return how about you employ the same defensive strategy instead of not defending the rim which is my biggest complaint with AH. JT has the heart of a caterpillar! How many 50/50 balls were he afraid to stick his head in there and dig out? How many times was he late on the double down on KG? And when the guy you are guarding is knocking down jumpers, when will you deviate from the scouting report (going under the pick on RR) and defend? As a coach when will you get into a player for mistakes? Doc got into RR when he shot a poor shot, he said “you are flopping”. LD on JS ill advised shot… crickets! Sad part is when I saw LD draw up the last play where JS shot the elbow jumper, JS was walking away from the huddle and JJ had to pull him back, then as they walked out on the court it appeared they were deciding to do there own thing, as LD stated “that is not what we drew up”…. really? Go figure.
Michael Cunningham
May 11th, 2012
10:05 am
new blog posted. shutting down this thread.