Atlanta Hawks: Video: Season ends at Boston
Boston–My video report following the Hawks’ season-ending 83-80 defeat to the Celtics.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
296 comments Add your comment
Ray
May 11th, 2012
11:29 am
@ ForrestTucker
What other PG was there Jermery Lin and Baron Davis both injured Iman Shumpert was injured he had no other PG.
I don’t like Woodson, but even I had to give him the benefit of the doubt with that series.
Marcus
May 11th, 2012
11:29 am
Astro Joe,
Starting in March (tourney time) I began looking at mocks, just to see what folks were thinking as good pick for us …
the names that popped up then were
Vandy SF Jeff Taylor
Washington G Tony Wroten
Syracuse C Fab Melo (maybe 1-2 mocks, not many)
Kentucky G Marquis Teague (head-scratcher on that mock)
St. Johns F Moe Harkless
————
dunno if those are good fits given the no. of bodies, the style of play we employ, and who expect to leave or stay
ForrestTucker
May 11th, 2012
11:30 am
The hawks have enough talent NOW to win the NBA championship. they just need a coach who knows how to coach to draw the talent out–and make them play the right way so that they dont waste their time looking foolish, turning the ball over, playing ISO basketball; holding the ball too long until the clock runs out causing a bad shot (clock management); all of the above. The guy who would be perfect to coach the Hawks is former hawks coach HUBIE BROWN. Hubie is a basketball genius who can elevate the Hawks to championship status. I hope the owners of the Hawks are reading my blog now because I am dead serious that Hubie can get the results.
High-sider
May 11th, 2012
11:30 am
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?
—————————————————————-
Early nomination for POST OF THE DAY
rollow lawson
May 11th, 2012
11:33 am
day old fries,
I guess Matt Ryan has bought into the “Black Hollywood, Black American Too Cool” culture as well. Because he seems to shrivel up when the pressure is on as well. Same for the Braves. That explains their ineptitude to I guess.
You mean to tell me Josh and Teague don’t show emotion? I guess you got to constantly curse like KG. Who cares what “Kick Stand Leg” Kenny Smith got to say. Rookie Sam Cassel sent him to the bench for those Rocket championship runs. And if Jordan hadn’t retired, he would have been in the no ring club with Barkely.
kreedham
May 11th, 2012
11:34 am
On ESPN radio one of their basketball guys was ask how the Lakers could get younger and better. He suggested Gasol for Josh Smith. Thought it would help the Hawks too!
Any thoughts out there?
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
11:35 am
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH GUESS WHAT U BUNCH OF CHOKELANTA STEPPINGSTONE PLAYOFF FOOTNOTE CHOKERS EARN A 1 WAY TICKET BACK TO CHOKELANTA AN ALL PAID EXPENSES TRIP TO UR LOCAL GOLF COURSE PLUS PLENTY OF ICE FISHING AS WELL AS THE OFFSEASON OF UNCERTAINTY AS WELL AS A YEARS ROUND OF THE BEST ICE FISHING AND GOLFING U CAN EVER ASK FOR HAHAHAHAHAHAH NO MORE POSTSEASON GLORY FOR U U GET TO SPEND ALL SUMMER LONG ICE FISHING AS WELL AS PLENTY OF GOLFING FOR THE REST OF THE OFFSEASON WHERE U CHOKERS BELONG HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH GREEN & WHITE FOREVER GO CELTICS LIKE THE OLD SPORTS SAYING ALWAYS GOES WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR IF U MAKE IT NEXT YEAR AHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAH:)
BoscoRobinson
May 11th, 2012
11:35 am
I dont believe Jamal Crawford is as good as you say he is. In 11 NBA season, Crawford has sported 10 different uniforms. If crawford was that good, crawford would have found a home and stability with some team by now–instead of being a permanent drifter, six man, streak shooter, non defender. Jamal is good, but he is not great and the Hawks should have drafted greatness: chris paul or deron williams instead of Marvin Williams when they had a chance.
CrαZy
May 11th, 2012
11:39 am
christopher mehegan….
The caps lock button is right beside the A on your keyboard aŠŠhat!!
Ray
May 11th, 2012
11:39 am
If Josh goes to L.A @ kreedham you can bet Dwight Howard will follow out there as well, and to tell ya the truth I’m becoming an L.A Laker fan if that’s the case call me whatever you want, but I always thought this was Josh’s Team you know.
KevinM
May 11th, 2012
11:40 am
cp…
“Should be one hell of a summer”
Come on now, since Sund has been here, what summer has been a hell of a summer? He’s one vacation for the draft, for the FA period and for the entire season.
Who has he brought in here that we trumped another team? I fault him as much as I fault the Brady Bunch owners.
What was funny from last night was Fratello calling out Marvin, telling us after hitting jumper after jumper, that he is a one-dimensional player….well, 50% of the league is one-dimensional.
I don’t like listening to Fratello analyzing the Hawks. He’s had as much success as this franchise. That doesn’t make him any more knowledgeable than Skip Bayless.
CrαZy
May 11th, 2012
11:44 am
There’s nothing worse than a bandwagon fan!!
KevinM
May 11th, 2012
11:44 am
cp, one vacation s/b ‘on vacation’….
Melvin
May 11th, 2012
11:45 am
“But dang, I’d love to know which member of the ensemble decided not to run the right play toward the very end of last night’s game.” – Astro Joe
Your assumption is that one player (we all know you are referring to Josh) did not run the right play but LD said “We were in the wrong spots. We did not execute what we had drawn up.” Josh shot the ball with around 7 seconds left on the shot clock (and I admit I would have preferred for him to drive ball to the basket) but prior to that, there was 17 seconds of mass confusing. So I disagree with you for trying to lay the blame at one player’s feet for that play.
rollow lawson
May 11th, 2012
11:47 am
Cheap owners, that went cheap on acquiring players (Jamal Crawford) and hiring a coach (Larry Drew) are the reason we are in the situation we are in. For starters, let Capt. Kirk, Collins, Green, Pargo, Dampier, and Radmanovic walk. Keep TMac and Ivan. Sign Jamal. Sign Will Bynum (I like this cat). Draft Bernard James 6-10 PF/C from FSU (Serge Ibaka type). And hire a real GM and coach.
Melvin
May 11th, 2012
11:49 am
I hope the Blazers make Rick Sund an offer he can not refuse…
Ray
May 11th, 2012
11:49 am
Jamal is good, but Jamal doesn’t play defense worth a damn he’ll get you 40 pts or 30 or even 20, but him being on the court you’re already at a disadvantage cause the rest of the team is playing 4 against 5, and also if someone passes it too the person Jamal guards it’s like well he’s giving up the same amount he scores.
rollow lawson
May 11th, 2012
11:50 am
And to give credit where credit is due. Marvin Williams played one heck of a game!!
O'brien
May 11th, 2012
11:51 am
303,
Once Al came back, Ivan was banished to empty minutes (and Zaza didnt even play). If another team is willing to give him the same contract as the Hawks, would he re-sign here?
AJ,
Are you surprised by the breakdown on that last play? I’m not. This team is not very disciplined, and have trouble executing at crucial times.
Astro Joe
May 11th, 2012
11:52 am
Marcus, yeah, Wroten seems to be the name I’ve seen most often. I wouldn’t know that guy from any other 6′4″ dude in college ball, so I won’t say if that is a good/bad thing.
The core stayed the same but the bench was very different (and clearly better). Sure, the bench did nothing in the playoffs, but it was key to securing homecourt in the first round. By virtue of those contracts (only Zaza has a deal next season), we will likely see at least 5 new Hawks next season. My guess is that we bring back Damp or Twin, but not both. Stack will retire (officially). TMac won’t likely return (especially if LD is here). Ivan is likely 50/50, he will get offers from other teams and may be ticked that he wasn’t used against the Celtics. Willie Green, Hinrich and Vlad will most likely not be back. I can see Pargo returning, however.
I’d like to see the Hawks add a young center to groom as Zaza’s replacement (maybe re-visit Benson or Rolle). And speaking of Zaza, with an expiring contract and a near double-double as a starter, he becomes a nice trade piece. As I say ad nauseum, you sell high and not low.
Melvin
May 11th, 2012
11:52 am
I want to give a big thanks to the Hawks management for traded one of their 2nd round picks for cash at the TRADE DEADLINE. Forget trying to package that pick to move up in the draft or help acquire another player. I’m sure that extra cash will be spent on an elite free agent this summer…
Rufus1
May 11th, 2012
11:53 am
Sign Jason Terry for 7mil per year for 2 years as our 6th man…
Then go after Ian mihimi, Jordan Hill or Asik and let JOSH walk at the end of the year.
You get a clutch player with JT and Size/Reb/Shot blocking to replace Josh….And one last run with this core.
asg
May 11th, 2012
11:56 am
i think we will talk about signing lamar odom, then at least we can get more celebs to the games and sell more tickets to the local hicks that want to see reality tv stars
Rod from College Park
May 11th, 2012
11:58 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”
Preciate it Grandmaster Jeje. I was a game off, but coaching and lack of offensive production killed us.
kreedham
May 11th, 2012
11:58 am
I think LD did better than Woodson despite the loss to the Celtics. Despite that we need to get a better coach, one that yells once in a while.
Josh had his best year ever, just need someone to coach him on doing what he does best.
Despite his good game the other night, please get rid of Marvin….he just looks so disinterested!
If they could work out a trade send Joe packing but I realize that’s not likely!
Doesn’t matter, but if Zaza had played I think we would have won. He likes to battle in the playoffs and would have given Garnett fits.
I just think it all starts with the coach! Any ideas on who it should be?
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
11:59 am
HEY,CRAZY @CRAZY HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAH GUESS WHAT U CHOKELANTA DEPENDS SCRATCHING PLAYOFF STEPPINGSTONE FOOTNOTE CHOKER U GET TO SPEND THE ENTIRE OFFSEASON WITH THE REST OF THE CHOKELANTA CHOKEARTIST’S ON A YEARS ROUND OF GOLFING PLENTY OF ICE FISHING AND A WHOLE LOT OF MUDDER PAMPERING UR ARSE IN HER BASEMENT YEAR ROUND CHOKELANTA ALWAYS WAS AND ALWAYS WILL A 1ST ROUND PLAYOFF BOWOUT AND LAST NIGHT WHEN U CHOKERS GOT RETIRED INTO THE OFFSEASON WAS A PERFECT EXAMPLE HAHAHAHAHAHA ENJOY UR OFFSEASON OF ICE FISHING AND GOLFING ARSEHAT HAHAHAHAH GREEN AND WHITE FOREVER GO CELTICS WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR IF U MAKE IT NEXT YEAR
J
May 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
heart breaker last night!
Astro Joe
May 11th, 2012
12:00 pm
Melvin, so do you think it is possible that you are putting words in my mouth? I don’t know if it was one or many players. I don;t even know if LD is telling the truth. I just know that it is a problem and needs to be dealt with. Biggest halfcourt possession of the season and one or more can’t or won’t run the play?
You tell me, is there a good reason to NOT consider that a big f’ing problem considering time and situation, irrespective of the exact names involved? or is it only a problem if it is someone who is not adored on the blog?
J
May 11th, 2012
12:02 pm
who is this chris mehegan F$&k? Probably one of the bandwagon celtic fans that got onboard when they got the big three.
I dare you to come into Philips Arena spouting off like that. Your Boston butt will be handed to you very quickly.
Ray
May 11th, 2012
12:02 pm
@ Crazy
You’re probably talking about me, but honestly how many of those fans in the stands at Phillps are real fans. Honestly it seems like a good bit of people are fair weather fans I’d rather be a bandwagon fan then fair weather.
It’s the same way every season we start out with the draft get someone we think is ok example Jeff Teague. Then FA signings come around we get a few pieces bash them, and then the season begins to come around. For some reason after that everyone gets a sense of optimism about this season I hear stuff like it’s our time the rise up advertisement and so on. Then the moment we hit a losing streak everyone becomes jaded again, and towards all-star break we already talking about trades that are unrealistic. Then we get to the playoffs and then you get the we taking the championship this year blah blah blah. Then we end up losing and it’s a repeat.
I’m just one of those people who has actually grown tired of the hawks organization as a whole man.
leon justice
May 11th, 2012
12:03 pm
The Hawks lost because they are not marketable. They got hosed by the officials by way of the NBA. I think if they make themselves marketable they will get calls. If they don’t make themselves marketable they will continue to not get calls. If you are not a marketable team forget getting anywhere in this entertainment business.
KevinM
May 11th, 2012
12:06 pm
If I was a Hawk player, I would want Marvin’s agent when dealing with Sund.
Are you kidding me? A player option in 2 years at 7.5M? Rick Sund, you idiot!
He and Joe represent 46% of our current committed salaries for 2012-13.
And MC tells us himself we have no need for another wingman. Joe has a terrific one already. And that was in 2010!
I know I don’t have to commit my money to this team for next year already. Only my time here to try and understand how inept people can continue to do the same things over and over again.
Astro Joe
May 11th, 2012
12:08 pm
OB, I probably have no reason why, but yeah, I am surprised that they couldn’t get that crucial play right. One thing to screw up a play in February on a road trip, quite another to botch a play when down by 1 in an elimination game.
And Melvin, as an avid football fan, I know that sometimes the QB isn’t wrong for throwing the interception, the WR is wrong for running the wrong route on a timing pattern. I don’t know if Josh had to shoot because a teammate screwed up or if he was in the wrong for breaking off the play. I have no idea.
Regarding Josh, I’ve said it several times recently, offer him an extension this summer. The only way they should trade him is if he doesn’t sign it. Basically, put the ball in his court… but I’m not trading anyone until he accepts an extension.
Dwayne
May 11th, 2012
12:09 pm
ASG sux, glad they got bounced from the playoffs.
kuhndog
May 11th, 2012
12:09 pm
Good season,time for a change maybe not a big one but a change.Even charles broccoli said JJ was fouled near the end the refs were in green they want to let them play until boston is down then call ticky tack,that last jumper smoove took that play fell apart because boston was committing fouls on the inbounds with no calls,and the last play marquis d had to accost Horf. to get a call The hawks get no respect from the NBA even though they want them to be a tough opponent.This why they dont get calls,the free throw disparity was 25 to 10,teauge got mugged 2 times I dont want to sound like I am bit_hing,but every year the same thing.We are not rewarded for going to the hole,or even get border line calls.That last play should have been a flagrant foul on Horf. but the refs were having none of that.I would like to make a complaint to refs. assoc. but guess what they wont let fans post comments, they just want your money.It is all about the $$$$$$$$$$ and the fans that bleed their home colors,who cares,until next year and they start the hype all over again.We need a coach with passion, I like LD but he doesnt bring that emotion.
Section 303
May 11th, 2012
12:13 pm
Astro Joe, I agree with you that it would be nice to amnesty Joe Johnson. I just do not see how that could ever happen. Even if a new owner came along, who is going to eat $40 million? Just do not see Joe going anywhere, until that deal is up.
Though I still say the ASG would have taken heat for letting Joe walk (they were in a d@mned if they do, d@mned if they don’t situation), that contract is looking even worse than I thought it would when Joe signed it. Seems like this is the same team, with or without him.
DePort
May 11th, 2012
12:13 pm
I cant believe JOSH cut down Atlanta fans … I understand this city is different from Boston and its fans but come on… dont cut down every fan… I support this team and try to make it to as many games as I can… excuse me for not having extra money this month to go to playoff games that I soo desperatly wanted to go to… Maybe next time he can spend some of his money on me so I can go to the game after those rude comments!
Melvin
May 11th, 2012
12:14 pm
Astro,
Your 10:27 post indicated that you was referring to one player.
“More importantly, I hope the GM knows and does something about it… like trade his butt to a bottom-feeding team.”
I simply repost LD quote were he refers to “We”. Maybe he means one player or multiple players, I’m not certain but I do know prior to Josh jumper the play look terrible/broken. I even posted during the play (or shortly after b/c of lag time), “why didnt LD call time out”. The players were scrambling as soon as the ball was in play. I think it was a total meltdown by everyone , coaches and players on that possession.
cp
May 11th, 2012
12:17 pm
@KevinM. lol thats very true. Moves need to be made and should be made but I wont be shocked if none are made. If Sund decides to move on, the Hawks will just promote the assistant GM. LD will probably be back next year too. The core has done as much as they can but the owners seem content with them so they will use injuries as a reason to bring everyone back.
Melvin
May 11th, 2012
12:19 pm
Astro,
Your last paragraph in your 12:08 post was totally shocking. Didn’t know you would prefer to keep Josh in a Hawks uni. So if they extend his contract, who would you move in a trade?
CHUCK NORRIS
May 11th, 2012
12:23 pm
Josh and Marvin to LA for Gasol!
CrαZy
May 11th, 2012
12:23 pm
I’d rather be a bandwagon fan then fair weather.
How about being a real fan…. F everyone else!!
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
12:23 pm
HEY,J @J I DARE U TO COME TO BOSTON AND SAY THAT S*** TO EVERY CELTICS FAN OUTSIDE THE GARDEN AND THE STREET THEY WILL HAVE NO PROBLEM IN HANDING U UR ARSE QUICKLY FASTER THAN WHEN THE CELTICS CRUSHED THE CHOKELANTA CHOKERS OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS AND INTO THE OFFSEASON HAHAHAHAHAH I GUESS UR ONE OF THOSE CHOKELANTA SOREHEADS THAT JUST CAN’T TAKE THE LOSS THAT WAS HANDED TO U GUYS ON A SILVER PLATTER COURTESY OF THE CELTICS HAHAHAHAH ENJOY UR OFFSEASON OF ICE FISHING AND PLENTY OG GOLFING YEAR ROUND TO BOOT HAHAHAHAH WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR MUDDER’S BOY HAHAHAHA GO CELTICS P.S SEND ME A POSTCARD ON HOW UR ICE FISHING AND GOLF SEASON IS GOING
Summed up in one 5 second clip
May 11th, 2012
12:28 pm
Your 2012 Hawks ladies and gentlemen…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUFjYIsO57s
Section 303
May 11th, 2012
12:28 pm
DePort, Josh, like Gearon, just does not understand how to not offend the fans the team does have. Gearon is always saying “We wish we had more fans…..”. Now, Josh takes his shot last night.
Wouldn’t the better way to handle this be saying “The fans we have are great”? This team does have fans. I see them. They’re fellow season ticket holders. They’re on this blog. They’re out there.
When I read Josh’s comments, my first thought was “Go F yourself, Josh.” It’s the same reaction I have when I hear Gearon whine about not having enough fans. Same reaction I had (and still have) towards Joe Johnson’s “I could care less…” comments a few years ago.
Just a stupid move to risk offending the fans you have. I always thought the point was to make people (fans, community) feel like they are a part of the team? The Hawks owners/players just do not get that.
CrαZy
May 11th, 2012
12:31 pm
When did ice fishing become popular in Atlanta…. Hell I haven’t even seen Ice since the Thrashers left town!!!
Marcus
May 11th, 2012
12:32 pm
Astro, et. al.
Snagged this link from Peachtree Hoops:
“Josh Smith Took A Terrible Shot, But That’s Too Simplistic” – by Mike Prada
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/5/10/3013327/josh-smith-video-celtics-vs-hawks-nba-playoffs-2012/in/2775502
Melvin
May 11th, 2012
12:34 pm
Sec 303m
Agreed with your 12:28 post. I was surprise to hear Josh talk about the ATL fans, he normally compliments the fans that they do have.
tidog
May 11th, 2012
12:36 pm
You can’t play 5 on 8 expect to win. Say what you will about the players and the coaching but officiating was a big factor. Point 1, no way Paul Pierce blocks JJ driving layup gets all ball and no body on a bad knee. Point 2, No way officials take the time to replay the McDaniels foul before the inbound pass and come up with anything other than a foul before the inbound pass. They didn’t have the guts to do the right thing in Boston.
christopher mehegan
May 11th, 2012
12:41 pm
HEY,CRAZY @CRAZY THE ONLY REASON WHY THE THRASHERS FLEW THE CUCKOO’S NEST BECAUSE CHOKELANTA COULDN’T EVEN FILL AN ARENA WITH PASSIONATE FANS CHOKE CAUSE THE CITY NEVER PUT A WINNING BUNCH ON THE ICE AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA AND NOW THE CHOKELANTA PLAYOFF STEPPINGSTONE FOOTNOTE CHOKEARTIST’S GET TO ENJOY AN ENTIRE OFFSEASON OF GOLFING GOLFING AND MORE GOLFING FOR AN ENTIRE OFFSEASON CAUSE THEY R NEVER GONNA TASTE NBA GLORY MUCH LESS SHOW UP IN THE PLAYOFFS GASP HAHAHAHAHAH ONCE A 1ST ROUND CHOKEOUT ALWAYS A 1ST ROUND CHOKEOUT ENJOY YOUR GOLFING SEASON SEND ME A POSTCARD ON HOW UR GOLFING SEASON IS GOING GREEN & WHITE FOREVER GO CELTICS LIKE THE OLD SAYING GOES WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR:)