Atlanta Hawks: Rick Sund Q-and-A
More from my interview yesterday with Hawks GM Rick Sund.
MC: What is your evaluation of the season?
Sund: There are two seasons. Once you become a real playoff team, there are two seasons. I thought we had an unbelievably great first season: 40 wins, key people hurt, the players and Larry [Drew] kept their focus. We ended up having the fourth-best record in the East. I thought with all the adversity it was really a great year with the compressed schedule and all the obstacles a team has to climb, which every team has those obstacles. I thought it was good.
The second part of the season is the playoffs and that’s disappointing. I think a great thing when you go through the [exit] interview process you get to talk to the players, and to a man—I still have a couple to do—but to a man they all think we should still be playing. And that’s a good thing. There’s disappointment in their heart. They look [at the playoffs] and feel they are good enough to be playing at the championship level.
MC: When you evaluate the team, are you able to separate out the effects of all the injuries from where you need to get better?
Sund: Two-and-a-half weeks after the season, you are a little bit more pragmatic. The emotions are out of the focus. When you look at it and you have to say, the last four years this team in the Eastern Conference has had the third-or fourth-best record either by the end of the regular season or by getting through the first round and getting to the second round. We’ve had the third- or fourth-best record in the last four years. Our goal is to get into those top two [in the East], because that’s when you have a legitimate shot to get to the finals. That’s that championship level. That’s the NBA’s version of the Final Four. You want to be one of those top two teams playing at the end of May and into June because you’ve got a legitimate shot to win a championship. We’ve fallen short of that. That’s our goal. Having said that, we have to look at our club and say where are the areas we can improve, what can we do without taking a step back. So we will have to explore all opportunities.
MC: The team’s deficiencies were mostly on offense, which came to fruition against the Celtics, a very good defensive team. From a personnel standpoint, how can the team improve offensively?
Sund: Again, you say separate the injuries, you really can’t, because if your key personnel are core members of your club, you are going to miss the points that that person may bring or the rebounds. I think we were one of the better defensive teams in the league, something last season we really wanted to focus on. I think Larry and the team did a great job. Points-wise it was Chicago one, Boston two, Philly three, Miami four, Memphis five, we are sixth. Defending in certain areas [like] field-goal percentage. In all of that, we really improved. I think that was the strength of our team. Now we have got to focus on, can we score a little more. Having said that, our offensive efficiency—which I know you are a big stat guy—was really good in the fourth quarter, particularly the last five minutes of the game. Joe [Johnson] in particular [was good] in crunch time. We were good in the fourth quarter, we were good in overtime games, close games. You are always looking at how you get better. I think some of that will come, if the team is the same, from [Jeff] Teague. Teague is going to continue to get better. He got a lot of easy shots for us in the playoffs for some of our players. Joe really improved his 3-point shooting. Marvin [Williams] shot the 3-pointer pretty good. You are asking me questions that really Larry should answer but I think, overall, the dialogue from the coaching staff and the management last year was [about] defense. We’ve got to focus on that and we can manufacture and we have enough talent to get shots.
MC: Why do you think things like good offensive efficiency in fourth quarter didn’t translate to the playoffs?
Sund: I haven’t really zeroed in on that. I think with the exception of the blowout game, all of the games—and we pretty much dominated Game 1-you take those two games out and the other four games were pretty close and could have gone either way. It was a missed shot here and a missed shot there.
MC: We saw the tension between Joe’s deliberate style that he likes to play and LD’s motion offense, something that he expressed his frustration about at one point. Can that tension be resolved with this personnel?
Sund: That question should be to Coach.
MC: Do you plan to extend a tender to Ivan [Johnson]?
Sund: I’m not going to comment on that right now.
MC: Will you try to sign Josh Smith to an extension?
Sund: I’m not going to get into contract stuff.
MC: Josh had a great year production-wise but–
Sund: I think it was the best year Josh has had, at least in the four years I’ve been here. I’ve said it for the record and I’ll say it again: Irrespective of how the voting came out, he should have been an All-Star. I thought Josh had an absolutely terrific year. He did a great job of making sure, hey, we lost some huge production with [Al] Horford and he picked it up.
MC: But his offensive efficiency fell off, and a large part of that is because he’s taking more shots away from the basket and not shooting–
Sund: You have to ask those questions to Larry.
MC: But from a personnel standpoint, do you think he fits with what Larry is trying to do offensively?
Sund: Yes.
MC: Does that mean the migration away from the basket–
Sund: Those are questions you have to ask Larry. I think he’s an All-Star player. He played a total All-Star caliber play this year. He’s been exceptional in the post. I thought his defense was great. He’s one of the better passing power forwards in the league. I think he had a very good year.
MC: Is it your perception Josh is still happy being here with the Hawks?
Sund: I’m going to have his exit interview sometime this week. But, yeah, when you read the things of him saying . . . He’s such a competitor. I was talking to his dad the other day, and he mentioned we all think we should be playing, and that’s great. And [Josh] is one of them.
MC: Can you discuss tour team salary situation going forward?
Sund: I don’t like to talk about it until we find out what the taxes are and the league does its audit. We are in a situation where we have six guys under contract and we will have to fill in either via trade, first-round pick, second-round pick. How much room [under the tax level] do we have to use the mid-level, the bi-annual. We have all of those exceptions. Its’ too early to say.
MC: Is it possible you may have to build the same way as last year, when you had to find some value with minimum-salaried guys?
Sund: Many of the good teams are going to have to finesse their way around and look at that as an option. If you don’t want to be a perennial taxpayer, you have to look at those options. . . . I thought our team this year had a legitimate chance to get to the one or two spot [in the East]. We ended up with the fourth-best record in the [East] but we thought we could still be playing. I asked ownership if we think we are going to have a chance to make a run at it, we are going to have to dip our toe into and go into the tax and pay a little bit of tax. And they did it with no problem. We are an official taxpayer this year and I thought that was a good move for us given the injuries.
MC: I know you probably haven’t had much chance to study prospects in detail, but do you have an idea of the quality of depth in the draft?
Sund: I’m a real division of labor guy and that’s Dave Pendergraft and Mike McNeive, they focus on that all the time. I am getting more involved. During the year I go out and see some people but really focusing in on the groupings, where we pick at 23 who is going to be there, who do I really need to look at, who do you like in the combines, who do you not like. Chicago [combine] has become a really good tool because it’s basically all interviews for two or three days. That’s turned out to be really more productive than even in the past, when they just play.
MC: Have you gotten a feel from Dave and Mike on what they think about the draft prospects?
Sund: They’ve handled the draft pretty good the last couple of years. We got a good player in Teague and we got a good player in [Jordan] Crawford, which we parlayed into [Kirk] Hinrich. They feel that we will get a quality player at the 23rd pick, or there are quality people there. There are a few people they like that they might want to move down to get. Who knows. It’s way too early to tell. The lottery is tonight and next week is when it really starts to focus.
MC: How do you think that Crawford trade turned out now that Hinrich’s contract is expiring?
Sund: We felt we could make a run last year. Not quite as good as this year [but] we had to get through Orlando. It was the first time in four years we didn’t have home-court advantage and many people picked Orlando to win the conference. And then we took the best team record-wise [the Bulls] where we won the first game and then won another game. Hinrich didn’t play in that [series]. We like to think if Hinrich did play we would have advanced that round. It’s just unfortunate he came in with the injury this year. But I don’t think there’s any question in my mind that we wouldn’t have advanced to the second round last year without Kirk on our team.
Michael Cunningham, Hawks beat
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535 comments Add your comment
Astro Joe
May 31st, 2012
1:15 pm
Mary, Sund talking to Mr. Smith suggests to me that Josh wasn’t around and that Mr. Smith has a significant role in where Josh signs his next contract. I kind of doubt that the NJ GM is talking to Deron Williams’ parents, but who knows? Lastly, they must have felt like they already knew Josh’s thoughts regarding LD’s return.
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 31st, 2012
1:24 pm
Cornhole!
I have a picture of mine on the Internet!
*blush*
DePort
May 31st, 2012
1:26 pm
Hawks were in the same situation in the 90s … we had mookie and steve smith and we were getting to the playoffs and just couldnt get past the bulls… we blew up the team and we were bottom dwellers for the next ten years or so… So what makes you all think its going to be any different this time? We get rid of Joe .. and Josh.. or any combination and we will be a lottery team for another ten years! I atleast have false hope every year .. its better than knowing you will never win!
Ra'mon
May 31st, 2012
1:37 pm
DMB, I actually don’t see much wrong with Sund talking to Josh’s father. The difference between Josh and most NBA players is he is actually from Atlanta, so his family lives here. With his injury, I could actually see Josh leaving a few days after the Hawks were eliminated to goto LA to began rehabbing.
Mr.Stokes
May 31st, 2012
1:41 pm
The Hawks should keep the 23rd pick and draft Fab Melo if he is available the guy is 7′0 250 and he is a great defensive player already but he needs work on his offensive game.
Just Joe
May 31st, 2012
1:47 pm
To me, it depends on who called the meeting (between Sund & Josh’s dad), or was it just by chance that the two talked.
Did Sund have to reach out to dad because Josh went MIA after the season (pissed because “we’re not still playing”…pissed because the roster should have been deeper…pissed because Al got more publicity…pissed because Joe makes $7M+ more a year than him…pissed because he reads this blog…I could go on)?
Did Josh’s dad call the meeting because he’s ready to make something happen (big pay day or new team for his son)?
Tank
May 31st, 2012
1:49 pm
I got a question, was Rick Sund on Seattle when they traded Ray Allen to Boston? And also, his answers seemed like he has read this blog, because I have never heard anyone from management mention championship in a sentence.
Astro Joe
May 31st, 2012
1:52 pm
Tank, I’m pretty sure that Sund traded Ray Allen to Milwaukee.
falcans
May 31st, 2012
1:53 pm
The problem with bringing in a 7 footer (unless hes on the bench) is what to do with Josh and Al? Josh has no business at the 3 as a starter. and he is more valuable at the 4 than Al (better scorer more upside rebounds shots blocked!) But Al at the 5 is a mismatch offensively against anybody!!. he is essential in clearing the lane for LD motion offense. Our best bet is to aqcuiere a passing pg. Teagur cant score consistently like a werstbrook so his scoring prowess doesnt ov3r ride his inept passing. How bout teagues brother in the 2nd round. Not as quick as big brother but more level headed better mid range juper better passer
Astro Joe
May 31st, 2012
1:55 pm
Oops, had that backwards, Sund traded Gary Payton (franchise legend at the time) for Ray Allen.
Slimpg
May 31st, 2012
1:56 pm
Jeff Teague $2,433,076
Joe Johnson $19,752,645
Josh Smith $13,200,000
Al Horford $12,000,000
Zaza Pachulia $5,248,750
Kirk Hinrich – $3.5 million annually for 3 years. Pretty sure you could get Jason Kidd for that much.
Orlando Johnson (buy/trade into this pick) or Alex Young – rookie deal = $473,604 (42nd from Suns)
Marvin Williams $8,287,500
Ivan Johnson – minimum – $880K?
Fab Melo – rookie Deal
Janero Pargo – vet min – $880K?
Al Thornton – vet min – $880K?
Erick Dampier – vet min – only if in shape.2012-2013
1st unit
Jeff Teague | Joe Johnson | Josh Smith | Al Horford |Zaza Pachulia |
2nd unit
Kirk Hinrich| Alex Young | Marvin Williams | Ivan Johnson | Fab Melo |
reserves
Al Thornton; Janero Pargo ; trimmed down Erick Dampier
drmaryb.(*_*).
May 31st, 2012
1:56 pm
PULPIT!
“Mary, Sund talking to Mr. Smith suggests to me that Josh wasn’t around and that Mr. Smith has a significant role in where Josh signs his next contract. I kind of doubt that the NJ GM is talking to Deron Williams’ parents, but who knows? Lastly, they must have felt like they already knew Josh’s thoughts regarding LD’s return.” – Astro Joe -
____________
PREACH!!!! TABERNACLE!!!!
Just Joe
May 31st, 2012
2:13 pm
Thinking about a GSW / Josh trade….Josh Smith, #43 & future 2nd for Biedrins, #7, #30 & #35???
The 7th pick (I think its 7th)…you know that Davis, MKG, Beal & Robinson will be gone. So you’d have a shot at one of Drummand, Lamb, Barnes, Henson or Jones.
The 30th & 35th picks…Kevin Murphy & Orlando Johnson (Isn’t that the kid’s last name from UCSB???). He just measured out at about 6′5″ with a 6′11″ wingspan. 34″ vertical. Nice jumper.
Harrison Barnes, Tony Wroten, Kevin Murphy & Orlando Johnson.
J. Teague / T. Wroten
J. Johnson / K. Murphy / O. Johnson
H. Barnes / M. Williams
A. Horford / I. Johnson
Z. Pachulia / A. Biedrins
I think this is getting closer to what LD wants to see. You’ve got good size & shooting ability on the wings with Johnson, Murphy, Johnson, Barnes & Marvin….fast, athletic PG’s (Wroten needs to work on that right hand)…and some size up front with the MLE still to use on a center.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 31st, 2012
2:20 pm
“Thinking about a GSW / Josh trade….Josh Smith, #43 & future 2nd for Biedrins, #7, #30 & #35???”
That is a better trade if you remove Biedrins. I want no part of that guy. His contract and production are worse than Marvin.
Hopefully if the Hawks do that they can manage to package some of those picks and move up. From what little I have seen and know of those five players you mentioned, Drummond seems like he’d be the best choice based on his position and what I have seen and heard about him.
I wonder what the Warriors’ plans are though. They have Richard Jefferson, David Lee, and Andrew Bogut locked into long term deals at the 3-4-5 positions. If they get a forward, who are they going to move and what can they get for them? None of those players’ trade value is particularly high.
Facts Baby Facts
May 31st, 2012
2:21 pm
If we are to get to the championship level of competition instead of the backwards progress since Mike Woodson left 4 things must happen.
1)Sund has got to go
2) Michael Cunningham has got to go
3)Al Horford has got to go
4) The hawks have got to get a true center to complement Josh and JJ
Ra'mon
May 31st, 2012
2:23 pm
Barnes is another Marvin Williams. And this is coming from a UNC fan.
Facts Baby Facts
May 31st, 2012
2:27 pm
“Josh has no business at the 3 as a starter. and he is more valuable at the 4 than Al (better scorer more upside rebounds shots blocked!) But Al at the 5 is a mismatch offensively against anybody!!. he is essential in clearing the lane for LD motion offense. Our best bet is to aqcuiere a passing pg. Teagur cant score consistently like a werstbrook so his scoring prowess doesnt ov3r ride his inept passing. How bout teagues brother in the 2nd round.” – quote of the day.
Everybody and his brother knows this is the truth. Al is the weak link and Josh is a strength on the front line.
Time for Al to go. Hell Its been time.
Slimpg
May 31st, 2012
2:27 pm
RE: falcans
“Josh Smith has no business as a starter at SF”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzOzVSsifCo
Then the Hawks have no business fronting like they are an NBA team. Thats the game with OKC Smith mixed in SF to counter Durant, and its been employed against the major teams.
It shoouldve been employed vs the Celtics but there was no depth (Zaza)
It brings toughness, it brings rebounding, and it brings a taller consistent shooter (Horford) to the elbow.
Smith will never be a consistent superstar PF, and he lives and dies by that elbow PF jumper.
So its no reason to set his position in stone. SFs come in all shapes sizes and styles.
And if Smith turns into a 14ppg defensive rebounder and playmaker like Iguodala. Then the Hawks are elite with that
MistaGamer
May 31st, 2012
2:29 pm
Najeh,
Nicely summed up!
What kind of idiots do we have running this organization, and more importantly, what kind of idiots do they take the paying customer for?
falcans
May 31st, 2012
2:30 pm
i woulda traded the aging gary for ray Allen. Mite have been best move hes ever made lol. Only a idiot would trade Josh Smith. Al Horford and Marvin Williams and a draft pick for D Howard. Id take my chances that the Atlanta Native and a re energized fan base would be enough to make him sign long term. Plus he nd Josh would be the best frontcourt (defensively) since The Admiral and the big fundamental!!
Facts Baby Facts
May 31st, 2012
2:30 pm
If we are to get to the championship level of competition instead of the backwards progress since Mike Woodson left 4 things must happen.
1)Sund has got to go.
2) Michael Cunningham has got to go.
3)Al Horford has got to go.
4) The hawks have got to get a true center to complement Josh and JJ.
Facts Baby Facts
May 31st, 2012
2:32 pm
Teague doesnt start or get major minutes on most of the top 13 teams…. So what does that tell you about teague?
tidog
May 31st, 2012
2:34 pm
Barnes is way more skilled than Marvin. He handles the rock better and is capable of creating his shot a lot better than Marvin. The whole Sports Talk Radio is amazed at the No Call on the Rondo ’s layup at the end of the game. They also seem amazed that Lebron goes to the line 29 times and the Celtics go 24. Ray Allen whining about the no call in an interview. Welcome the the Hawks World.
newkid
May 31st, 2012
2:35 pm
The long-term prospects for the centers likely to be in the ‘13 draft appear to be a bit better than the ‘12 crop. Moving Josh, Joe, and/or Marvin this year should be done with an eye toward positioning for one of the ‘13 centers.
tidog
May 31st, 2012
2:39 pm
There’s a long athletic center out of Gonzaga, Robert “something or another” could be a nice fit.
falcans
May 31st, 2012
2:40 pm
slimpg@ josh career avg 16 ppg 8rpg 4asst 2blks…. he is iguadala without the publicity. 2nd I have no idea why everybody is so hard on Josh with the jumpers… he has a better average than kobe (this year) and the reason he is on the perimeter is #1 we cant run a pick n roll. #2 he is able to blow by defenders if HE CAN GET THE BALL BEFORE THE SHOT CLOCK IS EXPIRING #3 because LD uses him as a 3 to appease Al and give him the illusion he is a 4. put smith at the 4 and let him play like a 4 he is a top 5 PF. How many times have u seen a play called for Josh in the post… high or low??? @ facts baby facts, Horford can ball he is just overrated and needs to take a back seat to Josh ,JJ , and Teague if can learn to consistently hit those floaters lol nevermind Trade AL
Smoke Weed Every Day
May 31st, 2012
2:42 pm
“And if Smith turns into a 14ppg defensive rebounder and playmaker like Iguodala. Then the Hawks are elite with that” – Idiot
Smith career?
8rbs 2blks 15pts 3ast
This year?
9.6rbs,2blk 18.8pts 3ast
Why would we want to take backwards steps to appease some idiot.
Rusty
May 31st, 2012
2:42 pm
I don’t know how people think.JT has proven to be a good defensive PG. his turnover rate is very low,he plays under control,his outside shooting isn’t bad.He has to deal with a situation where isi Joe brings the offense to a stop & Josh does what ever he wants to do. He is often in the game with KH who try’s to play PG. He was essentially a rookie,he is the only hawk who is capable of driving to the hoop & yet people talk about replacing him with a rookie or some one like Sessions. JT is not the problem with this team,it’s LD.
northcyde
May 31st, 2012
2:42 pm
Rod from College Park
May 31st, 2012
11:17 am
“Marvin [Williams] shot the 3-pointer pretty good.”
Take a look at his numbers against playoff teams Mr. Sund. It might surprise you. SMH
****************************
Marvin was 17 – 46 from 3 vs Eastern Conference playoff teams ( 37% )
Marvin was 6 – 16 from 3 vs Western Conference playoff teams ( 38% )
Marvin was 23 – 62 total from 3 vs NBA playoff teams ( 37% )
(( shrug ))
Not great, but not nearly as bad as people would want to believe.
Having said that, Sund is incredible with his spin doctoring.
falcans
May 31st, 2012
2:45 pm
YEA TEAGUE IS SOOOO OVERRATED. he is young so can be coached but he is a poutter and all he has is quickness. he is not a starter yet by any means. he is not a floor general and lacks confidence
Non Partial
May 31st, 2012
2:47 pm
Al is the laziest defender on the team and his offense isnt good either. You actually have to stop the motion of the offense to run plays to help Al score. Pick and rolls are for players who cant create, Like Al. Al has 1 shot and thats iffy. Thats why he averages 12pts a game. (almost all his life). He just doesnt have the tools.
College career average 12pts
Pro career average 12pts
All star (LOL) 5pts
Playoffs 10pts
Al Just doesnt have what it takes to help the hawks offensively and is too lazy and soft defensively
Grandad
May 31st, 2012
2:47 pm
Najeh
On Gasol;
My points are valid as are yours.
We both obviously feel strongly about our positions.
I do not wish to get into the:
back & forth;
`’Jamal type debate that constantly rages on this blog`’.
I will not concede … but I know you should not back down either.
My point;
The difference in our opinion is so miniscule [I believe]
that it would be time consuming for us to continue.
The debate being:
Gasol elite or just really good ?
It`s not as if we are debating Wilt Chamberlain vs Cal Bowdler ?
My respect for your tenacity,
and knowing my stubborness … could lead to a summer of …
endlessness !
point, counterpoint, point, counterpoint, … stalemate …………
My final absolute point = Sund is obtuse !
Black Man
May 31st, 2012
2:52 pm
Non Partial Thats true. there is no way we get better with Al on the front Line. I easily trade Al for a high draft pick or a real center. Al brings nothing but arguments to the team.
Astro Joe
May 31st, 2012
2:54 pm
Agreed disagreement? On this blog? What’s next, the ASG use a portion of the MLE on Marcus Camby?
Rusty
May 31st, 2012
2:56 pm
Gasol is no big upgrade over JS
@ falcans I don’t think you have watched many hawk games. You probably think KH is better than JT. Put any PG into this hawk’s team. He would have major problems running this team with JJ & JS in the lineup & with LD as the coach.
Rusty
May 31st, 2012
2:58 pm
And that would’ve a fact not an opinion.
JM
May 31st, 2012
2:58 pm
Dr. Mary, is there anything on the horizon with stem cell and spinal rejuvenation? I ride as well and everytime there is a story like William’s, my wife (one of those physcians that calls people like me organ donors) get on my case about giving it up.
JM
May 31st, 2012
2:59 pm
I asked her and she thinks any possible stem cell use is years if not decades away. any thoughts?
Mike
May 31st, 2012
3:00 pm
@falcans and Non Partial
Okay, I bite since I am a nice guy, say that the Hawks did trade Al away, do you think that Josh will stay? Answer No, because some team will overpay Josh no matter what and if we did signed him, it is going to be at max, that means you are going two players with max contacts, not going to happen.
Right now, i think this team is going try to get sold again (lack of commitment, alot of contacts (Zsa and Teague) is up next year, Marvin and his option, this is straight out caretaker mode.
JM
May 31st, 2012
3:01 pm
I wanted Pau before he got to LA, but now I’m not sure he is worth a major player. Too old. Marvin yes, Joe maybe. Josh, Al or Teague NO!.
northcyde
May 31st, 2012
3:01 pm
Slimpg
May 31st, 2012
2:27 pm
RE: falcans
“Josh Smith has no business as a starter at SF”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzOzVSsifCo
Then the Hawks have no business fronting like they are an NBA team. Thats the game with OKC Smith mixed in SF to counter Durant, and its been employed against the major teams.
It shoouldve been employed vs the Celtics but there was no depth (Zaza)
It brings toughness, it brings rebounding, and it brings a taller consistent shooter (Horford) to the elbow.
Smith will never be a consistent superstar PF, and he lives and dies by that elbow PF jumper.
So its no reason to set his position in stone. SFs come in all shapes sizes and styles.
And if Smith turns into a 14ppg defensive rebounder and playmaker like Iguodala. Then the Hawks are elite with that
***********************
????????
In the vid that you posted, Josh Smith is playing the 4 the vast majority of the time, and was far more effective playing the 4 than when he played the 3. And it’s not even close.
Josh Smith played the 3 in that game for about a grand total of 4 minutes. Yet, you’re trying to pass that off as if he could play the 3 full time at the level he plays the 4?
The only way I want to see Josh Smith playing the 3 on this team, is if we have another C or PF who is highly efficient at that spot.
falcans
May 31st, 2012
3:03 pm
@Rusty Teague is all of those things BUT he cant pass. It would be different if he was a consistent scorer to off set the fact he gets no one else involved, but hes not. ALL year long we hear how “stagnant” the offense was….. as talented as we are this is unacceptable. he lacks leadership and confidence. He is not the answer. is he a bum?? not by any means but the answer to our woes???c’mon man
doc
May 31st, 2012
3:03 pm
nice attempt there mc to get some depth.
has anyone ever known people that just seem coated with teflon, no matter what is thrown at them nothing sticks and made of pure plastic? he has got it down. likeable yes, probably pretty much fun talking about the old days and someone who you could have along conversation with but walk away knowing you have learned nothing. my boy rick has it.
Fundamentals
May 31st, 2012
3:08 pm
Sund interview sums up how our team is officially run. No leadership, no direction, no willingness to take on the challenge. We did great! BUT you’ll have to ask someone else for some real answers, I just stop where the bar was set. To get any higher, you’ll need someone else to answer your questions.
TOTAL BS …. again.
DawgNole
May 31st, 2012
3:10 pm
SUND: “I think Larry and the team did a great job.”
A Round 1 exit in the playoffs is a “great job”? Please!
Until this city’s pro teams can obliterate that manner of thinking, there will be NO championships here (95 Braves notwithstanding).
falcans
May 31st, 2012
3:11 pm
lol can you really read my comments and say i dont watch games lol woooow. A pg is like a QB. The good to great ones dont succumb to their diva wr wants. The pg has to be the general. If he cant get the respect needed to do so from his teammates THEN HE IS NOT THE ANSWER!!! Regardless of percieved talent. Or are you suggesting @rusty- that we gut our team and start over with Teague??? lol yea someone doesnt watch and its not me
White Man
May 31st, 2012
3:11 pm
Gasol > Al
Bynum>Al
D12 >Al
Josh> AL
Zaza> Al
Ivan >AL
Al > collins
Al > Dampier
northcyde
May 31st, 2012
3:17 pm
Personally, I think it speaks volumes that Sund hasn’t done an exit interview with Josh yet. That’s the one person I’d want to get in first, to try to assess if he still wants to be here or not. This organization has to get a gauge on whether Smith can be retained . . and if he wants to come back in the first place.
LOL @ talking to his daddy, rather than to the player himself.
Maybe MC needs to do an exclusive interview with Josh Smith’s father.
Great interview by MC. He asked all of the right questions in this. Sund’s indecisive azz kills me.
MC: Will you try to sign Josh Smith to an extension?
Sund: I’m not going to get into contract stuff.
LOL . . he said that like this isn’t the biggest decision the Hawks have to make this offseason. Like he doesn’t have direct involvement in the process.
O'Brien
May 31st, 2012
3:19 pm
DMB,
I think Ra’mon Sessions has a player option for $4.5 mil, so he could decide to become a FA.
As for Rick talking to Mr. Smith, I think Josh will listen closely to what his Dad has to say when its time to sign another contract. To me, it is surprising that Josh and other players have not had their exit interviews yet, since their season ended on 5/10 (almost 3 weeks ago).
Rusty
May 31st, 2012
3:19 pm
Falcans I diagree with you, it’s not JT’s fault,LD let’s Joe & Josh to dominate the offense which leads to bad shots & a complete stop to the flow when JJ plays iso & LD is forever in JT’s ear critizing him & giving him mixed signals what he expects. When JT scores well he tells him he needs to get the stars the ball,when he try’s that he is told that he’ s not being aggressive enough. I think that this boils down to the fact that JT has made him look bad.I think that if LD had his way KH would be playing PG but he can’t do that because the fans know that JT is way better. Look at what’s happened toIvan & TMac.