Hawks should consider trading Johnson, not Smith
Sorry, Mr. Johnson. But you just haven't measured up in the playoffs, unlike that guy behind you. (Kent Johnson/kjohnson@ajc.com.)
Almost every player on the Hawks’ roster is either at the end of a contract, or near the end of a contract, or on somebody’s, “Let’s drop-kick this guy out of town,” list.
Josh Smith doesn’t have a contract issue. That tells you what category he fits in.
But if you really believe the Hawks need to shake things up this off-season and possibly trade one of their starters, don’t look at Josh Smith. Look at Joe Johnson.
People, this isn’t even close.
This week’s Countdown . . .
10: Ordinary Joe: 2-for-18 in playoffs
Joe Johnson is a three-time All-Star. I felt I needed to get that out there right away because it seems like any time somebody criticizes Joe Johnson, one of his defenders screams, “He’s a three-time All-Star!” But this is business and these are the facts: Joe has one year left on his contract. He just completed an awful post-season, during which he played one good game and 10 generally crummy ones. In last year’s playoffs, he went 1-for-7 against Boston. This is not what you want from a guy who’s supposed to be your best player, especially when the game’s matter most. It’s certainly not what you want from a player who should be your leader but seldom acts like one. Or acts like he wants to be one. Joe’s one of those quiet guys who just wants to do his thing, whatever his thing is. But that’s not good enough here.
9. Sund has some difficult decisions
General manager Rick Sund just completed his first season. I’m not suggesting that his first makeover would be a failure if he doesn’t trade Joe Johnson. But it’s something he should look at. Just tweaking this roster may not be enough to get this team to the next level. With Johnson turning 28, chances are we’ve seen the best he has to offer. His skill set would be valuable on the trade market to elite teams that are looking for a complimentary player to round out their roster. He potentially could fetch a lot in trade. It’s worth exploring. Here’s why:
8. Team’s core is smaller than you think
Yes, Josh Smith can be maddening. But he has talent, upside and youth -- and he outplayed Johnson in the playoffs. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com.)
I hear a lot about the Hawks’ having a great core of players. Don’t know about that. But if that’s true, here’s how I would list the guys to build around: 1) Al Horford (absolute); 2) Josh Smith (probably); 3) Marvin Williams (maybe). Johnson is not a core piece. Chances are, he’s out the door next year. Mike Bibby might be gone already. Yes, Smith is maddening. But he remains by far the most talented player on the roster with the most upside. The Hawks’ greatest nightmare would be dealing him and then seeing him turn into a human wrecking machine with another team and under another coach. He scored 26 points in Game 4 against Cleveland. He certainly outplayed and outscored Johnson in these playoffs. You don’t trade Josh Smith. He’s a difference maker. Even if sometimes the difference is for the other team.
7. Lights! Camera! Ethiopia?
It sounds like a set-up line. “So there’s this heavyweight fight in Ethiopia . . .” But it could be true. Spoke to Evander Holyfield and there’s a chance his next fight could be against some guy named Sammy Retta July 25 in Ethiopia. The bout would be part of a celebrity fundraiser for AIDS research and would pay Holyfield $1 million, which is about $1 million more than anybody else is offering him to fight. Manager Ken Sanders said officials from the potential event have been phoning him for several weeks and seem serious about it but he still puts the chances of it coming as “50-50.” Holyfield and Sanders are going to Ethiopia Saturday for four days on a promoter’s tab to check it out. Meanwhile, Holyfield is still upset that, “They keep making me get back in line.” We explain . . .
Some local residents begin construction on an outdoor boxing ring in Ethiopia.
6. WBA: “Nothing to see here. Move along.”
Holyfield is 46. I don’t even ask him about retirement any more. But he probably was robbed in his last bout for the WBA title against Nikolai Valuev, losing a disputed majority decision in Zurich. Holyfield filed a protest. With boxing sanctioning bodies, this generally is as successful as the mafia’s court of appeals. Holyfield: “They said they had 10 judges look at tape. Six voted for Valuev and four voted for me, and that was it. They said, ‘Well, we looked at it.’” But Holyfield said the WBA all but assured him he can fight the winner of the Valuev-Ruslan Chagaev fight, which is May 30. The potential fight in Ethiopia shouldn’t be an issue. The opponent, Retta, is listed as a 35-year-old cruiserweight with a record of 18-3.
5. Layla Kiffin (Did that hook you in?)
Here's Layla Kiffin, standing with two unidentified schmoes.
The Knoxville News ran a story on the Kiffin family, but I’m pretty sure it was just to provide slobbering male SEC football fans with a photo gallery that includes several pictures of coach Lane Kiffin’s wife, Layla. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. By the way, did you know that there’s now a Facebook group that’s called, “Our Coach’s Wife is Hotter Than Your Coach’s Wife”? It already has 5,790 members. If you’re a Facebook member, here’s the link.
4. Roger Clemens is innocent
Not really. But he says he is. Again. There’s a new book out, “American Icon: The Fall of Roger Clemens And the Rise of Steroids in America’s Pastime,” and Clemens felt the need to go on the radio again and claim that everybody is lying and he’s innocent, and that he wouldn’t think of taking drugs because his father and brother died young of heart attacks, and, “It would be suicidal for me to take any kind of dangerous drug.” Several syringes are expected to offer rebuttal testimony in the coming weeks.
3. Hey, Jim: Tony Cole still has eligibility left
Tony Cole: inmate.
I realize this covers a lot of judicial proceedings, but Tony Cole might be the worst human being ever given an athletic scholarship at Georgia. If you missed the latest, Cole, who lit the grease fire that helped eventually bring down Jim Harrick and the Georgia basketball program in one of the most embarrassing scandals in NCAA history, is in Cook County (Ill.) jail and just got into a fight with another inmate. The Chicago Sun Times reported that Cole told a corrections officer: “This is how you run this jail? I am going to call my people and I am going to call the press.” Hah! Wait. Is this where Jeremy Schaap comes in?
2. Anybody got Jesse on speed-dial?
Just a little reminder of Tony Cole days in Athens. (Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com.)
Cole is in prison (lately) for violating terms of his parole. Something about a protection order of a former girlfriend whom he is accused of punching. He also is being blamed for the forced resignation of the Chief Financial Officer in Cook County, which the more I read about it makes Clayton County government look like nirvana. The CFO, a woman, hired Cole for a $61,000 a year government job despite his past criminal convictions and twice bailed him out of jail without telling anybody. During one recent court appearance, Cole, according to the Sun Times, said, “My whole case needs to be looked at,” and then turned to a reporter asked that they summon the Rev. Jesse Jackson to help him. Yeah. That’ll happen. If you want to get caught up on the miserable life and times of Tony Cole, here’s a helpful link.
1. The new fight scene
If Holyfield’s fight in Ethiopia falls through, I believe Somalia and Yemen have recently built casinos and are looking for a draw.
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288 comments Add your comment
Dr. Stan
May 12th, 2009
1:12 pm
The Hawks would be better off trading bench warmers than any of the starting. Yes, they need a leader; but, keep the starting five and trade two or three bench warmers for a leader. Let’s not forget the Hawks did make it to the second round of the playoffs. Just three or four years ago, we barely won 15 games.
Atlhawkeye
May 12th, 2009
1:13 pm
Wouldn’t be a good idea to look at a player trade BEFORE looking at a coaching change. This teams problem has always been with decision making by the GM, and the coach’s inability to improve the players provided to them.
Regarding Joe Johnson, I guess I’m the only one who has the opinion that if not for Joe Johnson, last years Boston series would NOT have gone 7 games. Or am I just not remembering his scoring dual with Pierce accurately. Home games only of course. And to compare the production of a double teamed Johnson to a singly defended Smith is ridiculous and paints the wrong picture.
What that TELLS you is that even the other team recognizes where the offensive production from this team comes from – and that it is the other players production that they can live with. Until you improve the production of the “others”, by trade, coaching up, etc – I wouldn’t make Joe Johnson the focal point of a trade.
Unless of course it is for a Dewayne Caliber player.
Ayanna
May 12th, 2009
1:14 pm
Lol at Bugkiller. I have never seen Horford lead the team. I don’t understand what it is about Horford that makes you think he is a leader. I want you to set me straight. I want to call him Boss so bad, but he hasn’t given me a reason to. I want to see some double doubles. Okay, Ok, he’s an excellent rebounder. I’ll give you that.
Dean Wilson
May 12th, 2009
1:14 pm
Trade Mike Woodson for Avery Johnson big man for little man.
freshd
May 12th, 2009
1:17 pm
Hey Colonel Schultz since you brought up STEVE BELKIN, what”s the latest on the other lawsuit involving the Texas car dealer, DAVID MCDAVID who was gonna buy the team before the SPIRIT. Has it been settled. This team has more owners than a leopard has spots.
Born2Buzz
May 12th, 2009
1:19 pm
The Hawks are still missing the same thing they’ve been missing for 5 years now. A point guard. Bibby was a huge upgrade over Speedy (Jeff, you would be an upgrade over Speedy)but only a mild upgrade over Tyrone Lue. He can make some nice passes and shoot the 3, but he cannot penetrate and draw defenders and set up his teammates. JJ is the only player on this team that can penetrate and score or dish (well, Flip can sometimes). The Hawks are still suffering from the mistake of not taking Paul or Deron Williams instead of Marvin. And until they get a real PG, the team will continue to be right where they are, a notch below the elite teams in the East.
And I agree with others who point out that Josh shows more upside because Josh is NEVER double teamed, and rarely even guarded outside of 12 feet. The Cavs just basically ignored him unless he was in the paint.
And while I’m at it, maybe it’s coaching that is a problem. Woody obviously has a problem getting through to Josh. Woody is running the same offense that Detroit ran when he was an assistant coach there. JJ is Rip Hamilton, Marvin is Teyshown Prince, Josh is Rasheed, Al is Ben Wallace and Bibby is Billups. The only problem is that JJ is the only one on par with the abilities of those Pistons (well, Al is actually better than Ben but that role is insignificant in the offense).
Let’s go get a new PG, either Jarret Jack, or maybe Johnny Flynn or Lawson in the draft and a new coach and the rest of this squad will be closer to Boston and Orlando than you think.
But it won’t matter because LeBron will still be in Cleveland and will be ruling the East for years to come. He is a freak.
jwilli120
May 12th, 2009
1:21 pm
The fact that everyone has yet to elaborate on is MIKE WOODSON failed to develope the bench players that he had, Acie Law was a force @ Texas A&M and a First Team All American, yet he did not see the floor at all this year, how does this happen, WOODSON fell in love with Flip and MO
who were key FA pickups and did nothing with ACIE except sit him. ACIE
is big and fast enough to fully contribute to this TEAM, MIKE WOODSON GOT EXPOSED for what he is, and that is he is also a HEAD COACH on his 1st reign as a HEAD COACH, Woodson looked lost at time and he did not make adjustments when he needed to. When we needed a spark off the bench he would put in MARIO WEST c’mon, did anyone notice how weak we looked when JJ, JOSH, Bibby, or BIG AL sat for a breather, it was like the CAVS were playin and we stopped until the came back onto the floor,
the hawks doomed themselves with long stretches of not scoring 0for7 or 0for9, a well developed bench would not let that happen while the starters rested, we got away with this against a inferior Miami team
but you can’t do that against the so called best team in the conference
because we all saw what happened, trading JOE is not the answer, resting
JOE through the regular season is the answer, rotating your bench out is the answer, how are these guys going to be battle tested in the playoffs if they aren’t battle tested during the regular season? We played 8 guys compared to the Cavs playing 11 or 12? Did anyone notice Daniel Gibson was a forgotten man in the Cavs offense, he played alot when the Cavs went to the NBA FINALS. It looked like Woodson is still looking over his shoulder instead of Coaching and Developing what he had, This is a good team just needs alot of WORK and confidence from the head man, SUND GO GET US A SUPERSTAR!!!!! Where you may have one on your BENCH, this reminds me of the GILBERT A in WASHINGTON commerical
he wore the # 0 and sat at the end of the BENCH because they thuoght he couldn’t play look at what he did when given the chance to play, these are just some thoughts all in all THANKS ATLANTA HAWKS FOR A GREAT SEASON AND HOPE FOR MANY MORE TO COME ALONG WITH A NBA CHAMPIONSHIP
GO MY HAWKS MUCH LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Born2Buzz
May 12th, 2009
1:21 pm
Oh, and I forgot, Bibby cannot guard ANYONE. Just like Lue. Anytime Cleveland needed a basket they found who was on Bibby and that was that.
Dave
May 12th, 2009
1:23 pm
I’d hate to see Joe go. If I were in Sund’s position, I’d wait to see how likely the Hawks are to be able to sign either a true center or young point. I’d be willing to let any one of Smith, Horford, or Williams go to make that happen, though I’d prefer that be Smith. If neither is possible, I’d send Woodson packing and keep my team together, evaluating the talent situation after a year with the new coach.
J
May 12th, 2009
1:23 pm
JD – look at the teams he was playing against … memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Toronto, Inidiana … Joe could have been on one leg and scored those points against those teams.
Yeah, it’s Schultz’s opinions, but some people who don’t attend games aren’t smart enough to know that and then take what’s written for fact. I never said anything about it being an upbeat article like “whoo, go hawks” but having a headline like that is of course going to draw readership and piss us fans off who have been attending the games the past few years and see what he does night in and night out
Oh, and about Joe not stepping up to the challenge … i was there for the Home Opener in 0506 when Joe and Kobe were exchanging shots, and you can’t say this guy doesn’t step up … he doesn’t score the points b/c he doesn’t get the calls when he’s driving the lanes like D-wade or lebron … then again, he doesn’t complain, and i for one would like to see maybe a little bit more of that
Atlhawkeye
May 12th, 2009
1:26 pm
It would be a MAJOR mistake, and a step back for the franchise if Joe Johnson becomes the focal point of failure, especially BEFORE looking at making a coaching change.
Other teams can tell you who the “feared” player is on the other team by how they set their defense. It is Joe Johnson that is double teamed. To compare him to a single defended Josh Smith is ludicrous. When the “other” players do not step up, only an idiot would point the finger at Joe Johnson.
Regarding coaching, this unit has continually proved that they do not have the ability to coach up, or develop talent in younger players. The young guys make the same stupid decisions on the court as they did when they first arrived (with the acception of Horford). Coaches who do not improve players are a liability as far as I’m concerned. Please take a look at making a change at that level before making Joe Johnson the reason for playoff failure. (I guess I’m the only one of the opinion that last years Boston 7 game series was due to Joe putting the team on his back.)
There are too many excuses being made for these “other” players who do not produce, or not developing into solid players. Some of it is them, some of it is on the coach, and the rest on the GM’s decision making.
The Hawks really must stop replicating their continued failure to recognize what holds them back. PLEASE look at the coaching. Please!
Mark
May 12th, 2009
1:28 pm
Ayanna, We are not saying J.J. is not a good player were just saying he’s not a floor leader. Look, he doesnt communicate with other players. How may times did J.J. go to the freethrow line? which means he’s not being aggressive. There is a goog chance the hawks will not offer Joe what he wants after next year so he’s probally out the door anyway. TRADE JOE JOHNSON AND GO GET CHRIS BOSH AND MOVE AL HORFORD TO THE POWERFORD position. He’s not a CENTER.
Julius Mainor
May 12th, 2009
1:32 pm
I am tired of people talking about Joe being double teamed. Aren’t Wade and James double teamed?
Chris
May 12th, 2009
1:34 pm
I still feel Woodson is the one that needs to go. We need a coach who actually has a play book. He teaches good defense but offense is a foreign language to him. We need to do like Detroit did. Flip Saunders took them so far and then Larry Brown sealed the deal. The Hawks also have to have a legit center to compete. I wish we could have been the one who would have gotten Gasol instead of the Lakers.
J
May 12th, 2009
1:36 pm
I never said anything about Joe being double-teamed and that slowing him down … all legit stars can get through the doube-teams and joe can do that too … i think somebody was just making a point that Joe is double-teamed alot, hence he is a legit threat on the floor
John
May 12th, 2009
1:38 pm
It seems that there are two basic team models that lead to an NBA title.
Model #1- Superstar who can individually determine game outcome night-in, night-out, with adequate supporting cast. Adequate meaning a couple of players in the top 10 at their position, and a few bench players that can give minutes and points or defense so you can go legit 8-9-man rotation.
Current teams eligible for this model? Cleveland, Lakers, Heat, Orlando, – possibly New Orleans
Teams possibly heading that way? Portland (if B Roy continues to improve); Chicago – (D. Rose is going to be a monster). Ok City – Durant and this team could be very, very good in 2 years.
Model #2 – At least 2 – prefer 3 – foundational players that are perennial all-stars or at a minimum in the top 5-6 at their position. Then fill the team with a mix of veteran role players – who know their role – and youth that can be developed to provide defense/energy.
Teams in this model: Denver; Boston; San Antonio-who has perfected this model.
We’ve seen either of these models can win an NBA title. The Hawks are closer to the 2nd of these two models. Whether Horford develops into a high-quality offensive player is probably dependent on getting him out of the 5. Take your pick – Horford, Johnson, Smith? Horford, Smith, Williams? Johnson, Williams, Horford? Any of these as a nucleus makes sense and has merit. Now – draft a center, a backup (veteran) point that can play defense, and manage the minutes next year.
The likelihood of trading for a player that let’s you compete using model #1 is almost zero – so work with what you have and keep building.
freshd
May 12th, 2009
1:40 pm
I blame WOODY for not developing his bench. He seems to hold a grudge against some players over other players. There is no reason why AC LAW, who was a #11 first round pick, is sitting on the bench beccause he got hurt, yet Marvin Williams, stays hurt and still plays. He did the same thing to SALIM, when he was on the team. WOODY has his guys and the rest only play when it is a blowout. Except Randolph Morris, who never plays.
True Hawks Fan
May 12th, 2009
1:46 pm
Schultz, you’re CRAZY! Trade Joe over Josh Smith. Joe Johnson carried this team for years and you have the nerve to say that. You should be fired! You should be ashamed to write for the AJC. This is the Atlanta Journal Constitution. What city do you think you’re writing for? Disloyal fans and sports writers! You are a big reason why fans turn there backs. I hope you can sleep at night. Stop writing about the Hawks.
Ayanna
May 12th, 2009
1:48 pm
Ok Mark, Joe was being aggressive and going in the middle. 1) Remember when JJ hurt his ankle, He was being aggressive and at the rim. 2) Remember when Woodson told the team they were shooting too many jumpers, who was the one player to take it to the hoop and not shoot a jumper, Joe Johnson. I believe Bibby was the first to come out that huddle and launch a jumper right after coach advised them not to. 3) Remember in the Miami series the infamous Josh Smith between the legs dunk, as I recall right after that the quiet leader JJ showed him how to dunk a ball during the game.
JJ is coachable, he listens to the coach, and tries to carry out what is asked of him. *JJ is the leader in assists so I think he could be a floor leader. Joe is a shooting guard anyway. So I believe his role is to score. Leave the floor leading to the point guard, Mike Bibby.
MannyT
May 12th, 2009
1:53 pm
Why Sund won’t explore trading Joe…job security.
When you trade a team’s top player, you better be right, otherwise…you’re fired.
Example see Philly and Iverson. See Minnesota & KG. Sure it was time for them to go, but if you don’t get the better end of that deal, your GM loses his job.
You almost never get value in the 3-4 good guys for a better guy trade. What did the Lakers keep after Shaq went to Miami? What did Miami get when he went to Phoenix? The only effective answer is cap relief.
All that said, Marvin is a restricted free agent and Bibby, Pachulia, Gardner, West, Murray, Hunter, & Jones are at the end of their contracts now. Your boy Rick has plenty of roster moves to consider…and he has to pay attention to the draft this year.
Get a reliable, big body that makes an improvement in the front court. Get a speed guy in the backcourt that Woody is willing to play and the team is better. This team could be radically different without trading anyone.
Sund needs to give Woody and assignment. Watch some Chuck Daly coaching tapes. We are not as physical as those Piston teams, but we have similar offensive personnel. They were much more successful on offense than we are.
BWAF
truth-serum
May 12th, 2009
1:55 pm
The reason Joe scoring was cut was that the man who would have to guard Za turnoverwaitingtohappenZa did not have to guard him so he was able to double on joe. Everybody knows the Hawks number 1 problems in no center.
Dan
May 12th, 2009
12:15 pm
Dan…Dan, you must know by now that Schultz doesnt know a thing about basketball. Marbles and hate journalism is his thing….
Paul
May 12th, 2009
1:55 pm
Lets face it the hawks need a “Center”. Also, re-sign Childress and then talk about getting rid of JJ or Bibby.
JeffSchultzSux
May 12th, 2009
1:56 pm
YOU ARE A LUNATIC!
truth-serum
May 12th, 2009
2:03 pm
Trade Z for …. a grilled chicken from KFC…Oh oprahs got that covered. What can we get for Za Za “watch this turnover”? Can we get anything for Mr “the road to the bucket is now open”…”please tie your parachutte before launching?” Can we just get a decent center to average 14-16 points, 12 reb and block some shots…Can we force the other teams to shoot outside instead of them forcing us outside?
And No ZaZa…I cant top that turnover!
truth-serum
May 12th, 2009
2:04 pm
Paul
May 12th, 2009
1:55 pm
Im with you Paul. Good scouting!
kirkinga
May 12th, 2009
2:04 pm
So the premise that the Hawks should trade JJ is based on mediocre playoff performance and also his lack of fiery leadership is an interesting one.
One wonders what would have been if the Braves had applied this same standard and jettisoned Maddux and Glavine? With the exception one very notable exception, both pitchers failed to get it done more often than not in the playoffs. Neither were in your face type of leaders on a team where the leaders were 3 starting pitchers.
Look if “shaking up the team” is the way to go, then everyone ids potential trade bait on principle.There’s no need to ignore the player’s performance during the regular season in order to justify trading him. This is especially true on a team that just advanced out of the 1st Round for the first time in a decade.
Blame falls on every player’s shoulder if one looks hard enough. We can blame the Head Coach, the GM who retained that coach and of course ownership who blessed the entire thing.
You don’t trade players without comparable replacements. That should be the one of the first rules of making any trade.
Nick
May 12th, 2009
2:05 pm
Joe must “GO”. He is not an elite player in the league. He has an elite money, but he has no heart. A strong man fight for himself, a stronger man fights for his people and I don’t see Joe in that role. He is more like Joe “Blow”, so he must “GO”. Don’t care what kind of return we get for him. Just get rid of him and find a true shooting guard/forward.
Westurd
May 12th, 2009
2:05 pm
Joe = Good during the regular season
Joe = Poor in the playoffs
Josh = Frustrating/Good in the regular season
Josh = Frustrating/Hawks best player in the playoffs
Which is more important? Regular season or playoffs?
Ayanna
May 12th, 2009
2:06 pm
Childress to the Hawks is what Varejo is to the Cavs. Childress can’t make up for the points lost if JJ was traded. Stop tickling my funny bone Paul. Although having Childress out there rebounding would have helped with the second chance points.
feel gold
May 12th, 2009
2:07 pm
I don’t think we could trade for anyone who can actually improve the team and replace Joe’s points. The Spirit group is not going to pay for that guy even if he were available. We could have used a big like Tree or Dikembe this year but we didn’t have one. The Hawks did improve this year and Sund has to decide what we can do to add to the win total next year, especially the playoff win total. Let’s not tear the team apart and start over with a 30 win rebuild group again.
Hawk Eye
May 12th, 2009
2:12 pm
Hehe…I know i was pushing it when I asked for a OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay trade…
But getting Joe out is treason..he is the core and just looking at his playoff performance due to the coach’s mistake is simply ridiculous..Jeff , just like your opinions.. I am sure you suffer from premature ejaculation..
Dell
May 12th, 2009
2:13 pm
Until they get players who believe in themselves and their coaching staff, they will never reach that elite status. If Kobe, D Wade, KG, LJ, and Chris P were on the same team but were passive like the Hawks are, they would not be an elite team neither!
Ayanna
May 12th, 2009
2:14 pm
Joe can dunk, dribble, pass and shoot jumpers already. However, Josh can dunk, but can’t dribble, shoot jumpers. Which is more important scoring, passing, and dribbling or being a so called leader?
I don’t know, I think actual basketball skills wins a game. If the team or leader doesn’t get the ball to go through the hoop, than all we’re left with is a leader standing on the court. Skills or leader? My vote skills.
Hawks73
May 12th, 2009
2:15 pm
I see all the posts on how Joe was doubled all of the time…NOOOOOOO, REALLY!! Of course teams were going to double our best perimeter shooter/scorer, that’s what good basketball teams do. The point that you guys are missing is that a “go to guy” still has to produce as would any player that you give that label. It’s safe to assume that if you don’t produce in those situations that any team will suffer.
The facts are exactly as Jeff pointed out…Joe struggled to produce in 9 out of 11 games the Hawks played. They could have conceivably lost in the first round to an inferior Miami team.
I guess the question is this, how do the Hawks better themselves as currently constituted (with the lousy Spirit as management)? They will certainly not ante up to sign any big time free agents, so the only avenue to explore is the draft or trade market. The most attractive piece the Hawks could offer (that would secure them a decent package) would be to trade Joe Johnson for the right player(s)/draft picks. It’s not too difficult to see that they could get better and improve this club by trading him.
Nick
May 12th, 2009
2:15 pm
Oh yeah, one other thing. Woodson and his staff needs to go as well. They are the most clueless coaching staff in the league and don’t know how to develop young players. They are horriable.
JD
May 12th, 2009
2:19 pm
Schultz, you’re an idiot! It has been dumb ass decisions like yours that has made the Hawks the worst managed team in the NBA. The reason JJ had few points in the playoff was that the opposition knew no one else on the team could hit the side of the barn wide open. So they shut down JJ and laughed when Smith Horford Williams (your three picks) missed wide open shots. Meanwhile, Bibby was on the bench yawning all game. I surprised he didn’t lay down and take a nap. I’m embarrassed for the Hawks, they mailed that game in laid down like a mat. Get a decent point guard, a real center, and someone who can shoot to help JJ.
Dell
May 12th, 2009
2:21 pm
Hey Westurd,
they won’t reach the playoffs if they don’t have a good regular season. So to answer your question, they are equally important, just at different times.
Ayanna
May 12th, 2009
2:22 pm
Hawks73, it takes a team to win a basketball game. Stop putting all the blame on Joe. And if they had lost to Miami I would have said the Hawks lost, not Joe Johnson lost. Key word: HAWKS
Ayanna
May 12th, 2009
2:24 pm
Hawks73, it takes a team to win a game. All the blame doesn’t go only on JJ when the team loses. Just like all the praise doesn’t go to Joe when the Hawks win.
Hawks73
May 12th, 2009
2:27 pm
Ayanna – Not putting all the blame on Joe, it’s just that he would attract more of a market for the players the Hawks need to make this “team” better. If you have a better idea please share it with me…
Hoops 101
May 12th, 2009
2:28 pm
Yes The Problem with Joe Is he needs help Inside Scoring Outside shooting and guys on defense who knows how to play pick and roll defense.He not Jordan, Bird, Or Magic. And even those guy needed help to get to a championship. Trade Joe wrong answer. Get a better scout to find better players. Free agency will get us that player like a Chris Bosh,or maybe a player like Tashuan Prince. Beside it will all come together next season. Go Hawks!!!
Dell
May 12th, 2009
2:28 pm
hey Kirkinga,
What do Maddox and Glavine have to do with pick and rolls?
mademine
May 12th, 2009
2:33 pm
I think the Hawks are one or two players away from having the champion team Atlanta fans deserve. With the team in a developmental and growing mode the past few years, the coach SHOULD have played the bench more, thus DEVELOPING them to be effective relievers for the starters. That’s why there are more than 5-6 players on the team. I also agree with either getting rid of the coach, OR bringing in someone like Hubie Brown or Mike Fratello to assist. Hopefully there will be a ‘diamond in the rough’ from the next draft.
Grace
May 12th, 2009
2:34 pm
Congratulations and thanks to the Hawk’s team, coaches, owners, administration and fans. Regardless of what some of the comments that have been made you did a wonderful job this year. And don’t worry about the comments being made. They probably don’t know the first thing about coaching or playing the game, that’s why they are at home commenting, and you are still getting paid.
otisfirefly
May 12th, 2009
2:47 pm
@ Jeff. I normally like your witty articles. But this is just a lame excuse for a headline attention grabber on the website. Joe is the Hawks. He averaged more minutes than any other player in the league because he carried this team on his back all season. Then gets double teamed everygame and his supporting cast does not put themselves in position to rotate the ball when Joe gave it up in those situations. Don’t knock JOE. He has done more for this city than you.
Halsey
May 12th, 2009
2:47 pm
Anyone who thinks a coaching change will make the Hawks a true championship contender doesn’t understand basketball. It’s that simple. The NBA is a player’s game. The teams with the best players win. The Hawk’s current roster will not win a Championship no matter who coaches them. No coach can hit jump shots for Joe Johnson, play defense for Marvin, grab rebounds for Josh Smith, etc. If you want to see the Hawks compete for a championship then you want to see them try something different by shaking up the roster. If you want a team that will never be great then you want to see little roster changes made and some meaningless move like hiring a new coach.
Oh, and why does anyone care if Marvin Williams comes back. He’s just a guy. He’ll never be a difference maker. Maybe if the Hawks can sing him for a cheap, long term deal then he’s worth keeping, but not for big money. He’s a glorified role player.
gcsu12
May 12th, 2009
2:58 pm
i love how everyone is all of the sudden assigning calling this season a loss just because the Hawks lost in the conference semis. Look at all the progress that the Hawks have made not only over the past four years but the past 2 years. They increase their win total in each of the past five years, make the playoffs last year for the first time in 9 years and take the eventual world champs to 7 games, win 47 games this year and lose to a potential world champ in the conference semis. This is progress and you don’t disrupt progress by dismantling a team. Look at a team like Houston or Denver. It has taken them 5 and 7 years respectively to get out of the first round and into the semis. It took the Hawks 2 years. This is growth. Learn from the mistakes of 1999 and don’t trade away your premier player. Don’t touch the team and allow them to continue to grow. They’ve shown us this for the past 5 years. If you do anything, stack the bench. The difference between the Hawks and the Cavs is that the Cavs had an excellent bench that not only could compete with the other team’s starters, but allowed them to keep their starters fresh. Joe Johnson was in the top 3 in the NBA in minutes played in the regular season and was understandably spent come playoff time. The Hawks were only 3 deep on the bench in the regular season with Murray, Evans, and Pachulia. You have to have more bench than that. The Hawks need to get Childress back, and sign another big. Also, maybe even try to play Acie Law more and continue to develop this former 1st team All American. Also, you could even keep Marvin Williams, have him come off the bench and play your new big at Center, Horford at PF, and Smoove at SF. Also, re-sign Bibby if no better options at the point arise. He provides stability to the team. Flip Murray was an integral part of the Hawks, and if the Hawks want to continue to be good they must re-sign him. If the Hawks can keep this team together, add a true center, and increase the quality and quantity of players coming off the bench, accompanied by their uncanny knack to grow on previous seasons, the Hawks will be a championship caliber team for years to come. Just don’t call this season a loss because it wasn’t. It gives the Hawks another chance to prove that they can learn and grow on it.
Miles D
May 12th, 2009
3:03 pm
Trade Joe! Perposterious! Joe is the ONLY Hawks player that consistently gets doubled because he IS the only one that can beat you consistently! The only knock on Joe is his lack of vocal leadership. We have other guys that lead. But there are just too many problems with this team and it starts at the top! Too many owners! And they are in disarry! Same goes for the team with their development and play! And their problems only compound when you have a young team with critical pieces that have to develop. If anyone should be traded it should be Josh, and heres why! If you watch the Hawks play you will see Josh take untimely and unwarranted shot after shot, trying to handle the ball with very subpar handles, ill-advised passes, repeated whining to the refs, and a lack of post game and mid-range game for a NBA PF or player period. Even Marvin has impoved his game from year to year! He used to only shoot mid range but now he has broadened his range to the three. He shoots better from the FT line, has a higher FG%, and less turnovers than JS. And he’s coachable too! Al is or should be the future! He’ll bang with anyone and not back down. He’ll rebound and gives us “toughness” on the blocks. The only good things you can say about JS is he is atheletic and occassionally plays good defense, but other than that EVERYONE in Atlanta holds their breath and or heart skips a beat when the ball is in his hands for the reason that I have given! But despite it all he is coveted like an all-star, but has never been in the 5 yrs. he been in the league! He’s basically the same player he was when he came into the league! So, just because JS is from ATL that don’t mean he gets a pass over everybody! I am from, meaning born and raised, GA. as a matter of fact the same city where JS is from, College Park. So, I know the history of ATL franchises and what is NOT acceptable. But the sad part about it is that I know JS does too, but gives us that every night! COME ON!!! Trade his ass and get Amare Stoudamire! He can do the same things but is a BEAST on the offensive and defensive end!
Gerald Williams
May 12th, 2009
3:08 pm
How about those Gwinnett Braves! They couldn’t beat LeBron either, but they can certainly pitch-
http://minorsandmajors.com/2009/674/gwinnett-braves-win-medlens-streak-intact
bailey02
May 12th, 2009
3:09 pm
I love it, if i was Joe Johnson i would beg for a trade…he comes to a team that won less the 15 games and takes them to the second round of the playoffs in four years..guys come on, every possesion he was doubled, if he forces it he’s playin bad, if he passes he’s not aggressive enough..this will be two years in a row the Hawks..Joe Johnson’s hawks have gotten put out by the team that wins it all..can’t complain too much, Joe you played great if it were’nt for you, every hawks fan woulda been watchin playoffs from home not at Phillips arena..Keep it up JJ, screw the people who wanna jump on the “joe’s not good enough” ship..your a top 10 player in the league..great year