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
DHD
May 12th, 2009
5:29 pm
Sign free agents Andre Miller and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Let Bibby go. Keep everybody else.
Common Sense
May 12th, 2009
5:29 pm
KEEP JOE LESSEN HIS ROLE, AND GO GET A TRUE CENTER THAT JUST WANTS TO REBOUND & LAY WOOD ON LEBRON WHEN HE TRIES TO COME DOWN THE LANE! THE WHOLE HAWKS TEAM IS SOME PUNKS! THEY WERE SCARED OF A MAN THAT BLEEDS JUST LIKE THEY DO! THEY LET LEBRON COME DOWN THE LANE AND CONTORL THE WHOLE COURT HOWEVER HE WANTED TOO! AND WHENEVER HE WANTED TO! YOU HAVE 6 FOULS!!! USE THEM!!!
Maximino Leon
May 12th, 2009
5:36 pm
Joe Johnson is Scottie Pippen without Jordan. If Pippen had to be the man every night, he’d look pretty vulnerable, just like JJ, who is a very good player, but not a great player. Great players are extremely rare, but that doesn’t mean very good players should be discarded. Anyone who says JJ didn’t carry this team through most of the regular season just wasn’t watching. But Bibby was also crucial and the biggest difference-maker (well, maybe with Horford) from the non-playoff teams. Look for a big man in free agency or the draft, show some confidence in Acie Law (who can be that penetrating point guard some say the Hawks lack in Bibby) and please find someone who can convince Josh he’s not a point guard, he shouldn’t be taking the ball up the court, he shouldn’t be camping out on the 3-point line and he should show more respect for his coach and, for that matter, for the refs. I’m tired of watching him act like he’s still 18. This team needs a veteran, even at the end of his career, who is outspoken and would command Josh’s respect. It’s funny how all the fans with so many differing views all seem to agree that there’s an obvious leadership void here. It’s just puzzling how that all gets thrown in JJ’s lap. I suspect he’d instantly look like more of a leader if Josh either grew up or was sent packing. It’s obvious there is no one on that roster or on that bench who can lead the petulant Josh Smith.
DEEZANUTZ
May 12th, 2009
5:38 pm
RESIGN BIBBY, GET A BIG MAN LIKE ZYDRNAS LLGAUSKAS. GET A STRONG PERSON FOR THE GO TO GUY WHO HAS THE CAPABILITY TO TAKEOVER THE GAME. SOMEONE WHO JOE CAN COMPLIMENT. AND DEVELOPMENT THE BENCH AND FORCE SMITH TO LEARN HOW TO SHOOOT!!!! I WOULD EVEN SAY MOVE SMITH TO SMALL FORWARD BUT EVERYTHING CANT BE ACCOMPLISHED AT ONCE!!!
DEEZANUTZ
May 12th, 2009
5:41 pm
Maximino Leon HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD!! WE NEED A JORDAN!!! JOE JOHNSON IS THE PERFECT PIPPEN!! THE THING IS WHO IS AVAILABLE AND WHO CAN WE GET!!!
ATL Fan
May 12th, 2009
5:47 pm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/173500-your-2010-atlanta-hawks-what-must-be-fixed-and-where-to-start
The Truth
May 12th, 2009
5:52 pm
DHD
Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Andre Miller ages maybe an issue long term. In fact, Andre Miller is even older than Mike Bibby. We may save money short term with Andre Miller but he is not the solution long term because of his age. However, I do like his penetrating ability.
Arkansas Braves fan
May 12th, 2009
5:55 pm
Common sense, im buying a lot of your take, but u and I know joe isn’t average. When Marvin went down, Joe scored like 30 or more in several games there after. It would have been nice to actually have someone make a shot when Joe passed out of a double team. Dang I even saw them double a couple of times when Lebron was guarding Joe. If the Hawks had someone like Kobe everyone on this board would be singing Joe’s praises because it would be Kobe passing out of a doulbe team to JJ. Its not Joe’s fault he is overpaid! He is a very good Nba basketball player, just not in the same leauge with Lebron and Kobe. Do u really think the Hawks win a game if they have Paul Pierce instead of JJ?
Josh Smildress
May 12th, 2009
6:01 pm
Let’s trade you for a bag of beans. Trade Joe Johnson is a terrible idea.
Hawkz123
May 12th, 2009
6:01 pm
Why should they continue doing what has kept the Hawks bad for years? Lets trade the best player on the team again?? Joe Johnson is prob one of the top 5 shooting guards in the NBA. We need to get some more talent that will keep teams from double teaming him. Maybe if Josh Smith could shoot from anywhere beyond the paint, Joe might be able to shine more. Oh here is a hint lets get a new coach that can draw up maybe some offensive plays instead of “dribble, pass, dribble shoot!!! Oh and someone please tell Josh Smith to stop bringing the ball up when you have your guard right next to him.
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
6:26 pm
Anybody who would consider trading Joe Johnson is unrealistic! …I don’t care if we had acquired Bibby because if we had Bibby + no Joe Johnson then we would have been a lottery team without him
Rod
May 12th, 2009
6:28 pm
Lebron splits double teams like last night Joe looks to pass and this what people say they want here I hope they keep him so people like me who want Josh Smith to stay and Joe to lead can say we told you so he never busted 30 one stinking night he only showed up game7 against Miami,I’m no Smith apologists but the guy has uber talent it’s just misguided at times but if they trade him I will not watch for at least 2 years because it would take that long for me to get over it,someone just needs to get in his face who he respects Joe has no respect he accuses them of quitting when u busy for 30 Joe then say they quit but it looks to me like you quit and I agree Woody does not know how to develop young talent look at Houston Landry,Wafer,Brooks,A.C went head to head with Durant in college and won and now he can’t play get real the man has game it’s the coaching who has reeled him in develop give them playing time and they get confidence,Josh has passion passion can be coached but you can’t coach lack of fire and with Joe thats what we have I hate a quiet guy what is he living for if he does not express it not anyone could tell us anything about Joe except he’s a fan favorite he’s not my favorite who voted him in that award I want guys like Horford,Zaza,Marvin,Josh,West guys who show fire hell Nowitzki shows more emotion and he’s white geez!
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
And why do people keep suggesting Ben GORDON…he’s a combo guard (like Mike Bibby) but a better scorer. He’s NOT a point guard…plus I think the Bulls will keep him after his performance in the post season not to mention he had a great regular season as well
rodney
May 12th, 2009
6:29 pm
Jeff, What are you thinking my man. Look at the Heat and Cavs. When D.Wade and LeBron did get double team by the Hawks they pass to open jump shooters that hit their shots. When Joe was double teamed he passed to wide open players and they missed their shots, execpt for Bibby, now if Marvin and Horford were healty we would of won maybe two or three games against the cavs. Josh is a up and coming young player but he needs to mature on the court and in the locker room. Marvin has worked on his game every year during the off season, but could be used as trade bait. Joe need some help. Let’s see Bosh, Horford, Smith or Williams, Joe & Bibby as your starters. Murray, Evans, and Zaza coming off the bench with a legit backup 3point shooter that we pick up this year from somewhere, then we will be a true contender for the NBA championship. We need to trade Smith or Williams, Acie Law (since he’s never used) and the rights to Chidress to the Raptors for Bosh and one of there 3 point shooters. Hawks better act fast because if they don’t Miami will and then we will be the 5th or 6th best team in the east, because you know the pistons are gonna make a major trade after that trade they made last year that hurt them (Iverson 4 Billups). So leave Joe along just get him some help…. a legit center
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
6:32 pm
Rod…emotion is overrated. Just look at Brandon Roy…very similar to Joe Johnson. Quiet, poised and just an all-around great player. You don’t have to pound your chest and whine like a baby to the refs to be considered a great player. It’s called quiet confidence. Tim Duncan is another example
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
6:35 pm
And please Rod…there is an important component of writing and grammar. It’s called punctuation. Please use it because reading your paragraph was unbearable
Rod
May 12th, 2009
6:37 pm
Ga bulldawg you are wrong when Brandon hit hthe game winning shot against Houston that was emotion Joe could not hold Brandon jock strap!
Paul From Milton
May 12th, 2009
6:37 pm
Blah,blah, blah…Hawks…blah, blah, blah…Holyfield…blah, blah, blah…WHOA! Layla Kiffin is SMOKIN! Excellent item Jeff.
Rod
May 12th, 2009
6:38 pm
This is not school this is a sports blog I’m not developing a novel,did this make you happy!
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
6:39 pm
The only solution is to get a TRUE, pass first point guard with the ability to score (like a Chris Paul or Deron Williams) that can draw double teams. We also need a big man and a new coach. I suggest Jeff Van Gundy because Avery Johnson is known to be am extremely rigid coach so stop brining uo his name!!! There’s a reason he was fired in Dallas…
Rod
May 12th, 2009
6:41 pm
Me and you could never coexist on a team you would be upset and never tell anyone,I would be upset and tell you and you would say I whine like a baby communication is the key,humans are not mind readers this is not Star Trek!
Rod
May 12th, 2009
6:44 pm
I bet you hated Moreno because he left early you would say stay you need a education,I would say go and get your $ thats why you go to college we just think different GA there is nothing wrong with that we just disagree!
rodney
May 12th, 2009
6:47 pm
I guess me and common sense where the only ones watching da game, because my girl thought I was crazy. Every game I was like man rough the Cavs up a lil bit. LeBron is a big boy, but Donte West, Mo Williams, and dang wally….he ain’t never ever went to da hole in his basketball career (highschool, college or pro) like he did against the Atlanta soft Hawks. Now we physically beat up the Heat, but the Cavs did what they wanted to. On acouple of drives I seen the Hawks players watch LeBron do his thing, all they needed were a few digital cameras on the court. Dang they let Donte West dunk a couple of times
Najeh Davenpoop
May 12th, 2009
6:56 pm
I see you have changed your tune on Josh Smith from your previous article at least somewhat. Yes, he is easily the most talented player with the greatest upside on the team. No, Al Horford has done nothing to prove he is a better building block than Smoove (don’t get me wrong though, I do like Horford’s game a lot).
It’s interesting that you bring up trading Joe. Some of us, including me, have mentioned this possibility on Sekou’s blog in the past. I don’t think this series is necessarily indicative of his full abilities — a more open offensive system and healthier ankles would probably have allowed him to perform better. He is not, though, the superstar that he was billed to be when he was acquired. If the Hawks can put together a package including him to acquire a legit superstar that will take this team beyond 50 wins and deeper in the playoffs, then it’s certainly worth it. If not, you could do a lot worse than Joe Johnson as your lead dog, and it would be foolish to trade him simply because he’s not LeBron James or Dwyane Wade.
Triple M.
May 12th, 2009
6:57 pm
Hawks are lethargic at best on offense. Until they get a PG that can push tempo, dribble penetrate, score, or make easy baskets for the other four guys, this is as far as it goes for the Hawks. (I’m still sick over the fact that Jason Terry, Chris Paul, and Deron Williams were all better options than any player the Hawks have had at PG since.) Bibby is a rental at best and its time to get Acie Law some more playing time unless you can find someone better. Finally, Marvin Williams is lacking in the heart department and no matter how well you can shoot or defend, without fortitude, you do not advance in the playoffs. (What are you doing in a suit in game three vs. Lebron because your hand hurts a little and you can’t shoot? If your wheels are working then you can play defense, rebound and make a layup when you are close by the basket.) Do not sign him to a big contract…You will see this behavior from him again!
Btup Atlfan
May 12th, 2009
7:10 pm
Trade J. Johnson to the Hornets for Tyson Chandler. Al Horford is playing out of position and we need a true center. The Hornets are looking to deal Tyson anyway, so this our opportunity to finally get a big body in the middle. We can easily replace Joe with Ben Gordan (Chi-town) who is a free agent this off-season.
hawktalk
May 12th, 2009
7:12 pm
you don’t take away from this squad you add to it. the five and the three bench guys all have the exact same skill set. outside shooters, undersized interior play. add a legitmate nba center a banger and dribble penetration finisher/dish to the mix. we don’t have a interior beef and we suffer miserably in playoff ball. we need a big moer than anything else.
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
7:23 pm
“Ga bulldawg you are wrong when Brandon hit hthe game winning shot against Houston that was emotion Joe could not hold Brandon jock strap!’
No Rod, you are wrong! I have league pass and I watch the Blazers play all the time (I’m a Hawks and Blazers fan) and that was one of the rare times Roy showed emotion. Joe is the same way…he shows emotion but rarely
And please…I don’t hate Moreno because he left early. It’s his choice and I’m happy for him. Trust me, i will be rooting for him and Stafford in the NFL. Why stay one more year and risk injury when you can go get your money now and go back to school after you retire or if the NFL doesn’t work out?
TRUTH-SERUM
May 12th, 2009
7:37 pm
JD
May 12th, 2009
2:19 pm
Good report!
Schultz thanks for the shout out!!
Where have I been?
Well mister bradley needed some help with his football article so I gave him some much need assistance. I was able to help him pinpoint his subject matter.
Very good article you have written here. Like the Snowman I think you have missed the real issue but hey….You are entitled to your opinion and you are provocative….
Lots of good blogs…good reading.
Thanks for the shout out!
KEN
May 12th, 2009
7:44 pm
Hawks have come a long way in the last few years. Please get MW out of here bring in Jarret Jack and get a Big man so everyone else can play were they should be playing. If possible bring back Josh C.
Last year first round this year second round lets keep the core and keep getting better. There is only three SUPER STARS in the NBA. LJ will win it all lets not kill the team because he is so GREAT.
Last year Boston beat ATL and then won it all this year CAVS will do the same. SEASON TICKET HOLDER
hawksfan
May 12th, 2009
8:26 pm
Ayanna: You need to get over this love affair you have for Joe.
Big D: I think Josh was the only that showed up during Game 1 in Cleveland!
Interesting comments from Charles Barkley and crew last night about who should the Hawks build around. Did anyone else catch this?
keno
May 12th, 2009
8:26 pm
Just my thoughts on some of the points made……
1. I don’t get this whole thing about Joe not being a superstar like DWade. Granted, I’m not saying that Joe is a superstar and I’ll admit Wade is more driven but he still got bounced in the first round because he has a weak supporting cast. The same thing happened to Kobe a few years back and practically every year to KG when he was in Minnesota. So, superstardom doesn’t guarantee success. 2.What’s with this Scottie Pippen comparison as if Pippen was just an okay player? That dude made NBA all-defensive teams, all-NBA first teams and was MVP of an all-star game. He is also one of the NBA Top 50 greatest players and probably a first ballot Hall of Famer. Then to turn around and say that Joe is mediocre makes absolutely no sense because Pippen was definitely not mediocre. 3.I’m shocked that anyone really thought the Hawks were going to compete seriously with the Cavs using a 7-man rotation. They were getting blown out by a lesser opponent in the first round, so what were the expectations in the second round? The Cavaliers have a deep veteran bench that has tons of playoff experience and understands their roles. Am I the only one that noticed that they loss nothing when Lebron took his “scheduled” rests at the beginning of the 2nd and 4th quarters? In fact, their bench always outscored the Hawks with Lebron on the bench. 4. Now, the argument about Josh outplaying Joe puzzles me. I’m not leaning either way on this but Josh seemed to make all of the same “dumb” mistakes he usually makes like taking jumpshots and trying to dribble the ball up the court(which results in a turnover most of the time). He made most of his shots under the rim via an assist or on an alley-oop via an assist. I’d be curious to see how many times he’s actually been able to create a shot for himself or his teammates. Not very often. And I don’t want to hear about how young he is either. In age yes, but he’s been in the league 5 years now and that excuse is getting old the same way the Joe Johnson is tired is getting old.
GA Bulldawg
May 12th, 2009
9:12 pm
Hawksfan said:
“Interesting comments from Charles Barkley and crew last night about who should the Hawks build around. Did anyone else catch this?”
Yeah I caught it but Charles Barkley should keep his mouth shut because that’s not where the problem lies. Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley have their opinions…and that’s it, just opinions. They are not experts on how to build teams so they can just shut up! They have NEVER been coaches or general managers so I could care less what they say…I’ve spoken to other Hawks fans and fans of other NBA teams who all say they hate Chuck and Kenny. Most people watch them PURELY for entertainment purposes…I am one of them.
When will people realize that the problem ultimately lies with the management and ownership for extending Mike Woodson’s contract and signing D-League scrubs such as Randolph Morris, Othello Hunter and Mario West??? Developing a bench that could give us a 9 man rotation like all of the contenders would have given us more of a chance to make some noise against Cleveland
Brendan
May 12th, 2009
9:19 pm
Okay, what I haven’t heard is WHO Atlanta should trade Joe Johnson for? I’m really interested in knowing a good trade would be. Realistically? Is it for a “lottery draft pick?” It is for a player, or players, already in the NBA. What?
If it’s a GOOD IDEA to trade him, what should the trade be? Nobody seems to be talking about that. Forget, for the moment, that it might be better just to re-sign him. I want to hear … what a GOOD TRADE would be … for Atlanta.
Fire away! Let’s hear some trade ideas. Realistic ones. Kobe, LeBron, Wade, Yao, Shaq … they’re not coming. So, please, keep the trade scenarios to something within the realm of possibility.
John
May 12th, 2009
9:47 pm
Trading Joe Johnson would be a monumental mistake. How many SG average 20ppg 6 ast 6 rbs a game? Not many. If I were GM of this team i would attempt to find a true PG. The Bibby trade last season helped the team get over the hump, but he is probally the only PG in the NBA that can’t penetrate the lane, which opens up shooting lanes. The Cav’s exploited that forcing the Hawks to shoot jump shots. He is an undersized two-gaurd. I think most agree that its time for Marvin to find a new home. He maybe a young player but his hunch-back suggests hes 40. And lastly, spend some money on some reserves!
Hawks need an Offensive BIG man
May 12th, 2009
10:18 pm
I agree with Charles Barkley: “until the Hawks get a Big man they will continue to lose Big”
I would trade either Joe Johnson or Josh Smith (which ever one is determined to be more valuable to get the best Big available – guessing that we’d get a better big man by trading Josh Smith + maybe a small bench player like Acie etc …play Al at the 4, Marvin at the 3, Joe at the 2, Bibby at 1, and welcome a new offensive big man and watch that offense open up with a little inside out game).
So I’d like to hear from Shultz, would trading Joe or Josh get us a better big man?
I think Bibby is fine on a short term contract (impressed with Flip coming off of the bench)
SB
May 12th, 2009
10:49 pm
I would rather fire Woodson. Although we over rate Joe as Hawks fans, it’s not all his fault. The reason Joe gets doubled and tripled so much is because 1 they know where the ball is going ( not his fault), 2 he holds the ball far to long before he makes a move( that is his fault). Don’t go with popular media, watch the game for yourselves fans. Jeff is right Josh is by far the most talented player on the roster, you just don’t trade that. The teams that do end up sucking for years. NC it was like 5 teams that showed strong interest in Josh, so where you got 1 from I will never know. We all know Josh has some issues, but he’s not Artest, Rodman or even A.I. for that matter. His issues seem to be with Woodson, why don’t we get a coach who has actually developed somebody before we tag this kid as un-coachable. Woody hasn’t coached one player up since he’s been here, not AC, not Smith, not Chills, not Sheldon, not Marvin. And lets not push Al to hard, I like him and all but he dosn’t have the offensive ability or raw ability of Smith. The arguing with the ref’s dose not concern me, because they all do it. He dose need to tone it down and learn to do it in a more respectful manner. Joe’s contract is also up next season, so if he chose to walk we could do nothing about it. If they think Marvin can play the 2, now is the time to make the move. Make excuses for Joe all you want he didn’t have one bad game, he had a horrible post season. Funny how some of you still knock Josh, and love it or hate it he was the most consistent Hawk this post season.
AH20
May 12th, 2009
10:51 pm
hey jeff what goes wrong with your brain？you eat just with that mouth？
steve-o
May 12th, 2009
11:23 pm
Just a bunch of emotional people upset by the Cleveland blowout so they just jump to:”Trade this guy, trade that guy!”. Let’s calm down people and be smart. Do you really think we could trade either Josh or Joe and get a dominant center or point guard? Those players don’t grow on trees. Not gonna happen. As far as draft picks, we all know thats a crap shoot. (”With the 5th pick, the Atlanta Hawks select Sheldon Williams”). So, lets try and follow the Pistons model of a bunch of good parts that form a cohesive team rather than 1 super-duper star and a bunch of complementary pieces.
My plan: Let Bibby go. Way too much money for a guy who can some nights hit the 3 but otherwise is pretty ineffective. (The next time you see him drive hard to the basket and dish at the last moment is the first time). That frees up mucho money to spend on free agents. Also, he is a roadblock to Acie. How are we going to find out if he can do the job with Bibby blocking him and Woodson refusing to use him. Woody has destroyed the man’s confidence. Resign Flip. He’s relatively cheap and can play the point too. Resign Marvin. I think the jury is out on him. But again, he was the number 2 player taken in the draft, ahead of Chris Paul and Deron Williams so somebody must see something in him. Resign Zaza. Good backup center and not very expensive. See if you can get Childress to come back from Greece. He must be sick of those lamb kabobs by now. Now take all the money you have left and go sign a real center. He won’t be all-world but at least you are making the team better. Carlos Boozer? Or, if you really are sure Acie was a bust, then sign a point guard. Andre Miller? Then hope we get lucky in the draft. (Hey, look where Rajon Rondo was drafted). F
Finally, it’s time to thank Woody and get a new coach. This team needs something new and it is much better strategy to try a new coach than start rebuilding again. I don’t think anybody out there thinks he is a great coach. 5 years. That’s enough chances for anyone (Unless you are Don Waddel. Don’t get me started there. That man definitely has some blackmail photos on the Spirit owners)
SlimG
May 13th, 2009
12:12 am
We’ve got what we wanted out of Joe. Thanks for the memories but it’s time to move forward. He doesn’t play defense and disappears in the playoffs. Keep Josh, Al, Marvin, and Bibby. Trade for another guard or bigman a real big. Kiffin’s wife is a hottie.
Big T
May 13th, 2009
12:40 am
Enter your comments here
Big T
May 13th, 2009
12:58 am
Joe Johnson is a good player but not great. Facts: he is 6′8 the tallest SG that doesn’t post up smaller defenders doesnt get any call because he stand behind the free throw line all game, never demand for the ball, hold the ball long, and cant jump. Sorry we have seen the best of JJ so why keep him. Give me RIP Hamilton and throw in T Prince for JJ and get a PG that drives to hold to pass and I bet anyone the Hawks will be a better team. Then trade for Camby.
The Peach
May 13th, 2009
1:06 am
Big T: I strongle disagree but you have the right to an opinion
Major Brown
May 13th, 2009
2:12 am
Andre Miller is way too old for us to sign; we’d get two solid seasons out of him at best. I honestly think our bench is one of our strengths. We have instant offense in Flip, solid offensive rebounding from Zaza, etc… We had the components to at least make the series respectable, but the Hawks played with no sense of urgency. Had we played with the same intensity and passion as Cleveland, I think we’d be looking at at least a 6 game series…
The Peach
May 13th, 2009
3:43 am
Big T, you CLEARLY only watched the postseason based on your comments. I’ve been watching the Hawks for years and JJ is known for being one of the few 2 guards that posts up on a regular basis. The only other 2 guards that post up are Kobe, TMac, B.Roy, Delonte West and Jason Richardson.
Did you not see him post up Dwyane Wade several times during the first round?! But that’s besides the point…and trade him for Prince and Hamilton?? (did you not see the season they had in Detroit?!) lol wowwwwww no comment on that. They can’t get do much without a REAL point guard either so what makes you think they would make the Hawks better??!
JJ hasn’t had a true, penetrating guard since he’s been here and he’s done a lot more than Detroit did WITHOUT Chauncey Billups…
Trade JJ and the Hawks are back in the lottery…I can guarantee that.
FeudFinder
May 13th, 2009
5:02 am
People it took this city almost ten years to be happy in basketball. Let’s not go back to the horror years again. What the hawks needs is a reputable center. Joe, Josh, Al, Bibby would all have played better with a good center. That’s what Rick Sund should be looking at doing first.
Melvin Flowers
May 13th, 2009
8:00 am
Trade Johnson Today Release Bibby & buy ZAR ZAR a Cruise Trip to never play in the NBA Again.
Maggie Lumpskin
May 13th, 2009
8:37 am
Speedy Claxton should be plenty rested by now, so Bibby becomes expendable, right?
dap01
May 13th, 2009
8:45 am
Is there a worse defensive PG in the league than Bibby?
You can not have a championship team with a one dimensional PG.
If we can better our team by trading someone, we should do it, but our problem is not with our players it is with our lack of a coach and the lack of management to assemble a team that is balanced and one that can compete.
We could have helped our team by picking up veterans (like Cleveland did, like Boston did) but we did not. We could have developed our bench but we did not. We could have rested Joe and others but we did not. We could have an offensive minded (assistant) coach but we chose to walk the ball up the court, pound, pound, pound, shoot. We can run with ANY team but we don’t. Why? Why does Woody get a pass? He is NOT the coach for this team.
We could make half time adjustments, but we do not. Sund needs to step up and make some decisions. We are 7 years into a complete rebuild and we still have an unbalanced team in spite of several lottery picks. How is that possible?
YaDaddy Dawg
May 13th, 2009
9:00 am
Jeff, this is why you have no business writing about sports. Josh Smith makes too many catastrophic mistakes to justify retaining his services. This guy is a brick & turnover machine. He’s living in some parallel world where he is a great open-court ball handler, and can shoot the lights out. Sure, when he gets the ball inside and takes it to the rack he looks great, and is a serviceable defensive player. The bottom line is that he is not an asset to this team. The Hawks will get more of a return on Smith than they will on Johnson in the trade market- not to mention that they will be a better team without Josh Smith.