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
t bog
May 13th, 2009
9:08 am
whatever dude go KICK ROCKS and get a LIFE JOE NOT GOING ANYWHERE>
JoeSixPack
May 13th, 2009
9:12 am
The Hawks should draft Chris Paul. He’s going to be a difference maker in this league.
Oh wait, they already skipped out on the most sure thing in years. Whatever they do, it will be the wrong thing for the team and its fans.
Chrome Dome
May 13th, 2009
10:05 am
“Josh is basically left open (his man backs down at least 4 feet) whenever he’s more than 15 feet from the basket. When he’s within 15 feet, he rarely has more than a single defender guarding him until he makes his move to the basket. And there’s a reason for that – Josh is not nearly, not even remotely as dangerous as JJ on offense.”
Which i am sure explains why Josh outscored Joe all through the playoffs. You’re a moron.
The Scarlet Pimpernel
May 13th, 2009
10:09 am
Im so sick of people whining about how great Joe is. He sucked ass in the playoffs. Wah wah wah hes asked to do too much stuff on the court. Then fire his dumb coach who makes sure he gets to do it all. Funny though he sure likes his coach who plays him 48 damn minutes a game and never ever complains about that plus all the shots he makes. Ya dont necessarily have to trade him but damn quit making it all about him and we might win. But that will never happen as long as everybody including the coach is all over him like ass lice.
Ayanna
May 13th, 2009
10:52 am
That’s the best you guys can do. I know Joe Johnson no more than you do. I am speaking on Joe Johnson the basketball player that I see out on the court. And if me putting my opinions into the conversation that Jeff brought up makes me Joe’s girl, what the heck does it make you when you talk about the Hawks players on this blog too. Yeah! HAHAHA, LOL, GIGGLY, GIGGLY!
You guys are so hilarious and amusing. Everything on this blog is opinionated. All I’m asking is that you support your opinion with an example so that I can try to understand where you are coming from.
1) I still don’t understand why anyone would consider Al Horford a leader on this team. Please explain this to me.
2) I just don’t agree with the notion that you should consider getting rid of JJ because he’s not Lebron, KG, Kobe or D Wade. Josh Smith and the other players on the Hawks team aren’t those guys either. Joe is Joe, Lebron is Lebron, etc.
3)If you were the coach/GM whom would you want on your team? A player that listens, is coachable, and tries his best to do what you ask? Or a player that doesn’t listen, stubborn, and keeps up drama?
Please respond to my comment with respect as a fellow Hawks fan, thank you very much.
Ayanna
May 13th, 2009
10:56 am
Oh yeah, for the record I in no way have any hate for Josh or Al. But I do have a problem with considering getting rid of your best scorer and assistsman.
Ayanna
May 13th, 2009
11:13 am
I agree with Keno. The Joe Johnson is tired excuse and the Josh Smith is young excuse are played out. Not to get on Lebron’s jock or anything but how old is he again? Isn’t he around Josh’s age. So that cancels that argument.
Scot Waldrop
May 13th, 2009
12:00 pm
1. Bibby is a jump shooting, non-penetrating point guard. Ok if you have a Kobe or Lebron on the roster, but the Hawks do not have a dynamic perimeter scorer to compliment this type of player.
2. Joe Johnson is a 2 time all-star, and the only player other than Horford who will ever be an all-star. I do not think we should trade him.
3. Marvin Williams. Another one-dimensional jump shooter.
4. Josh Smith. Great athlete, but not a highly skilled offensive player. No real post moves, erratic jump shot, and very shaky off the dribble. Is only effective because of superior athleticism.
5. Al Horford. If not for the fact he is playing out of position, I think he could develop into a premier power forward. Maybe an allstar.
The Hawks need starting center and a more dynamic point guard. I would trade Josh Smith a/or Marvin Williams and anyone else on the bench in order to acquire.
Real Hawks Fan
May 13th, 2009
12:01 pm
Jeff Schultz, apparently you don’t know basketball, I’m willing to bet that you’re not atheletic at all, you probably can’t play any sport, just write about them. How could you say Joe should be traded, you will never get anyone back of his value. The problem is not Joe or Josh it’s coaching. I respect Coach Woodson, but I don’t agree with all of his coaching methods. Regardless of what people think about High profile players ie, Lebron, Kobe, or Wade, you should note that their perspective teams run offense for them or in other words the entire offense is built around those players, on the other hand Mike Woodson runs a team oriented offense, however to Joe’s defense when teams double or triple him hard, other guys on the team dont’ step and knock down shots, not to mention joe led the league in minutes played this season. Shultz you have know Basketball to talk it, you don’t know ish.
NineOhTheRino
May 13th, 2009
12:28 pm
A JJ for T-Mac trade would be ideal for the Hawks. JJ is garbage is T-Mac is a possible future HOF player.
NineOhTheRino
May 13th, 2009
12:31 pm
OK I was joking. Trading JJ is real dumb Jeff Schultz. Do AJC readers a favor and join T Moore in the unemployment line. You Suck!
RodneyRichards
May 13th, 2009
12:42 pm
Common Sense: What do you mean lessen Joe’s role. That makes no sense. Again, Joe is more than great, he is one of the most talented players to EVER play in the association. Currently today, there are about 5 players in the league who I feel are more talented than Joe, buts that it. Certainly no more than 5. I’ll name them: 1) Kobe 2) LaBron 3) D-Wade 4) Kevin Garnett and 5) Tracy McGrady. Thats it. there is no one else in basketball today with better skills than Joe Johnson. In my opinion, Joe is the fifth best player in the league. Those five guys are exceptional and then there is Joe Johnson who is about as good as the other five, but because he plays in Atlanta, no one is familiar with his skill sets. Joe can do anything on the court, particularly take over games in the fourth quarter if he was pressed to do that. The reason why Joe didnt do that in the Cleveland series is because Joe was hurt, in one game went out at halftime in a wheelchair and really was not himself. But stupid folks who are unfamiliar with his talents keep bashing him but I tell you he is greater than most of the players in the league with the exception of about five guys. Last year the Hawks would have been toast in the Boston series and Joe almost singlehandedly kept the Hawks in the series and made sure the Hawks were tied at 3-3 after six games. The Hawks gained so much respect around the league for accomplishing that, but it was due in large part because of Joe Johnson. If you dont believe me, go back and look at the video tapes of those six games and see who the most dominant player was. Im sure your eyes wont deceive you.
JuniorBridgeman
May 13th, 2009
1:11 pm
I have a quick fix to get the Hawks overhauled. 1) Trade Zsa Zsa Pachulia to the team in Greece who Josh Childress plays for and acquire Josh from that team. We acquire rebounding and toughness (interior defense) (in Childress) while unloading the walking turnover (Pachulia). Next, trade Mike Bibby and Marvin Williams for Chris Paul and James Posey. The final moves are to acquire free agents Ben Gordon and Antonio McDyess from their respective teams. By the time the dust settles you have substantially upgraded your team which can now advance to the NBA finals.
JSS
May 13th, 2009
1:13 pm
Dap…. S. Marbury hasn’t guarded anyone in 8 years… Let’s see, a better team defeats you and and you’re ready to throw the man who got past MIA over board? Typical Jeff Schultz thinking, it lacks clarity…. He spent two months running Josh Smith into the ground, now he tells us to build around him… Talk about a blind ass squirrel trying to lead us out of the wilderness… Keep your pieces, get them healthy; and the only way you make a trade of any type is to get the the big Euro from Utah (and that ain’t gonna happen), the underachiever in Charlotte (see inside the parentheses above)… I said it last year, and I’ll say it again… Call the Lakers and make an offer for Chris Mims…. Tall, runs reasonably well and he will board… You don’t need a scoring center… You need scrap and better hands than ZaZa… You bring in with your energy guys… Folks, Mario West is never going to be more than Mario Ellie lite without the spot-up 3’s….
The questions on this team are bench, motivation to defend, not just in brief moments, and the players to hit midrange jumpers when left open… Streaky is good in NCAA basketball, but in the NBA it generally gets you killed…
So Bibby can’t guard, let’s go down the list, Kidd can’t,Parker can’t, Fisher can’t Nash… The list goes on and on… That is why this team needs A SHOT BLOCKER besides Josh especially when you depend on switching on picks… We funnel drivers in, but there is never anyone home….
In closing, JEFF SCHULTZ, you’re still a NO TALENT HACK!!!
dstdeelite
May 13th, 2009
1:56 pm
I say see what a new coach can do with the current roster with limited adjustments. If this doesn’t pan out, then start tweaking the team. I think we have some very valuable pieces on this team. If I had to absolutely pick someone to trade or have come off the bench, it would be Bibby. He’s done well for us, but his defense is a liability and his legs have seen better days. Again, get a new coach and see where that takes us. Josh may respect the new coach more. Clearly, he does not respect Woodson. By no means should we get rid of Joe. It’s amazing how people start lobbying against him after a tough playoff series. Were it not for him, we wouldn’t have made the playoffs this year or last.
terrell barron
May 13th, 2009
2:58 pm
JJ and Marvin for Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. Let Bibby, Mo, and Solo go, re-sign Zaza, draft Patty Mills in the 1st rd, Danny Green in the 2nd and pick up Marcus Camby. 1st team: Mills, Mayo, Gay, Smoove, Camby. 2nd team: Acie, Flip, Green Horford, Zaza.
SWAT Native
May 13th, 2009
3:01 pm
I’ve been following the Hawks since the Hubie Brown era. To me the lesson of the Hawks (and the reason they stayed in the lottery for ten years) was that they decide that they have gone as far as they can with their team and decide to trade some key players rather than adding to what they already have. Look at their history:
Moving Tree Rollins and Randy Whiman to get Moses Malone and Reggie Theus
Moving Doc Rivers, John Battle and Spud Webb to get…I can’t even remember what they got back
Moving Smitty and Mookie to get JR Rider and Jason Terry
Moving Dikembe to get Toni Kukoc, Theo Ratliff (btw, wasn’t Speedy Claxton in that trade but he went back to Philly?)
Do I need to mention Dominique for Danny Manning for half a season?
I wouldn’t trade Joe, Marvin or Smoove unless someone came with an unbeatable offer. I would trade Acie Law if I could get something good for him – he really needs a change of scenery. I would re-up Bibby (for less money), Flip and Zaza. I’d like to see the Hawks add one or two veteran big men/enforcer types, a veteran backup point guard and add get a quality player in the draft. Those moves would put you in the mid-50’s in terms of wins which would be a good next step.
Brendan
May 13th, 2009
3:08 pm
So far, I’ve read one (1) trade scenario. Thanks NineOhTheRino. That’s the one blogger with the courage to put forth a trade scenario. NineOhTheRino’s idea was JJ for T-Mac. I think we could all probably live that one. But surely, out there in this massive blogosphere, there must be SOME OTHER IDEAS about a trade scenario for Joe Johnson.
Look, I know. I realize that most of you want to keep him. I do, too. But the Column Jeff Schultz wrote is about trading him. So, what’s an acceptable trade, that’s also “realistic?” If you bloggers can’t come up with one, then I’d be very surprised by that. This blog seems basketball savvy-enough to at least “float” a few trade scenarios.
For example … should the Joe Johnson trade involve a draft pick or draft picks coming back to Atlanta? Should Atlanta target someone inside the lottery draft and offer JJ? I’m just asking a question. I’m not advocating doing that.
Brendan
May 13th, 2009
3:10 pm
Apologies to terrell barron. I didn’t see your trade scenario before I made my post. His proposal was JJ and Marvin for Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. Like it? Dislike it?
terrell barron
May 13th, 2009
3:14 pm
Swat, Bibby and a vet backup pg? Please. This league is about young and fast pg’s. Rondo, Paul, Parker, Rose, Mo Williams, Deron Williams, etc… All Bibby does is shoots 3’s and cant keep up, or stay with his man, on defense. I’d rather go with Acie over Bibby’s ass. You’ve got to be able to penetrate and dish. Another example, look what Aaron Brooks(young, fast) did to LA the other night. He ran circles around them. The days of the old and slow vet. pg’s are over. And btw, if we go into next season with Bibby and lets see, a guy like Tyronne Lue or Anthony Johnson, I’m going to puke.
Stallion
May 13th, 2009
3:43 pm
How about we trade Marvin Williams for a bottle of Ex-Lax and a first round pick and give the ex-lax to woodson? Because Woodsoon always looks like he is constipated or something on the sidelines before and after a game. Looks like a bloated Steve Harvey that’s eaten too many chicken biscuits and now is paying the price. Somebody help this guy.
The Peach
May 13th, 2009
6:46 pm
As a Hawks fan, I love Bibby but he needs to go unless he can take a MASSIVE pay cut. The emergence of Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo and Derrick Rose has shown that you need a quick, dynamic point guard with the ability to penetrate, get in the lane and break down defenses. Bibby can’t do any of these things and his best days were left behind in Sacramento
SWAT Native
May 13th, 2009
7:03 pm
Terrell Barron,
I said veteran backup PG, not an old, used-up backup PG. When I say veteran, I mean in the sense of maybe a Flip Murray – a guy that’s experienced, played in the playoffs before but that still has plenty left. BTW, I wouldn’t have a problem with AJ coming back; I think he’s showed that he’s still solid in Orlando this year. The problem with an AJ or T Lue on the Hawks is that if they’re starting for you, you know you got a bad team. Not bad as a backup, though.
hawksfan
May 13th, 2009
8:52 pm
3)If you were the coach/GM whom would you want on your team? A player that listens, is coachable, and tries his best to do what you ask? Or a player that doesn’t listen, stubborn, and keeps up drama?
Ayanna: I’m interested in knowing who you are referring to as keeping up drama?
terrell barron
May 14th, 2009
10:19 am
Swat, Flip Murray is not a pg. He’s a sg, who can be a shoot 1st pg. Thats not the type of pg we need. As a starter or a backup. Flip needs to backup Joe Johnson. Acie would’ve been better as our backup pg, if he could’ve found his way on the floor. Whether it was from injury, or being on lockdown by Warden Woody. We need someboby who can spread the ball to all of our wings.
The Peach
May 14th, 2009
11:17 am
I’m still in utter disbelief that anyone would suggest trading our only allstar and all-around best player…everyone is titled to their opinion but are you kidding me??!! I guarantee you we would be a lottery team without JJ…
Ayanna
May 14th, 2009
11:41 am
hawksfan, I was referring to J Smoove.
But you know what hawksfan, after really really thinking about the point that Jeff was trying to make, I’m gonna change my opinion and say that yes Joe Johnson should be considered. Here’s my reasons why:
In 2010 Joe Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent. He will be able to just walk and leave the team there’s no guarantee that he will want to resign with the Hawks. “Lightbulb”: That’s only one year from now. Think about it you are only guaranteed one more year of Joe Johnson being your leading scorer/assistsman. That only helps the team if you’re thinking about the here and now or short term benefits. Chances are if the Hawks wait until 2010 to do anything about Joe they stand a chance of loosing Joe’s value to the team and have nothing to show for it.
However, if you thinking about the future, your best bet is to trade Joe Johnson while he has value and you are in control of that value. Cause come 2010, he’ll still have value but the Hawks ultimately won’t have any rights to that value.
In contrast, in 2010 Josh Smith will not be a free agent, his value will still be owned by the Hawks for a few more years. If you consider long term value, Josh Smith is more valuable than Joe Johnson.
But considering trading Joe Johnson based on his performance in the playoffs is not the basis for trading him. He was not the only Hawks player to waste our time, energy, and money. The whole team was tripping.
So I am officially going on record as saying that I agree that the Hawks should consider trading Joe Johnson instead of Josh Smith
And if you trade Joe Johnson the Hawks need to invest in Josh Smith and teach him how to become that all around player,leader, superstar that we all know he has the potential to be. I don’t know if Mike Woodson is to blame for J Smoove’s lack of basketball IQ or if it’s J Smoove not listening. All I know is, I’m tired of being teased, I want a championship team in Atlanta before the day I die.
SWAT Native
May 14th, 2009
1:46 pm
Terrell Barron, I know Flip’s not a PG – I’m using him as an example of a veteran player that can still play that could make a valuable addition to a playoff team, as he did for the Hawks this year.
terrell barron
May 14th, 2009
5:28 pm
Hey Swat, How bout Felton, Sessions, or even a guy like Earl Watson? These guys should be affordable.
benchwarmer
May 14th, 2009
6:36 pm
We need new ownership more than anything!
ant banks
May 14th, 2009
7:33 pm
Enter your comments here
kerpal
May 14th, 2009
10:31 pm
Listen Jeff, i completely disagree with you. it is not joe who we should trade because then the hawk fans will be furious. the hawk fans never want joe to be traded and at the age of 28, he is still young and will get better as he progresses until he reaches the age of 35 plus. Also Joe is the captain of the team and the hawks run through his presence even when he does not play well. If we are going to trade anyone, it should be acie law because mike woodson has not been using his talents and we could get more money
Barry
May 16th, 2009
11:37 am
The only people lobbying against Joe are some of the people on this blog. Overall, I believe everybody in Atlanta like JOe and his game. Trading him would be a travesty. I say trade the coach and watch good things happen.
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ScarlettOhara
May 18th, 2009
2:06 pm
I know that the NBA wants to see Kobe-Labron in the finals. Im sure David Stern is clamoring for that matchup. I believe that matchup of Kobe vs Labron would be a dream matchup for the NBA and probably the greatest matchup ever in finals history or certainly one of the top 2 or 3 most compelling matchups ever in the finals. The only problem with that matchup is that 1) it may not come to pass and Kobe and LaBron may BOTH miss getting their rings entirely if Denver or Orlando faces each other in the finals; and 2) If either Kobe or Labron makes the finals but they both fail to be in it at the same time (then NBA ratings will certainly go down if the NBAs two marquee players arent in the finals at the same time). I personally WILL NOT WATCH THE FINALS IF KOBE AND LABRON ARE BOTH NOT IN IT. IF ONE OF THOSE GUYS IS IN IT I DONT WANT TO SEE IT BECAUSE THEIR TEAM WILL WIN and their opposing team is gonna lose. In other words, if Kobes team makes the finals, but Dwight Howards team is not on the other side, Kobes team wins. If LaBron makes the finals, and Carmello Anthony and Chauncy Billips are on the other side, Labrons team wins. I do know for certain that most sportscasters and sports publications have predicted Kobe vs Labron and I would be glued to my tv if that matchup presented itself. Im sure hoping to see it because I believe those two are the top two players currently in the game, with no disrespect to D-Wade. I believe that Wilt Chamberlain vs Kareem Abdul Jabaar was the most compelling matchup ever in finals history and will allways be that as far as Im concerned, but Kobe vs LaBron is certainly in second place if it happens to come to pass.
cleveland steamer
May 21st, 2009
11:59 am
After another successful playoff run, isn’t it possible that Joe Johnson is…TIRED??
Glen "Big Baby" Davis
May 21st, 2009
12:01 pm
For a big guy, Joe Johnson sure is soft. Get a scorer that doesn’t rely so much on floaters!!!
Coincidentally, I’M AVAILABLE!!!!!
dee
June 6th, 2009
8:40 pm
u are crazy!! i can’t believe you even consider trading JJ. Does Josh Smith get double teamed every night like Joe, No. If it wasn’t for Joe’s explosive game 7 vs the Heat, the Hawks would’ve went home earlier.
Dr. Warren
February 9th, 2010
4:19 am
Hawks should move Crawford to the starting guard position, let Joe Johnson go after this year, and sign Bosh and another 6th man.