Report: Mike Woodson could leave Hawks for Sixers
One report has Mike Woodson coaching again next season -- but in Philadelphia. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
Even before this season began, it was clear the year would be a referendum on coach Mike Woodson. He was entering the last season of a two-year deal (he wanted at least three) and every time he asked management for an extension, he was told, “We’re going to wait until after the season.”
Now that the Hawks are struggling with Milwaukee in the opening round of the playoffs, whether Woodson is re-signed/wants to stay is as big an issue as ever. In fact, some reasoned speculation now has him leaving on his own — to Philadelphia.
There is an increasing belief that Charlotte coach Larry Brown is finally ready to retire from coaching and return to Philly, where he still maintains a home, to become president of the Sixers. According to a story by Yahoo Sports, Brown already has his wish list: Washington Wizards executive Milt Newton would be his general manager. Woodson, his former assistant in Detroit, would be his coach.
To think: Hawks general manager Rick Sund might not even have a decision to make.
Excerpts from the Yahoo story:
Still, the possibility is strong that Brown will coach the 76ers, because Woodson wouldn’t leave an Eastern Conference contender unless the Hawks low-ball him in contract talks at season’s end. His deal is expiring with Atlanta, and several sources familiar with the Hawks’ plans predict an offer that Woodson could easily refuse. …
The possibility of Brown coaching the 76ers could rest largely on how things play out with the Hawks. There’s been a cool relationship between management and Woodson, and sources say that the organization’s priority isn’t to reward him with an expensive contract extension. The Hawks are pooling resources to get maximum money available for Joe Johnson. The message has been made clear to the Hawks: Offer Johnson a max contract extension on July 1, and they’re likely to keep him.
Sources say that this is the reason Atlanta is willing to sell its first-round pick for $3 million this summer, and the reason that they’ll likely offer no more than a three-year contract for $1.8 to $2 million a year to a possible Woodson successor. Woodson could expect a bigger offer to stay on the job, but perhaps not by much. For Woodson, the 76ers could offer leverage to leave, but he would have to weigh leaving a legitimate Eastern Conference contender for a flawed roster in Philadelphia.
Woodson has aired complaints about his contract status and that of his assistants on a few occasions. One would think if the Hawks were overly concerned about losing him, they would’ve attempted to sign him by now. Losing consecutive games to the Bucks in a series doesn’t help his cause, even if the Hawks may still go on to win the series.
OK, let’s open the flood gates: What are you thoughts on Woodson potentially leaving?
♦
Earlier post
♦ TUESDAY COUNTDOWN: L.T.’s boozy draft, Ben’s brain, NHL ‘extraction’
♦
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212 comments Add your comment
Pay It
April 27th, 2010
3:37 pm
Paul Hewitt would like the Atlanta Hawks job—tons more money plus he could wear better suits to the games and not have to wear those silly tennis shoes at some of the games.
Melvin Flowers (Macon Georgia)
April 27th, 2010
3:40 pm
Do all of us a favor Woodson : (TAKE THE PHILLY JOB PLEASE)
Melvin Flowers (Macon Georgia)
April 27th, 2010
3:42 pm
Carry MARVIN & BIBBY with you.
Pete
April 27th, 2010
3:43 pm
Who in their right mind could blame Woodson if he bails to Philly ??? I don’t think HE even knows who owns the Hawks.
This franchise has about as much quality and future as a Chrysler Auto Dealership…………….in Haiti.
MannyT
April 27th, 2010
3:44 pm
Be careful what you wish for…
Let’s put some reality into this discussion.
1. Does Woody’s status impact Joe’s decision? If Joe likes Woody, maybe he decides the max from another team is better than staying here.
2. If Joe does leave, you can only replace him with someone making about 1/2 of the max due to salary cap rules. That means NO SHOT at Wade, LeBron, etc.
3. If management won’t spend on Woody, how much do you expect them to spend on the next coach? I doubt Avery Johnson and the other big names are so anxious to coach here that they will be holding Will Work for Food signs on the connector.
4. If Joe stays, we are probably inching into luxury cap territory as soon as we ink Horford’s deal the next season. Even if Crawford loves the fans so much that he agrees to no pay increase for his efforts on his last big contract. That means every dollar in extra salary will be offset by a dollar due to the league and we lose the $3 mil in luxury welfare that we get for being under the luxury tax level.
5. How are the owners going to replace Belkin’s money? The worst part of their position is that he held the largest non majority share. If you invite a new person in to replace his money, it is worth it to be a majority owner. Not nearly as valuable to be the new guy with the biggest share unless the ownership deal is reworked to make it as if you are the majority owner.
Reality might suck a bit more than you think!
BWAF
Hawks' talent means nothing without heart, intelligence | Jeff Schultz
April 27th, 2010
3:52 pm
[...] ♦ Report: Mike Woodson could leave Hawks for Sixers [...]
hawkforlife
April 27th, 2010
4:04 pm
It’s time for him to go!! 1 and 10 in road playoff games and it’s not even close losses we re getting beat by 20 or more points on a regular basis. We have no half court offense and make 0 adjustments. Scott Skiles has made woodson look pitiful. We need to bring in Avery Johnson, Jeff Van Gundy or Mark Jackson. Woodson’s time has come and gone. Everytime a team slows the game down and goes to a half court offense we look lost!!!
phoenixfalcon
April 27th, 2010
4:17 pm
that would be outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the hawks win most of the time IN SPITE of old woody
Rob
April 27th, 2010
4:23 pm
Don’t let the door hit you on your way out.
freshd
April 27th, 2010
4:35 pm
PHILLY can have WOODROW and his eyebrows.
hawkfan
April 27th, 2010
4:51 pm
Someone said Wade is a Top ten talent. Wade is a top 5 probaby top 3 talent which we can’t afford. People are idiots. JJ is as good as it gets and not bad considering he is average 25/5/6 in the playoffs, only behing guys like Lebron & Wade. All his numbers are up from the regular season, if they were down you clowns would be killing him as a no show. Our most consistent and best player gets crapped on by the fans.
Nate ArchiBALL
April 27th, 2010
5:24 pm
Van Gundy’s offense is as bad as Woody’s. Just replace Joe with TMac. JVG would not be a good match.
Vic
April 27th, 2010
5:30 pm
Woodson needs to go. He proved what he’s capable of with two minutes left in the game when he called a timeout and the shot ended up being JJohnson forcing a a corner three. JJ doesn’t deserve a max contract either. With the possibility of a strike coming up, teams need to pay players their worth. JJ hasn’t taken the hawks further. The addition of Crawford has made the team better. Johnson doesn’t elevate his game to another level when needed like other max players, therefore, he doesn’t deserve a max deal. Just because you’re a team’s “best” player, that doesn’t automatically warrant a max deal.
DawgBoi
April 27th, 2010
5:59 pm
Woody has no clue how to use a bench. He complained for years because he had no bench. Our 2nd team is pretty darn good. It would be better if he started Mo Evans and brought Marvin off the bench. Evans is better complement to the other four starters. Evans plays hard nose defense which is something the Hawks could use in the 1st qtr of games. It should allow Marvin to come into the game and help bring more offense off the bench. Woody is clueless!
ntrigue
April 27th, 2010
7:31 pm
Hire Steve Smith and fire Mike Woodson!! Steve Smith is the best canidate availiable! We need a coach that will allow us to run on offense and 1 that can make adjustments on defense!
Peter
April 27th, 2010
9:07 pm
Can the ownership group SELL OUT as well….PLEASE !!!!!! They Suck the most.
BigdaddyJ
April 27th, 2010
9:13 pm
Woody is a good guy but lets be real here. The one on one offense is a joke. Skiles is coaching him under the bus this series with the switch and roles, point guard to the basket, …really obvious. Aren’t the Spirit embarrassed to be an ownership that everyone in hockey and hoops laughs at. Please sell the teams to someone who cares. Typical Atlanta sports – poor ownership. The Barves owners are a joke and the Spirit is too. Blank is a bit too involved but at least he gives a darn.
MAD-DONNA
April 27th, 2010
9:17 pm
Someone once called Michael Vick a “coach killer”. Well, I am here to declare Mick Woodson a “rookie killer”! Good riddance!
tyger
April 27th, 2010
9:18 pm
Good luck w/ that.
Last time they dissed a 50 game winning coach was 20 years ago to Lenny Wilkens, and you see where that got them.
Hello basement, here we come!
MAD-DONNA
April 27th, 2010
9:20 pm
ntrigue, Steve or Kenny! Either one will do!
dawgma
April 27th, 2010
9:25 pm
after woodson blows our playoff run DON’T LET THE DOOR HIT YOU IN THE ASS!
Most boring coach in the NBA.
dstdeelite
April 27th, 2010
9:34 pm
In other breaking news, Sasquatch was spotted near Stone Mountain.
Truth-Serum
April 27th, 2010
9:37 pm
If Woodson leaves he will take part of Atlanta with him always. Great Job Woodson!! Thanks for the hope. I guess will have to settle for less than the wisdom and class you brought to town. You are a class act. Good job.
And before you go, forgive Schultz for all of the poison he put you though.
Ripdog
April 27th, 2010
9:45 pm
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good coach and has done a good job getting the Hawks to this point but come on, he’s replaceable.
tw3a
April 27th, 2010
9:49 pm
nah nah nah nah nananah Goodbye
ryan
April 27th, 2010
10:02 pm
Hey what about George Carl i know he has an health issue but why not and also push for Mello
S Hawk Fan
April 27th, 2010
10:07 pm
Woody is a joke and Philly you can have him! And Dr. you are the moron for wanting to keep him! I bet you are one of the few left that are proud of a very sad decision made a couple of years ago too, right?
Big L
April 27th, 2010
10:14 pm
I’m of the opinion that ownership wants this to happen and are getting a tingly spine at the prospect of it. He has underachieved since he came here and ain’t nothing changed. What is the diffference on the road and at home? A coach who can’t motivate , that’s what. I for one am giddy.
GET REAL!!!
April 27th, 2010
10:20 pm
I think Joe Johnson smells a rat with our current ownership and will leave for a lot of various reasons other than money. We can get rid of the coach or even change the players and it wont change a thing! Atlanta is a great city and we still have a tough time getting or convincing great players to come play for the Hawks.. Couldnt keep a player like Childress or even get big Z and he sits on the bench.. Ever heard the saying great place to visit but wouldnt want to live there???
Football Fan
April 27th, 2010
10:25 pm
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. No adjustments have been made on D against the Bucks at all.
Mystikal
April 27th, 2010
10:25 pm
Guess it’s kind of bitter sweet cause Woodson has helped turn the team around and has them as a legit contending playoff team. That being said I think he has taken them as far as they can go (2nd rd). To break that barrier though I think it falls just as much on the players and ownership is gonna have to open up the wallet if we ever want to see the finals or conference finals for that matter. Joe Johnson is not good enough to take a team that deep into the playoffs. That is the reason I say lett JJ walk before we give a stupid max deal, so we can end up stuck with a non-superstar gettin Dwade/Bron money.
This talk of trading draft picks for money reminds me of the Billy Knight era. We need to take notes from Oklahoma city on how to build a team and make deals “Using” the draft. Hawks have a lot of talent but hardly anyone can dribble and even fewer can shoot. Beyond Durant Oklahoma has a blend of athletic all around players who can handle the ball, pass, defend, and score. Which is why they built their team in half the time it took the hawks to come together and why they are taking it to the Lake show like they are.
No it wasn’t Sund’s fault but yes i’m still bitter about passing up Chris Paul and Brandon Roy. Maybe instead of a GM we need a management team consisting of a talent evaluator, someone who knows how to make deals, and someone how knows how to put complementary talent together to build a “Team.” Okay, my rant is over, what was the question?
just win
April 27th, 2010
10:27 pm
all you guys and gals who want to get rid of woodson be careful what you ask for …….
S Hawk Fan
April 27th, 2010
10:33 pm
Again…. I will ask for it!!! Bye Woody!!!!
Mystikal
April 27th, 2010
10:36 pm
If you wanna make a deal, trade Josh Childress and our 1st rounder to Minnesota for their latter 2 first rounders. Let me be GM for a day.
steve smith
April 27th, 2010
10:44 pm
Jeff, I browsed all the posts so I dont know if anyone has said this name as a potential replacement……………DOC RIVERS?? Bring Em Home!!!!!! His contract is up this year too isnt it?
steve smith
April 27th, 2010
10:46 pm
Woody has brought these guys as far as he can bring them, at some point they’re going to start tuning him out. I’ll give credit, he has brought these guys a long way, but with LeBron and Dwight in the East its going to take some serious coaching to get these guys past either of them. It can be done, but we’d need a good one….and maybe let Joe go and try and bring in D Wade.
EP
April 27th, 2010
11:22 pm
How about Doc Rivers? He seems to have worn out his welcome in Boston.
Mr Bird
April 27th, 2010
11:29 pm
Let Joe leave & pursue D Wade with the money, Joe is not a max money playa, then start Jamal in his spot, signing Joe to a max contract will be a huge mistake D Wade, Jamal, Horford, Josh, & a center now u got a lineup!
Nique
April 27th, 2010
11:34 pm
We drafted the wrong Williams, instead of Sheldon & Marvin we coulda had Deron Williams, nice job Billy Knight! How good would we be now with Deron???
Pay It
April 27th, 2010
11:40 pm
Great news! One loser out the door. Next, when bobby cox leaves next year and hewitt in a year or two, things will be looking up!!!
Harpie
April 27th, 2010
11:45 pm
ANY COACH BUT WOODSON! WOODSON SUCKS!!!!!
JEM
April 27th, 2010
11:55 pm
“I do have a feeling what ownership would do but I’d rather not go there right now.”
Come on Jeff! Share your thoughts!
John from Stn Mtn!
April 28th, 2010
12:01 am
Gotta go Gotta Go!
CJ
April 28th, 2010
12:22 am
IT’S TIME THE CITY OF ATLANTA HAD A WINNING PRO BALL TEAM!!!! WE’VE BEEN PATIENT BUT TIME IS UP !!! Especially with the HAWKS! In this economy you would think that owners and management would understand a championship team brings revenue from fans and advertisers. Athletes who don’t play hard…are gone!
BIZZLE5178
April 28th, 2010
12:56 am
Hey I will say I was one of those guys who tried to give Woody the benefit of the doubt!!!! Well Woody its time to get the hell out of dodge. I watch all of the Hawks games for a long time(ULTIMATE FAN)!!! Woddy is supposed to be a defensive coach. Hes done a horrible job against the BUCKS!!! We cant win because of horrible game plans offensively and defensively!!! Offensively there is not enough ball movement, no one on our team is even thinking about attacking the basket. We are talking about a Andrew Bogutless BUCKS team. Jumpshooting teams dont win championships!!! You dont get to the freethowline by shooting jumpers. I will give JJ credit so far this post season. Hes the only one who seems to ready to play mentally and physically and like he said stop all that damn crying and play ball (JOSH SMITH). As far as defensively they have a horrible games play with smithching on all pick and rolls!!! Dummy thats why you center ends up on Jennings or Salmons and keeps getting beat of the dribble on the switch!!! Have to know bett6er than that. Coaching is about making adjustments and he hasnt make them and he has done a horrible job of exploiting matchups. Oh yeah and jost is posting up 20 ft from the basket!!!! Not a good deal!!! Oh and why get Joe Smith if ur not going to put him in the game!!!
kshizzle
April 28th, 2010
1:19 am
The only coach in Atlanta Pro Sports worth a dang is Mike Smith. The rest can go the way of the Dodo. Note: Hockey Sucks, I don’t watch it I don’t know much about it. Why can’t Bobby Cox’s final year end now?????????? Take TP and Roger McDowell with you.
Shark
April 28th, 2010
2:01 am
Dear Mr. Woodson,
Bye!
DA Bobby Petrino
April 28th, 2010
3:58 am
I’d be willing to come back and coach these Birds too! I’m getting my butt kicked in the SEC West. Suey Hawg(k)s suey….
governor404
April 28th, 2010
8:34 am
Hawk fans b careful what u ask for, Paul Hewitt can’t win on the road in the ACC how can he improve our road record, Avery, Byron, what have they won as far as titles,same as Woodson (none for coaching), Woodson is not great by a long-shot, I hate hearing about “we play for home court advantage” it’s not like we were undefeated at home, but stability in an organization is always best.
M. D, Cain
April 28th, 2010
9:00 am
No big loss.