Gearon is mum on Woodson but expects Hawks ‘to go far’
The Hawks' Mike Woodson has been the lesser of two coaches in this playoff series against Milwaukee and his team is facing elimination. (AP photo)
You can tell a lot about a situation sometimes by the meetings.
Take Michael Gearon, for example. The Hawks’ owner had a five-minute, closed-door meeting with coach Mike Woodson at Philips Arena Thursday. Then he walked down a hallway and had a 30-minute meeting with general manager Rick Sund.
Gearon said he showed up after practice only for moral support, and that his meeting with Sund was about matters other than just basketball. But let’s be clear here. Mike Woodson is in trouble.
Even amid his supportive comments about the team and noncommittal remarks about Woodson’s future, Gearon said this: “It’s our third straight year in the playoffs and we expect to go far. I’m comfortable saying that.”
Sometimes it’s also what you don’t say that’s important. At no point did Gearon say, “Mike Woodson is my guy, regardless.”
With three straight losses to Milwaukee, the Hawks are one defeat away from taking a significant step back. Woodson’s contract expires after this season, and if the Hawks lose to the Bucks Friday night and get eliminated in the first round, there’s no certainty he’ll be brought back, even after a 53-win season.
Why? Because there’s an elevated expectation level among the owners and Sund.
Gearon, however, did his best to not make his coach the issue Thursday.
“We’re focused on winning. The only thing that matters to me is tomorrow night,” he said.
“You know me. I’ve never been a reactionary person.”
When asked if he could understand why Woodson’s status has become such a major issue publicly, Gearon said: “That’s what sports is about. We’re up two games, you and I are sitting here and I’m all positive and we’re having fun conversations. Now we’ve lost three in a row and we’re going, ‘Holy [crap], what do we do?’ That’s the fun thing about sports.”
Does Woodson’s status hinge on the team’s playoff showing?
“No — I’m not going to say anything other than what I said a couple of weeks ago: My focus is the playoffs and nothing else,” he said. “All I’m worried about is a 48-minute game and coming out on top, and then if we [win], I’ll be worried about Sunday. Anything else in respect to the organization is a postseason decision.”
This much is certain. The Hawks have been outplayed in straight basketball, nothing clever, for three straight games. Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles is getting the most out of his players. Woodson isn’t.
“They’re just beating us,” Al Horford said. “Straight up. Tougher than us. Better than us. Just playing better. They’re taking on the challenge, committing to defending and doing the things you need to do.”
And the Hawks’ reaction?
“It’s not at the level it should be,” he said. “We have more to us but we’re not showing it.”
You can put it on the players. But when a team melts down like the Hawks did in the final four minutes of Wednesday’s 92-87 loss, that’s also a reflection on confidence, preparation and coaching.
These last few games have not been Mike Woodson’s best moments.
♦
Earlier post
♦ Frank Wren’s problem: He hasn’t earned benefit of the doubt
♦
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176 comments Add your comment
Dan the Nerd
April 29th, 2010
2:37 pm
What a debacle this season has become.
houstondawg
April 29th, 2010
2:47 pm
Can you say Jeff Van gundy and shot at the title game next year with a big man addition.
Drewcat
April 29th, 2010
2:49 pm
FIRE WOODY! (Keep Reading)
I’m usually not one to jump on the “FIRE WOODY” bandwagon but it really does seem imminent. Mike Woodson has this team underachieving, and its for two reasons:
1) Woodson’s basketball philosophy is all screwed up. We switch everything and the Bucks are carving us up! Last game’s commentators mentioned how reporters questioned why the Hawks continue to use their switching defense, and Woody replied: “It’s what we do.” A good coach knows how to make in-game adjustments, and even pre-game adjustments. The HAwks are tipping off every game of this series singing the same ole sad tune. They can’t play any defense and the Bucks have them running around the court with their heads cut off.
1A) It’s also obvious that we have no offensive scheme. Our offense is a joke, i’m sure everyone on this blog is aware of that so i won’t even continue here.
2) No leadership. Woodson is the sorriest excuse of a leader I have seen in a while. He simply allows Joe Johnson to run the team which is very dangerous. Joe is a very passive player and is not the right kind of voice to be leading anything. Sure he’s a talent, but Joe does not know what it takes to motivate others. And was it just me or does it seem like whenever the Hawks falter, Joe always seems to place the blame on Smoove subliminally? Like the comments Joe made about “we” whine too much to the refs, and we are playing with no heart. What about YOU, Mr. Johnson?? Where’s your heart? Woodson REALLY HAS NO CLUE AS TO HOW TO COACH THESE GUYS. All he does is watch the game just like a fan would. No control over his team.
This team is seriously on the verge of being blown up. Johnson will surely leave on a sour note if we lose @ the Bradley, and the Spirit would have to be smokin some serious ish if they re-sign Woody. Then that will leave us with Smoove and Horf to build around. Look for big changes in the HAwks locker room after this year.
sickhawksfan
April 29th, 2010
2:50 pm
the past 3 games have made me sick at my stomach!! in game 2 we dominated the paint.. now all we do is brick jump shots left and right.. Crawford looks so scared that it is amazing!! u could tell by watching the basketball roll off his hands wrong last night when he was shooting free throws… come on guys.. leave it on the floor… the bucks shouldnt be able to tote your jock straps so pick it up and lets go … the hawks have me pissed!
Chris
April 29th, 2010
2:50 pm
Woodson’s main problem is his total lack of any kind of offense. He may be a good coach but I get tired of the dumb look he has on his face standing on the sidelines. We need new blood.
woodys wood
April 29th, 2010
2:53 pm
Enter your thingy here…..
Dennis Felton
April 29th, 2010
2:55 pm
I can out coach Woodson.
Dr. Warren
April 29th, 2010
2:55 pm
The Hawks lack heart. They’re soft. Sportswriters across the Web have come to this conclusion today. But haven’t we seen this coming all year? It’s not normal for a team so talented to lose leads so frequently in the 4th quarter. It’s weird. Truth is, the Hawks should have won 58 or 59 games. You can’t blame it all on Woody–each of these guys has his own personality, and clearly, aside from Horford, none have the heart of a champion. That said, Woody lacks creativity; he lacks the critical thinking skills to adjust when Skiles throws a wrench in his plans; he lacks vision, too—why hasn’t Teague been brought along? He is quick enough to defend Jennings but lacks the confidence. It’s Atlanta sports, folks–and it will be a long, long summer. The real question is–when we will get some new owners?
Drewcat
April 29th, 2010
2:56 pm
Let’s all face it, whether the Hawks win or lose this series is beside the point. The Hawks are not built to make any noise in the playoffs. Let’s say they do come back and win Games 6 & 7. Does anyone like them to win a game against Orlando?? UH UH DID’NT THINK SO!
This team is gifted, but we cannot play beyond our talent, which is a direct reflection on the coaching. We can grind out a series win against lesser teams like Miami’s ‘09 team, and MAYBE this year’s Bucks, but what happens when we face a contender?
WOODY has got to go. At first I took the angle of hime needing more time to develop this team, but that excuse is older than last month’s milk! Woodson can’t take this team anywhere, period.
Karl Childers
April 29th, 2010
2:59 pm
That Mike Woodson ain’t too bright….
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM
Chris
April 29th, 2010
3:01 pm
Most of these guys Smith, Williams, Horford etc. Have only had Woodson as a coach. Someone needs to tell Smith that he CANNOT shoot. When he shoots a jump shot I would pull him. Williams was red hot last night but did we feed him? Horford is a nice piece but he forces some bad shots sometime. I would not give up on this nucleus without giving another coach a chance first. I hard nose coach who can give these guys direction. I know it is a pipe dream but Phil Jackson’s contract is up.
Hollywould
April 29th, 2010
3:12 pm
Waddell, Woodson. I am crossing the w out of my vocab. May have to delete the c for cox as Braves are getting hammered again. When does football start?
Dave
April 29th, 2010
3:12 pm
This fiasco of a series with Milwaukee is actually a gift in disguise to the Atlanta Spirit group.
It has told them:
1) Woodson cannot coach, he cannot lead, and he cannot motivate the players to perform at their best when it counts the most. The Atlanta Spirit probably suspects as much, which is why they did not offer him a contract extension. Given what has happened in this series, absolutely NO Hawks fan is going to complain when Woodson and his coaches are NOT offer a contract for next year.
2) Joe Johnson is NOT a player worth a maximum contract. They can and should offer him the four-year, $60M contract offered earlier, because he IS a talented player who, under the right coach, may help this team much further in the playoffs, but he is NOT Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, or Dwayne Wade. If I (the prototypical, casual NBA fan) can see this, for sure every NBA GM and coach who is seeking to sign a free-agent can see it as well, so there will be NO max contract offer this summer.
Just my humble opinion.
Haul Pewitt
April 29th, 2010
3:13 pm
Mr. Sund, Mr. Gearon. I can’t use my real name, but I’m a coach at a major college, possibly in Georgia. If there is an opening with the Hawks, please accept this post on Jeff Schultz’s blog as an application. I’m highly accomplished and in demand, but my wife wants to stay in our current city, which is in easy commuting distance of Phillips Arena. Thanks for your consideration.
Tech fan
April 29th, 2010
3:14 pm
I’d like to recommend the Hawks hire Coach Pewitt.
allan in texas
April 29th, 2010
3:15 pm
The Players have tuned Coach Woodson out and if they lose this series there should be a coaching change.The next HC should have an idea of what he has to work with and if they will adapt to his coaching style by the halfway point during the 10-11 season.
Doug Moe
April 29th, 2010
3:18 pm
Hey, I’m only 72 and quite the motivator.
allan in texas
April 29th, 2010
3:19 pm
I believe they should keep Joe Johnson,however, if he wants to leave then hopefully the relationship is good enough between JJ and management to work out a sign and trade rather than have him walk away and get nothing in return.
Dick Motta
April 29th, 2010
3:19 pm
Doug Moe is not experienced enough. I’m 79 and one of the 10 winningest coaches in NBA history. Have toupee, will travel.
Whopper Dawg
April 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
I agree that this should not be a surprise. The tendencies they exhibited all year are being magnified in the playoff boiler. If they are ousted by the Bucks, they have to make a change with Woodson. You can’t go into next season without momentum and without a change you would do exactly that.
Hmmmmmmmm, let me think, maybe Scott Skiles would be interested, I sure ask heck would ask him.
Forest Gump
April 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
Stupid is as stupid does Woodson…..
whoisU
April 29th, 2010
3:27 pm
FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODYFIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY FIRE WOODY
Joe's place Joe speaking
April 29th, 2010
3:28 pm
Guys have some damn confidence!!!! Every damn one of you are acting like it’s already over!! I certainly can understand the pessimists but how many if you played sports?! If there is one thing I can tell you about sports is that it’s not over till it’s over!! Never give up!!! I have his feeling that we are going to win tomorrow!! I know it sounds crazy seeing as how we played so terrible the last three games but I truly feel that we are coming back strong with our backs against the wall!!! I had a bad feeling after game 2 because of the long layoff and the draft so everybody basicly forgot about us playing!! Including the hawks!!! Now they know it’s win or go home and if you seriously think for one second that the bucks are better than us then you need to be in mental hospital!! There is no way!!! And I mean NO way we lose!!!!! Have some fu***** heart and realize that our talent will prevail tomorrow!! Mark my words!!! Go get your tickets for game 7!!!! P.s. I don’t need any responses about how we have no offense and we have no coach or bibby sucks or joe johnsons not a leader or any other bandwagon nonsense! And it is bandwagon if when were good your all happy and when we lose it’s we suck. Now I’m tired of all this negative attitude!!!! Are you with me!!!
Greg
April 29th, 2010
3:28 pm
Not a word of support for the coach from Gearson… Woodson’s out-a-here. Anybody can see that.
NotRocketScience
April 29th, 2010
3:29 pm
This is not rocket science. The team takes on the personality of its coach which is passive. As Bill Parcells said, “you are what you are”. This team is a 50-win team in the weaker conference that has NO shot at playing in the Conference Finals let alone an NBA Championship.
As far as the not rocket science part:
Fire the Coach, hire Jeff Van Gundy, Avery Johnson, etc – a defensive minded coach and a name coach that has the personality to engage with his team and the viewing public. How the hell do you not bring “the energy” in a playoff game? Are you serious?
Secondly, let Joe walk. You do NOT give max money to a player that will never bring you an NBA title. Sorry, but he is not an elite player and can not carry a team on his own like Kobe and LeBron.
There is however another player that can carry a team to a title and thats Dwyane Wade. He has done it before with a cast of role players (Shaq was a role player not a superstar at the time of the Heat’s title). Horford and Smith are better than role players and Wade can carry this team to the Eastern Conference Finals. Do NOT give Joe Johnson the max contract – it will set this franchise back for the next 5-7 years as this team has already plateaued.
Again, let Coach Woodson go and do not give Joe Johnson a max contract. Chris Bosh doesnt even deserve a max contract. Dwyane Wade does and he needs to be here next year.
Julius Erving
April 29th, 2010
3:29 pm
If the Hawks will hire Billy Cunningham, I’d come out of retirement to play for him again. He’s a great coach.
ChippersLoveChild
April 29th, 2010
3:31 pm
“We’re focused on winning. The only thing that matters to me is tomorrow night,” he said.
Should read, “We’re focused on winning… with one of our franchises.” What a bastard, they deserve this with the way they handle the Thrashers.
Balderdash
April 29th, 2010
3:31 pm
I kind of admit to an admiration of whoisU’s testicular fortitude, Jeff, but please ban him to life to prevent future occurences.
nolerick
April 29th, 2010
3:33 pm
I will not be watching game 6, just makes me sick to my stomach to think about it.
Big ups to Zaza though for finally putting Jennings on his azz… I mean when does some one step up and stop that little floater? I mean this is the playoffs man, time to man up!
whoisU
April 29th, 2010
3:34 pm
LMAO @joe’s “talent will prevail” JUST STFU ROOKIE, TALENT dnt mean sh!1t , are you blind?
Beone
April 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
Woodson is clearly either (1) an idiot (2) insanely stubborn or (3) not capable of performing as a competent basketball coach at any level of competition – least of all the NBA. Come to think of it, he is likely all three!
Paddy
April 29th, 2010
3:36 pm
The problem with the Hawks may be Woody? The problem with the Hawks may be the players? The real fact is. The problem with the Hawks IS the ASG!
ChippersLoveChild
April 29th, 2010
3:37 pm
And after this series, for what it’s worth, even if the Hawks pull this out in 7, even if they bring back Joe, does anyone not think this Bucks team will be ahead of them with a healthy Bogut, Mike Redd, and two first round picks (from a team that actually develops and plays there picks not named Joe Alexander?). We are in trouble.
Craig
April 29th, 2010
3:40 pm
This team needs an enima after the season, which will probably be Friday, and keep enough to build on. They need to roll out the $$$ carpet for D. Wade and say goodbye to JJ. This team is one of the biggest under achievers to ever play the game.
MARK PRICE
April 29th, 2010
3:40 pm
I AM ALREADY ON THE PAYROLL, AND AMAZED AT THE STUPIDITY HAPPENING ON THE COURT.
Beone
April 29th, 2010
3:41 pm
And a prediction: If the ASG keeps Woodson as Head Coach next season, the Hawks will lose at least half of their fan base. Why would you not just try something different?
MARK PRICE
April 29th, 2010
3:44 pm
I CAN ALSO MAKE BIG SHOTS AT THE END OF A GAME.
NotRocketScience
April 29th, 2010
3:46 pm
Hey Joe’s Place Joe Speaking. I like the attitude but you still dont deserve a max contract and you can not lead a team to an NBA title. Joe Johnson is great not elite.
Just Being Real
April 29th, 2010
3:47 pm
whoisU
I take it you would like a new coach
truthspitter
April 29th, 2010
3:48 pm
Jeff Van Gundy: what a joke. This guy could not get T-Mac and Yao Ming out of the 1st round and people are calling for him to be the next coach. Most bloggers are not welled informed on the things they blog about
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
3:50 pm
Mike Woodson is a great coach in my opinion. His defensive philosophy? Switch on everything so Al Horford and Josh Smith end up guarding their ultraquick guards(Brandon Jennings, John Salmons) which also takes away Smith’s shot-blocking presence in the paint. His offensive philosophy? Run a 1-4 set for Joe Johnson aka “Iso-Joe” which is basically Joe vs the whole bucks team. We could go far with a coach like Scott Skiles, who actually gets the most out of his players.
FIRE WOODY
NotRocketScience
April 29th, 2010
3:51 pm
Phil Jackson couldnt get T-Mac and Yao Ming out of the first round.
McDonalds
April 29th, 2010
3:54 pm
I’ll hire Woody
Taco Bell
April 29th, 2010
3:54 pm
I wouldn’t hire Woody
Go Gator
April 29th, 2010
3:55 pm
whoisU: Don’t hold back, brother. Let us REALLY know how you feel.
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
3:55 pm
Marvin Williams was having an outstanding game in the first three quarters. Scoring twenty points with almost no missed shots while penetrating the paint and drawing fouls. What does Woody do? Bench Marvin for half the fourth quarter while running no plays for him in the time he did play. Jamal Crawford, Marvins’s sub, bricked shot after shot en route to a 4-18 shooting performance. Get a clue Mike, when a guy is hot, don’t sub him out.
FIRE WOODY
3DawgKnight
April 29th, 2010
3:56 pm
houstondawg:
No! – Jeff Van Gundy is not the answer!
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
3:57 pm
umm notrocketscience it doesn’t take rocket science to know that Phil Jackson never coached the Rockets
Reid Adair
April 29th, 2010
3:58 pm
“You can put it on the players. But when a team melts down like the Hawks did in the final four minutes of Wednesday’s 92-87 loss, that’s also a reflection on confidence, preparation and coaching.”
That says it all, Jeff. For all of the excitement and success of the regular season (compared to Hawks’ teams in recent years), the playoffs have been an absolute disaster.
oldmike
April 29th, 2010
3:58 pm
First off, we don’t have to FIRE WOODY. After Sunday he is no longer under contract. Just don’t, PLEASE DON’T extend him or resign him. This team needs a coach with vision and the ability to adjust. I am beginning to wonder how we ever won the 53 games (that should have been 60). Get ISO Joe outa here too. Find a true center. Put Al at PF. Make Marvie a role player. Give him 2nd unit minutes. Maybe he’ll blossom in that role. Or, find a way to get him the ball. This team just stands around pounding the ball going one on one WAY too much. Where is the offense? But haven’t we been saying this for the better part of 5 years now? It all looks the same. One definition of insanity is to do the same things over and over and expect different results. Witness the Hawks 4th quarter performances this year – and last for that matter. I can’t watch them anymore. Sports shouldn’t make you sick to your stomache over and over. And, even if they MAN up and win this series there is no way they compete with the Magic. They get swept right out just like last year.
Dr. Richard Handler
April 29th, 2010
3:59 pm
You could go far with Scott DUI Skiles. I’m sure most of the morons here call the sports talk radio shows and give their opinions as if someone other than the other morons care. Fire Woody, but you better tell the players they’re next. They’re the ones without any heart, they are the guys who could care less about winning. Roll the grenade under the door and start over, oh wait a minute they tried that with Lon Kruger Mellenkamp.
Isaiah Thomas
April 29th, 2010
4:00 pm
I could coach the Hawks team better than Mike Woodson. Am I hired?
NotRocketScience
April 29th, 2010
4:00 pm
Umm gohawx – No kidding he hasnt coached the Rockets. I was being facetious. Think it through next time.
Akron Atlantan
April 29th, 2010
4:07 pm
“Let Joe Johnson walk and get Dwyane Wade.” Um, I don’t think that is happening. Joe is the best player that Atlanta will be able to get. Think about it Rudy Gay, John Salmons, Amar’e (not a 2 guard), Bosh (not a 2 guard), …. Stop whining and let’s think of real solutions instead of pointing fingers.
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
4:08 pm
Dr. Richard Handler, the players want to win but they are working in a flawed system. Defense is hard when you are told not to fight through the pick but to switch instead creating incredible mismatches(Horford on Jennings). Their is very little ball movement in our offense-just ISO-JOE aka dribble around for tweny seconds and then brick a shot. We have a significant advantage in the post with Horford and Smith but they dont get many touches. It is the coach’s job to run plays for them.
Just Being Real
April 29th, 2010
4:08 pm
the Hawks could just get an e-mail address and we can send play to their inbox, call time out, check ya inbox, bam, and play to run, so 2010.
Joe
April 29th, 2010
4:10 pm
The Hawks may take a look at GT coach Paul Hewitt.
Akron Atlantan
April 29th, 2010
4:10 pm
We need to trade either Josh Smith or Al Horford for a big man. They both can’t play in the front court together.
Tha Real Hawk
April 29th, 2010
4:10 pm
We are between a rock and a hard place:
JJ is not great enough to get us over the hump to compete for a championship.
If we don’t resign him what free agent star would want to come here?
After we fire Woodson we will have to install a new system. Takes about 25-30 games to gel.
We need a point guard and had a coach who never knew how to develop rookies.
WTF?
Akron Atlantan
April 29th, 2010
4:11 pm
@GOHAWX I agree with you completely.
Rob
April 29th, 2010
4:13 pm
I understand the WNBA is hiring!
Scott Skiles
April 29th, 2010
4:14 pm
Damn if I coached that Hawks team i could sweep those Bucks!
Delbert D.
April 29th, 2010
4:14 pm
That’s a great photo of Woodson evaluating his career prospects.
NotRocketScience
April 29th, 2010
4:18 pm
Akron – Going after Dwyane Wade is a solution. Im not pointing fingers. Im merely stating that Joe Joehnson is not a max contract player – very few players in this league are max players. We have had so many WTF moments with this franchise (Joe Johnson ISO’s, Mookie’s 3’s, Tyrone Corbin’s jumpers from the key when the shot clock is winding down). This team has always been predictable no matter who the coach or the #1 go to player was. You have to have a superstar in this league to win a title – its been proven over and over again for years. With that said, the only immediate solution is to “try” and bring in Wade.
Mike Woodson
April 29th, 2010
4:18 pm
I DONT CARE IF I DONT GET ANOTHER CONTRACT ILL JUST COACH THE ATLANTA DREAM AND GO ISO-…… crap i dont know any of their players.
John
April 29th, 2010
4:20 pm
@notrocketscience the pistons won a championship without a superstar.
VMR
April 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
BRYON SCOTT, AVERY JOHNSON OR FORMER MERCER STAR SAM MITCHELL!
Hawker
April 29th, 2010
4:21 pm
The hawks owners need to pony up some big time cash for woodson, or he may take the Philadelphia job.
Akron Atlantan
April 29th, 2010
4:22 pm
It’s time for a change in coaching for technical and psychological aspects. We are not strong defensively at the 1. We are to small in the front court. The bench needs to be a little stronger.
John
April 29th, 2010
4:24 pm
@Hawker HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
that was funny
bob
April 29th, 2010
4:27 pm
FIRE WOODY….NOWWW!!!!!!!!!!!
Akron Atlantan
April 29th, 2010
4:29 pm
@notrocketscience I agree. You have to try to get Wade or Lebron. I believe Joe is on the step below. This team has to play with that Detroit Team Concept. I think the talent level of Atlanta is better than the Championship Detroit team. I don’t like the defensive and offensive schemes. On defense, we switch everything. That can be exploited by pick and roll. On offense, the ball does not move around. What ever happens this series, I’m still a Hawks fan. This season was way better than 2004-2006.
Delbert D.
April 29th, 2010
4:30 pm
Ga. Tech needs to come up with a scheme to push Paul Hewitt through the NBA. Kind of like laundering money.
Akron Atlantan
April 29th, 2010
4:31 pm
Lebron, we need help. I don’t think Mario West would mind giving up #6 for you. We have good pieces in place.
Harry The Hawk
April 29th, 2010
4:35 pm
The playoffs usually expose all of a teams weaknesses and the Hawks are no exception:
1) Second-Tier Coach—no offensive scheme; poor in-game adjustments.poor motivator. He’s talented but does not possess the qualities of an ‘elite’ coach…meaning, he’ll get you victories but does not have the strategic or motivational savvy to guide a team over the hump against better-coached or more well–seasoned competition
2) Lack Of A REAL Superstar—Last night was a telling game. The ship was sinking; big home crowd; pivotal point in the series. Perfect setting for your best player to step up and save the day and…..NOTHING!
JJ can score and he has the will to win….but you have to ask the question: is he a true LEADER?
Last night was as much about leadership on the court as it was points in the paint and our best guy failed miserably. This was the scenario we ‘ve seen other ELITE players ( Kobe, LeBron, DWade) handle time after time. Adversity strikes late in a crucial game, they sense the situation, put the team on their back and secure victory.
Whe you’re asking for max money, this is what it’s all about. You’re the go-to-guy, the steadying influence, the person who has the right demeanor and presence to save the team during a key situation. Is this who Joe is? Better yet, might he be more of a Pippen to someone else’s Jordan? Time will tell.
3) Team Chemistry–When you hit a brick wall like the Hawk’s have, you have to look at everything. Does this group REALLY trust one another on the floor? Do they really trust—and respect–the coach? Joe’s swipes at his team mates after Game 4 were telling in offering answers to the former. Gearon’s noon-committal answers shed light regarding tht latter.
Again, the pressure and intensity of the playoffs have a way of exposing a lot of ills. If POST-SEASON success (and not just 50 win seasons) is your ultimate goal, would YOU keep Woody and pay JJ max money after reading this?
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
4:36 pm
How bout we trade Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams, Jamal Crawford and Mike Woodson for Lebron?
NotRocketScience
April 29th, 2010
4:38 pm
There is always exceptions to the rules fellas. How many teams won a title without a superstar since 1983 Sixers (sorry, but thats as far back as I can remember)? 1 (Detroit Pistons) – That means 26 of the last 27 teams have won with a superstar. See the big picture and not nitpick every little detail. The big picture is that you must have a superstar to win a title. Think about it, our town has had the fewest superstars of any major city in all sports combined. I agree Akron, the coaching is too predictable and I hate the switch and I believe upper management does as well.
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
4:41 pm
Harry the hawk- I agree, Joe is more of a Robin figure than Batman yet we treat him like he is a superstar, running endless isolation plays for him.
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
4:45 pm
Notrocketscience-The pistons won that title through masterful coaching ,smart players, and great team chemistry. we would have a better shot if we were more like them. Of course having a superstar would make it much easier.
SAM JAMES
April 29th, 2010
4:47 pm
There are 3 types of coaches, a Motivator who can make teams achieve within and beyond their expectation (Scott Skiles, Avery Johnson), a Teacher of the game who grooms talent to excel ( Hubie Brown, Larry Brown), and a tactician whose goal in winning is accomplished by outwitting the other team ( Phill Jackson, Jerry Sloan) Each has their advantages, but it appears coach Woodson is in the Avery Johnson category, and Atlanta needs a teacher for a coach.
Unfortunately, for all the skill the Hawks possess, they lack any structure, and rely on individual talent to wiggle between adversity.
Joe Johnson is no Kobe, but, his skill level in the no. 2 position is arguably top 5 calibre: if you replace him, whom CAN Atlanta attract? The best bet is building structure around JJ, and ending the isolation plays that have clogged the Hawks’ progress.
Look, the components of the team are solid, a system just needs to be developed. Maybe, Atlanta makes 2 or 3 changes and pit their team against Orlando, Cleveland or Boston. Otherwise, its second favorite for a couple of years in the East.
P.S I think Woody’s “press conference” after game 4 cost him between 6-8 million dollars. He was probably going to get between4- 5 million for 5 years in his next job, but will have to settle for 3. Can anybody say, ‘Thats what we do.”
Jeff D.
April 29th, 2010
4:50 pm
I like Woody but it’s not looking good for him here. Guys aren’t responding. Doubt he’ll get re-signed unless we win it all. Fat chance. Maybe he can get Philly going. So who’s out there? Byron Scott, Avery Johnson, (sorry, Phil’s not going anywhere) or another gamble on a first time coach like Laimbeer or Michael Cooper? Let’s see what unfolds tomorrow night. Maybe the Hawks will find a pair.
clarkekent
April 29th, 2010
4:52 pm
coaching options: avery johnson / byron scott/ mark jackson…all of these guys will be great for teague and they all believe in defense.
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
4:54 pm
Even if they come back and win this series they will still lose to Orlando.
FalconHawkBravesUGA
April 29th, 2010
4:56 pm
I’ve never posted anything on a blog before but after last night I feel like I have to do this. 1st of I’m born and raised in the great city of Atlanta. I’ve been following Atlanta sports for 33 ½ years now (all my life). Needless to say I’ve dealt with some heartbreak over the years. That game last night had to rank in my top 5 heartbreakers. I really felt like I got a phone call telling me someone very close to me had been shot and killed by 82 rounds from an AR-15.
I’ve never been a big fan of Woody but I’m not going to take up time bashing him. I feel like everyone else on here. HE’S GOTTA GO point blank PERIOD. I’ve seen better coaching in my 5 year old nephews’ basketball league. Since JJ has come here I’ve become a fan of his but last night he showed me that he was nothing but a female reproduction organ. No so called star in the NBA fouls out of a CRTICAL playoff game with 13 freakin points. But that’s not what killed me the most. When he fouled out he was out. No encouragement to his fellow teammates. He just sat on the bench like “I wish they would hurry up and lose, I got somewhere to be by 11:30”. I damn near punched him in the face thru my TV but it cost me $1K and I aint got it like that.
All that being said I’m still going to pull for them to win tomorrow night because I’m not a bandwagon fan like some of you people on here. They just really hurt my heart last night..
Go Hawks!!
SWAT Native
April 29th, 2010
5:12 pm
It’s amazing to think how much the comments on these blogs could swing in the other direction with a win tomorrow night…
F-105 Thunderchief
April 29th, 2010
5:12 pm
Heck, I thought the Haul Pewitt post above was dang funny if I do say so myself.
Harry The Hawk
April 29th, 2010
5:24 pm
SWAT:
Not sure that’s true with the type of l;oss the team had last night….this one will stick for awhile. Fall-out (Woody, Joe, Free Agents) will only increase it
Einstein
April 29th, 2010
5:30 pm
Looks like Woody’s gone. Rather than recycle NBA trash by bringing in a former “head coach”, why not go after a top assistant. (I know Woody was Larry Brown’s assistant and wannabe clone, but Brown and his boys have been last weeks tickets for the past 5 years…there are much better systems). Structure his contract with great incentives as to bring out his leadership skills as well as coaching talents. And, give him free rein for three years. Just my opinion.
calico
April 29th, 2010
5:33 pm
We should hire Avery Johnson but Joe here is your chance 2 carry this team just like u wanted
Mike Woodson
April 29th, 2010
5:35 pm
Im so mad Im gonna shave my eyebrows again
LouFan
April 29th, 2010
5:39 pm
@FalconHawkBravesUGA….
AMEN! Last night showed our true colors.
JeJe
April 29th, 2010
5:39 pm
JOE JOHNSON SAYS “WE” NEED TO EXECUTE AND THAT “WE AREN’T INTENSE” INSTEAD OF “I”
IT’S NEVER HIS GODDAMN FAULT
Mike Woodson
April 29th, 2010
5:40 pm
Hmmmm maybe i should put Jason Collins on Brandon Jennings instead of Al Horford.
JeJe
April 29th, 2010
5:42 pm
“That’s what sports is about. We’re up two games, you and I are sitting here and I’m all positive and we’re having fun conversations. Now we’ve lost three in a row and we’re going, ‘Holy [crap], what do we do?’ That’s the fun thing about sports.””
SORRY IF I DON’T FIND LOSING 3 STRAIGHT AND BEING ON THE VERGE OF ELIMINATION TO THIS UNDERMANNED TEAM FROM A !@#$HOLE CITY “FUN”
Joe Johnson
April 29th, 2010
5:44 pm
(Quite Joe Johnson voice) We need to stop fouling out when we are most needed hmm we need to stop ball-hogging too hmm we need to stop fouling Brandon Jennings on last second three-pointers hmm we need to FIRE WOODY!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Teague
April 29th, 2010
5:47 pm
Please play me Coach I know u hate playing talented rookie guards but I think can guard Brandon Jennings better than Mke Bibby.
GOHAWX
April 29th, 2010
5:51 pm
The Atlanta Hawks….where being eliminated in the first round to a Bucks team without Andrew Bogut or Micheal Redd happens.
Doug Collins
April 29th, 2010
5:52 pm
The Atlanta Hawks have officially tuned out Coach Woodson- trust me, I know from experience.
scott
April 29th, 2010
5:53 pm
go to 790 thezone webpage and hear seku Smith talking about the players and the backbiting and no chemistry. very disturbing.
Jeff D.
April 29th, 2010
5:54 pm
Einstein, any names come to mind? I’d rather not get a recycled guy but these young assistants can be hit or miss. We need to pick up the tempo on offense and let these guys run. They show flashes at times (full moon) but fall back to the iso-Joe. That shouldn’t be the staple of the offense. A dynamic PG could really have fun with these guys. Could Jeff Teague be that guy?
Brownie
April 29th, 2010
5:56 pm
I’ll have to read a few more blogs here, but I’m starting to get the impression that the fans don’t think much of Woody!!
Hawks fans….take a close look, because you’ve just been witnessing the pinnacle of Hawks basketball the last couple of years. This team has NO chance of winning an NBA championship. Now if the ASG’s goal is just to barely win enough to make the playoffs, then by all means resign Woody and open the bank for JJ.
They can’t improve the team thru the draft because they’re winning too much to get a high lottery pick. And when they did have their lottery chances, Billy Knight was out to lunch…Sheldon, Marvin at #2, and NO point guard (you think Jennings has exposed that weakness enough?). Some mistakes you pay for for a long time.
They can’t improve the team thru free agency because everyone knows Woody is a weak coach, and they will have handed over the armored car keys to Johnson.
SO…..time to break it down and try again. A sign and trade for JJ would be the best possible scenario, but other teams are getting a first hand look at him and won’t commit max money to him – he is NOT a superstar, in attitude, leadership or talent.
An earlier poster was correct…they won’t fire Woody, they just won’t give him a new contract right away and he’ll go somewhere else to run “iso-player dujour”.
Sund has done a very good job under the budget restrictions of the ASG. He really had no great options other than the resign Bibby and Marvin, but you can see how devastating those deals are going to be for this team’s future.
Final point on Woody and his future here: if you can’t absolutely see him leading this team to a championship, let him go. Do not resign him as a reward for the past 6 years of steady improvement.
shannon
April 29th, 2010
6:02 pm
@ jeff teague: No u cant play i want you to become the next Acie Law lol… Mike Woodson
shannon
April 29th, 2010
6:04 pm
Mike Woodson: Thanks to me Acie Law is the best bench rider in the Freakin League, I am Mike Woodson
Bob M
April 29th, 2010
6:15 pm
Milwaukee has outcoached us and outplayed us. They play with tenacity and keep us on our heels… The Hawks run too many isolation plays, get caught in mis-matches due to our switching defense, and we are pressing and forcing shots instead of creating movement and finding the open man… They also are setting solid picks to free up their shooters… bottom line is we are getting our butts kicked due to superior coaching not superior talent.
shannon
April 29th, 2010
6:24 pm
Maybe if I stand here with my arms folded and mouth open things will get better!! Yes thats what I will do!!! I am Mike Woodson
Authur Blank Fan
April 29th, 2010
6:27 pm
Hell sell the team to Authur Blank.
Mike Woodson
April 29th, 2010
6:29 pm
Hey stop making fun of me or i’ll shave my eyebrows again!!!!!!!
jfreak13713
April 29th, 2010
6:33 pm
Unless Woodson gets this team to the finals he will be fired and not just because he a bad coach but more so because this team has really reached it’s potential. I would love to see Jeff Van Gundy have a chance with this team assuming he take the job??
The only bright spot for this team is Horford. He plays hard and for the most part he plays smart. Josh Smith decision making still needs improving but he made huge strides this year. Joe Johnson will be gone after this year and Bibby may simply retire. Marvin Williams should be cooking french fries somewhere not playing basketball in the NBA.
The Hawks will bet bounced in the first round and it’s well deserved! They haven’t earned the right to play on. Besides if getting knocked out in the first round means Woodson gets fired then I’ll take it!
Stuart
April 29th, 2010
6:42 pm
Get rid of Woodson… even if the Hawks somehow advance to the Finals… don’t bring him back…
FUZZUP
April 29th, 2010
6:47 pm
gOOD BYE AND GOOD LUCK wOODY!!!!
Rod
April 29th, 2010
6:55 pm
PTI on espn just said the Hawks players have the basketball IQ of 8oz bottle of water! LOL, if that doesn’t make them feel like a team full of retards I don’t know what will.
RT
April 29th, 2010
7:08 pm
We need a true number 1, let Joe go!!
Clueless in Atlanta
April 29th, 2010
7:09 pm
The morons who own the hawks will make another dumb move, whoever they hire. These people are total morons–a bunch of rich people who have no idea how to run a real business.
RT
April 29th, 2010
7:11 pm
No one could coach this team they are way too soft.
LouFan
April 29th, 2010
7:21 pm
An ability to inspire people and engage hearts is a key trait of an effective leader as in basketball there is no such thing as an unmotivated person, only an unmotivated player.
Leadership guys. That is all it is. A lack of leadership.
When crap hits the fan it is up to the leaders to step up and keep the people focused. Did you see the game on TNT? They were not even listening to Woodson after Al’s three point play… They were bickering and arguing on the bench earlier.
Woody is a joke. Where is the adjustments? Switch D still? Also… Why is it that you leave out cold players and bench people who are hot. AKA (For once) Marvin Williams vs Jamal Crawlunderabedandchokeford. Where is the heart Woody? Stop trying to be coach cool and light a fire under their asses. Bench people. Show some cajones… or some brains for that matter. Good luck with 76ers.
Joe Johnson is not better in this… Where is his leadership? He was out for fouls and did not once step in a pep the guys up. Joe is NOT A LEADER, he is a number two guy.
Time to rebuild. Starting with our leadership. I rather watch a 13 win season with a guys that have heart than this 53 win crap.
BD Wood
April 29th, 2010
7:36 pm
Josh Smith, hear me out: There are some things you need to know. First, I watch you play and at times your out there, but your not in the game. Mookie Blaylock, is one of my favorite ball players. He wasn’t the best, but he was relentless. Josh, be relentless! Second, you will have to realize that the game of basketball is always going to be played against yourself – forget the other team. You have to take a couple of deep breaths and know you can win; one step / basket at a time. Next, keep the game simple and work two man plays (pick and roll, give and go, etc..). Don’t be afraid to pass more – u have a good eye for players in good position. So, don’t be afraid to turn the ball over a couple of times (you’ll make it up with your blocked shots). Use at least five ball / head fakes during the game to get some easy opportunities. Michael Jordan had two things that made him the best 1) Athleticism (you have it too) and 2) He already beat the game in his head – he knew. Work on 2. (Sorry Woodson) Ignore your coach he doesn’t have the attitude or the ‘attack mentality’ to coach you all. Trust your team mates and know there only a pass away – don’t force it (you too Joe Johnson). Some of Michael Jordan’s biggest blows to teams was the pass to the other guy (John Paxson – ‘I think – against Phoenix – Barkley days’) Anyway, hope the pep talk helps and I cannot wait till you really start playing ball. – ATL Fan since the 80’s
LouFan
April 29th, 2010
7:45 pm
BD Wood gave me a wood after that speech and probably better than any speech Wood – y gave.
Chris Brown
April 29th, 2010
7:48 pm
problems: I must admit that Woodson has to go. He clearly has lost his ability to lead, or motivate his players. On a good note, he has improved wins over each of the past 3 seasons, but we fans are expecting more.
Solution: It’s so obvious that Woodson is not the current ownership’s guy. So, hire ‘fiery’ Vinny Del Negro to motivate these players. Woodson deserves some of the blame because he is the leader, but what about the veterans players: Bibby and Joe J?
HAROLD
April 29th, 2010
7:54 pm
I HAVE SAID ALL SEASON LONG THAT THE COACH WAS NOT PLAYING ENOUGH PLAYERS OFF THE BENCH. SO THAT BY NOW THOSE PLAYERS WOULD HAVE SOME PLAYING TIME. IT IS NOW TO LATE. HE COULD HAVE PLAYED COLLINS AT CENTER FOR AT LEAST A FEW MINUTES A GAME. IT IS NOW TO LATE.THE GUARD TEAGE DID NOT GET ENOUGH PLAYING TIME.COACH WOODING CAN NOT COACH IN THE LAST OF THE THIRD OR START OF THE FORTH QUARTER.THE WORST COACHES IN THE LEAGE OUT COACHES HIM.
truthspitter
April 29th, 2010
7:57 pm
You people are slow and know not of what you type. The Hawks cant sign a max guy other than there own which is Joe. There only options to rebuilding or continuing the process are re-signing Joe or trades including a sign and trade. As for Woody I took up for him until last night, but we are done and it is unacceptable.
MrHughes
April 29th, 2010
8:01 pm
Come to Atlanta Dwayne wade! We already have pieces set up for a championship run! All we need is you!
1) We’ll fire woody and get Jeff VG or Avery Johnson
2) We’ll let Joe walk
=)
Name Citizen
April 29th, 2010
8:01 pm
Al Horford was scared of Thomas. His penetration to the basket was most successful when Thomas was out. His shots were not made when going to the basket against Thomas. Josh cannot stnad back and let someone shot 5 feet away from him. He and the other players need to challenge every shot. Get a hand up and do so closer to the shooter. Marvin finally had a decent game. Since neither Josh nor Horford could stand around the basket waiting for a pass, Marvin was able to play big man basketball. Why didn’t they think of that earlier. Joe was doing some nice things, but a usual, he misses more shots when they count than he makes. Jamal has played better after game 3, but is still missing too many shots he would normally make. The Hawks played good in game 4, but still had not worked out all the issues and they were on the road. They played much better in game 5, but the Bucks have their number now and the Bucks have always been capable of beating the Hawks as they split the wins and loses throughout the season. How can a team look so good in games 1 and 2 and just become almost an embarrassment to watch after that?
MrHughes
April 29th, 2010
8:05 pm
Name Citizen,
A team with bad coaching.
east cobb dawgs
April 29th, 2010
8:35 pm
what about Dominique as the next Hawks HC? Isn’t that what he’s been groomed for the last couple of years…and he can do better than Larry B. he’d be able to caoch a post season series. if not Dominique then Rivers..who you know who wanted in the first place, but no longer on ASG!
win !!
April 29th, 2010
8:49 pm
Bad night last night for sure. Woodson lives or dies based on Hawks winning THIS series…they will not beat the Magic. But no doubt, Brandon Jennings is like no other PG in the NBA right now, and he’s much better than John Walls is. He played like a seasoned guy last night, it was something to watch…you could see the (lowly) BUCKS respond to his confidence, and they got intense as a result of it; whereas the fairly basic/boring/aging Bibby brought nothing last night…..although he should have been in during the 4th period when Crawford was in free-fall. But I’m no Woodsen hater…I think he is a pretty good coach. I hope Joe stays; it’s time to move a young/dynamic/energetic PG onto the court (ie. Teague). Go Hawks….kick some butt tomorrow night !!
"Chef" Tim Dix
April 29th, 2010
8:51 pm
Nique works for a check.
His mother bounces checks at Kroger.
You want him scheming plays?
Mystikal
April 29th, 2010
8:54 pm
FOOLS GOLD
The hawks are fools gold. They look like something they really aren’t, a contender. They
are argueably the most athletic team in the league but have no dynamic player.
Mike Bibby is old and slow. He cannot keep up with the new class of athletic point guards,
and has become a defensive liability. He can hit big shots occasionally but with him being
small and slower they are far and few between. He would be bet served coming off the bench
like Santonio has done with Tony Parker and George Hill.
Joe Johnson is an above average basketball player and a guy you want on your team, but he
cannot lead a team anywhere. Most of the time he is a great shooter but too often disappears
in the clutch. To be one of the bigger 2-guards in the league he rarely takes his man in
the post and doesn’t drive to the basket or get to the free throw line nearly enough. And
to be on such an athletic team he slows the ball down way too much.
Marvin Williams is a well rounded player, but is forever cursed by the Chris Paul curse. Bad
enough to be judged as a #2 pick, but to be known as the guy taken a head of Chris Paul is
more pressure. He could still be a good player if he could just show up consistently. He
often flashes moments of what he can be, but just as often disappears. And what happened
to that 3pt shot he developed last year?
Josh Smith is the closest thing this team has to a dynamic player with his athleticism,
probably top 5 in the league. But that is negated to an extent because he’s an undersized
power forward. Beyond that he has no goto move in the post, will make you cringe if he tries
to put the ball on the floor, and make you throw things if he attempts a jump shot. Most of
his points come on putbacks and in transition, where the entire team accels. He his the
backbone defensively and makes big impact; just often isn’t enough against good teams.
Al Horford is the throw back bring your hard hat and lunch pail to work every day. He put
this team on another level when he began anchoring the post. He to is undersized as a center
having to battle the likes of Dwight Howard and Shaq, who sadly are both in the east. This
sucks cause he’d be better to center the offense around with his good passing and high
basketball IQ. With this only being his 3rd year he going to get a lot better too!
Jamal Crawford is a great scorer and a pure scorer. The role he provides for the hawks suits
him perfectly, give him the ball and get out of the way. He masks the bench problem though.
When he comes in with that second unit instead of iso-Joe it turns to iso-Jamal (even though
he goes to the whole more). But just like when Joe has the ball too many other ppl are just
standing around watching. No offense is being run, things quickly become stagnant and can
easily be contained.
Which brings us to the coach, good ol’ Woody. There’s nothing wrong with being known as a
defensive coach, but somewhere down the line as assistant coach or someone has to know some
offense. The hawks do not have an offense. They go out and try to turn you over on defense
to get their transition game going. This is good but when that’s not working and things slow
down (ala playoff basketball) you have to be able to execute. Last year they would try to
keep the ball in Bibby or Joe’s hands(play makers) and teams would just key on them. This
year they added Crawford to the mix but still no offense is being run. You can’t win that
way in playoff basketball. When talent gets neutralized the team with the best execution
has the advantage. Think Woody has taken this team as far as he can.
"Chef" Tim Dix
April 29th, 2010
8:57 pm
Problem in a nutshell:
Say I’m a superstar NBA player. I sign with the Hawks. I have a gripe with management. How many meetings do I have to schedule to get a single point across? Monarchies were invented for pro sports ownership.
nside hawkfan
April 29th, 2010
9:10 pm
Marvin played great because he was AGGRESSIVE! Josh moped around the court most of the night. BD WOOD was right above, Josh has a great eye for the passing game. He needs to get down low and stay there. Did you see his shooting percentage past 15 feet? I think it was 22%. DUDE REALLY? Love your game, glad you re here, but seriously GO TO THE HOOP!
When the hawks crash the boards on D and swing the ball around on offense, they can play with ANYONE. It seems they forget this every other night.
Teague CAN guard Jennings. Hawks announcers commented in games down the stretch that Woody was giving the rook more minutes because he will DEFINITELY need him for the playoffs. I guess they overestimated Woody’s intelligence. Woody is too stoopid to give the kid substantial playing time. Look how it worked out for Skiles / Jennings! Woody just refuses to trust the kid because he was trained to lock up rookies on the bench for 1 year. Please, please, PLEASE play the kid!!!!
Teague looked explosive running the team when he has more than the last minute of a quarter to do so. Woody needs Bibby’s shooting and Jamal has’nt been right, so play the rook and give some of jamal’s minutes to Bibby, so you still have a chance to make some three’s.
For crying out loud, get your heads out of your AZZEZ!
another season of excuse's
April 29th, 2010
9:12 pm
well wonder if josh smith mouth will run now sayin Milwaukee has no talent here.they were bickerin at end n show’s woodson lack of control he be gone but since owners own hockey team n u see what we have.A GM now President Don(teflon)waddell worst GM now in charge which means he run it,Any way back to The Larks un hawks coach i like see is Ronald Mcdonald with those clown clothes he make other team laugh so bad we win 70 games next season!
nside hawkfan
April 29th, 2010
9:13 pm
Oh Yeah, & Mr. Sund ( respectfully) PLEASE at least call Dwyane Wade…
4 Jacks
April 29th, 2010
9:43 pm
Wish we could fire Gearon and the rest of the ownership along with Woody. That is the only way that the Hawks and Thrashers will ever sniff being a true contender.
Snowman
April 29th, 2010
9:56 pm
Jeff, we FINALLY agree on something (I called him a dope in a previous entry). So let me start out by saying you are right (so here it goes, big gulp)!!! I should not have called you a “dope”. So for that I apologize. Now to your point, how can you NOT put any of this on Rick? The Bucks GM was exec of the year because he added pieces to the Buck team (Stackhouse and Salmons to name a couple), who are contributing, bigtime. Look, we did not have a draft pick in 2008 and in 2009, Jeff Teague has not worked out exactly. Except for Jamal (and he has been great in the regular season however he has never played in the playoffs and how about the layup he and Josh both had inside 4 minutes last night and missed them both), and please don’t say Joe Smith. We have not tried to improve this team (why should Joe Johnson stay if the organization is not committed to winning?) If we had added a couple of pieces (just for example and I have not figured out salary cap ramifications or anything like that) Camby, Brendan Heyward, Caron Butler, Ben Wallace or a Tayshaun Prince, even a Heinrich to name a few and I am sure you could come up with one or two others. How much better would this team be? Mo Evans, ZaZa, Josh Smith, Teague, Marvin (although he had a great game last night)…these are not “smart” players. I mean Charlie Bell and Royal Ivey (he started for us not to long ago….laugh out really loud) don’t even get off the bench and Bell would play quality minutes for us. We need more, better and “smarter” players…period (but just 2)!!!
It is the GM’s JOB to get the coach a piece or two, c’mon!!!? For whatever reason you NEVER criticize him, why? I have listed below the fact that coach Woodson was picked 9th “BEST” coach of the year and Rick was not even mentioned in the GM balloting. He did NOT GET A VOTE…NOTE ONE!!!!
In closing the Hawks this season were 53-29, swept the Celtics 4-0, beat every team in the NBA including Lakers, Cavs, and Magic, were a 3 seed in the East, has improved their record (not team) every season for 5 consecutive seasons and had no contributions from any draft picks in two years and had one free agent that helped (Jamal). Oh, and if coach has had so many great “prospects” on the bench over the years, when they left Atlanta, have they ever been heard from again? (just name one, I could ONLY think of Boris Diaw and that’s a reach). As Chad Ocho Cinco would say, “Child Please”…Hawks and coach Woodson deserve an “A+” if you handed out grades. Now would Rick deserve an A? I want you and the bloggers to hand out grades on both coach and the GM. I would like to see what folks think after really thinking about it.
So the Hawks had a bad night, haven’t we all, so let’s ignore coach Woodsons complete body of work…you folks kill me. If Woodson and Joe Johnson leave, welcome back to “LA Clippers South” and you will wonder, hhhmmmm coach Woodson was pretty frickin good huh? (smile).
The Hawks will win in Milwaukee Friday and close out the series on Sunday…GO Hawks!!!!
NBA Executive of the Year Voting
4/24/2010, 2:29 p.m. EDT
The Associated Press
The Associated Press
John Hammond, Milwaukee 12
Sam Presti, Oklahoma City 9
Danny Ferry, Cleveland 2
Rod Higgins, Charlotte 1
Mark Cuban, Dallas 1
Chris Wallace, Memphis 1
Jeff Bower, New Orleans 1
Kevin Pritchard, Portland 1
Geoff Petrie, Sacramento 1
Kevin O’Connor, Utah 1
Coach, Team 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City 71 39 8 480
Scott Skiles, Milwaukee 26 54 21 313
Nate McMillan, Portland 9 9 35 107
Jerry Sloan, Utah 10 9 21 98
Alvin Gentry, Phoenix 4 5 11 46
Larry Brown, Charlotte 1 2 12 23
George Karl, Denver 1 1 3 11
Rick Adelman, Houston – 2 1 7
Mike Woodson, Atlanta – 2 1 7
Lionel Hollins, Memphis – - 6 6
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando 1 – - 5
Mike Brown, Cleveland – - 2 2
Rick Carlisle, Dallas – - 1 1
Erik Spoelstra, Miami – - 1 1
Paul Hewitt's Agent
April 29th, 2010
10:01 pm
Anyone want to solve two problems with one contract?
UKUGA
April 29th, 2010
10:03 pm
Two big decisions:
1) Mike Woodson
2) Joe Johnson
Eric C.
April 29th, 2010
10:13 pm
Thank you Jeff…great column!
Not Joe
April 29th, 2010
10:18 pm
This team is a study in underachievement. Talent enough to win 58-60 games, no chemistry, no plan, no teamwork. Smoove is a great athlete, could be a great basketball player, but he’s unwilling to reign in his ego enough to realize that he’s got to give 100% EVERY game. Joe is apparently under the impression he’s a max contract type player…he’s not. Very good, but NOT great. Horford’s a worker, solid, still inconsistent. Marvin…why we resigned him I know not. Bibby’s best days are behind him. Woody? If you can’t get your team to plays its best in the playoffs, then it’s time to leave.
hammer
April 29th, 2010
11:36 pm
Whats next for Woodson? Unemploymenet one would hope
Dominiques mom
April 29th, 2010
11:54 pm
My boy can’t manage his checkbook and you want him to manage a team? Put the crack pipe down and step away from the table
Peter
April 29th, 2010
11:54 pm
Fire Sund……..he put this team of Pre-Madonna’s together …….Please tell the Spirit to sell….they suck as owner’s………..this is a reflection of them.
MitchC
April 29th, 2010
11:55 pm
For all you guys on the “Fire Woodson” bandwagon, let me ask this: Althought baseball is not football, why was Bobby Cox not fired, when the Braves blew a two game to none lead in the 1996 World Series, after winning the first two games in NY, and then losing four straight, including three games in Atlanta? Why was Bobby not fired all the years that the Braves had Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, et al, and lost in the first round of the playoffs?
While I realize that baseball is not basketball, the problem I have with not retaining Woodson is this: The Hawks have improved in the regular season, dramatically, in each of the years he’s been here. They have gone from a 13 win joke of a team, up to 26 wins, 37 wins and the playoffs, 45 last year, and 53 this year. This year might well be one playoff hiccup. How do we know that if we retain all of our superstars, that next year won’t be the year we stare down Orlando for the Eastern Conference title?
Maybe Im oversimplfying it, but, to fire a guy who has coached a team to improvement in wins each of his years here, for one playoff hiccup, to me, seems not right.
I’m sure I’m going to get razzed for my support of Woodson. If it was me, I’d stay the course, and say this is a playoff hiccup, if in fact we lose, and we still retain a solid roster, and have the ability to be a contender again next year.
MitchC
April 29th, 2010
11:56 pm
I meant to say, baseball is not basketball, sorry! Duh on me, it’s late, and I’m tired!
Peter
April 30th, 2010
12:08 am
Bobby wasn’t fired because he is a Corporate team first guy…….and he has basically a clean image, dispute taking a few whacks at his wife while drunk…..Special his mom would be proud.
Which come to the point……. all kiss his butt, and for what reason……..I have zero idea.
Bobby is too old, and too slow for today’s game…and his record in big series is dismal….thus the Braves suck as well.
The Brave’s are proud owner’s of a 9 game loosing streak…….. last place in the National league doesn’t just happen by accident………please note no one got hurt that changed the chemistry of the team.
MitchC
April 30th, 2010
12:13 am
Everyone might think I’m crazy for what I’m about to say, and I dont know if we could afford to do this, but..
I just read in the NY Daily News that if the Lakers fall short in the playoffs this season, and dont win the NBA championship, there is speculation he could leave LA. His girlfriend, Jeanie Buss, daughter of Laker owner Dr Jerry Buss, said she has every reason to believe Phil will coach next season, but doesnt know if it will be for LA.
Maybe I’m really reaching for it here, but.. if the Hawks could, or would somehow afford it, might it make sense to hire Phil Jackson? On two occasions, he took teams on the rise, and made them into champions. In Chicago in the late 80s, the Bulls had stagnated to a certain level, even with Jordan and Pippen. Phil comes there, and they win six titles in nine years. Then, after a year off, he does the same thing in LA. Kobe and Shaq had seemed to stagnate at a certain playoff level for the Lakers. Phil comes there, wins three titles, leaves for a year, and then, even though it takes him a few more years to do it, wins another title, this time with only Kobe, and not Shaq.
Fine, so, if it’s all Woodson, and we’re going to get rid of him. Why not go for the gold in NBA coaches if we’re going to have a new boss on the bench? Jeff Van Gundy hasnt won a title. Pat Riley isnt coming here, neither is Doc Rivers.
As I said, I dont know if we could do this economically, or if Phil would do it. I’m just looking at the similarities between the last two teams hes coached, to this Hawk team, and wondering if he might be the last piece that could make the difference.
JASon
April 30th, 2010
12:36 am
If you read between the lines just a little bit, Gearon is being very dark, actually. “That’s the fun thing about sports” was a very dark quote. Gearon getting a little goth on us. But the truth is, he has every reason to be frustrated. The talent is there, and the coaching has dropped the ball with this team’s talent. Pathetic.
BIG PLAY RAY
April 30th, 2010
1:46 am
RELEASE THE KRAKEN !!!!!
Poll time: Where would Hawks' collapse rank in history? | Jeff Schultz
April 30th, 2010
7:01 am
[...] ♦ Gearon is mum on Woodson but expects Hawks ‘to go far’ [...]
Manny
April 30th, 2010
7:41 am
I am NOT someone who has ever asked for the Hawks to fire Mike Woodson, period. And I still don’t think he should be fired, yet.
But let me say this: If the Hawks lose this series to the Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Woodson should be fired. Point Blank. Let me tell you why-
First of all, the Atlanta Hawks is a much more talented team than the Bucks. They have no inside presense, with the exception of a thug in the middle. There should be no reason why we shouldn’t penetrate every offensive series and look to score. That last game, I just didn’t get. I didn’t see that slashing offense.
Next, Josh Smith melted down the last game. And he knew it. And the worst part is that Al Horford knew it and they almost got into it on the bench. Josh was just planted around the perimeter. He didn’t establish himself at all in the post. He looked lazy. And he attempted some horrible jump shots. I was angry at Josh Smith. So was Al Horford. And Mike Woodson should have been.
The bottom line is that Mike Woodson should have sat Josh Smith down for his lazy play. And he should have called him out during the post-game interview. It would have been good for Josh Smith because he went back to that 2007 version of himself the last few games.
See, Josh Smith is the heart and soul of this team. If Josh Smith plays horribly, the Hawks lose. If Josh Smith plays well, the Hawks win. It’s that simple. Mike Woodson should know that. And he should have corrected that weak play during the game by getting into him. Josh Smith is the kind of person that needs to be coached up hard every now and then.
Another thing against Mike Woodson was the fact that he didn’t coach up Al Horford regarding Kurt Thomas. Kurt Thomas is a hired thug whose only job was to freak out Horford. And he did a good job doing just that. Mike should have coached him up and played chess with him. Every time they put in Kurt Thomas, Woodson should have put in Zaza. Zaza don’t play that! Plus, Zaza has the experience to put some fouls on Kurt Thomas so he can sit on the bench.
But here’s where I felt the worst about the situation: I kept thinking “What would Avery Johnson do?” I know for a fact that Avery Johnson would have called out a bunch of players for buckling under. I know he would have sat Josh Smith down and dared him to say something smart. I know he would have somehow rallied them so they wouldn’t have melted down like they did the 4th quarter. I know this because he did these kinds of things with a team not as talented as the Hawks are right now.
Maybe the owners knew what they were doing when they decided to wait until the end of the season to decide on what they want to do with Mike Woodson’s contract. If they beat the Bucks and move on, then the decision is more difficult. But if they lose to the Bucks, the decision to end Mike Woodson’s tenure- along with Joe Johnson’s, is easy.
(And enter into the Dwayne Wade sweepstakes.
MitchC
April 30th, 2010
8:00 am
Jeff, proving my point that the NBA playoffs is a roll of the dice, and any team is capable of winning a given series. Everyone is ripping the Hawks about their play in this series, and saying Woodson should be canned, but.. if playoff basketball is so predictable, and favored teams are expected to win, how then, do you explain the Western seventh seed Spurs beating the second seeded Mavericks? Granted, San Antonio does have four NBA titles since 1999, and Milwaukee doesnt. I just think that, while the Hawks have played very poorly in the last three games, especially in Gamve Five, nothing about the playoffs surprises me.
The playoffs is a whole different season. Everyone starts 0-0. One poor performance by a team, or one hot week by a team, can make all the difference between a favored team winning, and going down. The Lakers problems against OKC in their series illistrates this point as well.
Boooooo
April 30th, 2010
8:50 am
I really do not care. Sports is for “losers”
Mike Woodson
April 30th, 2010
8:58 am
“One-on-one basketball? It’s what we do.”
Mike Woodson
April 30th, 2010
8:59 am
“Playing my starters without rest? It’s what we do.”
Mike Woodson
April 30th, 2010
9:00 am
“Refusing to call a timeout when momentum turns against us. It’s what we do.”
Mike Woodson
April 30th, 2010
9:02 am
“Scowling at my players as they approach the bench? It’s what we do.”
Mike Woodson
April 30th, 2010
9:03 am
“Making no in-game adjustments offensively or defensively? It’s what we do.”
Bill
April 30th, 2010
9:12 am
Coach Woodson has done a good job of carrying the Hawks this far, but doesn’t have the coaching and leadership ability to take them any further. His team’s basic fundamentals are awful. It’s defense is bewildering. Hawks running around looking for men. Failing to make good switches. Letting Milwaukee Bucks drive to the basketball without challenge. This young team could be destined for greatness but not with the current coaching staff on hand. The ability is there. The quality coaching isn’t.
.
April 30th, 2010
9:22 am
Woody when you leave take Paul Hewitt with you. Both need to go!
gatorhater
April 30th, 2010
9:24 am
Looks like Woody is gone…Farewell to a good, but not great coach. But first things first. DO NOT GIVE UP ON OUR TEAM!! A good performance tonight could get it to game 7. And we would win that game in all likelyhood. Then who knows what happens against the Magic.
As far as the future, we have to sign an elite player for a change. With the supporting cast the Hawks have, I think D Wade might actually be a possibility. Lebron would be great, but I doubt he is coming south. Take Wade and let Joe go do whatever it is that he apparently wants to do outside of ATL. Free agency has changed all of pro sports. If we get a top notch coach and D Wade, we would be an immediate title contender. But they have to be aggressive in the offseason. Who Knows?????!!!
Go Hawks!!!!! Win Tonight Baby and lets shock the world against Orlando!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
Woody Rules
April 30th, 2010
9:47 am
Woody should be given a big bonus and fat raise for getting this young team into the playoffs. It will take a few years for the players to learn to play together. Plus, the hawks have no offensive superstar like the cavs, lakers or heat. They need D-Wade to be the final piece of the puzzle, but the hawks owners are too cheap to pay the $20 mil / year asking price.
jg
April 30th, 2010
9:49 am
maybe, just maybe they’ll show some pride tonight. i’m certainly not giving up on the hawk players–as for woodson–i hope you enjoyed getting paid for impersonating an nba coach for so long. BYE BYE WOODY!!!!!!
I’m sure you are a great guy and all–but heck i am too and i don’t get to coach an nba team. go back to being an assistant somewhere–but when you do–go back and talk to bobby knight and ask him how to teach someone how to box out on defense, how to box out on a free throw, how to defend the pick and roll, how to create atleast one go-to “set play” on offense and finally ask him how gain the respect of your team. nice knowing you punk–this team could have and should be doing so much more.
hawks win tonight for each other and in spite of the coach–you’ve already won 55 games in spite of him. stand up for yourselves and all of us hawk fans–refuse to lose to these guys and bring it back to atlanta and demolish them one last time.
JEWELL
April 30th, 2010
9:59 am
“THAT’S THE FUN THINGS ABOUT SPORTS?’…..IS GEARON ON CRACK? MIKE….WINNING IS THE FUN THING ABOUT SPORTS, AND WOODY AND THE HAWKS ARE NOT GETTING IT DONE………
RT
April 30th, 2010
10:14 am
“What will happen next” How about loss number four. Hawks Stink. They will get clobbered…….again!
FromUpNorth
April 30th, 2010
10:41 am
@Akron Atlantan: ‘Sup? I see you are also a refugee from the “Rubber Capital”.
Back to the subject, though: Although ASG has demonstrated some absolutely horrendous decision making in the past, I’m pretty confident that they/Gearon can NOT be dumb enough to extend Woody’s contract after this season. If they keep him it would hurt them financially (by keeping paying fans out of Philips Arena), so if for nothing but $$ reasons, I’d expect Woody to be gone.
To those of you clamoring for Dwayne Wade: How do you really see that happening? When was the last time ANY Atlanta sports team put up big money for a superstar player? I just don’t see the Hawks organization willing to make that kind of payout. Think about how much Wade could command in the market…I don’t even think ATL would be a contender if the fans chipped in donations.
N.B.
April 30th, 2010
10:48 am
DO WE HAVE A SOCCER TEAM?
N.B.
April 30th, 2010
10:49 am
O O O…DO WE HAVE A LACROSSE TEAM?? MY 14 YEAR IS GREAT!
N.B.
April 30th, 2010
10:49 am
POLO ANYONE?
N.B.
April 30th, 2010
10:50 am
SURELY WE CAN WIN THE KICK-BALL TITLE!
N.B.
April 30th, 2010
10:51 am
HEY, WHAT ABOUT THAT GAME WHERE YOU HOLD THE EGG ON SPOON AND RACE??? CAN WE DO THAT?
N.B.
April 30th, 2010
10:53 am
STARE CONTEST
Rick (Sund) Shady
April 30th, 2010
11:00 am
Rick Sund, I lay this crumbling season at your feet. This TEAM is lacking confidence; its players, its coach, and YOU. Its clear decisions have already been made and mentally, individually the coach and players are moving on. Even if WE rebound against the BUCKS. You are Atlanta’s next big thud- the next BUST!!
Woody – THANKS! You deserve better.
Manny
April 30th, 2010
11:37 am
Let me make the case for Dwayne Wade, because I think Wade coming to Atlanta makes sense.
First up, Atlanta is a rising competitor and is better than the Heat on paper. There are plenty of playmakers, but no really strong leader. Wade can step in and immediately expect to go to the playoffs next year.
Next, the Atlanta Hawks’ salary costs are relatively low. We have the space to accommodate a big-time player. If we let Joe Johnson go, that will certainly free up enough money to afford Dwayne Wade.
3rd, he’s a Guard. He is a natural replacement for Johnson. Plus, you really wouldn’t have to change anything in terms of scheme.
Dwayne Wade can possibly win a ring in Atlanta. Sounds weird, but he actually can because of the people surrounding him. If Wade came to Atlanta, our only issue would be in the middle. I can say this, though: If Horford can eat at more buffets and get nasty in attitude, he may be a good answer. He has the tools. If he bulked up more and picked up a little bit of Zaza’s nastiness, we might have an answer.
It makes a lot of sense. Atlanta is a perennial playoff contender. Atlanta is attractive and isn’t married to Joe Johnson right now. And Atlanta is a good team. He can win now.
But here are the issues as to why he may not be coming here:
Miami Heat will do EVERYTHING to keep Wade. They need Wade more than we do. Wade IS the Miami Heat. Without Wade, they might as well go away.
Dwayne Wade playing for Mike Woodson? I don’t think that will happen. Mike Woodson is a great coach for a young team that is trying to make the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks looks like a Mike Woodson team. As teams mature, I think that Mike Woodson’s coaching becomes less effective. Bottom line is this: If you even want a shot at Wade, you gotta get rid of Woodson. (But I wouldn’t worry about Woodson, either. Woodson will find another head coaching job in the NBA really quick. And he’ll be an absolute scary beast if he decided to coach a college team!)
The bottom line to this whole thing is that if the Hawks allows Joe Johnson to go away, you better go get a guard that will lead this team. The best guard out there in free agency is Dwayne Wade. So you should at least give him a call. And Dwayne Wade needs to put the Hawks in his 5.
JM
April 30th, 2010
12:20 pm
Second Manny.
Hate Wade as a Heat, but makes a lot of sense to replace Joe. In fact, I think its an upgrade. Only problem is that window for the ring is much smaller since wade’s knees aren’t getting any yonger.
Go Hawks, bye bye Woody!
Thoughtful
April 30th, 2010
12:48 pm
This will be an interesting/fun 6 months or so with 3 out of 4 new head coaches in Atlanta pro sports.
Hawks: Byron Scott, Avery Johnson or Lawrence Franks
Braves: Don Baylor, Scott Ullger or Brad Mills
Thrashers: Ken Hitchcock, Bob Hartley or John Stephens
Hawks down 3-2 but Skiles hardly looks satisfied | Jeff Schultz
April 30th, 2010
1:43 pm
[...] ♦ Gearon is mum on Woodson but expects Hawks ‘to go far’ [...]
Jamone X
May 1st, 2010
12:51 am
After getting the hawks to the finals of this series, Woody should be getting a huge raise and bonus, especially since the team is young and doesn’t have a superstar like other teams. The hawks owners need to break the bank and bring in D-Wade, even if he wants $25 mil per year—he’s worth it and more!!!
Hawks show their best side in desperate times again | Jeff Schultz
May 2nd, 2010
5:58 pm
[...] ♦ Gearon is mum on Woodson but expects Hawks ‘to go far’ [...]