Thumbs up or down: Josh Childress a Hawk again?
Josh Childress could fly back to the NBA this summer.
The Hawks still entertain hopes of making it a competitive series against Orlando. A significant percentage of Atlanta — at least according to my unscientific sampling of emails, blogs, comments and sports talk — seems focused on something else: change.
Given that, here’s one name to keep in mind: Josh Childress. He is still playing in Greece and his NBA rights are still owned by the Hawks. Childress wouldn’t solve the team’s deficiencies at point guard or center. But he’s another potential body in the mix as general manager Rick Sund considers trade (or sign-and-trade) possibilities this summer.
The only reason I’m bringing this up now is a Washington Post reporter caught up with Childress in Paris at the EuroLeague Final Four. There wasn’t a lot new in today’s article but Childress reminded us that he has until July 15 to opt out of the final season of his three-year, tax-free, $20 million contract.
A few excerpts:
♦ When asked to compare the EuroLeague playoffs to the NBA playoffs with the Hawks: “I don’t know. In Atlanta, we never got out of the first round.”
♦ On criticism that followed when his statistics didn’t meet expectations of fans, given his inflated salary: “It was tough, real tough. When you play for one of the top teams over here, there’s no such thing as flying under the radar. You’re nitpicked on everything, and there were a lot of expectations about me. … I had to learn to be thick-skinned.”
♦ Greek journalists interviewed were “virtually unanimous” that Childress would return to the NBA next season, according to the Post, but his only comments were: “”I’ll decide by July 15. But right now, I have a lot to accomplish still — this tournament, and then the rest of the season in the Greek league. … It’s been an excellent two years. It’s been a growing experience, yes, but I never saw this as a temporary fix. I thought of it as a three-year deal, and it could very well end that way.”
So, do you see Childress playing for the Hawks again, or as a valuable piece in a trade?
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136 comments Add your comment
Nickz
May 7th, 2010
11:28 am
First?
Chris
May 7th, 2010
11:34 am
second…trade him or stay in greece. we don’t need another wing type player.
Nickz
May 7th, 2010
11:36 am
Childress would be a good addition, but just as another valuable guy off the bench, but we already have a few of those guys.
The real problem is Joe Johnson, who hasn’t decided to show up at all during the playoffs. And what’s worse, he doesn’t even look like he cares. And what’s even worse than that is his “stand still and dribble the shot clock down to under 5 seconds move” only to throw up a ridiculous shot that has no chance of going in…which he does 20 times a game…get a freakin clue and move the ball around!!!
We really need him to step up…it’s just not happening…
kent
May 7th, 2010
11:39 am
in lieu of that chump Joe Johnson!!
GT Alum
May 7th, 2010
11:40 am
I don’t know that Chill has any interest in playing for the Hawks again. If he wants to come back, he could be a valuable addition, especially if Joe decides to bolt.
However, if Joe decides to stay, I don’t know how feasible bringing Chill back would be financially, and it seems like Marvin and his contract would spend a lot of time sitting on the bench. If Chill took Mo’s spot on the roster, he should be able to give the Hawks more than Mo does, and it would be interesting to see if they put him in the starting lineup or give the bench a lot of firepower with both Crawford and Chill coming off the bench.
marvin williams
May 7th, 2010
11:43 am
i’m the real reason he left for greece…he knew he was better than me but my pimp billy knight wouldnt allow him to overshadow me…im the #2 pick…i mean what more do you want from me?….i love handicapping this team’s future for 7.5 mill a year….in addition, one of my legs is 2 inches shorter than the other, hence my baby calf like strut.
Jesse
May 7th, 2010
11:44 am
I say the Hawks should sign Childress as a starting SF, then trade Marvin and Teague for Devin Harris if the Nets get John Wall with the number 1 pick.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
11:45 am
Nickz — Yez.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
11:46 am
GT Alum — You might be right. But I don’t know how much of those feelings are related to the Hawks in general and how much of it is Mike Woodson.
Dr. Warren
May 7th, 2010
11:46 am
I doubt he would come back to play under Woody. Also, at that age, when a kid leaves somewhere to have a life-changing experience abroad, I bet he’d hope to start fresh somewhere else back in America. My take: hire Kevin Loughery as the coach, and all the pieces just might fall into place all around.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
11:48 am
Dr. Warren — Kevin Loughery? That’s one name I haven’t heard in a while,
DP
May 7th, 2010
11:50 am
Bring him back. Childress was a good team player before he went to Europe and I’m sure he understands the game even better now.
Let the ball stopper Joe Johnson go elsewhere or do a sign and trade for him if possible, then move Crawford into the starting 2 guard spot. Bring Childress back to start at the 3 ahead of Marvin Williams because Childress is a better all around player. Trade Williams if you can get fair value for him, trade Bibby if you can get anything for him. Use the money freed up from Johnson and any other deals to find help at point guard and center. Teague needs to play a much bigger role at point guard so the Hawks can see what he’s capable of. They must have somebody who is quick enough to guard other point guards
A nucleus of Horford, Josh Smith, Childress and Crawford gives you 4 guys who can score and who will pass the ball.
some sense
May 7th, 2010
11:51 am
We need players; he’s a player.
DP
May 7th, 2010
11:52 am
And of course Mike Woodson should not be resigned. This team has maxed out with Woodson as coach and the current roster.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 7th, 2010
11:53 am
how good a deal do you think they could get for him in a sign and trade
Dr. Warren
May 7th, 2010
11:54 am
He’s barely 70. He’s won everywhere he’s been–including 2 playoffs with the Hawks. Jordan has said that, of all his coaches, he had the most fun playing under KL. This team needs that type old-schooler. I’m just putting this out there. Gearon, are you listening?
THE TONE
May 7th, 2010
12:02 pm
I have it from a very reliable source ( a waitress at a huddle house ) that Kevin Willis will be the next hawks coach, and he will spend a lot of time on working individually with the players on shooting three’s. we all know kevin loved a three in the warm ups. we should sign him for a ten day contract now he wouldn’t back down from howard.
Gary
May 7th, 2010
12:04 pm
Jeff,
I like Childress, and I would love to see him back in a Hawks uniform. I also think he is a better option than Marvin, and would probably cost less than the $7.5 mil that Marvin got.
If he does not want to play for the Hawks, or if Sund does not think he is worth the price, then sign him and trade him. There is no use of having the rights to a 6th man who averaged double figures mostly off hustle plays, and not getting anything out of him.
Willy
May 7th, 2010
12:07 pm
Barely 70? That’s still drop-dead-at-any-minute territory.
Willy
May 7th, 2010
12:08 pm
Maybe Loughery could coach AND play center?
3DawgKnight
May 7th, 2010
12:27 pm
Jeff:
We must look at this two ways and perhaps even three.
(1) If Woody leaves, he is more likely to want to return a hawk.
(2) Depending on other parts that may be dealt, say,
Joe as a free agent leaves via sign and trade, or Josh leaves in
some sort of a blockbuster, then he may stay as an integral part
of a new and intelligent highly functioning team with shrewd plays
designed by a bright new coach with an offensive plan.
Sorry, did I start dreaming for a moment?
*(3) Marvin Williams, they are close friends as I understand,
and were Marvin to be dealt, then J.Childress may have less
incentive to return to Atlanta. Then again, that may open a
percieved starting position, which I’m certain he has no
desire to return as a sixth man.
naganole
May 7th, 2010
12:28 pm
JJ hasn’t shown up in the playoffs? WOW….
soldierman
May 7th, 2010
12:32 pm
For all this Center talk, let’s not forget Al may not be the biggest but hell he is an all-star and that has to mean something. Most nights Al is the most dominating center. I can see getting an upgrade to back him up when we have to tangle against more physical centers as za-za (as much as I love him) just can’t get the job done consistently. But a frontcourt of Al and Josh are one of the best in the league. If anything is an weakness for the hawks it’s the guard play and well we all know marvin is like the guy you have to and tolerate because he’s family but no one really likes him.
Dap01
May 7th, 2010
12:37 pm
Josh would be a valuable member of any team but the trouble is that he would want to be paid a lot of money. We simply do not need a wing player who can not shoot.
soldierman
May 7th, 2010
12:40 pm
Imagine this Starting 5 for the hometown team next year for a second. Teague, Wade, Childress, Smith, and Horford. To get there we send bibby, joe, and marvin to make the money work. What do you guys think?
gmoney
May 7th, 2010
12:41 pm
What were those point guards that the Hawks brilliant management team passed on?
Craig
May 7th, 2010
12:44 pm
soldierman, I like your 5. I would really like to see Wade in a Hawks uniform. To make this work team wise we may need a different coach.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
12:50 pm
South Ga Dawg Fan — Probably limited in a 1-for-1 deal, but he could greatly enhance a package of players.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
12:50 pm
Dr. Warren — Well, if we’re going to go old, why not Hubie Brown?
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
12:51 pm
The Tone — Tell me when you get a second source on that story, and I’ll go with it.
PMC
May 7th, 2010
12:51 pm
Question: Can he play Point Guard or Center at a high level?
or can he replace and improve on whatever it is that Marvin is supposed to be doing?
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
12:51 pm
Gary — I agree on taking Childress over Marvin, if it comes to that.
Gman
May 7th, 2010
12:52 pm
Childress can’t make his own shot, can’t shoot, can’t handle the ball, and can’t defend on the perimeter! You be the judge…
Rock Preston
May 7th, 2010
12:53 pm
Sign and trade Joe Johnson and a draft pick for Rudy Gay and a bag of balls.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
12:54 pm
3DawgKnight — Woodson only WANTS to leave if he can get another job, it won’t have anything to do with potential personnel moves. Bottom line for a coach: They need a job. As for Chills, I also don’t think Marvin being here or not being here is a major factor for his desire to return.
soldierman
May 7th, 2010
12:54 pm
Hubie is a great choice Jeff, But I’m not sure he would leave the booth. Listening to the way he talks about he team during the games gives me the impression he’s just as pissed as we are that the Hawks don’t utilize the talent we have now.
mike
May 7th, 2010
12:55 pm
i think childress would be a good fit… but it is known he doesn’t like woodson.. i even saw a tweet he sent to zaza once referring to woody as zaza’s “daddy”
No One Knows You're a Dawg
May 7th, 2010
12:56 pm
Last thing this team needs is another somewhat talented goofball.
.
May 7th, 2010
12:56 pm
Trade man, trade. Fire Woody and GT needs to fire Paul Hewitt too
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
12:56 pm
Soldierman — I was kinda half-kidding. Hubie wouldn’t be my first choice. But I’d rather not get into potential replacements as long as Woodson still has a job.
atlienforlife
May 7th, 2010
12:56 pm
I would love to see Childress back. I’m sorry but the hawks have to let Joe Johnson go, he is just not a max player. Sign bosh in the offseason (dream about d-wade, but I don’t see it) and move horford to pf. By the way, I might have been the only one wishing for the hawks to get the 4 seed, because I knew we had no answer for orlando and I truly believe we had a very good chance of beating Cleveland in the second round. The cavs are overrated!!!
KFish
May 7th, 2010
12:57 pm
I’d just like to point out that he’s posterizing his own teammate in the picture. Great indication of character, I’d say.
Spud Webb
May 7th, 2010
12:58 pm
Josh who?? hahahahahhahaha
Stay in greece josh.
Marcus
May 7th, 2010
12:59 pm
I believe I posted something similar to this yesterday in Hawks Fan Blog and MB’s pre-game post. Might as well make the trifecta:
[*Marcus/decatur g on 5/6/2010* -
From my few posts, you guys know I am all about looking ahead .... even in the midst of our present playoff push
I think someone openly pined for Josh Childress during last years 1st/2nd round playoffs, esp. vs. CLE.
Taka a gander at this recent article on SI.com re: the other Josh
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ian_thomsen/04/23/countdown.euroleague/1.html
taking special note of this quote at the end of the article:
"Consider how much one year in Europe did to elevate and harden Bucks rookie point guard Brandon Jennings. Childress, 26, has undergone similar improvements. Not only is he tougher, but NBA scouts say he has become a better shooter and a more versatile decision-maker. As one NBA team executive put it, "He's making more money over there than he could have made in the NBA, and he's going to come back with a better understanding of how to play different positions. At the end of the day, he made a good decision to go over there."
But he insists he hasn't decided whether to stay with Olympiakos for a third year, or to try to return to the NBA before the anticipated lockout of 2011."
Now, couple this ... with the recent news I thought I had heard about the govt. in Greece basically getting a buyout/grace from debt from the IMF (International Money Fund?) due to its economy ..... How big a role is THAT for Josh
--------
Would Josh C. be open to come back to the ATL and is Mr. Sund capable of doing a mea culpa with Kumbaya playing over the Philips Arena speakers?!?!?!?
Would we have the cap room?
Would Josh be willing to be a super-sub (aka Manu Ginobli) coming off the bench with Jamal (or becoming our 6th man if JJ leaves and Jamal is elevated to starting SG)?
Heck, there was an article/blog/rumor that Mo Evans may opt out this summer, so Josh can even have his old jersey no. back (LOL)
-----------------
more fom Josh in SI.com article
• Josh Childress, Season II. Childress has come to accept the pressure of European basketball to win every game. In his second year with the Greek club Olympiakos, the former sixth man of the Atlanta Hawks has helped lead his team to the Final Four while emerging as arguably the second-most-important player in Europe behind Rubio.
"I read an interesting quote by his coach [Panagiotis Giannakis], who pointed out how Josh managed to understand the pace of his game depending on the situation — when to go slow, when to go fast,” Messina said. “When he arrived in Europe last season, he could only play one speed. Now he reads the game much better. He is much more a complete player. He has been a tremendous piece for Olympiakos. He has always played with a very good attitude, always been open to the mentality and culture of Europe, to understand Europe and how we live sport.”
Childress had a frustrating “rookie” season in Greece after leaving the Hawks in 2008 to sign a three-year, $20 million contract. He averaged a disappointing 8.8 Euroleague points last year, and then, to his credit, appraised himself with painful honesty.
“I wasn’t really the focus of their plans last year,” he said. “I was kind of an additional piece, and they wanted me to learn and to grow into the system. It’s different in the NBA when you’re the highest-paid player — whether it’s LeBron or whoever it is — you’re going to get a bulk of the minutes, the touches, all of those things. That wasn’t the case last year, but in all honesty that helped me mentally. I went through a lot — I was frustrated, angry, whatever — but I think I grew from that. I learned I have to be more patient, smarter. I have to think the game.”
Expatriate American players often play with one foot in Europe and one foot in the NBA — they think of Europe as a penance to be paid before they can return home. This season Childress stopped thinking about how things used to be for him in the NBA, and he clearly devoted himself to the European style. The result has been a 15.1 points Euroleague average and a more dynamic role in the offense.
“It’s a common misconception that people think the basketball is weaker over here, that it’s the J.V. league,” he said. “That’s definitely not the case. I did have to prepare for it physically by getting stronger, and also with my game, by working on more specific things tailored for the European game.
“After the season I watched some film and broke down parts of my game that I felt I could work on. One of them was my shooting. One was also being able to make a move on a second defender — I didn’t have any issues getting by one guy, but it was the second guy coming over and being able to make a pass or a move on that guy. And also the pick-and-roll and being able to read those better, because that’s pretty much all we run.”]
Astro Joe
May 7th, 2010
1:00 pm
Let’s see, an unselfish player who plays well without the ball, only shoots when he has a makeable shot, brings energy and passion for the game, shows effort all the time and in every game, has a high b-ball IQ and was seemingly loved by teammates. So what’s the question? Heck, no you don’t trade him, you smack the GM for treating him like he is Keith Bogans and you sign him regardless of what Joe does.
S Hawk Fan
May 7th, 2010
1:03 pm
Jeff… First, I really think getting Childress back would greatly enhance our roster. He is a solid player and seems to be a good team player. But it will not matter if Woody is back. Please tell me that the ASG is not bringing him back! The playoffs have once again proven that he is clueless! He is being ripped on both ESPN and TNT. Certainly the powers to be can see this!!
atlienforlife
May 7th, 2010
1:05 pm
Hire Lawrence frank!!!
JT
May 7th, 2010
1:12 pm
I’m glad this is just a hypothetical situation being discussed. Why would the Hawks add Childress to the team now? He was never worth the draft spot he garnered, but then again, neither were ANY of the people B Knight picked. Mo Evans is a considerably better defender; stronger, bigger and can shoot the 3(on occasion). People keep knocking Johnson for coming down, dribbling out the shot clock and MAYBE getting a shot off(he won’t be in this round, the defense is too good at this level) but it’s not his fault, he doesn’t coach the Hawks!! He’s doing what the offense calls for. I’ve said it lot’s of times, the Hawks have no offensive identity and haven’t since Woodson arrived, don’t rememeber what they were doing before that. Until OUR Hawks stop making LATERAL MOVES and make MOVES UP, we will continue to be where we are…..ya’ll be easy….
Reid Adair
May 7th, 2010
1:13 pm
Josh Childress doesn’t fill one of the more critical needs on the Hawks’ lineup. If he returns to the NBA, hopefully Atlanta can get something they need for him through a trade.
Ted Striker
May 7th, 2010
1:22 pm
I’d like to see him return.
Hawksrdonefornow
May 7th, 2010
1:22 pm
If Joe Johnson leaves for the Bulls (which might be a blessing for the Hawks), then they should re-sign Jamal Crawford to be the starting shooter and bring back Childress to be the sixth man. That line up would probably be more productive than their current roster.
Tech75
May 7th, 2010
1:27 pm
Would somebody tell me what Marvin Williams has done for us lately?
D Hawks
May 7th, 2010
1:28 pm
Childress should not be re-signed. That ship has sailed. A trade to another team is a better option to spending money on a guy that won’t solve either of the two biggest deficiencies with the team: Center and PG. Would he have us any closer to beating Orlando?
DR EVIL
May 7th, 2010
1:29 pm
Riiiight…for ONE MILLION DOLLARS!
JoJo the Godfather
May 7th, 2010
1:31 pm
1) Sign-and-trade Childress to Nets for Yi Jianlian.
2) Let Joe & Woody walk.
3) Trade Crawford, Bibby, Marvin, 2010 2nd Rd Pick & 2011 1st Rd Pick to NO for Okafor, Peja, Collison and 2010 1st Rd Pick. This saves NO $5 million plus cost of draft pick, plus they move Okafor’s contract and have Crawford expiring at the end of the season.
4) Trade Josh Smith & 2010 1st Rd Pick to Sac for Hawes, Nocioni & 2010 1st Rd Pick. This saves the Hawks $3 million and gives them a top 10 pick although not likely top 2. Sac does this because if they miss on Wall & Turner the next options are bigs which Josh is better than, and they also clear Nocioni’s contract.
5) Sign Mike Miller with MLE.
6) Draft best players available with two top 15 draft picks.
Teague / Collison
Miller / (Draft Pick???)
Peja / Nocioni / (Draft Pick???)
Horford / Yi
Okafor / Hawes / Pachulia
2 young PG’s.
At least 3 wings that can shoot.
5 guys 6′10″ and over with different skill sets.
2 high draft picks.
Peja’s $15 million expiring deal to give raises to Horford, Yi and/or Hawes next year.
bob dylan
May 7th, 2010
1:37 pm
Enter your comments here
gtbob45
May 7th, 2010
1:39 pm
HELL NO JOSH MUST GO!!!!! Oh wait he already left us have your self an chicken gyro Josh!!
bob dylan
May 7th, 2010
1:39 pm
Jojo-that scenario is equal to a bag of smashed up butt holes
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SWAT Native
May 7th, 2010
1:49 pm
I agree with what Astro Joe said. Real contending teams love players like Chilly. I think that the Hawks would have had a different playoffs with him. I just don’t see why he would give up the money he’s making to come back when he’s still got another year under contract. Maybe after next season.
Old devil
May 7th, 2010
1:50 pm
I’d welcome him with open arms if he’s fixed that funky looking jump shot!
Dr. Warren
May 7th, 2010
1:50 pm
Jeff– Hubie is already 77. That’s too old. Big difference between 70 and 77.
coachx
May 7th, 2010
1:51 pm
If JJ leaves in free agency then Childress is not consolation prize.
In a sign and trade the Hawks may net D. Lee / Chandler from the Knicks or maybe Hinrich /pick #17 from the Bulls. Maybe we could hope for Kaman from the Clippers.
Then plug in Chillz at SG and keep Crawford as 6th man.
SavFan
May 7th, 2010
1:54 pm
Nickz you are 100% right. Joe is playing playground one on one and also Marvin is a disappointment. Josh Childress had a better game than Marvin. Sund needs to look in the mirror and ask why he did not pursue
a decent big man for the center. Talk to D. Howard’s parents and let them know the ATL needs him home.
Section 303
May 7th, 2010
1:58 pm
I would be surprised if Childress ever plays for the Hawks again. When he left for Greece, there were certainly some hard feelings. It does not seem like things have been patched up, either.
I bet, if those writers are correct and Childress comes back to the NBA, it will be via trade. He might bring in a decent player, considering how highly rated he is over in Europe this year.
Mrs. Howard
May 7th, 2010
1:59 pm
Dwight, Please ask for a trade to the Hawks because your city needs you to get to the next level and I miss having you home for Sunday dinner. Momma needs you son. Alright Sund it’s up to you and the Hawks.
Section 303
May 7th, 2010
2:00 pm
I hate the dream trades that people post on here. I know it is all in fun, but none of these trades have a chance of happening. I love the one above that basically has us trading the whole team to NJ…c’mon..
DHD
May 7th, 2010
2:04 pm
Only if we can deal Marvin, Teague and a first pick for Amare Stoudemire. Let Johnson go and sign Wade.
Wade
Crawford
Smith
Horford
Stoudamire
icalhoun
May 7th, 2010
2:05 pm
can we sign and trade Joe for Salmons and Scott Skiles?
FMX
May 7th, 2010
2:07 pm
People the problem is not our players its our coach. I have seen every game this year and over the past 5-6 seasons. We have talent. You guys talk about Marvins Williams being the problem and I I wonder what games are you guys watching. He isn’t involved in the offense, the coach had him standing in the same spot the entire time. Marvin Williams is the best defensive player on this team. I think that you guys look at the box score and make assumptions. He goes to another team and what what happens. Maybe he needs to be more vocal about not getting involved in the offense. He gets to the line more than anyone on the team. Our talent is simply not being used properly. Everyone in the starting lineup can’t average 20 ppg.
We need a new coach. I think that that should be done before the roster is touched.
FMX
May 7th, 2010
2:11 pm
Hell I say if JJ leaves let’s run with
Crawford
Childress
Marvin
Smoove
Horf
We can out run any team in the league with the ability to play defense. We would have the most exciting team in the league!!!
Mike
May 7th, 2010
2:12 pm
Deal Joe and get a big man. I mean a BIG man!
Balderdash
May 7th, 2010
2:13 pm
He’s about three times better than Marvin Williams, so yeah, bring him back.
The Truth Hurts
May 7th, 2010
2:15 pm
Nice thing about Woody is that you don’t even have to fire him.
Follow the guidance of the “Bobs” in Office Space.
When his contract expires, just stop paying him. He’ll eventually figure out that he doesn’t have a job anymore, and he’ll just stop showing up.
Ancient Mariner
May 7th, 2010
2:15 pm
“Everyone in the starting lineup can’t average 20 ppg.”
No, but someone picked in that spot should be an impact player. He’s really not. He’s just a guy.
fayncdawg
May 7th, 2010
2:17 pm
The real question is this: if all four Hawk losses in this series (esp. if the series goes 4 or 5 games) are by double figures, do you bring JJ and Woody back? HAVE ANY OF THE HAWK ROAD LOSSES IN THE PLAYOFFS EVEN BEEN CLOSE? I wish Chill could help us but he ain’t a 1 or a 5 and is not a high-scoring wing.
Peter Gibbons
May 7th, 2010
2:17 pm
The hole in your theory is that Milton Waddams never stopped showing up.
German accent
May 7th, 2010
2:19 pm
icalhoun has the best idea. Salmons is about as good as Joe and Skiles is a ton better than Woody.
S Hawk Fan
May 7th, 2010
2:21 pm
FMX…. agree agree!!!!!!
ryan
May 7th, 2010
2:21 pm
I guess with Greece going Bankrupt i would not blame Josh Childress for coming back the Creek basketball team probaley can’t pay him.
shawn
May 7th, 2010
2:22 pm
We not need Josh..he can stay in Greece as far as I am concerned. Joe J. needs to step it up and play better. Last two years, he has not met expectations in palyoff and I am not sure if he is worth maximum salary comes next year. Overal, this is a good taeam with J smooth and Al Horford but need to coached better and oh yeah, their best player (artist formally known as Joe J.) needs to play better.
Dr. Warren
May 7th, 2010
2:24 pm
The Hawks have no cap space for any of the big-name free agents this year. They may keep JJ, but what will that do other than maintain the status quo. Sure, they could use a new head coach, but they still won’t make it beyond the 2nd round next year either. The Hawks will never make it to the Final Four until after another rebuilding stage and a great lucky superstar draft choice—could be 20+ years till that happens.
Luv 2 Hate Me
May 7th, 2010
2:26 pm
First – There are some folks that would like Crawford starting. If you follow basketball and now the game then you would know Crawford is better off the bench then starting percentage wise. I would like the Hawks to get Wade but they just don’t have the funds to make it happen. Instead go after Shannon Brown (Lakers) and Chris Bosh. Chill and stay in Europe!
Luv 2 Hate Me
May 7th, 2010
2:26 pm
First – There are some folks that would like Crawford starting. If you follow basketball and now the game then you would know Crawford is better off the bench then starting percentage wise. I would like the Hawks to get Wade but they just don’t have the funds to make it happen. Instead go after Shannon Brown (Lakers) and Chris Bosh. Chill can stay in Europe!
LAMAR
May 7th, 2010
2:27 pm
Boston Celtics would be interested.Hawks management needs to checkout about the possibility.
jomo
May 7th, 2010
2:31 pm
Chills could be a good addition. He can score, rebound, play defense and is fundamentally sound. He’s much better than Marvin, who should either come off the bench or be traded. Joe has to learn to give up the ball more, especially down the stretch when he’s double and triple-teamed. He kills too much of the clock, which isn’t necessary because he’s got others who can score, too. But, more importantly, the Hawks need a big body to oppose Dwight. Al is a tough competitor but he needs to be moved to the 4 with Josh taking over the 3 spot. Jeff Teague should be given the chance to run the point, as well as Jamal. Mike has become a liability because of his defense. He should be coming off the bench if kept.
cp
May 7th, 2010
2:31 pm
Josh Childress>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Marvin Duck Williams…. Yes you bring Chillz back. He should still be on the team anyway. The gm undervalued him and overvalued Duck Williams…. Bring Chillz back and send Marvin packing,.
Delbert D.
May 7th, 2010
2:31 pm
From his own comments, it sounds like he’s under performing in Greece.
Matt the Brave
May 7th, 2010
2:39 pm
So, basically from what I was reading from your comments Schultzie, it depends on if Mike Woodson’s the head coach?
Marcus
May 7th, 2010
2:40 pm
@SWAT Native (1:49 pm response)
Recent unrest in Greece due to that country taking out loans from IMF and instituting drastic budgetary constraints, all in an effort to keep the euro affloat, stablilize their own economy and not take other European countries down with them. he already made mention of seeing police/military on the sidelines at their games, strapped like Rambo. It can only get worse if the Grecian economy is circling the toilet boil.
Doesn’t take a French Revolution scholar to figure out that a highly-paid, high-profile, foreign b-ball player might come under “fiyah” in that climate. Word to Chills (lesson learned from Marie Antoinette): Don’t mention the word “cake”.
if I were him, I would welcome a Delta flight back to the States, even if I had to pay for checking my bags.
FMX
May 7th, 2010
2:54 pm
Are you guys stupid. There is no way Smoove can play SF. Again I ask what basketball games are you guys watching. I am a hardcore Hawks fan not like many of you who only tune in when we play the Lakers or the Cavaliers.
I say again let someone get the reigns first and then you talk about shaking the roster up. Woody can’t coach and I was hoping that he lost the Celtics series so his butt would have been fired then!!
clay
May 7th, 2010
2:57 pm
i dont care what you do but trade whoever you have to and get chris paul and then draft that center out of fla state that is 7′1 projected to go top 20 in this years draft. let joe and woody walk and bring in doc rivers to coach.
Veteran Fan
May 7th, 2010
3:11 pm
Sign him and trade whatever ( Marvin, Childress, Smith, Zaza etc…) you need to to get Hayward from Butler in the draft! Go out and get a center and point guard through free-agency and allow Coach Woodson to move to the Bulls! Line up Bosh at center, Horford at PF, Smith or Hayward at SF, Crawford at SG, and Wade at PG. Childress off bench. Good D and offense at all 5 positions. Get a banger to back up Bosh and Horford or keep Zaza and keep Teague to learn from Wade and Crawford. Find a European shooter to spell Crawford and you have one hell of a team. Horford and Smith are interchangeable and you can expect 20 a night from all 5 positions. Expensive lineup but Phillips would be sold out for at least three to five seasons if not forever!!! Good chemistry too as all are unselfish players. Would challenge Orlando for dominance in the East and if they played a little D could win two or three championships! Last ingredient, a YOUNG coach who can relate to these guys like Brooks does at OKC(Avery Johnson or Doc Rivers, or Vinny from Chicago)!
d_costa
May 7th, 2010
3:13 pm
If he can play Dwight Howard then no doubt!
Bernard
May 7th, 2010
3:19 pm
The Hawks should let JJ walk and try hard to get Dwayne Wade. He is not happy in Miami with their squad. If you dangle what the Hawks have now compared to what Miami has, it gives Dwayne a better chance of winning another championship. We need to get rid of Woody, Woody has done a nice job to get the team to this point, but he cannot take this team to the next level.
I know he has improved this team each year, but with this much talent, we should not be getting blowed out or look as unprepared as we do. If we keep Woody, he should be made to bring in a coach that coaches the offense and call plays.
Here is a coach’s name we should go after..his name is Nate McMillan. He has been able to get the most out of a young Portland team. I know he loves the Pacific NW, but he would make the Hawks instantly tougher.
mike
May 7th, 2010
3:28 pm
D wade is not leaving miami he already has his championship. he is only playing for money at this point.. he has already expressed that he loves the beach and he loves miami… he’s just gonna use Free agency as a tool to get more $ from miami.. he isn’t leaving
3Klub
May 7th, 2010
3:36 pm
Jeff, I love Childress and would like to see him back, BUT if he can be traded what are the parameters of A) him being traded with his current NBA contract or B) sign and trade.
What type of #’s are we talking about as far as compensation we could expect in return?
jakenjboro
May 7th, 2010
3:39 pm
Overated!!!!
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
3:57 pm
S.Hawk Fan — Since I’m not an owner, unfortunately I can’t tell you what they’re thinking. But if you want to read something into Michael Gearon’s quote from the other day (”We have high expectations”), then have at it.
EP
May 7th, 2010
3:57 pm
How about Doc Rivers returning to Atlanta since he is getting tired of Boston?
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
3:59 pm
Dr. Warren — That’s true. There’s also a difference in a coach 40-to-50 or 70. I think they’re leaning toward the former.
The Dogfighter Returns
May 7th, 2010
4:01 pm
The hawks are soft and cannot run. they need a great point guard and a player who can play with his back to the basket. Orlando is the team to beat. I am shocked by how one team has been able to keep so many post up players and wing players.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
4:02 pm
3Klub — Childress doesn’t have a current NBA contract but Hawks own his rights. So they can trade those rights to another team, which is effectively trading the player.
Jeff Schultz
May 7th, 2010
4:03 pm
EP — I know the Doc Rivers thing has been mentioned in these parts. For what it’s worth, he did not say he wanted out of Boston. What he said was he may want to take a break from coaching. So if he were to “retire” from the Celtics and then suddenly sign with the Hawks, that wouldn’t make him too popular in Boston. Not saying that wouldn’t happen though.
timbo
May 7th, 2010
4:06 pm
Yes!!! bring him back. Don’t offer Joe Johnson the max. Offer Josh Smith to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum, or call New Orleans and ask about points, Chris Paul or Nick Collison for Jsmoove. If Joe Johnson walks, how much money will that give the hawks to spend.
S Hawk Fan
May 7th, 2010
4:13 pm
The problem is that what the ASG thinks is high expecations and what the average person thinks is……… much different!!!! Those losers might be happy that we lost by fewer points last night!! And no you are not a owner but as a everyday AJC writer what is your gut feeling? I think if they retain him then there will be a mass exodus of fans! We are tired of settling!!
Dr. Warren
May 7th, 2010
4:25 pm
Why would Wade ever come to this franchise, even if they did have a proven winner like Loughery or Doug Moe or Gene Shue as coach?
BrittishAnger
May 7th, 2010
4:41 pm
Thumbs down…drop his rights and give us back that cap space to improve this team over the summer with something realistic….AND SHUT UP ABOUT HIM COMING BACK! He’s not coming back until his contract with Olympiakos ends or some other team here in the NBA (because it obviously won’t be us) offers him something respectable that can honestly compete with 8 Mill tax free with room, board, and travel expenses covered. His contract has been a blight to our improvement since he left us two years ago, and will continue to diminish our worth and force us into these annoyingly idiotic rumor runs until we find a way to remove it from our books. So to re-emphasize; SHUT UP, he’s not coming back, and SHUT UP!!!
1on5sucks
May 7th, 2010
4:43 pm
It is time for J-J-J-JOE JOHNSON to get OUT of the ATL. He is an offense killer. I lose count of the number of times he dribbles the shot clock down under 5 and fires up a low percentage shot. Hey Joe, YOU ARE NOT LEBRON OR KOBE! Dude, you can’t create your own shot. We should package JJ and Marvin to Miami for Wade. The money is close. Bring back J-Chil and you could have something special…assuming we get a coach.
BrittishAnger
May 7th, 2010
5:17 pm
@timbo; According to my figures regarding this upcoming year (and it sadly doesn’t take into account coaching salaries and is skewed due to this years cap as compared to next years), with the contracts we stand to lose over the summer (J.J., Mo, Joe Smith, Collins, and Morris), we’re looking at about $25 Million available to spend during the summer. We will lose about a million for our first round pick, and if Mo doesn’t terminate another $2.5 million will be eaten away (though that saves us from finding a replacement SF), and I don’t know how much it is costing us to keep the rights for Chills, though I’m sure whatever it is brings us to about $20 Mill’ available for use during offseason after the draft to acquire free agents (assuming we don’t break salary threshold, which knowing ASG I doubt we would). Once again, this doesn’t take into account Coaching salaries or what the new Cap number is, so give or take at your own risk…
Najeh Davenpoop
May 7th, 2010
5:28 pm
In a perfect world, the Hawks replace Woodson with someone better, bring Childress over here, sign him for $5-6 million a year for about 3-4 years, unload Marvin and Bibby’s contracts, sign Joe to less than the max, add a big body center who can single-cover the Dwight Howards of the league to come off the bench, and roll with Teague-Joe-Childress-Smoove-Horford as the starting five with Crawford, Evans, the new big body center, Zaza, a veteran PG who can play some spot duty, and the two draft picks off the bench.
Of course, unloading Marvin, Zaza, or Bibby is pretty much impossible, considering how overpaid they are compared to their production. And the chances of re-signing Joe for less than the max are pretty slim, too, since the Knicks will probably throw the max at him out of desperation when they lose out on LeBron and Wade. But there’s no question to me that Childress can help this team.
It all starts with replacing Woody though. The Hawks can’t expect to progress beyond this point with no real offensive system.
enis whatley
May 7th, 2010
6:29 pm
Heck yes bring em back. And trade for Sheldon Williams while your at it! And lets not forget to draft a 6′9″ forward in the draft that loves to shoot jump shots!!!!
Texas Hawk
May 7th, 2010
6:54 pm
Well I wish childress was still playing with the Hawks but right now he is not. Unfortunatley for Childress the Hawks need a big man at center. Sorry Childress but I would rather get a 7+footer at center than him come back right now.
KakNiqueTree
May 8th, 2010
12:37 am
Hawks, get a good center. Put Horford at forward and he will make the ASG annually, and will start making ALL-NBA annually once guys like Duncan and KG age out of the game.
real talk
May 8th, 2010
12:59 am
this guy is old news the Hawks should be moving forward not backwards get rid of Woody, Joe and Marvin and bring in a true 7 footer and a real X’s & O’s coach
Dejay
May 8th, 2010
2:55 am
Oh boy. It took me less than two minutes on this page before I started seeing ‘let’s get Wade’ posts. People, why would Wade leave South Beach to play here? And even if he did like Buckhead, do you honestly believe the Lil Rascals (aka, the Notorious A.S.G.) have the $$$ to sign him?
As for Childress, I don’t see him coming back to the league, certainly not here. He’s getting paid almost $8M/yr in EUROS, TAXFREE; that’s like getting $19M/yr. here before Uncle Sam gets his. You think he’s coming back for the MLE, let alone sit behind a guy he’s better than? But then again, what starting small forward in the league is worse than Marvin is at this point?
Let’s be a little more realistic, folks. The Hawks are against the cap as is and even if JJ walks, they won’t have enough under the cap to bring in a viable replacement. What, a broken down Tracy McGrady is going to make a comeback?
JSS
May 8th, 2010
4:21 am
@Jeff Schultz
It is always the same 20 people that obsess over the Childress matter. It is kinda like my feelings on keeping track on how Garret Siler (a Hawks FA camp invitee) is doing in China playing for Yao’s team in Shanghai. In the end it is just not that important. Childress is a foundation piece, not the architecture that makes the building unique or memorable. Yes, you need a sound foundation; but you need a plan this a great to give the structure meaning. Section 303 is absolutely right, it is time to move on… It is actually Vick in reverse…
S.U.P. from East Atlanta
May 8th, 2010
7:56 am
Here’s my thoughts: I’ve grown up my entire life watching the Hawks so please believe you’re reading from a die hard Atlanta, GA sports fans. Hence, “GA sports fans” because I love all of my GA teams. Moving along, I’m really starting to feel like Joe Johnson is not the answer. If I’m Sund, I don’t try to re-sign JJ. I save the money and try to lure Chris Bosh back to the city where his college career took off along with getting rid of some excess baggage like Bibby. He’s a disgrace on defense, which we all know wins championships. We sign Bosh now he’s our 5, Big Al at 4, Smoove moves down to play the 3 putting Marvin on the bench (He was never a starter at UNC), insert Jamal Crawford at 2, and find us a solid point guard via sign and trade or for cheap in free agency. In the meantime, we allow Teague to continue to grow into his role. Although I do question drafting Teague when I think we should have went after Ty Lawson, IMO. Looking at that starting lineup, you could possibly have 3 all-stars including Smoove making it next year. Along with a solid bench, especially if we can get Chills back. Just the thoughts from a tru Hawks fan.
I MUS WRITE
May 8th, 2010
11:25 am
Soldier man you 5 still wouldnt make it to the ECF….Teague has not jumpshot at all and we still have no answer For Dwight Howard. I would definitely ake Chills and Wade over marvin and JJ.
I MUS WRITE
May 8th, 2010
11:27 am
sorry for the typos i need coffee
Spartacus
May 8th, 2010
11:46 am
Why in the world does everyone want Josh Smith to play the small forward position? He can’t shoot and that is one position that you need a shooter on the floor!
chuck
May 8th, 2010
11:58 am
The Hawks are a mess. The best two players are both power forwards. The coach would still have LeBron on the bench if we had drafted him. Woodson has NEVER advanced the career of a single player. Joe Johnson is not a superstar and is at best a third option on a championship level team. Marvin is a joke and is one of the most overpaid players in the league. Bibby WAS fine but he has loss too many steps to keep up with the top 10 point guards.
They need a center, a point guard, a small forward, and a legitimate shooting guard. Thank goodness the idiot that put together this mess is gone but as a fan we are facing another long rebuilding period.
I MUS WRITE
May 8th, 2010
12:08 pm
Okay im back i had my cup of Joe LOL…… Stop it with the Wade Crap -he will never play here and we dont have the money to sign him without blowing up the team.
Chris Bosh is a nice player but a Center he is not- at 6′10 225 he offers nothing as far as post defense. I would like to get Jason Thompson from Sac- Hes a legit 7′0 265 and has a nice post game. Him and Horford would be a nice combo.
For those wanting Teauge to start- Stop it,at this point he is basicly ACie Law- good defender and thats about all – No jumper at all
JJ has’nt shown up in the last 2 postseasons,and this is the guy we want to pay a max salary. Somebody said this earlier but I would rather have Salmons for a modest salary with the ability to add peices. Im so sick of his dribbling show
Ax Coach Woodson for someone who actually knows how to make in game/game to game adjustments. His offense and switch everything defeense sux .
If JJ walks -go for Salmons
Inquire about one of the NO pg’s
Trade for Thompson
Sign Chills
Collinson,Salmons.Smoove,Horford,Thompson
Bench-Bibby,Crawford,Chills,Big Man
Most important get a coach that can get the most out of our players -every time i saw OKC fighting and scrapping against the lakers i kept thinking why dont our guys go all out like this for woody. He is okay but the team is winning more because of their experience not because woodson is a fantastic coach.
gcs
May 8th, 2010
1:17 pm
Childress has an appropriate last name because he seems like a child.
The first excerpt was a diss on ATL. And now he is burning bridges in Greece.
I don’t think the Hawks need his attitude but maybe they could trade him for something decent. basically, he is a ghost to the Hawks. Why not trade him for a back-up center or PG?
.
tjhook
May 8th, 2010
1:34 pm
I think Chills is worth bringing back. Good 6th man and if the jumper is improved, whoa Nelly!
Mr. Roboto
May 8th, 2010
1:43 pm
RE: JOSH CHILDRESS–
Don’t discount the money factor here. Thanks to the government of the country where Chills now plays, the euro has lost tremendous value against the dollar. Chills is paid in euros. That was cited as a positive factor when he left (when the euro was high against the dollar); that is surely a negative now. Also, his current team is unlikely to offer him an extension at his current pay, given his not bad but not star-level play. So, if the choice is between playing out a significantly de-valued one-year contract or signing a decent longer term contract in the NBA… money says that Chills will be back Stateside next year.
3DawgKnight
May 8th, 2010
1:54 pm
Jeff:
If you’re still listening? From my earlier post:
I was referencing *Childress desire[WANT]to return to the Hawks.
*(Not Woodson) I think Woody is pretty much toast @ this point.
If Woody returns then I’m goning to become a “Los suns” fan.
I’m sorry, but it’s hard to be a fan of his teams.
Nothing against him, personally, his teams just lack:
team play-fundamentals-fondation-innovation-a plan-and;
they are not much fun to watch, regardless of the ‘highlights’.
[to use a Dimitroffism - Woodson does not seem to follow a process]
3DawgKnight
May 8th, 2010
1:59 pm
Jeff:
I left out one important point.
I don’t think Chilldress wishes to play for Woodson again.
GT
May 8th, 2010
2:22 pm
Childress might add some maturity this team badly needs. You look at Howard getting his nose knocked off and still playing with intensity while our child Josh refuses to hustle at least once a half. If is hard to believe they are from the same planet more less the same city. Something about higher education guys that went to real academic places make them assets. Bring him back trade Josh for a more mature charactered basketball player keep the rest and you improve next year. Not much more improvement needed.
Jeff D.
May 8th, 2010
4:22 pm
Thumbs up, way up! He was the most intelligent guy in the gym when he was here and we REALLY miss his court smarts!
Jeff D.
May 8th, 2010
4:30 pm
Dr. Warren, Gene Shue? The legendary Gene Shue? You got my attention there. What a great head of hair. He did a good job with very little in San Diego but his coaching numbers were not so legendary: 784-861.
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9:48 pm
[...] ♦ Thumbs up or down: Josh Childress a Hawk again? [...]
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May 9th, 2010
11:20 am
[...] ♦ Thumbs up or down: Josh Childress a Hawk again? [...]
rallen
May 9th, 2010
12:46 pm
most times coaching is overated…..management had chance to bring in a big man and chose not ….
all those great coaches have great talent…..would a great coach have put us in the finals????thinh about it….
rallen
May 9th, 2010
12:48 pm
P.S. thumbs down on Josh Childress………
Mr. Thomas Anthony Jones, SR
May 9th, 2010
3:16 pm
Yes, we love Josh Smith!!!!!!!