Hawks quit on season (and Joe doesn’t care what you think)
If one picture can say it all for the plight of Joe Johnson and the Hawks, this is it. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Let’s start with the obvious: The Orlando Magic are better. They have a center. They have a point guard. They have a roster of players with complete sets of working organs, and isn’t that a novelty?
But sometimes things happen in sports that make you declare, “Push the button and blow the whole damn thing up.” This was one of them.
In a home playoff game, in an obvious desperation game, in a game where the Hawks had an opportunity to show us what substance they were made of, they collectively screamed, “Goo.” They didn’t score. They didn’t defend. They didn’t rebound. They didn’t compete.
We saw better performances when bodies were being jettisoned and the roster was all about 10-day contracts and cap space.
Down 2-0 in their second-round playoff series against Orlando, the Hawks tossed on a little seasoning, propelled themselves onto a rotisserie and told the Magic, “Flip the switch.” They trailed by 10 points after one quarter, 19 after two and 24 after three. A small gathering of fans at Philips Arena stuck it out until the end of Saturday’s 105-75 loss, perhaps hoping it would earn them some sort of refund.
Sorry. Payback will have to come in the afterlife. If you need to know what that’s like, just ask the Hawks. They’ve flat-lined. They’re down 3-0. Their backs aren’t against the wall. They’re on the floor.
Wait. It gets worse.
Al Horford, the best hope this franchise has for a leader, openly questioned his teammates’ heart.
“Effort. Effort — that’s all it is,” he said. “Guys can say all they want about coverages and all this. But it came down to effort — [not] going for loose balls early in the game, missing rebounds when they missed shots.”
And then: “It’s frustrating. I’m not the kind of person who’s going to go out there and point people out. I’ll let them know. But you’re not going to see me cursing somebody out. They know what they have to do, and it’s frustrating when the effort is not there.”
Wait. It gets even worse.
Joe “Max Money” Johnson might have permanently torched bridges with both the Hawks and the city of Atlanta. On the court, he shot only 3-for-15 and scored eight points. In the past six games, he has shot 31.2 percent (30-of-96) and averaged 11.5 points. His scoring totals in the last half-dozen: 13, 22, 8, 8, 10, 8.
“These guys look to me for guidance, and when you’re playing like that, it’s almost impossible for us to win,” Johnson said.
He was half-right. Pretty sure his teammates stopped looking to him for guidance long ago.
Before these playoffs, Johnson was determined to prove he belonged among the NBA’s elite players. He certainly has removed all doubt, but not in the way he has hoped. Even Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said, “Yeah, we’re double-teaming him some in the post, but he’s getting shots he would normally make.”
How does Johnson follow this performance? He basically tells Hawks fans that he doesn’t care what they think.
The Hawks were booed often, including as they were leaving the court at halftime and after the game. When asked about this, the “team leader” unloaded this gem: “They don’t bother me. It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if they showed up or not.”
Good news, Joe. The arena might be half-empty for Game 4 on Monday night.
It’s the Hawks’ worst home loss of the season.
It’s their worst home playoff loss in franchise history.
If nothing else, coach Hawks coach Mike Woodson gets points for best summation: “Tonight was just non-existence.”
He looked defeated afterward. He looked like he knew the end was coming — for both his team and himself.
If Johnson has made a loud statement in this postseason about what he is worth, what kind of statement has Woodson made? He was outcoached by Scott Skiles in the first round and so far by Stan Van Gundy in this round, if for no other reason than Van Gundy is getting maximum effort out of his players.
Do Hawks’ players look like they’re fighting to save their coach’s job?
It doesn’t matter that Orlando is better. It matters that Orlando is the only team that showed up. The other one has checked out.
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC and on Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
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Earlier Hawks posts
♦ We’re live from Hawks-Magic: Can they make it a series?
♦ Thumbs up or down: Josh Childress a Hawk again?
♦ Hawks show their best side in desperate times again
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591 comments Add your comment
Saint Richt
May 9th, 2010
7:22 am
Screw you Joe Johnson…..please leave and let him leave. Please don’t renew Mike Woodson.
Sick of this same show every damn year.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 9th, 2010
7:23 am
If JJ was a football player I would describe him as,”Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.”
Since he’s not I will forever more decribe those of his ilk as,” Looks like JJ and plays like Florida.”
Souper
May 9th, 2010
7:25 am
Congrats Jeff on earning what Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have lost; my respect; way to call it out!
Pepe Frias played here.
May 9th, 2010
7:27 am
Hopefully, Mr. Johnson does not play Monday night. That’s right , bench him. And lets see who has the guts ,the moxie, the fire to at least give Orlando a game. And after the game, I hope Rick Sund is there to help him clean out his locker and escort him out the door. Then let the bidding begin. If the Knicks want him, they can have him at a reduced price, I mean who is going to pay good money to a man who spits on the fans.
VernC
May 9th, 2010
7:38 am
I dare any sports talk station in Atlanta to EVER question Atlanta fans again. We are not dummies and will NOT support a team lacking heart, pride or a plan of action. Let’s see the Chickens are 0 for 3 in those categories. Like a previous blogger said, we have 1 championship since forever in all of our sports team. Joe is who I thought he was. A good player who would be a helluva Robin to someone’s Batman. No more, no less. Uggggh! I hate quiters.
VernC
May 9th, 2010
7:40 am
Hey Tony, wish it were that easy, unless you are talking about Fantasy basketball, forgetaboutit.
aaron
May 9th, 2010
7:44 am
Tonight sealed the deal for Joe “disappearing act” Johnson in Atlanta. what a tool! Don’t let the door hit you on your way out, and take that no heart, all talk coach with you. Maybe next season we’ll pay for a real star player, instead of just paying for someone to act like one.
if i was the hawks, i’d obviously dump joe, and look to move bibby and maybe marvin for the right price. then i’d make a major push for d wade and bosh. it’s a real long shot, but i’d rather take the risk of not getting either of these guys and being a much lesser team next year, than ever root for joe johnson or mike woodson again.
Bob Cousy
May 9th, 2010
7:51 am
Woodson should have been gone two years ago. Good coaches get the respect of their players. Their quitting told everyone what they think of Woodson. Sad but true.
Chris
May 9th, 2010
7:54 am
Johnson’s comments are good for the Hawks. This is how: he isn’t worth a max contract (case and point this month), and now the franchise have the PR cover not to offer him one.
previous to this performance and his grousing they would have been under tremendous pressure to sign one of the bigger free agents OR sign Joe.
Have fun with the Knicks Joe!
Listening to how Stan Van Gundy speaks to his team and has them on a MISSION also speaks to the need for a change at the top. I give Woodson a lot of credit for reversing the franchise course from miserable to pretty good. We need change to get to the top though.
Melvin Flowers-Macon Georgia
May 9th, 2010
7:55 am
Joe Johnson Is Wash Up. So Are The Atlanta Hawks.Joe Has Never Been A Big Fan Of Mind, He Has Been Soft Not Only Now But In Many Of His Playing Years With The Hawks.
Its Time To Get A New Leader ,And Someone Could Put Up Points And A Fight When Needed. Johnson Question Has Been Why Don’t He Get Respected Like The Other NBA Super Stars, Now You Know He’s Not A Big Time Super Star What We Need To get To The Next Level.
We Need Joe To Move On. I Think The Front Office See What The Hawks Needs To Get To The Next Level, First We Fire Coach Woody and Make Roster Changes as needed. The Hawks Will Never Go To The Next Level With This Team They Have Now.
And The Comment Made By Johnson On The Fans, The Fans Care Less Bout The Hawks, We Showed That All Season Bout Not Showing Up At Games. I Hope All The Fans Stay Away Monday, Because The Hawks Will Get Sweep, And Guest What Joe? We Will BOO You Ass Again.
blazerdawg
May 9th, 2010
7:56 am
For everyone cracking on Atlanta Hawks fans, the Hawks averaged 16,600 in attendance, which was 17th in the league, just behind Orlando, and ahead of Houston, Philly, and Indiana, among others. Given the team, economy/price, and arena location, that seems about right.
If the arena is not full Monday night, in my mind it would mean that Atlanta has smart fans with better things to do than to support a team that “could care less”.
Maggie May
May 9th, 2010
8:00 am
Only an illiterate moron like Johnson would say “could care less” instead of “couldn’t care less.”
Well, Moron Joe, we COULDN’T CARE LESS ABOUT YOU OR YOUR TEAM.
In fact, to hell with you.
Jerry West
May 9th, 2010
8:02 am
@tony
I’ve seen some DWade scenarios, but yours is the best. Sign Wade AND Boozer, and draft Gordon Hayward in the mid 20s? Not to mention picking up Felton, getting rid of Bobby (or maybe he’s on the bench) and striking 2nd round gold with Samhan?
Who do you think Rick Sund is? Me?
gmoney
May 9th, 2010
8:05 am
Atlanta needs to not show up Monday and set a record for lowest attendance ever for a playoff game. Anyone who goes to this game is a fool.
bad brad
May 9th, 2010
8:06 am
Jeff, sit down for a second. I enjoyed your article and agree with everything you wrote.
Big L
May 9th, 2010
8:10 am
What is with the race bating and ignorance on this board. If yu call yourself Vick supporter, you’re asking for trouble. If you refer t a black fella as boy, on purpose, you’re asking for it. Some people, just damn.
JW
May 9th, 2010
8:12 am
Since the Hawk players quit, why can’t the team owners quit paying them. Pay should be based on performance. There should be no option for them to “quit”. A shake up in this whole assembled mess is in order and I hope soon. I wouldn’t play one starter the whole next game including the best 6th man in the world. I would start at the other end of the bench and play the bench warmers. I bet you would at least get more heart and effort. Unless of course if the cancer is so entrenched in this team that it wouldn’t matter.
HAWKSFAN
May 9th, 2010
8:15 am
I feel very sorry for this team, because they have huge potential “as a team”. However, it is difficult to reach such potential as a team without a leader. The leader is first and always expected of a coach, who should be able to mentor, develop, strategize, analyze, and deliver results. My family and friends have been critical of my thoughts of Coach Woodson all season, but I haven’t witnessed these leadership qualities in Coach Woodson for the past few seasons, especially this season. The Coach stands mostly during the game without any answers to anything. An example of such poor reasoning and strategic direction was shown during this series when he puts in Jason Collins, a 7 ft center, who hasn’t played most of the season. In speaking with Cheryl Miller, she questioned the Coach in surprise of putting him in the game now 1 or 2, and he said Collins was being brought in for ‘foul’ power. How dumb is that? Why not think of Collins for rebounds and points? That is what most centers should deliver. Everything has been about fouls. The players are playing for 1 shot, primarily at getting a foul. Why not go for points, and possibly get the foul? These examples were shown multiple times by Jamal Crawford, who should have delivered under the basket and within short range several instances. So, I don’t blame the players. They have deserved so much better. Players expect leadership, direction, and help to improve and be their best. They have won all their games on natural talent. Imagine what they could have been with such leadership. It is not Joe Johnson’s fault, and I believe his comments are out of embarrassment and mere frustration, but he needed help with answers. I suspect the Coach named Johnson the leader of the team, when leadership started first with the Coach. I hope all the players, including Johnson come back, and have the opportunity to work with a true Coach who can bring all those leadership qualities. It is very unfair to have anything less in a coaching position. It is unfair to investors, fans, and especially the players. Good management doesn’t allow such disasters, including lack of leadership, to play out over a period of time when overall performance isn’t evident. Don’t confuse the Hawk’s overall performance with good coaching and strategic play. As a Hawks FAN, I am amazed and thankful for how naturally talented and blessed this team is, and reflect on how great this entire season could have been. (Sorry for being so lengthy, but I have been holding this in for a very, very long time.)
Clay
May 9th, 2010
8:15 am
Joe Johnson Sat night: “We could care less if they (fans) show up or not.”
Joe Johnson in NY in Jan: “I don’t care where I play.”
I hope “karma” plays like it should this summer and Joe gets about half the contract Sund offered Joe last summer that he turned down.
I mean, what good is 20 points a game really worth when it most times comes at the expense of the offense becoming a “stand around and watch Joe dribble” offense. And playoffs? Playoffs? Talking about playoffs? The Joe Johnson we see in the playoffs every year could play a part in “Honey, I shrunk the kids.”
You’ll still get millions this summer, Joe, but I’ve got my fingers crossed you won’t get as many as you thought.
You don’t care about us ticket-buyers? Then, good riddance!
Greene Hornet
May 9th, 2010
8:24 am
I wish folks would stop saying we have the worst fans in Atlanta. If you are saying that, well, you are also saying that about yourself as a fan. We continue to get blown out on the road and at home and we expected better from the team. If folks boo, oh well…then play better. That’s all we ask, even if they do lose as long as it’s competitive.
In short, if you hate the ATL fans, then leave the ATL.
LAC
May 9th, 2010
8:25 am
I hope they LEAVE ATLANTA, I could careless about Thug basketball, lived here since 1969…
Never once WASTED MY Money to watch nba CRAP !
Gray Mule
May 9th, 2010
8:28 am
I could care less about the Hawk fans and what they think. Really?
Fans don’t come amd support this team? Just because the building is
not filled, there is no support? Just because fans do show up when
certain players are in town?
The economy is bad. You should know that this is part of it.
Yet, Atlanta fans do show up. Not a building full, but they are
there, supporting this Hawk team. Many more, not in attendance, still
watch on TV and by the products advertised there in support of this
team. Instead of 18,000 fans, sometimes there are only 8,000 fans.
You can cry about all the empty seats. But, to insult those 8,000
true fans who did show up – - This is not right.
It’s all about us. None of it is about you, the fans. Screw you.
I don’t need you or care what you think!
Wow! Good move JJ.
Who will you insult next??
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 9th, 2010
8:28 am
What’s the difference between JJ and a hammer?
A hammer is a useful tool.
Greene Hornet
May 9th, 2010
8:29 am
And I agree completely with Hawks Fan above…good comments…
please
May 9th, 2010
8:32 am
No heart, I hope Joe (no show) leaves he is a waste of money, what is going to be their excuse this year? I have never seen a pro team lay down so many times. yes the magic are better. But where is th pride.
Scooter
May 9th, 2010
8:39 am
These Hawks have been an embarrassment. If you look up the word pathetic in the dictionary, it shows a series of pics of the Hawks playoff performance. Seriously, 43 points in game 1? A 30 point negative turnaround in the second half af game 2? A disaster at home in game 3? Joe Johnson sucks. He doesn’t care about the fans? We care about him! We care that he sucks and is making our heartless team what it is! In any sport it is all about effor. It is all about performance. He and the Hawks have given neither of the above!
Hawks Fan
May 9th, 2010
8:42 am
Joe Johnson and Mike Woodson have bullied and sulked for the last time here in Atlanta! Joe Johnson wants to play for somebody else, see ya Joe!. Mike Woodson tells everybody that if he doesn’t coach here than he will coach somewhere, bye Mike! The only problem I have with this mess is how long it has taken for others to smell the b/s that these two have been singing for years. Hey Atlanta ownership how bout doing the right thing and spending the money it takes to buy a real damn superstar and a real damn coach!!!
JeJe
May 9th, 2010
8:42 am
LOOK: I KNOW EVERYONE HERE HATES ME. THAT IS NOT MY GOAL — I AM JUST AN OUTSPOKEN HAWKS FAN. BUT LISTEN:
WE NEED DWYANE WADE HERE IN A HAWKS UNIFORM. S&T JOE AND ANYONE BESIDES HORFORD/SMOOVE FOR THIS GUY. GIVE PICKS…GIVE CASH. GET DWYANE WADE AND GO INTO THE FREAKING LUXURY TAX. THE HAWKS WILL NOT COMPETE WITH ORLANDO OR CLEVELAND IF JOE IS BROUGHT BACK
WE NEED A SUPERSTAR IN TOWN. THE HEAT SUCK. THEIR ROSTER IS ASS
Throw in the towel
May 9th, 2010
8:48 am
How do you lose by 30 at home? That is absolutely ridiculous….. I like Joe, but he is not a #1 and he doesn’t deserve a max contract. He had a couple of good games against Milwaukee in the first series and he has been completely absent vs. the Magic. Joe…. I hope you care about the fans wherever you end up, because they are the ones that are going to be paying your ridiculous salary. Thanks for a few good years….. Peace out bro and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I hope the Hawks face you next year in the playoffs because at least it will be easy to shut you down.
Brian
May 9th, 2010
8:51 am
Time for Joe to go!
Time for Woodson to go!
This is not working!!
Gt4ever
May 9th, 2010
8:52 am
Who even cares about the NBA……
Atticus
May 9th, 2010
8:55 am
Teams don’t “deserve” anything until they win …when it counts! Years of building and for what? To get to the 2nd round. The teams in the 80s didn’t get past the second round but they had heart and they didn’t have the talent this team does. Poorly coached, Joe is a #2 not a #1, Bibby creates too many mismatches, Josh is still too immature, Marvin doesn’t have a killer instinct and Al is a tweener. To top it off the ownership group doesn’t care ENOUGH about winning, just enough to keep the teams so they can sell tickets for everything else and sell sponsorships. Now why is the h— would I support that??
Don’t give me that crap about Kobe and Lebron, and about Atlanta fans being fair weather. Every city has that especially a younger city like Atlanta that has so many newer residents from somewhere else and a huge college and pro football following. Just give them a team that can win. This team won a fair amount of regular season games but folding in the playoffs (not even showing up) two straight years is pathetic.
Peter
May 9th, 2010
8:55 am
Who cares if there is No JJ in Team….. and please talk about “Not Showing Up “……he makes all that money, and can’t show up or lead by example.
Funny stuff from JJ….
JEFF
May 9th, 2010
9:00 am
I hope Woody takes ISO Joe with him. He is not an elite player with these types of numbers. Elite players rise to the occassion, not faulter then nblame the fans. Pathetic- Sit his non-shooting, dribbling to much butt down in th last game of the season. Line up with these players.
Bibby-
Crawford
Evans
Horford
Smith
These 5 guys still have fight.
GeeMack
May 9th, 2010
9:04 am
I know the us Hawks fans are mad, but be realistic the Hawks have no chance at D-Wade. Why would he come here when the Heat have the cap space to sign another star FA to play with Wade 2 compete for a title.
Gen Neyland
May 9th, 2010
9:04 am
Rumor out of Washington DC is that Woodson and Jackson have been called to testify before a Senate committee regarding defrauding the people of Atlanta of a professional basketball team. Woodson has recently told Channel 2 Action News, ” Nobody makes the chumps buy a ticket. Anyway, it’s all about the money. That being, us taking their’s to the bank “…Stay tuned.
Fed-Up!
May 9th, 2010
9:04 am
Dear Joe, we don’t care either. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse on the way out to go play with a real star….something you are not!
Navigator
May 9th, 2010
9:05 am
I start with Joe Johnson, and whether he can be a team player. He tries to be the one to shoot always, whether he has the open shot or not. He fails to play defense when it doesn’t suit him, and of course he thinks he’s right there with the top players in the league (James and Bryant) and is upset when he doesn’t get the same consideration and coverage. Joe you are a good player, but the league is full of good players and you are one of many. Start with him, and whether to give him a large contract to stay. Please Hawks don’t pass on another top point guard in the draft, the guy from Wake Forest isn’t even average. Al Horford is the only winner on this team, who knows how much you need to dedicate to win a championship, and he should be the heart of any future team.
HAWKSFAN
May 9th, 2010
9:05 am
It all starts at the TOP (ownership, management, and coach). The TOP is where I place the blame.
Ashamed
May 9th, 2010
9:06 am
This team has no character. They need a coach that will sit them and their headbands, long shorts, pads from ankle to thigh and wrist to shoulder (a la Josh Smith) on the bench when they don’t perform and put anyone in there willing to try. JJ said he didn’t care if the fans showed up, well good thing because the team surely isn’t showing up.
Duke could play against Orlando better than the Hawks.
Amarefan88
May 9th, 2010
9:07 am
As a big time hawks fan, Joe has no right to say that about the hawks fan. Yes, he is right, but you have to suck it up, and keep your comments to yourself..you played horrible, you make a lot of $$$, and you are in the spot light, dont try ti flip the script and say you dont care. Reminds me of Vick flippin off the fans. It does upset me that people only come out when Lebron or Kobe come to town. Or when the Cubs, and as of late Red Sox, and Yanks. But its like that pretty much for every professional sports team here in Atlanta, outside of the Falcons. Still asking myself why..( outside of the Thrashers).. as we are not fielding a Royals, or Wizards like team. Fire Woody, pony up and spend big money on a coach like avery or doug collins. Let Joe walk..and sign a, young and explosive shooter like Rudy gay in FA. The depth at C didnt work w collins and joe smith. They need to go after a big man center in the draft. Hell, pony up and do a sign and trade and trade up to get favors or cousins. Dont have to, could just draft a big man with the spot they get..but at this point they need a true big man that will be good one day and let horford go back to his four spot. Now thatt johnson will more likely be gone, sign some depth with a big man or perimeter shooter..a la..wally sczerbiak**, or even marcus camby,..he had a great year for the clippers/ portland and is always conistent and pullin down 10 rebounds a game and can score.
I was never a fan of Woody , but gave him the benefit of the doubt– as he always squeaked by, but havin a bucks team take you the distance w no bogut or redd, and they played w a fiery coach and somethin the hawks havent played with..heart! And never in my wildest dreams did I want Johnson to go..as I watched him played in Phoenix when i lived there. But dont let the door hit you in the ass..and once NY doesnt get what they want in Lebron..they will overpay Johnson..as I’m sure its no fun to watch your best player be David Lee!
Thank you for for accepting over 80mil to come to a team that had 13 wins, so that you could be the man, as you didnt like to play with Nash, marion, amare, raja,among others. But we see your true colors now..and the only time you get vocal is when adversity hits you. I’m sure youll fit right in with the New York media! LMAO!!
StayThirstyMyFriends
May 9th, 2010
9:07 am
1) Don’t offer Joe Johnson anything. He doesn’t care where he plays.
2) Don’t offer Woody a contract.
3) Trade Marvin for a bag of balls.
3) Sign D-Wade with the savings from JJ and Marvin.
Ashamed
May 9th, 2010
9:08 am
Where are the days of real basketball players, like Bird, Magic, Wilkens, McHale, Jordan etc…
I would love to see LaBron as a guard come into the lane against the likes of Moses Malone, Lambier, Parrish, Sikma 20 years ago. He wouldn’t have any teeth left.
StayThirstyMyFriends
May 9th, 2010
9:09 am
You’re right, Amarefan88, it is the same thing, except Joe won’t get fined by the league. Sund, please let Joe go!
Tim
May 9th, 2010
9:10 am
what are you talking about u dont make sense
Tim
May 9th, 2010
9:11 am
i just met this new girl at south dekalb mall, i hope she likes me.
RB
May 9th, 2010
9:11 am
I can understand why Joe doesn’t care if the fans show up. It’s because he (nor the team) has shown up! Joe’s statement shows he is not a true pro. A basketball player, yes. A pro, not!
Amarefan
May 9th, 2010
9:12 am
plus trading up or doing a sign and trade to bring in a big man, will bring excitement with a player such as cousins or favors. It would be a reason for fans to come out again, if favors came to the Hawks, as he is homegrown and played AAU, highschool ball, and a yeat at GT. Think Jason Heyward, with the type of buzz that could be surrounded with this team. I believe Hawks fans, have become to accustomed to this playoff hawks squad, kinda of like the the braves.
hawker
May 9th, 2010
9:12 am
The Hawks have taken two steps back in the Po’s because they lack pride and it all starts with the coach. But in his defense, with players like Josk Smith, Joe and Bibby, no coach could win. The team needs a complete overall. It has reached its peak. Please trade JS while he might still have some value. He is a baby, quiter and immature.
Orlando will not win the championship.
connermac
May 9th, 2010
9:13 am
I have played sports all my life and it really gets to me to see players making millions not give an all out effort. There are thousands of us who would give anything to have the ability that the pros have. We still give our all when we play anything. JJ is not a team player and not especilly under pressure. Let ISO Joe move on and the coach to. We can do better