Hawks quit on season (and Joe doesn’t care what you think)

Jeff,

before the playoffs, you did an article on JJ and the pressure/microscope he is putting himself under. Will you be doing another follow up article?

“He has faded during the playoffs, especially in the past six games. Over that stretch, which includes three games against Milwaukee, Johnson made 30 of 96 shots and averaged 11.5 points”.

Its not all Woody’s fault. But we will be limited to the roster changes we can make. but it will be very easy to not resign Woody. At least that will make the fan base feel better.

Gearon could not be happy hearing the team booed.

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FIRE WOODY

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“They don’t bother me. It’s about us in this locker room. We could care less if they showed up or not.”

I WONDER HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SHOW UP MONDAY NIGHT

FIRE WOODY

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Goodbye Joe. Don’t let the door hit you in the A$$ on the way out, oh, and take J Smoove-sulk and the coach with you!

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They need to sell $1 seats for Monday’s game

FIRE WOODY

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Hell, JJ is right about the fans here….barely support the team unless LeBron or Kobe comes to town, then when they lose in the playoffs, bad mouth the team. I don’t blame him one bit and it should have been said a long time ago

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GREATEST….SOAP OPERA….EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Joe’s been out the door to the Knicks for months now. It’s no surprise he’s coming up lame in the playoffs and blaming the fans. You’re a choker Joe. A second tier NBA’er on the backside of your career. So Long.

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No Heart + No Coach + No Superstar = No Championship. You must have at least 2 of the 3 to win a championsip. The Hawks have none of the 3 right now. Next move is up to Rick Sund and The Spirit.

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Joe can crap on the fans all he wants; we won’t be paying his salary anymore after one more “game”. He’s the worst wannabe this town has ever seen.

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Building a team starts with a coach, center and point guard. Our coach doesn’t appear to get the most out of his roster. True centers are few and far between and a team needs a bit of luck (the draft lottery) to get one. We passed on three great guards in recent drafts and have paid a dear price for doing so. Three strikes and you are out!

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It’s time to start over. Trade Josh for someone with some toughness, courage and heart. Let Joe walk. Get a 7′ with some toughness, move Al to his natural PF and build the team around the only guy with any courage that this roster has. Too bad Woody wasted Teague’s rookie year, as he will essentially be a rookie to whomever is coaching him next year.

Build around Al, he is the only tough player on the whole damned team.

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This may be one of the most spot-on articles I’ve read here in the past couple of years. It’s not about winning the series – it’s about competing hard with available resources and letting the chips fall where they may.

On that count, the Hawks have fallen way short. Nicely stated, Jeff.

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Vick Supporter, it shouldn’t matter what these guys think about the fans. They get paid extremely well to play a game at a high level of effort for 48 minutes per night. If you can convince me that the Hawks have done that in these playoffs, then we can discuss the fans. A lot of people paid a lot of money to see these guys play. If you want to own your building, act like you give a da*n.

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Joe Johnson = a has been that never was

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@Just Curious

In case you’re not a Hawks fan: Do you not remember all of the times where the players and coaches are ASKING the fans to come to the games? We won 53 games this year and we are near the bottom with attendance in the NBA, yet fans come on here and call the players “cowards” and “p*ssies”. And yes, I support Vick. Don’t bring him into the conversation. We’re talking HAwks.

I’m not saying that I’mdisagreeing with Schultz’s article…he made alot of valid points, but I have to say that JJ is right…probably shouldn’t have said it, but he’s right. We have sellouts when Kobe and LeBron come to town.

You cannot dispute that.

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I don’t see how this helps Joe Johnson this summer he quit on the team and fans some team will sign him but he will not get LeBron money or D. Wade money. I say we have sign and trade for Mello or Dirk this summer.

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While resigning Marvin has handicapped us somewhat, we can still build a decent team if we get rid of Joe and Woody. We need someone in here to develop Teague, and a center. That shouldn’t be too tall an order.

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Mike Hunt: I agree but unlike the Hawks I don’t let people take shots at me

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And Jeff Schultz says the Hawks quit on the season…the fans quit on the Hawks years ago. Wanna dispute that, Jeff Schultz?

No sellouts even during the playoffs except when the Magic come to town? You could see all the empty seats when we were playing the Bucks

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At this point does anyone care what happens in Game 4? I know I won’t be watching or listening.

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Joe Johnson is a classless loser. Should have traded him to New Jersey or the Clippers before the season started.

I feel bad for the folks who had to sit through that travesty today. They had every right to boo. They spent their hard earned money watching a bunch of spoiled millionaires play like a chuch league team and then ISO Joe spits on everyone on top of that.

Now some of those same people have tickets to game 4. They’ve paid a lot of money to attend an absolutely meaningless game in an attempt to support a gutless, heartless bunch of losers(coach included). This team has won two playoff series in 6 years and both of those playoff series wins would have been choke jobs to less talented foes if they had lost. Why pay to see this team play? Thanks for reminding us that there is no reason, Joe.

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Two things: Fire Woody and let Joe Johnson go elsewhere. Use his money to find a real center. Get a coach that knows how to use his players and which ones need to be on the floor. Not just because they are superstars but because they are giving it all they have -effort as Al Horford says. Get effort all the time and wins will come.

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Joe Johnson ihas proven to be just another wanna-be prima-donna who can’t back up his ego. This jerk hauls in more in a year than most of the people paying to watch him put up brick after brick and drag his sorry ass down the court make in 20.

If you don’t like it here, JJ, Delta is sure as hell ready when you are. Get gone. Loser.

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Vick supporter….I couldn’t agree more! Nobody cares about basketball in this city. And nobody cares about a weak team that doesn’t even try. Isn’t there another city that wants an NBA franchise? Please…give the hawks to em. I’m tired of hearing about how bad they suck.

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@old man

Thats the best comment on this blog

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Horford is the only guy to build around. I ragged on Marvin but I think with some coaching he could be a good NBA player. Give Skiles max money and let him get a crack at this team. I’m tired of Iso Joe and Josh a.k.a. Sour Patch Kid We need guys who understand their roles and a coach like Chuck Daley. We need mental toughness.

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@Dawg 93

What I don’t like is how a player can be so “great” one moment, then the atl fans turn on them on a moments notice. I agree that JJ has struggled, but now he’s a “p*ssy”

Thats what sucks about this town and why we can’t win. I fondly recall MANY times the coach and the players asking the fans to show up to the games (other than the Cavs and Lakers).

They never do.

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Old man: I agree. We shouldn’t make decisions in the heat of embarrassment. However, Joe has made it fairly obvious that he prefers to be somewhere like Chicago—-remember the article several weeks ago when he wouldn’t deny his interest and intent to leave ATL. Now he is hurting and comment fully is indicative of his decision to look elsewhere. Fair weather fans is a problem in ATL. I’ve supported them all along even when they were horrible. But now I think it is time for Joe to go. I believe he just burned his bridges with comments about the fans. As for Woody-a change is needed if this team is ever going to get on track. Get a center and a good point guard and see what happens.

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Vick MURDERED helpless dogs by hanging them from trees and electrocuting them when he wasn’t jumping for joy as they bit each other and tore their flesh off…YOUR HERO, not mine!

If you don’t want to bring him “into the conversation”, then here’s a thought…Call yourself “Hawks Supporter”…Get it? Johnson IS the biggest p*ssy to put on a Hawks uni in the past decade. Just a fact. Howard had to put a towel over his face on the bench today because they were LAUGHING at the Hawks. Normally, that makes a player (or team) dig down and show what they’re made of…In the Hawks case, they dug down inside themselves and only found a bunch of half-eaten waffles and bags full of question marks…Just like last year.

He doesn’t play for PRIDE. Even if you believe they’re overmatched talent-wise, teams frequently win against better talent BECAUSE THEY HAVE HEART…Because they don’t give up…Because they refuse to lose. These Hawks (except for Horford) all EXPECT TO LOSE. It’s what they KNOW. And NOW YOU KNOW. But you should’ve figured it out last year when they gave up against the Cavs.

Johnson says, “I’m worth MORE than $60 Million.” Kovalchuk said, “I’m worth MORE than $101 Million.” They’re both LOSERS and this city will be better off in the long run with them gone. These franchises need to assemble players with INTEGRITY. Players who would give back their game salaries with pathetic performances like we’ve seen recently.

You know, guys who would say, “If I didn’t earn it, then I don’t want it.” Fans would respect that. Fans don’t respect high-paid quitters and guys that look like they’ve been tasered when they hit the court. That’s what these Hawks have shown everyone in the nation.

Woodson is just clueless. Is there a more pathetic coach in the NBA? No emotion. No game plan (except the same one that didn’t work the previous game either). Someone should sneak under his chair and tie his shoelaces together so when he jumps up and bites the hardwood, maybe he’d show a little emotion??!!?

Then again, maybe he’d just shave his friggin eyebrows again, huh?

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lol..Gilley, i saw Mike Bibby’s son too.

IMO, Joe Johnson is a good player, not great, just good. but i think he would be better as a 2nd option. With him as the first option, the ball stops moving. I also don’t recall JJ trying to get into the paint much tonite. A great player struggling with his shot, would’ve tried to get to the free throw line, rebound, defend, do other things to help the team. Tonite he didn’t do much of that.

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“Fair weather fans is a problem in ATL”

You’re damn right it is. Yes, the team has played like sh&t, but these “fans” are people that hardly go to the games.

I don’t blame JJ wanting to leave one bit. This is the worst comment that Joe has made since he’s been here, and now the fans want to run him out of town.

I guess we will never be able to get rid of this “loserville” that we have hanging over our heads. Alot of the hawks :fans” are losers too. At the games cheering for Kobe and LeBron,lol. Worst fans in the country…fair-weather fans,lol

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Joe you need to call Dorothy and go see the Wizard -maybe he has a heart and brain for you

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Thanks D Hawks…been waiting for someone to correct Joe’s phrase as well as Woody who said it earlier in the week. It’s, of course, I couldn’t care less….Joe says he could care less…well that would actually mean you care. Joe may just pull a Dave Justice and have a great game 4, the Hawks might win but it’s over on Wednesday!

Get a true center, move Al to forward, trade Marvin, get Childress back, replace Joe with D Wade no matter the cost and GET A NEW COACH.

Trade Bibby and/or Marvin if you can rob someone. Sort of like we did for Jamal!

Keep Zaza, Jamal, Josh, Al, Mario, Teague

Cut loose Joe Smith and Jason

And did I say…GET A NEW COACH!

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Send a message. Cheer Al when players are introduced Monday. Boo Joe.

Repeat, cheer Al, boo Joe.

Pass it on

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Thank you Magic for doing what the Bucks could not – GET RID OF WOODY FOR US!!!!

Al Horford deserves better teammates and can’t wait for Johnson to play in Atlanta with whatever team next year. Oh we will be there and if you think today’s boos were loud. Just wait. You boring regular season scab!

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Mike Hunt: You wanna-be tough whitey, good luck with your teabag, republican, KKK meeting

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Why in the #$% does a citizen of a particular city have a moral obligation to support a privately owned enterprise, such as a sports team?

Shouldn’t that support be earned, not expected?

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I keep seeing comments saying “we need to get a true center”. Wouldn’t we have done so if there was a true center to be had?

Problem is, there aren’t that many “true centers” in college or the pros to begin with.

Gone is the time where you can get a Ewing, Robinson, or Hakeem in the draft. A good center comes along maybe every 5-10 years now…if that

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Herschel Talker

May 8th, 2010
10:37 pm
What are the chances that Vick supporter is white? Between the grammar and the idea of supporting Vick, I’d put the odds at less than zero.
———–

Yes, I’m black. Wouldn’t want to be white..since you’re bringing up race.

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Isn’t this the second time Joe has made a comment that slammed the fans by saying the only people that matter are in the locker room?

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Are people really on here having comment fights about race? Idiots!

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BobDog

I agree with you 100%

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We absolutely should take Joe’s comments seriously jeffery d. It’s times like these that reveal true character, and Joe revealed his.

Case in point, if it was total frustration, why hasn’t an immediate apology been issued from Joe?

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Thanks Mike Hunt…noticed you corrected Joe too and then I just repeated you….should read the whole blog first.

Ok…someone mentioned that there aren’t that many “true centers”. OK but get a better 1 so Al can move over.

I think Marvin and Josh can be saved with a new coach.

I think Bibby’s still alright…just a little P O’d with watching a talented team play like they do. I think he’ll be back with a new attitude as long as we GET A NEW COACH!

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So VS, you say Atlanta has the “worst fans in the country”, right. Just list for us ALL of the Championships that professional teams have brought to our great city. Put em all down here for us to drink in (Falcons, Braves, Hawks, Thrashers). Here, I’ll make it EASY for you: ONE freakin championship in how many thousands and thousands of professional games played in this city.

1995 Braves

Professional failure breeds fan contempt…..It’s amazing Atlanta fans even go to professional games at all anymore. You should bite your tongue and APPLAUD Atlanta fans for still showing up year after year when all we do is get our hearts ripped out over and over and over. Rick Dudley is this city’s best chance for a Stanley Cup. He’s done it before. The other teams here are just Perennial Pretenders…

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Blow the whole thing up. Until tonight I believed that JJ deserved to be in a Hawks uniform for the rest of his career. Now, I am buying his ticket to anywhere. What a NO SHOW! Woody has lost control of the team and JJ has demonstrated that in the clutch he is non-existant.

Good by Woody and good by JJ. Good riddance to you both!

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If the Hawks really desire to be in the same league with the Magic, Cavs, and Lakers next season, and go deep into the playoffs, Mike Woodson must be fired! I will give the man credit though. At least he has gotten the Hawks back to some respectability. But this is is the second year in a row which the Hawks have looked totally clueless in the second round of the playoffs and much of that is due to poor coaching. Van Gundy of the Magic has more than outcoached Woody in this series. The Hawks season will end Monday night.

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Atlanta: Quitter Fans.

Worst in the country.

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IT WILL BE A COLD DAY IN H#$@ BEFORE I BUY ANOTHER TICKET TO A HAWKS GAME. THE TEAM IS FULL OF QUITTERS. THE TEAM IS FULL OF SELFISH PLAYERS WHO ARE GROSSLY OVERPAID.

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Oh and Vick supporter … It’s morons like you that give this town a bad name in the first place, not because of race, but because you lack any common sense. Don’t blame JJ? Are you kidding me? He wants big time money and THIS is the effort he gives. Airballs? He’s a second-to-third tier star in this league because he can’t put a team on his shoulders when it counts. Then he cries when fans boo after one poor playoff effort to the next. The Thrashers may stink, but at least their players have pride.

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The only person who says “Joe is right” is named Vick supported. Ironically, they talk about how fans don’t support their team.

Vick doesn’t play here anymore, titface.

F Joe. Not only is his play cutting down his contract, but now his off-field remarks are too.

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http://espn.go.com/nba/attendance

Yet, you “fans” love the Hawks. I can say one thing, I attend games. The majority of the people on here talking sh*t (MIKE HUNT) are fair-weather fans

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I never really thought that concrete and steel box structure would work anyway. Wait…. wrong blog.

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Joe Johnson < Joe Dirt

May 8th, 2010
10:57 pm
Vick Supporter, why do fans have a moral obligation to support a private organization, namely a sports team, when they fail to deliver a serviceable product?
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Well stay your ass at home!!! Problem solved!!

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Well, the arena would have been half empty on Monday anyway due to rush hour. Johnson really did it this time and clearly he knows he’s not going to be here anymore but instead of scrambling trying to make the game, we are going to just scramble just to get home like normal.

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KEEP HORFORD, ZAZA, JAMAL, AND TEAGUE. DUMP THE REST OF THESE UNDERACHIEVERS. KEEP THOSE 4 PLAYERS — THEY WANT TO WIN

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There are very few ‘true’ players in pro sports. Same with fans. Pro sports is an entertainment entity. If the product (team) can’t compete successfully in attendance with other options, the fans are not to blame. Plenty of options in Atlanta every weekend.

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Hey Vick Supporter … if you’re posting links … where’s the one on how many dogs Mike Vick killed on a weekly basis? You could cross-reference that on a Y-axis on number of times intercepted in his Falcons career.

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The Hawks should sign Luke Schenser and move Horford to the 4.

Total domination on the inside.

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Bye Bye Woody and Joe, hello Wade and Rivers.

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Sale the franchise…nobody likes lazy players whose idea of running and hustle is not to do it… all most of these guys care about is themselves….team basketball is a foreign concept…who needs basket ball in Atlanta…could care less about a bunch of overpaid, non-inspired prima-donnas….

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You can let Woody go, and any of these heartless, no guts players, but until you get rid of Gearon and the rest of this pathetic ownership it will do no good. Hope everyone that goes Monday has a great time, and boy am I so glad I gave up my tickets five years ago. Teams are a direct reflection of ownership in most cases. That is why the Hawks and Thrashers will never be a “player” in their respective leagues. Just like the ASG will never be a “player” because these bozo’s are a pathetic excuse for ownership, and are completely out of their league when it comes to ownership and management.

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Problem Solver, your post has been forwarded to the Smithsonian to be archived as the only writing that uses the words Luke Schenser and total domination in the same post.

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Joe Johnson get the F out of Atlanta.

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The Hawks are a laughingstock across the entire country, not just in Atlanta. They’ve lost 3 games in a row by an average of almost 30 points per game and needed 7 games to beat Milwaukee, a team that was far and away the worst in the playoffs talent-wise without Bogut and Redd.

Vick Supporter, we all realize why you are upset. How dare white people boo or criticize the black coach and black players, right? I mean, it’s really whitey’s fault for not supporting the team more….what idiot wouldn’t realize that?

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You guys here about whitey with a badge getting them bullets in his ass. LMAO

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ATL = Another Terrible Loss

May 8th, 2010
11:03 pm
Hey Vick Supporter … if you’re posting links … where’s the one on how many dogs Mike Vick killed on a weekly basis? You could cross-reference that on a Y-axis on number of times intercepted in his Falcons career.
——————-
Another white PETA extremist,lol…let it go woman. No one is talking about Vick but you

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I guess Johnson is intelligent enough to know if the fans stopped showing up then his team wouldn’t have the money to pay his contract, right?

I mean he is smart enough to know that, right?

Right?

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Do people not realize the saying is couldn’t care less, not could care less? Could care less implies that you do care, which leaves open the possibility of caring less.

Why is that so difficult for some people to understand?

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HOW IS THERE AN ARTICLE WRITTEN ABOUT HOW HAWKS ARE IN “MUST-WIN NOW MODE” FOR GAME 3 THEN HORFORD SAYS WE HAD A LACK OF EFFORT?

LOL!!!!!!!

“I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED. YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE.”
-TYPICAL WOODY QUOTE

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KEEP HORFORD, JAMAL, ZAZA, AND TEAGUE AND TRASH THE REST OF THESE UNDERACHIEVERS

I GUESS NO ONE CAN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT CRAW HAS WOKEN UP FINALLY. OF COURSE WOODY WON’T ACKNOWLEDGE BECAUSE HE YELLS AT HIM ALL THE TIME. WOODY WILL NEVER CALL OUT THE SACRED COWS: BIBBY, JOE, MARVIN

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The only goal these clowns have is to end the season the fastest way possible and collect their paychecks. It’s a total joke that these lazy morons can make a living doing anything more complicated than spreading mulch or riding the back of a garbage truck.

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we can kiss this season goodbye! Forget about joe and woody we can find better players (and a coach) then them!

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JeJe I think your calling Bibby a sacred cow is totally uncalled for. A cow has a decided edge in lateral movement and quickness over Bibby.

Let’s be more respectful of cows.

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I like men

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Lock Bibby up with a long term contract NOW!!! That guy is freakn clutch!

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I bet Shultzie reads his blogs an laughs his tail off at how these blogs go in a complete different direction some days.

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This article says it all about the Hawks and Joe Johnson….

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2010/columns/story?columnist=sheridan_chris&page=joejohnson-100508

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Folks, As a Magic fan it saddens me to see Hawks fans so torqued on their team. But at the same time, I understand. WE were there not too long ago (worst team in the league).

We had a couple of lucky (draft pick ping-pong ball) bounces.

Your day will come too.

Keep the faith.

Then you can say, “I was a fan since……..”.

Peace.

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Let’s go easy on these Hawks. Woodson took them from nothing to something. Now you guys want to dump him. When he began coaching this team nobody wanted anything to do with them. Now that they’re good you want to dump this guy – very nice. The Spirit owners are not going to dump Woody. We’ll be good next year with Teague as the point guard. Just relax and wait til next year.

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@brody

When did I bring up race? I’ve been talking basketball unless someone makes a racial comment towards me

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This team and it’s leadership could care less about what this city thinks….(well, I won’t say all players, I am sure some might care) Once again we are humilated in our own city by our own players!

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For the record, we the few and proud Hawks fans NEVER wanted the idiots to trade Nique for vanilla Danny Manning

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Woodson is here for the long term – Spirit owners love Woody for his ongoing loyalty during the bad years. Those of you that don’t like him can move on! You’re not going to be heard so
quit wasting your time on this blog about firing Woody.

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This was the fourth Hawks game I attended this season. At the first part of the season I thought the Hawks would be a contender. However, the Hawks have regressed instead of progressed. Most people on this board have made some valid points, but lets face it people, name calling and putting people down only show frustration on your part. I agree that Joe Johnson needs to go. He has played terribly and his comment today shows that he has no class. Woody needs to go, because the players don’t seem to respond to him. I drive over 100 miles each way to attend an Atlanta sporting event. The Braves, Falcons, Thrashers and Hawks are my favorite teams and I attend several games watching each team play every year. However, many Atlanta fans are inattentive and have little knowledge of the game. That being said, there is improvement to be made by all sides.

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This team, coach included, are not winners. They quit. At what point do you play for personal pride? This roster needs to be blownup and money spent elsewhere.

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Van Gundy is where he should be – Woodson is where he should be. Is he the greatest coach – no? Does he deserve to keep coaching the team he handled back when nobody wanted them – yes, of course. Woodson less Joe Johnson is probably what we have next year. Childress fills in where Johnson drops off!

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to all you critics out there. what is your salary?

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Woodson + Childress – Johnson is next year’s team. It will be good and we’ll get further into the playoffs. Wait and see.

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BURN those bridges, Joe!

.

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Let’s remember how Mike Smith made the Falcons a team that fights. The Hawks need to get rid of all big mouths such as Joe Johnson and also the half-effort man Zaza Pachulia. They need to build the roster around players that give their all every game and get a motivational coach like Mike Smith that the players want to die on the court for. Then all of us fans will go to the games regardless of the outcome – if they battle with heart and give a full effort, we will be there.

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vick supporter you’re correct,,, but that group of players that you listed were all black and that we wanted them gone. Implying we don’t appreciate a good black athlete in Atlanta

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I have attended….got to make the correction before Mike “Teach” Hunt opens his stinking mouth

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Don’t forget everybody and their mother wanted Keith Brooking out at one point as well.

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Let’s get real Atlanta fans. Atlanta misses Mike Vick and Dominque Wilkins. We all know that. But we won’t miss Joe Johnson. And I’m glad Woodson is coming back. He has the right approach and just needs some players willing to play with pride – he’ll have that next year and this will all be different – wait and see.

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this has all been Mike Woodson’s fault.

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To anyone wanting to make the point that Atlanta fans are racist or whatever your trying to get at, your case is void by two words. Jason Heyward.

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Atlanta fans aren’t racist. They love a good winning team – if it’s black all the better. But winning is #1.

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I actually feel bad for Woody. It’s not like he’s not trying. The players aren’t. An NBA coach shouldnt have to motivate his players. Woody shouldnt either. Then again, I HATE his defensive gameplans, his lack of adjustments, and the offense will take care of itself offense. JJ has to go, and unfortunately so does Josh Smith. I know JS has had “good” games in this series, but he isn’t trying. JS has the talent to takeover a game from a defense and scoring standpoint, but he doesn’t try.

Let JJ go. Try to sign DWade (if the Hawks were willing to sign JJ for a max contract, DWade shouldnt be a problem). Trade JS to “I dont care where” just get a sharp shooting small forward. Try to find a defensive center. I know easier said than done.

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Hey Joe Johnson,

It is quite clear you do not care if the fans do not show up from your performance during the playoffs. Earn your pay check you idiot. You must have taken economics in college since if there are no fans = no fat pay check for your worthless performance and attitude. I hope you leave Atlanta with your selfish worthless attitude. You should be apologizing for your shameless performance.

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Teague was seriously underdeveloped. For that reason I’d want Woody gone. I think Bibby is good for 15 minutes a game. Jeff showed his mettle in the bench game with Cleveland. He showed he belonged. He cut off Brandon Jennings penetration as well as Jameer Nelson. The only player I saw burn him was T.J. Ford on the Pacers, Teague keeps everyone else in front of him.

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Its Not ALL Joe Johnson’s Fault! You cant blame just one PLAYER. Face it, the hawks are not GREAT but they are GOOD. We need to keep joe but get another coach. Joe is not a superstar but him and Al are all-stars. With two all-stars, im sure u can build your team around them.
1. U got to decide who to keep, josh or al
2. Marvin’s role on the hawks is to play good defense and knock down the open shot, the problem is, that’s not marvin’s game, he is a big guy, he should be posting up, why do we have a 6′9 guy lookin for open shots! geez he’s a 6′9 SF! Get his ass on the BLOCK and POST UP!
3. We are playing one of the best shooting teams in the league and we have marvin and bibby and crawford (3 not good defenders) on the court for the bulk of the minutes, we should have used teague and west.
4. Can we PLEASE get rid of Zaza and Collins OMG! Morris has more upside and we need a backup PF becuz joe smith saw NO minutes.
5. We lack the HEART to be a contender in this league.

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I love sports, I went to arguably the best all around sports college in the country. I’ve lived in some of the greatest sports cities, vick supporter is an idiot in every sense of the word. Anyone who supports vick in atlanta is not worthy of eating food. He has never been right. However, this is the first time. ATL is the best rap city and among the worst sports cities. The magic are the best team left in the NBA. Yeah the Hawks have quit but in a way they fit ATL. We quit on our teams when we know they are outmatched. They act the same way on the court. Why can’t we just be happy. Isn’t this as good as the ATLANTA HAWKS have ever done. Don’t you think these magic will be in the finals? just wondering

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And all of this “we should sign D-Wade” BS.

No FA wants to come here!! Have you people noticed? He plays in Miami, where all celebrities want to live or already do live there.

There’s no way D-Wade comes to ATL, especially with the type of fans we have. They would be trying to run D-Wade out of town and he IS a superstar.

This place is hopeless unlees we could get a lucky bounce in the draft lottery

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People in Atlanta should support the magic they are playing good basketball and their best player is a hometown guy from Atlanta Dwight Howard.

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New York, New York

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@atl fan for life

I take that my username is throwing you off? Well, don’t make any comments towards me. That will solve your problem.

Vick Supporter is my username and has been my username on here for years now. Not changing for you

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Vick supporter? ok your an idiot…Vick sucked and was a ignorant ass and it showed.

JJ is an ignorant ass and a quitter and it shows. He will be gone at the end of the year.

Fans pay to see the athletes play and they make the team!!!!

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Its funny….I’m talking basketball, yet people are replying with Vick towards me,lol. My username must really be getting to you people,lol.

Don’t care what you people think.

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Don’t care what you people think.

Yes you do. Or you wouldn’t be here.

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Vick Supporter, you say that the fans in Atlanta should be more appreciative of all the athletes you listed? How many championships did they bring us? Accepting anything less than ultimate success breeds failure.

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Vick,you are smart enough to know yow “name” causes some negativity. Please don’t pretend you don’t. Your choice. IMHO,I could care less. If I used “Jesus’s” name on a Jewish theological blog,I should expect some pushback. Some might even say I was looking for it….

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Same bottom line-Hawks really suck right now.

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Jeff you are a horrible, horrible person. I wish you were fired. I have tried to be nice but you just don’t make if easy or deserve it (I was really nice after your mom passed). Does the blog folks look forward to what Jeff has to say? Please comment because I think he is a Jack A$$ and a terrible writer as it relates to the Hawks. If Joe and Woody leave they are back to Clippers south , which is fine if that is what you want!!!

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/05/08/blown_opportunity/

Celtics lost by they 30 yesterday and they did not want Doc Rivers fired? Why are the writers in Boston 10 times better than you Jeff? They support their teams and coaches and when they criticize it’s balanced and constructive criticism!!!

This officially begins the FIRE JEFF SCHULTZ campaign (by the way, why are you and Rick Sund so close? What is the connection prior to him coming here?). The bottom line on the Hawks as they are currently configured are just not good enough to beat the Magic and Jeff you know that!!!

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@Snowman

I don’t want Schultz fired…i like his articles, but you are correct about the “have the coach fired” statement.

Thats the answer to all sports in Atlanta. Fire the coach. Bobby Cox has been very lucky

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Your team makes the Magic look like world champions. The Hawks lack character. They may jump high, have good moves, but they don’t have the character to step up to a challenge and compete. The “stars” on the team act as if they’re entitled to be on the court and their lollygagging is disrespectful to all those who care about the team, including fans, owners, and other teammates. If these clowns were on the Magic, they would be benched and we have the talent that they wouldn’t be getting off of the bench. I can’t wait to spank em again and send them home for the summer. Good luck rebuilding a TEAM.

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@bobo

I never said that they wasn’t. My point is that the fan support sucks for the hawks or I should say in this town. JJ spoke the truth….probably shouldn’t have said it aloud, but its true. i believe the whole team feels that way. Do you not recall the many articles/interviews where they are asking for fan support? Can you honestly tell me that didn’t happen? The man is human, not a machine, nor is he LeBron.

We all know he’s not a superstar, yet you want him to perform as one. Yes, the Hawks got their asses kicked and yes they probably quit (some of them). they have no chance against the Magic ( we knew that also)

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This guy has the right angle, how can the Hawks really care when nobody in Atlanta does?:

http://bit.ly/c9Vu7y

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Your argument sucks..”think about all the times they asked for fan support” obviously he cares about the fans showing up if they keep asking

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[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/05/08/hawks-quit-on-season-and-joe-doesnt-care-what-you-... [...]

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Vick Supporter Take your sorry butt out of here. You have no idea what you are talking about. This team quits over and over on the road and when they play anybody that is decent. It’s joke fans like you that keep feeding their ego with excuses for their worthless efforts like this entire series as well as against the Bucks without their best player. Go watch WWE or nascar or something that you know something about. You obviously have no clue about this team and how to play the game.

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I’m an avid supporter of the Hawks. Although probably foolish, my heart wouldn’t let me not get tickets for game 4. They have my support until it’s all over, though I’m honestly not sure they deserve it at this point. Some blue-collar workers save money from their paychecks for weeks to be able to take their families to see the Hawks. It is disrespectful of them to not give the effort the fans deserve. I’m a music artist here in Atlanta and when you have passion for what you do, whether there are 20 people or 20,000 in the crowd, the ones that showed up deserve to see you give your all. “No-show” Joe is NOT worthy of a max contract.

@Vick Supporter…I take it you don’t have your own company b/c you seem to be implying that you would give an employee a raise after they prove they can’t produce during the time it is needed the most…or after they said they don’t care whether your customers patronize your business or not. Not exactly good business. And yes I’m black so let’s please leave race out of this and all comments.

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Johnson QUIT with 10 games left in the season. The guy is a loser. This team is all quiters and have no trust and heart.. The coach is a bum and J. Smith is a PUNK

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lmao i find it funny it takes for the hawks to get beat bad for joe to finaly talk

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PLease don’t blame the fans for the poor performances of this team. They make a lot of money; the fans have every right to expect them to come to play; to play for 4 quarters; to not QUIT. And they did quit.

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@Numb2daGame

Show me a post where I brought up race

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Greg

OKC had 99% capacity for the SEASON. Get it right

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Vick supporter is just one of those guys who wants to argue with everyone, weak stuff

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Fan “support”, like friendship, is earned and lost based on experiences. Hawks did have great support back in Wilkins day-they eaned it. Frankly, they may have lost a lot of it when they booted him (right or wrong). Hawk’s were starting to earn it back,but their play and attitude has created a backslide.
Atlanta is a tough loyalty city,but check out GA football and see if it’s the city’s problem.

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They didn’t just get their asses beat. They QUIT!! Are you stupid? No team should lose by 30 @ home in a 2 vs 3 match up. Whenever times get tough they QUIT and FOLD see Golden State loss see Dallas loss see cleveland loss @ cleveland. I could go on and on

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You would love to fight someone…that’s classy

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[...] You can find that story here. [...]

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Agree that racism still lives and some here prove that.Please don’t confuse all of us who may not agee with you with these idiots.

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Dwight Howard is worth a 30 point difference? didn’t think so, he was in foul trouble and they still could not do anything. When it gets tough they fold

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bobo

May 9th, 2010
12:37 am
Agree that racism still lives and some here prove that.Please don’t confuse all of us who may not agee with you with these idiots.
—————-
I’m not even talking about race…I’m getting attacked over a username that I refuse to change and my stance on JJ being correct…thats as far as I’m going to take it………

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why is race beong brought into this? I cheered Mike Vick, until he proved personally unworthy of the cheers, and I have loved the Hawks since the 70’s; but, that does not mean they didn’t quit. Yes I said quit. They are a heartless bunch that show up when they get ready. They are just as likely to win by 25 or lose by 40. They give inconsistant effort. As for Joe Johnson, he is one of the most overrated players I have ever seen. He is mediocre. The team would be better off with him gone playing Crawford as the starting 2. The reason the fans quit on this team is they know, if the Hawks can’t get by on pure athleticism, they are about to get blown out…be it the Bullets or the Magic. Yes this team won 53 games this year; but, they are the most inconsistant 50 win team in the history of the NBA….want the fans support?…briong in some Dominque Wilkens, Dan Roundfield, Doc Rivers, Lou Hudson type plaers that can be counted on when the game is played above athleticism.

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I say we keep Marvin, Crawford, and Horford. I don’t think that Josh Smith is coachable. We get a decent big man and a good coach and we will be in business. The jury is still out on Teague. I think that with the right coach Marvin Williams can be a very good player. He needs a coach that will challenge him. Woody let these guys develop too many bad habits that he didn’t break them out of. I mean you can’t argue that we don’t have talent. For too long the guys had to defer to JJ on offense and it was a detriment to their games.

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Vick Supporter

May 9th, 2010
12:32 am
cloudy

May 9th, 2010
12:29 am
PLease don’t blame the fans for the poor performances of this team. They make a lot of money; the fans have every right to expect them to come to play; to play for 4 quarters; to not QUIT. And they did quit.
————————-

The Hawks got their asses beat. plain and simple
—————

@Dog_Bits_Vick . Does that answer your question?

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We must remember JJ has never been a proven number one star. This was a good year but we must make changes. The goal of playing in the NBA is to win the title not go to the playoffs.

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I am well aware of you saying you have used it for 5 years, you are the problem with sports fans in ATL. Most care about INDIVIDUALS, not the team. I am sure you were jumping up and down when the he scored on the falcons

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obviously you have not talked about him on the Hawks blog, that would make zero sense

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**** Joe Johnson and **** the Hawks!

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Taylor

May 9th, 2010
12:44 am
I am well aware of you saying you have used it for 5 years, you are the problem with sports fans in ATL. Most care about INDIVIDUALS, not the team. I am sure you were jumping up and down when the he scored on the falcons
——————————————-

Yep, I sure was. We’re talking about the Hawks, not the Falcons. yes, I hate the Falcons. Everyone on here knows that. Nothing new. Not something that needs to be discussed on a hawks blog, yet you keep talking about Vick. Let it go

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Why do you hate the falcons?

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Re dog bits like short come routines?

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Taylor

May 9th, 2010
12:45 am
obviously you have not talked about him on the Hawks blog, that would make zero sense
———————-

Well why are you saying I’m baiting people? I’m not talking about Vick at all. There’s no point…this is a hawks blog and I am a Hawks fan

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Chuck, there are pages and pages of comments, someone must care

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my lie? I just asked why you hated the falcons?

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I think that instead of booing Joe Johnson when he is announced at Monday’s game, everyone (assuming there will be other fans there also…lol) should just be EXTREMELY silent. I think that would be more awkward than being booed. Booing would show emotion but to be able to hear a pin drop when his name is announced would reciprocate the “couldn’t care less” feeling. On another note, even though the Spurs were down 0-2 and now 0-3, you did NOT and will NOT see them taking plays off and showing no effort. It’s all about expectations. Many times, players will play FOR their coach even when they don’t feel like playing for themselves. With coaches like Poppovich and Sloan, if you don’t go all out, you get to watch the game from the sideline.

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@Vick Supporter

Yes

A passionate fan is a good thing.

My sincere apologies,

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thats was game 2 i’m talking about game 3.

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I have a feeling I already know the answer. The falcons probably wronged Vick right? Please, you are as dumb as I thought you were

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Anyway, it’s pretty clear lack of effort was a major problem for these guys…how many 4th quarter leads did we see get blown?

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unreal, we shouldn’t boo, but no one should do anything. Just silence

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Well then just answer the question. If you are so strong in your beliefs, why don’t you answer it? Who cares if someone rags you about it

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If you dislike the fans so much, why comment on the blog?

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I’ve read many of the comments and would like to say this…every professional sport here in Atlanta will have its loyal followers no matter what. There are enough people in this city to frequent each sport and keep them afloat. Case in point…Atl Braves were dead and stankin for years, until the magical early 90’s gave us hope and new baseball fans, same for the Falcons and Hawks, each reaching their own peaks throughout the years. Patience is the key here. If you are a fan of any of the aforementioned sports (notice I said SPORTS), you will stay that way no matter how they are performing. Its about going out and enjoying a game with friends or family and hoping the best for the home team. I don’t mind Joe expressing his opinion about the fans here; he obviously wants to go elsewhere, but I would question his timing in saying such a thing. Woody’s a good coach and may be asked to come back next year however if THE OWNERS don’t want a championship ring they are NOT going to put together a championship team. So fans I say this…channel your frustration toward MANAGEMENT in any professional sport and let them know you are disappointed in the crap that we have to work with…and keep the faith sport fans of Atlanta…our time is coming.

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OK – everyone is frustrated – now Breathe….deep breath in, deep breath out…its just a Basketball game….Having said that, change is definitely needed and I suspect will come….as for the ugliness and the racist comments on this blog – its just juvenile and not necessary.

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Taylor

May 9th, 2010
1:01 am
Okay jackass, forget it. Have fun cheering on the third string quarterback!
———————–
You must mean the one who scored 2tds on the Falcons on 7 plays, right?

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Joe Johnson has been atrocious for this entire series – go take a look at the stats. He IS choking, but most of the stuff that’s been posted on here tonight relate to his comments after the game. It’s bad enough that he’s not doing anything on the court and his team is getting humiliated…then, he has to go running off at the mouth about how he doesn’t care about the fans who are paying his salary.

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Taylor

May 9th, 2010
1:03 am
Imagine you are an NFL player and you see a bunch ofDolts wearing falcon vick jerseys cheering against you, even worse
————————-

Maybe thats because the falcons suck….

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Woodson has done a decent job with the players he’s had through the years. This may have been his most talented team and 53 wins is respectable. Unfortunately what we saw tonight wiped away all the good vibes of the regular season. They failed in every aspect of the game and sportsmanship. Joe Johnson was obviously frustrated and took a shot at the fans. During last year’s playoffs he made less than positive comments about his teammates and their ability to win a game. When things get bad, you can count on Joe to say the wrong things and then some. He never sounded like a leader of this team. Michael Jordan never bitched the way Joe has. Winners talk about winning, not whining. The Spirit won’t have to worry about what they can afford to offer Joe. He just punched his ticket out of town. It’s one less decision to be made. Woodson won’t survive this. The guys just don’t listen. Let’s be happy with him getting the team this far. Now we need someone to take us to the top of the mountain. Tonight Josh Smith showed he’s not on-board for that kind of challenge. John Wooden called it competitive excellence. Playing your absolute best when everything is on the line. This team doesn’t have it. We need a coach who can teach it and players who will buy into it with a burning desire to play their absolute best every night. The Hawks need to follow the Falcon’s formula now. Rick Sund remodels the team with high character winning players, ships off the malcontents and gets a fiery coach who is all about winning. Get ready because change is a coming. Let’s just hope the Spirit can get it right

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If we get rid of Woody, we need to pay Larry Brown as much money as he wants to coach this team. He would do JS alot of good

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I saw what vick did in Atlatnta, he regressed as it went along.

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And mental giants pay these clowns to dog it.I think it’s , well what ownership deserves.When do the NBA playoffs end,December?

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LOL @JL

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smileitsnotthatbad, I agree. Remember David Justice? Winning can cure almost everything.

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@real talk

It would be tough, but I would take LeBron. If the Hawks could cover ORL’s 3pt shooters we would have a decent chance to win. The double team that Howard commands is killing/killed us

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The Hawks are a legit big man away from being really good, patience is what the hawks need, you get a sign and trade deal with Joe since we know he is not gonna be here next year and you go after a young center (Brooke Lopez or Demarcus Cousins) Teague is gonna start next year so you tell him to go watch tape of rondo and come back stronger and with a better jump shot, go after John Salmons as your 2 guard or move Jamal into the starting lineup. Then you have a starting lineup of
pg. teague
sg. john salmons or jamal
sf. josh
pf. Al
c. Brooke Lopez or Demarcus Cousins
It took the cavs 3-4 years to find the right chemistry to contend. Oh and the new coach should be a young up and coming guy that has energy and passion that woody just doesn’t have, oh and an offensive mind that doesn’t tell his players to iso in the fourth quarter.

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I just read over all of the comments for the entire night, and you seem pretty angry, as evidenced by your barb back at me. It’s all good, though dude. I’ll leave you to your ranting and raving.

Oh, and BTW, I am one who is anything but a fair-weather fan. I’ve been totally consistent in my view of the Hawks – I lost all respect for them back in the Jon Koncak (the Great White Dope) days, after they traded Nique (I was at UGA the same time as him and he was such a friendly guy around campus). I have never been to a game since. I’m consistent in wanting us to get rid of both the Hawks and the Thrashers – two of the biggest jokes for sports franchises.

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Why are we talking about mike vick this is a hawks blog guys.

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So Monday will be JJ’s last game as a Hawk. (horray!!!!!!!!)

So lets say goodbye to him, by booing him everytime he touches the ball.

C’mon it would be funny and it probably be on NBA.com and ESPN.

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well you figure to have about 9-10 million in cap space with joe gone and Salmons might want at most 7-8 mill. But we have to pay Al pretty soon .

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Taylor – great point, and you are right.

But the Hawks just haven’t done anything since Nique and Willis and Webb to draw me in and get me to embrace the team. I go way back also, watching Maravich and Hudson and Drew growing up. But except for a Steve Smith here and there, I’ve just not been able to make a connection with the players.

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What about serenading him with chants of Jo-seph Jo-seph, like the Mets fans do to Chipper with their Larry chant?

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Illinidawg, I had a lot of fun this year in the regular season. It’s just sad to see how it ended

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Let this series end mercifully. The hawks should just let the backups play the last game. I am sure that at least they will not lie down and they will put forth a sincere effort. I don’t put much stock into what JJ said. It was something I have to believe he regretted as soon as it came out of his mouth. I have to think that he was more disappointed in his game than he was angry with the fans. It is apparent that he is not the go to guy that he wants to be but I still wouldn’t just let him walk. It’s not like anyone thought that the hawks were going to win the series with Orlando, but no one thought that they would look so pathetic in defeat. The hawks had their hearts ripped from them the very first game. After that massacre they knew that it was fruitless to try anymore. The hawks for all intents and purposes have simply quit on their coach. Coach has got to go. Can’t have your players quitting on you. They now know how Custer must have felt.

Vick Supporter, even attempting to defend the hawk’s after the way they have played in the playoffs is about the dumbest thing I have heard in a while. You actually think that the hawks are not doing better for lack of fan support. If the fans don’t show up then we fans don’t support them. I root for them. I catch a game on the tube every now and then. I don’t go to the games because I live 180 miles away and cannot afford the trip, the ticket prices nor the outrageous food prices. But I still root for them the best I can. Well if Joe don’t care about the fans, then I have a unique idea. How about caring about that fat paycheck that you get every year.

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Joe Johnson couldn’t care less, build the team around Al Horford, he cares more!!!

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ticket prices aren’t that high lol. weak excuse, but I get your drift

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The Hawks should bring in Big Z and Udonis Haslem to come off bench. Big Z has clearly lost his playing time in Cleveland. Dwight would have to respect his jumper on the defensive end. Let JJ walk and bring in Ray Allen (would only work if Woodson is gone because he doesn’t run enough screens to get shooters open) or Dirk. Make Teague shoot 300 jumpshots a day over the summer and let him loose next season.

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Hawks should move up in the draft and take the Whiteside kid. Hire Alonzo Mourning, Hakeem Olajuwon, or Kevin Mchale to get him caught up on offense and post moves.

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We have to get rid of Joe Johnson and Mike Woodson. Those guys are holding us back.

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Josh started the third quarter with 5-6 awful shots. That didn’t set the tone for a good half of basketball.

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Joe Johnson and Josh Smith…….

You are the most talented players on the team. And you are fortunate enough to be surrounded by an abundance of talent. But you 2 guys are quitters. You quit on yourselves…you quit on your team…you quit on the fans…and you quit on the city of Atlanta. You dont have the necessary player leadership to get this done and Josh Smith….you lack the mental toughness to rid yourself of the cancer to this team that you have become.

Josh and Joe need to move on….even if it means the Hawks taking a step backwards….because as good as Joe and Josh are….and believe me…they can be very good at times….they are a God given waste of talent and they only hurt this team when adversity rises up and faces them. They have no answer….and when it comes to basketball…they have no heart. They need to go.

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Do not bring out the white playoff t-shirts Monday! It will be beyond embarrassing.

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Just saw the Jazz / Lakers highlights and Utah looked like I thought the Hawks were going to show up today. Thanks Magic for helping us get rid of JJ and Woody in one series. Hope you win it all!

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Wow you sure are asking for a lot dominic, don’t think its gonna happen but i understand your frustration.

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King James you must not read the braves blog if you think Chipper is getting a free past or may be you used him as an example because he is white. Your analogy of Atlanta not being a sports town is a bunch of bunk also. The Lakers won their titles because they had Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Kobe, Shaq, West, Chamberlain. The Celtics had Russell, Havlicek, Bird, and to many other to mention, Chicago had Jordan, Pippen, New York had Reed, Frazier, Ewing, Detroit had Lambier, Horn, Sally, Thomas, you get my drift. These so called sports towns won their titles because they simply had more talent on their team than any other team had, not because they were sports towns. That’s like saying that if these present or the past Hawks teams would have been champions if they had only had the luck of playing in New York or Los Angles. How long do think it took the LA Lakers to win their first title, the Red Sox , the Chicago Cubs, these what you like to call sport cities? The Hawks not winning a title as of yet has nothing to do with Atlanta but does have a lot to do with other teams simply being better. I agree with some of what you had to say but some of it was just opinionated bunk.

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King James,

You are an idiot. Chipper Jones gets ripped a thousand times a day on Dave O Brien’s blog and all that guy has ever done was bring a championship to Atlanta, win a batting title, and win a MVP. And he’s going to the hall of fame when he’s done playing baseball. Joe Johnson has done nothing and lord forbid he gets ripped when the Hawks put in the worst showing I have ever seen from a pro team in the playoffs. This team was the third best team in the east? Man the NBA has gone down hill.

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Everyone must have forgot that the hawks have NEVER made past the second round of the playoffs since they have been in atlanta.So why are we all up tight?? They have only been doing the same thing for the past 40 plus years.I know that everyone might be upset at JJ comments.But nobody made you buy a ticket or made you watch the game…..

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i do not even care at this point, the hawks need to trade Josh Smith, let Joe (crappy shot selection, hey let me take it 1 on 5 every other possession) Johnson go, sign D-Wade, revamp the bench with the Smith trade, get a new coach, how about Vinny Del Negro? At least he competed with the cavs even though he was clearly outnumbered, just someone,

this team and management needs a reality check,

this crap we have seen in these playoffs is crap, it make me sick, i just turned off the game halfway through the first quarter because this team does not even care anymore, and it is all because of our so called superstar Joe Johnson, You see how Wade fired up the troops to beat Boston after they were down 3-0? the hawks are going to get destroyed yet again, heck they will probably make history monday, this team needs to be completely different next year, or I am just gonna start cheering for orlando, at least they bring it every night unluck some team located in the ATL

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Actually this is what you need to do Hawks,

Literally, trade everyone on that roster not named Jamal Crawford and Al Horford, because they always bring it, Horford has hade some crappy games offensively in these playoffs yes, but he is still blocking shots, still clapping and being enthusiastic when good things happen, and he is still beastin on the boards, jamal is the only one of who knows how to put it in the basket and oh MR. MAX MONEY JOHNSON PAY ATTENTION:, Jamal does not sit there for 15 seconds dribbling the ball and doing the same stupid jumper that you always miss with a hand in your face because you do not move the ball,

build around them two, sign D-Wade, then build around them three, who cares at this point,

A guy we draft in the 2nd round will give more than our professional players did tonight….goodness, pathetic Hawks, pathetic

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The NBA is pitiful, especially the Hawks.

Can’t wait for…………FOOTBALL season.

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Is it possible that Orlando is actually this much better than Atlanta? I’m an Orlando fan, so maybe I’m impartial, but I went to GT and spent 7 years in the ATL. I have a little bit of fondness in my heart for the Hawks. But let’s breakdown the roster. Joe Johnson has never impressed me. He’s the best player on the Hawks, but I have yet to figure out exactly why he should be considered anything more than a second banana. Bibby is the best point guard, but he’s too old these days. He’s a decent outside shooter, but I don’t really know what else he can do. Crawford is a scorer, but he does nothing else, and he’s prone to cold spells. So while he may score 20 every game, once he goes cold, he needs to come out of the game or else he will throw away possessions with missed shots. Josh Smith is an elite athlete, there’s no denying this. His problem is that he has no offensive game except to attack the basket, so opponents can live with letting him take jump shots. Marvin Williams is pretty much a nondescript player. I can’t tell you what his specialty is, because he has never proven to have a specialty. He’s a decent overall player, but is nothing more than a 5/6/7/8th man depending on whether he’s a starter and whether the bench is any good. Horford is a nice player. He’s not big enough to be a dominant center, but he’s a good enough player to have good matchups against 4s and 5s in the league. He might be the most important player for the Hawks. Who else is left to talk about? Pachulia is a good backup center who could start for a few teams. I was actually upset when the Magic let him go, but it turns out that he’s not as good as Gortat. And beyond this, there’s not much to talk about for the Hawks.

Contrast this to the Magic. They have Howard who is pretty much the consensus best center in the NBA. Nelson is a winner, going back at least to college. Nelson is a drive and dish sort of player, and it’s proven that to be successful in basketball, the point guard has to be really active, ie driving to the hoop on at least 50% of the possessions. Lewis was a top 20 scorer when he was the “man” on his bad Seattle teams. With the Magic, he has two options depending on the opponent: Be a 3 pt threat or punish smaller opponents on the block, and he’s very good at both of these things. Vince Carter is Vince Carter. He’s still a great athlete, and he has a good mid-range shot. Until VC has to go against an elite, tough defender like Artest, we won’t know whether he’ll wilt or not. Then the Magic have Barnes who is a long, defensive minded player, but he can also hit outside shots and drive to the basket. He’s basically Marvin Williams, only Barnes is a top defender, which is more valuable than being a nondescript offensive player. Going to the bench, there’s Gortat, who might be the best backup center in the league. Pietrus is a more athletic Barnes, with a more varied offensive game, but maybe a lesser defensive game. Jason Williams sucks. JJ Redick is an unathletic player, but he knows his role and plays it well. Ryan Anderson is basically a white Marvin Williams. Brandon Bass rarely plays, but he was a top 7/8 player for Dallas the previous 2 years. The Magic are just a much deeper team with better players at most positions. At best, Joe Johnson and Josh Smith are better than their Magic counterparts, but that’s debatable. Their counterparts are Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter, and Matt Barnes. Barnes is the worst of the 3, and he’s a really good defender, which neither JJ nor JS are. If you put Horford on Barnes, then Lewis and Carter are definitely on par with Smith and Johnson from an overall standpoint and Horford becomes the best matchup, but then Howard can roam free to try and intimidate Horford with double teams. On offense, the best option might be to have Bibby play on the block, but then the only shooter he’d have is Crawford, but you can’t play Crawford and Bibby at the same time because they would get abused on defense. Really, the Hawks are dead because they don’t have enough size to matchup against Howard, and they also don’t have enough shooters to stretch the floor. The Hawks best players are slashers and mid-range guys, but the Magic have defenders who do well against those types of players. It’s just not a good matchup for the Hawks. The reason the Lakers can beat the Magic is because they have Bynum and Gasol. Both of those guys are athletic big men who can hit mid-range shots. If the Magic go smaller, one of those two Lakers big men will overpower his defender, and if the Magic go big, their offense will struggle, and one of the Lakers big men will be able to drive past the slower magic defender. Outside of that, the Lakers have Kobe and Odom, who can both abuse their defender on offense and play long defense to disrupt the Magic players.

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lose by 40 on the road; lose by 30 at home; sorry Hawks deserved to be boo’ed…and JJ should have just said “we deserved it!”…period. Championship teams take the boos from the fans and move on (Cav’s blow out at home by C’s, fans bood!, but Lebron doesnt say anyting, C’s get blow out at home, fans boo..Piece not blaming fans… bye bye JJ; actually wanted you to stay before you showed true character.

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JESUS DUDE, I KNOW YOULL NEVER READ THIS BUT YOU SAY BRINGING UP RACE? YOU PRETTY MUCH IMPLIED SOMETHING RACIAL IN EVERYONE OF YOUR POST. COME ON DUDE MUCH LIKE SUPPORTING VICK WHICH IS FINE BUT KEEP THAT CRAP OUT. THE TRUTH WAS TOLD BOUT VICK AND IT WAS SICK IN THE HEAD. THATS THAT

ONELOVE GA

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Hawks fans….or used to be fans….if you love the game that is basketball, save your money and purchase UGA basketball tickets for next year. Mark Fox and company will not disappoint you. The Hawks died in my heart with the trade of ‘The Human Highlight Film’.

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Typical NBA player; tells the fans he could care less about them. And does anybody wonder why the NBA is not popular in this country any longer!

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I dont live in Atlanta, but I’ve followed the Hawks for years.

After Johnson’s comments, the Hawks shouldn’t even try to re sign him. Hard working people, in still tough economic times, show up to the arena to support this team, and Johnson, a guy making millions, says that? If I was the owner, I’d say to him “Joe, you insulted the team, the fans, the city of Atlanta, and the orginization, get the hell out, and dont let the door hit you in the A$$!”. As an average folk, I have no sympathy for a whining, selfish millionaire ballplayer who says he doesn’t care about the fans. When you’re paid that kind of money, and you have the talent these guys have, you give your best effort, always. Fans understand that guys arent machines, and that there will be nights when even the top athletes will be off their game, and have a bad shooting or defensive night, but, don’t ever say you dont care!

After his comments, I despise Joe Johnson now. Let the Hawks go down tomorrow night. They’re not going to win this series anyway, and then Mr Johnson can go fly the coop for his “max contract”, and hopefully get booed in every stinking place he goes!

What a JackA$$!

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Screw you Joe Johnson…..please leave and let him leave. Please don’t renew Mike Woodson.

Sick of this same show every damn year.

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Congrats Jeff on earning what Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have lost; my respect; way to call it out!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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@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?

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Jeff, sit down for a second. I enjoyed your article and agree with everything you wrote.

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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.

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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!

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I hope they LEAVE ATLANTA, I could careless about Thug basketball, lived here since 1969…
Never once WASTED MY Money to watch nba CRAP !

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What’s the difference between JJ and a hammer?

A hammer is a useful tool.

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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.

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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!!!

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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.

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Who even cares about the NBA……

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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….

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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.

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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!

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It all starts at the TOP (ownership, management, and coach). The TOP is where I place the blame.

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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!!

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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.

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what are you talking about u dont make sense

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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!

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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.

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Joe would care about what the fans thought if he didn’t have millions of dollars coming his way. Who pays that Joe? You’re just not a playoff player. Hawks, it’s been a great season, but you’re still a piece away from actually contending.

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Imagine being employed and making Millions upon Millions of dollars a year, and not caring if you win or not, not caring if you compete or not, not caring about the city’s fans…….

Imagine all that and wanting a HUGE RAISE !

How about being the lousy Spirit, and having this type of an Employee you pay Millions of dollars too…….Or a group of Employees you spend Millions of dollars on….and then get a terrible effort from ?

If the Spirit offer JJ anything…..then you will know just how poorly they are run……and how lousy they will continue to be…….Zero Organizational Self Respect !

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How many Atlanta folks are unemployed …….and JJ makes all this money and “doesn’t care”…..

That about sums JJ up…….. All about ME !

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A sign a trade of JJ would be great. But i dont think he’ll let that happen, We all know Joes personality, and he wants to choose what hes going to do. And even if he does , im sure a team will be weary of giving up almost or even max like money plus a player or draft pick in return. And i agree Josh smiths value cant get any higher. And would like to keep him but if it came to trading him for a pick to draft such as cousins, favor, or maybe even turner, im all for it!

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Bye bye Joe Johnson and Mike Woodson. We don’t care what you think.
How can a coach let a team quit in 3 straight games??? RIDICULOUS….QUITTERS…yet adding to the embarrassing Atlanta sports legacy.

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THANK GOD I WILL NOT BE IN TOWN TO WATCH GAME 4. IT COULD GET UGLY

SVG WILL NOT LET ORLANDO LET UP

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Hey Jeff…Please ask JJ this question………

Where does his paycheck come from, if the fans don’t show up ?

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“I just tanked on being aggressive and was just taking the shot when it was there,” Johnson said.

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Teams is nothing but athletes that don’t play as a team. Give me 5 short white guys who play as a team over these jokers.

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In the second half, the crowd took out its frustration on Johnson as he kept missing the mark.

“That doesn’t bother me,” he said. “I could care less if they showed up or not.”

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I am a Hawks fan through and through. I am not a fair-weather fan. I remained loyal to them through all of the terrible rebuilding years. Now as an avid fan, I really think that I deserve better than what I’m getting. Mr. Sund, you have to move on and let Woodson go. Show him appreciation for his contributions to the franchise. Bid him a fond farewell. As well as Joe Johnson. For us fans, get us a better coach, a true center and find a on-the-floor leader. I think we fans deserve it.

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wow Joe, just wow … to say something like that is the worst thing a player could ever do. i could understand Dave Justice calling out the fans and then hitting the game winning homerun to win the 1995 World Series BUT this i can not understand. If you are going to make a comment like that, you better come to play Monday and your ass better score 35+ points AND this team win. We all saw you all but win the game against the Celtics in the 2008 Playoffs Game 6. we know you can lead but putting up stinkers of 8 and 10 poinjt games does not show me max contract. wow, i am speechless and hurt as a fan, hurt that silent joe has spoken and not towards the refs for the non-calls he doesn’t get, but for taking your anger out on us.

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Joe Johnson sux!!!!!! Wants a max contract and scores less than 10 points a game. What a POS.

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C’mon people…Don’t be so quick to judge someone’s responses to questions right after they’ve just been embarrassed and literally humiliated after playing so poorly…especially in their own backyard. Most of Joe’s drawbacks have been coached into him by a job-scared Mike Woodson. JJ has the highest minutes-per-games-played than anyone else combined over the last five years. Now that’s a coach riding his best player to death. Fresh legs and a fresh spirit are required in the playoffs. All season long, Joe has worked too hard just to get off his shot. Now you take some of those “Iso Joes” and turn ‘em into coming off double screens to get your shot. It takes a lot of physical pressure off a player who plays 40 + minutes every game. Isolations are ok. But only for a smaller percentage of the time. The Hawks need an offensive concept. Winning basketball is designed to get a larger percentage of easy shots instead if isolations. Joe mispoke. I’ll bet if he had it all to do over, his comment would be more thoughtful.

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Reality Check II:

Should Teague start Monday? YES – It shows the coach is making adjustments. Start Evans to so Williams and Bibby will come off the bench. Your are down 0-3 average losses by 30, what do you have to lose?

Will Teague start Monday? NO – nor will Evans.

Will We Watch the Hawks Monday? YES Unlike the team, I will not quit on them and watch until the final seconds end our season. I just will not watch Sports Center for a week. I am sure most of you will to.

Will the Hawks WIn? NO – but if they do, and at least win 3 games in this series, you guys are going to fall back in love with Marvin, Joe, Josh, etc. Hey, I wonder how those Boston fans felt when they were 0-3 to they Yankees?

Finally why are we talking about Vick? ??????? He never played for the Hawks!!! – Nor is the Hawks winning or losing worth me losing my family because some idiot blogging hates me because I am African American. Let this racial stuff go, let’s all be red with beaks and cheer for our Hawks!!!!

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Now that I am over this debacle…Josh grew this year, so I have to believe that he’ll watch the tape of these playoffs and realize what he’s missing which is buy in to hard work/grit/determination (he only has to look to his teamate horford to learn that). Joe Johnson is a great player and hopefully with a new coach he can take that back seat he apparently wants and we can run our offense through others and Joe will just be a good player. Marvin has got to go. He unlike Josh has never showed an ounce of improvement Bibby has been great but he’s probably gone. Man if we could get d-wade we might have something… Lastly, win game 4 for pride and go down to Orlando and lose on a buzzer beater and show some heart…

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Get his ass out of town!!! Atlanta Hawks ownership needs to stop bringing in a bunch of “hot dog’s”
like the Falcons use to do and bring in people who will play hard for themselves and for the fans.. Ultimately the fans have every say on what goes on.. If it weren’t for us fans there would be no NBA. David Stern is the biggest reason for this crap in the league. He is the reason basketball is now know for a thug sport than just a great game.. Clean it up ownership before ATL fans get fed up and Phillips is empty again!!! Boiler UP

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Joe Johnson is the biggest choke joke. Nice average Joe. And you think you are kobe. Give me a break. You miss end of game shots all the time. Jamal is twice the player you are. Get rid of Joe and Josh and a couple of others. These guys are pathetic.

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Chau Woody. This will be two years too late.

I’ll take Crawford over Johnson at this rate, bring back Childress, package/trade Smith for a big man and high pick (for a pg unless Teague has shown something that Woody wouldn’t allow anyone else to see.

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Gone – Joe, Marvin, Bibby

Additions – Bosh and Wade

Next Season starting five – Wade, Teague or Crawford, Horford, J-smoove(Might not like him, but you can’t deny the defense he plays) and Bosh.

Outcome – More wins, take the East and possible NBA title because now we have a true stud who can takeover and lead and get in their teammates azz if need be with Wade. Two athlectic BIGS in Bosh and Horford. Defense – J-Smoove. 2nd or 3rd scorer with Crawford and a young good point who can score and manage the game in Teague….Who wouldn’t want to see this team? Hawks just need to spend the $. Its time for a title.

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OK, so I didn’t even watch the game yesterday. I was out with the wife and her mom treating them out for an early Mothers Day.

But did I read that Joe Johnson only scored 8 points? And that the Hawks lost by 30? Again? And then, did he not say that he didn’t care about the fans?

I have to officially say this: I take back the notion of having to fire Mike Woodson. I want Mike Woodson back coaching the team next year. I want Joe Johnson gone. And I want Josh Smith traded for a big man. I have no idea who, but I want a real center.

In other words, max out a contract for D-Wade. Call up Tyler Perry. Cut a deal with him to have Gabrielle Union to star in the next 6 of his films and get D-Wade up in here! I want a real leader. I’ve lost patience with JJ.

And trade up Josh Smith. He’s a good talent with good upside. But we need a true #5. We need a Center and we should go out and get one. I wouldn’t be mad if they traded for an under-performing, young Center with good athletic ability and some size. Go get me one of those guys.

But Joe and Josh needs to step. We must get better next year and we need a true leader and a true big man.

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The problem with the Hawks is that our PG is too old, our SG thinks he is a superstar and our SF wouldn’t even start for the Nets. The hawks need to build around Al and Smoove. Give Teague a chance, he has played well when given time, put Jamal in the starting lineup and get a big, maybe Bosh.

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Atlanta doesn’t have good fans? I bet the Falcons would disagree with that! The dome seems to be full most Sundays. The Hawks have been awful for years and while this team is much better than awful most FANS realized there was a limit to their success and that limit was the second round of the playoffs. This team can’t compete with the Lakers, Cavs, or Orlando and everyon knew it which makes it difficult to spend money and time to watch them. They’ve done the best they can with the talent they had as far as their record is concerned.

However, their lack of heart and Joe Johsons mouth beyond reason! If I were the Hawks owership I would show Joe Johson what we think of him by benching him for game 4. I would send a message to the entire team that they play and earn their money on the backs of hard working Americans and that their spot on the club is a luxury not a right! I would start the bench for the first quarter of game 4 to remind everyone on the team that they are employees pure and simple.

Finally, I would like to that Al Horford for the hard work that he has put in all year. Al you are a class act and I’m proud that you are an Atlanta Hawk. The other players on this team should look at you and aspire to develope a game like yours. As for the rest of team, you guys trashed a very good season by being selfish, immature, and heartless in the playoffs. You see was as FANS can take losing when we know the team is playing hard but just getting beat by a better overall team but what we can’t take is bunch of rich brats quiting on national TV. Shame on you players and shame on your Woodson.

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Joe, don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

Hawks fans, get ready for another “rebuilding” period because the ASG will never invest enough money to build a true playoff contending team with the exception of the possibility of them getting some capital by selling the Thrashers. They just don’t have the Arthur Blank or Ted Turner level of money.

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[...] the entire Hawks team appeared to implode on Saturday, leading Horford to tell reporters, “Guys can say all they want about coverages and all this. But it came down to effort — [not] [...]

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Some on here–the ignorant Vick Supporter in particular–have criticized the Hawks’ fans. That’s way out of line given the history of this sorry franchise, which once again embarrassed the city on national television last night. It’s about winning CHAMPIONSHIPS, and NEVER has the Atlanta version of this team made it even past the second round of the playoffs IN 40-PLUS YEARS of competition–let alone won it all. And those shameful results can be applied to every other pro team this town has ever fielded in nearly a half-century of play–the ONLY exception being the ‘95 Braves. No, Vick Supporter and others of your ilk, don’t lay this huge stinking egg on the fans. This is about a long and DISGRACEFUL history of performances that sadly have earned our city the pitiful but appropriate label of “LOSERSVILLE.” And that’s all it’s about.

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There’s a lot of humble pie to be eaten in here if the Hawks win this series. Likely? No. But where there’s life, there’s a chance.
If it’s over after 4 games, then I want to say thanks for a grreat season.

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Bringing up race in any part of this conversation is just pathetic and sad. Not saying that to be Ghandi or anything; just stating the truth. It really is sad. And a slight correction to some of the comments: Joe didn’t say anything about the FANS. He said something about the the HAWKS. In essence, “WE (the Hawks) don’t care about the fans.” And yes, I think that was an incredibly stupid thing to say. As someone posted though, it WAS said in the heat of the moment of embarrassment and frustration. Either way though, can we focus more on character and insight and a little less on skin pigment? Blessings.

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…and we don’t care about the Hawks either. They suck and have zero pride. In a real world, most of these guys would be unemployed for their attitude and lack of effort.

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We knew going in to the series that they are a better team and have a true C. I have been saying for a while that Woodson needs to go. I still belive that we need Avery Johnson. Where is NIRMETAL now, who used to say that it would be not too smart to trade JJ. What Sund needs to do, is try to resign Joe and trade him to Memphis for Marc Gasol and draft pick. You are getting a great young C who is cheap. Now you take Williams and our second round draft pick and trade to Detroit for Hamilton.

Lineup

PG- Crawford/Teague
SG- Hamilton/ Bibby
SF- Smith/ Evans
PF- Horford/ Morris
C – Gasol/ Pachulia

This still leaves us with money and two draft picks that should be invested in a pure scorer and a big man. This team would give you great defense, lots of points, rebounding, and still very young. With a young coach like Avery, you’d get the discipline and leadership that we need for our PG.

SUND MAKE IT HAPPEN. I JUST DID THE WORK FOR YOU!!!! LOL

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Hey, Atlanta still has a Basketball team? Geez, what a waste of time and money!!! LOL

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Are the Hawks even gonna try win tomorrow?

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Taylor, seriously, here’s a dollar now go buy a clue (are you related to Jeff Schultz?…you sound like a clown too)!!! The Celtics just lost by 30 at home to Cleveland in the playoffs and after beating them in Cleveland. Are they a bunch of quitters? Should Doc Rivers be fired? Is Paul Pierce no good? The worst lost in their history at home in the playoffs (and they have played a few games in the playoffs in their day!!!). We took the Celtics to 7 games two years ago when they won the NBA title (was Doc no good then too?…that was a 1st round series like the Buck series was to us).

By the way, in the 4 games the Hawks played the Magic during the regular season the Hawks beat them at the highlight factory on a great tip dunk by Josh in the last of the 4 games. For 3 quarters of game 2 the other night they competed BIG TIME and was down 1 after 3. Then the Magic made every shot in the 4th quarter and Jamal and the Hawks could not buy a bucket.

This season, the team won 53 games, 3rd in the East behind Cleveland and Orlando, swept the Celtics, beat EVERY team in the league but the Thunder and have a ton of issues wrong on this team and outside of Jamal, they have “zero” on the bench!!!!

To me it is remarkable what this team has accomplished!!! I just don’t know why know one ever calls out Rick Sund and the ownership. We did not make a move at the trade deadline either when we knew we had issues to address come the playoffs.

One of the BEST GM’s in this league is Otis Smith and the talent he has assembled on this Magic team is incredible. We finished 3rd in the east and came back from a 3-2 deficient with the Bucks!!! Don’t tell me this team and coaching staff does not have heart and fight…P-A-L-E-A-S-E!!!

That is exactly why I want Jeff Schultz fired, he knows all of this and you fools may not be smart enough to get it but he has been following closely the progress of this team for 6 years and what Woody and these players have done and accomplished is a “model” for teams around the league (by the way, if the Hawks don’t bring Wood back, believe me he will be coaching somewhere next season for more money than he made this season!!!) Ask Mark Bradley, he was not a huge Woodson fan before however he has come full circle on that and his articles reflect it.

Jeff, knows they don’t have enough talnt on this team to over take Orlando or Cleveland (by the way, I love Jamal, however if he is so great why has he been traded 4 or 5 times? With the last time for Speedy Claxton and Acie Law (smile)…I would say Woody coached him up and used his talent to help the team…and that is coaching!!!…he had his best season and was 6th man of the year…He did the same thing with Flip Murray last year. He too was our BEST player off the bench and of course this year you have not heard from him. C’mon, give Wood credit for figuring out the BEST way to use Jamal).

Taylor, I hope to hear from you in a couple of years (assuming Joe and Wood don’t return) and Charlotte, Philly, Chicago, or Detroit or wherever Wood ends up is in the 2nd round of the playoffs saying suggitty, we should have resigned Mike Woodson!!!

I am “officially” the president of “Let’s Get Jeff Schultz fired” because he is NOT properly serving our interest an we can do better (believe me!!!). Words matter Jeff and you spin things ALWAYS against Woody and I don’t know why. I know you are working for Rcik Sund now and again I wish I knew why. Go Hawks and good luck Monday against the Magic!!!…I am a Hawk and Woody fan..FIRE JEFF SCHULTZ or boycott his articles (and he definitely has the right to write that non-sense however we don’t have to read it)…smile!!!

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YES, HOPEFUL

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YES, MAYBE WE CAN GET US A COACH THE CAN DEVELOP THE TALENT THAT WE HAVE ON THIS STILL PROMISING TEAM. BYE JOE JOHNSON, BUILD AROUND AL HORFORD A VERY GOOD PLACE TO START. I AM HAPPY AND DISAPPOINTED @ THE SAME TIME.

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why are everyone making mike vick references he dont care about ATL get over it and move on the fact is the hawks are not built to be a playoff team no big man and a old point guard is a recipe for failure in the playoffs. Woody is a good coach he just dont trust his young players enough to put them in and that may be reason he will be gone. Who will want to coach this team they have no heart and joe johnson is not the answer he is a role player and not a go to guy.

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Tiger said: “Joe is not a Batman, hes Robin. We cant make him into someone hes not.” Good point, as for a coach, we can’t gamble on Mark Jackson. He has zero bench experience. We need a guy who is ready for his shot. It’s still a big gamble going that route but it can be done. Avery, Scotty and Doug Collins will need max coaching money and the Spirit would shock us if they spent that kind of loot. I hope they don’t go after .500 retreads like Casey or Mitchell etc. I’m sure about what Vinnie Del Negro could bring to the table but he did okay with a totally re-shuffled team. I like a guy who’s not afraid to scrap with his GM. I’m going to close my eyes and make a wish:
BYRON SCOTT !! (sans the high school mustache.)

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Other names to throw in the hat: Boston assistant Tom Thibodeau, Portland assistant Monty Williams, and San Antonio assistant Mike Budenholzer. This is probably the lot the Spirit can afford.

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The problem is coaching. This team has gotten better over the past few years because of talent and talent alone. The playoffs are all about coaching, where you see one opponent over the course of seven games and the opponent has nothing to do but break your game down.

Every team in the league has talent. Coaching puts you over the top. We need a coach who will put in an offensive system w/ ball and player movement. A coach who will preach team D, and one who plays the best players, even if they are rookies.

This “iso” Joe O isn’t cutting it anymore. I prefer the O we’ll hopefully see next year, the “bye bye Joe” system!

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Hey Snowman: The fact that the Hawks gave up is not because Jeff Shultz writes / blogs about the Hawks.

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Schultz has been waiting to write a piece like this going on 3 years now. That dude didn’t have me fooled one bit. He’s never liked Joe Johnson, and took time out to criticize the dude even when we were winning. He couldn’t wait to let this roll off of his fingers, after JJ gave him the alley-oop to go right at him. Stupid of JJ to say that after his performance and the beatdown the team took. So he is definitely not absolved of blame.

It’s sad that JJ said what he did ( even if it’s the truth ). Even Schultz wrote an article about the fans lack of attendance earlier this year ( I guess he forgot that though ). Everybody knows the problem with ATL. Too many transients ( people from other cities ). Was never truly loyal to the Hawks from the get-go. Make every excuse to NOT go to the game, instead of just going period.

JJ has flat out stunk in these last 6 games. He has no one to blame but himself for his play. If his thumb is bothering him, he should’ve came out and said that. But since he says that he’s fine, then it’s all on him. He can’t play like he’s been playing, and expect the fans to no react to that.. It’s too bad that he couldn’t keep a cooler head, and not made that comment about the fans.

Unless this organization can do some magic tricks over the summer, this is the absolute worse case scenario for the Hawks. His value has dropped, which mean a team desperate to get him, probably will get him without much resistance from us. JJ doesn’t even have to agree to a sign and trade, contrary to popular belief. He is UNRESTRICTED . . . which means that he can just sign straight out with somebody.

Losing him means that we’ll probably try to compensate for his loss, by overpaying for a mediocre 2 guard. Or bring in multiple players to try to fill the spot, while Jamal Crawford takes over as the volume scorer/shooter on the team.

- still have PG issues
- sitll have C issues ( backup )
- still have no bench
- sitll don’t have a sharpshooter
- gonna lose the coach ( and not bring in a big name . . because the AJC will be too cheap to do it )
- and now the star player has poured gasoline on what was already an inferno in Atlanta.

I personally don’t want to go back to 30 to 40 win seasons. I personally don’t want to go back to watching the damn lottery, wishing for a ping pong ball to fall our way. It’s a shame how this wonderful season has turned out.

Now I guess 8,000 fans will show up on Monday night . . on TNT . . further embarrassing the city.

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Let’s be honest did anyone truly think the Hawks would win this series? Regardless of the effort everyone is questioning the results of this series so far are consistent with what happened in the regular season. The Hawks just don’t match up well with the Magic. That being said the Hawks get 50% better just by hiring a capable coach.

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Question, the only player that has come out insulting the fans is Joe. So why did he use the term “we”?

And if it is all about the guys in the locker room, then Joe just let the locker room down with his performance last night.

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