Fixing the Hawks: fire Woodson, trade Joe, keep Josh
In my six-point plan to fix the Hawks, Josh Smith stays but Joe Johnson goes. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
It’s the offseason. I’m cracking open a six-pack for the Hawks – not for celebration but for reconstruction.
The Hawks don’t need to strip everything down after getting swept out of the second round for the second year in a row, but they clearly can’t thrive as currently built.
Here goes:
♦ 1.) Make a coaching change. Hawks general manager Rick Sund has doubts about Mike Woodson. Otherwise he would not have given him only a two-year contract two years ago, or he would have extended him before (or during) this season. The Hawks have improved in many areas under Woodson, most notably the win total. But the team’s half-court offense has been an issue throughout Woodson’s tenure. Creativity is not his strong-suit. It also became clear in this postseason that players have stopped listening to him. Being stretched to seven games by Milwaukee (which lost its best player, Andrew Bogut, three weeks before the playoffs) was a warning sign. Getting smacked by Orlando by embarrassing margins reaffirmed either poor preparation by Woodson or that players were tuning him out. A head coach needs to get a team to play a certain way, with a toughness and resolve that we saw from the Bucks. Woodson hasn’t done that. Conclusion: This is as high as the Hawks will go with him. If he gets fired, don’t be surprised if he is replaced by assistant Larry Drew. There will be a push for a high-profile replacement, like Jeff Van Gundy, Avery Johnson or, in a dream world, Doc Rivers. But if the Hawks can’t lure one of them, and if ownership is resistant to spending big money, hiring Drew can be easily rationalized. He is liked and respected by players. He would bring more creativity to the offense. He is in-tune with the team’s problems, its strengths and weaknesses. The risk is that Drew never has been a head coach before. But regardless of who would get the job, a new voice is needed.
All of the Hawks' problems are not Mike Woodson's fault, but a new voice is needed to get team to the next level. (AP photo)
♦ 2.) Sign-and-trade Joe Johnson. I thought it was at least 50-50 Johnson would re-sign with the Hawks until his comments after Game 3. He has proven himself to be in that second tier of stars, which is fine. But his lack of leadership and three years of mostly dreadful playoff performances have damaged his reputation. Even worse, Johnson seems to have checked out mentally. He still has value on the open market. There are enough teams out there who are looking for a scorer and have money to spend. A sign-and-trade could net a nice player in return: whether a shooting guard, point guard or starting caliber center. Among the backup options at shooting guard, one name that already has popped up as a possible replacement is Milwaukee’s John Salmons. He obviously isn’t the scorer Johnson in, but he averaged nearly 20 per game in Milwaukee after a trade from Chicago this year.
♦ 3.) Don’t trade Josh Smith. Yes, this postseason was a microcosm of what’s wrong with Smith. He took over Game 2 against the Bucks, just as he took over so many games during the season. But he was awful in too many games and justifiably was criticized nationally for loafing it on defense. During a time out in Game 4 Monday night, Smith was paying more attention to the “Kiss Cam” on the Philips Arena scoreboard than Woodson during a time-out, and a fan yelled, “Pay attention, Josh!” But remember two things: 1) For most of this season, the commentary about Smith was positive – how much he had matured and how he deserved to be in the All-Star Game; 2) He has had only one head coach since leaving high school: Woodson. There’s a great danger in trading Smith if another coach in another city helps him become the player he can be. Even after six seasons, it’s too early to give up on him. His potential is too great.
♦ 4.) Acquire a center (or Chris Bosh): A strong defensive center would give the Hawks the physical presence they desperately need in the post and allow them to move Al Horford to power forward and Smith to small forward. Marvin Williams can take a seat on the bench, or on a plane out of town. Bosh, who will be a free agent and also could be part of a sign-and-trade, is a tantalizing alternative. First, he would love to come back to Atlanta (where he played at Georgia Tech). He is not a true center but he is 6-10 and would bring some offense to help compensate for Johnson’s loss. A front line of Bosh, Horford and Smith certainly would rank among the league’s best.
♦ 5.) Bench Mike Bibby: There’s no nice way to put this: He got his new contract and then took a significant step back this season. His scoring average dropped from 14.9 to 9.1, his shooting percentage from 43.5 to 41.6, his assists from 5.0 to 3.9. Woodson correctly chopped down his minutes (34.7 to 27.4). Bibby is too much of a liability defensively. With two years left on his contract, he’ll be difficult to trade. But at worse he’s a shooter to bring off the bench. Who to start? If Sund can’t acquire a veteran point guard and leader, take a look at Jeff Teague. He was mostly buried on Woodson’s bench, averaging 10 minutes a game, but we know he can bring speed to the lineup. Leadership? Those answers will come. But he can’t possibly be worse.
♦ 6.) Get tougher: This sort of goes back to coaching and a team’s identity. “Talent” doesn’t pertain only to a team’s skill level. Talent can be intelligence and physical and mental toughness. Talent can be heart. Too often, the Hawks have lacked that. Horford called out his teammates for it and he was dead on. Those intangibles can help a team overcome injuries and adversity. Milwaukee was a difficult team to play against. Charlotte was a more difficult team than the Hawks for Orlando to play against — not because of “skill” talent but because of the other kind of talent. There needs to be an in-house mandate by the Hawks of playing to a standard. If that exists now, they’re clearly ignoring it.
♦
Follow me on Twitter @JeffSchultzAJC and on Facebook.com/JeffSchultzAJC
♦
Recent Hawks posts
♦ Hawks make quick exit against Magic, and change is needed
♦ We’re LIVE from the Hawks’ . . . final game?
♦ Johnson, Woodson get hammered by national media
♦ Hawks quit on season (and Joe doesn’t care what you think)
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390 comments Add your comment
Nate ArchiBALL
May 11th, 2010
11:57 am
Most ex coaches sound like John Wooden when doing game analysis on TV. Remember all of them that you hear on TV were fired several times (Jeff Van Gundy, Hubie Brown, Mike Fratello, Doug Collins) and usually for good reason). Hell, if Mike Woodson was on TV we would probably want him to coach the Hawks.
Jeff Van Gundy – his offenses in New York and Houston were as predictable as Woody’s.
Hubie Brown – besides the fact that he damn near 80 years old, I don’t think most of the bloggers here remember when Hubie coached the Kentucky Colonels, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks. GREAT X and O guy but he has some major personality issues.
A little Hubie history….. http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2009/11/hubie-brown-bill-russell-is-moron.html
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2010
11:58 am
JC — As it stands now, Al is the only leader in the locker room.
rickyRook
May 11th, 2010
11:59 am
JC, my money would be on AH, if (and I mean IF) Sund is smart enough to see that a true BIG man is needed in the worst way. That would free AH to return to his roots as a power forward where I happen to think he could do some damage. The kid has skilz! And JS ain’t no leader man! He’s unfortunately suffering from the hometown disease. He’s got way too much on him. I think you do something with him too while he has mad value.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:00 pm
Wee need a coach who uses the Read and React offense or the 7 seconds or less offense…
John Koncak
May 11th, 2010
12:03 pm
You’re right Larry. The Execs steal more like 20 million a month for having cocktail parties and giving themselves bonuses for making their bonus.
Greg
May 11th, 2010
12:05 pm
The biggest change is going to be the head coach and I don’t like the idea of promoting someone from the existing staff. I don’t care if the Hawks particularly like him. These guys need someone to inspire them and push them. Promoting a guy who was under Woodson is too much of the same. Maybe the new coach could keep Drew around as an assistant, but it would be really disappointing if we can’t get someone who is a clear upgrade to Woodson. I don’t think that’s asking too much.
Dillon
May 11th, 2010
12:05 pm
Three players the Hawks should pursue this offseason:
Chris Bosh- A true center who is a proven leader and a defensive presence. Too long have other teams (Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, LAL, etc.) bossed us around inside with little if any shots contested. Bosh would love to come back “home” and play for fans willing to embrace him.
Dwayne Wade- This will probably not happen, but Rick Sund owes it to the fan base to entertain the idea of a true superstar coming to town. He would replace JJ and go beyond the offensive and defensive capabilities JJ has shown. Perhaps most importantly, Wade has proven that his level of play only increases in the playoffs (something JJ could not figure out). Just tell the fans this idea is being entertained.
Ray Allen- A veteran presence. The last “pure” 3-point shooter. This guy can still get it done. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after this season. He’s been on a championship team in the past, so he knows what it will take. Not the player he was five years ago, but will still put 20 points/game when given the opportunity.
Sund– please just tell us, the fans you are interested in these options. We need proven players here to put us over the top.
Simpdawg
May 11th, 2010
12:06 pm
Jeff, I agree that Rick Sund needs to replace Mike Woodson with Bill Laimbeer, Avery Johnson or Byron Scott. I also agree that this team needs some minor reconstructing, but I wouldn’t dismantle this team completely. The Hawks need a coach that knows how to make adjustments during the regular season and most importantly the playoffs. Secondly Rick Sund needs to sign players with a high basketball IQ, heart, desire and a will to win.
MustangSalley
May 11th, 2010
12:07 pm
Ive been saying all along that the Hawks had their chance to win a title this season and they blew it. The things that got the Hawks in trouble in the series, could have been fixed; and Ill always say that they could have been fixed. During this past offseason, Rick Sund blew a golden opportunity to fix the Hawks by bringing in or signing two free agents who were available for anyone in the league to sign. The Hawks felt they didnt need those guys and the window of opportunity for the Hawks has now officially closed. Those two guys are no longer available AND those particular needs are now going to be quite costly to fix and address. Two of the issues that were hurting the hawks this year; #1) not having a great point guard to run the team and #2) stagnant offense that is very predictable; either joes iso plays; jamals iso plays; josh smith launching ill-timed and ill-advised jump shots #3) blown leads late in games #4) players throwing up untimely shot because the 24-second clock was about to expire (bad clock management), etc. All of those needs could have been fixed had the hawks signed Rafer Alsten and Heidu Turkelu, formerly of the Orlando Magic after the end of last season. Both of those guys could have been signed for pennies on the dollar. Could Rafer Alsten run the Hawks? Yes he could. Rafer ran the Magic when Jamir Nelson was injured at the start of last year and filled in so well that Rafer felt he should be a starting point guard. Rafer led the Magic to the NBA finals and we should have signed him and brought him in to run our team, replacing Mike Bibby, moving Bibby to the bench. In addition, by bringing in Heidu Turkelu a proven commodity at forward, a skilled guy who can not only pass, shoot, score and rebound on a very high, all-star level, Heidu is skilled enough that you could have your entire offense run through him, the same way that the Cavs run their offense through LaBron James. So by bringing in Heidu and Rafer, the Hawks offense would never go stale, which means no blown leads late in games, no problem keeping the offense running smooth, getting the ball to the right open guy to deliver the shots on time, and having two fabulous players would could keep your offense fresh all the time. THE HAWKS PASSED ON THOSE GUYS THINKING THEY WERE A BETTER TEAM WITHOUT THEM. Last night the Hawks set a record for being the team that has gotten blown out the worst in NBA history over a 4-game sweep. WHAT A DISTINGUISHED HONOR TO HAVE. The team we had, with the additions of Rafer Alsten and Heidu Turkelu would have given the Hawks the GOLD TROPHY, even having Mike Woodsen at the helm. The Hawks would have gotten the Gold Ball despite having Mike Woodsen as their head coach. Its unfortunate that Im not running the Hawks because I know that if I had acquired those two guys, the Hawks would have won the title this year. Now the Hawks will have to blow up the team and start over from scratch. I wish we keep Joe Johnson, though, because in my mind hes the third best closer in the game behind Kobe and LaBron.
Carlos
May 11th, 2010
12:08 pm
Jeff, I love your six point plan. I hope Rick Sund reads your articles. If he follows your suggestions he will look like a genius. Maybe you could become the next Hawks GM? Nice article.
LLL
May 11th, 2010
12:08 pm
I have serious questions about this team’s mental toughness and how they prepare. Hard to know how much of this is the coach and the comment from JJ makes me wonder if he is part of the problem. If you remember a couple years ago Childress complained about some issues in the locker room and you wonder if they have come home to roost. He may be more likely to return if JJ and Woody are gone. He could be part of the solution.
rickyRook
May 11th, 2010
12:09 pm
Just listened to JJ saying “it’s still open”. Somebody please tell me why we would want to keep him. He’s not lived up to billing. Don’t give a crap what he says about the fans, we’ve said much worse about him.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:11 pm
Avery Johnson uses a controlled Nelly-ball style offense….I think he will be a good fit. He will also give this team the leader it desperately needs! He’s serious Defensively as Well!!!!
Reid Adair
May 11th, 2010
12:11 pm
Well done, Jeff. I agree with all six steps. As long as Mike Woodson and Joe Johnson aren’t here in 2010-11, things will be better.
John Koncak
May 11th, 2010
12:12 pm
You are right Larry. The Execs steal more like BILLIONS under the guise of giving themselves bonuses for making their bonus.
All I'm Saying...
May 11th, 2010
12:14 pm
Schultz: I agree with you 100%! All of your ‘6-Pack’ suggestions are thoughtful, spot-on, and make total sense. One other thing I’d add is that I firmly believe Doc Rivers could be lured to the Hawks as his family lives in Orlando so he would be much closer to his home (plenty of Delta flights from the ATL to Orlando and much shorter duration), he has a championship ring so knowing that his core is getting past their prime while our window to win is still much larger could intrigue him to consider leaving, and we are not in the Atlantic division so not a direct slap to the Celtics by leaving for another NBA Eastern Conference team.
Also, another coach would more likely be creative on offense and exploit the options presented by signing Chris Bosh. I think Bosh’s game would work very well with Al Horford (and J-Smoove) because Al wants to play low post (and we all want J-Smoove to stay down there) and Bosh could draw the Center guarding him out of the lane creating space for Al.
I also agree that we have seen the upside for JJ and as much as like him as a person, he does not possess the attitude we need from our highest paid player in terms of taking over offensively and defensively and has not elevated his game statistically at all in the playoffs which is required.
Don’t know Larry Drew but if he will at least sit J-Smoove when he gets out of bounds on the court (figuratively speaking) in terms of, say, benching him when he refuses to get back on defense then that would be a major step up.
And finally, will the last person to jump off the Hawks bandwagon take your lily-livered, no-loyalty seat cushion with you because I still believe in this team and this franchise and I don’t think we need to ‘blow it up’ — we just need a new coach, sign Bosh, and do a sign-and-trade with JJ and get good value (not necessarily comparable) in return.
LET’S GO HAWKS!
Just Being Real
May 11th, 2010
12:14 pm
if I was in charge I WOULD get Bryon Scott, only cause you could use that to sway Chris Paul from N.O.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:15 pm
Question: Why do TV personalities say “You know what to expect from a Jerry Sloan team. They play hard”
Why is there a double standard in Atlanta??? Whay are the players being blamed when they are just executing what they were taught and told to do!!!!!??????
Woody is a soft, unimaginative, Inconsistant, bad offensive coach and his team took on his personality!!! End of story!!!!
JSS
May 11th, 2010
12:16 pm
People cry about Josh, but Marvin is the biggest enigma I’ve ever seen. Is he “soft?” Maybe… Is he just Rasheed Wallace wondering aimlessly waiting to be pushed by the right coach in the right direction? Probably, people need to get off of where he was picked (like Jamal Anderson). What in the heck can we do with him is the question, and the answer is very important… Why? Because next summer Jamal Crawford and Horford contracts are up!
Gary
May 11th, 2010
12:18 pm
Jeff,
Are you sure the Hawks can trade Chills’ rights? I was under the impression that it would have to be via sign aand trade.
And if fans are not coming out consistently to watch this team, do you really think they would come out to watch JVG and his style of play?
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2010
12:20 pm
FYI, I mentioned the possibility of Josh Childress coming back to the Hawks the other day. John Hollinger of ESPN has picked up on that and wrote this. Your thoughts? .. From his blog:
“The Hawks are looking at [Joe] Johnson’s situation in tandem with that of coach Mike Woodson. He just completed his sixth season and the Hawks have improved their record in the past five. But the past two postseasons have shown, it seems, the limitations of his isolation-heavy offensive approach, and his team’s collective basketball IQ has always been a sticking point. Under a different general with a Johnson-less roster, Atlanta might decide to start Jamal Crawford at the 2, bring back Josh Childress, acquire a speedy point guard and play a much more up-tempo game.”
StingerSplash
May 11th, 2010
12:21 pm
Two moves years ago rendered the Hawks irrelevant on the NBA landscape (which they reaffirmed this past week).
Having Cliff Levingston take the final shot (you hear that laughing in the distance? That’s McHale and Bird still chuckling about that one).
Having a team with Moses, Dominique and Reggie Theus. Praytell who was going to pass the ball enough for two of them, let alone three of team.
And the downward spiral’s escape of the past 2-3 years was only a mirage. Be prepared for the Hawks to revert to 15-67 soon. And quietly be packed up and moved out of town.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2010
12:21 pm
Gary — Same difference on Childress. A team would only trade something for him if they were certain he was going to sign for next season obviously, so the Hawks just do that first. If all parties are in agreement, we’re talking semantics.
Jeff Schultz
May 11th, 2010
12:24 pm
JSS — Remember when Marvin wouldn’t play through an injury in the playoffs vs. Miami last year? That raised warning signs with some in the locker room.
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2010
12:24 pm
I don’t know what on earth makes anyone think Josh Smith is worth a dime. Other than the fact that he’s a basketball moron and has no heart, he’s great though.
Larry
May 11th, 2010
12:25 pm
Jeff Schultz at 12:20 PM:
But how will this address the inability to cover D. Howard, the primary culprit of the Hawks four game slaughter?
LarryShaeffer
May 11th, 2010
12:25 pm
Josh Childeress is not the answer for the Hawks. He was good when he was here five years ago but time has robbed him of his game. Hes good if the Hawks were in Greece or overseas, but in Atlanta Chills game has gotten incredibly cold and we dont need him anymore. We can find an adequate replacement for Chills. We need to trade Josh Smith because Smith will never be anyting more than a wannabe basketball player. Smith will never get any better than he is now, who has the game of a stubborn mule who will not listen to coaching. Joshs three highlights of the playoffs this year #1) repeatedly throw up ill-advised, untimely BRICKS; #2) dribble the ball down the court like a guard and promptly turn the ball over; and #3) SULK when you dont get your way and walk down the court, crawling at a snails pace, TEMPORARILY SHUTTING THINGS DOWN, completely indifferent to coaching, fans or anybody. JOSH SMITH SHOULD BE KICKED OFF THE TEAM.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:27 pm
Hollinger is an idiot. Nuff said. We won’t win 40 games without Joe Johnson and everybody knows it.
Stop blaming Joe AND BLAME MIKE WOODSON FOR COACHING JOE!!!!
If I was the coach theres NO WAY I would allow Joe to take 20 seconds off the shot clock before initating the offense NO WAY. I also wouldn’t allow himto take so long to get into his Iso moves. He’s only helping the defense out by moving so damn slow. THATS ON MIKE WOODSON. HOW CAN HE WATCH TAPE OF THAT NONSENSE AND IT NOT BE AN EYESORE!?
JOE NEVER DID THIS NONSENSE IN PHX UNDER MIKE D’ ANTONI!!!!!!
PASSING UP WIDE OPEN JUMPERS JUST SO YOU CAN ISO????? D’ ANTO WOULDA BENCHED HIM?????
IT’S THE COACH NOT THE PLAYERS!!!!!
OH AND CHILDRESS SUCKS!!!!!
John Koncak
May 11th, 2010
12:28 pm
I can’t wait for Josh Smith to be traded so he can get with a REAL COACH and come back and CRUSH the Hawks. It will be UUUGGGGLLLLYYY!!!
You Are So right
May 11th, 2010
12:29 pm
YEs Jeff YOU are so right!!!! So correct, i stand in awe of your common sense!!!! Are you interested in purchasing said franchise! If they follow these 6 steps I will be first in line for season tickets.
Simpdawg
May 11th, 2010
12:29 pm
Rick Sund now is the time to hire Mike Woodson replacement. If you wait to long, all the good coaches will be taken. You have Bill Laimbeer, Avery Johnson, Byron Scott, Sam Mitchell and maybe Glen Doc Rivers, but before the Hawks make any player movement they need to hire a new head coach first!!!
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2010
12:31 pm
Also, I find it hilarious that anyone thinks Doc Rivers is some sort of chosen one when it comes to coaching. The guy hasn’t done sh!t other than screw up teams or ride the coattails of three hall of famers. Does no one recall what a stupid point guard he was? Why do you think he’s smarter now?
tp
May 11th, 2010
12:32 pm
Great blog Jeff.
Just for lack of leadership alone, Johnson needs to go. Unfortunately, unless Sund is a miracle worker, I don’t envision a huge return, simply because GMs must leverage a sign and trade as a desperation-type move. Also, it’s not like the Hawks would be picking the team – Johnson has the leverage too.
We know the Knicks covet him. If they offered David Lee, a handful of picks that weren’t lottery protected, and a bag of doughnuts, I’d take it. At least we know we’d be getting an ‘effort’ guy!
Chris
May 11th, 2010
12:33 pm
Doc Rivers has talked about not wanting to coach anymore to spend time with his family. I think even if by some miracle he decided to come to Atlanta, I wouldn’t imagine he would stay for more than 2 years. I’d rather get someone who will stick around for 5+ at least.
PlusSizeModel
May 11th, 2010
12:33 pm
“I can’t wait for Josh Smith to be traded so he can get with a REAL COACH and come back and CRUSH the Hawks. It will be UUUGGGGLLLLYYY!!!”
Funny for two reasons: a REAL baller doesn’t need to blame poor coaching for being an lazy idiot, and it’s “Jon”, not “John.”
You Are So right
May 11th, 2010
12:34 pm
and Chris Bosh is not a center, your main focus is signing anyone that can slow Dwight Howard, Shaquille O’neal, Bynum, Yao, one on one, anyone that can slow any other centers down without requiring a double team. Dwight howard is not going anywhere, so as long as he is in the Eastern conference, and we are without a solution, we are without a ring.
BrianFlannery
May 11th, 2010
12:34 pm
FOR SOME REASON, Joe wants a max contract and we will never see the Joe Johnson who is the third best closer in the game until Joe inks his max contract. Joe will continue to HOLD BACK HIS SKILLS AND NOT PERFORM until him and his agent gouge some team for maximum money.
Disappointed ATL fan
May 11th, 2010
12:34 pm
You could only find 6 Jeff? I say clean house, keep Horford, Crawford, Smith, and Smith. Teague is young so he needs a chance and Zaza plays with hustle when he is in there, as for the rest of them, they can join Joe Johnson on a Greyhound bus out of here.
Disappointed ATL fan
May 11th, 2010
12:35 pm
I meant only one Smith, Josh, not Joe.
Yup!
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
Head Coach: Avery Johnson
Top Assistant Coach: Sam Mitchell
That is all….we’ll never have another j-smoove effort problem again….
boiler up
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
Good article and very interesting and I agree with most of your comments.. But we really need a small forward that is a consistent scorer.. Marvin Williams is just not good.. He’s average at best. Teague is going to be great.. He’s raised in Indiana and has played against the best through his high school day’s to college to now.. He’s confident and if the right coach comes in.. He could be a future All Star.. Go Hawks and bring a coach in to get these guys to Play Hard all the time..
Jesse
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
I would actually consider trading Josh Smith for Kendrick Perkins, a first-round, and salary filler. Smith is more talented than Perkins, but Perkins is a bruising defensive center who can guard bigger guys in the post and still move his feet on pick and roll defense, and he could allow Horford to move to PF – give us a more traditional power team.
I would also explore trading Marvin and Teague for Devin Harris if the Nets get the No. 1 pick. Harris would give us speed, youth, and defense, and allow Bibby to move to the bench.
Devin Harris
Jamal Crawford
Joe Johnson
Al Horford
Kendrick Perkins
JSS
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
@ Simpledawg
You only have Laimbeer (if you’re lucky) and Mitchell… Johnson is just craziness waiting to be unleashed again… It could be a new show on PBS: “Young Nellie Revisited!”
clay
May 11th, 2010
12:36 pm
great job schultzy. thanks for the comment back. It would make since for doc to come back here, more since than any other head coach that everyone is putting out there. They do need a proven winner though. Also I read from hollinger on espn that they could do a sign and trade with san antonio to get parker for johnson and go out and sign salmons from free agency but that still leaves a big hole at center position. Then I seen a rumor talking about a sign and trade with dallas and joe johnson which would make it seem that we would get haywood and caron butler or a bench player. What do you think about these scenerios?
HawkKingBibby
May 11th, 2010
12:37 pm
I stopped reading when you said your dream world coach was Doc Rivers. Have any of you ever heard of a salary cap by the way ?
FL Boy
May 11th, 2010
12:39 pm
Way too many scrubs on your team ATL. Spend some money a la Orlando Magic and get you some good players and a good coach (for the next level). Don’t be CHEAP….haaaahaha
John Koncak
May 11th, 2010
12:40 pm
@PlusSizeMode: Funny for two reasons….1. WTF does a “plus size model” know about “a real baller”? 2. Who the fck are you to tell me how to spell my name?
S.C.Smith
May 11th, 2010
12:40 pm
I agree Jeff,
Doc Riv ers would be my first choice if he would come home. Then Johnson or Van Gundy, all are NBA proven. Let Joe go ,then go after Bosh if he comes you can then trade Josh for point guard and or small forward. Keep Crawford, Teague, ZaZa, and Evans. Then flip the rest maybe keeping Marvin or Bibby for the bench. Then you can start Horford, Bosch, Crawford with new point guard and small forward.
Fed Up Fan
May 11th, 2010
12:41 pm
We need to bring Thibodeau down here to prech DEFENSE! Also the Spirit Group needs to stop being cheap and get a free agent.
JSS
May 11th, 2010
12:41 pm
@Jeff Schultz…
If it took the Miami 09 series to raise “red flags” on Marvin within the franchise, these guys are doomed!