Poll time: Pick your Hawks’ coach (I’m going with Johnson)
Avery Johnson awaits the polling results for the next Hawks' coach.
The Hawks — seemingly the only NBA team looking for a head coach that has not been linked to a rumor involving Phil Jackson, Tom Izzo or Jeff Van Gundy — appear close to making a decision on Mike Woodson’s replacement.
The good news is it will not be Bob Weiss. The Hawks and Rick Sund (in Seattle) both made that mistake before.
Loading ...But here is your question of the day: Could you be happy with any of these four potential coaches? I’m listing the four, in my personal order of preference. I’m also posting a poll and I’m interested in both your vote and your feedback. All of this assumes that Sund has not been stashing some secret candidate in a basement, unknown to anybody with a blog or a Twitter account.
♦ Avery Johnson: He also is a candidate in New Jersey, and is the only true proven head coach of the four, with a .735 winning percentage (194-70) in Dallas. The Mavericks reached the NBA finals in his second postseason (2005-06). When they lost in the first round the next two years, Johnson lost his job. But Rick Carlisle’s inability to do much better as his successor (one playoff round win in two seasons) speaks volumes about the flaws on the roster. Johnson, known as the “Floor General” in his playing days, was a point guard as a player and probably could help the development of Jeff Teague, who played little under Woodson.
♦ Larry Drew: He probably would not be a popular choice with the public because of a perception that, since he coached under Woodson, he would be a Woodson clone. Not the case. Drew is liked and — here’s the key — respected by players. Drew would bring more discipline and structure than Woodson, a higher level of accountability and more creativity on offense. Obviously there are no guarantees when somebody moves over one seat from the assistant’s to the head coach’s chair. But the one advantage Drew has over any candidate is he has been with the team and therefore is familiar with the problems on the court and in the locker room. There have been several cases where a team fired the head coach and promoted the assistant and it worked out, but here’s one the most extreme one: Chicago Bulls fired Doug Collins and promoted Phil Jackson.
♦ Dwane Casey: He’s the only candidate other than Avery with NBA head coaching experience. By all accounts, he got a raw deal in Minnesota, getting fired by then-general manager Kevin McHale after going 53-69 in a season and a half (20-20 in year two when the ax fell). Every T-Wolves coach who has followed Casey has flopped: Randy Wittman (38-105), McHale (20-43) and Kurt Rambis (15-67). Casey, currently an assistant in Dallas, has been clamoring for this job. He’s also familiar with the problems in the Hawks’ locker room. He’s a smart guy and a good guy. Just not sure if he’s the right guy.
♦ Mark Jackson: He was a terrific player and entertaining as a TV analyst. But he has never been a coach at any level in any capacity. Everybody wants to talk about how Larry Bird (147-67) pulled it off. Nobody wants to talk about Quinn Buckner (13-69 after being hired by Sund in Dallas). (Bird also had at least been in the Boston Celtics’ front office.) I’m sure we can fund a lot of examples on both sides, but here’s the real question: Do you feel comfortable entrusting a veteran team that couldn’t get over the second-round playoff hump to a novice?
So there are the four. What do you think?
♦
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131 comments Add your comment
JMar
June 7th, 2010
10:11 am
NOTA. Ty Corbin. Not that he’s in consideration. My second preference would be any of the three not named Jackson.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
10:14 am
JMar — Good call on Corbin. I’m surprised the Hawks didn’t talk to him (as far as we know). I like anybody who studies under Jerry Sloan.
JC
June 7th, 2010
10:14 am
Johnson would be ideal, and more open to parody!
JC
June 7th, 2010
10:18 am
In the fun-loving, Dwight-Howard-impersonating-Van-Gundy sort of way
F-105 Thunderchief
June 7th, 2010
10:19 am
Tyrone Corbin
Tremaine
June 7th, 2010
10:29 am
The next level for the hawks should be a championship. Avery Johnson has won a title so he knows what it take to get there. Also he would be a good influence on Teague.
Jerry West
June 7th, 2010
10:30 am
Of this group, I’m taking Avery. Corbin intrigues me, and I wish some attempt had been made at Thibodeau. Got a feeling it ends up being Casey though.
Beast from the East
June 7th, 2010
10:30 am
I’d love to see Doc Rivers, mentioned in Bradley’s column. But of the 4 you have listed I would have to say Avery Johnson by a large margin.
Reggie
June 7th, 2010
10:32 am
Jeff
If Avery were to get the Hawks job. Wouldn’t you be worried about how things ended with him in Dallas. He is known as a coach that lacks creativity on offense similar to Mike Woodson
TONE
June 7th, 2010
10:32 am
I see you are leaving the door open for my sources to be right by mentioning a secret candidate in the basement . word has is that coach julian king Head coach TC williams is putting his staff together while all this speculation is going on , his top assistant will be Mike Washington current head coach of Oak Harbor high school in Oak harbor Washington State not D.C. Mr washington a fairly new high school head coach is an offensive genius and he was a 5th through the 10th grade teammate of Julian king , my sources also claim that Aubrey Brown a retired science teacher and middle school coach will be another assistant for coach king , Mr Brown coached both King and Washington in the 5th and 6th grade in south georgia. Mark Jackson has also been mentioned but its because he was a teammate of Julian kings at Temple under John Chaney
never doubt your waitress
Tucker T
June 7th, 2010
10:34 am
You make a good case for Johnson. The problem is that the rich Russian guy in New Jersey can pay whatever Johnson wants if he decides that Johnson is the guy. Would the Hawks be able to go dollar for dollar with Drago?
allan in texas
June 7th, 2010
10:35 am
Avery,Avery,Avery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Benjamin
June 7th, 2010
10:38 am
My thing is this:
With due respect to both Drew and Casey, I am tired of seeing the Hawks skimp on coaches. I really do think that Casey could be a better head coach than even Avery, but Avery’s got a proven track record as a head man at this level, which beats Atlanta’s previous M.O. of bringing in guys like Lon Kruger, Mike Woodson, and Terry Stotts.
Avery’s a good coach and, as you’ve said in your blurb re: him, was a guy whose flaws may have been reduced a little after he left, as his successor in Dallas couldn’t get more out of what he had. And Carlisle’s not a bad coach. The situation in Dallas seems to extend beyond the suit on the bench.
I like Casey. I like Drew all right. I don’t think that Mark Jackson is what we need, considering he’s got zero coaching experience…
I want Avery of those options.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
10:40 am
Yeah, if Thibodeau, Corbin and possibly Doc are available, I’m not sure why the Hawks haven’t talked to them (at least as far as we know). I’d put any of them ahead of anyone in this group not named Johnson, and Rivers would of course be my top candidate.
Brandon
June 7th, 2010
10:49 am
Im worried about the whole Avery Johnson wanting a say in personel which is reportedly the reason he was not a finalist for the New Orleans Job. I like Casey out of this groop. He had a roster that lacked talent but still managed a .500 win percentage in year 2 his replacement had more games and less wins and the next head coach struggled as well. With the Hawks talent Casey would have a legitimate chance to be successful even if Joe Johnson leaves.
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
June 7th, 2010
10:50 am
Hasn’t Thibodeua already taken the chicago job? I thought he would be a better hire than jackon and possibility johnson too
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
10:53 am
Beast from the East — I’d love to see Rivers too, but looks like he’s going to take some time off after this season (if he’s not coaching Celtics).
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
10:53 am
Reggie — I would be more worried about Avery if Carlisle had done more with that team.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
10:54 am
Tone — Thanks. I’ll jump on that story right away. Right after the Easter Bunny is named general manager.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
10:55 am
Actually, let me re-phrase. I understand why they wouldn’t have talked to Thibodeau or Doc, but I don’t know why they wouldn’t wait another week or two to do so.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
10:55 am
Tucker T — “Would” and “Could” are two different questions. I don’t think Hawks owners have any desire to get into a bidding war.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
10:57 am
South Ga Dawg — Yes, Thibodeau took the Bulls job.
TONE
June 7th, 2010
10:59 am
The easter bunny! good one , hey but King does have more coaching experience than mark jackson so I am writing in 1 vote for King
Time
June 7th, 2010
11:00 am
For the love of god, would the Hawks please interview Bill Laimbeer. Imagine Laimbeers gritty tough guy style imparted into players like Josh and Al. Guys would always have to give 100 percent or open themselves up to “I had women play harder than that” criticism. Or they’d just be fearful that Laimbeer would slap them around.
Under Laimbeer you could be pretty sure the team would never roll over like it did at the end of the Woodson era.
GT Alum
June 7th, 2010
11:02 am
JS, I’ve been trying to say the same thing about the criticism of Johnson not winning in the playoffs with Dallas. That team has supposedly been on the verge for years, but has never broken through. Everyone was saying how loaded and dangerous they were this year, but then they went down in the first round to the “old and decrepit” Spurs. As you said in the article, if Dallas hasn’t won as it should, at this point, that’s got to mean there’s issues with the core of that roster.
JC
June 7th, 2010
11:10 am
Tucker, hopefully the Russian will be wary of hiring Avery and recreating the team his American doppleganger Mark Cuban made in Dallas. They’ve already got Harris, Hassell and a lanky 7-foot foreigner who can shoot way better than he can post up (Yi).
Glenn
June 7th, 2010
11:11 am
I think we should just bite the bullet & scrounge up the 12,000,001 dollars a year it will take to get Phil Jackson . I would be willing to attend three games a year if we did that . All those other jokers are just reachers . Avery Johnson will want personnel say . Sounds kinda iffy . Really wish we could get someone proven .
Ted Striker
June 7th, 2010
11:14 am
None of the above! Bob Knight! He needs to get suspended by David Stern so he can go to his grave happy.
Mr. Phil
June 7th, 2010
11:14 am
Going with Avery here, but not exactly thrilled about it. In fact, I can not think of a name I would be thrilled to hear as coach (RIP John Wooden). I would probably feel the same about every name on the list (one is as good as another) except Mark Jackson. That would be the only obvious mistake here, even though I jokingly made the case for him myself a few weeks back.
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June 7th, 2010
11:15 am
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Word
June 7th, 2010
11:17 am
Not that I am interested but any word on what Woodsons doing? Job Hunting or just chillaxing while his eyebrows grow back?
NC Braves Fan
June 7th, 2010
11:17 am
My guess is the Hawks will go with the candidate they feel that Joe Johnson might want to play for. Is that a fair assumption Jeff and if so, who might that be at this point?
Carter
June 7th, 2010
11:18 am
No Avery, he was HANDED a great team and what—NOTHING
B. Scott–my last recall he made it to the FINALS twice!!!! Proven Coach and have gotten the MOST out of ALL his players. B. Scott will bring value and experience to this young team. He will CHECK J. Smith, and Maximize his talents. Hawks need a coach that believes in playing and developing players during the season so that those plyers(Teague, Morris, Collins) know their roles and contribute to the team.
We needed to change the speed of the game; we need defense on J. Nelson but our lack of coaching and making changing during the game, Jeff Teague SAT!!!!! Young Legs, Can shot, Lighting fast, not to mention gritty—–Jeff Teague
My point is we need a coach who know the importance of all his players and use them to the better of the team. Not a coach who say this league is to fast for him, he is not ready, excuses because you played FAVORITES!!!!!!!!!!
B. Scott I like a lot, simple put he can coach and its on his resume.
Mark Jackson does break the game down to a science. HMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmm
He did play, and was a great point guard, in New York a tough city to play for and survived.
HawkKingBibby
June 7th, 2010
11:22 am
I wish Tyrone Corbin was in this mix. Maybe he wants to stay in Utah since he will have that job in a few years?
Jesse
June 7th, 2010
11:24 am
I’d go with fresh and new. Jackson would be out to prove himself. He was a great PG and those are the kinds that make good coaches. He was a better PG than Avery Johnson, so that means something….
Deemark
June 7th, 2010
11:24 am
If had to choose out of the four, it would definitely have to be Avery johnson, with Larry Drew a close second. But if we could wait a couple of weeks,I would love for us to make a strong run at Doc Rivers. Also, it’s not too late to talk t Tyrone Corbin. Any guy learning from the likes of a Jerry Sloan has to know how to coach and instill discipline within a team, and we need discipline on this team more than anything(Josh Smith).
Ron E.
June 7th, 2010
11:30 am
If these are the top 4 choices on Sund’s list, he hasn’t made much of an effort to find a coach that can lead the Hawks to a championship as soon as this upcoming season or else he has been giving a strict salary limit for the next coach by ownership. Of the choices listed I like Casey best. I can’t have faith in Drew after all the years he has sat next to Woody. Johnson’s last few years in Dallas don’t give me confidence in his ability to take the Hawks beyond the second round. Let some rebuilding team give Jackson his on-the-job-training.
JC
June 7th, 2010
11:32 am
Glenn, maybe Avery wanting personnel say isn’t such a bad thing, as long as it’s related to players. Lord knows ASG needs an advocate on the inside to spend what it takes to build a winning team. Sund is far too shrewd to suggest going over the cap; that’s why ASG hired him. But if Avery shows success with the team, then says “I need semi-big-name-free-agent-player-x to make it to the next level,” ASG would be more likely to respond than if Woodson had suggested it.
Ramon
June 7th, 2010
11:36 am
The Hawks did a phone interview with Tyrone Corbin.
Clyde
June 7th, 2010
11:41 am
Mark Jackson
JC
June 7th, 2010
11:41 am
Also for the record, Larry Drew will make a fine head coach somewhere, someday. He’s a solid coach, commands respect from his players and has the good PG mentality of Avery, Jackson and Rivers. I just don’t think he can be differentiated enough from the Woodson-led teams right now that he should get the job.
TJL
June 7th, 2010
11:48 am
how come byron scott has not been mentioned at all?
Paul Hewitt
June 7th, 2010
11:51 am
As I’ve said before I can coach both. We can have doubleheaders at the thriller dome. We both run the same offense now.
ZEKE
June 7th, 2010
11:56 am
WHAT ABOUT ME
hello hall of famer here and i am a short interstate drive away !!!!!!!
make the call
Kenbud
June 7th, 2010
12:01 pm
People LIKE Mark Jackson. His personality, his grit, his NBA knowledge and understanding of players.
That’s why he’s in second. Should be in first.
Not Drinking the Kool - Aid
June 7th, 2010
12:03 pm
Avery Johnson is definitely the guy. Why would any coach not want some personnel input into a playoff team trying to take the next step? Especially for his own job security. As Bill Parcells said, “If I’m going to cook a meal, I definitely want to be the one buying the groceries for that meal.” Also, the Hawks are a team that has not had a true center for the past few years and not a lot of depth and player developement. I would hope the next coach would want some personnel say. I don’t believe Avery wants absolute power in Atlanta or else why give him a second or third interview. Byron Scott has not been mentioned because all the rumors out of New Orleans say that he wore out his welcome with the players in N.O. B. Scott now has a rep. for being not player friendly. A bad match for most young up and coming teams. Just say no to Bill Laimbeer not enough NBA coaching experience, and WNBA experience is not NBA experience – Two different games. The Hawks should entertain Jeff Van Gundy and Lawrence Franks, I also like Ty Corbin under Sloan, Corbin has the experience to make a good coach.
Lebron James
June 7th, 2010
12:04 pm
Logic says Avery Johnson, but I get this weird feeling Casey may be the man for the job.
S Tony
June 7th, 2010
12:06 pm
I like the idea of promoting the lead assistant. He knows the roster. He knows all of their strengts and weaknesses. He knows what’s worked and what hasn’t worked in the past few seasons and probably knows how to fix it.
Do we have Earvin Johnson, Michael Jordan, or Tim Duncan here? NO, but the most successful NBA head coaches over the past 30 years were either promoted from being the lead assistant or were already in the organization when they got their first NBA head coaching gigs.
See Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, and Gregg Popovich.
My vote goes to Mr Drew.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:07 pm
GT Alum — Thanks.
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Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:08 pm
Glenn — I don’t think Phil is going anywhere.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:08 pm
Ted Striker — I’m all for Knight. It’s all about the stories!
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:09 pm
NC Braves Fan — I don’t think they can make an assumption that Joe will base his decision on that. I think it’s going to come down to money for him.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:11 pm
Jesse — Jerry West was a better guard than either one of them, and he was pretty average as a coach. Didn’t have the patience. Great GM though. You can’t go by how good of a player somebody was.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:11 pm
Ramon — If that’s true, it’s the first I’ve heard of it. And if it’s true, phone interviews don’t count for much.
Jeff Schultz
June 7th, 2010
12:12 pm
TJL — Very good question. Actually wondering why Byron Scott has drawn little attention everywhere.
Not Drinking the Kool - Aid
June 7th, 2010
12:14 pm
Just say no to Mark Jackson, ASG have no time for experiments. Doc ain’t coming to Atlanta, nor do the Hawks have time to wait on him with J.J.’s free agency and the upcoming NBA draft.
tim
June 7th, 2010
12:15 pm
Why isn’t there an “someone else” choice and why isn’t Mike Brown included in the choices?
Dawglasville
June 7th, 2010
12:16 pm
I think a coach who will develop Teague is key. I think that was Woodson’s biggest sin this year. If Doc is out of the question then I would go with Avery.
Ramon
June 7th, 2010
12:20 pm
@ Jeff, Sund interviewed him the week of Chicago.
Personally, I like Avery or Mark Jackson. I like Mark Jackson because he always had a fighter’s mentality when he played. If Jackson promises not to do the ‘Shimmy Shake’ I wouldn’t be disappointing with him.
My favorite choice is Avery. I think the biggest reason Avery didn’t win the title in Dallas is mainly because of their biggest flaw. And that flaw is Mark Cuban. Cuban is a very supportive owner, and he’s a stand up guy. But I think the way he’s always around and basically the 16th member of the roster, hurts the coaching staff and the players to concentrate and focus on the game. Cuban is almost like going to the prom with your parents sitting on the side watching, taking pictures.
MWE
June 7th, 2010
12:24 pm
Jeff,
Here is the real deal. You have to go with Avery Johnson considering all the inexperience we’ve had before. Knowing that.. This team is not going to get any better without a true center and the development of Jeff Teague. It will NOT happen! Regardless if Joe stays or goes.. I hope he stays! If not.. I think Jamal Crawford could fit in nicely in that position. I love Mike Bibby.. but he can’t play D! However, in my opinion.. We need a true center so Al Horford can move to his natural spot. I really believe that will get us over the hump and at least into the conference finals. We have talent.. we need a coach who can get us there and a TRUE center!!
gcs
June 7th, 2010
12:27 pm
“None of the above”
Does anyone honestly think any of these guys can win a Championship??!! The time to win is now. The Hawks do not have time to rebuild. Prepare for a first round loss in 2011.
If these are the choices, I’d rather have Mike Woodson back. Seriously.
.
i_am_soulstar
June 7th, 2010
12:29 pm
I can’t put my finger on it, but I just have a good feeling about Dwane Casey. And please, just say no to Jamal Crawford starting. Kind of like Al Horford and power forward, 6th man is just his natural position.
Jerry West
June 7th, 2010
12:32 pm
On Byron Scott for a sec, he’s been tuned out by 2 teams. Granted, he made em both successful, but he seems to get a team so far and then wear on em pretty quickly. I think the Hawks are already at that “so far” level. You thought the Hawks quitting was bad, it was just last playoffs that the Hornets tied for the worst playoff game loss ever (58 pts). I think he’d be better off coaching up a bad young team into a playoff squad. He’s the new Doug Collins.
DP
June 7th, 2010
12:37 pm
I am surprised Ty Corbin apparently never made it to the serious candidate list. I have no idea how being a TV announcer makes Mark Jackson more qualified to be an NBA head coach than Corbin is after working as an assistant under Jerry Sloan for many years.
I’d like to see Mark Jackson to get a coaching job somewhere other than the Hawks to get him off the NBA telecasts on ABC. The constant back and forth sniping (that’s supposed to be funny I guess) between Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy is as tiresome as Bill Walton and Steve “Snapper” Jones doing basically the same routine quite a few years back.
The Atlanta Spirit
June 7th, 2010
12:52 pm
Which one is cheapest?
tony
June 7th, 2010
12:53 pm
As long as he has champioship written on his resume I don’t care who they hire. Just tired of waiting.
Reid Adair
June 7th, 2010
1:03 pm
I still don’t like Avery Johnson’s playoff failures. Mike Woodson won 53 regular-season games then struggled, to say the least, in the playoffs.
The fact that Mark Jackson is receiving so many votes in this poll is far more frightening than the idea of hiring Johnson, though.
Bobbi Dud
June 7th, 2010
1:05 pm
Bring back Hubie Brown! Those other choices are a joke!
booger
June 7th, 2010
1:06 pm
have any of phil Jacksons assistants ever had any success as a head man ? that is usually a good indicator of how good a coach really is when his assistants start winning .or has Phil just benefitted from MJ, SHAQ and kobe , and now kobe and gasol.
just wondering if some other assistants should be in the conversation
Ramon
June 7th, 2010
1:06 pm
Bobbi, I WISH Hubie was an option. When he covers the Hawks he makes you feel as if he could fix all the wrongs with the Hawks.
smokemonster
June 7th, 2010
1:12 pm
none of the above. the hawks dont need to have a coach. just go out there and dribble and dunk…does it matter.
smokemonster
June 7th, 2010
1:12 pm
oh and Jack is the Smokemonster
j. naismith
June 7th, 2010
1:18 pm
hire mike woodson
frog
June 7th, 2010
1:22 pm
the hawks need marynell meadors as the coach
Dave In Tampa
June 7th, 2010
1:25 pm
YAWN………
HawkKingBibby
June 7th, 2010
1:26 pm
JS ANY CHANCE YOU CAN MAKE SURE THE ATL SPIRIT SEE THIS POLL AND ITS RESULTS?
Blue
June 7th, 2010
1:27 pm
Mark Jackson ……. There are several former players who went on to become very good or great head coaches with little or no coaching experience (Doc Rivers, Avery Johnson, Larry Bird, Phil Jackson, Doug Collins, Pat Riley, Jerry Sloan, Rudy T., etc.). My vote’s for Mark Jackson.
justme
June 7th, 2010
1:41 pm
Several people have mentioned white candidates, but there are none in the “poll” choices. Apparently, all white coaches are excluded from the Hawks search, which leaves only the four mediocre coaches listed in the poll. Just one more reason not to care about the Hawks or NBA.
MitchC
June 7th, 2010
1:44 pm
Of the ones you mentioned, Avery Johnson, Jeff, but only for one reason. He had success in Dallas.
Of the other longshots. I’d love to see Van Gundy, but I doubt it will happen. He had success with Riley in NY, and as a coach himself.
As we know, this isn’t a team that let its coach go which is in rebuild mode. It is a team that has improved every year, and has stagnated in the playoffs. We aren’t hiring a new coach with the idea of clawing our way from the ground up. We are hiring one who can get this team to the “next level”, and hopefully compete with the Orlandos and Bostons of the world for the NBA Finals.
Hopefully, management will make the right choice, and the team will improve in the playoffs because of it.
4 Jacks
June 7th, 2010
1:46 pm
It really does not matter. As long as these pitiful bozo’s known as the ASG are making the choice you can bet the farm it will be the wrong choice. This so called ownership is just plain down right pitifil. Why doesn’t Gearon and the rest of these morons just leave. Please sell the teams and just go the hell away. We will never be a real contender while these idiots own these teams.
Ted M
June 7th, 2010
1:48 pm
I vote for Laimbeer.
HawkKingBibby
June 7th, 2010
1:48 pm
So far Larry Drew voted 32 times for himself.
JSS
June 7th, 2010
1:49 pm
@ Ted Striker…
Robert Montgomery Knight is all of his splendor! Especially No. 1
@ Jeff Schultz…
Well, funny the State of Indiana couldn’t keep Wooden or Abe Lincoln in the State; but Knight and Lou Holtz were beloved!
By the way, I say Corbin too!
JSS
June 7th, 2010
1:50 pm
Bobby Knight
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Onfzet1xxs&feature=related
cattle dawg
June 7th, 2010
1:51 pm
I like Drew the best, but its like picking the best looking fat girl in a fat girl beauty contest.
Yeah C'mon
June 7th, 2010
2:14 pm
Jon Koncak!!!!
or Blair Rasmussen
General Sherman
June 7th, 2010
2:24 pm
WHO really cares? They need to to leave Atlanta,baskerball stinks and is boring!
Best of Atlanta
June 7th, 2010
2:27 pm
————————————
Joshua Nesbitt for Heisman
————————————
www.uhaul.com
June 7th, 2010
2:35 pm
The Hawks need to relocate to St. Louis.
avery johnson
June 7th, 2010
2:39 pm
(in an extremely obnoxious high-pitched squeel)
When it comes to me being the Atlanta Hawks coach, i’d like to bring up the 4 F’s.
Facts – The Facts.
It doesn’t really matter what my winning percentage is. It is merely a reflection
of the regular season talent I was blessed with. I am not really that great of a coach.
I was never that great of an NBA player, but for some reason I feel the need to micro-manage
players to the point where to remaine sane, they must ignore me completely. If you’re
interested in me simply because of my ability to win games that don’t matter,
consider the recent fortunes of Mike Brown and Mike Woodson.
Fans – The fans.
The only ones who want me. They only want me bcause of my winning
percentage and my 1 ring. The front office knows I want more money and power than i’m worth.
My nick name, The Little General, merely points to my unfortunate case of napoleon complex.
But, by all means, please over pay me. I bring nothing more to the table than Woodson.
Finishing – Finishing.
I’m a terrible finisher. I get good regular season records and then blow an entire season’s
hard effort by making horrible decisions in the playoffs. I don’t know what happened.
No one was listening to me. But, Mark Cuban was breathing down my throat, and Dirk is soft.
You can expect similar results, because your superstar, Joe Johnson, is not a champion either.
Fraud – In sum, I am a fraud that should not be taken seriously by anyone.
wxwax
June 7th, 2010
2:42 pm
My problem with Avery Johnson is that he’s just as abrasive as as Woodson. The players may eventually tune him out, just as they did Woodson.
Phil Jackson’s strength is his people management skills.
For that reason I like Dwane Casey, who may also be able to get the group working together.
Rufus1
June 7th, 2010
2:51 pm
Coach
We need a coach with a National Persona…A coach who can change the perception of the Hawks franchise. There are only 2 coaches on that list with a National Persona…HIRE ONE OF THEM!!!!
We needed to hire a coach that tells free agents, we are serious about winning in ATLANTA…Neither CASEY OR DREW covey that message.
Johnson and Jackson are the best winners of the candidates and have had to overcome the most as players(NO Athleticism)
PS. Our 1# need in next year is the development of a PG…and they are both former PG
cdog
June 7th, 2010
2:52 pm
as i said before, why is rick sund in charge of something he knows nothing about, basketball operations?any moron would have recognized that avery jonson is by far the best coach available.doc rivers is not going to leave a good thing he has in boston.danny ainge is a great GM unlike sund.ainge will do anything needed to keep rivers in boston.forget about fantasizing about rivers and do the right thing, hire the best and available coach who is going to take your franchise to the next level, avery johnson.a child would have already had johnson hired but not loser sund.he wants someone who he can control behind close doors then when what he says don’t work he will be blaming the coach when its always sund’s fault.he will sit back and let other teams get stronger and do nothing then start admiring the teams saying how tough they are.some GM we have.only in atlanta do we have such people running things.thats why the hawks always come up short.
Tybo
June 7th, 2010
3:00 pm
It’s time to break away from the norm. I am all for Mark Jackson getting a shot. I am all for something different. What are gonna do, take a step backwards? With any coach we will do that. Let’s take a chance on Jackson and try something different…
sidewalk74
June 7th, 2010
3:13 pm
Ty Corbin
truly bless
June 7th, 2010
3:16 pm
Mark Jackson was a coach when he played the game. He’s just one of those guys you knew his next step is seating on the bench coaching. And he work with players in the off season. Rondo accredited Jackson for his improvements. And Atlanta would want to here what he had to say about a game.
And we are not winning the championship next year but we will be in the playoffs give Jackson time to grow.
Future prediction: our championship team will have Teague as starting point and Horford pf/c and Josh and Marvin coming off the bench. True story
DawgDad
June 7th, 2010
3:28 pm
“Avery Johnson will want personnel say .”
I be very wary of any coaching candidate that did NOT want a say.
Does anyone posting here really think the Hawks are going to win a second and third-round playoff series with this core roster?
truly bless
June 7th, 2010
3:45 pm
And Mark Jackson lives in Atlanta what else needs to be said.
cdog
June 7th, 2010
4:09 pm
dawgdad, i agree with you 100%.any coach with personnel power would be better than the current GM, rick sund.
heartofdarkness
June 7th, 2010
4:29 pm
I haven’t seen a mention of Armond Hill. You would have to realize rebuilding is in your future, and decide to overhaul the jalopy from the wheels up.
Joe Mama and Angie Daddy
June 7th, 2010
5:16 pm
Byron Scott! Byron Scott! Byron Scott! Byron Scott! Byron Scott!
Hoops
June 7th, 2010
5:25 pm
The Hawks are waiting for the end to the Lakers/Celtics series to see what Doc is going to do. I believe Doc will take a year off from coaching to help his NBA bound son during his senior year. Why not???
If that is true, check with Doc to make sure that he will not take the Hawks HC position now. Then if Doc is taking the year off, offer the HC position to Mark Jackson and reveal this plan to him. Offer him a 3 year contract with the 2nd and 3rd year being a team option. If he is doing a great job after the first year, then reup him for the next two years. If not, then go get Doc Rivers. He will be ready after taking the year off to be with his son!
mark
June 7th, 2010
6:58 pm
JEFF – I live in Dallas and can tell you from first hand knowledge that you do NOT want Avery Johnson. He is a control freak and it only took him 2 years to drive the Mavs players so crazy that Cuban got rid of him. There is something to the fact that replaced Nelson, one of the more laid back coaches but still, Johnson wants a LOT of control, which is why he has been passed over for so many jobs since he left the Mavs.
balismith
June 7th, 2010
7:03 pm
i just remember how lost johnson looked coaching in the playoffs his last year in dallas… has a great winning percetage, wonder what that percentage would be if h for etook the hawks job 5 years ago,,,plus hard for to take johnson seriously when i listen to him speak
The Realist
June 7th, 2010
8:03 pm
Johnson is the ONLY option the fans can have optimism for improving on a 53 win team. The others are clearly projects and guesses.
The Hawks Executive Team has to get this right or Phillips will become a morgue!
ntrigue
June 7th, 2010
8:23 pm
Jeff- Why is Mark Jackson getting an interview instead of Steve Smith???
PlusSizeModel
June 7th, 2010
8:43 pm
Let’s face it: the Hawks are winning absolutely nothing regardless of who is named coach. This ownership group is a losing proposition, period.
PlusSizeModel
June 7th, 2010
8:45 pm
“Johnson is the ONLY option the fans can have optimism for improving on a 53 win team.”
Really? Based on what, exactly? He took a highly talented team to a first round exit his last year as a coach, right?
cdog
June 7th, 2010
9:23 pm
mark, yes we do want avery johnson.what happened in dallas doesn’t mean the same thing will happen in atlanta.johnson is a proven winner.no other candidate can make that claim.if the organization can give someone like rick sund a chance, then the team should give johnson a chance
Poll time: Pick your Hawks' coach (I'm going with Johnson) | NBA Playoff Tickets
June 7th, 2010
10:05 pm
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) [...]
DZ
June 7th, 2010
10:39 pm
Cleveland is looking at Tom Izzo. The Cavs are thinking big. The Hawks are looking at mediocrity. I hope you Hawks fans have enjoyed the last couple of years because it is over.
Hawks Fan
June 7th, 2010
11:08 pm
Got to go with the proven winner. Thats Avery at present but I do like Doc Rivers. Hope Hawks don’t go cheap on the fans. If they wish to win they got to pay the price. Thanks Jeff.
GetwhatUpayfor
June 7th, 2010
11:11 pm
Byron Scott, why not?
t_height
June 7th, 2010
11:12 pm
the only fit i see for this team is Avery Johnson. Johnson will have the ability to bring in better players from around the league. Why go with rookie coaches at this point. If the hawks hire Jackson or Drew they should have just kept woodson. Rick Sund is good at bringing in good free agent player but he lack in drafting good players and the best coaches.
R. Lundberg
June 7th, 2010
11:38 pm
Dwane Casey is a most real and affable person but meanwhile he is an effective Coach. My vote goes for Dwayne.
fayncdawg
June 8th, 2010
12:42 am
Doc is te ONLY HC prospect who can take the Hawks deeper in the playoffs. Under Doc, this year’s Hawks team would have WON the Orlando series! I LIKE AVERY AND BYRON! But truthfully neither will have the Hawks faring any better! There are only two great coaches in the league. One coach is led by a superstar that’s old and actually kinda slow at this point of his career. The other coach is led by a raw superstar-wannabe PG with a suspect jumper. I mean Lebron, Carmelo, Dirk, JJ, and Dwight. On paper ALL are almost as good as Kobe and ALL are better than ANYBODY on the Celts. Obviously paper does not win games! COACHING wins games! On paper the Mavs and the Nuggets are better than the Lakers. On paper the Cavs and the Magic (AND THE HAWKS FOR THAT MATTER) are better than the Celts. COACHING IS THEV REASON WHY THE LAKERS AND CELTS ARE IN THE FINALS!
fayncdawg
June 8th, 2010
12:47 am
HOW COME NOBODY HAS MENTIONED BRIAN SHAW??? Just kinda hit me! If you can’t get Doc, then get Brian Shaw!!
fayncdawg
June 8th, 2010
12:52 am
Just looking at Shaw’s Wiki, looks like he was a PG AND a SG! The Hawks could use that!
Countdown: Bucs (busted), Argentina (hubba), Chills (duck!) | Jeff Schultz
June 8th, 2010
9:18 am
[...] ♦ Poll time: Pick your Hawks’ coach (I’m going with Johnson) [...]
i_am_soulstar
June 8th, 2010
12:29 pm
If Mark Jackson wants a shot, then he can have one, as an ASSISTANT!!!!
t_height
June 8th, 2010
2:01 pm
That would kind of disrespectful to the other assistants and former head coaches out there that are interested in being a head coach if the hawks hire Jackson. The one reason why I wouldn’t want mark jackson as head coach is because he always has something negative the say about the team. He would talk about the team like the hawks were just a joke.
skyhawk1
June 8th, 2010
5:55 pm
you have a team with a soft PG, a SF who never seems comfortable on the court, and a crazy/lazy PF who can’t rebound and play within his limitations and you still wonder if A. Johnson is the right guy for this team? Let me guess, you probably didn’t see him run the Spurs.
Joseph
June 8th, 2010
6:34 pm
Hire AJ and swap JJ for LeBron. The Hawks have a great nucleus and can win it all with the King in AJ’s court!!!
John
June 8th, 2010
10:14 pm
Avery Johnson is the best choice.
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
7:28 am
“any moron would have recognized that avery jonson is by far the best coach available.”
Sure. Which perfectly explains why Avery remained in the broadcasting booth for a couple/few years, and despite all the noise, STILL does not have a job even as we speak.
Chicago passed on him. New Orleans passed on him. Philadelphia passed on him. He’s now being mentioned as a front runner with New Jersey, but that info is only coming from the idle speculation of media pundits, not from New Jersey itself.
Gee, I guess every team in need of a head coach this offseason is stupid, because none of them have hired Avery Johnson yet…
Big Ray
June 9th, 2010
7:33 am
I’m not saying Avery Johnson is NOT the guy to hire, but too many people are going off of name brand and money. Spending more money does not guarantee success.
Rashard Lewis cost a bundle. It helped the Magic to the Finals last year, but Garnett’s absence also helped that. Didn’t work this year.
Gilbert Arenas costs a lot of money. Where has that gotten Washington?
Cavs spent the dough to get Shaq and Antawn Jamison. Where did it take them?
Saying you have to spend the money on a coach of all things is just plain silly. Forget the name, forget the cash. Just identify the right guy…then spend what it takes to get him.
The amount of money a person makes never determines how good they are. You can sign somebody to a huge contract, only to watch them fubar everything they touch.
Why would Avery Johnson pick Nets (other than money)? | Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2010
9:24 am
[...] ♦ Poll time: Pick your Hawks’ coach (I’m going with Johnson) [...]
wesleywhatwhat
June 9th, 2010
12:04 pm
avery johnson or byron scott.
Report: Avery Johnson snubs Hawks for the 12-70 Nets | Jeff Schultz
June 9th, 2010
3:24 pm
[...] I put up a poll the other day asking who your first choice was among the four candidates. With over 1,400 votes, Johnson was the overwhelming pick at 65 percent. He was followed by Casey and Jackson at 14 percent each (Casey had one more vote at last check) and Drew at seven percent. [...]
Larry Drew may not excite you but he could just work out | Jeff Schultz
June 11th, 2010
7:55 pm
[...] course, most readers didn’t agree. In fact, in an online reader poll of the four finalists last week, Drew finished with only seven percent of the vote — far behind Johnson (62 percent), Jackson [...]