We give you odds on Braves’, Falcons’ or Hawks’ title parade
Forgot what Atlanta parade looked like? Here's 1995 Braves World Series MVP Tom Glavine.
It is that time of year when two leagues are close to determining new champions and every sports fan in Atlanta thinks, “There goes another parade.”
A potential NBA title in Oklahoma City? A possible Stanley Cup in Los Angeles (only slightly better than if Ilya Kovalchuk led New Jersey)? Are the sporting gods planning any more shots to the groin area? Is Mike Mularkey destined to lead Jacksonville to a Super Bowl? (On second thought, we’re probably safe.)
Not counting minor leagues or sports teams that would make you pause and think, “Wait, do they count?” Atlanta has celebrated only one pro championship since the Braves and Falcons theoretically lifted the city out of amateur status in 1966.
Depending on how generous you want to be with the math, Atlanta is 1-for-46 years, which equates to an annual parade percentage of .022, or 1-for-155 seasons (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL), which is a batting/completion/shooting percentage of .007. Even Josh Smith is shooting 27.8 percent from 3-point range.
Loading ...So the question: What will it take for the Braves, Falcons or Hawks to win a championship? What follows is how I would rank the three, and what potentially could push them over the top:
1. Braves (46-plus seasons: 3799-3564, 17 playoffs, 1 title).
Biggest need: leadership.
Parade odds: 15-1.
They have been really good (25-15) and really bad (eight-game losing streak). The issue is not talent but chemistry. We’ve seen that they’re a different team when Chipper Jones is out of the lineup. That speaks not only to Jones’ impact in the lineup, but the otherwise lack of leadership in the clubhouse.
I know the baseball vs. football emotion thing can be debated. But the Braves haven’t consistently played with a sense of urgency and fight. They don’t scrap. They don’t always seem confident. That’s what allows teams to endure when pitching, defense or offense falls off. That falls on the manager, Fredi Gonzalez, who needs to prove he can pull this bunch out of a tailspin, which he didn’t a year ago.
2. Falcons (46 seasons: 299-399-6, 11 playoffs, 0 titles).
Biggest needs: offensive line, play-calling.
Parade odds: 25-1.
They’re evolving into that Braves argument of the 1990s. The Braves won 14 division titles but only one World Series. The Falcons have made the playoffs three out of four years under Thomas Dimitroff and Mike Smith but have yet to win a postseason game (losing the past two by scores of 48-21 and 24-2).
Dimitroff bristled at suggestions in the offseason that he wasn’t doing enough to improve the team, but he should recognize that re-signing players and adding talent are two different things. It follows that the trade for cornerback Asante Samuel was significant.
But there are significant questions on offense. The line excels at neither pass nor run blocking, and Sam Baker returns at left tackle. Mularkey’s predictability at play-calling was an issue, but we’ll never know how much was dictated by coach Mike Smith. Perceptions that the Falcons’ need more of a bombs-away offense are off base. They just need to find ways to utilize all of their weapons and keep defenses off balance. That’s on new coordinator Dirk Koetter. Then real judgments on Matt Ryan (seven points in past six playoff quarters) can be made.
3. Hawks (44 seasons: 1762-1798, 28 playoffs, 0 titles).
Biggest need: a plan.
Parade odds: 100-1.
Of the three franchises, the Hawks are the only ones who seem to make it up as they go. Is Al Horford ideal at center? No. Does Jeff Teague have shortcomings at point guard? Yes. But the biggest problem was giving Joe Johnson an elite player’s contract, the issue being he’s not an elite player, and he has hamstrung them financially.
There is no easy way out of this mess. But the most significant move they could make would be trading Josh Smith (who wants out and likely will leave next year in free agency) for a starting point guard, a center or a second scoring option. But plans only come about when an organization shows some semblance of stability, and the Hawks are anything but stable. From the pratfalls of ownership to the uncertain future of general manager Rick Sund, it’s difficult to get a handle on where this team is going.
This bunch has probably hit their ceiling as a first- or second-round playoff team, unless significant changes are made. But what do the Hawks generally do? Tweak and play it safe.
By Jeff Schultz
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173 comments Add your comment
Atlanta - love it or leave it
June 5th, 2012
4:15 pm
bunch of miserable, critical transplants today. Go home and quit your bitchin’ here.
yucky
June 5th, 2012
4:17 pm
That was a rainy and cold day for Braves parade. But it was still nice
Felix
June 5th, 2012
4:21 pm
That monstrosity for celebrating HRs that Miami has stuck out there behind CF is obscene. Gives me a headache to look at it.
Felix
June 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
…..wondering if Ozzie Guillen will have his commie buddy Castro in the dugout with him.
Brave Hokie
June 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
“Loser” + “ville” = Atlanta
& it ain’t EVER gonna change.
I was at that parade, BTW…
Brave Hokie
June 5th, 2012
4:28 pm
& the Braves will fo-sho lose in Miami tomorrow nite, I will be there…
0-5 when I have seen them on the road
mark
June 5th, 2012
4:29 pm
Hey look everyone Choke was allowed out of his mother’s basement for some fresh air. Choke please get a new routine b/c this one is getting old. By the way Saints looking real good this year, wow Lofton will be the man in the middle when Ryan throws the ball over his head for another first down. Shultz the only franchise even sniffing at a world championship are the Falcons, as they have an owner who actually cares about winning and holds his staff to some accountability. Braves and Hawks would have to miracle their ass into a title.
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
Jeff Schultz, do you know anything about basketball? Jeff Teague is the least of this team’s problems. What are Teague’s short-comings? Seriously, you are off base with this one. If we trade Josh (which I don’t want too), it better be for a center that blocks shots, rebounds, and defends. Nothing more, nothing less. All Jeff Teague needs is a competent coach that believes in him. Not one that treats him as the team whipping boy and turns a blind eye when other players on the team are screwing up and not pulling their load. How about the coach telling his power forward and center to grab the rebound, find your point guard, and run the floor for easy buckets. Works for OKC, Spurs, Celtics, Clippers, Nuggets, …….. Do I need to continue.
City of Losers
June 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
Yep. We are always good enough not to suck, but not bad enough to draft impact players. The only ownership that cares about Rings is Blank and he is stuck with a Salary Cap. As for the Braves and Hawks, Corporate Ownership doesn’t work especially those Moron’s owning the Hawks. Please sell.
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:31 pm
That center should average around 15ppg as well.
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:33 pm
The Hawks would be in the ECF right now if they had a real coach.
City of Losers
June 5th, 2012
4:33 pm
Rollo,
You are out of your mind. Teague is a back up point guard at best. Teams attack his size and skill on defense as their first option. Get a clue.
bali
June 5th, 2012
4:50 pm
atlanta fans: 1 the most loyal in the history of professional sports 2 gluttons for punishment..
rollo lawson
June 5th, 2012
4:55 pm
City of Losers, you and Jeff must related. Teague can play ball you idiot. The guy is still young and learning the ropes. I guess you’d rather re-up Captain Kirk for $10 million a year.
UGADawg83
June 5th, 2012
5:28 pm
Odds on Hawks not near long enough. The Atlanta Spirit are the most inept pro sports owners since the fellow, I believe his name was Donald Sterling, that owned the Clippers.
athensdawg
June 5th, 2012
5:31 pm
june 5 (pick the year…the same two quotes can always be counted on at this time of year)
dawgs will win the national title.
cubs will win the world series.
Lil' Barry Bailout
June 5th, 2012
5:57 pm
The Falcons have a better shot than the Braves. The Falcons have NFL-caliber players, the Braves have one semi-retired big league hitter and an iffy pitching staff.
Survey says...Failcants will nevah win a SB
June 5th, 2012
5:59 pm
Saints own you loosahs….
SSIgator
June 5th, 2012
6:18 pm
Jeff -
Glad you did not include UGA football on the list. Mark “I can win games – just not the big games” Richt and his army of Kool-Aid drinkers would have flooded the survey with their usual Pre-Season #1 nonsense. Luckily for everyone else that noise always fades away by the end of September each year.
KevinM
June 5th, 2012
6:24 pm
Jeff, you can up the odds for the Hawks at 1000-1.
The combination of the 7 dwarfs and Sund is a perfect match for ineptness. They have already told you they want a new fan base who will support their vision…….like looking in a shallow cup. The current fan base is tired of their excuses.
ChopChamps95
June 5th, 2012
6:25 pm
Both the Braves and Hawks need to clean house from ownership all the way down to their respective head coaches. Until both of those teams get new leadership (in most to all areas) neither will even get a sniff of a championship.
I’ll agree with alot of others in that the Falcons have by far the best chance to win a championship first. Arthur Blank, unlike the Braves and Hawks ownership, atleast cares about making the fan base happy by going out and getting necessary players needed to atleast build a contender. However, if the Falcons want to win a Super Bowl, the players and coaching staff need to quit sh*tting their pants when the playoffs arrive.
ChopChamps95
June 5th, 2012
6:26 pm
Both the Braves and Hawks need to clean house from ownership all the way down to their respective head coaches. Until both of those teams get new leadership (in most to all areas) neither will even get a sniff of a championship.
I’ll agree with alot of others in that the Falcons have by far the best chance to win a championship first. Arthur Blank, unlike the Braves and Hawks ownership, atleast cares about making the fan base happy by going out and getting necessary players needed to atleast build a contender. However, if the Falcons want to win a Super Bowl, the players and coaching staff need to quit s.h.i.tting their pants when the playoffs arrive.
KC
June 5th, 2012
6:29 pm
Trade Josh for Dwight (as long as Howard signs extension). Horford moving back at PF with Howard at center = best frontcourt in the league right there! – - oh and somehow hide Marvin in the trade. Maybe you can stick him in Josh’s trunk as they head out of town.
hawksfancents95
June 5th, 2012
6:35 pm
@jeff schultz
nice topic,very interesting to see the opinions of atlantas “worst fans in the USA”.
1.Falcons-Its either this or next year to win or get to the superbowl or the mike smith era is over so id like to think we can finally get over this hump and have a good chance to make this happen. i like to think a pro bowl qb/rb/wr/te is enough offense to win any game but last years 24-2 loss still looms.
2.Braves- The bravos are streaky but if they can pull a contradiction of last years regular season finale i think they can swing a championship run in the next 3 years.(hopefully this year to end chippers run that would be absolutely fitting)
3.Thrashers
4.Hawks. its true im an avid hawks fan but they have no intention of anything but trying to clear operation costs and make a profit(not that every team doesnt do that but they have 0 intention of anything else). its funny they dont realize that if you pay a little more for a innovative GM and Head Coach you can actually have a team that is fun to watch/wins and it brings you in more revenue. no one cares if you go into the luxury tax or not, its very easy to build a championship caliber team under the salary cap of you have a GM that can get the right players for the right prices(Moneyball thinking).
as for horford, trade him he has reached his peak as an athletic 6′9 C. as for josh smith, it pains me to see my favorite hawk go but we need to trade him for something because he knows ASG is a joke and will not re-sign. jeff teague has peaked as well as a athletic pg who can only penetrate has an ok shot and a poor passer who does not do what all-star PG’s do which is make shots easy for everyone else.
Paul in NH
June 5th, 2012
6:40 pm
There is no doubt which Atlanta team is least likely to win a championship – the Hawks.
You need a few great players to win in the NBA. Look at the last 4 teams in the playoffs
Miami has LeBron and Wade – both likely going to the HoF
Boston has KG, Pierce, Allen (3 to the HoF) and Rondo
OKC has Durant and Westbrook
San Antonio has Duncan (HoF), Parker and Ginobili
Firsttimer
June 5th, 2012
6:47 pm
@mountain_jim
I totally agree. The biggest problem for the Braves and Hawks is ownership. Cheap owners make a cheap organization..as in no superstars,only low budget rosters. Notice that when Ted Turner owned the Hawks and Braves they were competitive contenders and carried true superstars. The Falcons are the team now with a deep pockets owner and signings like Asante Samuel leads me to believe they have the better odds of bringing a parade to Atlanta.
BIG DOG
June 5th, 2012
6:51 pm
Jeff Schultz – What about Atlanta Dream ?
ROUGH ROUGH
BIG DOG IN THE HOUSE
Delbert D.
June 5th, 2012
6:53 pm
Liberty Media 1000-1 odds.
Bravesfan79
June 5th, 2012
7:18 pm
Im with Pman…. regardless… these are MY teams… and when they finally do win a title, i can say i was a loyal fan the whole time! Unlike all the jumpers out there who go from team to team. By the way… i wonder how many people will jump from being Miami heat fans to OKC fans after OKC spanks them in the finals?
Double Zero Eight
June 5th, 2012
7:22 pm
I concur with the bloggers that
picked the Falcons to win a title
first. The owners of the Braves and
Hawks are too cheap to compete with
the “big boys”.
dmr
June 5th, 2012
7:44 pm
With only 3 major sports teams left in Atlanta note these things: Each team has had 40+ years in competition. 2 of the 3 major sports franchises are below .500. In a total of 136 seasons of playing sports….1 Championship.
ATLANTA MEDIA, NATIONAL MEDIA, LOCAL AND NATIONAL RADIO…QUIT BLAMING THE FANS! Kick a dog for 136 seasons and eventually he will bite you or just leave.
tony
June 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
If they(owners) are in the sports business just to make money, they are not concern about winning championships. I believe that has always been the case with Atanta Sports Owners.
Vesaversa
June 5th, 2012
7:53 pm
The Falcons definitely have a better shot at a championship they have a great owner that care about winning . Not so much over at the Hawks and Braves . The Braves need a individual owner they are now own by a corporation who bottom line is about profits the same can be said about the Hawks .
CGD..
June 5th, 2012
7:55 pm
“Then real judgments on Matt Ryan (seven points in past six playoff quarters) can be made.” -Jeff S.-
What took so long?
Wow this guys really does suck at QB? Seven lousy points for the [throwback], [obsolete], [72 million] dollar arm?
Mr. Blank, you really [paid] way to much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disgusted
June 5th, 2012
7:58 pm
The Hawks and Braves have almost no chance because of ownership.
The Falcons are a probability but I want to see womething from this bunch.
Liberty Media might be worse than the bumbling Atlanta Spirit.
The Winnipeg Jets might win a championship before any of our teams.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 5th, 2012
8:01 pm
unless ted turner comes back, the braves & their ownership will never see a championship again. marlins did it twice…spend a lot for a title…then dump everyone afterwards.
Slimjr
June 5th, 2012
8:04 pm
1- Championship in 155 combined seasons over almost on half of one century? Yawn….zzzzzz.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
June 5th, 2012
8:04 pm
i don’t put too much blame on ryan as I do his weak O-line…getting sacked/knocked down way too much. glad mularky is gone…see what koetter can do.
Disgusted
June 5th, 2012
8:07 pm
I would trade all three teams to get the Winnipeg Jets back.
dawg4u
June 5th, 2012
8:47 pm
Jeff I agree with your order of finish regarding parades. It would be nice if the Bravos ownership was as stable as the Falcons. The Hawks chances of a title parade are about as good as Sherman getting reincarnated and burning down Atlanta once again. I am very hopeful though of the new OC of the Falcons turning things around for that unit as well as Nolan as the DC.
Hy Ronatt
June 5th, 2012
8:52 pm
Go Braves! …and take the Falcons with you.
Falcon James
June 5th, 2012
8:53 pm
For some reason, I really never got into basketball. Maybe because I was too short.Therefore, I will reserve my comments about the Hawks. The Braves on the other has a good team. They need a little bit of help from the Manager. They also rely on Chipper too much. He is over rated and clearly. The only thing Chipper got is that he been with the team along time. Frankly, I would rather see Hubby or Pendleton still playing. Chipper just a year or two younger then those two anyone. Maybe Chipper can be Manager next year. The Falcon on the other hand have a Super Bowl well in sight. I know the stars need to align, but the Falcon have, by far, the best roster of any Atlanta team. The Falcon need to put it together and they will bring the Parade to Atlanta.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
8:54 pm
The Atlanta Spirit Group was Jerry Sandusky, and we were a collective, hockey-loving 8-year-old who just wanted take a shower.
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
8:55 pm
Go, Braves!
Atlanta Thrashers Season Ticket Holders
June 5th, 2012
9:05 pm
We guess Chris Bosh won’t be appearing on “The Client List” anytime soon.
Ted Striker
June 5th, 2012
9:09 pm
Gentlemen,
This is all very stimulating discussion however I’m just ticked off ATL lost their Lingerie Football League team before playing a single game.
Georgia Born and raised
June 5th, 2012
9:24 pm
Jeff,
Any chance you will retire or just go away. We are all sick of your stupid columns. Just go away man, you are anti-atlanta and we have never liked you. go write for somebody else because you stink here.
Danielle D.
June 5th, 2012
9:29 pm
Chances of winning the championship
Braves: 0%
Falcons: 0%
Hawks: 0%
UGA: Less than 0%
Nativebird
June 5th, 2012
9:50 pm
Odds Matt Ryan will win a superbowl: 2-3. With the Atlanta Falcons? 10-1.
Larry
June 5th, 2012
11:05 pm
Jeff,
You’re much too king regarding Fredi Gonzalez.
Bar none, he is the simgle most pinheaded, double digit IQ, cerebrally challenged manager in the game. Thus, giving the Braves better odds than the Falcons is illogical on your part but you’re also spot-on regarding the Falcons’ glaring weakness…a well below average OL.