Bradley’s Buzz: Fire Woodson? Hey, only I get to write that!
Hands off my man Woody!
In my capacity as outside observer, I’ve fired Mike Woodson more often than George Steinbrenner canned Billy Martin. I count at least four times I’ve done the (theoretical) deed, including this rant of February 2008, and even after the epic Celtics series I offered this vote of non-confidence. But here’s where I rally to my punching bag’s defense.
Writing for SI.com, Chris Mannix contends Woodson remains on the ol’ hot seat even after leading the Hawks to the East’s No. 4 seed, and I don’t believe that’s the case. Rick Sund, the general manager these past 11 months, has said repeatedly that his goal for his new team was to return to the playoffs with a better record, and Woodson has more than managed that. The Hawks improved 10 games without adding a starter. (Indeed, they lost sixth man Josh Childress to Greece.)
There were many times over Woodson’s first four seasons when I didn’t feel he was the man for this team, but I don’t feel that way now. Yes, I’m flip-flopping, but here the choice is either consistency for consistency’s sake or fairness to a man who has persevered through the dark days and who has, judging by the Hawks’ dominating performance in Game 1, playing at an ever-higher level.
So I’m sounding the warning: Lay off Woodson. I’ve got the man’s back. And I’ve had it … oh, since about November 2008.
The fallout from Game 1
How ’bout that Heat, huh? Well, Greg Stoda of the Palm Beach Post believes the team just quit, and certainly seven fourth-quarter points wouldn’t seem the product of a fully engaged club. Dave Hyde of the Sun-Sentinel doesn’t feel Miami has much to prove in this series, which would appear fortunate given that in Game 1 the Heat dropped hints it doesn’t really belong in the postseason.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
We knew this already, but Scott Howard-Cooper of SI.com says it again: The Heat must get points from someone other than Dwyane Wade. And John Hollinger of ESPN.com believes this series could be over quickly if matters don’t change.
The Hawks, they get no respect
Afterward, Josh Smith trotted out the old line about everyone picking against the Hawks. That’s not quite true. I picked them. (Then again, I’m wrong so often I probably don’t count.)
Mike Moreau of Scouts, Inc. picked the Hawks in six, same as I did. Paul Forrester of SI.com picked them. Charley Rosen of FoxSports.com did, too. And so did Sean Deveney of Sporting News Today. And six of ESPN.com’s 10 analysts went with the Hawks, which isn’t exactly a sign of disrespect in a 4-versus-5 series.
So, a word to J-Smoove: Go easy with that us-against-the-world stuff. A goodly chunk of the world likes your team’s chances.
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.Another back who can motor? Just the Tech ticket
For Sporting News Today, Dave Curtis identified five college players who’d had good springs and who could be headed for better autumns. One was Georgia Tech A-back Marcus Wright, who had as many carries in the spring game (four) as he did all last season. Think of Wright as an even smaller, even faster Roddy Jones. Then recall that Jones, who’s still around, gained 214 yards against Georgia. Then, if you’re a Tech fan, smile even wider.
Late-breaking news! Lawal to test NBA draft!
Georgia Tech’s Gani Lawal will enter the NBA draft but will not hire an agent, which means he could return to school next season. If you go by NBAdraft.net’s 2009 mock, which has him going 27th overall, he should return to school. But I keep hearing that Tech folks aren’t expecting him back.
OK, OK. Where’s all the (NFL) draft stuff?
Thanks for asking. Because there was no way to do justice to both the Hawks and the NFL draft, the minds behind Buzz — actually, there’s only one, and it’s of dubious worth — decided that, just this once, we’d do two in one week. An Extra Special Draft Buzz will be upcoming Thursday morning, so as to capture the very latest in what figures to be a newsworthy countdown.
So check back then, and have your mocks at the ready. Deal? Deal.
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85 comments Add your comment
Mark Bradley
April 20th, 2009
7:41 pm
George’s aunt Rosemary, of whom you’ve heard, grew up in Maysville, which is my hometown. There’s a street named after her. There are several named after me, and they all say, “Dead End.”
And there’s an AJC staffer of my acquaintance who was stopped by the same officer in Gwinnett County twice in seven days. The first time he — OK, there’s a hint as to the person’s identity — talked his way out of the violation. He fared less well the second occasion.
Ted Striker
April 20th, 2009
8:07 pm
I never had a street named after me but when I was little they did have a “Slow Children At Play” sign in front of my house.
Celts are battling back…we’ll see if it holds. (Probably good for Danny Ainge’s health if it does).
Steve
April 20th, 2009
8:26 pm
To this point, I have been a big Woody fan. The team would have to stop progressing for me to not like him. And, I do not trust Hawks management to find a better coach.
Biff Pocoroba
April 20th, 2009
8:58 pm
If Mark hadn’t fired Lon Kruger so early and given him a chance, we would have probably already won a championship. He had the talent with Jim Jackson and and a great team player in Isaiah Rider but he just didn’t get a chance to turn Dan Dickau into an NBA champion. Luckily Mark learned his lesson and gave Woodson a little more time.
Paco
April 20th, 2009
10:23 pm
No, they don’t give a crap. Ping!
Snowman
April 21st, 2009
12:59 am
Bradley welcome aboard (finally)!!!…I think coach Woodson is under appreciated and I just don’t understand why? However I am glad to see you on board, at least for now!!!…
Great prep work and game plan against the Heat last night…wow!!!…DWade has seen every possible defense thrown at him however last night he looked completely out of sync and confused and ineffective. Great job coach and a flawless execution by the guys…GO HAWKS!!!
Funky Bobby J
April 21st, 2009
8:03 am
Snowman, the answer to that is real simple. The half-court offense is often stagnate. He is lousy at developing young players. He has done a mediocre job at getting his team ready to play lesser teams. These are all dramatically impacted by the coach and the Hawks are not performing at a high level at any one of these things. I just worry about what the alternatives are. I hope Woody continues to grow as a coach. Should/could Acie be ready to take over as the starting point guard if he had another coach? Re-sigining Bibby is a scary proposition – already a big liability on defense. I do not think that he is the worst coach in the world, but I ain’t singing his praises either. This is a really talented bunch of super-athletic guys, I just think they should be further along in their progression.
bigeasy830
April 21st, 2009
9:12 am
Najeh Davenpoop, good post. I have been overseas so I haven’t been able to catch any games at Phillips this year and have seen very few on TV, but, I have said it from the beginning that of the season that the hawks need to play more insdie out basketball. Al Horford should be the second option on this team. My biggest knock against Coach Woodson is that it just does not seem as if the Hawks have a clue or any plan on offense. I know Coach Woodson wants ball movement but they have to have some set plays. Like in that one play-off game against the Celtics, the kept running that high screen with Bibby setting the pick for oe to drive to the basket. We need more of that at times. We need to take advantage of Al’s and J-Smoove’s higher skill set over most bigs in the league and let those guys do more damage down low. That would make us more consistent as a team. But anyway, “GET’EM HAWKS, GET’EM”.
NC Braves Fan
April 21st, 2009
9:42 am
Mark – it just occurred to me that the Monday edition of the Bradley Buzz was posted on 4/20. I simply must lay off the bong.
The Money Ball From Money Town!!
April 21st, 2009
10:47 am
Wow! Someone’s asking about the GT baseball squad that got embarrassed AT HOME to GEORGIA STATE???!!!
Thanks for ruining my computer screen and a fresh cup of coffee…but thanks for the laugh!
championshipnow
April 21st, 2009
11:41 am
Now we need a big man to take the next step toward a championship. What now seperates us from the elite teams is a true center. Getting a cemter will allow Harford to move to PF (he instantly becomes one of the top PF in the league)! We should trade Zaza And Solomon for Shaq!!! Shaq playing with Joe will alloww the world to just how good Jo Jo(MVP candidate) really is on both ends of the court!!! Wooddy becomes the Coach of the Year!!!
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2009
12:06 pm
I’d rather have Al Horford playing center than Shaquille O’Neal at this stage in their careers. I don’t think the latter has much left.
Ted Striker
April 21st, 2009
12:41 pm
Ditto me for Horfy over O’Neal. O’Neal can’t even play deputy in Maricopa County these days.
Gordon
April 21st, 2009
6:19 pm
Mark,
Off subject here, but do you think the opening on Hewitt’s staff will be difficult to fill given the preception that he might be on the hot seat, or easy to fill because of his contract which makes him difficult to replace? A new assistant might last no longer than Favors at Tech. What about Felton as associate head coach? He’s better at X’s and O’s than Hewitt, he just couldn’t recruit at UGA.
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
I don’t see Hewitt hiring Felton. I see Felton taking a year off and then getting a head coaching job at a mid-major. I see Hewitt re-hiring Dean Keener. And thanks for asking, Gordon.
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
Oh, and I don’t think Hewitt’s contract matters much vis-a-vis assistants, who tend to get one-year contracts.
Ted Striker
April 21st, 2009
10:14 pm
I’d still like to see Mark Fox and UGA put out a feeler to ‘Nique about coming to UGA in some capacity. My concern isn’t his lack of formal coaching experience or credit hours — it’s whether or not he’d have the desire to be committed to basketball again at this stage. There are other people who would bring things he doesn’t have, but conversely, he brings something u-Nique too.
SlimG
April 22nd, 2009
9:58 am
Told you clowns Woodson was a good coach and still is getting better. I liked the fact he put Jsmoov in his place. That’s what good coaches do. Look what Phil Jackson has done for years even with Jordan and Kobe. Respect and Serve.
Looks like the old champion Pistons’ style defense.
Ted Striker
April 22nd, 2009
1:10 pm
I saw the link “Former Hawk Mutombo leaves playoff game on stretcher” — I clicked over to see which game he was attending and only then did I realize he was still playing in the NBA.
Mark Bradley
April 22nd, 2009
1:59 pm
It wasn’t so long ago that Kevin Willis was still playing, Ted. And maybe even Tom McMillen.
The Money Ball From Money Town!!
April 22nd, 2009
2:59 pm
Ted Striker: that’s coooooooold!!!
Ted Striker
April 22nd, 2009
3:27 pm
On the other hand…he’s logged more minutes than Speedy. Hell, I’ve logged as many as Speedy.
Born2Buzz
April 22nd, 2009
6:02 pm
Hey Mark, can you answer something for me. Does Lawal have to withdraw his name from the draft before it happens in order to stay at GT or can he see where he gets picked and decide whether to stay or go. I think the prior but not sure.
And Hawks win series in 5. Heat will get 1 win in Miami and that’s it. Bring on LeBron!
Mark Bradley
April 22nd, 2009
6:20 pm
He has to withdraw before the draft. I believe the date is June 15 to remove one’s name, 10 days prior to the draft itself.
Born2Buzz
April 22nd, 2009
6:28 pm
Anyone actually done that before. Seems like once they put their hat in the ring they go ahead and make the jump. I’d love to see him pull back for purely selfish reasons.
Mark Bradley
April 22nd, 2009
8:37 pm
Oh, yes. Three North Carolina players — Wayne Ellington, Danny Green and Ty Lawson — submitted their names last year but removed them at the deadline. So did Chase Budinger of Arizona and Jeremy Pargo of Gonzaga. It can happen.
Biff Pocoroba
April 22nd, 2009
9:17 pm
Mark, why aren’t you blogging from the game tonight? The team played much more inspired on Sunday when they saw you there giving their coach a vote of confidence.
Mark Bradley
April 22nd, 2009
9:21 pm
Not covering tonight, Biff. (Mr. Schultz is.) But perhaps if I sent a Twitter Tweet the team’s way at halftime it would inspire a second-half comeback.
Or not.
WadeTebowMeyerDonovanHaslem
April 22nd, 2009
10:53 pm
Yeah Wade is nothing Bradley and Cook and all the other players aren’t very good. Go Heat. Go Gators. Enjoy that Game 1 victory.
Mitch
April 23rd, 2009
6:40 am
After the Hawks improved by ten wins this season, I thought Woodson was safe. However, last night’s game was a jolt into reality, that the Hawks could very well lose this series. One has to wonder if, in spite of the ten win improvement, whether Woodson goes if the team falls in the first round.
Simply put, the Hawks were terrible last night. Miami came out like hungry lions, and devoured the Hawks. It was almost as if the Hawks thought that this was “One and done, and move on to the next round”, instead of having to win three more games.
Now, the Hawks are faced with needing to win at least one game in Miami to survive this round.
The question for Spirit ownership if the Hawks lose this series is.. what aspect do they look at? A ten game improvement in the regular season, or running in place in the playoffs?
Mark, for the record, what is your opinion on Woodson? If the Hawks lose this series, should he be held accountable for not taking them to the “next level”, by winning a series, or should he retain his job, for leading them to ten more wins than last year in the regular season?
Mitch
scott
April 23rd, 2009
12:05 pm
If the Hawks get blown out and quit on their coach the rest of the way (unlikely) then perhaps Woody should be gone. But I think he should get at least one more year for the slow but continual improvement, even if they lose this series in 6 or 7 games.
If the Hawks don’t re-up on Bibby for next year, then it will not matter who the coach is next season, just start playing “Taps” now.
Snowman
April 23rd, 2009
11:10 pm
Thanks Slim G (you get it!!!…smile)…and Mitch (r u Nuts?..smile), what did the Hawks do to help Woody is the question?(and yes, they did sign Mo and Flip however I don’t think anyone thought Flip would turnout to be as good as he has been…at least I didn’t!!!).
So let me just say, 1st) No Draft picks this year (NONE!!!), 2nd) No big man signings last summer (and please don’t say Randolph!), 3rd) Marvin is NOT 100% and has battled injury the last 2 months (by the way Funky BobbyJ, Marvin Williams HAS developed BIG-TIME along with Horford and Smooth under Woodson…are you kidding me?…and also, I was not sure Marvin was a player a year ago and now I like him allot!!! By the way everyone, I’m sorry Acie Law can’t play in this league)…period! 4th) They (the front office) lost Chill to Greece and 5th) The (the front office) did NOT make some kind of move at the trade deadline to help bolster the Hawks roster (like Detroit did several years ago when they added Rasheed Wallace from the Hawks to their team). Rasheed was a great pick-up and helped the Pistons win the championship that year!!!
Winning is organizational, and I think coach Woodson given all of the issues has done a phenomenal job with the Hawks this season (they were 31-10 at home and young teams must learn to win at home first and then the road later. That is why Joe and Bibby listen and play hard for coach even though they are seasoned veterans. I think we should re-sign Bibby too. I think the BEST is yet to come (this year and especially) next year!!!…GO HAWKS on Saturday!!!
Mark Bradley
April 23rd, 2009
11:18 pm
Mitch, I don’t think Woodson deserves to be fired on the strength of this season. I think he got good-to-excellent value from a team that didn’t add a single starter and lost Josh Childress. And I’m not going to change my mind no matter what happens in the playoffs.
Eric C.
April 25th, 2009
1:19 pm
It is human nature to get complacent after a lopsided win as was the case in game 1. And it is painfully obvious that Coach Woodson did not have his team prepared mentally for game 2. There is no way the Hawks will win in the playoffs on the road with such a lack of discipline and consistency…and that boils down to Coach Woodson.
PlusSizeModel
April 26th, 2009
5:24 pm
If Game 3’s coaching debacle doesn’t make you want Woodson gone, nothing will. The Hawks had no apparent plan, and as usual, no direction. It was textbook case of horrible coaching. The Hawks will be coming home down 3-1, etch it in stone.