Audience-participation time! Submit questions for Rick Sund!
Dear readers:
I plan to speak with Hawks general manager Rick Sund tomorrow morning. (He’s a fine fellow, by the way, and a great conversationalist. Not that you asked. But I thought I’d throw that in.) And I kind of know what I want to ask: What’s he going to do this offseason? Keep Bibby? Keep Marvin? Trade for Kobe?
But I’m only one person, and a flawed one at that, and I might miss something. So I’m asking for your help. If you have a question for Mr. Sund, please submit it below. I’m not promising I’ll get around to all of them, but I’ll try to work in a few. So have at it, and please keep them clean.
Thanks in advance.
M. Bradley, interactive hack
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245 comments Add your comment
ClemsonBrad
May 19th, 2009
12:59 pm
Mark, NBAdraft.net currently has us drafting Jeff Teague with the nineteenth pick. I personally think that would be a WONDERFUL steal if it went down like that. Though he is young, I love Teagues explosiveness and his wonderful potential. What are your thoughts?
Wink from Lithonia
May 19th, 2009
1:01 pm
Rick, since Coach Woodson appears to be on board for the duration of his contract, can you tell what needs to be done to make this team competitive on the road? They are a totally different team on the road, they don’t just lose, they get mauled by anybody. How do you get the team that plays at HOME to play like that on the ROAD? I believe the Coach makes a difference on the ROAD, we will have same Coach, so what difference can you make in player acquisitions? Also, after the playoffs the players stated that Cleveland showed them how to prepare for playoff basketball, this is the same thing they said last year from the Boston playoff series…would this be acceptable next year or is it what it is, a convienient excuse?
newkid
May 19th, 2009
1:03 pm
Ask Sund if his building of the team (particularly this summer) will be predicated on running Woody’s offensive ’system’ (e.g., isos) during the 2009/2010 campaign and beyond, or will he attempt to assemble personnel based upon more use of dribble penetration & kick and pick & roll, pick & pop, and continuously running shooters off a series of picks to clear them for open looks.
Thanks
RealSquawk
May 19th, 2009
1:08 pm
What additions or subtractions do you think can improve them team?
Who has the highest upside on the team?
Will you draft a point guard or petition to get Acie Law more minutes?
Do you think Josh Smith can be an effective small forward?
Alec
May 19th, 2009
1:08 pm
Do you beleive we can get Mike Bibby back at a much lower price than when we first aquired him?
Do you see the market for Zaza Pachulia being higher than expected because of his preformance in the playoffs? Same for Flip?
Is re-singing Marvin Williams a top priority this summer?
How important is bringing in a top notch vet or two to us taking the next step?
What do you think we need to become apart of the elite in the NBA?
What are this off seasons plans with Acie Law? What could his trade value be? Along with Marvin’s and Josh Childress’(if he comes back) trade values?
If Chill decides to come back will he be a Hawk next year? How does he fit in with Mo Evans already here?
Alec
May 19th, 2009
1:08 pm
Do you see Woody hiring a offensive and defensive cordinator like the Celtics have?
Hawksfanatic
May 19th, 2009
1:10 pm
Rick, do the Hawks need to extend a qualifying offer again to Josh Childress in order to retain the right of first refusal? And were/are you able to keep in contact with Josh Childress as he is under contract with another team?
Ernest
May 19th, 2009
1:14 pm
How would you define the ‘playing personality’ of the Hawks? Some feel that based on our overall athleticism, we should be more of a running team. Based on that answer, does he feel we have the right pieces to advance further in the playoffs? If not, where are we in need of improvement?
Mark Bradley
May 19th, 2009
1:15 pm
ClemsonBrad, I must confess I’m not a huge Teague fan. But I’ll ask Rick what he thinks. (And he won’t say much for the record. But I’ll ask anyway.)
Robert from Canton
May 19th, 2009
1:17 pm
Will the Hawks efforts to improve the roster be limited by the legal issues and/or general financial limitations of the Atlanta Spirit group?
Mark Bradley
May 19th, 2009
1:19 pm
That’s a great question, Robert. It’s so great I’ve asked it about a dozen times to three different Spirit GMs (Waddell, Knight and Sund). And they always say, “Our owners have never prevented me from doing what I wanted to do.”
But I can try again.
Ernest
May 19th, 2009
1:19 pm
Good question by Robert from Canton! A follow-up, what limitations with the salary cap will he have to assemble a team capable of winning the championship?
HawkKingBibby
May 19th, 2009
1:20 pm
Is Mike Bibby plan A at point guard and then you move on to plan B if something cant be worked out or do you have another plan A in mind?
G-HooK
May 19th, 2009
1:21 pm
Mr. Sund,
Can you talk about your decision to retain Woodson as head coach?
It seems that he doesn’t adapt his coaching style to fit his personnel. His mundane, “Iso Joe” offense is just painful to watch and extremely ineffective. Shouldn’t we be playing a more uptempo style? Shouldn’t we HAVE a style? How about a simple Pick & Roll every now and then?
Do you really see Woodson as a championship caliber coach?
Peachtree John
May 19th, 2009
1:22 pm
We must have a big man at center. Our front line is too small. When does the team plan to address that problem? We have players to trade. Why continue to wait in this area?
Darhyl
May 19th, 2009
1:23 pm
What type of “team personality” are you trying to create? For instance, the old Detroit Pistons were known as “bad boys” and the Los Angeles Lakers were known as “showtime”. The Hawks, while good and young, do not have a “team personality” nor anyone on the team who leads or defines them. I am an avid Hawks fan. Defining the “team personality” will go a long way in acquiring, developing and evolving the personnel to bring a championship to Atlanta.
Michael
May 19th, 2009
1:25 pm
Who are the key free agents you will be looking at this summer? Gortat? Big Baby? We need some real depth on the front line and a true center would not hurt with Gortat? However we could stay small and in that case Big Baby would be a great pickup. Are there any other low to mid level free agents you will be looking at?
Khao$
May 19th, 2009
1:25 pm
If it hasn’t been asked, I’d ask Sund what is our style of play. According to Kenny Smith (on sports talk radio interviews in the past here in town) we don’t have one. We’re “athletic” and that is about it. What is the Hawks brand of basketball?
"scout"
May 19th, 2009
1:33 pm
whats the deal wit Acie Law? when he comes into the game i see alot of talent, hope, and promise, but he never gets any playing time? Is he apart of the future plans of the team??
HawkKingBibby
May 19th, 2009
1:34 pm
Do you know if Josh Childress has a set date in his Greek contract where he has to let them know if he is going to play for them for his second season and what is that date?
Mak
May 19th, 2009
1:36 pm
What do the hawks need to do to win a championship?
Oscar
May 19th, 2009
1:37 pm
Would consider signing Stephon Marbury who appears to have gotten wiser since joining Boston? The Hawks need some players with “swag.” A backcourt featuring Marbury and Josh Childress would be great. Also, let’s get Marcus Camby for 2 years, move Josh Smith to the 3. Joe Johnson has good trade value. He is not worth another big contract. He has no swag. He fits in and a superstar needs to take over in the playoffs. Starting lineup: Camby, Hortford, Smith, Childress and Marbury. The bench would be okay as is… thanks for your consideration.,
dap01
May 19th, 2009
1:39 pm
Should the team be adapted to the coash or should a coach adapt to the team?
Who’s style sells more tickets? Woody’s style?
Will
May 19th, 2009
1:39 pm
If this year’s goal was to win a series, what is next year’s?
Also, as a Wake fan, I don’t think Teague would be a good fit, either. He can take over a game but he can just as easily lose interest completely. We don’t need to inject any more of that into this team. Plus, he needs to go back to Wake…
Ed Gray & Chris Crawford's love child
May 19th, 2009
1:44 pm
Can we get a coach that will make Josh Smith stay within 10-12 feet of the basket? Why didn’t Claxton play the last month or so of the season when he was healthy?
mgar
May 19th, 2009
1:46 pm
What is the biggest thing you’re looking for this draft? In what area do you think you need the most improvement? Would you consider trading one of the starters for bench help in return? (thinking 2 for 1 type trade)
RedTailHawk
May 19th, 2009
1:50 pm
Can you honestly say that Woodson got the best out of his starting five?
Can you honestly say that Woodson got the best out of his bench?
Do you really believe that if we bring in new YOUNG talent that Woody won’t waste them on the bench?
Why do you think the team dropped to 28th place in FT shooting?
Woody said that he was going to play his bench more. He didn’t. Do you believe anything he says?
Is there any way to get a one-on-one coach for JS for the whole off-season to teach him to (a) shoot and (b) develope moves in the post that go INTO the defender rather than fall away jump hooks. (Joe should learn to embrace contact also. He would shoot 20 FT’s a game.)
If we don’t make the finals next year will you fire Woody?
No matter who you trade/acquire, will you bring a true TEAM LEADER to the team?
John
May 19th, 2009
1:53 pm
Kenny Smith on ESPN commented on the Hawks and said we had too many of the same type of players. Having Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, Josh Childress(the rights to him), Solomon Jones, and Maurice Evans, its hard to disagree with him. Do you see an opportunity to help fix that by trading Marvin Williams for a veteran center?
Mark Bradley
May 19th, 2009
1:53 pm
Getting a little prosecutorial now. But that’s OK.
exodus
May 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
Is it part of the Hawks offensive strategy to have Josh Smith leading the fast break and shooting 3s?
rodney
May 19th, 2009
1:57 pm
Trade Marvin Williams or Josh Smith alone with Acie Law and the rights to Childress to the raptors for Bosh and one of there 3 point shooters. Cut all ties with Claxton and use his money to resign Bibby, ZaZa, Murray. Don’t forget to give Joe his money. If you follow this plan Joe will befresh come playoff time, because he won’t have to carry the Hawks the whole season and he won’t get double team as much. Starting 5 will be Bosh, Horford, Smith or Williams, Johnson and Bibby. ZaZa, Evans, Murray coming of the bench. This will make the Hawks one of the top 4 teams in the league. Hawks will be true contenders for the NBA for the next few yrs.
J Smurf
May 19th, 2009
1:58 pm
This team is one of the more entertaining teams we’ve ever had. With Joe Johnson’s all-around scoring ability, Smith’s high-flying dunks, ZaZa’s blue collar style, and Bibby’s markmanship!! HOWEVER, it’s all for nothing unless we get a BIG MAN….a legit BIG MAN. This team would have been no better (in the playoffs) with Childress or a healthy Marvin. Those pieces wouldn’t have mattered a bit. Every team remaining has at least one solid 5-man, and some have 2 or 3…we have none. If what I’m saying is true, and has been true for the last….well….forever, what are we finally gonna do about it????
Anthony
May 19th, 2009
2:00 pm
I believe it is important not to get involve in name recognition. Jason kidd is a leader but to old. Stephon is old too. He is ok at this point in his career. We need a difference maker at the point guard position. How about trading Marvin Williams and Acie Law to move up in the draft and select Johnnie Flynn? Can we have some better assistant coaches to help Mike Woodson? It is important for a coach to be a motivator along with finding a way to tap into a players potential.
Jarrett
May 19th, 2009
2:03 pm
Are you going to try to go after Amare Stoudamire?
nique
May 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
What are the primary goals for the Hawks in each of the next 3 years?
kreedham
May 19th, 2009
2:04 pm
I understand Josh Childers can opt out of his current contract. If he does do the Hawks retain his NBA rights? Does he have to opt out before he can talk to the Hawks or can you negotiate with him leaving him a chance to return to his current team?
Mark Bradley
May 19th, 2009
2:06 pm
I’d agree with Anthony. I wouldn’t want any part of Marbury. And I don’t think Kidd has much left.
doc
May 19th, 2009
2:14 pm
i know there is a lot of concern as four of the top eight players are in the to move list potentially however, since woody didnt appear to have much faith in the reserves at the end of the bench, didnt seem to play them enough to develop confidence either way and come crunch time it hurt because there had been so little development as injuries struck in the playoffs, how do you plan to revive this piece that is so necessary?
dont we need to be a bit deeper than 8 or by a stretch of imagination 10 deep to play with the big boys?
where does the budget fit for this coming year same as it was or back to the back of the class?
Herve Lupetu
May 19th, 2009
2:16 pm
I think a lot of Hawks fan share my judgment when I say that Mike Woodson has taken this team as far as he can, we need a better coach who can polish the potential of the player we have and make them consistent competitor…..with that said does he plan on keeping Woodson(the weak link of the Hawks) or looking for a better coach……
Trey J
May 19th, 2009
2:18 pm
I had to get the NBA package just too keep up with my Hawks this year.
(I’m living in Washington DC)
I got some questions and comments.
How can you expect a coach to build a team with a 1 or 2 year lease?
(hint I don’t think you can) Can we all say get Avery Johnson!
What do you think about bringing in Allen Iverson for the cheap?
It’s time to face the facts Joe Johnson is the teams best player but Josh Smith is the star of the team…….he won’t listen to Woody and most of the team except for Joe and Bibby seem too.
ASG always say they can spend money on this team then start by paying for a better coach. (Woody has taken this team as far as he can)
Remember the Bulls didn’t get to the Championship with Collins they got there with Phil Jackson.
Go Hawks!!!
Mike is back
May 19th, 2009
2:18 pm
Mr. Sund does the future goals the ASG have for the Hawks franchise align with the coaching philosophy of Mike Woodson. In addition, what does he feel are coach Woodson’s greatest assets in terms of reaching those goals?
I would also ask what he thought coach Woodson weaknesses are too in term of reaching those goals…but I do not think you would get much of a response.
Stat Man
May 19th, 2009
2:21 pm
I see a dual line of thinking regarding Bibby. First, when he’s on, he drives the offense tremendously. However, he can’t defend any player that has a quick first step and with no true center…. well, we saw how many uncontested dunks & layups we gave up. Thusly, since I don’t see resigning Bibby (at the $$ he’d command) AND adding a true center, what is the stradegy regarding the 1 & 5 spots as a tandum?
tjhook
May 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
Mr. Sund,
You had a French-born player named Mickeal Gelabale play for you in Seattle two years ago. Did you discover and bring him to the States? Also, have you considered bringing him in as a free agent? He’s a good athlete and could learn well under Joe Johnson (Same size and skill set).
Matt
May 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
Please get the offensive coordinator question answered. This team is holding itself back and doing harm to Joe Johnson by running so much Iso-Joe offense. We don’t even run pick and rolls with one of the top pick and roll point guards in the game. Something has to change or we will be right back here next complaining about another inconsistent post-season (inconsistent because Iso-Joe offense cannot succeed consistently).
Zach
May 19th, 2009
2:26 pm
is resigning mike bibby important to this team’s success next year?
Is there any way possible to get rid of speedy?
Is there any potential for a sign and trade with Marvin Williams?
Mark Bradley
May 19th, 2009
2:27 pm
Doc, I can tell you that Woodson said a week ago he’d like a deeper bench. But the reality is that NBA coaches rarely go beyond a ninth man.
Andy
May 19th, 2009
2:29 pm
What are the Hawks going to do about their obvious lack of leadership among the players?
Mark Bradley
May 19th, 2009
2:29 pm
Iso-Joe. I like that one. I’ll be borrowing that soon, Matt.
Grant
May 19th, 2009
2:31 pm
What are the chances of the Hawks making a run for Yao Ming this off season. He could be the missing piece to the Hawks especially in the weaker and smaller eastern conference.
Aaron
May 19th, 2009
2:32 pm
I would too would like to have more information about Speedy Claxton.
If he was healthy, why did he not play while Acie was injured? Was it too late for him to work himself into the rotation?
What does/did Sund think of Claxton’s public claim that the Hawks were hiding him to collect insurance payments?