Sund on his Hawks: “There’s something special here”
There are places you go and teams you play and you figure, no matter how difficult it’s supposed to be on the road, you’re going to win. Mike Bibby remembers how it was as a woebegone Vancouver Grizzly, and he recalls how it was when his mighty Sacramento Kings would enter Philips Arena.
“We’d come in expecting to win,” Bibby said Monday. “I don’t think that’s the way it is [for Atlanta visitors] now.”
This used to be the NBA’s version of Boot Hill, where careers came to die. On Monday the Hawks re-introduced two free agents who could have signed to play elsewhere but chose instead to remain Hawks. And that, as Mike Woodson would say, is huge. It’s the surest sign yet that this is becoming, slowly but inexorably, a basketball town.
Said Rick Sund, the Hawks’ general manager: “When push comes to shove, there’s something special here. And they [Bibby and Zaza Pachulia] have been a part of it.”
No matter what happens with Marvin Williams, the Hawks have negotiated this potentially perilous offseason and have actually improved themselves. They’ll have at least six of their top eight players from last season in uniform come autumn, and they’ll have Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague, too. In a conference where the top three teams have all made major moves, the Hawks have lost no ground. They might well have gained.
Said Bibby: “[Cleveland and Orlando and Boston] are really doing stuff to make their teams better, but we’ve done things to make our team better.”
“Everyone’s loading up in the East,” Mike Woodson said. But he also said this: “Every year [over the past five] we’ve grown. We’re headed in the right direction. You know the dynamics of basketball — the expectations are going to be even higher now, and I understand that. And I’m up for the challenge.”
Loading ...No matter what you think of Marvin Williams’ talent — and it is considerable — the key to this offseason was keeping Mike Bibby, and that happened with such an absence of fuss as to beggar belief. (These same Hawks, as we know, managed to mess up everything from re-signing Jon Koncak to trading for Joe Johnson to keeping Josh Childress.)
But none of that is happening now. Good things are happening, so many good things there cannot help but be an even better team down the road. “We’ve improved each year I’ve been here,” said Pachulia, who arrived in August 2005. “We’ve had a better record every year … We’ve had a taste of the playoffs and now we’ve made the second round, and we know how that feels. And I feel confident this team has the potential to go even further.”
Pachulia could have gone to another team and perhaps become a starter, but he opted to stay and play behind Al Hoford because he likes it here. Bibby could surely have gotten more money from another club, but he chose the Hawks because, he said, “it’s a situation where I feel comfortable.”
Imagine that. The club that traded Steve Smith for J.R. Rider and dealt Rasheed Wallace after one whole game has become a comfort zone for basketball players. Guys now like playing here, and they like it because they now have the expectation of success.
“When I came here five years ago, the buzz was not in the air when it came to the Hawks,” Woodson said. But there is one now. There absolutely is.
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74 comments Add your comment
Sting 'em Buzz
July 13th, 2009
4:26 pm
50 wins would be nice
Sting 'em Buzz
July 13th, 2009
4:31 pm
The Zaza deal was huge in my mind.
STRETCH
July 13th, 2009
4:53 pm
“Dont mean a THIG if you aint got that BIG” a doowopp a doowopp! Lets see what happens in the next couple days. Then i will be convinced.
Harry Hawk
July 13th, 2009
4:57 pm
We’ll get knocked out in the second round again. That’s really special.
Hawk Str8Talk
July 13th, 2009
5:05 pm
Mark, I love your renewed energy on the Hawks, but I think you’re overreaching if you believe that the Hawks have improved this offseason. Essentially trading Flip for Crawford and Acie for Teague at a significant salary cost isn’t what I’d call improvement. In fact, I would make the argument that the Hawks might be looking at a 7th or 8th seed. I don’t see where the things that we were average to poor at have improved and that’s defense, rebounding, interior depth, toughness, or leadership. NONE of those things has improved and I’m doubtful it will be.
So, maybe the maturation process of our youth will supercede any of the moves made by other teams or the returning players like Arenas, Brand, etc, but I can’t help but think that the high water mark for the Hawks has been reached without a coaching change or finding a pass first point guard to run the team. For everything in offense that we may receive from the players we signed – we will be giving back more on the other end. Come playoff time – that’s why we looked pedestrian in beating an awful Heat team and putrid against a great Cavs (but no so great that we can’t stay within 10 pts of them) team.
Ron E.
July 13th, 2009
5:23 pm
50 wins is possible, but my gut feeling is the Hawks will fall short.
Sting 'em Buzz
July 13th, 2009
5:25 pm
getting a used basketball for Flip would be an improvement to the team
David
July 13th, 2009
5:29 pm
I like the moves, Mark. Unfortnately, given that Cleveland didn’t lose anything and actually added Shaq, given that the Magic added Vince Carter (though they lost Hedo, so that team is probably a wash there), and Boston picked up ‘Sheed (as well as KG, who will be healthy), it’s going to be hard to do much more than what we did last year.
That said, I can’t complain too much. The Hawks of old would’ve dumped Williams, Zaza, Bibby, and probably wouldn’t have even bothered signing Crawford. Hopefully this team can continue to grow together, and one day, maybe when LeBron is out of the East, make a run at something.
Tony from Stone Mountain
July 13th, 2009
5:34 pm
Let’s just get Marvin signed at a good price. If all the young guys improve over last year, we should be an awesome team. If we had drafted Chris Paul and Brandon Roy would we be able to sign those guys to manage able salaries and field such a talented team? I think not. I like the way things have played out for the Hawks. We will have a strong, deep team made up of quality players.
Matty Ice
July 13th, 2009
5:34 pm
i think they need to re-sign Marvin to have a shot at 50 wins. Its possible but 50 is probably the ceiling.
Tony from Stone Mountain
July 13th, 2009
5:42 pm
Why is 50 the ceiling, if they won 47 last year?
Benjamin
July 13th, 2009
5:44 pm
Honestly, I want us to bring everyone back — Marvin, Flip, and Josh Childress — and make a real run at things this year. I don’t think we will, but it’s a pipe dream of sorts. Adding those three guys would give us more depth than any team in the league.
MJ3
July 13th, 2009
5:52 pm
Mark,
Do u actually think we’re better at the end of the offseason if Marvin goes elsewhere??
tjhook
July 13th, 2009
5:54 pm
marvin is unreliable. We need a hired gun. And here is my suggestion: Williams and the rights to Josh Childress to New Orleans for James Posey and Julian Wright. Posey proved he was a two-way threat when he played for Boston. That’s what we’ve wanted from Marvin but he does not take charge offensively and although he does well as a role player, the team needs a more ‘forceful’ role player.
The Hawks are built to run teams off the court – a reason why we should bring back Flip because we need athletes who will push the tempo. Marvin rarely forces things in a halfcourt set; Posey will and knows how to set up defenders to get his shots of choice. The search for a center is unnecessary. We need to work on running athletes out on the court who are willing to put pressure on defenses constantly. Woodson will provide the defensive schemes to limit people from scoring on us at will.
Barry's Twin
July 13th, 2009
6:00 pm
Hitting 50 wins in the east might be a stretch,especially with the key additions by teams mentioned. But the one thing I really like about the Hawks is that this team is maturing together and stll very young overall. The Hawks still need a Banger in the post,so they could put Horford at his natural postion of a 4. And they MUST resign Marvin,he brings alot of versatility to the 3 and can play the 4 in a pinch. He’s not as aggressive as I would like,but a very good complimentary player. If there is one move I would make,trade JSmith. While talented,he does’nt seem to know how to maximize those talents,and at times see’s himself something other than what he is. I don’t ever seeing him being consistant on anything outside of 15-18feet on offense,help defense,blocking shots,and rebounding are strong points. But if you can get a legit big for him,I say pull the plug.The roster is versatible enough to compensate at the 4 if he were moved.Overall (re-signing Williams), I think the Hawks have had a productive summer.
Bailer
July 13th, 2009
6:06 pm
I dont know much about basketball, but I am smart enough to know the hawks have had a better recort every year, and seem to be doing very well in the off season. I really dont have to know much to see this is something good happening. So all you people that know so much about the game using your high school experence keep running your mouth and I will sit back and enjoy a good Hawks team. BLESS YOU ALL
MO Zack
July 13th, 2009
6:22 pm
Yeah, everyone is talking of trading the most consistent scorer in the playoffs against Cleveland. Why? For whom? Who else besides Kirilenko fills the stat sheets like JS? NO ONE! So unless we make a straight up trade with Utah for Big K, No Way! Josh is another player who gets better every year. He helps on mistakes on defense and is always looking to pass the ball. Sure he makes mistakes, but could you find someone who makes a mistake then makes up for it at the other end of the floor almost immediately? No, not even Joe could do that on a consistent basis. Speaking of Joe, we really need Childress back on the floor as a Hawk. With Chill we had someone who could play 20-30 minutes on the floor and keep Joe fresh late in games. I guess we have that now in Crawford but when Williams is resigned we will need another capable backup in case of injuries. Childress can start. Well he may not want to come back here but I think if we sign his friend Williams some time soon, he will make up his mind to play with the Hawks. Barry you say we MUST sign Williams keeping Josh is just as important. I really hope we can get David Andersen to opt out of his contract with Russia and join our squad as well. We can get rid of the bum Morris and have a better big to spell Zaza and Hoford. With quality players up and down his bench Woodson can be selective on who plays without a drop in leadership or production on the floor.
Brownie
July 13th, 2009
6:27 pm
Some interesting comments above. TJhook says this team is built to run…except their coach doesn’t know how to run, or chooses to walk it up anyway.
Bringing in new free agents to a team often upsets the balance, and how everyone views their roles on O and D. So, all the other East teams which have done this will definitely have a different chemistry than before – we’ll see if the effect is positive.
The Hawks are taking baby steps in bringing in Crawford and drafting a PG of the future. But, the team should be better just for these moves.
To get MEASURABLY better, and catch up to the Big 3, there are only 2 ways for that to happen: other teams will have serious injuries to key guys; or the Hawks players will ALL step it up a notch in intensity and maturity. Conceptually, they are essentially treading water.
I like tjhook’s thoughts about trading away the rights to Childress – he is average anyway and his place on this roster has faded away.
The biggest question is what to do with Josh Smith. Since this team appears to have no locker room/floor leader to get into his head (and Woodson certainly can’t get him to listen), the Hawks will either have to HOPE he suddenly figures out how to play consistent basketball OR work a trade.
I know…he’s only 23 and really talented, but his all-too-common traits on the court are costing the Hawks big time: poor ball handling, long jump shots, lazy defense (except shot-blocking) and pathetic rebounding fundamentals.
If you can get Amare for Smith, you have to strongly consider that. I know AS is older, but IF Smith never “gets it”, then this team will go no further than it has.
All in all, Sund is getting it done.
howie
July 13th, 2009
6:27 pm
Crawford will take alot of defensive pressure off of Johnson and Bibby and should add some points.
Must resign Marvin and if we add Chidress or a another decent big man we should be able to get at least 3 more wins and get it to 50.
Boston, Orlando and Cleavland have alll made moves this off season but the Hawks might gain the most incremental wins over last season since they are still young and getting better.
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
6:35 pm
Since everybody else — except Flip — is coming back, I now believe there’s much to be said for the notion of keeping Marvin and sustaining what they’ve started. But most of it depends on Marvin. He’s not going to get exactly what he wants anywhere, but would he rather take a little less to stay here?
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
6:37 pm
By the way, I don’t believe Vince Carter represents a Magic upgrade. Hedo Turkoglu, Rafer Alston and Courtney Lee are gone. That’s a net loss in my book.
Derrick
July 13th, 2009
6:45 pm
Everyone is asuming Shaq will mesh with the Cavs, Vince will fill the hole Hedo left in Orlando, and Rasheed will be the player he was 2 years ago for the Celtics. Well news flash, these guys are all pass their prime and I predict they will all be on the injured list multiple times in the upcoming season. On the other hand, you have a Hawks team that can and will only get better. This team will be the darkhorse team that nobody wants to play next year with 4 players capable of going off for 20 points on any given night (Johnson, Smith, Crawford, Bibby) If they can resign Williams then that number jumps to 5! They still need to improve on rebounding but this team will be an offensive juggernaunt once all the pieces fall into place. I think this team will battle the big 3 in the East all year because there will be no learning curve in ATL unlike the others.
Reid Adair
July 13th, 2009
7:10 pm
Mark, I think 50 or more is realistic if they can get Marvin to stay. Everyone talks about other teams in the East getting better. Other than Cleveland, I’m not sure anyone did. Orlando didn’t (for the losses you mentioned), and I agree with Derrick that Rasheed isn’t what he used to be.
Blast
July 13th, 2009
7:16 pm
Hawks SHOULD have won 50 games last season. I look for them to win more than that next season. They must get another big, though.
And bring back Flip!
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
7:32 pm
I’m not sure Cleveland did, either, Reid. LeBron is best when he drives the lane. Shaquille is best when he clogs the lane. I’m not sure that’s a happy marriage.
And the Celtics just got older, which is hard for them to do. Their top four players — Garnett, Rasheed, Pierce and Allen — have all been in the NBA at least a decade.
tree rollins
July 13th, 2009
7:49 pm
If we get Marvin in the fold it’s all good. If not and we start Josh and Al at the forward slots then we’ll have to start Zha Zha at center. Didn’t we already try that?
JJ, Crawford, Mo Evans, Bibby and perhaps Teague make for a deep guard rotation. Who will we make fun of now without Acie, Speedy, and all the recent point guard experiments??
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
7:51 pm
Remember, the worst that figures to happen with Marvin is that the Hawks work a sign-and-trade for him. (Actually, the worst is for him to go to play in Greece, but surely that won’t occur again.) Unless he signs an offer sheet that they decline to match — and I can’t see them doing that — they’re going to get something out of this.
BrittishAnger@gmail.com
July 13th, 2009
8:04 pm
My take on what we’ve done this summer is maintain the core while finding somebody to help take some of the season-long stress off of Joe (his minutes should take a decline, leaving him less fatigued around mid season and less likely to slump because of overproduction). Sure, our “Rivals” in the East (Orlando, Boston, and Cleveland) will be stronger come the start of the season, but who else in the east has made any power moves to step up and become a contender? Miami isn’t in a grand position to improve themselves as far as I’ve seen it, New Jersey lost Vince for Rafer, Chicago has lost face against Detroit, and there’s no certainty what Motown has done will improve things either, so we’ve just created a larger gap between 4 and 5 as far as I can see it. We will all continue to beg mercilessly for another solid big man because, as it relates to me personally, I don’t want us to get tromped on the boards the way we did in back-2-back games against New Jersey (look at how Lopez played and tell me otherwise, I dares ya). Al Horford was outmanned against Ilgauskas and Varejao in the 2nd round of the playoffs, and Zaza isn’t the preeminent answer to that situation alone (him and somebody else in for Smith and Horford maybe). Whoever fills this role won’t be a scoring champ, but must be willing to fight for boards, good blocks, and defensive stops inside the paint without giving away too many fouls (which is what Zaza, Solo, and Rando don’t do consistently enough, thanks to minute a lack of size). Signing a 13th man isn’t a problem for us, Mark, it’s an issue of flexibility and growth considering the possible losses come next summer, just as resigning Bibby and acquiring Crawford were insurance policies for Teague and in some deep sense JJ’s free agency negotiations next summer. Sizable depth is a plus in this league, and we will need that depth as surely as we needed the core maintained, so let’s get Marvin resigned, lets find the new Ben Wallace (Garret Siler’s numbers from this weekend weren’t bad considering he isn’t even under contract with Minnesota), and then let’s worry about which three games we need to win compared to last season to crank us up to 50 (our losses to NJ would be a grand start)…..
Why Try
July 13th, 2009
8:05 pm
You guys kill me. My lord, yu have abolutely no basketball IQ. The Hawks won 47 games last season and are bringing back nearly the same team plus some. Players improve, especially when they are young. Add Crawford (don’t count Teague yet) and you have something. You have a TEAM that is used to playing together, and not a bounch ou guys just thrown in together. THERE is a DIFFERENCE!!!! But you knotheads no sqwat. Clevland has nothing. Shaq is washed up and will contribute nothing. I don’t give a rats ahole what any of you say….his fat butt is toast! Worry about Boston and Miami. I ani’t scared of Detroit ither, they are reaching again. When they traded their man for a loser, they were done for.I’m nt sold on Orlando either now. We’ll see if ole Vince can still get it done. They do have Superman and that helps, but they will lose a few games off their 2008/9 record…mark it sown.
Big Hawks Fan
July 13th, 2009
8:06 pm
There is a free agent out there named Chris Wilcox that can play both forward spots and in a pinch play a little center. He would give the hawks depth in the front court plus he is a better player than Marvin Williams who stays hurt alot. Mo Evans showed us he can be an adequate replacement for Marvin Williams. Sign and trade Marvin Williams for a first round pick next year which gives the Hawks flexibility to make a midseason trade to upgrade their team if needed. What the Hawks need is tough players that will mix it up with Top tier teams and Chris Wilcox would bring toughness to the Hawks.
Why Try
July 13th, 2009
8:07 pm
We still get something if we decline the offer sheet. T
dooley
July 13th, 2009
8:12 pm
why not trade chills and wills to utah for boozer
Why Try
July 13th, 2009
8:13 pm
I take it back…Brittish knows what he is talking about!!
No Chance
July 13th, 2009
8:14 pm
50 wins is possible, but won’t happen.
Who cares what Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando added? We couldn’t beat them this year either. The problem for the Hawks is how Washington has improved, and the fact that the Heat will be better. The Hawks could be a better team this year and still finish 6th or worse–and that doesn’t add up to 50 wins.
Random other thoughts: Yes, everyone wants to win a championship, and it sucks to end the season on a loss. But getting knocked out in the second round beats the heck out of losing more than you win. Only one team can win the championship each year, but I’ll take “being relevant” and “winning 60% of the time” and enjoy the year as something special.
Second, stop with the “move Horford to his natural position (4)” stuff. Sund and Woodson both say that Horford is a small but natural 5. Smith isn’t a 3. I’d love to send R. Morris packing and bring in a McDyess or Ratliff to back him up. But the Hawks aren’t moving Horford.
Finally, the Cavs will be content if Shaq leans on Dwight Howard and otherwise stays out of the way. I believe he’s a perfect fit to their needs.
Why Try
July 13th, 2009
8:23 pm
Oh and I forgot…YES MARK, what a summer! When is the last time we went into the fall with the following:
- GA Football (very promising season – Top 15 preseason ??)
- GA Tech Football (very promising season – Top 15 preseason ??)
- Falcons Football (very promising season – High expectations by many sports SME’s)
- Ga Tech B-Ball (very promising season – Top 15 preseason ??)
- And….both Ga tech and Ga will be picked to do well in baseball next spring…..
Bring it on STATE of GEORGIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whopper Dawg
July 13th, 2009
8:34 pm
I agree with you Mark on the moves the other Eastern teams made could be net neutral to negative. I disagree that keeping Bibby was critical, I was ready to move on at PG after the trade and draft, now he clogs that position. We still need a starting big at center and move Horford to PF. That is what concerns me with the resources being spent at PG. Keeping Marvin is not big deal to me. He is vastly overrated.
The Truth
July 13th, 2009
8:45 pm
Mark
You really need to relax about Marvin, he’ll be back. He likes it here. This is all part of the RFA process. In fact, this drama may play-out similar to the Josh Smith deal last year. Look at how Orlando treated Gortat before they matched the Mavs offer.
I really don’t think Sund should be patting himself on the back with our FA re-sign because this is a bad economy. Most FAs have come off their high horses and accepted less money. It seems as though Gortat was contending ahead of Zaza and apparently there has been low demand for aging PGs. So, Sund success has been a bit exaggerated. I’m concern that most NBA teams FA signings have been strategic and addressed specific needs and will improve while the Hawks FA signing goal was just to re-sign the core players apparently minus Flip. While I also celebrate Crawford as a Hawks, at the same time, I’m puzzled by the move. Flip was not part of the problem; he was part of the solution as to why the Hawks advanced to the 2nd round. By replacing one impacting scorer with another, do we really get that much better? By no means has this process ended, and Sund could still pull a rabbit and surprise us with another quality add-on other then Marvin. We would be delighted if he did. We shall see.
americanone
July 13th, 2009
8:55 pm
The Hawks did get better this off season; Crawford is a scorer…he went for 50+ twice last year. I went to several Hawks games last year and my only issue is with josh’s shot selection. If he would simply listen to his coach he would be one of the top power forwards in the league. I like what they have going
here in Atlanta; Allof the contenders in the east are getting old while our Hawks growing stronger each and every year. When you have opposing teams knowing its not a cakewalk here in Atlanta we are definitely on the right track.
GO HAWKS!!!
NorcrossFan
July 13th, 2009
8:56 pm
Big Baby is a free agent. Any chance that the Hawks would try to go after him? It would be excellent to add depth to the front court…
chas
July 13th, 2009
9:25 pm
History often repeats itself and I don’t see us getting past the second round again. I wish I did, but I have seen this song and dance before. The only true title contender this city has had in the NBA was the Dominique / Tree/ Doc Rivers team from the 80’s. We had a very weak performance in the playoffs last year with this team. We cannot use the injury excuse for our blowout series against the Cavs. We wouldn’t have beaten the Heat without homecourt and I was afraid that when we got past the Heat we’d show it as a sign of progress because we won a playoff series. But, which is better: 1) almost beating the world champs in 2008, but losing game 7 on the road 2) beating a very weak Heat team in 7 games at home ???????
I don’t see us getting much better than we were last year with the team we have so far. There are several players on our team who usually start who would at minimum be 6th men on another team and would be coming off the bench. I like alot of our players, but I don’t think they form a dominant starting 5 and a good bench.
Mike Bibby should not start because he cannot penetrate, but makes for a good backup point guard. Horford has made the most of what he has, but should be a power forward or a backup center. Josh Smith is seriously overrated because he has flashy dunks and blocks, but cannot score easily and gets alot of rebounds because we don’t have a true center. I don’t see his shot improving much over the years. Joe Johnson is the real deal. Marvin is probably a good sixth man on another team. Crawford should be able to fill it up, but I haven’t seen him play. Teague is a bit of a longshot based on his draft position.
If somehow Teague develops as a very good point and we could find a mobile Mutombo like defensive center and have Zaza as a backup we’d be in a much better position. But, saying we need a good point and a good center is something alot of teams can say.
mr huff
July 13th, 2009
9:33 pm
the hawks did get better with their offseason transactions but i dont see why flip isnt a big factor this offseason. we are letting go of a guy who can penatrate and score when he wants i think its a bad move letting him go. yes crawford can score but why not have more than one dynamic scorer coming off the bench?? kind of crazy to me. yes we should sign mkarving back and childress. just imagine the bench we would have flip, crawford, ZAza, childress,teague and others….i think that gives us depth to play with anybody. lets sign flip williams and childress and see where that takes us
jake
July 13th, 2009
9:43 pm
50 wins i hope!
Mark Bradley
July 13th, 2009
9:57 pm
I don’t think — and this is just me thinking, OK? — the Hawks will be tracking anyone else’s free agent(s) until they see what happens with Marvin. I don’t think they’ve got a whole lot more money to spend. But again, that’s me surmising.
Wink
July 13th, 2009
10:01 pm
Sund, nor Woodson has done anything special. If something special is going on here, it because BK left it here. Sund brought in only two guys, Flip & Mo, and it appears he will let his best move from 2008 walk and keep Mo Evans. I assume he is insurance if for some reason they can’t sign Marvin.
His best move so far this off season is the signing of Crawford for Speedy & AC Law. Essentially, taking the job of Flip Murray, in the process.
It a down market, due to the economy or lack of interest in our two big signing Bibby (18 mil) & Pachulia (19 mil), that a total of 37 mil. For a aging point guard & backup center. Gotat a backup center in Orlando got 35 mil for 5 years. So that two we got to have signing for one after thought signing in Orlando (Gotat was restricted and they match the offer).
To my point, there is nothing special that has happened, it was in place when Sund got here. We signed our own guys and the team is basically the same. Tell me why we should pat Sund on the back, when the same guys we are signing is what got Billy Knight fired.
We still can’t stop dribble penetration, can’t run offense thru low post, no big who can defend the paint, no center that can handle the Beasts in the East (Shaq, Howard, Perkins, Garnett, Dalenbert, Lopez), which means we have not gotten anybody to help Pachulia & Horford battle down low. We have flip flopped Flip for Crawford. Same team. How about some veteran presence, a leader, an Enforcer.
Don’t get me wrong I welcome back Bibby to steer the ship, and Pachulia will give you all he has, I know Horford is happy. Our next big signing will be Marvin William, the same guy that want let us forget CP3 & Deron Williams. It appears we are so good we are stuck signing our own guys. Next year Horford will be Williams, stuck in never never land as a Restricted FA. If they love Horford so much, why don’t we go ahead and extend his contract, oh yeah, JJ will be a unrestricted FA, we should lock him down too…right? Surly, we can’t afford to lose him….What would Woody do without his Iso Joe?
Now if we sign them all: Bibby@3yrs, Crawford@2yrs left, Teague@3yrs, Pachulia@4yrs, JSmoove@3-4yrs left, Horford@3-4 yr extension, JJ@3-4 yr extension, Marvin@Gotat money 4-5 years……Maybe next year we can really play the FA market….FOR A CENTER & A REBOUNDING BEAST!!
SUND HAD DONE NOTHING SPECIAL & THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT WOODSON….PLAYERS HAVE GROWN INTO THEIR BODIES, THE YOUNG TEAM HAS GOTTEN OLDER, THUS BETTER ON THEIR OWN…BECAUSE IT NOT THAT THEY FIT A SYSTEM…WE DON’ KNOW WHAT THAT IS…WE CAN ONLY RECOGNIZE ONE PLAY…ISO JOE??????
John
July 13th, 2009
10:02 pm
Big Hawks Fan,
I would like for the Hawks to sign Chris Wilcox, to be a backup 4 and 5. However, he cannot play SF and is not a better player than Marvin. Marvin is much better, but I do think Wilcox is the best big guy we could bring in.
Duke
July 13th, 2009
10:10 pm
Since 1980, only 8 teams have won an NBA Championship. With the exception of the 06′ Heat all of those teams ran deep in basketball tradition. So for all those who want to doubt what the hawks are doing, take notice that they are trying to turn the hawk brand into a “winning” one. Rather than be one of those numerous teams who blow it up for one shot and fall short, they are taking a more reliable approach. For those who want to point at all the “blockbuster” moves, this is not Boston or LA; and we do not have Lebron James or Dwight Howard. We’ve had success playing a team game and that’s what we are continuing to do. Besides, it takes so much to make it all the way. You have to give it everything and still be lucky. Hawks are just getting a taste of winning after decades of being irrelevant. As long as we keep progressing in the right direction, be happy we have a team to be proud of for once, come on!
Ken
July 13th, 2009
10:15 pm
I wouldn’t sell the hawks so short. With bringing everyone back we will build on that chemistry that is so important in the playoffs. I think Boston is still the front runner in the East. With Orlando trading Turkoglu, they are really messing with their chemistry, and Vince Carter hasn’t been the most dependable guy down the stretch. Getting Shaq in Cleveland sounds good, but at 37 how much does he have left (assuming he stays healthy). Even so with he and Big Z on the roster they will be a much slower team. Hawks are still young, but getting better all the time and just may shock some people!!
Wink
July 13th, 2009
10:23 pm
I am reading a lot here about us getting 3 additional wins to get to 50 next year, it’s assumed the addition of Crawford will do that. I would think he would have to secure 10 – 11 games to do that. Since Flip will not be with this team next year. Flip brought them back from dead in 7 – 8 games last year they could have easily loss. He was solid when JJ, Williams, and Bibby was out late in the season. He also won some games early in the season off the bench….he will be missed if not resigned. I don’t want to say it’s over for Flip, but the FA Fat Lady is a singing….
The Real Fan
July 13th, 2009
10:24 pm
No big, no 50.
Ken
July 13th, 2009
10:39 pm
I don’t think anyone is arguing what Flip did for this team last year. Crawford is taller, a much more consistent and explosive scorer. He can play 3 positions and is also a playmaker, each of which will take some of the pressure off JJ so he won’t be so spent. I would be happy to have Flip back, but I do think Crawford is an upgrade. That’s me.