The Hawks are so good I might even pay to watch them
OK, I'm asking: Does this look like a fun bunch or what? (AJC photo by Elissa Eubanks)
I’m not Clark Howard. I’m no consumer advocate. When I go to games, I get in free. But I feel, in light of current events, I need to say something:
Were I a paying sports fan, I could think of worse ways to dispose of my disposable income than buying a ticket to watch the Hawks play.
They’re not just good. (And they’re very good.) They’re fun to watch. They play hard. They guard people. They pass the ball. Sometimes Joe Johnson still dribbles overmuch and Josh Smith reverts to the excess of youth, but this happens less and less. If your impression of these Hawks was formed a few years ago, you need to look again.
I don’t know that they’ll win the NBA title, but I’m reasonably certain they’ll win at least 50 games. And I know we Atlantans tend to come fashionably late to such soirees. I’m not telling you what to do, but I am making a gentle suggestion: If you go now, I’m guessing you’ll come back.
There have been good Hawks teams — the Lenny Wilkens bunch of the 1990s, to name one — that I didn’t much like watching. These Hawks get me both ways: They win and they entertain. And they play real basketball with a spirit not always on display in the NBA.
As I said: I get in free, so I’m probably not the greatest judge. But even if I had to pay for a seat, I’d consider paying to watch the Hawks. They’re the best team in Atlanta, and they have the potential to become the best team we’ve had in a long, long time.
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100 comments Add your comment
"Chef" Tim Dix
November 20th, 2009
2:49 pm
Buck and a quarter for two in 115, 18 rows back with Orlando on Stubhub yesterday and yes I will pay to see this bunch.
SOUTH GA HAWKS FAN
November 20th, 2009
2:53 pm
Haven’t been this excited about the Hawks wilkins ,rivers , willis etc. of course I still remember willis shooting nothing but three pointers in warms up where is the shortest 7 footer to ever play now ?
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Angus
November 20th, 2009
3:11 pm
Just curious…..do you regulars think Hawks games are kid friendly?
I’m a Braves & Falcons STH. I take the kids to the Braves games – wouldn’t dare subject them to Falcons games (I’ll drink with the best of you, but I’m not exposing my 3 or 8 year old to the drunken foolishness in the Dome).
theZaZaGuy
November 20th, 2009
3:34 pm
I think people for the most part are respectful. There are a lot of things to enjoy for the kids. If you request it, Harry the Hawk will come and take a picture with you (If you sit lower level). I think the best deal in the arena are lower bowl behind the baskets. Sections 107-110. You can generaly find tickets on stub hub for 20-40 dollars a ticket.
The Dogfighter Returns
November 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
oh no jeff. please leave the hawks alone. the falcons, braves, mike vick, sammy sosa, reggie bush, and d-hall are your whippin boys.
stay clear of the hawks they are winning and the last thing they need is an appearance by you at the arena.
not a chance
November 20th, 2009
3:53 pm
NBA = Rap concert plus (some) basketball
I wouldn’t walk across the street to see these overpaid thugs walk up and down the floor. Like football, the college game is much more interesting, and real.
David
November 20th, 2009
3:56 pm
Any chance the Hawks make a play for Lebron James at end of the season.
FeudFinder
November 20th, 2009
4:51 pm
Mad-dona, I understand your fear about this team, but one thing that I want you to know is that this currnet hawks has what it’s called depth. I have no doubt in my mind that this team will be playing the way it has been through the season. Now I cannot predict that the hawks will maintain its current number one seed in the NBA, but do not be surprised if it comes out #2 in the east. Mark that down!!!!
FeudFinder
November 20th, 2009
5:05 pm
While this Brady- Bunch hawks can honestly be attributed to Billy Knight, I must commend the new general manager, Rick Sund, for using his God-given senses. He knew what the team needed. And he went out and sought for it. Here we are today. Hawks has one of the best benches in the NBA at any given night. Rick, please go ahead and resign JJ, and then extend Woody and his crew’s contract. That is the way to keep a good team intact.
Al
November 20th, 2009
5:11 pm
Not a chance-
If you hate the NBA so much, why are you on this blog?
FeudFinder
November 20th, 2009
5:17 pm
While this “Brady-Bunch” hawks can honestly be attributed to Billy “the arrogant” Knight, I commend Rick Sund for using his God-given senses. He knew the team needed a reliable bench. He went out and sought for it. That’s why the team is playing incredibly well. I hope the organization resign JJ and Woody plus his crew to new contracts. That’s the way to keep a good team intact.
notmedude!
November 20th, 2009
5:19 pm
No way, the season will have to go on & tickets will have to go to $2/a seat, $5 (a fin, for you who don’t know) for the good seats. Got to see the record by then. Of course, Mark, you get in for free, so why don’t you pay for some poor kids who can’t get in to see a game?
Large in the Pants
November 20th, 2009
5:26 pm
NBA games do feel like rap concerts, but there is a silver lining:
Girls with fat asses.
stw
November 20th, 2009
5:35 pm
In todays economy what professional team is “worth” at least a days pay??
FeudFinder
November 20th, 2009
5:42 pm
While this “Brady-Bunch” hawks can honestly be attributed to Billy Knight, I commend Rick Sund for using his God-given senses. He knew the team needed a reliable bench. He went out and sought for it. That’s why the team is playing incredibly well. I hope the organization resign JJ and Woody plus his crew to new contracts. That’s the way to keep a good team intact.
jerrywest
November 20th, 2009
5:43 pm
The real reason Atlanta is winning:
http://dberri.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/the-story-of-the-2009-10-season-might-just-be-happening-in-atlanta/
Click the table to see the difference in Smith. He is playing at the level of Howard.
Jeremiah
November 20th, 2009
5:45 pm
Ever since Josh Smith was a rookie, I’ve been telling all my friends, watch out! I loved how BK was building the team, I loved Woodson’s defensive focus and I swear I predicted this success at least three years ago and everyone thought I was nuts! Even though BK kinda got shafted, Sund has stepped in and also improved the team! Who’s laughing now! Go Hawks!
Ralph Range
November 20th, 2009
5:48 pm
Well! I am very excited to see the Hawks play very well this season.
Keep it up guys! Good luck for the rest of the year.
Rob
November 20th, 2009
5:59 pm
I don’t care how good they are, there is NOT 1 player in any sport worth what they are paid. Games are way too expensive to go to.
Mark Bradley
November 20th, 2009
6:04 pm
Al has always looked big and strong to me, and this season I’d say he seems quicker if anything.
george Holman
November 20th, 2009
6:07 pm
Thanks to the Hawks ownership for staying the course with Woody, and thanks to Billy Knight, who while drafting Sheldon Williams, etc., also made the trade for Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson. Knight deserves great credit for how this team currently performs.
Atl Resident
November 20th, 2009
6:34 pm
I first realized there was potential when I just took a chance to attend that playoff game 4 series against Celtics when they were about to get swept and took the series seven games. Ever since then, they have gotten better than ever. There’s no doubt they worth paying to watch, maybe if I start back going they will win the East.
bali smith
November 20th, 2009
6:51 pm
why not give up your free seat to the working stiff and buy a ticket. Think the best is yet to come for the Hawks, hope they can keep joe johnson for another year or two and c an not wait to see this team pl ay later in the season when they really get cooking may be then I can get your free ticket for one game
mychelfromatl
November 20th, 2009
7:03 pm
On my way to the game!!!!
seed
November 20th, 2009
7:15 pm
Wow…
It’s so refreshing to see someone in the media be willing to break free from a stale 5 year old narrative.
Thanks Bradley. For those of us fans that have believed in this team only to be made to believe we were foolish, it feels good to hear someone say, these guys are pretty good…
I appreciate that.
As for the “best team in Atlanta”… I certainly agree with you…
However, you do realize the gravity of your remarks, I’m sure… as there will certainly be a price to pay…
There’s one thing “King” Arthur protects better than the gridiron… And that’s the headlines…
Let’s just say, for some franchises, recognition and accolades are more important than substance and winning… “King” Arthur (aka the media’s favorite owner)
Let’s just say, it’s funny how the Tony Gonzales trade was a rumor, that had all but faded away until the Atlanta Hawks blew the Miami Heat away by 20 points in a home playoff game, then presto… King Arthur strikes back in the battle for the headlines…
Suffice it to say that, in light of this article, you can expect a major move by the best “pretenders” in Atlanta.
SlimG
November 20th, 2009
9:09 pm
Told u fools to leave Woody alone and let these kids grow we’d be good, now bradley will pay
SWAT Native
November 20th, 2009
9:14 pm
Mark,
A couple of weeks ago you ran a poll asking who was better, the Hawks or the Falcons, and I think the results leaned towards the Falcons. You should rerun that poll now!
JJ
November 20th, 2009
9:54 pm
Why is “50 games” the standard for this team all of a sudden? They won 47 last year. Should win at least 55-60 this year.
Vick Supporter
November 20th, 2009
10:08 pm
Dem HAWKS BABY!!! DEM HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I go to games pretty often and our arena is so quiet.
Really proud of Josh Smith…if he can keep playing like this we can go far….
Cuz
November 20th, 2009
10:24 pm
Mark weren’t we talking about a Hawks team that was a train wreck a few weeks ago? I swear this NBA season gets longer every year.
Ask me again how great they are in ten months when the playoffs start.
OH GO HAWKS!
PLEASE DON’T LET US DOWN AGAIN. THE RIDE UP IS FUN, BUT THE FREEFALL TO THE GROUND BITES.
cdog
November 20th, 2009
11:22 pm
time to swat the hornets to go 12-2. josh smith is playing as good as dr.j julius ervin.i don’t see any team that should beat the hawks in a series.mike woodson has them playing on a world championship level.lets go get this one in new orleans. maybe we can rub off on the falcons. show them what it means to believe you are the best and can win every game. hammer those hornets tomorrow night.
Damon
November 21st, 2009
12:42 am
“They’re not just good. (And they’re very good.) They’re fun to watch. They play hard. They guard people. They pass the ball. Sometimes Joe Johnson still dribbles overmuch and Josh Smith reverts to the excess of youth, but this happens less and less. If your impression of these Hawks was formed a few years ago, you need to look again.”
How long do these blogs take to write? They are in such simple prose and with such little substance that any precocious 5th grader could write stuff of this quality.
KMP
November 21st, 2009
7:41 am
Damon….Really! Its a sports column not a college thesis!! Go Hawks!!
theArsonist
November 21st, 2009
11:04 am
Dos HawkEquis, I need a way to get in contact with you. I plan on getting shirts with those two lines on it and wana make sure you get one and your props.
Dont do it!!
November 21st, 2009
11:04 am
BRADLY PLEASE DONT MESS UP THE HOW! CANT YOU WRITE SOME MORE HATE ON MICHAEL VICK OR PRAISE NASCAR?
MY POINT IS PLEASE DONT MESS UP THE ONLY THING RIGHT WITH ATLANTA. EVERY THING YOU COVER IS RELATED TO RACIAL HATE.
I GUESS MATTIE LICE MUST BE F_CKING UP…. HE ONLY DRAWS FLY’S
PLEASE LEAVE US ALONE. LET US ENJOY THE SEASON.
IS THERE A HOUSE OR SOMETHING YOU CAN HAUNT?
Dont do it!!
November 21st, 2009
11:05 am
* PLEASE DONT MESS UP THE HAWKS.(CORRECTION)
JoeH
November 21st, 2009
11:07 am
They are the best team in Atlanta by far!
PLAY HARD?..and FUN TO WAYTCH?…You bet
Darrin "The Vent King"
November 21st, 2009
11:34 am
It feels great being a long-time Hawks fan right about now! The finish to last night’s game was off the charts awesome. Sticking with this current team through the ups and downs and now seeing them FINALLY grow up and playing to their potential is great. Our current GM should get an award for the moves he’s made so far with this team. Last years pickup of Flip Murray and Mo Evans were great and now Jamaal Crawford’s acquisition is even better. And for goodness sake what can you say about JOSH SMITH? The turnaround of his play has really taken this team to the next level! I BET NO ONE AROUND HERE IS TALKING ABOUT GETTING RID OF JOSH SMITH NOW. Last night’s game winning put back dunk at the buzzard showed what he is capable of and put the rest of the NBA on notice- HE HAS ARRIVED! I could go on and on about the rest of the team, but J-Smoove is co-MVP right now along with Joe Johnson for this team and should make the All-Star team. This team is stockpiled from head to toe with Horford, JJ, J-Smoove, Crawford, and with special guest appearances from time to time from Marvin Williams and Bibby- watch out! These Hawks are definitely going places…
GO HAWKS!!!
Darrin "The Vent King"
November 21st, 2009
11:37 am
Anyone want to get rid of J-Smoove now? Didn’t think so…GO HAWKS!!!
ball king
November 21st, 2009
11:46 pm
I STILL WON’T PAY TO SEE SOMETHING THAT IS NOT REAL. SURE, THEY HAVE A LEAD, FOR NOW, BUT BY DECEMBER 10TH, THEY WILL BE 3RD OR 4TH IN THE EAST. THATS WHERE THEY BELONG. I THINK THEY ARE PLAYING HALLOWEEN TRICKS ON THE FANS.OR MAYBE AN EARLY APRIL FOOLS DAY STUNT. THEY ARE NOT MATURE ENOUGH,YET. I THINK WOODSON HAVE A “COMPLEX”, THIS GUY NEVER SEEMS TO AMAZE ME, SOMETIMES, BY OBSERVING HIM ON THE BENCH, HE SEEMS LIKE HE’S ON A SPACESHIP WITH “CAPTAIN SPOCK”. He Has No Controlled Offense. EVERYBODY’S A ONE ON ONE PLAYER AND JUMP SHOOTER. THE DEFENSE SEEMS UP TO PAR AND REBOUNDING SEEMS GOOD. BUT THAT BENCH IS LACKING, ONLY JOE SMITH AND JAMAL ARE SOMEWHAT EFFECTIVE ON A REGULAR BASIS. ZAZA IS HANGING ON BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH. WHAT IS RANDOLPH MORRIS STILL DOING ON THE TEAM? HECK NO, I’M NOT PAYING TO SEE THEM, MAYBE NOT EVEN ON A FREE TICKET. THAT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTION.
Damon
November 22nd, 2009
11:26 pm
HAWKS EFFORT LAST NIGHT WILL BE THE SAME AS IT IS VS. TEAMS LIKE ORLANDO. NO EFFORT AND NO FIRE
Crashing the Glass
November 23rd, 2009
1:26 am
After you’re done reading Bradley (and it shouldn’t take too long), Check this blog for more Hawks-related reading-
http://crashingtheglass.com/
cdog
November 25th, 2009
3:19 pm
ball king, please don’t go to see the hawks. you are not a fan, stay home. you go see the hornets or grizzlies. you don’t know anything about basketball. get ready for baseball. basketball is not your sport.regardless of fans like you or what you stand for, no one is worried about what you think. the hawks will be at the top of the east at the end.leave basketball alone
Damon
November 27th, 2009
9:44 am
WOW GREAT BLOG.
2 LOSSES IN A ROW SINCE THIS IDIOT BLOG
YOU STINK
Ben
December 4th, 2009
6:17 pm
Man, you can really tell it’s still football season. This blog entry went up on Nov. 20th and still hasn’t gotten to page 2. Regardless, you’re right Mark. This team could be great. Not just good, GREAT. I’m still not sold that they’re the 3rd best team in the East yet but they are closing in fast. The Crawford pick up is looking like GENIUS right now.
Heading down now to see ‘em play the Knicks!
Kenny J
December 4th, 2009
10:31 pm
For a while there, and for the first time in his (too long) tenure, I thought Woodson might finally be maturing into a legitimate NBA coach. But his team sucks against teams that suck. A winning coach doesn’t let that happen. As easy as it is to criticize the players in games like tonight, Woodson has such a narrow skill set and mindset that his team stays right there with him. Champions are winners all the time, and especially against weaker opponents. Not our Woodson-led Hawks. I wish the owners had enough money to pay a competitive salary to bring a real coach into a player pool that may or may not be built to beat the elite yet, but for damn sure they should beat the Knicks, Pistons, Bobcats and Hornets. Can’t wait ‘til the pitchers and catchers report so we can get beyond this.
JUST SAYING
December 4th, 2009
11:20 pm
ESPN just said the Hawks lost their right to play on national television after losing to the Knicks at home. I agree. Also, would it hurt Johnson to show any kind of emotion on the court? Dude is BORING. All the greats pump a fist or something. Cmon!
I smell a repeat of last year by the way for Hawks. Just saying.
Boneyard Randy
December 7th, 2009
2:55 pm
HAWKS! Already paid for 10 games this season in a partial season ticket deal…plan on picking up a few more tix as season goes on. Most fun out of the 4 major sports teams.
ralph
December 14th, 2009
12:39 pm
all the hawks and fans need are some decent looking cheerleaders to cap off a great experience at the high light factory
jc_dawgs
December 15th, 2009
5:30 am
I’m not ready to say that this is the best Hawks team ever. The Hawks teams during the Dominique era were quite good. But….I will say that this is the best shooting team the Hawks ever had. With Johnson….Bibby and Crawford on the perimeter…..Who are you gonna guard?
Hats off to Coach Woodson. That 13 win season a few years back was bitter and brutal. But they sure have built this team up. I just hope that Joe wants to come back and play for the Hawks next year. He’s got a great team around him now. I think his best shot at winning a championship is right here in the ATL. Go hawks!