A new coach for the Hawks? Be careful what you wish for
He might not be the greatest coach, but he's not the worst, either. (AP photo)
Mike Woodson is a free agent at season’s end. He says he wants to stay, but he has been nettled by Rick Sund’s refusal to offer an extension. And if the Hawks crash out in Round 1, Sund’s hesitance might turn out to be sagacious. For all the good work Woodson has done here, wouldn’t a loss to the understaffed Bucks suggest that this team and this coach have gone as far together as they’re going to go?
But know this: Woodson is respected around the league. He’ll be a head coach somewhere next season, and he might well get a better offer than a re-up from the Hawks. Already the annual Larry Brown rumors have commenced, the latest ticketing the nomad’s nomad for Philadelphia, where he’ll become team president and hire his buddy Woody to coach the 76ers.
So now, as the Hawks face a rather enormous Game 5 tonight, we must ask: If not Woodson, who? The drums will beat for the usual suspects — Avery Johnson, Byron Scott, Eddie Jordan, even Sam Mitchell — but I can’t see any of them as an upgrade.
Johnson presided over one of the biggest flops in NBA finals history, taking a hugely gifted Dallas team and losing to Dwyane Wade. Scott had the benefit of coaching two of the finest point guards of the era — Jason Kidd and Chris Paul — and still contrived to get fired by both the Nets and the Hornets. Jordan, seen as the brains behind Scott with New Jersey, has been fired three times and his most recent team, the Sixers, quit on him. Mitchell, who grew up in Columbus and played at Mercer, had one winning season over four full years before being dumped by Toronto.
If the Hawks indeed wind up searching for a coach, they won’t be seeking someone to preside over a rebuilding team. This is a gifted roster that’s getting close to what should be its peak years. (This applies even if Joe Johnson flees, which I don’t believe he will.) The next coach should be someone who could take what Woodson has done and lift it higher.
To be frank, there aren’t many available coaches who fit that bill. Gregg Popovich isn’t walking through that door; Doc Rivers isn’t, either. And the biggest name on what some believe to be Sund’s wish list — meaning Doug Collins – isn’t all that big.
Doug Collins has coached three NBA teams over eight seasons. He hasn’t taken a team to the NBA finals. He has won a total of three playoff series, all with Chicago in the ’80s. He was fired by the Bulls to make way for assistant coach Phil Jackson, who started winning titles by the bushel. Collins has since been canned by both Detroit and Washington.
He’s a high-profile guy because he’s on TV, but so is Jimmy Fallon. Besides, Collins keeps turning teams down. What about Atlanta would make him want to do it again at age 58?
If there is to be a Woodson replacement, it’s apt to be a current NBA assistant. Tom Thibodeau is Rivers’ defensive coordinator in Boston, but would he have the cachet to make a roster of guys now making huge money listen? (Maybe.) And don’t the Hawks need a guy to redesign the Iso-Joe offense more than another defensive-minded man?
Were I Sund, I’d target Dwane Casey. He was a head coach in Minnesota, where he was fired 40 games into his second season. But the T-Wolves have become an example of how not to run a basketball operations, and Casey has worked alongside two of the best in business — Nate McMillan in Seattle and now Rick Carlisle in Dallas. Casey is smart and personable and good with his players, and he has the added benefit of having served under Sund with the Sonics.
I know what you’re thinking: Dwane Casey isn’t a household name. That’s the point. The Hawks aren’t going to land one. (Would Rick Pitino leave Louisville to work for the Atlanta Spirit?) And honesty compels me to report that, as much as I like Casey — he’s a Kentucky guy, too — I don’t know for a fact that he’d do better than Woodson.
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161 comments Add your comment
Reid Adair
April 28th, 2010
2:08 pm
OK, Mark, so you think Woodson should be kept? I just don’t see it at this point. The last two playoff games have been disastrous, and the ability (or lack thereof) to properly prepare the team rests with the head coach.
wxwax
April 28th, 2010
2:08 pm
The Hawks win the next two series and all this talk begins to look silly.
Which is what I think will happen.
NEW CARS
April 28th, 2010
2:11 pm
I’ve wondered about Avery Johnson as well. My biggest problem with Woody is he has been given all these players to blend and develop. I just don’t see that he’s done a great job at that. I didn’t like some of the picks that Billy made through the years, but Diaw has shown that he can play and Shelden could do certain things okay…Law, Mario West, Teague, Randolph Morris are all examples of guys who may have been able to help, but our coach would rather wear the starters out all season. The key is to win and develop your young players and depth.
TONE
April 28th, 2010
2:14 pm
what about the czar he is probably good for two or three more years.
C'mon Hawks
April 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
MIKE WOODSON = CHAN GAILEY
Both are good men, men that have great attitudes and mean well, but don’t have the fire to win championships!
Mark Bradley
April 28th, 2010
2:15 pm
I think, Reid, that Woodson has weaknesses. But I also know he won 53 games without having a real superstar. At this moment, I’d say the Hawks aren’t apt to find anybody better.
C'mon Hawks
April 28th, 2010
2:18 pm
NEW CARS is right, he doesnt try to develop draft picks or role players!
We have so many bench players that could contribute or at least try to contribute, but we just ride the normal players no matter what! I don’t get it!
tony
April 28th, 2010
2:20 pm
We need to hire Avery Johnson before some other team gets him. He is a proving winner and is capable of getting the most out of his players. This is a no-brainer.
Keith
April 28th, 2010
2:20 pm
This organization had better learn from their mistakes of the past. They are where they need to be at the moment, fans need to remember just a few years ago where they were. Woodson is part of the reason they are a solid team right now in the playoffs and competing each season…why start over with a new coach & new philosophy? Sign Joe Johnson as quickly as possible, get Josh Smith to keep his emotions in check and search for a solid legimate center so that Horford can play his natual power forward position.
Armond Hill
April 28th, 2010
2:20 pm
We’re seeing what good coaching can do in this very series. The Bucks with far less talent are making this a competitive series because they are well coached and motivated. Just think what the Hawks could do if we could combine their talent with a similar level of coaching..
C'mon Hawks
April 28th, 2010
2:22 pm
Mark, we won 53 games because we have some serious ballers that need an offense that will work to their strength’s! Our team works best when we RUN, when we are running we WIN. When we slow it down and play half court ISO-Joe we lose! Plain and simple. When people talk about basketball players they always bring up Kobe, Lebron, D-Wade, Howard, Etc. Maybe I am a homer, but I love our guys and our team! Our guys are as good as anybody and I guarantee in the right offense they could win a championship!
Mark Bradley
April 28th, 2010
2:26 pm
Avery Johnson hasn’t coached since 2008. It’s not as if teams haven’t had openings.
O'Brien
April 28th, 2010
2:29 pm
Mark
Do you think Rick Carlisle is a good coach? How is he doing with that very talented roster in Dallas? Possibly losing in the first round (although losing to the spurs is different).
I am okay with Woody staying, but I would like to see him bring in a new coaching staff. I have little confidence in Larry drew and ty hill.
zymoedoo
April 28th, 2010
2:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Keith
April 28th, 2010
2:31 pm
I’m with you C’mon Hawks…use the unused lame bench players as trade options. You’ll probably lose somebody like Bibby or Marvin Williams but attempt to keep the core group and find a center. The Hawks are a solid team ( 53 wins) with a good coach working with what he has…keep the faith, their 2 players away from a championship!
zip eddie doodah
April 28th, 2010
2:33 pm
i believe strongly woody should either go or stay. if he goes a great replacement would be dimey simelowe of puget sound community college. hes 53-98 and has 5 straight 5th place finishes. that kind of consistency is hard to find. hes only making 23 thousand so money shouldnt be an issue. his wife is getting out of prison in july so hes free to pursue other opportunities.
JJ
April 28th, 2010
2:33 pm
Why wouldn’t Doc come back here? Not sure I understand that. If we’re operating under the premiss that the ASG have no money, they how can they afford to pay Woody?
Dr. Warren
April 28th, 2010
2:34 pm
7 syllables: Kevin Michael Loughery. Bring him on back.
Am I Just Dumb?
April 28th, 2010
2:36 pm
In watching the Hawks, for the life of me I can’t remember seeing them run a set offensive play — like a pick and roll (leading to an easy lay-up). What I see over and over is 1 Hawk player going one-on-one (even when double teamed) with a mind set of “Through my athletic ability I am going to beat you straight up”. At the college level especially with teams not having “great athletic talent” but doing well (Butler, etc.), I see a lot of offensive play coaching. Am I just “dumb”? Just seems like other NBA teams (Celtics come to mind) run offensive plays and the Hawks don’t.
Jt
April 28th, 2010
2:43 pm
ATMDAWG- I think you have it backwards. I think Joe wants Woody back. Why would you not want back a coach who insists that you are the focal point of his offense. Woody has been overly supportive of JJ- never saying a negative thing about him. I bet JJ does not sign until he knows Woodson’s fate and if Woody leaves, Joe is not far behind
heartofdarkness
April 28th, 2010
2:44 pm
Looking for an NBA coach? Find a successful herder of cats.
J-bone
April 28th, 2010
2:46 pm
If there was a coach available who had done what Woodson has done with the Hawks, I’d hire him. Anybody know of a coach like that?
C'mon Hawks
April 28th, 2010
2:47 pm
Would either one of the lopez brothers fit in with our team or even be possible? I still think Camby would have been a solid pick at center. We could tailor and offense that has 2 power forward that way we can have Al and Josh on the floor at the same time
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April 28th, 2010
2:49 pm
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Mavis Beacon Teaches Grammar
April 28th, 2010
2:53 pm
RE: “A new coach for the Hawks? Be careful what you wish for”
Mark,
Didn’t anyone ever teach you that you absolutely should NOT end a sentence with a preposition?
(Child, don’t even get me started on your missing punctuation.)
Keith
April 28th, 2010
2:53 pm
Woody has the players believing in themselves and playing for more than just a pay check. The issue here in Atlanta is and always will be as an organizaton they are penny pinchers who don’t want to come off that cheese for legimate star players so that our city can enjoy solid competitive teams season after season. You’ve crossed a threshold lets keep the negativity out and build for a championship caliber team..keep Woody!
Mark Bradley
April 28th, 2010
2:56 pm
Why wouldn’t Rivers come here? Because he’s under contract through 2011.
Dr. Warren
April 28th, 2010
2:56 pm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Loughery
Loughery has made the playoffs everywhere he’s coached. Jordan loved playing for him. Sure, he’s 70, but look what Hubie Brown did for Memphis a few years ago. Some old school tutelage might be what this spoiled group needs.
JeJe
April 28th, 2010
2:59 pm
“At this moment, I’d say the Hawks aren’t apt to find anybody better.”
LOL. The reason nobody has signed Avery is because he is getting paid BIG BUCKS by Dallas to NOT coach. So why would he come here for $2-3M/yr when he can make 4.5-5M to sit in an ESPN studio? There are plenty of coaches out there.
With this pathetic ownership that has no money, we won’t get anyone
C'mon Hawks
April 28th, 2010
3:00 pm
Keith, I think you are partially correct-”Woody has the players believing in themselves…” , Becuase they sure don’t believe in him or his playcalling. Next time they call a timeout, watch how many of them listen to him. I swear they have a look of apathy when he calls them over to go over strategy. Most of the players have that look like, ok coach we know we need to give Joe or Jamal the ball and watch them score.
C'mon Hawks
April 28th, 2010
3:02 pm
I think they should just move Bibby over to head coach, I think he knows what is going wrong with the team.
allan in texas
April 28th, 2010
3:04 pm
I believe that if the Hawks lose this series Coach Woodson will be gone. However, I do not believe that Joe Johnson will be going anywhere.In the end the money will talk and though the Knicks can offer the money they do not have the talent.The Bulls do have a couple of pieces that are comparable to the Hawks,but, besides the Bulls I cannot JJ leaving.Players do not leave money on the table.
DAGUMMIT WOODY!!!
April 28th, 2010
3:09 pm
BRING THE “LITTLE CZAR” BACK!!! KING OBAMA’S GOT CZAR’S & IT SEEM’S TO BE WORKIN’ FOR HIM!! THAT IS IF YOU LIKE/WANT CHANGE!!!
Gamer
April 28th, 2010
3:14 pm
The Hawks are one play away at crucial junctures of the game to put the Bucks away in six games..which should’ve happened in five games for sure!!!
What is that play? Man to man defense without Bibby on the floor at crucial junctures in the game, especially when a quick offensive guard like Jennings is on the floor. Where is Jeff Teague?
Why haven’t Jeff Teague confidence been coraled and developed by coaching staff?
When Teague is in the game, sometimes he look shell-shock. He look afraid to get scored on. Soon as he get scored on he looks over at Woody, as if he waiting to get immediately yanked or spanked by Woody.
Teague got the speed needed to guard quicker point guards. But does he have the discipline to keep the quicker guards from blowing pass him?
This is where good coaching come into play. Hawks coaching staff had EIGHTY-TWO REGULAR SEASON GAMES TO GROOM THIS ROOKIE CONFIDENCE BY ACCENTUATING HIS STRENGTHS TO HIM, BUT FAILED TO DO SO.
Somewhere, Woody got to take responsibility for having players with good game potentials going undevelop.
Although it playoffs time, it’s not too late to start playing Teague to develop his confidence(defensively and offensively). Because the deeper the Hawks go into the post-season, they will meet quick, speedier guards. And Jeff Teague is the only real answer other than Joe Johnson.
But do you really want to over play Joe Johnson on both ends of the floor for forty plus minutes? I don’t think so.
WOODY MAKE ADJUSTMENTS!!!! GROOM YOUR POINT GUARD CONFIDENCE, JEFF TEAGUE.
WHERE IS MARVIN WILLIAMS BASKETBALL TALENTS?
HAWKS MAKE BEDLAM!!! STRIKE FRIGHT INTO YOUR OPPONENT!!!
ntrigue
April 28th, 2010
3:20 pm
Hire Steve Smith!!!!
Dr. Warren
April 28th, 2010
3:23 pm
The OK Thunder have done in two years what took the Hawks five. They’re already the better team–and younger, too. Is it the coaching? A bit, perhaps. But mainly it’s the talent. Face it: the Hawks lack the talent to get past Round Two or to blow away a gutsy sixth seed.
siskel_god
April 28th, 2010
3:28 pm
This is stupid. Woody, like Cox wins when he has good players. Everybody has the Cavs pegged to duke it out with the Magic in the finals so if the Hawks don’t make it, is that really a disapointment? Give Woody LBJ or Kobe and he’ll get you a ring. Give him Marvin Gaye Williams and he’ll get you to the second round.
Westurd
April 28th, 2010
3:29 pm
FRATELLO………
Brett
April 28th, 2010
3:36 pm
It may be time for a change. Bobby Bowden, Bobby Cox…….. sometimes you just need a change. same reason they change up school principals, preachers, CEOs often
JeJe
April 28th, 2010
3:37 pm
I TOLD YOU ALL. WOODSON PLAYED TEAGUE 48 MINUTES IN THE REGULAR SEASON FINALE AS A WAY OF SAYING “HERE YOU GO. YOU WON’T BE PLAYING IN THE PLAYOFFS.”
WOODSON DOES NOT USE THE BENCH IN CLOSE/PLAYOFF GAMES
JeJe
April 28th, 2010
3:39 pm
To contact the main offices of Atlanta Spirit LLC, please call (404) 878-3800.
EVERYBODY CALL THIS NUMBER AND TELL THEM THAT WOODSON SUCKS AS A COACH
Rainy night in Ga.
April 28th, 2010
3:41 pm
While we wont get a Pat Riley or Phil Jackson, should we settle for “cant winna road game to save my soul” Woodson? there is an old sayin that applies……Just because you cant soar like an eagle, its isnt okay to swoop like a buzzard.
ntrigue
April 28th, 2010
3:41 pm
Fire Woody!!! Hire Steve Smith!!!
JeJe
April 28th, 2010
3:41 pm
lol @ BIBBY TRYING TO GET SHOTS OFF BUT BEING COVERED TIGHTLY.
THE OPPOSING TEAMS KNOW HE HAS NO SPEED, ATHLETICISM, OR HANDLES, SO THEY JUST COVER HIM CLOSE TO PREVENT HIM FROM TAKING HIS “DEADLY” 3 PT SHOT
Reid Adair
April 28th, 2010
3:42 pm
Mark, thanks for the response. I guess, compared to what Hawks fans have endured in the not too distant past, winning 50-53 games and getting to the playoffs will have to do. I just don’t see them taking that next step with Woodson.
GT Alum
April 28th, 2010
3:46 pm
So basically what your saying siskel is that Woody doesn’t really bring anything appreciable to the table? You’re right, he might be able to win with Kobe or LeBron, but I don’t see haw you can argue that he gets the most out of his players. This team shows what they’re truly capable of from time to time, but there’s too many games where they don’t really look into the game and don’t seem to be trying to execute any kind of game plan. I’d rather take a risk of finding a coach who can get more from these guys than settle for a coach who doesn’t really seem to be in control of the team.
And I’m tired of everyone using this team’s improvement as proof that he’s a good coach. Here’s the win differential for each year with the major personnel changes that were made. Seems to me like the win differential each year is about even with the improvement of the talent on the team.
2005-06 +13 Added Joe Johnson, ZaZa, Marvin and Salim
2006-07 +4 Traded Harrington, but got more production from JJ, J Smooth, Marvin and Chill
2007-08 +7 Added Horford, then added Bibby late
2008-09 +10 Replaced Chill with Flip and Mo; first full year with Bibby
2009-10 +6 Added Crawford
cdog
April 28th, 2010
3:48 pm
KEEP MIKE WOODSON. HE’S THE BEST COACH.DON’T SIT BACK, GRINNING.WHAT HAS HE DONE WRONG EXCEPT WIN?THE NEXT COACH IF THERE IS ONE, YOU WILL HAVE BAD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT HIM ALSO.NO COACH IS PERFECT.IF WOODSON LEAVES, THE TEAM WILL IN A LOSING TRANSITION FOR YEARS
MitchC
April 28th, 2010
3:51 pm
Mark, I dont know if Woodson should necessiarlly be fired if the Hawks lose this series. As you pointed out, who better than him? Sometimes, as we know, teams with lesser talent can prevail in a short series. It’s happened before.
Of the names you mentioned, the one name I do not want to see coaching the Hawks is Pitino. Did you ever read his “Born To Coach” book, which was written in the late 1980s, when he coached the Knicks? He came out of college, and basically used a Pat Riley like approach, to bring the Knicks from a doormat his first year, to the playoffs, and then coached them to the Atlantic Divison title the next year, before fleeing to Kentucky. The second time he coached in the NBA, in Boston, he fled again, back to college. The guy is a rah, rah, yell at players college type coach, who is not suited to coach a professional basketball team that is solid, and has designs on a championship.
As to whether Woodson should go: I’m really torn on that. Yes, it would be very disappointing if the Hawks lose to the Bucks, but, this team has improved each year Woodson has been here. From a 13 win doormat his first season, to the playoffs his third season, and a 53 win solid team this season. If Bobby Cox wasnt fired when the Braves kept messing it up in the playoffs, then why should Woodson be fired if the team has improved every year.
Maybe I’m over simplfying it. I dont know. All I do know is, of the names you mentioned. Not Pitino, please. Anyone else. I really dont know if they can, or will, take this team to the “next level”, whatever that is.
MustangSalley
April 28th, 2010
3:55 pm
Woodys future should be crystal clear regardless of whether the hawks win the series with the bucks or not. Woody has guided his troops to elite status in the eastern conference of the nba. That has not gone unnoticed. I know that Hawks dont get much media attention but its mainly because of their inconsistent play and woody cant take the shots for the hawks. Woody cant come out on the floor and play defense, prevent turnovers or make free throws. Woody has done a decent job. Its obvious hes not a great coach, but he too has room for improvement. I think if woody were to study the great coaches: Larry Brown, Greg Popovich, Avery Johnson, Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkins, Phil Jackson and Red Aurebach, Im sure Woody can improve dramatically and learn to be more effective.
Eraserhead
April 28th, 2010
4:10 pm
Woody’s a good coach. No matter how this series plays out, he should be back.