After further review … the Hawks are in really big trouble
Sometimes you get caught up in a moment, and sometimes it’s a bad moment. The Hawks were so awful Monday night as to beggar belief, but in the interest of fairness I’ve spent some of the subsequent hours reflecting on what I saw/wrote. (Other hours were invested in sleeping.) And in my reflection, I have asked myself: “Marky boy, do you think you made too much of one game in November?”
My now-considered answer: No.
My rationale: When you fire the head coach and promote his assistant, you’re not committing to a new five-year plan. You’re betting on continuity with a few tweaks. There’s not going to be a long shakedown cruise. The change is either going to take immediately or not at all.
That the Hawks started 6-0 offered some indication that the players had bought into the Larry Drew Method, but those six games have been revealed for what they were: The softest early schedule the NBA could possibly provide. When better opponents began arriving, the Hawks, as we say in horse racing, spit the bit.
The twin pillars, such as they were, of Drew’s curious case to become head coach were that the Hawks needed to share the ball on offense and stop switching on defense. The result of the former has been a bit more balanced scoring, which is good in theory, but against the Celtics on Monday the Hawks’ idea of sharing seemed to be allowing Al Horford to shoot more 18-footers. When you have Joe Johnson, in whom $120 million has just been re-invested, is that really what you want?
As for the defense: The Hawks didn’t just not switch Monday — they didn’t guard at all. They were so disinterested against the team that always before has piqued their interest that Drew wondered afterward what the Hawks were doing on their nights off. (What is this? High school?)
Drew also said he didn’t like where his team is headed. He said this three days before Thanksgiving. And that’s the chilling part. If the Hawks have already stopped caring, what does that say for this franchise? Does Rick Sund start making trades to try to assemble a roster more to Drew’s liking? What evidence is there that Drew would know what to do even then? If the guys he was supposed to know best won’t play for him, who will?
But enough. I’m depressing myself all over again. After further review, Monday’s non-effort wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was worse.
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214 comments Add your comment
Not Sund
November 23rd, 2010
12:19 pm
GMs don’t break-up teams, players break-up teams . GMs don’t fire coaches, players fire coaches. GMs just get to make the announcement to the press.
Mark, I’ll be talking to you very soon.
Gordon
November 23rd, 2010
12:20 pm
Wow. A performance so bad it elicited TWO Bradley columns. Good thing it is the Hawks and almost no one cares. Please let there be a lockout.
ltdbrave
November 23rd, 2010
12:21 pm
Hawks are in huge trouble. They really just suck. Joe Johnson, what a waste of money. They should have left him go. The Hawks have not beaten a credible team. Johnson needs to sit and the Hawks need to dump him.
Chop It Up All-Star
November 23rd, 2010
12:22 pm
I consider myself to be a Hawks fan, and even I couldn’t bring myself to turning on the game last night. They teased us with the hot start, and even during certain games they show potential, and then they have extended moments of ughhh, and you just want to throw your remote at the TV.
I will forever disagree with the resigning of Joe Johnson for the max contract, and he has yet to do ANYTHING to earn even a fraction of that money – superstar he has never been. The only bright light on this team thus far this year has been Horford. The kid is a player and his brings it every night. Honorary mention Josh Smith – as his game has improved as well.
TN Brave
November 23rd, 2010
12:22 pm
Pay Attention,
Lenny Wilkens played for the Hawks – the St Louis Hawks – between 1960 and 1968.
Terry the career killer Pendelton
November 23rd, 2010
12:25 pm
And they wonder why nobody is in the seats get us a player in here maybe we will Bastards. I hate the spirit group A*& Holes
The Owl of Prophecy
November 23rd, 2010
12:26 pm
Things are never as good as they appear, nor or they as bad as they might appear, either. But the Hawks are always the Hawks.
cdog
November 23rd, 2010
12:27 pm
you reap what you sow.the wrongful firing of mike woodson has come back to bite the hawks plus an incompetent GM in rick sund contributes to the team’s failures.it only going to get worst as long as sund is with the team
Kevin
November 23rd, 2010
12:27 pm
MB,
Please call out Joe Johnson soon. When you demand that kind of money and ball dominance there has to be some accountability. I swear that this game is just a pay check for Joe Johnson.
-5 Year Season Ticket Holder
TN Brave
November 23rd, 2010
12:29 pm
Mark,
A couple of beefs and questions.
Is this sensational writing just to increase sales or do you really think they have already given up on the season? I don’t think so but I could be wrong.
Also, I think you should have mentioned that Johnson and Williams are both playing injured. Maybe others also.
Do you really want us to bring back ISO-ball?
Jeff
November 23rd, 2010
12:34 pm
One – Rick Sund and Atlanta Hawks organization, I’d like my money refunded for last night’s performance. After years of making excuses why we shouldn’t come to a game, I finally brought my family and that’s what I spent my money on? How embarrasing! Lack of coaching. Lack of preparation. Lack of effort. Lack of motivation from so-called -professional athletes. Are you kidding me. My family will not be back! Also, hope everyone’s happy that got a players coach. This team will not come close to last year’s success. Happy Holidays Mike Woodson!
tom
November 23rd, 2010
12:42 pm
the way this team represents the city of atlanta and hawks fans is embarassing and unacceptable. they have talent but no heart and no hustle will get you nowhere.
Mike Woodson
November 23rd, 2010
12:42 pm
I Still have no Eyebrows hahahahah
Shannon
November 23rd, 2010
12:44 pm
Is Mike Woodson the only person in this economy happy to not be employed? lol
Gordon
November 23rd, 2010
12:49 pm
Paul Hewitt could fix this with his 4-out-1-in motion offense. And Mrs. Hewitt could stay in Atlanta. A win-win-win for Hewitt, Tech, and the Hawks.
Grandpa Ellis
November 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
The Hawks are a sad lot from ownership down to the ballboys. They are a boring team to watch. They are a team that does not appear to care. They are a team that is overall lacking in ability. The fact that ownership did not go out to get a coach with a name tells me that even ownership feels the same way. I can’t go to anymore games as I am depressed as well. The Hawks/Thrashers ownership is out of their league so tell them to get out of court. SELL the teams and get out of the way or find people to run these teams on a budget that prevents them from competing against the best. Atlanta is still losersville when it comes to basketball and hockey.
Gwinnett Fred
November 23rd, 2010
12:53 pm
Forget last night. I was convinced this team was in big trouble when they were beat EVEN WORSE by the Bucks a few games back.
20% of the way into a season and haven’t beaten a playoff calibur team YET???
Guess Old Woody wasn’t so bad after all, huh???
Hawk wit Broke Wing
November 23rd, 2010
12:55 pm
Wow- not signing Shaq seemed to come back and haunt the franchise. Might as well put it up there with not drafting Chris Paul (Cause you know the success Marvin Williams is having), overpaying Joe, trading Dominique for a player who left next season, overpaying Jon Koncak (anyone remember), and trading Steve Smith for Isaih Rider.
Keys to success- get new ownership, Keep Smith, Johnson (we stuck with him anyway), Horford- trade Jamal, Teague, Marvin, draft choice, money, anybody else for a decent defensive center and a play making point gaurd (ie. TJ Ford & Brandon Haywood). Could have got Earl Boykins and Shaq in the offseason, but we got to change the first thing in my equation to get positive improvement done.
BaseballBuff
November 23rd, 2010
12:56 pm
Took my 14-year-old son to a Hawks game at Philips last season. The organ-playing during competition was absurd, a non-stop and insulting attempt to artificially hype the fans and a total distraction from the natural ebb and flow of the game. Once the ball in-bounds, the organ should stop.
And by the way, all the young thugs in the concourse area at Philips wasn’t terribly appealing either. We won’t be back — trips to Turner Field and Sanford Stadium will more than suffice.
.
Your FaceBook Friend
November 23rd, 2010
1:03 pm
You mean to tell me anyone on these interwebs thought the Hawks could beat any of these teams: Boston, Miami, Orlando, Milwaukee in the East? Give me a break. Joe Johnson is way overpaid for his skillz set and Horford too. Give me a break. This team has hit its ceiling aka JUMPED THE SHARK.
Tech75
November 23rd, 2010
1:03 pm
This is what happens when you get players who have skills and can play (when they want), but no one with any leadership skills – not the players, and apparently not the coach.
How many times do we have to hear “We need to buckle down” or “We need to play harder”?
I submit this is what happens when you overpay players – they know they’ll have money tomorrow, next week, etc. regardless of how they perform.
Remember – you can stoke a fire in someone, if the fire is already there. However, if the fire’s not there, it’s not possible to create it.
This group? No fire. Hopeless. Horford comes closest, but he’s not a strong enough leader.
Your FaceBook Friend
November 23rd, 2010
1:07 pm
Oh yeah..our coach is third rate. The Atlanta Spirit didn’t want to pay for a top notch coach – just this chump as that is all they could afford.
Tech75
November 23rd, 2010
1:07 pm
Gordon – I feel like you’re trying to be funny, but Paul Hewitt can’t find his *ss with a map, a compass and an Indian guide.
4th Year STH Teezo
November 23rd, 2010
1:13 pm
Booooooo…ATL Hawks just don’t have what it takes to be an elite team, and I really think its time to break this so-called “core” up b/c this “core” is rotten…I read a post saying this is a team full of complimentary players, EXACTLY…I don’t know what they are waiting on, but it’s time to shake things up…
JJ is showing nothing to prove he’s worth they money he got..
J. Smith is the same ole dude that tucks his tail when things get tough…
M. Bibby can’t play defense to save his life and definately not a starter…
M. Williams just can’t play to save his life and is definately not a starter…
A. Horford is the only bright spot ATL has…
J. Crawford is showing his bad shot selection and terrible defense…
ATL Bench has to be the worst group of players for any of the “playoff teams”
I tried to give these dudes a chance, but when you have yet to beat a single contending team, then you are not a contender…Since I know JJ and Horford are not going anywhere, it is time to entertain some offers involving any other player and start building around them 2…I will gladly welcome some new faces…I just really think certain players are tired of each other and its only a matter of time before sht hits the fan…Peace…
Dawg H8R
November 23rd, 2010
1:14 pm
The Hawks are one player away folks. Free agency is still there. The draft is still there. The trade deadline is still there. Why do Hawks “fans” pronounce a playoff team as dead. I don’t understand the hateration. Stop rooting for the Hawks and pull for the the LA Fakers with an anal rapist as their star!
Billyboy
November 23rd, 2010
1:17 pm
Mark, you are right on this one. The Hawks have no defense and this will be another year to not buy tickets to the games. Maybe the Hawks should play Milton High School, atleast they would sell tickets, but then, the Hawks would probably lose. Fire the coach, and hire David Boyd for the Hawks!
rock
November 23rd, 2010
1:23 pm
The Hawks past troubles :
1. Paying JJ $120 millions
2. Drafting Marvin Williams (# 2 selection in the NBA Draft in 2005)
3. Drafting Shelden Williams
4. Drafting Acie Law
thUGA
November 23rd, 2010
1:27 pm
I’LL NEVER GO TO A HAWKS OR THRASHERS GAME SO LONG AS THE ATLANTA SUCK GROUP OWNS THEM.
EVER.
PERIOD.
Ry
November 23rd, 2010
1:28 pm
They have been saying we are getting better for the lats 5 years and just need to stick with the core. Well, that has now reversed course…the team is getting worse. In all seriousness, after careful though I think it is time to blow it up. Trade Jamal Crawford, Williams, Teague, and Bibby. Get some one real star at PG and a good center.
Thank Goodness the Falcons are Good
November 23rd, 2010
1:28 pm
The very first warning sign on this being a bad year was firing a head coach who got you deeper in the playoffs for many years and replacing him with a coach with no real wining coaching experience.
That’s called trading down…………….
T r u t h S e r u m
November 23rd, 2010
1:30 pm
Thank you MB for having the courage to say what most of us have been saying all along. THE HAWKS NEED A CENTER WHO CAN DEFEND THE BASKET.
Al horford is a very weak defensive center and we should trade him while his value is high for an impact center.
The move to not resign Woodson was equally as idiotic as not pursuing a legitimate center. Drew Sucks and looks more each day like sunds move of desperation. Why fire a guy if dont have a lock on a better coach. This is the same team woodson had but I guarantee his hawks would not be playing this bad against the top teams.
It wont hurt to fire bone head Sund.
lottery in 2 years.
T r u t h S e r u m
November 23rd, 2010
1:34 pm
“idea of sharing seemed to be allowing Al Horford to shoot more 18-footers. When you have Joe Johnson, in whom $120 million has just been re-invested, is that really what you want?”
NOT!
Thank Goodness the Falcons are Good
November 23rd, 2010
1:36 pm
Truth Serum – It might lottery pick in one season the way the last 8 games have gone.
kgb
November 23rd, 2010
1:41 pm
For all you dunder heads who keep harping that the Hawks need this big or that big, you’re missing the real problem. One new player won’t fix this mess. The Hawks have too many players who just don’t give a #$@%. They’re lazy, care first about themselves and their paycheck and actually working hard is much to much to expect from these whiny, self-centered prima-donnas. I can’t believe people actually spend money to see this ‘dumber than a fifth grader” group of losers.
Mike
November 23rd, 2010
1:43 pm
I agree completely, Mark. Truthfully, I dont think this Hawks team can expect to get past the first round regardless. The Hawks are built around Billy Knight’s ridiculous philosophy of basically 5 athletic guys in the 6′8″ range. Ask yourself, how many recent NBA champions did not have a legitimate inside presence of the 6′10″ to 7′2″ variety? How many did not have a sharp shooter or two from 3 point range? How many did not have a legit point guard or at least two All-Star presences in the backcourt? Answer? Only the Bulls with Michael Jordan were able to win without an inside presence. All others had these ingredients. Anyone seen 23 in uniform for the Hawks lately?
I dont envy the Hawks front office right now. I do agree with them staying the course for now. They blew the last good team up and spent 7 years getting back to this point. They may be able to swap a piece or two here and there in the future without erasing everything.
Your Breath Smells like Fish Tacos
November 23rd, 2010
1:44 pm
Stick with the core – the core is rotten LOL
poof!!!
November 23rd, 2010
1:45 pm
I read the headline that said a lock out was imminent. Could they start it tomorrow?
Bravesfan79
November 23rd, 2010
1:45 pm
Props to Larry. Thats why i grew up a Jazz fan after the Hawks traded Nique, John Stockton and Jeff Hornaseck were awsome role models, and players! The NBA needs more of em. If blacks can complain they dont have enough baseball players, or football coaches, then why cant whites complain that more whites arent given a chance because there not “athletic enough”. Weve all seen the new trend in the NFL of more white players because there deciding that brains are just as important as how high you can jump.
Weve all seen how stupid GT basketball plays year in and out. Hewitt needs to recruit more on playing smarts, and less on “potential”.
Peter
November 23rd, 2010
1:50 pm
Mark last year you said they were big enough, but why don’t they need a true center ?
Al would play a great power forward, too bad for Josh, and Marvin is as soft as Swiss cheese, including all the holes in his soft game……is he really worth that contract he got last year, and the third pic before the great two points out there ?
Seems he has gotten worse not better……his scoring should be about 16 per game, and he is not even in double digits any more.
JJ is maybe worth $12 Million a year, and doesn’t show any type of leadership, and he fades in most big games….example last night……..why even keep the guy ?
And this club can’t figure out a point guard to save it’s collective life…..please Teague and Bibby….what a joke.
The Hawks are a mess, and not busting them up, and signing JJ will mean they are going to stink for years to come !
Finally you admit this is a bad franchise…..but anyone could have told you when they showed no heart against Orlando last year.
Bravesfan79
November 23rd, 2010
1:51 pm
Wheres the next Steve Nash? Oyea… hes playing hockey or baseball because the local basketball coach didnt give him a fair chance because he couldnt jump high enough.
Boneyard Randy
November 23rd, 2010
1:54 pm
I just bought tickets to 18 games last week…maybe I should have waited.
Peter
November 23rd, 2010
1:56 pm
Great post……….
The Hawks past troubles :
1. Paying JJ $120 millions
2. Drafting Marvin Williams (# 2 selection in the NBA Draft in 2005)
3. Drafting Shelden Williams
4. Drafting Acie Law
Add……..
5. keeping SUND.
6. New contract to Marvin Williams.
7. Not selling the franchise to someone who understands Basketball.
8. Not Paying for a real coach.
9. Bankrupt organization in action….and they won’t get a dime of my money.
Mike
November 23rd, 2010
2:01 pm
I think its safe to say that an unconventional lineup doesnt go deep into the playoffs. Phoenix tried the small ball for years and never could get past the Lakers or Spurs. Nelly ball at Dallas and Golden State met the same fate. Now here in Atlanta we have the “Wing King” lineup showing the same results.
If you want to go deep in the playoffs, you need a legit point guard, legit sharpshooters from 3 pt land, and legit BIG inside presences. Michael Jordan and the Bulls didnt have the big men, just arguably the greatest player to ever play.
I dont believe they should blow this thing up like last time, but they are in a real spot. It might be best to just hang on and make a move a piece at a time.
Peter
November 23rd, 2010
2:03 pm
Hey Mark…Remember JJ ……. “doesn’t care if the Fans show up or not” ….. I guess we will have it his way, and occasionally watch on TV, if there is nothing more interesting on.
I am sure management will be excited to see the year end numbers….and pay JJ all that money for being lazy.
nique
November 23rd, 2010
2:04 pm
Mark, great posts.
We need more guys on the team like Al that actually have pride in their work and play to win.
Any chance LD will shake up the starting lineup or that Sund will make a trade because of this? I would think Jamal’s got to be even closer to gone now.
BTW, has anyone noticed how Josh no longer really throws it down when he’s got the chance?
STRETCH
November 23rd, 2010
2:04 pm
Enter your comments here
STRETCH
November 23rd, 2010
2:07 pm
The HEAT just waived J Stackhouse…and at this moment i would take ANYTHING to help this group out!
Peter
November 23rd, 2010
2:22 pm
Defense starts with the HEART, and desire to be better than the next guy out there…….
Is there a softer player than Marvin at forward in the league as a starter ?
This is an over paid bunch, excluding AL, and Smooth.
Chris D'
November 23rd, 2010
2:25 pm
Only five more years with JJ locking up all the cap room then we can rebuilt. 2016 season is going to be awesome.
reality
November 23rd, 2010
2:25 pm
hard to believe, these guys are much worse than last year. No identity, the 120 million star is not a leader. the coach, god bless him, looks like he is watching a major train wreck that he has no control over. There were no moves in the offseason to improve the center position, should have traded for nate robinson or someone who can change a game(brandon jennings makes our guys look like old men chasing rabbits) The hang dog posturing as soon as they miss a shot is so contagious. Now, no scorers, no defense, the hawks may be lucky to make the playoffs this year. I am done…best of luck everyone, my wife will be happy i am no longer getting pissed off at the late game flame outs.Now, complete flame outs. see ya