How the Hawks might get it right: Find a coach for Josh Smith
"Good luck in your next job, Larry." "Same to you, Rick." (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
As sometimes happens in the fast-paced world of 21st Century sportswriting, events have intervened. The Hawks announced at 1:59 p.m. Friday that they have exercised their option to keep Larry Drew as head coach. A new post will be forthcoming, but I’m leaving this up as a reminder that … well, that it wasn’t MY idea.
The other day, someone who follows the Atlanta Hawks in a journalistic capacity asked: “Do you think Josh Smith really wants to be coached?” That’s not just a great metaphysical question — it’s the key to this offseason and the seasons to come.
After thinking a bit, I said: “I think he does.” And right there I had my blueprint. At this moment in their strange history, what do the Hawks need to do?
Keep Josh Smith but find him a coach.
There are three major variables: Smith has one season remaining on his contract and has made noises about wanting out of here; the club holds an option on coach Larry Drew, and general manager Rick Sund is out of contract after June 30. Put simply, the Hawks have a chance this summer to change their dynamics without having to buy anybody out.
In place since June 2008, Sund has acquired two talents of the first rank: Jamal Crawford in trade in June 2009 but since gone to free agency, and Jeff Teague, drafted in 2009. Four of the Hawks who started Game 6 against Boston this month started Game 7 against the Celtics in May 2008. Think about that: A team that hasn’t gotten past Round 2 is still trying to make Billy Knight’s grand design work.
Drew arrived in 2004 as Mike Woodson’s chief assistant and was promoted when Woodson was shown the door after presiding over five consecutive seasons of improved results. Drew’s selling point to ownership was that he’d be able to get more out of the players than Mean Ol’ Woody, but all he has gotten is a (slightly) worse record and (many) more jump shots.
For the Hawks to get really good, as opposed to trying to stay pretty good a bit longer, they’ll need more dynamic management. They’ll need a GM who can stand up to ownership and swat away bad ideas. (Such as: Promoting the top assistant of the guy you’ve just fired.) They’ll need a coach who might actually make the players listen. But in both cases, they’ll need men who recognize that the Hawks’ future must revolve around Josh Smith.
And that’s scary. He could leave after next season. But the guess here is that Smith would look favorably on staying if he knew he, and not Johnson, would become the centerpiece. That’s scary, too. Smith can look like the best player on the floor and the worst player in the world in the span of 30 seconds. But he just finished his eighth NBA season and hasn’t yet made an All-Star roster, and he has arrived at a personal crossroads: He can either maximize his gifts and become a superstar, or he can continue to play at 70 percent capacity and be remembered as a guy who never figured it out.
I’m inclined to give Smith the benefit of the doubt, for this reason: In eight NBA seasons, he has known only two head coaches, and one of them has been with him for all eight. He didn’t play college ball. He’ll turn 27 in December, but I’m not sure Smith has really been taught how to play.
Woodson came the closest, but his manner grated. Say this for Woody, though: He had nearly convinced Smith not to hoist so many jump shots, but then he was gone and Drew offered free rein. In his final season under Woodson, Smith took seven 3-pointers; in his first season under Drew, he took 154.
I’m not sure Smith sees Drew as more than the nice-guy assistant, and Smith doesn’t need a buddy. He needs a firmer hand on his shoulder and a voice of experience in his ear. He needs someone who has been around the NBA, who has a reputation as being good with players without being an enabler. Dwane Casey, since snapped up by Toronto, would have done wonders with Smith. Nate McMillan, who’s between jobs, could have the same effect.
As for a new general manager: Start with the organizational charts of San Antonio and Oklahoma City. (Two assistant GMs worth knowing: Dennis Lindsey of the Spurs and Troy Weaver of the Thunder.) But here we come to great imponderable regarding the Hawks: Would anyone of consequence be willing to work for these owners?
For the sake of argument, let’s say someone would. (Given a suitable pay packet and the assurance that meddling would be kept at a minimum.) Let’s say there’s a rising executive who wouldn’t be afraid to tamper with the Core Four and a learned coach who would welcome the chance to turn Josh Smith into one of the best players in the sport. If so, these Hawks might yet have a future that’s not just more of the same.
By Mark Bradley
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127 comments Add your comment
me
May 18th, 2012
8:56 am
Josh Smith is and always will be a loser.
me
May 18th, 2012
8:58 am
Jay Bilas made the perfect remarks when the Hawks selected him in the draft. He saw the real Josh Smith. The guy has no heart, has a pathetic attitude and believes in his mind he is an All-Star. He’s DeAngelo Hall, or rather MeAngelo Hall. You can’t win with ME guys and Josh Smith is the ultimate Me guy.
Paul
May 18th, 2012
9:00 am
No decent GM comes to this team with that cap space.
As for Smith: How does he not learn from the tape? Nevertheless, he had a breakout season and clearly became the best player on this team. Remember the great record with Johnson AND Horford out in the middle of the season. Josh can carry a team.
NCBravesFan
May 18th, 2012
9:04 am
I think you are right on, Mark. But given a 180 degree change of course by the ASG in terms of resource commitment, it’ll never happen. Sad to say.
GTanner
May 18th, 2012
9:04 am
Fifth! Of bourbon.
GTanner
May 18th, 2012
9:07 am
Josh is my favorite player since Dominique. However, the ASG cannot afford a good coach … unless there’s an assistant out there who is seen by most as not quite ready, but really is.
kojak
May 18th, 2012
9:12 am
Josh is the dumbest player ever. 8 years of tape and EVERYONE else can see the problem but him. See ya! Unless we get Phil Jackson to coach him and that anin’t gonna happen.
Get something for him while you can.
Rickster
May 18th, 2012
9:12 am
Or… the Hawks could find the right team for Josh Smith.
Or… the Hawks could find the right owners for the team.
Treeofwoe
May 18th, 2012
9:22 am
You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. Josh will always think he’s a jump shooter and never work on his inside game or his jump shooting. He’s awesome in space and in defense. By this point if he hasn’t listened to instruction he’s not going to. It’s like teaching Joe to pass the ball with 2 people on him…he won’t do that either.
Sage of Bluesland
May 18th, 2012
9:23 am
Please. More rubbish from this out-of-touch writer. The key to the Hawks’ improvement rests with OWNERSHIP. I don’t know what you have always received from this organization to keep from telling the truth.
Wake up and stop confusing the real issue with this wretched organization.
If you had courage, Mark, you wouldn’t delete this message. But, I know you and what you’re all about.
kojak
May 18th, 2012
9:23 am
do you think Josh even knows who Dennis Rodman is? Josh could dominate on defense and rebounding and get 15 points a game by accident. Stop taking jumpers you big dummy!!!!
Thanks Mark for making me yell at the computer now instead of the TV, now that the season is over.
HawksFanSince'89
May 18th, 2012
9:29 am
Restructure Joe Johnson’s contract, bring in a true big man, and another B+ player, bring in a new GM, and make a championship run!!
HawksFanSince'89
May 18th, 2012
9:30 am
Bring in a new coach too!
kb
May 18th, 2012
9:31 am
This team needed a coach like Paul Silas (yea, that coach of the Charlotte Bobcats who has be castraited by that awful collection of players – thanks Mike) a couple of seasons ago. But the mgt of the Hawks didn’t want to be told they do know crap about basketball and how to develop it. What is worse the Hawks did not want to cough up the $$ for Avery Johnson. So the Hawks get what you get.
As for Smith, he needs to improve as a player. As for the team, it needs to be blown up. Keep Horford, Teague, and Smith and trade the rest. Johnson is a third team player been paid as a number one player….
ANOTHER GM
May 18th, 2012
9:31 am
The ASG will do nothing in the offseason unless their hand is forced by LD going to Portland or Sund retiring or leaving.
Actually, the only change that could be made with this roster to make a difference and stay under the cap is to trade Joe Johnson and he is getting a pretty good pay raise this year.
If you a fan of this team and expect major trades or changes its not going to happen. This is the team you will have next year with the exception of the bench and they will be all yard sale minimum salary players.
I would not be surprised in the least bit if the Hawks sell there first round pick (23rd) in the draft to avoid paying the rookie salary.
Karl Malone
May 18th, 2012
9:32 am
Jerry Sloan is the answer.
Paddy
May 18th, 2012
9:34 am
Since the ASG has never made the right move, your good suggestions, Mark, fall on a broke and uncompassioned ownership group. Good players refuse to consider Atl and ASG won’t pay for a quality coach. Not much to look forward to, is there?
leon
May 18th, 2012
9:35 am
I have to agree with you. I have said this all season. We need a coach that hold not just Josh Smith, but the entire team accountable for all they do. Until we have that we will not go any further. However we also need to figure out how to make this team marketable or we never get a call either. Coach makes the team go. Selling tickets make the league take notice.
GT
May 18th, 2012
9:36 am
A little of the Falcon format. Get rid of deadwood management and bring in leading edge people who have been successful other places. Braves have done that for years too. That part works.
What I don’t buy is Smith. He is the M. Vick of the Hawks organization to me. Looks like the real thing but I truly believe, he is dealing with too much mentally to succeed. I think he can’t grasp the fundamentals, very much like Vick.
Just like Vick running out of the pocket looks great but confuses receivers who are running disciple patterns, Smith’s teammates have not got a clue what Smith is going to do, which makes them under perform. Someone the other day accused Teague of being the problem. Imagine being a point guard with a loose cannon Smith deciding he is going to take the ball down the court and dish off to whoever he comes up with or just launch a three with 15 seconds still on the clock. The whole offense is off balance like they are guarding Smith trying to anticipate what he is up to when Smith doesn’t even know himself. No coach in the world can coach this guy and the press turns up the heat acting like he is a keeper.
Arthur Blank got rid of his press made keeper,Vick. I always though Blank might have turn him in to the authorities for the dog thing. Vick had a long term contract, he was ridiculously popular with the element in Atlanta. The criminal thing cleared Blank to unload him and bring in a quarterback who was not playing for his gangster social circle, and rebuilt a whole winning program in Atlanta like the football has never seen. It made him look to the public like a victim, yet he got exactly what he wanted, brilliant. Same situation with Smith and the Hawks. The Hawks need to find some dogs dump them off at Josh’s and call the police.
GT
May 18th, 2012
9:37 am
The Hawks need to find some dogs dump them off at Josh’s and call the police.
Jesse
May 18th, 2012
9:39 am
He’ll want out anyway. Trade him for Biedrens and Dorrel Wright.
ANOTHER GM
May 18th, 2012
9:39 am
Actually the ASG will do nothing unless their hand is forced by Larry Drew leaving or Sund leaving/retiring.
The only roster change that could be made in regards to the salary cap is the Hawks dealing Joe Johnson. Joe gets a pretty good raise this coming season and not many would be willing to take on his albatross salary unless the other team wants to dump a big non-productive salary. So the Hawks are stuck with their lack of basketball skills in dealing with players contracts.
I would not be surprised to see the Hawks actually sell their first round pick (23) this year so they dont have to pay the rookie contract.
If your a Hawks fan that things will happen in the offseason I would be shocked based on current history if the Hawks do anything. They will have to sign free agent minimum salry scrubs for the bench and roster to be filled, but these players will be yard sale buys.
Paddy
May 18th, 2012
9:40 am
Hawks fan since ‘89…….Joe Johnson will not agree to restructure his contract. Why should he? He is going to take advantage of the ASG stupid contract and leave basketball a very rich man. More power to him. It is the American way.
Astro Joe
May 18th, 2012
9:44 am
Mark, you assume that the new GM would be allowed to break up the sacred core that has produced 6 home playoff games in 3 of the past 4 years. I would also point out that one of Josh’s buddies (Dwight Howard) has most recently resented being “coached up”. On the other hand, maybe Josh sees how his former high school teammate (Rajon Rondo) has benefited from some very robust coaching. Hard to tell. Josh clearly has the drive to be a better player we just don’t know if it has to be on his terms (like hoisting more long 2-point FGAs than Durant this past season) or if he is willing to have someone in his ear for around 240 days/year? Dude can walk in around 14 months so the ASG needs to either guess right or move him before August.
Bill
May 18th, 2012
9:44 am
Between ASG and Liberty Media we all better hope the Falcons can be something special.
That said it is clear the Hawks have gone as far as they can.The old definition of insanity applies here.Major changes need to happen.
Keep JT.
Get what you can for Josh.
If Horford comes back healthy he can bring good value.
Get what you can for Marvin though it won’t be much.
Top Gun
May 18th, 2012
9:46 am
Brian Shaw is the former assistant to Phil Jackson and the Lakers and now an assiatant with the Indiana Pacers, and would be the perfect fit for the Hawks. He has championship experience and knows what it takes to win and I think the players will respect him because of that.
JSS
May 18th, 2012
9:49 am
Look, unless you’re going to build a real staff with a true accruement for getting team ready to play it really does not matter. The X and O’s are adjustments to that base. Get rid of Tyrone Hill and work on getting this righted…
heartofdarkness
May 18th, 2012
9:50 am
“… [B]ut I’m not sure Smith has really been taught how to play.” That is an profound insight, not only applicable to JSmoove, but to a large portion of the NBA. The sport wrestles with how to get control of its supply of talent from the fast buck artists who start promoting players while they are still in grade school. Basketball has the potential to become what boxing has become, a secondary consideration to the perpetual hype machine that collects and distributes the dollars. At some point in a player’s career, the talent evens out and the difference comes down to the ability to compete, to adjust, to perceive weakness and strength, and to exploit. It is no surprise that players today look to join an all-star assemblage where weaknesses can be covered up and the quality of the opposing talent can be diluted. It is difficult to imagine Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain conspiring to join forces to win a championship. I think their personal competition meant more to them than the championship.
JM
May 18th, 2012
9:53 am
Exactly Bradley,
Start at the top with a good GM and qualified proven coach. Then consider roster moves. Even if they still move Josh, a good coach is need. Top tier coach. Sloan, Zen Master, Nate McMillan, VanGundy. Start looking and offering top dollar Hawks!
JM
May 18th, 2012
9:54 am
Yeah, Shaw too.
JM
May 18th, 2012
9:55 am
*needed.
Wayne Johnson
May 18th, 2012
9:58 am
Your suggestion is a recipe for disaster-it has been tried before.
Air PR
May 18th, 2012
10:07 am
I agree with Karl Malone Bring Jerry Sloan! End of story..
gregpatrick
May 18th, 2012
10:14 am
The REAL truth is Smith has been in the NBA for 8 years. Where is is personal responsibility as a professional? It’s not coach Drew’s fault if Josh Smith and Joe Johnson don’t see the value and endgame of playing as a team. There were lots of injuries this year as well. We have major problems with attitude. Ultimately, you can blame Drew if you want, but these guys are grown men getting paid millions and should show some degree of personal responsibility toward ASG, Drew, and most importantly, the fans that show up and make sure they get paid.
Say It Aint So
May 18th, 2012
10:21 am
Wow, 7 3pt-ers Woody’s last season as coach and 154 3pt-ers last season. There is the problem. With Josh’s dad in his ear saying shoot that s*+t, he believes he is Reggie Miller reincarnated. No coach of worth wants the head ache of Smooth and the ownership of ASG. Blow it up and start over from front office to the court.
mark
May 18th, 2012
10:22 am
we need new owners, plain and simple. a well establish coach would do the trick. Its about time you wrote something that makes sense.
BravesFan79
May 18th, 2012
10:27 am
Jerry Sloan would turn this Hawks team into NBA finals material! I loved watching his hardnosed / very smartly run teams wipe the floor with the lakers and everyone else except the Bulls back in the 90’s! Also i like Jeff Van Guny, his Knicks/ Rocket teams were tops in the league in defense. And im sure hed have no problem jumping down refs throats, or jumping on Josh after a stupid shot. I actually think Sund has done a good job as gm. Bringing in Tmac, Green, etc… were all good moves. Dampier… not so much.
Mike
May 18th, 2012
10:28 am
I think the first thing we need to find out if Josh even want to stay, bring a new coach isnt going to change the fact that ASG is still running the show and this team cant make any changes because they are already commit 61m to six players unless somebody is trade or release somebody, then we get Vetmins on the bench, then its wash, rinse, repeat for next season.
I dont really think any respect head coach or GM wants to come here at all, as long those guys are in control.
Mark I dont know if you know this but How does the ASG feels about all of the negative they are getting right?
BravesFan79
May 18th, 2012
10:32 am
Funny how some idiots say “blow it up”… who do you want us to be for the next 5 years? The Nets, the Wizards, the Warriors? No thanks, ill take a team that constantly gives us a chance to win and gets to the 2nd round of the playoffs constantly. Lets get a top headcoach, and see what he can do!
BravesFan79
May 18th, 2012
10:34 am
Btw… yall r probably the same ones who were saying “blow it up” about the Braves after last year. 1st place baby! future NL East champs.
Paddy
May 18th, 2012
10:34 am
Just guessing here but Jerry Sloan, if offered, would turn down this great assignment.
12 years and counting on this 5 year plan to make this team work!
steve brown
May 18th, 2012
10:38 am
Just a pathetic column on Smith and Drew. Drew led the Hawks to 40 wins with as many or more injuries to key players than any team in the regular season. He also led Smith into emerging with his best season by far and as the best player on the Hawks (and I have been a Smith hater in the past). If the Ref’s in Boston had not blown 3 calls in the last minute the Hawks might still be playing. What the hell else did you expect Drew to accomplish. Oh yeah, Teague and Zsa Zsa also emerged as real players under Drew.
Perhaps what we need is a replacement for you Mr. Bradley, and that shouldn’t cost us more than a second round pick, if that.
Mash
May 18th, 2012
10:40 am
Mark, I absolutely agree. Keeping Josh Smith and harnessing his incredible talent should be the number #1 priority for the Hawks.
Spyro
May 18th, 2012
10:44 am
There was this piece on Hoopinion a while back on why A) Woody was a better coach than LD, and B) why the right coach could possibly fix Josh.
http://www.hoopinionblog.com/2012/02/smoove-criminal-whos-to-blame-for.html
DP
May 18th, 2012
10:47 am
You can coach Josh Smith all you want, but as long as he’s teamed with the ball hogging sour faced cancer Joe Johnson (whose resigning to a massive and absurd contract was applauded by Mark Bradley) he’s not going to be much better than he’s been. Put him on a team of unselfish players with a point guard who is allowed to handle the ball and push the tempo and we’d see what Smith is capable of. I hope the inept Hawks ownership will trade Smith to a team where he has a chance to play to his potential.
Mike
May 18th, 2012
10:48 am
1) tell the owners not to give bulletin board material for the other team next time.
2) get healthy. The Hawks dont lose to Boston this year if they had Smith, Horford, and Pachulia for the whole series.
This Hawks team, much like Indiana, is good enough to beat teams like Boston or a shorthanded Miami or Chicago. Unfortunately, if Chicago and Miami are healthy, the Hawks and Indiana cant match up. Just having a team full of very good players doesnt cut it when going against a team loaded with future hall of famers (Miami), or a team full of very good players that also happens to have at least one elite player (Chicago, San Antonio, Oklahoma City).
Mike
May 18th, 2012
10:49 am
@steve brown
I think you need to understand, the reason why Drew might not be here no more isnt because his win totals or anything like that. First of all, you see him always get into Teague or Zaza about stuff but have you see him ever in Josh face for shooting too much or Joe face when he cant pass out from a double team? Number 2, he can get a better contact from somebody else like Portland who might go after him.
End of the day, the Hawks needs a coach is not going to be all buddy-buddy with them but have them play good basketball, not this swish-mash type of offense that they run with ISO-joe. Unless you like the Hawks contiune been a laughing stock.
DP
May 18th, 2012
10:49 am
Bradley, you advocated resigning Joe Johnson to a long term contract and the Hawks still have years of suffering left because of that idiotic decision. Why on earth are you still giving them advice?
Delbert D.
May 18th, 2012
10:58 am
Would any top candidate relish the idea of coaching Josh Smith in Atlanta? I think not. Smith will almost certainly not sign another contract with the Hawks. Trade him for value and let the new GM rebuild his way.
PMC
May 18th, 2012
10:59 am
and that mans name is Greg Popovich.
PMC
May 18th, 2012
11:00 am
I’m more concerned about the Hawks finding a viable owner
Boom-Boom
May 18th, 2012
11:01 am
How the Hawks might get it right: find a trade for Josh Smith..
Ted M
May 18th, 2012
11:02 am
It would be impossible to trade Josh Smith and receive equal or greater talent in return.
Gotta keep him, however, nothing is really gonna change until JJ’s contract is off the books.
Snoop Graham
May 18th, 2012
11:07 am
Trading Josh Smith sounds good on the surface. But face it, we’re stuck with this piece of crap. The Hawks would be lucky to get a bag of balls for this bum.
Time
May 18th, 2012
11:08 am
I think Atlanta needs to find a place to send half these half witted Josh haters posing as Hawks fans.
The Hawks do need to keep Smith. He is by far their best player. But they need a coach who can coach up Jeff Teague. Someone needs to turn him into the elite PG he’s got the skills to be.
Billy
May 18th, 2012
11:21 am
Great call Mark..thanks for having the balls to tell it like it is.
COSCRO
May 18th, 2012
11:27 am
MB,
Why on earth anyone would want to attach their fortune and fortunes to a 27 year old man who has to be prodded into doing the right thing for his team and himself escapes me.
Snake doc
May 18th, 2012
11:29 am
is there anyone who really gives a rats behind about this?????? Other than Bradley and the few remaining fans of this miserable woe begone franchise?
this team could fold up its tents and move and no one would even notice or for that matter, care!
Hawks Loyalist
May 18th, 2012
11:30 am
Please give us Troy Weaver….I think he would do a really great job. OKC is the most exciting team to watch in the NBA, and with some patience look at where they are today. Weaver was the guy who convinced the Thunder to draft Westbrook, and he is a Top 3 PG in the league this year, if not the best! Look at the other moves the Thunder have made….good scouting…Serge Ibaka…should have been Defensive POY with 236 blocks on season to Tyson Chandler’s 88. He had 100 more blocks than the guy in 2nd place for blocks in the league. James Harden is another guy they drafted, Sixth Man of the Year Award winner. WEAVER FOR GM!!!!! Let’s get it done!
E43
May 18th, 2012
11:37 am
Unless your getting Phil Jackson there’s no point in even talking about coaches. The reason all these players have issues is that your forcing 3/5 of them to do garbage that they really have never signed up for. Joe is a SG, Al is a PF and Josh Smith is a SF. If Jamal was here then he should’ve been a SG full-time. The “Josh Smith will hoist too many jumpers” argument at the SF position does not cut it for me. Josh Smith will do what Josh Smith does even if you gave him a Falcon’s jersey. I’m confident that Smith can play efficient ball at the SF position. I’m also confident in having Zaza rather than Marvin in the starting lineup. I’m not even one to bash Marvin. I just think that Zaza doesnt start because hes not athletic and the statistics show that hes not a good finisher at the rim. Reality is that those two facts might not change, but I’m not paying for a pretty finishing at the rim % stats and athleticism. Line this crew up correctly and manage your shortcomings.
Rusty
May 18th, 2012
11:39 am
Josh Smith being the ‘centerpiece’ of the franchise would require him to work on his jump shot. If he would actually focus on becoming a good shooter and do the right kind of work on it he could possibly become the player he thinks he is and we hope he can be. A summer with a shooting coach could take him to the next level. The fact that it hasn’t happened yet makes me think it isn’t going to…
BamaGuy
May 18th, 2012
11:39 am
Indiana is showing you that a team can be made in today’s NBA without MAX players…Considering the fact that our MAX player is suspect at best we may want to send him packing and try to build this team the Pacer way….Good starting five and a real good bench 5
Trojan
May 18th, 2012
11:43 am
If the Hawks had Kevin Durant, Lebron, Kobe and Duncan on the team but still ran ISO Joe at the end of playoff games, the results will be the same.
ISO Joe is horrible.
BamaGuy
May 18th, 2012
11:44 am
Furthermore, those calling for us to trade Josh Smith haven’t been watching all season….Josh was clearly the best player on the court for us and with him gone…Well, it will not be pretty considering Joe is stumbling downhill to end his career…
Trojan
May 18th, 2012
11:44 am
Snake Doc: Why are you reading it if you care so little?
AGTFan
May 18th, 2012
11:45 am
Well Mark, you brought the Josh haters out in force. I think you make valid points. If the Josh haters get their way, this becomes a team that doesn’t contend for the playoffs. We are still working with Billy’s philosphy, which doesn’t include having a true center. We’ve got one of the best PFs in the league playing out of place. I think you’re right that Josh has never had a teaching coach. He needs one that he can respect, who is firm about what he wants Josh to do. Really, the whole team needs more discipline. I think Larry Drew has good offensive design, but he’s yet to get the team to stick with it.
keepinitreal
May 18th, 2012
11:46 am
Wow. Sund has been with the Hawks for four years and his two biggest acquistions have been Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague. I knew he hasn’t been a great GM, but that really hits home.
Mike
May 18th, 2012
11:48 am
Hmm, Troy Weaver, now if Portland doesnt want him, then I think Hawks should look into that.
W.R. Terrell
May 18th, 2012
11:50 am
OK Mark Bradley, you may have a point about a skilled and knowledgeable coach having the ability to coach the JOSH. I am a proponent of getting rid of him and here are the reasons. I still feel that when Philadelphia had the opportunity to get the JOSH they instead chose Elton Brand whose skills were in decline. In doing so that sent a message to me that the JOSH could not and would not follow any designed scheme that did not have him as center stage.
Oh yes he is center stage talent in athletic ability, no doubt about that, but, after 8 years the rersults are the same with all that great athletic ability in tow. Philadelphia took the route to no one on the team being center stage and they are exceeding with a player whose skills are still in decline. The JOSH does not have that kind of mindset or the basketball IQ, like speed and height basket IQ cannot be taught, it is a given. One could argue that point but it is a reality.
Although his athletic ability is far superior to many power forward there is a reason he has not and if he continues in the same mold he will not make the “ALLSTAR” team. Coaches know and so do other players. When a superstar operates on “PO” he will never reach “TENTIAL”. The JOSH has been Mr. “PO” from day one to now. He is simply not coachable.
dozer
May 18th, 2012
11:53 am
I’m with “me” – josh is a loser. he doesn’t have the mental toughness & selflessness that it takes to win championships. After 7 (?) years, he’s pretty much shown who he is. why would anyone think that would ever change. He’s the basketball version of Andruw Jones………
Stan Williams
May 18th, 2012
12:02 pm
Jerry Sloan or Jeff Van Gundy would be coaches needed for the Hawks.
coach
May 18th, 2012
12:05 pm
never let hope triumph over reason.
reason tells us, if he hasn’t yet, he never will
if these hawks haven’t yet, they never will
we can hope, but we know better
TomB
May 18th, 2012
12:06 pm
No chance.
Jay
May 18th, 2012
12:11 pm
Mark,
I think other questions need to be answered first before we can talk about building around Josh Smith:
1. Can we afford to resign Josh Smith? He’s going to want more money than his current contract, and we are already near the budget ceiling.
1a. If we resign Josh, then who leaves to make room for his salary?
2. Is Josh Smith going to get any better? He’s 27, his athleticism will likely decline in the next couple of years. He still isnt mentally/emotionally mature.
3. What position is Al Horford going to play?
Hawks Loyalist
May 18th, 2012
12:14 pm
@Mike…Portland is a mess…they have had a GM position open for about a year now. Paul Allen is a joke! Look at how many people they have interviewed for that job. They fired Rich Cho after not being there for an entire year. They are putting candidates through NFL-type personality tests?!?!? Steve Kerr, Mitch Kupchak, and several other past and present GMs have interviewed, and been linked to the Portland job…should we say Portland doesn’t want them either? Last time I checked, Weaver withdrew his name from consideration similar to other candidates because of a lengthy process and extreme management control and micromanagement.
Ted M
May 18th, 2012
12:29 pm
Mark – Are GM’s knocking on Sund’s door for JS? I would think at least 10 GM’s believe they would be able to take advantage of the Hawks crappy management and steal Josh.
Jimmy Crack
May 18th, 2012
12:35 pm
An impossible task. Josh is already entrenched in his own importance.
TheTruth
May 18th, 2012
12:35 pm
The Hawks ownership couldn’t find their a$& with both hands…sad.
Bea Bea Ess
May 18th, 2012
12:38 pm
Smith and Johnson are both grossly overpaid, no talent, zero class thugs. I doubt if either of them can read. If it wasn’t for basketball, they would be pushing a mop somewhere.
STOPBADMOUTHINGATLTeams
May 18th, 2012
12:39 pm
Mark I can really appreciate this assessment on what needs to be done in order to improve this team. You got it head on about finding a Coach who can maximize Josh’s talent. For all of these so called “trade Josh Smith clowns” they have not a clue on what type of talent we have in this guy. You dont trade a guy who has talent, what you do is find somenoe to pull that talent out of him. Please take notes on what Rondo has done under Doc Rivers!!!! It does not take a “basketball mind” to see that this guy is a centerpiece of what we want to do in Atlanta. ASG needs to open the purse, and get a Van Gundy or a Jerry Sloan and allow this team to really show the East how we can be a force! I have nothing against Drew and I think he did a good job this year but we need a name recognition that the players will respect and that will bring out the best ball in all of our players. I know that not many teams want Marvin or that contract that Joe has, but a real Coach would know how to mold Marvin into what OKC has in James Harden, and show Marvin how to appreach that role and grow into a 6th man that can make a difference. I know I am asking for alot when I say that but coaching, real coaching makes that happen! As for Joe………….wow as for Joe. We have a couple of options; 1. Send him to the Wizard and lets see if we can get a heart transplant. 2. Actually send him to the Wizards and see if they would take that large contract for perhaps Nene and another player (hey it just might work, they need a two guard and they have been known to make crazy deals) 3. Ask him to rework the contract for the better of winning and for the better of the team (highly improable but I ask Joe, do you really need the whole 100 million, give 10 million back Joe and show ATL that you are about team and about winning!!!!). We will appreciate you more and you will still be LOADED!!!!!
STOPBADMOUTHINGATLTeams
May 18th, 2012
12:41 pm
Hey Bea Bea Ess what is that “thug” comment code name for? What a sad way to pull out your I am mad with the world card. How about you dont post on the blog with this type of stuff. Get lost off of a steep cliff!
Heisenberg
May 18th, 2012
12:42 pm
What the Hawks really need is a guy with long dreadlocks in a poney tail. All the good teams have one. The Hawks do not. So they need to acquire a guy with long dreadlocks in a poney tail or maybe have Zaza start groing his hair out over the summer.
PMC
May 18th, 2012
12:42 pm
Still don’t understand the hatred of Josh Smith after last season. Guy played his tail off.
Brian
May 18th, 2012
12:45 pm
Nate McMillan could barely ever get past the first round of the playoffs! The Hawks can already do that!
Say It Aint So
May 18th, 2012
12:48 pm
How many players use the entire 24 sec clock to pound the ball into the floor? If and when a new coach takes over the Hawks, shoot (no pun intended) the basket ball the next time ISO Joe pounds the floor, the ball is surely dead by now.
moboman
May 18th, 2012
12:48 pm
While Pachulia is no superstar, the Hawks played better with him at the 5 than they have for several years. Had he not been injured we indeed might still be playing. His presence in the lineup changed the dynamic of the team, and changed every other players roles for the better, including Josh. Im sure many will disagree, but my move would be to trade Horford for GOOD VALUE. We didnt miss him near as much as folks thought we would. He is our most TRADEABLE asset to improve the team in a way that allows us to improve without leaving a big hole to fill.
asdf
May 18th, 2012
12:51 pm
Is Josh Smith sometimes very frustrating? Yes. But he also has IMMENSE talent. And as much as people like Al, he is not even close in terms of talent – scoring, blocked shots, rebounding, assists, etc. I don’t know if we can get a coach who can righten Smith’s ship. But if we do, he could be one of the most dominant players in the NBA. He really is that good… or he could be.
elroy
May 18th, 2012
12:52 pm
bradley you bum, the ajc should get it right & drop your sorry tail. you are a jinx for the city & states sports team. the biggest issue w/ hawks is ownership & joe johnson’s contract.
asdf
May 18th, 2012
12:52 pm
Bea Bea Ess – thugs???? How in the world could you say something like that? We all know what you really mean; thug = n word to you.
Hawksfan
May 18th, 2012
12:54 pm
You have to get a stern coach & get an abled body center.. That way we start JT, JJ, JS, Al, & whoever wins that spot @ center.. Your bench consists of Kirk, WG, TMac, 9-5, & whoever loses the starting center competition.. Marvin could fit in that 2nd group, I just question his desire.. Since we gambled so much in the past, #3!!, take a chance on Greg Oden!!
atlantaradiosucks
May 18th, 2012
12:55 pm
most importantly, ASG sucks.
I know many have given up on J-Smoove, but I wouldn’t. He is Rasheed Wallace w/out the off the court nonsense: a hugely talented big guy that loves jacking up 3s for some reason, even though he could be scoring at will in the post. Like ‘Sheed, all Smith needs are the right PLAYERS around him. Too bad the ASG knuckleheads handcuffed themselves with Joe’s contract.
Najeh Davenpoop
May 18th, 2012
12:58 pm
Of course, mere hours after Bradley says to find a new coach, LD’s option gets picked up.
The Bradley Curse. It never fails.
Highflyrep
May 18th, 2012
12:58 pm
The answer is very simple:
Offer Doc Rivers the GM and the Coaching job!
You’ll then have Direction, Discipline, and Accountability!
And he’s a home town favorite to boot.
mbridg
May 18th, 2012
1:06 pm
Josh Smith need to learn ow to play team basketball for 60 minutes, and not for just a few plays. He is a “He-man” inside with his quickness and jumping ability, but he choose to stay way outside and shoot a 2-guard’s jumper. Be a Power Forward that makes good decisions, and he will instantly become a NBA All-star. By the way, winning organization will have no interest in a selfish, bad attitude Josh Smith.
Mr Mojo
May 18th, 2012
1:12 pm
Forget that the Hawks just picked up Drew’s option. This franchise will never be good until this horrible ownership sells the team.
Mr Mojo
May 18th, 2012
1:14 pm
Build this team around Josh and Al. They must find a taker for Joe’s contract. There are some teams desperate for a name like the Nets who we could dump him on. Sund is probably going to leave. So the mess he created he wont have to clean.
Dr. Warren
May 18th, 2012
1:14 pm
MB–here is a column for you, or at least a vote: Which was the more damaging move for the Hawks–(a) Passing on Chris Paul and Deron Williams OR (b) Signing a second-tier star like Joe Johnson to a max contract for 6 years.
Mr Mojo
May 18th, 2012
1:15 pm
How do you pick up your coaches option when your GM hasn’t even said if he is coming back yet. What a horrible organization
Mike
May 18th, 2012
1:25 pm
I think that ASG lives in their own world that doesnt pay attention to outside events and stuff like that. Because honestly, i think these guy is a bunck of Jack@– . I swear they are doing this, so people can stop going to Hawks games, so they can sell this team to Chris Hanson, then he goes up to Seattle.
If the Hawks is going to do this, they better make a change or they are going to feel the full blunt of the fans anger.
Marcus
May 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
yeah …I guess we either go about this backwards or we got our answer for 2012-13. I halfway figured the GM decision would be the 1st domino, then everything else would be (in order):
1)LDs return or new coaching direction
2a) Josh Smiths future in ATL
2b) Player personnel decisions – Potential trade partners for Josh, FA scouting, Final cutdown list of 1st round draft targets – all depending on item 2a
Born2Buzz
May 18th, 2012
1:26 pm
We need a miracle, not a new GM or coach. Until the ASG is gone the Hawks are dead to me.
The travesty that this ownership group has been and what they have done to Atlanta should be a 32 pt headline article. Come on Mark, you need to start pounding the ASG and not stop until they get out of town in disgrace. The Hawks are their best effort and you see where that has gotten us. They gave away our hockey team and are running down our arena. Like I said, its a travesty and a disgrace.
JSS
May 18th, 2012
1:28 pm
@ Marcus…
LD is back, but it does not mean Tyrone Hill has to be one of the voices in his ear anymore…
Hilltopper
May 18th, 2012
1:32 pm
Get a coach who tells Josh: “The next 3 pt. attempt puts you on the bench.” PT is the only thing youngsters seem to understand. Again, where is Ted Turner when you need him?
Statick
May 18th, 2012
1:35 pm
I agree with the article. Of course we need another coach for the Hawks, one that can actually coach and gain the respect of the players. As for Josh, his time here is over he should move on to another team. Build the team around Horford and Teague. Get a real center in here and put Al back at forward where he belongs.
Yonson
May 18th, 2012
1:39 pm
If Drew’s option was picked up, I think it is safe to assume that Sund’s worthless arse will be back as well. A new GM probably would want to pick his own coach.
This franchise is a mess thanks solely to the Atlanta Spirit. It is really disheartening.
Spyro
May 18th, 2012
1:40 pm
Also, can people stop saying that his problem is three pointers? I can live with the three pointers; I can’t live with those stupid, fallaway 20 footers. At least he gets an extra point behind the line!
tyger
May 18th, 2012
1:47 pm
Bradley drinks from the can of dumb issh…
LD did a marvelous job with the Hawks this year…
Sund worked with the resources he had…none…
Josh has been in the league 8 years…
Josh has repeatedly requested to be traded…
That’s the bottom line…
He does not want to be here…
He’ll turn on the next coach and next after that…
If you don’t trade him now, he holds the cards…
We’ll be in for a season long Superboy episode…
Granted Josh is not a public disruptor, give him credit…
But his people speak volumes for him…
No secret ATL operating with limited resources…
Teams that go far pay luxury taxes…
Hawks reluctant to pay luxury taxes…
Ownership has self-imposed limitations…
Players, coaches have to beat the odds to win big…
Thus far, it has not happened…
They’ve gone as far as investment will take them…
Now they are up against the financial wall…
They have no salary cap room and little for free agency…
Joe Johnson at $21M per year…eats 40% of salary cap…
Everyone else gets a super-sized Scoobie snack…
Hawks have to create cap space…
Ownership will not amnesty anybody…forget about it…
Re-negotiate and extend a contract…doubt it…
Trade for draft picks and non-guaranteed Ks??? Yes!
Leave the Coach/GM alone, they did all they could do…
They didnt heave fall away 20ft. jumpers w/ .09 sec. left…
They didnt jack up 3 pt airballs in the last minute…
Take opportunity to infuse young talent for next phase..
Draft is deep all the way through 30, get picks…
Build future around Horford/JJ – who is going nowhere….
This is a chance to right the ship…
Get a Hibbert instead of Teague…
Get a Rudy Gay instead of Shelden Williams…
Get a Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams…
This is an opportunity…after 8yrs – it is what it is…
Josh Smith is the key...?????!!!!
May 18th, 2012
1:52 pm
Here’s an idea…How about we watch tape on the Spurs and do exactly what they do!!!! They may not be the most exciting team to watch, and Ginobili drives me crazy, but they know how to play as a team. If the Hawks players are too egotistical to adjust to team playing then get rid of them and bring in players that know how to play as a team. Yes, that means get rid of Josh and bring in two B players that have been on championship teams. Good grief the Hawks playing style is frustrating!!!!
www
May 18th, 2012
2:02 pm
keep josh smith, jeff teague, al horford and zaza pachulia.
trade everyone else.
add jerry sloan.
is it too late to trade joe johnson for jamal crawford?
Heisenberg
May 18th, 2012
2:41 pm
As much as I like Big Al, he makes for a logical trade candidate. An all-star player in his prime under contract for multiple seasons at a fair value. It would keep Josh at the 4 (and fewer long jumpers). Just need to get back quality & value that can play the 3 or 5. Kenneth Faried, Nicolas Batum, or Jared Dudley are a few good young small forwards that would be an upgrade over Marvin. Marcin Gortat, Spencer Hawes, Al Jefferson, Brook Lopez, Greg Monroe, and Tiago Splitter are a few good young centers that could compliment Zaza. Will let the capologists determine what other pieces would need to be included.
The downside to trading Big Al is it would be very hard to get back a player with an equally hot WAG.
Sonny Clusters
May 18th, 2012
2:51 pm
We kept clicking on the picture but there was no video. The page sure jumps around, though. Has somebody been eating jumping beans?
Paddy
May 18th, 2012
2:53 pm
Drew is the only coach the ASG can afford! Thats why they picked up his option!
welikebaseball2
May 18th, 2012
3:06 pm
How depressing…Mark releases this article just before we find out the Hawks picked up the option on Drew. Ugh. I think I’m going to be sick.
welikebaseball2
May 18th, 2012
3:14 pm
tyger: I agree that the players are responsible for a fair share of the blame, but people mistakingly get this notion that it’s ALL about the players. Look, if I’m at my best doing one thing & the coaching scheme doesn’t put me in position to do it, but puts me in position to do things I’m least effective doing…who’s to blame? Yes, we need players, coaching scheme had a lot to do with our inability to score the ball & our inability to put our guys in position to do what they do best…which is NOT shooting jumpers. Going further, the GM is as much to blame for the ineffective coaching scheme as the coach…because he hired the coach.
bali
May 18th, 2012
3:39 pm
nice dream mark….but same old rules the day…..do you think the hawks will ever get it right…i do not…josh smith will cry that he wants out but in the end will sign a long term contract with the hawks…he will never become the player he could have been and the hawks will keep playing the same games they always have…coach drew will probably be fired at the end of the 2013 season ..and the beat goes on
bfred
May 18th, 2012
4:22 pm
How hard is it for a coach to say “unless it’s a set play, if you shoot from more than 12 feet or with more than 10 seconds left on the shot clock you will be substituted for at the very next whistle”???
It’s the same thing I remember beating my head against the wall over with Francouer: “Take a called strike or your benched.” Never happened.
willie
May 18th, 2012
4:27 pm
Whoever thinks Josh is this team’s problem hasn’t been watching.
The Hawks move to keep Larry Drew, and more hope fades | Mark Bradley
May 18th, 2012
4:34 pm
[...] This offseason could have — and still might, theoretically — been a time for recalibration. The Hawks could have found a better coach (Nate McMillan would have been my first call) and a new general manager (Dennis Lindsey and Troy Weaver, assistant GM’s with San Antonio and Oklahoma City, would have been my starting points) and tried to reshape the prized Core Four to reflect the growing reality that Josh Smith, not Joe Johnson, is the key to brighter tomorrows. [...]
Thrashers fan
May 18th, 2012
4:34 pm
Ship them to Winnipeg and give us our NHL team back!
Charles
May 18th, 2012
4:36 pm
Trade Josh Smith and Marvin Williams to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum. Move Horford to power forward and draft a small forward. Then, win multiple championships.
JSS
May 18th, 2012
8:34 pm
Ha ha, some folks still think Andrew Bynum is available on these blogs! Ain’t happening unless the name attached to the trade is named Howard or James!
JSS
May 18th, 2012
8:36 pm
And poor former fellow Thrasher fans, still beating a dead horse! The real curse followed them North!
Barney Strickland
May 19th, 2012
11:31 am
What the heck are you talking about? The guy is 28 yrs old! If he can’t perform and be coached like a professional, get rid of him. We must have player who stick to a plan- not someone who heaves it up from 20 feet! Remember the greatest TEAM of all time was the 2004 Pistons…. no stars …all TEAM …. Champs 4ever!
Josh > Joe
May 19th, 2012
1:38 pm
Josh has more heart and fight than JJ.
I have never seen an “all star” that was inept as JJ. I do not fault him for his outrageously over-inflated ridiculously overpaid contract. He and his agent are brilliant. But I can fault the ownership and perhaps the GM.
I can fault Joe for his bad defense, poor ballhandling, bad decisions and disappearance when the moment calls for a real All Star.
As long as Joe is here and the centerpience, then the Hawks will not be taken seriously on the court. As long the owners are the owners, then the Hawks will not be taken seriously as a franchise.
Josh, Teague, Horford + a moneyball 3 point shooter and a tough minded big man would be fantastic. Keep Zaza too b/c he has heart.
Trade Joe.
Sell the team.
Save the franchise.
hasan
May 19th, 2012
10:07 pm
To all of the Josh Smith haters, bashers, and trade demanders. I want all of you to look at the Hawks, roster from starters to the bench. Then think about the fact that Al Horford, only played 11 games. Then after all that is done look at all of the teams from the east that made the playoffs. Then think about the fact that amongst those teams the Hawks was actually the 4th seed. Then after all is thought about tell me who got the Hawks to where they were this year. Josh Smith, did all he could for the Hawks. Yeah he do take some bad shots every now and then but come on the guy was clearly the best player on the floor. Look who he had starting along side him. Jeff Teague, who is still in the learning process. I think Teague will be good but his costly turnovers and his decision making is a concern but I’m sure it’s something he can correct. Joe Johnson, come on. Everytime he play all I say is I can’t believe this guy gets over 100 mill. That’s all that needs to be said. After that everybody else would start here and there. The only constant the Hawks had this season was Smith. I remember one game Smith had 28 points and the rest of the team was in single digit numbers. So for the Hawks to be a 4th seed that told me a lot about Smith. He’s coachable and he have a huge ceiling to only get better. What he did this season with the Hawks was very impressive. Just about every eastern team that made the playoffs is far more talented then the Hawks and only three of them were seeded higher. Build around Smith, Horford, and Teague, and the Hawks have a team.
TheGr8_1
May 25th, 2012
9:50 am
Josh is the best player on the ATL HAWKS period. Just as KB stated, keep Josh, Jeff and Al and trade the rest. Dwight would be a absolutely GREAT addition. I think he’d love to play for the Hawks along side Josh and Al, a absolutely great front line.
TheGr8_1
May 25th, 2012
9:53 am
Josh is not he player that Nique was but if you trade him you’ll have the same affect which would ultimately affect the pocket of the franchise. I have about 10 friends I ersonally can say do not like the Hawks since they done Nique the way that did. They all are Celtic and laker fans for that reason and the same will happen if Josh is traded.