Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > April > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIn Atlanta, Hawks best at losing
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You probably weren’t aware of it, but the Hawks made history this week. With their loss in Indianapolis on Tuesday, they assured themselves of a ninth consecutive losing season. In the not-exactly-auspicious annals of Atlanta professional sports, no franchise has ever had such a futile run.
The Hawks’ last winning season came last millennium — in 1998-99. They’ve since worked under four coaches (Wilkens, Kruger, Stotts and Woodson), two general managers (Babcock and Knight), two presidents (Kasten and the guy from Liverpool) and two sets of owners (Time Warner and Atlanta Spirit) without generating even a 42-40 regular season. Even by tepid local standards, this is atrocious.
The expansion Thrashers had five losing seasons before nuzzling above .500. The Braves went seven years (from 1984 through 1990) without finishing with a winning record, at which point they hired John Schuerholz and forgot how to lose. The previous gold standard — or, to be more precise, the lead balloon — among Atlanta losers were the Falcons of 1983 through 1990, the inglorious era of Dan Henning and Marion Campbell (second tour), a eight-year skein of infamy snapped only by the huckster Jerry Glanville in 1991.
And now the Hawks have trumped, so to speak, all that. Informed of his club’s feckless feat, Michael Gearon Jr. was less than enthused. “It’s unfair to judge us on the condition of the franchise prior to our involvement,” said Gearon, one of the many men who took ownership from Time Warner in 2004. “The better question would be: ‘How do I feel about the team and the future?’ I would say this is certainly the best basketball team we’ve had since the demolition of the old Omni [in 1997].”
Of those nine losing seasons, this is by far the best. (That’s an odd sentence to type, but when writing about the organization that has seen owners sue another and end of games replayed you get used to such things.) With four regular-season games remaining, the Hawks almost certainly will make the playoffs for the first time since 1998-99. That would, as you know, snap the NBA’s longest ongoing run of postseason absence.
But even Gearon won’t try to sell one probable No. 8 seed as a breakthrough in and of itself. “More than making the playoffs, I want to see us getting to the point where we can win consistently and compete as one of the top teams in the East,” he said Thursday, speaking from Hong Kong (where technically it was almost Friday). “Over the past 15 games, we’ve played some pretty darn good basketball. What I want to know is, are we beating good teams and are we in position to compete on a regular basis?”
The Hawks have won 10 of 14, with four of those victories coming against teams at or above .500. Counting the scoreless-but-winning 51.9-second replay of the Miami game, they’re 15-14 since Mike Bibby arrived. Said Gearon: “Do we have a very good team and some very good pieces? Absolutely. … And how many Atlanta teams have had the player of the month [Joe Johnson] and the rookie of the month [Al Horford] this late in a season? Those are good trends.”
The greater trend, alas, is this: Nine consecutive losing seasons, something no Atlanta club had ever (mis)managed. Even the giddiness that will come with making the playoffs — surely even these Hawks can’t blow that — shouldn’t obscure the bigger picture, which is:
The Hawks have changed ownership and management and coaches and have had seven lottery picks over those nine seasons and have finally swung a trade for their long-sought point guard, and still they’re south of mediocrity. They’ve made progress, yes, but does progress get any more glacial than this?
Permalink | Comments (69) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
By Mike Vick #7
April 10, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
I wish I could play basketball in prison. We only have a football team in here.Go Hawks!!!
By DarkRyder
April 10, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
You’re acting as if the Hawks actually will make the playoffs! I don’t see it happening. Indiana is on fire, and the Hawks won’t be able to handle the pressure.
Atlanta will finish 1-3 to the Pacers 3-1 and miss the playoffs again. Let the rebuilding begin (AGAIN!)
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 10, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
As sad as the Hawks’ 9 consecutive losing seasons are, it’s not worse than 40 years without back to back winning seasons. The Falcons are easily the worst franchise in the history of Atlanta, it’s not even close.
By jeff
April 10, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
That’s what I’ve been yelling Dark Ryder. There is a possibility we miss the playoffs. You can’t rule out a collapse with this team.
By KyleMayson
April 10, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
What I find most REPULSIVE about the Hawks possibly making the playoffs is that if in fact the Hawks make the playoffs they make it in total futility with a poor sub .500 record (maybe 38-44). That record should not be good enough to make the playoffs but because the eastern conference is so wretched, it will get the Hawks into the playoffs. On the other side of the ledger (the Western conference) to show the contrast and superiority of that conference it appears that the eight playoff participants from the Western conference this season will all have won 50 games or more. That has to be a first in NBA history and it is a testament to just how great the western conference really is. In addition, I feel that anybody out west who makes the playoffs has a legitimate chance to win the NBA title, while the eastern conference participants other than Orlando, Cleveland, Detroit and Boston are mere spectators and dont have a snoballs chance in hell of making any impact at all in the post-season.
By GhostRyder
April 10, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
The Hawks have grossly underachieved this year. Collectively, they have had the talent to win 45-50 games but will not even win 40 games which to me is absolutely pathetic. The Hawks in truth dont deserve to make the playoffs but unless they completely collapse, which is entirely possible, it appears the Hawks will end their playoff drought or absence from making the playoffs over the past nine seasons. The only regret I have for the Hawks this season is that they werent smart enough to activate Dominque Wilkins and Steve Smith to help them make the playoffs and possibly win the NBA title. Oh well, maybe next year they will be smart enough to get those two analysts make in uniform to help this atrocious franchise up off the mat and out from the ashes of mediocrity.
By Hawksville Resident
April 10, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
We’ll finish 2-2 and Indiana will finish 2-2 and we will make the playoffs by two games. Indiana isn’t on fire! They’ve only beat Milwaukee (twice) and us to get this close. They just have our number, but they will lose to Philly and Washington (both road games) and the Hawks will make the playoffs. Finally!
By John Heimerle
April 10, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Both the Hawks and the Falcons should leave Atlanta and go to a city that will actually support them. Over the long-term, a franchise is a reflection of its city. Take look in the mirror everyone.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 10, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
“What I find most REPULSIVE about the Hawks possibly making the playoffs is that if in fact the Hawks make the playoffs they make it in total futility with a poor sub .500 record”
There are 30 teams in the NBA. 16 make the playoffs. That’s more than half. Chances are in any given year, one playoff team will be under .500. This year, barring a very possible collapse, the Hawks are that team.
“The Hawks have grossly underachieved this year. Collectively, they have had the talent to win 45-50 games but will not even win 40 games which to me is absolutely pathetic.”
If they had made the Bibby trade earlier they probably would have won more than 40. It’s Billy Knight’s fault for waiting so long to make the Bibby trade.
By Matt
April 10, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Najeh,
Bibby was hurt most of the year until he came here, so you can hardly blame Knight for not trading for him earlier.
By Brandi
April 10, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Say what you want, but I LOVE the Atlanta Hawks. With the right coaching, they have the ability to be a great team. Also, I want everyone that continually talks trash about the Hawks to try to go out there and play one game of NBA basketball. None of you would survive 1 minute in a game!
By Darrell
April 10, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
Folks act like this is the first time the confrerence was bad. It’s just the Hawks have been worse the last few years. They should send some wine to the Heat and Bulls for making it a little easier.
By RA
April 10, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
Bradley, just shut up, really, just, shut up.
By rob
April 10, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
I refuse to get behind ‘em after that skullduggery at Indiana the other day. No killer instinct. There was no competitiveness out there AT ALL. Here is in my estimation a must win game and they come out there like that? They do not deserve to be in the playoffs with that kind of effort in a game of that magnitude. I will support effort. F*** em!!!!!!!!!!
By Reverand Donchabelieva
April 10, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Bring back John Drew and Charlie Chris, this team got no heart
By Pete
April 10, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
they will be alright just chillout folks
By Enough
April 10, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Not sure that they will beat out Indiana just yet. Would surely put an aen to the Knight, Woodson era if they collaspe.
By It's long past time
April 10, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Junior Gearon is in such denial it’s maddening to fans who have followed this team for decades. The current state of the Hawks is pathetic and it’s not because we don’t have the players to win. OK, it was until Bibby got here, which is the biggest reason Knight has got to go. How many years do you employ a GM who does not provide a point guard or legit center? How long do you employ a coach who wins between 20-30 games a year? The Spirit, Knight and Woody have got to go. It’s long past time for that to happen.
By Anthony
April 10, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley, you could have written this article in December. We all know the record the hawks have had and you’re just now bringing it up when they’re trying to give us a little more basketball at the end of the season. They at least have something to play for. They at least give us, the fans a reason to be interested. I bet there are some teams that would gladly trade places with them. It seems there will be some teams watching the playoffs on tv. Somebodys got to play Boston in the first round. Why not us? Your negative attitude does nothing but kill any kind of momentum the “real” fans have. I’m sure you’ll have something to say when they do make the playoffs. Win or lose they’re still my team. Real fans may not like the way things go but we still support our team. It’s plain to see you’re not a real fan. You just ran out of something to write about so you thought you would drum this negativity up. What do the “real” fans think?
By cdub
April 10, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I’m with you. I thing that this is a good team. To me to win 50 games and go out in the 1st round is no different than winning 40 games. Playoffs mean 0-0. The best record doesn’t mean championship. Mark Bradley what team sport did you play? The ownership has nothing to do with this team right now. The Hwaks have several players that can play on other teams too. The Hawks have to figure out to make it work together. The champion will come out of the EAST and all the BS about records wont matter.
By cdub
April 10, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
I’m with you. I thing that this is a good team. To me to win 50 games and go out in the 1st round is no different than winning 40 games. Playoffs mean 0-0. The best record doesn’t mean championship. Mark Bradley what team sport did you play? The ownership has nothing to do with this team right now. The Hwaks have several players that can play on other teams too. The Hawks have to figure out to make it work together. The champion will come out of the EAST and all the BS about records wont matter.
By Doug
April 10, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
When you are discussing the pathetic history of pro sports in Atlanta it is hard to pick the low point.
2, Falcons 42 years without back to back winning seasons.
By David Duke
April 10, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
Who cares about basketball? It’s only slightly more interesting than ice puckey, whick is on a par with golf, which is slightly less compelling than watching paint dry. please move the Hawks to some other overgrown cowtown.
By Jeff
April 10, 2008 8:44 PM | Link to this
This town is cursed! Im born and raised in Atlanta and aside from a few great seasons from the 4 major leagues of sports, there has been nothing but sub-par teams here. We are cursed by not having a strong fan base and morons who run these teams. Thank God for the Bulldogs!! At least it gives us something.
By **NATIVE SON**
April 10, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
NOTHING NEEDS TO BE SAID, BECAUSE NOTHING WAS REALLY WRITTEN.
By ray
April 10, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Well, well. Bradley comes out and tells the truth. Of course, all of this has been pointed out before….
By lol
April 10, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
There is a frozen part of hell.
By g-thang
April 10, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
look, even if the hawks go 0-82, gearon and asg still make money with the profit revenue sharing. they are no different than the knicks and that they both have been losin’ horribly and no significant changes have been made. so you really can’t fret about how bad or good the hawks are. until we get an owner that is insulted by losin’ like dr. buss or cuban we will be forever in futility.
By drmaryb
April 10, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Hey RA You Shut up too!
Hey Najeh Good Point, But that Bibby trade could not have been made any sooner -
The Kings had to field as many offers as possible to see what they could get & Shelden was the most attractive player offered to them along with that PG by committee that we had to package with Shelden!
They saw the Hawks offer as the most promising - So, now, we have to give BK props for pulling the rabbit out of the hat to get Bibby in here -
Bibby ran on adrenaline for the first 10 games or so, but he was hurt and out of game shape when he arrived. If not for his play - we wouldn’t even be talking PLAYOFFS! Maaane!
Hey KyleMason
No team in the WEST plays any DEFENSE whatsoever.
So, there really is no comparison between the leagues. It’s like comparing the NL to the AL in baseball - It’s just two totally different styles of PLAY!
By Darrin "The Vent King"
April 10, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
It is sad that we can make the playoffs with this record IF indeed we do make it. I like the players on this team and believe Woodson is the problem for sure now. How in the world can you NOT get your team focused for a game that was as important as the one against the Pacers? They were losing by ALMOST THIRTY POINTS! I am still p’oed about that. Someone should have called timeout with one second left and the Atlanta Spirit should have had the announcer tell everyone attending the game that Mike Woodson has just been fired and have security escort him out right in front of everyone. That game was pathetic and proves Woody couldn’t motivate a squirrel to get out of the middle of the road because a truck is coming. Having said that, I believe with the RIGHT coaching, J Johnson, J Smith, J- Chill, A Horford, Bibby, and the rest can be better than this, way better. We have the body, now we need to replace the head…
GO HAWKS!!!
By richbrave
April 10, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Indianapolis will run into a stone wall in D.C. and break their teeth. The Hawks are in. Count on it.
By Remembering Roundfield
April 10, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
We all know that Mr. Bradley is ATL’s master of negativity, so don’t let him get you riled up. We all know that the Hawks haven’t been very good for quite a while now. This year ,however, we finally have reason to believe that things are getting better. Some of you may remember in our euphoria many of us were predicting some pretty unbelievable numbers of wins for this years team. I myself thought that we would get to 41-41, which was still attainable as of a week ago (and would have been reached with better coaching). What this team needs is consistent leadership on defense and the improved offense will take care of itself. I wish the coach would do a better job of matching up, so that we could have Chils or Mario guarding someone like Iguodala, instead of jumpshot specialist Marvin Williams (whose defense is suspect at best), or use Horford and Zaza or Solomon on the floor together when the other team has a huge height/rebounding edge.We really aren’t far away from being a very good team but the defensive effort has to be there every night,or we have to find a coach that can get our team to bring it!
By HawksGone
April 10, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this
Making the playoffs with a losing record is a joke. The hawks will go out quickly in round 1, and probably keep their worthless coach and GM, and give everybody a big bonus. I stopped going 2 years ago, and haven’t been back since. When they get a real coach, GM and better players, I’ll go back.
By Pete
April 10, 2008 10:54 PM | Link to this
Too much negativity!!!!!! This is too easy for you guys. Find something positive to say.
Prior to Hawks playoff drought. They were a consistent winning team. No rings but they were a playoff team
The Braves won 14 consecutive division titles.
Atlanta sports are not that bad. The fans might need to look at themselves.
When the Braves won their 14th division the fans were a no show.
Hawks fans of old were notoriously known as late arrivers.
It is easy to point all of the flaws. The good thing is that this young team may have the chance to experience the playoffs. The more experience the better for this team to grow into something special.
You would be a loser to say it is bad idea for them to go to the playoffs.
You guys are honestly tripping……Just chillout and support!!!!!
If we lose and don’t make the playoffs. Then you can say whatever you want in the offseason.
By David Duke
April 11, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Who cares about basketball? It’s only slightly more interesting than ice puckey, whick is on a par with golf, which is slightly less compelling than watching paint dry. please move the Hawks to some other overgrown cowtown.
By David Duke
April 11, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Who cares about basketball? It’s only slightly more interesting than ice puckey, whick is on a par with golf, which is slightly less compelling than watching paint dry. please move the Hawks to some other overgrown cowtown.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 11, 2008 2:14 AM | Link to this
Mr. Duke, I’m surprised you’re not a bigger fan of hockey… I would think you would find the demographics of the NHL favorable.
By richbrave
April 11, 2008 7:03 AM | Link to this
NAJEH:
O-o-o-o, Najeh, rightous post. But New Orleans already has a team. Whither Mr. Duke? Inquiring minds want to know.
By Mike Fratello
April 11, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this
I hate your guts, David Duke, but I every time I read “ice puckey,” I giggle inside.
Sucker.
By George Holman
April 11, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Say what you will, but the addition of Bibby has been significant. Had he been here all year I believe that the string of losing seasons would be over.
By Wild Bill Hiltner
April 11, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
wut fo evry one be madt. them hawkz livez in ATL so they gots to party down. it be hardt to play hardt when you down frum the crunk frum the nite befo. they be fine. bk be fine. they be in the playofz. shudda take cp beside sw. mw ain’t got wut it takez. they need to take the bro from nc - hanzelbro - this draff. maybe sum one from the dawgz two.
By Kendall
April 11, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Mark Bradley you never cease to amaze me with your negativity. Is it possible that you can ever write a positive story, are is this your form of job security? If you don’t like the Yellow Jackets, Braves, Falcons, and Hawks, why don’t you leave and go to another city so we can have a real sports reporter take your place. The real problem is not with the sport franchises, but the fact that you are sitting in press row watching them every night.
By Vick Supporter
April 11, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
Vick will be back to lift the falcons out of this hell hole of a franchise of futility. We love you #7.
By JuniorBridgeman
April 11, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Even if the Hawks go 0-82, in the Eastern Conference that is GOOD ENOUGH to make the playoffs so nobody should really be expecting the Hawks to win the championship because you can rest assured that it wont happen.
By chicken coming home to roust
April 11, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are the worst team in Atlanta by far. and add Atlanta sport media with it! 680 am. the fan they are clue less and very bias to black stars in Atlanta -kendcade is a redneck joke.
He matches Jeff Schultz of AJC sport with the black star hate list in this town.
Listen to 1380 waok they are a lot better. The sport media as a hold hates black stars just listen to the players they say draft very bias. Most have never played the game and want some one to look just like them.
Sports should not be like this but it is what it is, bias in sport media, all ways more negative on black player just the fact bias sport writers ESPN ,Fox sport, CBS Sport yahoo sport and our home town AJC sport Bias!
Now speaking of needing help you guy need some classes in writing sport news that is not bias and real sport news the AJC!!!!!
By SidneyMoncrief
April 11, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
There is such a disparity in both conferences as to what constitutes earning a playoff berth in the NBA. In the Eastern Conference, you can finish 20 games under 500, 26-46 and earn a playoff spot, while on the other hand, in the Western Conferenece this season ALL EIGHT PLAYOFF TEAMS will have won 50 games, a truly absolutely incredible feat!! It will mean absolutely nothing because Boston is going to win the title anyway so all that great work out in the Western Conference is going to go down the drain since NO ONE OUT WEST WILL BEAT BOSTON IN THE PLAYOFFS. Oh by the way, for all of you statisticians, Boston is 25-5 this season against the Western Conference teams, which is complete dominance and the hallmark of a true champion!!!
By CharlieChriss
April 11, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
THE HAWKS ARE GOING TO WIN THE NBA TITLE THIS YEAR!!!
THE HAWKS ARE GOING TO WIN THE NBA TITLE THIS YEAR!!!
By Mark Bradley
April 11, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Junior Bridgeman: Congratulations on picking the name of one of my favorite players ever. I can still feel the ache from Bridgeman’s team — Louisville 1975 — being shot down in overtime of the national semis by UCLA’s Richard Washington. Denny Crum would go on to win two NCAA titles, but that was his greatest team.
By Robert
April 11, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
it’s funny i hear how great all the west teams are and how they will walk away with the nba trophy, did i not hear the same thing said about the superbowl?
By DarkRyder
April 11, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Mark’s right this team has been in mediocrity since Nique was traded in ‘94. They still don’t have a franchise player that they have drafted ever since. Most of their players have been obtain by trades (Mookie Blalock/Dikembe Mutombo/Joe Johnson)
Josh Smith, as talented as he is, is not a franchise player. He’s a great complimentary piece.
Marvin Williams, solid scorer but complimentary piece.
Al Horford, great inside player but a complimentary player.
Look at the Falcons for a minute. At least they drafted a franchise player in Vick and built pieces around him to win a championship.
Unfortunately he was the victim of poor coaching (Mora/Knapp) and questionable extracurricular activities. Now the Falcons are going back to the drawing board, but at least we know they will have a plan in place.
The problem with the Hawks is that they’ve had no plan since the ‘Nique days. They’ve simply made one trade after another hoping something would stick.
They obtained JJ hoping he would be the missing piece, and while he’s playing hard to justify the deal, can the fans really feel confident that this organization is building towards a title around him?
What bothers me most is that the ASG will look at this season as a success, playoffs or not, and decide to reward the inept coaching with another year thinking “Well if we had Bibby the whole year this team would be better.”
WRONG! With better coaching this team would take it to another level. I fear the worst for this franchise unless they get some leadership from its coaches.
By gthawksfan
April 11, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand all this ridiculous bashing. Mark Bradley has never written anything positive about the Hawks. Regardless of their losing record, the Hawks have some really exciting players and their games are fun to go to. I can’t believe Atlantans are bad-mouthing the Hawks rather than throwing their support in for the playoff push. It’s a shame that Mark Bradley and all the other fairweather fans don’t have more pride.
By T.C
April 11, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Its something about the name vick that sends white people into a rage.oh forgot,he’s black and harmed 3 dogs.guess he invented dog fighting.
By MichaelMcWilliams
April 11, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
I believe that the Hawks are just ONE superstar away from earthshattering greatness. I know that it is hard for a GM like Billy Knight to pull the trigger on a deal and bring in a megastar such as an Alan Iverson, Carmello Anthony or a Dirk Norwinski but I believe the Hawks will probably have to go out and get a proven scorer to help them when they have lapses where they play poor defense and are impatient in running their offense or just stand around and dont get into their offensive sets. I do believe that the Hawks will be much improved next year even if they dont bring in an all-star since they will have had Mike Bibby for another year for him to run the offense and to run the show. Plus, by that time hopefully everybody on the Hawks roster will significantly mature and learns to play defense I think the Hawks have the potential to be a great team: a possible 50 win team, but it will only come with solid defense and a smooth running offense; literally both sides of the basketball have to be a well oiled machine for the Hawks to be great. Well, theres always next year. Bring on the the Celtics!!
By Philip Ponder
April 11, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is this: the Hawks have gone from 13 wins to 26 wins to 30 wins to 38 (and counting) wins. They are probably going to make the playoffs for the first time in a long time… I think there is reason to be excited about this team. They are progressing. Yes, they’ll get blown out by the Celtics, but it’s still a step in the right direction. For those that argue that the Eastern Conference is weak… that is true. But it’s been weak for the past 4 years… so it’s not like the only reason we are progressing is that the conference is suddenly getting weaker. You have to also remember this: Al Horford is supposed to still be in college. Marvin Williams is supposed to still be in college. Josh Smith is supposed to still be in college. We are an extremely young team, but also an extremely talented young team with a lot of potential whose best days are still ahead.
By Mike Fratello
April 11, 2008 7:33 PM | Link to this
Bradley, why are you even a sports writer? You’re dwelling on the Hawks being the worst at everything during our best season IN YEARS!! If you can’t write an up-beat article during a PLAYOFF PUSH, then you should focus on the pollen, which you can always complain about. That would allow us FANS to be excited about what’s become an exciting season, while your negativity is relegated to the Weather section. You’re a joke!
By Aaron
April 11, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Mark,
You’re a better writer and journalist than this.
Just because negativity sells in Atlanta doesn’t mean you have to stoop that low.
By james harvey
April 12, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
EVERYBODY ALWAYS TALK ABOUT HOW ATLANTA IS THE WORST SPORTS CITY IN THE COUNTRY WELL,IT MAKES ME SICK TO HEAR ALL THE PEOPLE FROM THE CITY NOT CHEER FOR THEIR TEAM IM FROM GRAY GA, NOT ATLANTA GA AND MOST ALL OF US HERE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE HAWKS MAKING THE PLAYOFFS.SO WHEN YOU SAY ATLANTA IS THE WORST SPORTS CITY IN THE COUNTRY YOU,RE ONLY TALKING ABOUT THE CITY AND NOT THE WHOLE STATE,WHAT ABOUT IN ATHENS,STAESBORO,FORTVALLEY…ETC I THINK THE HAWKS WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AND I WISH I HAD THE JOURNALIST THAT WROTE THIS ARTICLE TICKET BECAUSE HE DOESN,T DESERVE TO WATCH THE HAWKS PLAY OR ANY TEAM FROM GEORGIA PLAY I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE MY SON TO SEE THEM PLAY. GO HAWKS THRASHERS BRAVES FALCONS FORCE
By sean
April 12, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this
this article took a lot of brain power. How about something original? Ain’t ya got anything left Mark? Remember, Bradley, you were the schmuck that applauded the move to bring in JR Ryder. Waking up and writing an article about how the Hawks are disappointing is like waking up to write an article about how the Sun traveled from East to West today.
Watch out Bisher: Bradley’s gunning for your spot. Bring back the afro pic.
By baloney
April 12, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
First, again!
By baloney
April 12, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
First, again!
By baloney
April 12, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
First, again!
By Chris
April 12, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
I personally like the team that the Hawks have put together this season. We have a veteran Mike Bibby, rookie of the year candidate Al Horford, NBA All-star Joe Johnson, defenseive player of the year candidate Josh Smith, and a very solid play Josh Childress that can very well become a top contender for winning the East. There will be no rebuilding after this season, all that we should do is build upon what we have. This is a very young team that can be extremly dangerous in years to come.
By Winner
April 13, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
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By MEA
April 14, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Why is commenting still available on all the articles like this one but is now closed for Terrence Moore’s biased and basically racial attack on Trevor’s Immelman’s astounding victory at the Masters? Could it be that the AJC recognized that the article was so prejudiced and racial that the powers that be knew they had to stop the mass of opinions it was receiving. If a white writer wrote the junk that Moore gets away with, he/she would have been labeled and fired a LONG time ago! Dangerous thing to know that the AJC supports prejudice and sub-par reporting from its sports department.
By No Dawgs Here
April 14, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
& yet the Hawks may be the ONLY pro team making it to the playoffs this year…. Way to support the local team!
By Cynne
April 16, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
What I cannot understand, we have traded most of the bench for Bibby. But we have not tried to fill the bench with older players that can still play or younger players that want to be in the league. What is the General Manager doing to help the team win? I am just a just a female and maybe this doesn’t make sense.
By Tyger
April 16, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
KUDOS TO THE ATLANTA SPIRIT, BILLY KNIGHT, MIKE WOODSON AND THE ATLANTA HAWKS!!!
YOU DID IT!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
By Emile Worthy
April 19, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this
“In Atlanta, Hawks best at losing” Stop the negitive writing Please!
By james harvey
April 20, 2008 10:51 PM | Link to this
mike bibby is chocking in this game bad yes boston is good but bibby is making them look great. the celtics are beatable believe that