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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > April > 01 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks’ playoff berth guarantees nothing for Woodson, Knight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After eight straight seasons of misery, three straight last-place finishes, so many luckless draft lotteries and, maybe worst of all, the final days of Alan Henderson, the Hawks are close to completing perhaps the biggest exorcism in franchise history. They are nearing a playoff berth.
These moments generally are celebrated by the thirsty masses. Strangely, the Hawks seem to have no masses, at least none that are celebrating.
Instead, they’re waiting. When is the collapse? They’re wondering. Does this mean Billy Knight and Mike Woodson aren’t getting fired? They’re bracing. Is an eighth seed just the backdrop for a public stoning by the Celtics?
Unfair? Maybe a little. The Hawks have won eight out of 10. There was a time when winning eight out of 10 would’ve been viewed as paradise, style points be damned. But if there was any doubt that the futures of the franchise and it’s principal parts remain a concern, owner Michael Gearon reaffirmed as much Tuesday.
Nobody got a guarantee on future employment.
Gearon would prefer the focus not be on the organizational structure right now. (It’s not what you would call a great marketing tool.) But he did nothing to douse speculation that the futures of his general manager (Knight) and coach (Woodson) are open-ended.
“All I can tell you is we continue to evaluate the GM, the assistant GM, the coach, the assistant coaches and the players on an ongoing basis,” Gearon said. “With respect to what we’re going to do after the season, I don’t have a crystal ball. With respect to now, I like the way we’re playing.
“I will say this: I’m not opposed to doing anything. I want to make the playoffs and I want to win long-term. But what matters to me most is: Are these kids learning how to win? That question is more easily answered when the season’s over. We’re not in the mode right now of, ‘Is our GM going to be here or not? Is our coach going to be here or not?’ Are certain players going to be here or not?’?”
He neither confirmed nor denied that Knight and Woodson both are at the end of their contracts, saying only: “Whether somebody has a contract has nothing to do with whether we want somebody back.”
He intentionally stayed clear of tangibles. What if the Hawks miss the playoffs? What if they reach the postseason with a record of 38-44 in the weak Eastern Conference, and then get drilled in four games by Boston? Do Knight and Woodson have magic numbers?
Bottom line: What defines success?
“That I can answer: Learning how to win on a regular basis,” Gearon said. “Look, I don’t know if we’re going to make the playoffs. I hope we do. But I would tell you what’s more important to me than making the playoffs — what I want is for our kids — is that they believe in themselves. I want them to realize that they’re capable of being a premier team in the East. That’s been my goal from the beginning. If we play well and improve and make the playoffs, then I feel good about that. If we make the playoffs and win the first series but then play awful in the second series, I may not feel good. It’s not just about the wins and losses. I’m looking at the development of players.”
It has been a losing PR battle. Knight does or says little to ingratiate himself to fans or media (nor does he seem to care). Woodson’s career record is a cartoon (103-217). The ownership brand, the Atlanta Spirit, more often ends up being a punch line (and will continue to be until litigation ends). And then there’s all that history.
“I would agree with you [about fans’ feelings],” Gearon said, “and that’s a product of two things: the franchise has been out of the playoffs for a long time, and the perception of this team.”
After all of those seasons of misery, a playoff berth nears. But Wednesday night, when the Hawks play host to Toronto, Philips Arena could be half-empty again. It will take a lot more winning to convince the masses, define direction — and, apparently, guarantee employment.
Permalink | Comments (75) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
By Pete Babcock
April 1, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
FIRE billy & woody !! Pete Babcock
By ToeKnee
April 1, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Gearon needs to address the fans more. That’s what has always prevented me from really believing in what any of these guys are doing. Talk to us. We’re not idiots. Just be sincere and we’ll trust you and support you. If he is genuinely focused on what’s best for our team, then Great!! thats all i ask for from owners. That they are genuinely interested in the success of the team, as I am.
By jdewayneatl
April 1, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
When are people going to realize that all of what we know the Hawks to be started well before Woody or Knight were here. They were handed a broken glass and are ridiculed for not putting it back together before it broke.
PEOPLE CAN YOU AT LEAST SEE THAT THE TEAM HAS IMPROVED YEAR BY YEAR
By Connie Lingous
April 1, 2008 8:41 PM | Link to this
Good column Jeff - but what do you think? Should the coach and GM be back?
By thks4nut
April 1, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
remember that this project was in place before these guys got here, that being said let them finish the work so that we see the results. the hawks have some good pieces in place
By mred1943
April 1, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
See if these guys will accept a one year contract and see if the team is going to improve next season
By Iceman
April 1, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
The only thing guaranteed, is the Hawks getting walloped by the Celtics in the first round.
By A Real Fan
April 1, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
The Hawks were broke before Billy Knight.And even if he didn’t pick the best talent available at his draft positions, BK has put together a nice group of young guys that have grown together. Next year we can add a veteran bench to help the young guys out.
By Dominique Wilkens
April 1, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Fire Billy and let me become the GM. First thing I do is FIRE Woodson and bring in a coach that will run the ball like Denver, Phoenix, Golden State. Second, get rid of the ugly chicks on the Hawks dance team and get the HOTTEST eye candy in Atlanta. Sex sells and we need to sell something other than a mediocre NBA team. Third, sign JS and Smoove to long term deals and see if we can work out a deal for an athletic 7 footer who can rebound, block shots, and clog the middle. Fourth, never ask the AJC sports writers for their opinion on how to run an NBA team. Those guys are clueless especially Moore and Schultz.
By mic
April 1, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this
FIRE WOODY HE HASN’T GOT A CLUE FIRST HE COMPLAINED ABOUT A BENCH NOW HE HAS ONE AND WONT USE IT—— OF COURSE THE SECOND UNIT DO NOT PLAY WELL HELL IF U HAVEN’T PLAYED IN 2 MONTHS THEN WHEN U DO PLAY A COUPLE OF MISTAKES AND YOUR OUT OF THE GAME FIRE WOODY PLEASE!!!!!
By MannyT
April 1, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Bk does talk to the season ticket holders. He spoke for about an hour at a town hall meeting last week. Could it be that he skips over most media folks that are possibly somewhat annoying? HMMMM
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 1, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Getting publicly stoned by the Celtics is definitely an improvement over getting privately stoned in your living room watching the playoffs on TV.
A sensible ownership group would realize that making the playoffs in a historically weak conference as the final seed is nothing to gloat about, and would keep turning the flames up under the a*******es of Billy Knight and Mike Woodson. But we are talking about the Atlanta Spirit Group, which means those 50 year, $100 trillion extensions, and subsequent court cases, are probably coming for Billy Knight and Mike Woodson.
And unfortunately, the Hawks’ “masses” consist entirely of people who post on Sekou Smith’s blog.
By Chikara
April 1, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Great points as always Najeh!
Dominique, your points would be more credible if you learned how to spell your last name correctly.
I’ll go back to my post on Sekou’s blog. It’s obvious that fans can’t be as excited as they should due to the fact that there is just too much uncertainty about this franchise, from present prospects to this offseason.
We talk about the Joshes staying, but who says if they even want to stay and play for Mike Woodson, a coach who has no concept on how to build a team? He doesn’t know how to utilize his bench, and he wears the starters out to where they can’t possibly last long in the playoffs.
I say you’d have to keep Knight, but after his dealings with the ASG I doubt he’d want to stay. BK has made some questionable decisions, but for the most part he knows what we fans have known for years: Mike Woodson will never take this team to an elite level.
Here’s the problem: the ASG is losing so much money that they are going to operate on the cheap, which would result in the loss of some great talent.
The fans don’t know how this, or if this ownership issue will ever be solved as well. So as of now we are cautiously optimistic.
I for one can’t wait to have Atlanta in the playoffs, but where will they go from there?
By Billy
April 1, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
I’m glad I’m a Spurs fan! I don’t have to worry about stuff like this.
By Matthew
April 1, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this
I’ll say this much: Billy Knight has put together one heck of a starting 5: Horford, J. Smith, Bibby, Williams, and Johnson are very good. We also have some good bench players— Acie Law will be a great guy in years, as will as Childress and Salim.
The Hawks are on a streak, so let’s ride it. Do I think Knight’s job should be safe? Yes. Woodson? Not sure yet—let’s see how we finish the year. If we continue this hot streak and maybe make the Boston series go 6 games, I’d give him one more year. But my biggest dish with this guy is his POOR player development. He needs to get Acie in the groove as well as Salim to give our starters some breathers from time to time. No need to be gasping for air come game 1 against the Celtics.
By will
April 2, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this
Jeff Schultz and the ASG are idiots. BK has actually done a reasonably good job assembling a talented team. Except for the demonstrably bad choice of Sheldon Williams (when he could have taken B. Roy), the dumb a** free agent signing of ‘Slow’ Claxton, and the hiring of Mike Woodson as head coach he has made good personnel moves working within the confines of the ASG’s financial situation. Keep BK, fire ASG and MW!!!
By Tron
April 2, 2008 12:39 AM | Link to this
I love my Hawks, but I wrote ASG 2 emails stating that they would enjoy neither my presence at games nor my hard-earned dollar as long as they continue to employ Mike Woodson. The man simply has no clue, and you can tell that when the players roll their eyes during a time out. I’ll cheer for them, but I’ll be damned if they get a dime out me while that guy is on the sideline.
I’ve even recently amended my protest to include Thrashers games. After all, ASG is still profiting from me if I spend my money at Philips for a hockey game, so I can’t allow them that satisfaction.
BK is also not safe from my disgust, but at least he tried to fire Woodson. That says something about the man’s judgment.
By ERIC
April 2, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this
ATLANTA, HOME OF THE WORST FANS IN AMERICA. TO THE WORST FANS IN AMERICA, I STILL DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY YOU WANT TO RUN A MAN THAT HAS ASSEMBLED A VERY YOUNG AND TALENTED TEAM? THE HAWKS ARE THE SECOND YOUNGEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE, BE PATIENCE. BILLY KNIGHT HAS A TWO TIME ALLSTAR IN JOE JOHNSON, A ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALIST IN HORFORD, A TOP 10 POINT IN BIBBY, AND ONE OF THE BEST SHOT BLOCKERS THIS LEAGUE HAS SEEN IN JOSH SMITH. FIRST YOU SAY THE HAWKS WON’T MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. THEN WHEN IT SEEMS THEY MIGHT MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, YOU SAY THEY’LL GET BLOWN OUT IN THE FIRST ROUND.
By jim
April 2, 2008 1:13 AM | Link to this
Whether we go to the playoffs or not who cares. Woody and Knighty both suck. Let Larry Brown be the coach and GM. He can decide the future of this franchise and its choices of players.
By ERIC
April 2, 2008 1:50 AM | Link to this
I HATE TO DO THIS, BUT IF BILLY KNIGHT WERE WHITE DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WOULD BE CALLING FOR HIS HEAD???
By bignasty1980
April 2, 2008 4:38 AM | Link to this
I been watching the hawks play for the last 5 years. Considering where the team came from, the total reworking of the roster and the development of the young talent i think BK should keep his job for now. But MW i think he needs to go!!!! It crazy this guy uses a six man rotation and all of our starters are dead tired. You cant expect guys who have not played in months to come off the bench and not make mistakes and miss defensive assignments
By Enough
April 2, 2008 5:00 AM | Link to this
Knight has done a decent job, but missing on Chris Paul when you needed a point guard is huge. This guy could be the greatest pg ever when its all said and done. He is doing it early in his career and appears to only have upside. The Sheldon W. pick is right up there with Dallas Comegys, the Fat forward from Florida State, Chris Crawford type nonesense. That being said, The Josh’s,Marvin maybe, and Horford picks are stellar. Joe is stepping it up at the right time, though Woodson is going to wear the man out by playoff time. I like Salim, can’t understand the dog house thing with Woody and him. The Hawks it could be said are about 10 games off where they should be. Is it coaching, or lack of getting a point guard in here earlier. The Bibby move makes both look better, so Knight has to take some heat for not making a move earlier. Woodson, should only be judged by the last two years because of all the rebuilding. Last year they under acheived, this year they have underachieved as being in the weak East they should be fourth or fifth in my opinion. But, I say give Boston a couple of good efforts and stay the course. Need to try to get a real center and put Horford at the four and Josh at the three spot. Marvin and Acie could be packaged for a big man, back-up veteran one or two guard combo. I think Jermaine Oneal in this line-up would seal the deal. Bibby-Johnson,Smith,Horford,Oneal starting lineup next year. With Chillz, ZaZa and heck get AJ back and draft a long range jump shooter.
By Maxx
April 2, 2008 6:27 AM | Link to this
Play Mario West. He’s one of the best Perimeter defenders in the NBA, but he never gets any minutes because Woody sucks. Knight is getting better, but it still kills me that we should have Chris Paul and Brandon Roy instead of Marvin and Sheldon “Gentle giant” Williams, who doesn’t even play for our team anymore. We need to Get rid of Woody, make Larry Drew or Rick Carlysle head coach, get rid of ZaZa and get a real center. The getting a real center part is much easier said than done.
By MariettaHawkFan
April 2, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
I like the idea of trading a couple of pieces for a center.. If the Hawks can get a center then they would definitely be in the top 4 or 5 in the East.
Larry Brown as GM/Coach would be awesome but the Atlanta Spirit Group would have to pay him alot of money and I seriously doubt that they would do that.
If Woodson can push the Celtics to at least game 6 (I seriously doubt it), then I’m ok with him staying for one more year. As for Billy Knight.. Let’s put it this way, I would rather have Dominique step in and do his job.
By JSS
April 2, 2008 7:46 AM | Link to this
Larry Brown!!! Are you out of your mind? We have you been the last 7 years? Larry’s been discredited… The mess with the NY Knicks is a combination of Brown’s destruction of that team and Isiah’s buffoonery.
But on a more important point, Jeff Schultz continues to try MAKE the news instead of REPORT or COMMENT on the news! It is irresponsible, unethical, and it should cost him his job.
I like Wilkins, but he is no Joe Dumars. He does deserve a place in the franchise that is not a figure head or just for public show. I think #21 is smart enough to grown into the team president’s role in the not too distant future… GM is not a play thing job, just ask NYK…
Davenpoop, you’ve been on a Pulitzer Prize type blogging roll the past 6 months!!! I will be interested to read your take on Blank’s comments and Steve Wyche’s lack of follow-up on said comments….
By Zone Out
April 2, 2008 7:59 AM | Link to this
I recommend a 3/2 on defense and then four corners on offense until 3 seconds on shot clock then a half-court hook shot ala Meadowlark Lemon. You can thank me later for those who can comprehend my genius.
By Angry Tim
April 2, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
MICHAEL GEARON IS LIKE PETE BABCOCK MEETS RANKIN SMITH. WHAT A DISASTER THIS GROUP IS!
By S**
April 2, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
Joshes or Josh’s you decide flame-thrower
By destin
April 2, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this
A couple of questions if anybody can help me out. 1. Ownership — what is the latest legal analysis of the case - what is the most likly outcome and duration? 2. Since we have no draft picks in the next draft, what quality centers might be available through trade or free agency? 3. Misc. — will Smoove and Chills both be re-signed?, when is Claxton’s contract up?, Is Law still projected to be a front-line NBA PG?, would Bibby extend at a lesser salary?
By bigmike
April 2, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
Will someone tell me why Mike Woodson wont play Salim, If he is hurt thats one thing but he should be playing if he is not.
By LITGJ
April 2, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
HEY ERIC - IF BILLY KNIGHT WERE WHITE, HE WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN AN INTERVIEW IN ATLANTA
By Jeff Schultz
April 2, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
Just checking in, folks. A few responses:
TOE-KNEE: I do think these owners want to win. But wanting to win and doing the right things to win sometimes aren’t the same thing. They’re still searching for the right things. … CONNIE: I’ve written this before. I think Knight should be fired and the new general manager should make the call on the coach. … ‘NIQUE: Thanks for checking in. Love the part about signing an athletic 7-footer who can rebound, block shots and clog the middle. I mean, there’s must be a 100 of those guys around. … NAJEH: good point on the stoning. …. WILL: Interesting take. So you say that except for blowing the fifth pick in the draft (Sheldon), wasting millions on a bad and injury prone free agent (Claxton) and picking the wrong coach (Woodson), Knight has done a great job? Aren’t those three things enough (not that there haven’t been more mistakes)? … ERIC: Don’t go there … BIGMIKE: I’d like to know the same thing. I’ve always thought Salim could be a great player off the bench.
Later — Jeff
By Hawksville Resident
April 2, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Hey Eric, I don’t know about the what if he white thing, but I like your first post. Being an Atlanta Sports Fan is hard because there are so many negative media and people here that love that glass half empty stuff. I mean yesterday Al Horford won another Rookie of the month trophy while our own Joe Johnson was named the Eastern Conference Player of the month. Last week Al Horford won the Community Assit award for the entire NBA. We are currently on a four game winning streak, winners of 9 of our last 11 games and what do we get from the Schultz: more BS about why we shouldn’t root for our team. So frankly get on the bandwagon or get off, but if your off STOP HATEING IN MY TEAM!!!!
By coastal jim
April 2, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Draft Chris Paul!
By Danny Manning
April 2, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Man I f-ed you guys good. Haha!!
By The Suedefalcon
April 2, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Woodson’s respose big mike is… finding a line up that keeps JJ on the floor.Second generally JChildress is the first off the bench.Last I’m a HATER and even when JJ is having a bad shooting night.I can’t commit to giving this great shooter some pt.This is going to be another player who leaves to become an allstar elsewhere.
By Ron
April 2, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
Woodson should be fired regardless of what happens. If the Hawks make the playoffs, it is in spite of him.
Knight has done some good things (trading for Joe and Bibby, drafting the Joshes and Horford), but he set the team back for years by drafting Marvin and Shelden. Can him too.
By Harold Roberts
April 2, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
I say keep BK AND MW, at least for 1 more year! They came into a weak franchise, and you can’t fix it overnight! A playoff spot is on the horizon, and beating Boston isn’t totally out of the realm of possibility. I follow the Hawks, and I don’t tire of them, win or lose.
By Tron
April 2, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
So reading through the comments this morning, I’ve already seen the suggestion that Chris Paul could be the best PG EVER and that Mario West is one the best perimeter defenders in the league.
Am I the only one that didn’t have Kahlua in my coffee this morning? Bit premature on both of those statements.
By Al Smith
April 2, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
In order to be fair to Woodson and present a complete picture of his won lost record you need to point out that the team was completly decimated when he came here. Although the numbers are correct you failed to accurately state that for several yeard there were lack of players on the team that Woodson or any coach could win with.
By Crazy Diamond
April 2, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Atlanta will support a winning NBA team in a BIG way. Atlanta Spirit is not able to produce one due to the ownership money mess. A new GM may help with better draft picks, but money limits everything else the GM can do.
Get rid of BK and MW and start over with new blood there. Better personnel decisions will follow. But, the Hawks will never be winners until the ASG mess is fixed.
By T.C
April 2, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
jeff schultz i know what is a guarantee,you and the rest of the AJC and the bandwagon fans SUCKS!
By Tron
April 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
T.C, I guarantee your subject-verb agreement SUCKS!
Compelling argument you have there. Quite profound. Who gave you a day pass and access to a computer?
By Chikara
April 2, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
So what if he didn’t draft Chris Paul? Yes it was a mistake but I think BK has accomplished exactly what he was supposed to do: draft a team that would run others off the floor.
It wasn’t until now that he finally got the PG this team needed in order to do that, and now people want to keep crucifying him for something that happened three years ago.
It wouldn’t have mattered unless you had a coach who could take advantage of his gifts. Byron Scott could, Mike Woodson wouldn’t.
It’s obvious that Woodson doesn’t know how to use Horford, who should be averaging 13 and 10 easy if they utilized him more in the offense.
We Atlanta fans have been burned so much in the past that it’s hard for us to accept that this organization will ever get it right. One season alone is not going to change that.
This organization needs to keep BK. He has built a deep team, so quit blaiming him for the Hawks struggles. For all of those who conviently forget, he actually took Atlanta out of salary cap hell and built a team that should be dominating in the weak East along with Boston and Detroit.
The problem is Woodson. He has no concept on how to use Salim, Solomon or Acie Law. If the ASG weren’t so concerned about money then Woodson would be fired by now.
As it stands he will stay another year because they will try to justify him being the reason Atlanta made the playoffs. BIG MISTAKE.
At this point I see both Joshes signing for one more year so they can cash in big time. In addition they will have to obtain someone to not only replace Zaza, but a true center who could have Horford displaced to play the PF on a more regular basis.
What will they do with Bibby? He is due for an extension and the question is if he will stay on this team or is Acie truly the PG of the future?
Regardless Atlanta knows they MUST make the playoffs this year and take those baby steps that Golden State did last year and get some national attention.
I still believe they need to bring in Mark Jackson to become the Hawks coach. He could utilize everyone, especially the guards, to their utmost talent. If not him then Paul Silas who was kicked out too quickly in Cleveland.
By bigeasy830
April 2, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
People! People! The Hawks are not on a Hot streak. I wrote in a blog about a month ago that the Hwaks would win 17 of their last 23 games and pull to 41-41 and go to the play offs with the 6th seed. You see, I checked the schedule and the schedule was favorable for that. Most of the remaining teams on the schedule at that time were terrible and the Hawks could not lose to those teams with Bibby at the point. Now a couple of things has changed since then and I addressed it in another blog. The Wizards got hot and I thoought Arenas was going to return and they would get healthier as a team, and I thought the Bulls had gotten better due to that trade, but it seems that they did not get better but, Surprise! Surprise! Surprise. The 76ers actually got hot, they even beat some good teams during their run. Now, no excusses saying those teams were missing key players. How many times this season have you seen the Hawks go against undermanned teams and get ran out of the Gym. Too many times to count. So, the Hawks will get in as the 8th seed and they will finish at 40-42 or 39-43. Those two loses against the Nets on March 19 and Bulls on March 23 really hurt, but that only goes too show how bad the Hawks really are. That is why the Coach and GM must go. Bring on Larry Brown. He was not the problem in NY it is plain to see that it was all Isiah. Damn at least we are better than the Nicks. Larry Brown will demand for these players to play hard every night. Notice whenever Bibby is interviewed he always say if we win that we played hared than the other team and we must do that every night. That is why I love Mario West. He palys hard every minute he is in there. As in it will be the last time he steps on the court as a NBA player. Woody does not get that from his players. But Larry Brown will or he will weed out the lames and bring in some real ballers.
Holla if you hear me. Say Amen if you feel me.
By Mike
April 2, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
My fear is downtown looking like a St. Patricks day parade when the Celtics come to town.
This will not be anything similar to the epic battle between ‘Nique and Bird. Fratello, Hubie Brown… will we ever see coaching like that from the Hawks again.
Honestly, I like these Hawks and they have been appointment television for me. Glad to have a “relevant” NBA team again.
By david martin
April 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Are the Hawks’games on the radio? I live in Gwinnett and cannot hear the Hawks on whatever radio station they’re on. How can you increase your fan base without reaching the metro area and not just the inner city?
By T.C
April 2, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
TRON ya momma gave me access,and i guess your the only one who can comment.guess jeff is your boyfriend.
By cityofdecatur
April 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
david martin go to nba.com and you can listen to the hawks feed every game for free. i live in decatur and can’t get hawks radio 790 after sunset.
By Bailer
April 2, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Im not a basketball person, but I have watch the hawks last five yrs seems to me they have improved each yr. They have improved with experience, johnson,and Bibby each time one is added. Is the problem that its been to slow?
By O'brien
April 2, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Mike Woodson needs to go. A coach should be able to instill confidence in his players (bench included), and in 4 years he has not done that. If the hawks have a big lead against the Celtics at halftime, or if they are down three with the game on the line, how confident are you in Mike Woodson’s coaching and the players’ execution?
By BA
April 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Schultz, you think Salim would be a good bench player? Which do you like better, the poor shot selection or the excess of turnovers? Maybe you like the fact he’s a 5 foot 5 two guard. And if Gearon doesn’t want us wondering about the future right now, ASG should have signed Smith long term already. And Schultz, are you suggesting that it would be impossible to find a seven footer that could contribute this offseason? If these people want to win they need to pony up some more money, and until they do they should be happy for whatever fan base they get.
By AJCfanatic
April 2, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Don’t ya’ll fret about the fans showing up.. The Celtic fans will fill up Philips like a bowl of pea soup.. Atlanta has never really had a massive loyal fan base in any of the sports. The Braves won how many straight division titles and yet an entire section would be missing on a beautiful saturday afternoon playing the filthy stinking Mets.. Whats the moral of the story.. Going to see your team play only when they are winning is called being a bandwagon fan (the scum of the athletic realm).. and maybe did you ever think that if we packed the stadiums it would make a minor difference for the players’ confidence and maybe the Hawks would be 5 or 6 games ahead instead of three.. and whoever is chirping these blogs about trading Josh Smith you have got to be kidding .. Immature you say? No kidding he is 22 years old and wasn’t exactly brought into a positive winning environment like the Pistons.. poor shot selection/field goal percentage? Kid is averaging 45 percent not to mention his stats since joining the league have improved as so: 7.3ppg (17.0) 1.0bpg (3.0) .8spg (1.6) 1.7ast (3.4) 2.0rb (8.3) and to think he’s be graduating from college around now ad these would have been his first years stats and considering he only takes 12-14 shots a game I don’t see his missed three’s affecting the game too bad.. Oh somehow i forgot to add that he spent his entire summer working on his game with future hall of famers and he’s got more energy than an atom bomb.. now somebody please explain to me why Josh Childress should stay and we should trade a guy who is a jumpshot away from being a more athletic paul pierce.. But you would see this potential if you filled the arena atlanta fans..
Sincerely, The Fanatic
By Tron
April 2, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
T.C, did you really just pull out a “ya momma” insult?
How about during exercise time tomorrow, you crack open an English book instead of hitting the weights in the yard. Might serve you better in the long run.
By A Tired Hawk
April 2, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
Please people. BK has been here long enough to put together a team that SHOULD be playing for the playoffs. The question should have been answered on this weeks ago. Instead we are holding our breath waiting for the Hawks to collapse. This is not about what BK inherited. It is about what he’s done with the high draft picks he controlled.
The Hawks have missing pieces. It is great to have young guys, but BK is building the team SO SLOWLY that by the time these guys mature, we won’t be able to afford them. Without having the right pieces together, we’ll never know if the pieces we have are going to take us to the promised land. A team is made up of more than talented forwards (BK’s favorite position).
BK is a joke. Woodson has not proven himself to be WINNING coach. ASG is a disaster. In prior interviews, they refused to say that BK and Woodson’s jobs were even going to be “evaluated”. It was always, “their doing great” or some such nonsense. I’m tired of saying,”next year will be better.” The whole attitude of the org needs to change from top to bottom. That begins with changing the GM and coach.
By JSS
April 2, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Tron = Another Jeff Schultz apologist
By Ahawksincebirth
April 2, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
First of all, we have to resign J.Smith. You don’t draft someone out of high school and let him go before he reaches his prime(he’s 22 and consistently improving). This is just my personal opinion, but we should keep Woody and let Billy Knight go. He drafted M.Williams ahead Chris Paul when we had a desperate need for a PG and an entire team full of SF/PFs. Kudos on getting Horford, but he is playing out of position. We still have no true center on this team, which leads me to believe the Celtics will destroy us.
By T.C
April 2, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
LOL just kidden tron but you started it.LOL.
By ben
April 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
I definately agree that the Hawks are doing better. We might have a chance against Boston at home, but it will be hard away. It sucks that we don’t have much going on this year in the draft. We need to concentrate on getting one good center and take Marvin out of the starting line up and move Horford over to PF.
By ben
April 3, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this
I definately agree that the Hawks are doing better. We might have a chance against Boston at home, but it will be hard away. It sucks that we don’t have much going on this year in the draft. We need to concentrate on getting one good center and take Marvin out of the starting line up and move Horford over to PF. Keep Woodsen and say bye to Knight. The players seem to respect Woodsen. Wish Bibby wasn’t quite so old!
By JUNE_BABY
April 3, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
imo jeff shultz has a vendetta against billy knight. it seem to me that he doesn’t care if the hawks do well or not, he just wants to take down billy! just as it appears the hawks are starting to turn the corner under this management team, jeff shultz comes up with this bull. where was all his concern when pete babcock had no clue as to what he was doing, gutting the team, giving away all the talent this team had, giving away a team icon for danny manning, hiring coaches like lon kruger. billy knight runs the team his way, and doesn’t kowtow to hack reporters like shultz, moore, and others. since billy refuses to kiss his rear, he goes out of his way to malign and criticize him merciless. i’d say to billy, “if you’re going to be fired, at least keep your integrity, and don’t let some non-professional, idiotic reporter get to you”. he should worry more for his own security, in these days of diminishing readership of his print columns.
By Serge45
April 3, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
Fire Billy and Woody… enough is enough
By DJ
April 3, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Schultz you are an idiot. The only thing you know for sure is that Woodson & Knight would definitely be fired if they didn’t make the playoffs…
By Dtruth
April 3, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Fire Woodson and Knight. Like an earlier post said ‘the Hawks are winning despite Woodson”. This team still does not have a personality. Are they a running team? Are they a defensive team (Woody is supposed to be a deciple of Larry Brown) I don’t see great defense. Do they have a set play for different situations besides give it to Joe and everyone else stand around. Woody does not have a clue.
By earl
April 3, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
i am first to say that knight and woodson should leave . we need an coach thats about winning the ownership is terrible they hadnt been to the playoffs since oh ted sold the team (hmmm) the thrashers suck at the sametime as the hawks (hmmm) the problem the team doesnt respect woodson i dont like hm he isnt about winning just stats . thats the problem with my atlanta teams which i love dearly . the reason the team is winning is because the players arent really listning to woodson if you have noticed lately they need to lock up smith before the season ends trade zsa zsa and melvin melvins need a shrink he come from winning tradition from north carolina but he musta been the water boy . take look at my man al he reminds me of barley alot. the oone pick that hawks have done right. he is a winner and not afraid to prove it joe needs to find a woman so he can get hard on the floor .maybe if we would have gotten bibby before all star when trades had started poppin we would be an 5th seed stead an 8th seed .
By ICANGM
April 3, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Mr.Schultz,The Hawks should fire BK,because he should’ve drafted CP3 or Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams and Brandon Roy instead of Shelden.HE also should have tryed to include Marvin Williams(to inconsistent and no game at 6-9 and No.2 overall)in the Bibby deal for Ron Artest(a bull in the post and help for Al and J.Smith).He also should have gave up A.C. Law instead of Tyronn Lue(Law isn’t a PG and is plain pathetic,no future there.)MW just seems clueless and overmatched at times,Give him more year,but there better coaches out there.
By ICANGM
April 3, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Mr.Schultz,The Hawks should fire BK,because he should’ve drafted CP3 or Deron Williams instead of Marvin Williams and Brandon Roy instead of Shelden.HE also should have tryed to include Marvin Williams(too onsistent and no game at 6-9 and No.2 overall)in the Bibby deal for Ron Artest(a bull in the post and help for Al and J.Smith).He also should have gave up A.C. Law instead of Tyronn Lue(Law isn’t a PG and is plain pathetic,no future there.)MW just seems clueless and overmatched at times,Give him more year,but there better coaches out there.
By will
April 3, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
I hate to say it, but I think BK should go. Our entire team is lottery picks and missing Roy, Jamal Tinsley, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Dang etc etc is a crime against humanity. Yes we have some promising players (J smooth and Horford) but Marvin Williams is never going to be anything but a throw up 20 jump shots a night, and Childress has holes in his game a mile wide. The Bibby move was great, but I can almost gaurantee we will be drafting another 6-7 small forward with “lots of length” this year. And let’s not forget had the ping pong balls bounced just a bit differently we wouldn’t have Horford. Man do I wish we had Dwight Howard…
I don’t know enough about coaching to bash Woodson but it does scare me the amount of minutes Joe Johnson is seeing, but it scares me even more when he is on the bench and we can’t find a decent shot in 10 possesions…
By AJCfanatic
April 3, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
ICANGM.. I’m not happy with BKnight but i’m glad UARENTGM.. why are we trying to get rid of kids who are only 22 and 23 years old and Derron Williams walked into a system that makes a bad PG avg an avg PG good and a good PG a hall of famer (Stockton and Malone didn’t invent the play that made them all-stars Jerry Sloan did)
By chris
April 8, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
cmon now… the hawks arent all bad. yes missing out on cp3 was a HUGE mistake. but you cant b to critical. it happens. point is. u all say marvin was a mistake??? he is probably the second best short range shooter only after the all-star joe johnson!!! he can knock 20 to 22 ft jumpers down all night. so he would b a GREAT bench player. so the hawks need to draft either a GREAT C or a GREAT PF and put horford in the opposite. and then have marvin off the bench, acie off the bench, salim off the bench, and get RID of zaza. and about the whole coaching deal… BYE BYE MIKE WOODSON!!! i hate this man. he is so bad at coaching. i cant believe the players like him. its unreal. he is so bad. it would b different HE put the team in positions to win. but its the players who win games. woodson holds them bak. they have a good lineup. now all they need for this young team is a coach who can give direction……………
By chris
April 8, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
cmon now… the hawks arent all bad. yes missing out on cp3 was a HUGE mistake. but you cant b to critical. it happens. point is. u all say marvin was a mistake??? he is probably the second best short range shooter only after the all-star joe johnson!!! he can knock 20 to 22 ft jumpers down all night. so he would b a GREAT bench player. so the hawks need to draft either a GREAT C or a GREAT PF and put horford in the opposite. and then have marvin off the bench, acie off the bench, salim off the bench, and get RID of zaza. and about the whole coaching deal… BYE BYE MIKE WOODSON!!! i hate this man. he is so bad at coaching. i cant believe the players like him. its unreal. he is so bad. it would b different HE put the team in positions to win. but its the players who win games. woodson holds them bak. they have a good lineup. now all they need for this young team is a coach who can give direction……………
By Echevarria
April 8, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
GET RID OF WOODSON. he is a bad coach. he NEVER puts the hawks in a position to win. its not the players job to get themselves in positions to win. they’re supposed to do wat the coach says… but when u have a coach who cant coach then the players have to play AS WELL AS COACH. so get a real coach and let the players play and we’ll see a huge increase in wins. basketball is a mental game… so when u have to play AND come up wit plays and scenarios cause the coach is a joke it makes the players job that much harder!!!! plus. every1 on here wants to bash marvin. sure he takes 20 to 22 ft jumpers… but who can make them better and more consistently then jj??? i mean of course jj can. hes an ALL STAR! other then joe… marvin has the best short game shot. he should NOT b a starter… he should b a bench player (if woodson used the bench) and we should draft a real C or a real PF and put horford in the opposite spot. then we’ll have bibby, jj, j-smoove, horford, and either a real PF or C. so u see. we r 1 player and 1 coach away from bein a REAL east contender…
By bernard decatur
April 8, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
I cant stand it no more Mike Woodson has to go, hawks current team has potential to be good. But Woody has no clue how to use his players starters or bench. Give job to Steve Smith yes I said Smitty, if you listen to him he’s telling how this team should be coached
By Ty Corbin
April 9, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Bring me back, I got game left.
By stanley sisson
April 11, 2008 6:46 AM | Link to this
PLEASE HIRE JEFF VAN GUNDY AS YOUR NEXT ATLANTA HAWKS HEAD COACH.AND THE TEAM WILL WIN AT LEAST 50 GAMES NEXT YEAR.