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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > July > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks catch break in Smith sweepstakes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There can be no excuses now. If Josh Smith plays elsewhere next season, it will be because the Hawks messed up or wimped out.
The Philadelphia 76ers were thought to be (and have indeed become) the major force in the free-agent bazaar, but they’ve deigned to spend $82 million on Elton Brand. Had the Sixers offered Smith something approaching that, the Hawks might well have blanched at matching it, choosing to work a sign-and-trade instead.
No other team is apt to tempt Smith so lavishly. He’ll probably sign an offer sheet, possibly with the Clippers, who are to free spending as Wilt Chamberlain was to monogamy. If you’re a team desperate to keep a free agent and your chief competitor is Donald Sterling — who just sank $65 million into Baron Davis — you haven’t just gotten lucky. You’ve gotten lucky like Jon Koncak got.
It was 19 summers ago that the Hawks were on the wrong side of the Koncak sweepstakes. The dastardly Detroit Pistons stuck it to their division rival by offering the free agent $2.5 million at a time when Michael Jordan was making $2.5 million. On the night in question, this correspondent called Koncak and asked if the $2.5 million was for two seasons, which seemed to make sense. “Dude,” said Koncak, scarcely believing it himself, “it’s for one.’ “
The Hawks were then faced with two lousy options: They could lose an asset, albeit a non-starting one, to their nemesis without compensation, or they could match the outrageous offer and keep the unassuming ‘Kak. They chose to lock him up long term at a cost of $13.1 million over six seasons, thereby skewing their salary cap for the better part of a decade. (Contrary to popular belief, it wasn’t Pete Babcock who made the worst of a bad situation — Stan Kasten was the general manager.)
It’s unlikely Rick Sund’s feet will be held to a similar fire. With the Sixers sidelined, he shouldn’t have to match an offer that would bankrupt the cost-conscious Atlanta Spirit. He should be able to keep Smith for $60 million, give or take, which is a chunk of money but is less than Joe Johnson got three years ago. It should leave enough money to retain Josh Childress, too.
Michael Gearon Jr., the chief basketball voice among the many Spirit partners, has said it many times: “Our whole emphasis is keeping this core group together and letting it grow.” This summer is the time of testing: You can’t keep a young team intact without spending big when the young guys hit free agency, and the trouble with free agency is that it takes only one extravagant outsider to wreck your plans.
If any club was going to be the extravagant outsider, it figured to be Philly. The Sixers chose Brand instead. (Certainly they were influenced by his status as an unrestricted free agent, which meant no matching was possible and no sign-and-trade would be required.) And now Smith, who was given the grand tour of Philadelphia, has to find someone else to make him an offer.
Doubtless he will, but surely it won’t be an offer of Koncakian proportions. The Hawks had been holding their breath, waiting to see what the marketplace holds for the Joshes, and early returns must have touched off a round of exhales.
Yes, something screwy could still happen, but chances are it won’t. For one of the few times in their star-crossed existence, the Hawks seem to have caught a break. Let’s see if they know what to do with it.
Permalink | Comments (47) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
Comments
By Darrin "The Vent King"
July 9, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
This is a good thing. Although many balk at giving Smith big-time money, he is still so young and has shown MAJOR talent. You have to spend to keep whatever talent you’re going to get, so if not Smith- then who? All that is needed is to get Smith to think more like Horford on the floor (team first) and get that shot selection under wraps and we have a bonafide star. If we can add any semblence of a decent center and one more solid bench player we can be more than okay. I still question the coaching but the talent on this team can go places if they build on the momentum of last year. I hear that other teams in the East are stacking up and the Hawks are doing nothing, but I think we’ve already done things. Acie Law WILL come into his own (he has that dog in him)despite all the hating here on this blog and Bibby will be healthy, we still have Joe Johnson and please don’t forget Al Horford aka “the Beast” and J-Chill (hopefully). All we have to do is wait for them to grow into their own and the future can be bright. All the fans have to do is get behind them like they did in that Boston series and the sky is the limit for them IMO.
LET’S GO HAWKS!!!
By Rifmire
July 9, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this
Could luck finally smile on the Hawks? Last year’s draft lottery, producing NBA players Al Horford and A Law…? Now this. Can the ATL Spirit make the most of the opportunity? We’ll see…
By Roswell Ed
July 9, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
$82 mil for some dude that I wouldn’t recognize if he bumped his head on my door frame.
I don’t begrudge anyone for the money they make but who is paying for this and who is watching it?
I know of no one that pays ANY attention to the NBA now a days.
I read this article because I remember the fix the Hawks were in b/c of the Pistons.
Remember Kontract?
I can’t believe it was over what in todays NBA would be called boutonnière money.
ps
You can always tell it is the dry season when I’m commenting on a Bradley article.
You’re not a reporter as much as you are a commentator and a bad one at that.
My favorite articles that you write are the ones where you suck off someone else’s work and make it your own.
Like last week when you turned the article from a sports source about the 1-15 Falcons and you made it one of your columns.
Hey Mark I heard that USA Today was going with a story tomorrow about how Atl is the 29th worst sports city in America.
Looks like you’ll have your weekend free.
The term hack comes to mind.
When does football start?
I’ll tell you when- right after Bradley’s preseason column in which he picks UGA to win the SEC again and calls Richt the best coach in the world again.
Coach I’m not to sure about but I’ll give you this- he’s a GREAT WARDEN.
By Barney Strickalnd
July 9, 2008 9:02 PM | Link to this
You’re such a fool !! This proves you know zilch about basketballnomics… By the end of that 6 years contract Jon Kontract was a bargain !! Check the average price of center/power forwards in the league by the end of the Kontract !! It’s ironic that a man child wearing shorts gets paid for one year more than TWICE the entire Kontract !! Go figure….He wasn’t that bad. Get off his AZZ !!
By eddie in acworth
July 9, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Bradley…..
Hope you are right…we Atlantans have suffered long enough…time for us to turn the corner….
Roswell Ed…you, sir, are a complete moron…..no one pays any attention to the NBA?? Are you KIDDING me?? This is an NBA town…we just need a consistent winner….and last season’s home playoff games should have shown you that……and nice dig at UGA in an NBA article……that warden you refer to is going to lead us to the NC this year……EAT THAT……
By Stirg d'Nahsif
July 9, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Good job, Mr. Bradley; well said.
By Billy K
July 9, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Stan Kasten As Hawks GM = A Tradition Of Losing & Bad Decisions In Metro Atlanta
By Johnny Bravo
July 9, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this
Mr. Strickland, you have to be the only person in the history of Atlanta to defend Jon Koncak. Even his own mother wouldn’t defend him.
By gohawks
July 9, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Don’t forget Dan Patrick’s nickname for Koncack when he was doing sports for 96 Rock - The Vanilla Gorilla!!
By Andy
July 9, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand why this article even makes the paper? This isn’t anything Sekou Smith hasn’t written about over the past 24 hours. All Mark did was put some lame Koncak spin on it - that’s really digging deep! I guess it was time for Mark to make his quota. Other than Sekou, how every one of these writers for this poor excuse for a paper still puts articles to print is beyond me.
By Mark Bradley
July 9, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this
Jon Koncak was and is one of my favorite people, but I’m pretty sure even he wouldn’t claim he was a bargain. (In fact, I remember sitting with him at the old Three Dollar Cafe and him saying, incredulity in his voice, that his bi-monthly paycheck ran to six figures.)
And one thing more about Jon: I have never and would never rip him for signing the contract. You and I would have done the exact same thing, thanks very much. He just got incredibly lucky and played the system for all it was worth. Which was $13.1 million. Good for him. (Bad for the Hawks, but good for him.)
By Matt
July 9, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Nice article Mark, and right on.
Roswell Ed, ditto what Eddie said. If you think so poorly of ATL, then go the hell back to wherever you came from and leave the ATL sports blogs for ATL fans. Idiot.
By Matt
July 9, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this
Anyone who rips Koncak for taking the Hawks’ money is a hypocrite. ANY of us would have done the same thing. Nice $3 Cafe reference, Mark. I loved that place.
By darrell starks
July 9, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
rumor has it THAT THEY ARE BROKE its funny you have not heard anything from them because they are arguing everyday about MONEY GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!
By darrell starks
July 10, 2008 12:19 AM | Link to this
MARK BRADLEY I CAN WAIT UNTIL HAWKS OWNER AND BRAVES OWNER SELL THE TEAM UNTIL THEN BOTH ORGANAZATION WILL CONTINUE TO DECLINE ANY BUYERS?
By corey
July 10, 2008 12:48 AM | Link to this
jon konkak has to be the owrst player in nba history how did this bum get more than jordan??
By jon konkac
July 10, 2008 1:41 AM | Link to this
Forget about my paycheck, who’s paying Bradley? I’ve read more interesting stuff on the back of shampoo bottles. Why put this guy on the ‘net? Just print him for the five people who still BUY this flaming piece of S paper. Use the cyberspace for someone who can write something substantial or respond to his own comments with any relevance. Speaking of irrelevant, how long ‘till the annual “Braves are racist” article from Terence Mooron?
By Jerome Simmons
July 10, 2008 2:34 AM | Link to this
This is the kind of break the Atlanta Hawks need. Now all the Hawks need to do is Sign Josh Smith and Josh Childress and pickup a free agent center and a scorer and pay them a low level salary and this team should really be in position to go deep into the playoffs or possible the NBA Finals. Check this out Al Horford at power forward, Kwame Brown or whoever at Center, Josh Smith at small forward, Joe Johnson at shooting guard, and Mike Bibby at point guard. Oh, Josh Childress and Marvin Williasm off the bench. I’ll put this starting lineup against any NBA team in the league!!!
By Capt Caveman (the original Dawg)
July 10, 2008 2:36 AM | Link to this
I used to love it when John Sterling would say - “con-tact with Kon-cack!”
I would have signed that contract in a heartbeat.
Tree Rollins lived in an apartment complex called Camelot which was right behind my church on Old National Hwy. He used to come over to the parking lot and shoot hoops with us on Wed nights when he was home and he would talk about a lot of stuff. Koncak was one of our favorite subjects, especially since he was a nice guy as well. Tree said to keep practicing and one day one of us white boys could grow up to be another Koncak — LOL. Big Wallet and ALL !!!
By Valter
July 10, 2008 5:48 AM | Link to this
J-Smoove is not worth a 60 million contract.
He has many downsides to balance out his upsides.
He is knucklehead like Bonzi Wells, Ron Artest, JR Rider, …
He’s not a 3 nor a 4. He’s just a slasher who believes he is better than he really is and is not trying to improve by hitting the gym in the off-season instead of just looking for money travelling to Philly and LA.
By SB
July 10, 2008 6:18 AM | Link to this
So Valter……… I guess you didn’t read anything about how hard he worked last summer with HaKeem and Calvin. Honestly you are one of the few people I have ever herd question his work ethic. Attitude now that’s something else. If you don’t like him or his game that’s your right, but don’t misslead others. All free agents travel this time of year for the best deals. Didn’t Kobe do it, Joe, Shaq,the list goes on and on.
By jonp
July 10, 2008 6:51 AM | Link to this
josh smith will be a clipper…hawks suck
By Paddy
July 10, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
Roswell Ed… you are spot on. The NBA is not an attrative sport in most peoples minds. They have lost most of their core fan support for many reasons. The NBA team in Atl is a sad team in a league that has lost its luster.
By trehv
July 10, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
I HOPE WE KEEP BOTH JOSHES AND GET A DEFENSIVE CENTER. MOVE J SMOOVE TO THE 3 AND HORFORD TO THE 4 AND MARVIN WILLIAMS TO THE BENCH. BUT IN THE THE END NONE OF THIS MATTERS BECAUSE MIKE WOODSON IS STILL THE COACH OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS. ONLY WINNING 37 GAMES LAST YEAR WAS A JOKE. EVEN WITHOUT MIKE BIBBY THIS TEAM SHOULD HAVE WON 43 TO 45 GAMES. MIKE WOODSON STILL DOESN’T RUN A LEGITIMATE OFFENSE AND DOESN’T MAKE GOOD SUBSTITUTIONS. WHY DOESN’T AL HORFORD TOUCH THE BALL MORE IN THE POST? HE COULD A 20 AND 10 GUY RIGHT NOW. I’M CONCERNED THAT THE HAWKS WILL STRUGGLE TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS THIS YEAR BEACAUSE WE DIDN’T MAKE A COACHING CHANGE WHEN WE HAD THE CHANCE.
By Gregory M Smith
July 10, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
Barney Strickland, can’t even spell your name right! Jon Koncak a bargain? If ignorance is bliss you must be one happy mofo!
By RB
July 10, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
Keeping the Joshes is great. Now I’d like to see the relationship between Woodson and JS grow positively. I’d also like to see a lot more of Acie Law. Acie is a talent being wasted.
By Submariner683
July 10, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Capt Caveman. Great John Sterling reference. Brings back memories of high school and when the Hawks were relevant…:) I remember how he loved to just say the name “Koncack”, as well as 1 million different versions of Dominique. His favorite was always Dominique is monufique! He’s been a Yankees play by play guy for forever now.
I’ll agree with what a couple of others have said about the “Contract”. It was way over the top for a reserve player, but towards the end of the deal, it was actually at market value for a player of his caliber. Sad to say. If he were playing today, sadly he’d be making at least 6-7 million.
All things being said, Koncack could rebound.
In the history of NBA contracts his is memorable, but I think Cleveland’s Hot Rod Williams was even worse. He was the highest paid player in the league for a few years, and was probably the 43rd most talented.
Question for you sports’ fans out there. The Hawks still owe Phoenix another #1, right? From the Joe Johnson trade. I don’t know how this team will improve on last year. A real center would be nice, but those are extremely scarce out there.
As far as the Hawks’ coach, few coaches in professional sports history have put together as unimpressive resume and kept their jobs as long as he has. Especially in today’s win now and what have you done for me lately society. But even 20-30 years ago, when things were more laid back and franchises had 4-6 year plans, he probably would have been fired. Several coaches in the NBA with much better coaching records, including coaches of the year, have been fired yet be remains.
By j
July 10, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
“J-Smoove is not worth a 60 million contract.
He has many downsides to balance out his upsides.
He is knucklehead like Bonzi Wells, Ron Artest, JR Rider, ” What drugs are you on and where can I get some? Smoove has remained blissfully clear of any major infractions. Will he make a “boneheaded” play from tie to time? Sure. Don’t we all? I am now cautiously optimistic that we will be able to retain the services of one of the elite athletes in the league. And one with an absurd upside. Cheers, J
By Mark Bradley
July 10, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Jon Koncak was a eminently capable backup center and was one of the key reasons those Hawks had such a splendid second unit. (Levingston, Carr, Battle and Spud were the other four.) He was much more skilled and far more consistent that, say, Zaza Pachulia.
By D
July 10, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
josh smith is too inconsistent, that’s what hurt him the most. he’s great, then he’s nowhere to be seen. he has to fix that. but no real forward progress will ever happen to this team unless somebody realizes we need a REAL center, our centers are good but they aren’t the #1 guy we should have at that position. I had almost been able to completely forget about jon kontract, what a stupid move, ranks up there with the decisions the falcons made regarding mike vick and brett favre.
By seeker2020
July 10, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
thanks you sb, you are right. Valter is an idiot. He obviously knows nothing about the hawks. Josh is a hard worker-like you said, he worked out in houston last year with Hakeem and Calvin-he did not have to. He is not anything like rider or artest. Josh’s game has improved. yes, he needs to stop dribbling like a point and launching so many threes. Those issues arent skill issues-which have improved dramatically since his rookie season- they are decision making issues and they can be stopped if woodson would coach. Bench him if he has to.
By seeker2020
July 10, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this
thanks you sb, you are right. Valter is an idiot. He obviously knows nothing about the hawks. Josh is a hard worker-like you said, he worked out in houston last year with Hakeem and Calvin-he did not have to. He is not anything like rider or artest. Josh’s game has improved. yes, he needs to stop dribbling like a point and launching so many threes. Those issues arent skill issues-which have improved dramatically since his rookie season- they are decision making issues and they can be stopped if woodson would coach. Bench him if he has to.
By John
July 10, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
No, we do not owe the Suns another number 1. That went to them this year and they drafted Robin Lopez. I think I would rather have Joe than Diaw and Lopez. Also Valter,it is ok if you do not think Smith is worth 60 million (I think nearly every basketball fan would say he is), but he is not the thug you are saying he is. He has never had any legal troubles. the guy has gotten tired of losing, but he came into the NBA at a young age, to a terrible situation, and got frustrated. Wow, he is a thug because he argued with the coach. Give me a break. I am tired of reading about his questionable attitude. The guy plays as hard if not harder than anyone in the league. If he had such a bad attitude, he would not have put the work in to make the improvements he has. You don’t just get better magically.
By MsDee
July 10, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Josh shoots alot of three’s attempts in the past 2 years, yes..but what if he starts to make more than miss..Josh will then be a complete player, right?? Josh works very hard at improving his weaknesses. His rookie year, he was all dunks & blocks; nothing more, nothing less..2nd year in worked on free throws and ball hangling..3rd year was continue ball handling and assets/rebounds..4th year post moves and jump shot. Each year I say he has improved. I really hope we can keep this home grown ATL baller here on our team because guys like him don’t come around offen..oh, and did I mension he is only 22?? Dont hate on this guy taking long jumpers, he was just preparing himself to be ready for the up-coming season. Those shot fell at the right time against Toronto when we were down 17 in the 4th q and also at all 3 of our home games in the playoffs..DO YO THANG JOSH, THOSE HERE WILL BE ON YO BANDWAGON WHEN THEY FALL CONSISTANTLY
By Brian
July 10, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
I’d like to think that we could trade Marvin / Claxton for Okafor. But I doubt the Bobcats would entertain that offer. Another I would like to see is Childress / Pachulia for Biedrens, but I think that may be asking too much.
By J - Smills
July 10, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
These signings are a must. The faces of the franchise. Chills with the fro. Smoove with the athletic ability. These are the two guys the young kids in Atlanta recognize. They are both extremely young, athletic and talented. I’d like to see them out in the community more…the more exposure the better. These guys give Atlanta the potential to become a better b-ball town. (Already good - look at the ratings Roswell Ed). I’m psyched about the upcoming season, whether we have a legit 5, or not. Is it that hard to find a 7ft. 260 lb. bruiser to pick up 6 fouls a game? Can’t our scouts find a Neon Badoe?
By oifxh
July 10, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
sixers made the better deal. now they don’t have to put up with the smith family attitude. good luck woody!
By eric
July 10, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Bradley, how dare you mention Jon Koncak’s name with Josh Smith. Josh has already accomplished more in the few years he’s been here than Koncak did in his entire career. Think about this, Dennis Rodman and Ben Wallace got paid big bucks to block shots and rebound only. Josh is on of the best shot blockers and rebounders in the league, plus he gives you 18 ppg. He deserves every penny he gets.
By d smith
July 10, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Paddy or Roswell Ed, Please explain why YOU have lost your interest in the NBA. Maybe its the exciting dunks, down to the wire playoff games, free flowing offenses, or suffocating defenses. Better yet maybe it was the boring NBA finals, right? Cmon you 2, lets keep it real, you guys dont like it because the players now, you can’t relate to and choose to dislike without even knowing them. Basketball, like every other sport, is just evolving and is very enjoyable might I add. Just accept it for what it is and free your mind of ignorance. Maybe if the game was filled with guys of your race you wouldnt be so critical. Hey a certain race dominates tennis and golf and I don’t mind watching them, lol!!
By Mark Bradley
July 10, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe I compared Jon Koncak to Josh Smith as a player. Nor do I believe I would.
By LARRY BIRD
July 10, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley you are sorry nogood reporting racist ajc working PUNK!!!!!
By LARRY BIRD
July 10, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley you are a sorry nogood reporting racist ajc working PUNK!!!!!
By LARRY BIRD
July 10, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley you are a sorry nogood reporting racist ajc working PUNK!!!!!
By T.C
July 10, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
bradley if you were born in the early 1900’s,you would have hundreds of storys about how many blacks you hung.it makes no sense a person works for a major company(ajc)and they don’t care about your hatred racist pattern.hmmm,i wonder why? probably because the owner and directors were born in the early 1900’s.makes sense…..
By T.C
July 10, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
bradley if you were born in the early 1900’s,you would have hundreds of storys about how many blacks you hung.it makes no sense a person works for a major company(ajc)and they don’t care about your hatred racist pattern.hmmm,i wonder why? probably because the owner and directors were born in the early 1900’s.makes sense…..
By bigeasy830
July 11, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait till next season. Go Hawks. Until then “Sickem Dawgs, woof’
By darrell starks
July 11, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
THEY WILL NOT WIN more than 30GAMES next year. all the free agent is gone that could have help your team CHRIS DUHON GONE. JARVIS HAYES GONE. KWAME BROWN GONE, AND OTHER FREE AGENT IS GONE why you guys continue to argue over money every one is gone I NO YOU GUYS ARE BROKE BUT AT LEASE TRY you have not improve this team at all why every one get better. OUR SORRY ONWER SIT AND Wait PLEASE SELL THE TEAM TO A TED TURNER OR COKE COLA.SOME ONE PLEASE BUY THIS TEAM YOU BROUGHT BACK a coach that has a 25 percent in WIN AN LOSS YOU BRING IN A GM because he was cheap and now you are waiting for some one to sign both joshes this city is crazy for this team and the owners are blowing it GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!