Hawks

By toeknee

May 30, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Free Advice for Rick Sund: If you Keep Smith and Childress, then people will be glad you’re here.

Simple as that.

By Freshmaker

May 30, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

He seems to be a really likeable guy to me. It’s great that he took the time to sit down with you for a bit. Definitely a refreshing change from what we’ve had here in the past. This will be a very interesting summer for us. I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with this young, talented, and not-quite-complete team. Thanks for all your hard work Sekou! Appreciate all the updates.

By cp

May 30, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Hopefully he makes all the right moves. Im going to give him a chance. Sounds like he could end up being a good fit. His negotiating skills will have to be on point. I would love for him to get us into the late first or get us a second rounder to fill out our bench. The decision on the coaching staff is going to be the key. Sekou since you are down there in Orlando. What guys have you seen that you are impressed with ( i take it that you are watching some of these guys in the camp)

By Samuel

May 30, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

OK Cuz,

Since yall are tight like that, I’ll take your word for it.

Rick Sund

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Sekou,

You’ve given me some hope.

Maybe, just maybe, he’ll rise above his bosses.

peace

By Samuel

May 30, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

OK Cuz,

Since you and Rick Sund are tight like that, I’ll take your word for it.

By the way, how is my boy, Charles Rhodes from State doing. He’d be a nice enforcer type who can score. I know we don’t have a pick but maybe your boy,Rick, can cut a deal for say Salim. We need some Mississippi blood here.

How bout it, Rick Sund?

By Sekou K. Smith

May 30, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Steamboat,

You might actuallly like this cat. He’s a believer in basketball the way you like it played. Just look back at that Sonics team that won the Northwest Division a few years ago. That’s the type of team he built when allowed to do his thing.

Only time will tell if he’s the right dude for the job. But first impressions go a long way in thsi or any other arena.

And congrats on graduating another one, by the way. I barely made it out myself.

By Sekou K. Smith

May 30, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Steamboat,

You might actuallly like this cat. He’s a believer in basketball the way you like it played. Just look back at that Sonics team that won the Northwest Division a few years ago. That’s the type of team he built when allowed to do his thing.

Only time will tell if he’s the right dude for the job. But first impressions go a long way in this or any other arena.

And congrats on graduating another one, by the way. I barely made it out myself.

By I.MUS WRITE

May 30, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Sekou -you are constantly traveling,u lucky dawg. Did you and Sund visit any gentlemen clubs in the area -if so give me sum names i’ll be in orlando in 2 weeks.

Mr.Sunds job shouldnt be that difficult in the next few months

1. Let Woodson walk,bring in avery Johnson as our new HC and Alvin Gentry as his top assistant.

2.Resign the Josh Boiz,but dont break the bank………… sumthing to the tune of

JS- 5 yrs/62 million and match anything up to 68 million.

Chillz-5 yrs-37 million

3.Bring in a big man maybe Diop. Robert Horry-no way, I would prefer Kurt thomas since it seems SA will rearrange the entire bench to get yunger.

4.Get a shooter

By Ryder

May 30, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

Sekou I know it’s way too early to speculate, but have you had a chance to converse with any of the players to get their read on Rick Sund as GM?

I hope people won’t get hung up on the past few years in Seattle as a barometer of performance. They had a tough ownership situation just like the one here when Presti took over.

As for the Nate McMillan issue, he wanted out of Seattle when they wouldn’t commit to him long term.

I’m not defending him, but at least he seems to have a humility that BK lacked. Already that should be endearing enough to the fans who want someone with accountability.

By Astro Joe

May 30, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

Well, we all know the key to success in this town is to be likeable. Winning is secondary to being someone who the people of Atlanta like. So it sounds like this guy will be here for a long time, even if he drafts 3 incompetent centers and hires a Bob Weiss type coach. Oh joy.

By Maniac is accurate

May 30, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Please, for the love of Pete, get rid of Woodson and hire a competent coach. Talk Billy Cunningham out of retirement. He’s only 64.

By randy

May 30, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this

Anything is a step up after Billy Knightmare. If he can keep both of the Josh’s, he will be a magician!

By Sekou K. Smith

May 30, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I.MUS WRITE

No “gentlemen’s clubs” for me my friend. As Rocko said, “I don’t do dat.”

Listen, you will all get a chance to make up your own mind about this guy. He made a good first impression on me.

For the record, I don’t dislike Billy Knight. He certainly has a different style of operating, one that I wouldn’t necessarily prescribe for someone in his position. And I certainly disagreed with some of the moves he made.

But that’s my right, as it is yours. And liking or disliking a guy doesn’t color the way I try and cover someone. I try and treat them the same no matter what.

By doc

May 30, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

glad the sund man passed the initial sniff test, now he has to prove he is real and competent. this shall be answered quickly as this si the summer of distinction for the hawks where they put up or shut up. i am hoping that it will be the former and i am almost ready to bet on it.

By Realist

May 30, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

If they re-sign Smith and Childress, and keep Bibby, they will have no draft picks and virtually no ability to sign a meaningful FA. That means the team on the floor in 2008-09 will be the same as the team that ended the season. In other words, it will be good enough to compete for the #8 spot in the East. Hooray! If that makes everyone around here happy, then by all means, throw money at Smith and Childress to lock them up.

By RA

May 30, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

Billy Knight was a means to an end. It was his job to make some sense out of the mess that Babcock left behind, and he did that. It was his job to take the team that he inherited and bring in enough young talent to give it at least a fighting chance, he did that. Billy Knight was a transitional GM, just like Woodson will probably turn out to be a transitional coach. What remains to be seen is if Sund can finish the work that Billy knight started…

By Jay

May 30, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

What a shocker Sekou… You agree with a move the Hawks made? Does Michael Gearon write your columns, or just sign off on them at the end of the day?

I’m not saying you have to go New York Post-style and dig up dirt on Sund, but at least acknowledge that there are some blatant concerns about a guy like Sund, who has had a mediocre career in the NBA at best. Or you could just wait to get scooped on another story by a newspaper based 800 miles away. At least they will give an unbiased opinion on the matter.

All I’m saying is that as the lone newspaper beat reporter in the city for this team, you wield a lot of power and responsibility to give us a behind the scenes view of the guy and his basketball acumen. Telling us that he is a ‘nice guy’ doesn’t really help answer any questions.

Back to the new GM, I genuinely hope Sund can build on what the Hawks started last season. They young pieces are definately here for them to win.

By I.MUS WRITE

May 30, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Rocko……… you’re fuuny…. lol. I dont do much of that myself and we live in the strip club capitol of the world.

I figure I’ll be out of town on vacation so what the hell. My uncle told me he doesnt do water/theme parks and that it wuz on me to find us sum adult entertainment……. not to mention the 3 stacks he plans on blowing…… I guess you could call him PACMAN SR.

Thanx anyway though….. keep the news coming

By RA

May 30, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

Realist If the Boston Celtics can find enough money to put Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce on the same floor for the same team, Atlanta can find a way to keep what they have and add to it. The bottomline is that the team that we had at the end of last year wasn’t that bad, and if they’d had Bibby from the very start of the season, they would have done better still. You don’t need to bring in superstars to make this team really good, just one true big and maybe one or two dead eye shooters. Or, here’s a novel idea, keep what you have and disconnect Salim Staudemeyer’s backside from the bench.

Now, it’s true that Atlanta got crushed in game 7, but that was more due to inexperience than anything else. This team is ripening up nicely and I’d love to see what they do if they can be kept together.

By david

May 30, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I really like this new GM hire BUT if he keeps Woodson then just more of the same. More crappy basketball with spurts of being awesome. If selling tickets and/or developing talent on the court is the key you have to let Woodson go. You can’t be impressed with a 100 win 200 loss coach. That had a terrible record this year but still got in the playoffs only because the east is a joke after a couple teams. Getting in the playoffs in the east is not a measuring stick for success. It only shows what the right man could do. Ninety percent of the fans feel the same way I do. Let’s see if we are all smarter than another Hawks GM.

By Matt

May 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Jay,

Sekou has handed out more than his share of criticism of Hawks management. He doesn’t throw bombs, but he has certainly made well-reasoned criticisms of both Knight and Woodson. I’m sure he’ll do the same of Sund at some point.

And if you bothered to think before you hit post, you’d have noticed that the topic of the post was “First impressions.” Sekou did NOT just say he was a nice guy. Besides, he said Sund admitted his past mistakes - so he clearly asked the right questions and passed the answers onto his readers. Furthermore, Sekou said that he’s working on a story for Sunday. I’m sure he’ll mention the good with the bad there - like he always does.

Finally, if he throws needless bombs at Hawks management, he wouldn’t be able to get the damned good inside info that he does. If you’d bothered to come around here and read his posts more often, you’d notice that he gets real info well before the clowns at ESPN sniff it. In the past year, he beat everyone to the punch on the Bibby trade, the rejection of Grant, and the hiring of Sund. Most beat writers don’t get their readers nearly as much info as Sekou does, and NONE do it as quickly as he does.

Do you really want the new GM’s first impression of our beat writer to be one that leads him to think “Well, I’m never gonna talk to this jackass again”? I guess so. Even if Sekou had just lobbed softballs (which I’m sure he didn’t), even that would only be a sign that Sekou was being a good journalist and thinking ahead. You obviously don’t know the first thing about that.

Sekou has a loyal following around here for a reason. So at least bother to think it through before you criticize Sekou. He’s earned that much respect.

By Matt

May 30, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Jay,

Sekou has handed out more than his share of criticism of Hawks management. He doesn’t throw bombs, but he has certainly made well-reasoned criticisms of both Knight and Woodson. I’m sure he’ll do the same of Sund at some point.

And if you bothered to think before you hit post, you’d have noticed that the topic of the post was “First impressions.” Sekou did NOT just say he was a nice guy. Besides, he said Sund admitted his past mistakes - so he clearly asked the right questions and passed the answers onto his readers. Furthermore, Sekou said that he’s working on a story for Sunday. I’m sure he’ll mention the good with the bad there - like he always does.

Finally, if he throws needless bombs at Hawks management, he wouldn’t be able to get the damned good inside info that he does. If you’d bothered to come around here and read his posts more often, you’d notice that he gets real info well before the clowns at ESPN sniff it. In the past year, he beat everyone to the punch on the Bibby trade, the rejection of Grant, and the hiring of Sund. Most beat writers don’t get their readers nearly as much info as Sekou does, and NONE do it as quickly as he does.

Do you really want the new GM’s first impression of our beat writer to be one that leads him to think “Well, I’m never gonna talk to this jackass again”? I guess so. Even if Sekou had just lobbed softballs (which I’m sure he didn’t), even that would only be a sign that Sekou was being a good journalist and thinking ahead. You obviously don’t know the first thing about that.

Sekou has a loyal following around here for a reason. So at least bother to think it through before you criticize Sekou. He’s earned that much respect.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 30, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Being the eternal front-office doubter that I am, I’m still not convinced this is the right guy. But at least he seems to have respect around the league, and more importantly his biggest failure with the Sonics (drafting) isn’t gonna be a problem this year, since we don’t have a pick.

Sekou, of all the rappers out there, you quote Rocko? Does he even qualify as a rapper?

By Jay

May 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

I have no problem with a first impressions article on Sund looking good to Sekou.

However, it really does seem like this is all we get - schlocky, team-promoting articles for a franchise that has been nothing short of a disaster for over a decade (yes, I include this past season, because they should have been better at this point than they were).

Where was Sekou when Smith and Woodson fought in NY? Where was he when Zaza and Woodson had disagreements? Why weren’t there any follow-ups to the article written during the season about Knight trying to get Woodson fired? And why are there never any stories about the ownership situation, which is still in litigation (I understand that this isn’t a fresh story every day, but I haven’t heard anything about it in a while).

Instead, we get articles about Rick Sund having thick skin, and how the Hawks play hard in 20-point losses (don’t tell me you haven’t read a million of those by Sekou).

You would never see this kind of reporting in any other major sports city, and its a joke that we get it here. This has been too bad a team, and too disastrous an management situation to routinely get free passes by the print media.

By Rick Sund

May 30, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Thanks for the kind words! I look forward to working with you and want you to know that I’ll always maintain an open-door policy.

Go Hawks!

Rick

By Matt

May 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Fine, dude. You apparently want a beat writer who will just voice the frustrations of the fan base rather than one who actually is good at collecting and passing relevant information onto the team. You know, a journalist.

I love how you use the example of the attempted firings of Woodson against Sekou. Or did you not notice that NO ONE other than Sekou sniffed that story?

Tim Tucker does the litigation stories. And there hasn’t been a court date for over a year. What the hell did you expect? Someone to knock on judges’ and lawyers’ doors and ask for updates? Ever heard of something called confidentiality rules? Give me a break.

Done with you, fool.

By jhan

May 30, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Right on Matt.

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

Matt

Well said, beat me to it.

Jay

Since most of us here greatly appreciate Sekou and you obviously do not, why even spend your time with us?

Don’t waste your energy.

Or ours.

Just go and find a blog where the writing is up to your expectations.

By Casey

May 30, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

The most important decision Sund will make in his entire time here will be whether to fire Woodson or not. It doesn’t matter one bit what players we keep or trade or bring in. As long as that moron Woodson is here, we will not have a team, but a bunch of players running around playing schoolyard basketball with no noticeable improvement.

By Ramon

May 30, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Fans will LOVE him if he can negotiate some type of buy out by the end of the offseason for Speedy’s contract. The one think I like about Sund is that he understands that this team, with the roster just like this, has not reached its full potential yet. One shooter and one more big and this will be a great team.

By Astro Joe

May 30, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Jay, none of those articles that you mentioned were written by beat writers in NY (or other markets) because none of them ever used quotes. They were all “rumors” or from “insiders” with no documented source. Beat writers typically write about facts, stuff they witnessed or recorded first hand, not something they heard from a taxi driver whose cousin is a security guard at Philips Arena. We don’t have any writers who hide behind “according to sources”. You’ll need to continue to read tabloids to get that kind of blog-based journalism. Or go to espn.com and read all of those articles about all of the candidates that the Hawks considered without a single source for that information. And then consider that maybe, they didn’t know anything of substance, given that the guy hired was never discussed by the media at large.

By 1CrazyKid

May 30, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

Anybody else think Serena Williams is Joe Johnson in a wig? P.S. I think the new GM will do fine. Keep up the good work Sekou and Jay smashers! Great blog.

By 1CrazyKid

May 30, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Meant to say good work to Sekou and to those conveying a heart felt “Get out of here!” to that Jay persona. Sorry for the coinfusion.

By doc

May 30, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

jay, i welcome you whole heartedly to the blog. we even have a special bell that will ring as you continue to enlighten us all and we listen to your mis-aimed diatribes against the blog z.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 30, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this

I pretty clearly remember Sekou writing about Josh Smith and Woodson fighting. Sekou is about as critical as he can be of the team while being able to stay in the team’s good graces enough to get future interviews out of them. There was one blog he posted about a month ago that severely criticized Woodson’s coaching ability, but he never even mentioned his name once — I thought that was brilliant.

1CrazyKid, if you put Joe Johnson’s head on Marvin Williams’ body maybe…

By SQUAWKER

May 30, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

So, Sekou, if he was so accessible, open, etc. and you were allowed so much time with him, why don’t you share with us some answers to your many questions. Why such a short blog, Z?

By Ken Strickland

May 30, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

As much as it pains me to admit this, I don’t think Sund will fire Woodson. Gearon and his gang wouldn’t allow BK to fire Woodson on 3 seperate occasions when the team was losing and had no reasonable idea it would make the playoffs. It’s not likely they will allow Sund to fire him after what the team eventually accomplished.

However, I do expect Sund will keep Woodson on a short leash and not allow him to stifle the development of young talented players like Acie, Salim(if he stays), SJones, Richardson, etc. Developing young players, and an effective bench, is essential to the long term success of this team. So far, Woodson hasn’t shown any inclination, or ability, to do either.

Otherwise, resigning Chills and Smoove will be about the only player personell issues he’l have to deal with, other than replacing Salim and filling out the roster. If Woody stays, Salim goes.

By mykhalc

May 30, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

well to me if the BASG had plans for BK bein’ gone then it makes sense for them not to let him fire WOODSON. why change coaches when you know you are gonna change GMs and your new GM will probably wanna bring in his own staff!!! why hire to fire if a new GM was in the plan all along??!!??

again, the BASG will have to offer WOODSON somethin’ longer than 1yr for the staff to stay intact or attract better. so again, longterm for WOODSON or bye bye…IMHO.

hey who woulda thought it??? WOODSON’s expirin’ contract is actually better than BIBBY’s!!!LOL

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Ken

You may be right, but it seems I DO remember Gearon saying that part of the criteria to judge this staff was player development.

I took that as him giving the owners (and now Sund) a way out from this staff. Hope I’m right, though some of the assisstants are probably worth keeping.

I’d love for that (player development) to be priority #1 for this or any staff.

And it’s possible that if Sund decides that the young players have been held back, that he’d retain Woody with an ultimatum to play the young’uns, like Philly did this past year. That’s actually the ONLY way I’d be OK with Woody returning.

And even then he’d likely cost us a few wins.

By david

May 30, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

If the Hawks keep Woodson, that in a nutshell is why we are not/never successful. Period. Seriously what other pro team would keep a coach with his record? Nobody can name another team/owner and back it up that would keep this man on the bench mentoring, coaching and developing the talent at hand. NOBODY. Anybody that says because of making the playoffs either doesn’t know or doesn’t care about the next level off success.

By mykhalc

May 30, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

SQUAWKER, i would imagine that the Q&A with SUND will be in Sekou’s Sunday column.

By Ramon

May 30, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

I still think Mark Jackson would be a good addition for right around what Woody is making. Even when you watch a game that he’s commentating, listen to the points that he makes. I think he will get the most out of Law and Salim (if resigned) as anyone else.

If Bibby was ever traded, I would love to see a Bibby and Marvin for Rudy Gay (still dreaming Doc) lol.

Sekou, you know I HAVE to ask, have you asked Sund anything related to bringing your ‘man crush’ Ridnour to add to the bench.

By Samuel

May 30, 2008 7:15 PM | Link to this

Yall leave Jay alone,

We are living in that time.People don’t care about the truth, respectability and good journalism. They want dirt and dramma.

To be honest, I would have liked a sexier pick than Rick Sund but it is what it is.

I believe that Woody diserves a chance to continue what was started in the playoffs. I believed they (The playoffs) actually may have opened his eyes and he may change his ways. Look for the Woody to Run, Run, Run this upcomming season and use his bench. Mark my word.

Do it Rick Sund.

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this

ding!

By Casey

May 30, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this

Listen up! There is a big difference between the words “resign” and “re-sign”. Open a book once in a while!

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

Casey

Does your open book make you capitalize the word steroids in the middle of a sentence?

Check your 6:23 post.

We all get in a hurry. I just noticed that I put an extra s in assistant in an earlier post of my own.

If you read the blog much, you’ll know that Ramon is certainly intelligent.

Lighten up!

peace

By Van

May 30, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

mykhalc, BK resigned which shocked Michael Gearon Jr. Also, BK was gonna let assistant Larry Drew finish the year as interim coach.

By MannyT

May 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this

Samuel I think you have mistaken Woody for run, run, run—as fast as you can. You can’t catch me, I’m the Gingerbread Man!

Woody is in fact a Hawks basketball immortal. He is a hoops Highlander! He gets 2-3 yr extension. While I don’t agree, I get the need to sign him long enough to keep the assistants. I finally understand that WAF is an immortal battle stance that keeps him around indefinitely.

This whole thing has been a trickle down, domino effect of PAIN.

Sund is as sexy as the GM gets, Woody is as sexy as the coach gets, and the current assistants may be as sexy as they get until the court clears up who owns/runs this team.

For parallel of why it is so-think about this question. What happened to the assistant coaches that came to Atlanta with Bobby Petrino? Would they do it again knowing that Petrino wouldn’t last one season?

I am happy to hear that Sund is more personable than Knight, which kind of contradicts that article from the Seattle newspaper with Sekou and their beat writer. It’s probably good for the team even though it slightly decreases my season ticket holder value.

Now if he can improve the roster, just a little by the start of the season, I’m good.

Sekou, please let the bloggers know when you do your National Enquirer stint so we can get more inside dirt on the folks you cover. Start taking a paparazzi with you so you can catch people picking their noses and all sorts of evil things that have nothing to do with basketball.

We need more of that D-Wade & Star Jones stuff on the sports page. Forget that Kobe’s going to the finals…did he look at that Laker cheerleader too long? Now he sleeps on the couch. More from Peeper TV and the bottom feeders of society next on…somewhere else please!

AAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHH!

By Casey

May 30, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

If you want to get technical, it is not incorrect to capitalize a word in the middle of a sentence for emphasis.

If you don’t know what you are talking about, don’t try to correct someone.

By MannyT

May 30, 2008 8:33 PM | Link to this

Eye, for won am glad that the Blog Crimes Unit is not a poor shun of the Grammer Poe lease ;-)

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this

Casey

Actually if you want emphasis in the middle of a sentence you should capitalize the ENTIRE word, not just the first letter.

And you STILL need to lighten up. This is not richbrave’s thesis - it’s a frigging blog!

peace

By Jacob the Church Mouse

May 30, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

Add Casey to list. Can I get a DING! from the congregation?

By Casey

May 30, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this

For all of you talking about a “sexy GM”, who would you hire instead? I, for one, don’t know of any “sexy” GM’s in any sport.

We don’t need “sexy”. We need experience, knowledge, competence, and respect.

Most of all, we need someone to SHOW WOODSON THE DOOR NOW!!!

By mykhalc

May 30, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Van, i don’t pretend to know the inner workings of the BASG but as i understand it, BK resigned because he was gonna be offered a 1yr extension. and at that point also, the line had been drawn in the sand between ALL parties!!!

so was the 1yr extension an offer that the BASG KNEW BK would refuse??? and if that was the case then, to me, that says a new GM was in the plan. they HAD to know somebody had to leave between BK and WOODSON unless they desire TOTAL DYSFUNCTION between ALL parties of mgmt!!!!

a 1yr extension at the end of a contract is a nice way of sayin’, PLEASE SAY NO THANKS BUT LEAVE FEELIN’ GOOD YA GOT AN OFFER’!!!

so how shocked was GEARON really when they knew what was offered would bring about the exact result it did???

kinda like i’m sayin’ about why WOODSON will not be offered a 1yr. in this case a 1yr offer would affect too many cats on the coachin’ staff. the only assts that will stay with that kinda offer are the ones that can’t get hired on elsewhere. so why offer this if WOODSON will end up havin’ a weaker staff than last year??? this will do NOTHIN’ to improve the team and take advantage of the momentum of the playoff appearance!!!!

so again i say, WOODSON will get a longterm extension or nill, nada, NOTHIN’!!! and they’d be as stupid as they’ve shown themselves to be in the past if SUND/BASG offer WOODSON anythin’ long term. just as WOODSON would be crazy to try to put a staff together on a 1yr extension. he has to know he’s only signin’ a delay for his exit. and if he doesn’t know it SURELY his outgoin’ staff does!!!!

By Casey

May 30, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

You are still wrong. If you don’t believe me, look it up.

By mykhalc

May 30, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

one other thing on WOODSON…if the BASG/SUND know he is not longterm answer then why offer him anythin’ longterm that they will end up bein’ liable for after they fire him??? which leads me right back to WOODSON NOT gettin’ an extension!!!

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this

Casey

Whether I’m wrong or not, let’s not burden the rest of the blog with a near meaningless argument. You can email me off-blog at estarleft@yahoo.com if you actually need to continue. And I promise I’ll look it up when you send me your source.

I mainly wanted to poke a stick at you for being “technical” with Ramon. He deserved better.

You can’t make a silk purse from a blog’s ear.

peace, and I apologize to the blog for all this nonsense.

By Casey

May 30, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Sautee,

I never mentioned Ramon’s name. I was speaking to everyone on this blog.

By Crickets

May 30, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! Chirp! (We could go on all night!)

By MannyT

May 30, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Sexy GM would be one that has a strong reputation for success over several years. That rep likely extends to their top assistants as well. Basketball examples are Joe Dumars, Jerry West (long term), and Popovich/Buford in San Antonio.

Baseball would highlight GM names like Billy Beane in Oakland and Theo Epstein in Boston. Might extend to Reagins with the Angels. Beane has triggered an entire generation of stats based GMs in baseball.

Football sexy GMs would start with the Patriots and Scott Pioli. That could easily extend to Bill Polian in Indianapolis and AJ Smith in San Diego. I’d make a case for Ozzie Newsome in Baltimore.

For folks with a true knowledge of the inner working of the league, there are always rising stars like Sekou mentioned in his potential candidate article.

Sexy GMs are the core of good CRAP!

By HB Ando

May 30, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this

Kid, I don’t know what you saw at the French Open, but I thought Serena looked like Kimbo Slice without a beard…

Ken, I don’t see much point in predicting what Sund may do about Woody. I’m more curious about the implications, from the standpoint of what one can infer about Sund’s autonomy, of what, and when, such a decision is made.

So much time has been spent, here, arguing about whether it was Billy or ownership who bears the brunt of responsibility for less than optimal player personnel decisions (and I don’t think there’s any lack of adequate blame to be shared; but you can’t fire owners, so Billy’s sayanora is about as much as I could hope for), that there’s an inevitable curiousity to see what someone other than Billy can do in the GM’s capacity.

Solid moves, without a significant team payroll increase, point to a much needed upgrade over Billy. A relative lack of action will support those who believe Billy was handcuffed by the ASG, and would minimize the opinions of those who felt he bore the brunt of well-deserved criticisms, in his failings, from a player personnel standpoint.

One issue I remain persistent of opinion on: this roster will not be kept intact. There is simply no way the ASG will absorb a $12-15 million increase in team payroll.

My bet remains on Bibby, first, and either Childress, in a sign-and-trade, or Marvin, straight up, for a lottery pick. And quite possibly both.

And this isn’t Boston, where the addition of two hall-of-famers would, predictably, lead to a season of sold-out games. Celtics fans expect to return to the promised land. There is no such commitment from Atlanta residents. And no history to justify any such support.

The ASG WILL NOT assume a “spend and they will come” approach.

My highest hopes are a one step back, two (eventual) steps forward plan. And optimist should thank their rose-colored wearing glasses that we are in the East.

By Sautee

May 30, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Then everyone on this blog deserves better.

By MannyT

May 30, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this

Ando first of all, congrats on the little lady!

Next, can’t we shoot a little higher than one step back for 2008-09?

If I accept almost all of your thoughts on roster and salary, Bibby, Chills & Marvin are gone for a variety of players and picks. On the high side, if those players and picks are good, but not great isn’t is probable (in the East) that we can hold the 8th seed?

I know this is extremely conceptual without having players to plug into the roster.

If Solid moves, without a significant team payroll increase, point to a much needed upgrade over Billy, then why is the high side a step backwards in the short term? If the new players’ skills include 3 pt threat, hustle player, and decent, not great PG, we might maintain the 8th slot. Granted I am not factoring in improvement among the remaining players.

All this to say, We’ve got to have some kind of hope. Isn’t it enough that I have to suck it up for an extended Woody?

Next you’re going to tell me there is no Santa Claus, that girl in the music video really doesn’t love me, and I should use my tax stimulus check to pay down debt instead of spending it to help the economy.

Too much PAIN.

By Ramon

May 30, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

“It doesn’t matter one bit what players we keep or trade or bring in.”

Casey let me know which ‘book’ you’ve read that didn’t have at least one typo. And out of an average of ten articles, how many do you think would not have one mistake in it?

Before trying to jump on a chance to correct someone, try opening a book and seeing that mistakes and typos are very common.

By HB Ando

May 30, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

Manny, for the second time in several days, I’ve hit some unknown key, on the new lap top, that cleared everything I’d written, before hitting “post”. And though I just, finally, found the “undo” button, with a right click, it did not “undo”. As I am seriously frustrated, I’m 50-50 on whether I’m going to reconstruct my response.

But thanks for the congrats on my little girl.

Let me catch my breath and coin flip a re-post, or a sit-and-go at PokerStars.

By Ken Strickland

May 30, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

SAUTEE-Woodson is a clone of his mentor, Bobby Knight, but without the uncivilized attitude and behavior. Anytime you put a control freak on a short leash, or put him outside his comfort zone, you will have problems. Remember what happened when Indiana U. officials put BKnight on behavior restrictions and took away some of his authority and free reign? He ended up exploding and was fired shortly thereafter.

Restraining or restricting Woodson would make him even more ineffective than usual. This is a HC that spent most of the season resisting an uptempo style of play that the results and talent obviously favored. Could that be the reason ALaw and SStaudamire, our two quickest and fastest players, received so much inconsistent coaching, mins, uneven and underhanded treatment? Woodson tried to reel them in, beat them down, and slow them down, even if it adversely affected their confidence and overall performance.

Anyone, especially the HC, who’s efforts restrict the team and holds it back doesn’t deserve another contract.

By MannyT

May 30, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this

I vote for PokerStars. You can post tomorrow. Time to get you ready for that WSOP. It would be cool to look at TV and say…I know that guy!

By femhawkfan

May 30, 2008 11:51 PM | Link to this

I think that there is about to be a big turn around in the relationship between owners and management. ASG is going to give a lot more control to Sund because he has the knowledge and experience. With that being said, I think the decision on Woodson will be 85% up to Sund. I feel there is a slight chance that Sund will give Woodson the boot.

By mykhalc

May 31, 2008 12:16 AM | Link to this

well i’ve stated my position on WOODSON bein’ outta here. so now i will do as my bro ANDO does………..i’ll keep repeatin’ my position as if ANDO was talkin’ about past drafts or CP3 or DERON or…..LOL

congrats again ALPHA A if you didn’t see my earlier one(s)!!!!!

By Ramon

May 31, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this

Congrats Ando!!

Myk, who in the draft do you think would be worth Marvin (besides the top 3)?

Also, I’m curious, who would everyone rather have, Bibby or Baron Davis?

By mykhalc

May 31, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this

Ramon, man i don’t know. i’m really not up on the college players quite enough to qualify a ‘real’ opinion. but what i do know is i would take a top 15 pick for MARVIN while signin’ PIETRUS (as i stated in an earlier blog). that would be my approach.

and as much as i luv BDAVIS’ game, and i got to see all the games out here in SF, i would still take BIBBY. BD has just been runnin’ wild toooooo long out here!!! but the cat is unstoppable at point…unstoppable!!!! GSW committment to defense is null and void bro. so with that, i have to cast my vote for BIBBY!!!

By DarkRyder

May 31, 2008 1:28 AM | Link to this

Congrats Ando!

Casey, stop blogging like a b!tch. We are just talking b-ball so don’t expect everyone to be Rhodes scholars on here, k?

mykhalc I’m taking Davis at this point. I don’t see Bibby having the same explosiveness off the dribble the way he used to.

Actually, i’d probably take Arenas over both of them. Considering the Wizards are looking for a true PG to run their Princeton offense, it might be worth a look for the Hawks.

Sund won’t give Woodson the boot IMO. He’ll give him one more year and then if there’s a slow start it’s goodbye Woody!

Yes I realize I just made this post while completely wasted so if there’s any dumb stuff that was said mi falta!

By Harry Hawk

May 31, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

Ando,

I’m sure you are looking forward to your newborn daughter’s debut for the Atlanta Dream. Congratulations, dude.

By Matt

May 31, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry, Myk, but Pietrus?? Really??? Dude is 5 years older and 3 inches shorter than Marvin and has no natural position. He’s a good spot-up shooter and a solid defender, but no one in his right mind thinks he’ll ever be more than a good 6th Man.

Marvin might not be the answer, but if we get rid of him at least get me someone better than Pietrus.

By mykhalc

May 31, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

Matt, i’m gettin’ a top 15 pick and signin’ PIETRUS bro!!! and i can only say i’ve watched PIETRUS for 2yrs solid now and the cat can flat out ball man. so i might not be in my right mind but the cat is a better player and more athletic than MARVIN. i’ll give up the 3 inches and take everthin’ else he brings!!! and 26 yrs old ain’t old bro. but it ain’t about age man. he’s just a better, more gifted athlete than MW!!! so i hope you’re bringin’ more than stats my friend. ‘cause i’ve seen both play in 90% of each of their games over the last 2 yrs. and there is NO DOUBT whose better!!!

By mykhalc

May 31, 2008 2:00 AM | Link to this

DarkRyder, well BD is still a great choice, no doubt!!! i luv his game!! i’ll give BIBBY an injury pass (heel) after joinin’ the HAWKS!! i really don’t think he was ever healthy after injurin’ the heel.

and again, livin’ in CALI allowed me to see BIBBY before he came to us. and the cat was doin’ the same cold-blooded things in SAC that he was doin’ in his early SAC days. so i really want to see how he shows to start the season. personally, i’m expectin’ to see prime BIBBY!!!

By Matt

May 31, 2008 2:29 AM | Link to this

Myk,

I’m sorry, but there’s LOTS of doubt about who is better. I’ll keep this short because I don’t want to get into it, but the differences between Nellie and Woodson’s offensive system are monumental. Pietrus is a guy who got lots of open 3s and transition opportunities in Nellie’s system with Baron Davis drawing double teams. Marvin is stuck under a coach who doesn’t assign him anything to do except stand on the wing and wait for someone to throw him a bailout pass. I think that if they switched places, your views on their athleticism and skills would likely be reversed.

In my mind, there’s no doubt that Marvin is the better player, and I think you’d be hard-pressed to find many (make that any) GMs in the league who would prefer Pietrus to Marvin. I think we should trade Marvin if we get a better piece in exchange for him - if we got a good, solid 5 that would allow Al to slide down to PF, I’d be all for it. I just am baffled as to why you picked Pietrus as the guy we should replace Marvin with.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 31, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this

Yeah… I’m no Marvin fan, but he’s better than Pietrus. Pietrus may be a better defender, possibly, but he doesn’t have a whole lot else on Marvin.

By mykhalc

May 31, 2008 5:31 AM | Link to this

well fellas we’ll leave it at that. like i said, seen BOTH of them play A LOT!!! and i picked him because he’s available to sign and better!!!

By Samuel

May 31, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Congrats Ando,

Is she a 3 or a 4? There’s nothing like a hug and a kiss from a daughter. I have two of them and it don’t get no better.

By destin

May 31, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

If we lose JSmith, Chills, or even Marvin - the core of our rebuilding program will be disrupted. With no draft picks, and the need to spend big money on the Josh’s, it probably will be difficult to ‘complete the package’ this year. But, I would rather do the best we can until next year - than break-up the team & start over again. If Smith & Chills are signed to 5 year deals, this in and of itself would add long term stability. If Acie reaches his full potential after an entire season sharing time with Bibby, we could finally be set at the point for years to come. We know we need a quality center, but if we can’t figure a way to accomplish that this year, we should be patient and solidify what we got. Then, next year, Bibby’s 14.5 mil. can be dropped from the payroll, we will have draft picks, hopefully the ownership mess will be over, we can decide on Marvin, and we should be in a position to add the final piece. Remember, our young players should get better each year, and a roster that has Horford, JSmith, Marvin, Johnson, Law, and Chills could develope into a championship team — if we could get a quality center.

By used cars

May 31, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I think Sund needs to offer Woodson a one-year extension. If he accepts fine, if he bucks for more years, then move on. If Woody stays, he has to understand that there are more than 7 players on the team and use more of the young guys that have some use, like West and Solomon. Sund has to choose two between the Joshes and Marvin. Take the other one and try to work a deal for guard like TJ Ford or Monta Ellis. Go and get David Andersen and work him in the frontcourt rotation. Bibby should not be extended no matter what. I would say keep him so we would have the expiring contract next year, or trade him for something of value at the trade deadline. All said, I finally feel like the Hawks are moving in a forward direction. I would be as excited as the last 70s, 80s and 90s if Woody was replaced with a coach with a history and we picked up Ford and got Andersen. Even moreso if we could swap Williams or Childress and some chips for Monta Ellis.

By Sautee

May 31, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Ken S

I agree that Woodson would likely be less effective with an ultimatum to play the young’uns (Casey, that’s called a colloquialism and it’s quite proper).

I was only arguing that it worked for Philly (the ultimatum) this year.

And that if we had to hold our noses and keep Woody, that’s the ONLY way I’d be OK with it. Let him explode - the sooner, the better, if we must keep him.

You are spot on with your analysis of his lack of development of players. Good post.

By ATL Hawks #1 Lady Fan

May 31, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE FALCONS FIRED JIM MORA AND HIRED PETRINO? Exactly! I am skeptical about hiring a new coach because the new coach may be worse than Woodson. I mean come on everybody knows the Falcons made a mistake. I don’t want the Hawks to do the same. But on the other hand, hiring a new coach could be the best thing to happen to the Hawks. So on the issue of whether Woodson should go or stay, is a tough decision. I applaud Sund for coming into this situation. Billy Knight knew this that’s why he resigned. Anyway, the only thing I’m certain of is that the Hawks should keep the players that they have and the bench needs to get more playing time. Looking forward to next season, Lets go Hawks!

By Horford Rox

May 31, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

Breaking The Silence (Horford Rox Edition):

Hello again, sports fans. When last we spoke, the Hawx’ GM search had me spinning circles around myself. After a while, my incoherent ramblings became so confusing, they even perplexed the Ole Blog Z (Ha!)

So, what’s a man to do? I decided it was time to put the keyboard down and take some time away. Some of you (actually none, but that’s OK) were left to wonder….”Where is Horford Rox, in Mexico, jail, or held captive by CAK?” The answer is No. Not that. Not that either.

I can not tell a lie…today (I’ve maxed out my quota). During my absence from the blog, I did not read one Phil Jackson Zen book, study scientology with Tom Cruise, or seek any form of enlightenment!! I simply pondered retirement, until I learned about the new GM. Hopefully, he will soon be referred to as Mr. $und! We must keep $mith and Chill$! But…is ASG willing to make it rain???

Go Hawx!

ding! (Sorry for the long post)

By Ramon

May 31, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this

ATL remember what happened when the Bulls fired Collins and hired Jackson? And the difference with Woody and Mora is Mora’s staff LOVED him. In most of the games this season Woody didn’t get to draw the play up during a timeout because he was having an eye to eye combat session with the rest of the assistants.

I will say the simple act of shaving his head brought the players and Woody closer together at the end of the season. If Woody allows them to play like the playoffs, and gets tutoring on drawing up plays, then he will be much improved.

Does everyone notice that in the Conference Finals, just about all of the teams came out of their timeouts with some type of productive offensive play? I think that is the biggest adjustment Woody needs to learn how to make.

Does anyone know if Lindsey Hunter is a free agent this year? He would be a great 3rd option at point for the Hawks, in a similar role to what he had with Billups and Stuckey.

By falcon21

May 31, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

HOW CAN YOU GET ANY WORSE THAN WOODSON? HAWKS NEED A COACH THAT CAN THINK UNDER PRESURE. WOODSON PROVEN HE CANNOT DO THAT. KEEP WOODSON AND LOSE FANS AND GAMES.

By Mike is back

May 31, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

What’s up Sekou and gang, I haven’t posted in a while cuz of medical issues, just wanted weigh on this cat Sund.

The cheap Asss Spirit are probably lucky to get a cat like Sund, especially given they fact that they made it known that Woodson would be the head coach of the team. None of the elite GM’s are going to accept a job under those conditions. Will he be the guy that takes this franchise to the next level, like Blog Z said, only time will tell. But he is definitely an improvement over Grant and some of the other candidates that were mention.

As far as Woodson is concerned, it’s time for change. First of all the Hawks should have been a six, or seventh seed going into the playoff this season. Second of all every big game going down the stretch when the Hawks could have control their own destiny they lost, they had to depend on other teams losing just to get into the playoffs. Let us not forget games against Nets and Pacers where the Hawks were blown out heading into the final stretch of the seasons trying to solidify their selves as a legitimate playoff team. Last but certainly not lease is Woodson stifling affect on the young players on the team. He was diametrically opposed to developing the young guys on the bench. When you see how a guy like Rodney Stuckey blossom in Detroit, you can’t help but wonder what type of player Acie Law, Salim and Solomon would have been had they more freedom to play their game.

I will never forget Woodson first comments of the playoffs. He said we need the bench to step and play big for us during playoff. The only problems is everyone on this blog including Steve Smith and Nique was begging Woody to get the guys on the bench some playing time so they could make a contribution to the team. So if the Spirit want to look at the last seven games against Boston to base their decision, that just confirms what we all know, they don’t have a clue about running a NBA franchise, so I welcome someone with Sund experience to take over the decision making for this helpless group of cheap asss owners.

It’s a no brainier on resigning both of Joshes. However, it’s time package Marvin in trade to get drafts picks or a Big. Marvin has great potential, he and Zaza should bring us something of value.

Go Sekou, Go Guys, and Go Hawks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By femhawkfan

May 31, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

Hey, ATL Hawks #1 Lady Fan, I couldn’t agree with what you said more. I believe it is essential that those young men stay together. It seems that they have really formed a bond and actually get along with each other. They work really well together and no one is trying to overshadow anyone.
I feel the Hawks roster has what is needed to be successful. These are fairly young players who just need a little more development and that is going to take good coaching. Think about this: there is no point in bringing in TJ Ford, Monta Ellis, Baron Davis, or a Gilbert Arenas if there is not the right staff to coach them.
However, I am not taking a stab at at Woodson. There is no crystal ball that says what will happen if a new coach is hired. As much as everyone wants to scream “fire woodson” (including me), there is a risk involved in bringing in a new coach. Likewise, there is a risk involved in keeping Woodson. The coaching situation is like a catch 22. But I don’t think there should be any question about the roster because they have all the right pieces. One final note, lets take a look at the New Orleans Hornets. Last season, they finished 39-43. This season, they finished 56-26. They kept the same coach and almost the same group of core players. Maybe the Hawks can do the same thing.

By ILL-Logical

May 31, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

A suggestion for Mr. Sund:

Sit down with Josh Smith,Woody and JJ ,all together and iron out their roles and responsibilities for the coming season. There are some communication and personality issues that ,if resolved succesfully, could open the door to even greater success in the future.

PS. For evertone that thinks that Al becoming the starting 4( and that includes me) will both improve the team’s prospects as well as his, maybe ;maybe not.

Certainly both he and the team were very lucky to avoid serious injury,especially considering the size disadvantage that he operated from most nights.However, playing out on the wing and defending against quicker players has risks as well. IJS

By Jacob the Church Mouse

May 31, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

ding!

By richbrave

May 31, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

BA, BA, BA:

Love that line from “North Dallas Forty.” ‘Zup dude.?? Been a postin’ fool on the two BRAVES blogs. See you in there on occasion. Keep up the good work.

By Najeh Davenpoop

May 31, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

“REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE FALCONS FIRED JIM MORA AND HIRED PETRINO?”

Just because the Falcons hired someone even worse doesn’t make the firing a bad decision. It only means whoever was in charge of hiring was completely incompetent. Same situation with the Hawks. Yeah, it’s harder to find a good replacement than to fire the guy you have already, but when it’s blatantly obvious that the firing needs to take place you need to get it over with so you can go on interviewing new candidates for the position.

By Clyde

May 31, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Mike is back you brought up a good point when you said ” will never forget Woodson first comments of the playoffs. He said we need the bench to step and play big for us during playoff. The only problems is everyone on this blog including Steve Smith and Nique was begging Woody to get the guys on the bench some playing time so they could make a contribution to the team.”

One game in particular when I thought Woody was out of line was that last game in Miami. With six munutes left in the game he puts his starters in instead of letting his bench players get some time. That game meant nothing and the starters should have sat the whole second half.

Little things like that should be considered when making a decision on Woody. I think we need a coach that can develop young talent instead of a one that can only coach veterans.

By Mark B

May 31, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Apparently, David Anderson is coming over according to some source in Israel. He is like the second best center in all of Europe at this point. IF THAT HAPPENS, Josh smith has GOT to work on his dribble penetration as a small forward. Horford will play the other forward spot. Smith can be very effective as a post up 3-4 mismatch but he needs to improve his perimeter game. I trust Acie law will have a better season that will cement him as the future. As for shooters, a big man that stretches the floor and a perimiter guy like a daniel gibson or antione wright would do fine. Get williams out of here and sell him on the basis of potential. we need a clear second option to JJ….

By N8 is Gr8

May 31, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this

With great agony, I summons the strength to say go Lakers. I H8 KG and the “Big 3.” Would have loved another game 7. Wearing down of the C’s, if possible, could benefit the lesser of the two evils. For now, go LA, but after this series, y’all can go somewhere less pretty. Wish they could both loose the NBA finals!

Sign MW to an extension and trade #5.

By N8 is Gr8

May 31, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

All MW needs is confidence. Aside from JJ, he is the best shooter on the Hawks roster. Trade him and live to regret it!

By Horford Rox

May 31, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

Give me strength, Lord. Give me strength!!!!!!!!

By Mike is back

May 31, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Yea Clyde I agree, there were several opportunities for Woodson to get the guys on the bench some PT and he would just grind the starter in the ground. During the playoff the analysis would constantly point Woody lack of offensive scheme and poor substitution of players. They were also dumb founded how you couldn’t find playing time for a guy like Salim, when the other team is running two and three players at JJ and the Hawks are struggling to make outside shoots. But what do we know, obviously the Spirit know a lot more about basketball than everyone else,”Right!!!!”

GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By femhawkfan

May 31, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, I just finished reading your new article about Sund. I am usually satisfied after reading your articles. However, this article left me wanting more. From that article, I didn’t find out anything that I hadn’t already known about Sund. The headline said something like Sund wants to change the Hawks culture. It would have been really helpful if there were some quotes from him about how he planned on changing the culture of the Hawks. Well, we have all summer so I am pretty sure that your articles on Sund will improve and the readers will really get a feel of Sund.

By ray

May 31, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Casey,

Deja Vu. That is, if you’re the same Casey that came here a good while back. If you are indeed the same guy, then I suppose that you have finally recovered from the beating you took last time you started crap with the regulars here. I assume (how crass of me…but I don’t care) that you are the same person, but it matters not. A few bits of advice that you probably won’t take:

1)Never step into a blog and tell the entire board to “Listen Up”. You’ll get attention alright, but it won’t be the kind you like.

2)Don’t mess with Sautee.

3)Refer to advice point #1, and definitely please don’t try this in an actual crowd (like a bar or any other “public” place). Stretchers don’t look comfortable. Chalk lines mean that you didn’t make it to the stretcher…

4)If you’re going to harp on, and continue to argue the mechanics of proper grammar, don’t EVER make a mistake. Especially not here, because it will be found and you will get taxed for it.

5)Don’t mess with Sautee. Yes, I repeated myself. I have a reason for doing so.

Welcome to the blog of “we hope it’s not eternal Hawks Fan hell.” Or perhaps, welcome back. Am I the blog police? No. I just tend to repeat what Doc says, because a lot of times people miss it. Doc is about peace. Can’t say the same for myself. See ya ‘round.

By femhawkfan

June 1, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

The countdown begins, Hawk fans!!!

In exactly one month, free agency begins. If you haven’t already started, begin crossing your fingers about Smoov, Chill, and perhaps even Salim!

Sund, we are depending on you, so don’t disappoint the Hawk fans!

By MannyT

June 1, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this

new blog up

By JB

June 1, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

Ugggghhhhhh!! Will these guys PLEASE stop crying for Avery Johnson?! Look, I’m not a Mike Woodson disciple, but let’s be honest here… everybody knows that BK gave him questionable tools. BK threw money out the window on Speedy Claxton to try and cover up the ridiculous draft snafus in not taking CP (I don’t blame him as much for that one) or Brandon Roy (that one was just stupid)! Those boneheaded moves were not Woodson’s doing, but BK. Woodson had to coach whatever BK gave to him. Please note that Avery Johnson was bounced from the first round of the playoff’s with one of the most expensive payroll’s in the NBA. His teams DRAMATICALLY under achieved the past 2 years. He’s never coached with such an inexperienced and incomplete roster as we have in Atlanta. Most coaches haven’t! We should give Woodson a shot. Give him 2 years with an option on a third. If he does well, give him an extension. If he sucks, let him go. You have nothing to lose. Also, the players apparently want him back, also (especially JJ). I think that says it all!

By rfsbkr

June 1, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Casey

yur mother is a gorilla

By ronald

June 1, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this

we the fans just hope that he don’t stew up the hawks like the other who that had that postion from bad draft pick to signing the worn fre. agc. if he find a center that should help the hawks then they have the right person if not then we can look for another long losing season as always but first he must sign Childless and J.Smith and Bibby for the most part it will be intrest to see what he knows and how he does his job

By Sam

June 2, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Sign the 3 free agents, give them the money including Salim, get rid of Woodson or sit him down to develope plays for everyone including Stoudamire who can shoot.

By Sam

June 2, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

Sign the 3 free agents, give them the money including Salim, get rid of Woodson or sit him down to develope plays for everyone including Stoudamire who can shoot.

By Hawk Believer

June 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

So, if Sund decides not to keep Woodson and his staff here, he might as well ask Woodson to stay as an assistant coach, and hire either Flip Saunder, or someone like him!

By Hawk Believer

June 3, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

So, if Sund decides not to keep Woodson and his staff here, he might as well ask Woodson to stay as an assistant coach, and hire either Flip Saunder, or someone like him!

By Andy G

June 3, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

It seems puzzling to me that the Hawks have not given Mike Woodson his walking papers with all the great coaching hires available. Flip Sauders is leaving Detroit. Avery Johnson is available. We could have made a move for D’Antoni, whose offense would have fit perfectly for our team, or we could add a number of guys with better records than Mike Woodson. He clearly cannot develop young talent. And young talent is all we have. Until…

By carlton

June 3, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

Sekou:

2 very good coaches out there now…Avery Johnson and Flip Saunders. What will Sund do?

By santa3247

June 6, 2008 3:27 AM | Link to this

Hi,I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea now.

AJC.com brave bulletin I can’t write from yesterday now.

Something fraude exist I sensed and I want to send messege to people of Atlanta Braves.

1. I didn’t meet and talk with any people of USA from past to now for important things.

2. I didn’t receive any money from people of USA. Keep in mind.

3. Babylon now can threathen my families and relatives freely. Keep in mind.

May the force of Messiah be with you

P.S:P.S: Below is my blog’s some article

Freemason

Theseday it is easy for you to read articles about freemason ruling whole world in the web. But, really speaking, this is trick of the most malevolent Babylonian living in korean peninsla for the purpose of imputating their sins to freemason and the original culprit are Baylonian whose language is korean.

And what is Freemason?

[18Century passport of Freemason]

The painting upper direction was in the passport of Freemason in 1785. Look presicely.

1. In top-most, the world Justice exist. God is Conscience and Justice sense.

2. In the below, Someone’s face is painted like Sun, and the middle of his forehead is wide, dark eyebrow, nose a little wider than the white, and you can find this face is something like Asian. Yeh Solomon, Osiris, Messiah,Lion’s face.

3. In the below again, Isis and another wife exist, and in center of both located Pheonix which means the guardian of Isis.

4. In the left side, Pyramid is and in right You can catch the flags of Judah’s 12tribe.

5. The sentence of script I can’t read for this word I don’t know well. ^*^

After all, this Freemason meant that people who didn’t forget Solomon and waited Osiris, and they were connected with Judah’s 12Kingdum. They knew so well about reality theeseday I am writting over the world.

[Article about Messiah]

And upper document someone wrote I think you need to contact, but never easily you could meet with them I think. But, they don’t know this fact “Allah is Messiah” and they would be people of Judah. The good people have to hand in hand with them, and you can’t trust people who don’t want to meet and help me, if they would avoid me they must be slave or descendant of not Judah but Israel. Person who can’t talk about Neutron and Resonance Schumann would be like witches and wizards who can’t tell “Voldmort” and you can’t trust them all and unbelievable. Originally Freemason pursuited the whole kinds of Justice about history, laws, economy, etc, and Freemason who chase Common Sense Babylon made must be slave or hyperjesus.

This Freemason was started to be fully attacked by Neutron from 1880’, so they caught the information about Neutron by intelligence office, they informed this secret to Judahs’ 12tribe’s Kingdums, World War1,2 were occurred by very this information You exactly have to know I think. Freemason informed the King of Japan and Japan invaded korean peninsla and southchina, but the insufficient information couldn’t defend themselves from implanting spy, therefore Implanted inslaved bosses of Japan attacked Hawai Island by the order from Babylonian who was living in north china and southafrica.

If Freemason would dislike the war about Babylon, that is proof of inslavery, because they were people who named Atomic Bomb to Neutron Clear Bomb. This fact the kings of Judah’s 12tribe couldn’t tell a nation for poor scientific knowledge, and they didn’t want to make nation to be horrified.

Mr.Obama is Freemason 32th degree I found article about him theseday. And he quit Jesus Religion. This fact is enormous hope to the good people in Asia around.

May The Bright Morning Star be with you Real Freemason ^*^