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Thursday, June 12, 2008
Three blind mice … not tonight!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SMYRNA - No, I’m not talking about the ABC’s announcing team for the Finals.
And no, I’m not clowning the Celtics’ and Lakers’ supposed Big Threes, even though neither team’s trio has played a collective Finals-worthy game to this point.
I’m talking about the three unlucky cats in stripes that have to officiate this game (4) tonight at STAPLES Center.
Talk about working under the spotlight.
For once, I’m going to give the boys in stripes a break (even Blog Z has to take a day off from the jokes sometimes).
The Lakers are already up 20-6 so we don’t have to worry about the game being anything but a rout for the time being.
So can we please talk Hawks here tonight? And I don’t care that we’ve been doing it all day on the earlier blog.
I’ve been working the phones all day trying to get some reaction from Hawks players about the possibility of Mike Woodson returning.
They’re scattered to the wind, of course, from sea to shining sea. But they could at least return a call, email or text. But I won’t bother bashing them tonight either, because I know they’re all wanting to make sure they stay out of this mess.
Nobody wants to make public comments about the coach, yea or nay, for fear of how they’ll be received. The crazy part is those are the only guys anybody wants to hear from.
If I get a call back during this game I’ll relay the response here because I know you’re as eager as I am to hear what someone, anyone, has to say about Woodson returning.
Good grief, this game is already over with the Lakers up ugly (35-14) at the end of the first quarter. KG’s melting down before our eyes. Lamar Odom is rolling. And my man Trevor Ariza is on the floor and ballin, as they say. This could get really ugly before the night is out.
Back to the Hawks … this new deal for Woodson comes with major potholes in my estimation. He’s basically on a screw-up-once-and-you’re-done contract.
More important, however, is how Woodson’s return impacts the roster.
What does this mean for Josh Smith, Josh Childress and perhaps even Salim Stoudamire? And I didn’t even mention Speedy Claxton, Mario West and Jeremy Richardson.
The point is this: for every decision that’s made, there is a new plot twist for the next decision that will have to be made.
Rick Sund is going to be a tired man by the middle of July.
Sign on the dotted line
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SMYRNA - The contract offer has been extended. (see story)
Mike Woodson only has to sign the contract to continue his tenure as Hawks coach.
I know the juices will be flowing for many of you over this news, so I won’t bother blabbing here (if you believe that you’re crazy).
In fact, I’m more curious as to what you think about the idea of Woodson (and possibly his staff, in some form) sticking around for another couple of seasons.
I’ll weigh in later today as things evolve. But all signs point to Woodson continuing as the Hawks’ head coach.
What do you think? Also, check out the photo gallery of Woodson’s tenure with the Hawks and the AJC’s Hawks page, which includes a poll regarding the contract offer.
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