Hawks

By Ben

June 12, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this

ARGH. Give Casey a chance.

FLIP SAUNDERS?

AVERY JOHNSON?

THE ASG DOES NOT WANT TO WIN

By atljj

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

No word. What a disappointment!

By KevinM

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

OMG! that AJC poll is saying that out of almost 500 that voted, 44% voted that it was a good idea to give Woody a contract. Who is doing this poll, the ASG staff and Woody’s family? I haven’t heard 10 people who thought he earned a new contract outside of that organization. This is going to be painful. For that sales guy that keeps calling me to buy a ticket package this year to support the team, no thanks! I have seen enough of Woody ball! Unbelieveable to think that Woody is the guy to get us to a top tier playoff slot. It just won’t happen. We might have just seen the end of the Josh Smith as a lifetime Hawk era.

By Clyde

June 12, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Just another mistake made by one of the worst ball clubs in NBA history.

By Clyde

June 12, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Just another mistake made by one of the worst ball clubs in NBA history.

By DAP01

June 12, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

Yeah, I am soo excited.

Two more years of not developing young players.

Two more years of having no offensive plays.

Two more years of having mindset of not running when we have a group of slended atheletes.

Two more years of having our best rebounder (and worst shooter) stand at the 3 point line on offense.

Two more years of confused looks on the sideline.

If we continue to improve we will be average in two years.

Atleast Joe Johnson is happy. He is going to have fun with the isolation plays.

By KevinM

June 12, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Is it possible that Woody would play hardball and not accept 2 years, looking for more security? I could only wish that would be the scenario. I just think we are going to regret it and we are going to have to pay for services not rendered before the end of this contract should he decide to sign.

By JC

June 12, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By chuckw/deadjournalist

June 12, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

Since I posted this on the last blog just as the new blog was up …

I’m not shocked by the offer. If the ownership situation is resolved in February, as asserted by David Stern, then a whole new light may be cast on the situation.

Not to mention what, if any, roster upgrades Sund makes (or is allowed to make).

If the the Hawks stumble out of the gate, and by the mid-way point are five games under; the same coaching options that are on the market now will still be out there in February.

Since I doubt Woodson’s extension will be a budget-buster; eating the last 1.5 years of his contract wouldn’t have a negative impact on the budget of the next coach. Again assuming the ownership issues are resolved - a cheap, young, first-time coach or a high-priced, high-profile coach would most likely be the two options to replace Woodson.

Or who knows, maybe the roster looks entirely different by September.

By KevinM

June 12, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this

The blog is what it is….a testimony to the reality that is the Hawks. This was a day I was not hoping to see take place. I am disappointed in RS who just folded to the ASG and their consistent ways.

By Ryder

June 12, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

I believe Woodson will sign it, but it’s now on Sund to bring in the talent (re: RE-SIGN THE JOSHES!) to take Atlanta to the next level. Despite the poor record I do believe it would’ve been in even worse taste to dump Woodson without giving him at least the chance to see if they can keep this going.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

It’s obvious that Sund is just a puppet for the BASG. There is NO WAY ON EARTH, Sund would have offered this fool an extension. If he knows anything about Basketball, Woody would have been the FIRST person axed. All he has to do is look at the tapes. All of the 4th quarter collapses, not developing the young players, not using his bench and wearing out the starters, calling ridiculous timeouts, benching players that are playing well, continuing to play players that are not, calling all those Iso to Joe’s, not playing certain players for personal reasons, getting BLOWED out in every road game in the Playoffs, etc….. OMG, this news has ruined my day!!!!

By khao$

June 12, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Disgusting. Continuity is the only justification for this move. And that argument loses out to lack of player development, innovation, and in game decision making. Woodson coming back has softened any anticipation I had for the upcoming season. Continuity only works if there isn’t a better option. I believe this was money driven (hence the 2 year offer as opposed to 3 or 4). It will cost the ASG less to fire him if, by midseason, the product doesn’t improve. Also, if Belkin takes over the team, he isn’t strapped with a heavy contract, should he want to bring his own coach in. Clearly this was financially motivated. These guys are not in the business of winning basketball games. They are in the mode of saving money, winning this lawsuit, and giving perception that things are okay until the litigation is handled. This is a joke.

By JMar

June 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

This is disgusting. It is unbelievable that the Atlanta Spirit continue to reward incompetence. Interestingly, the only person I thought did anything positive for them, Bob Hartley, is the only one who’s been fired. Meanwhile, Waddell, Woodson, Knight (was offered an extension before he quit)… it makes no sense how they’re running these teams.

By Rock Preston

June 12, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

It can’t hurt that he’s here for at least 1 more year. That way if the team does get off to a slow start, they can let him go and not be on the hook for no more than a year in regards to his salary. I think it will help with continuity and familiarity for a young team.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Are NBA Coaches contracts GUARANTEED? lol!!! He should be out before the All-Star break, unless they’re over 500. If they’re like 25 and 16 at the break, I might forgive him. But as it stands, as of today, I’m p**!!!

By champ

June 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

The more things change, the more they remain the same… (sigh)

By KevinM

June 12, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Well Ryder, it looks like you are going to see Woody at his finest now that BK is out of the way and thus the reason for Woody’s coaching decisions.
Simply put, Woody will continue to place blame to anyone with the exception of himself. That’s how he explains that he has done a great job at this point.

Poor taste is not part of the equation here. We are talking about an opportunity to improve this franchise when we were free and clear of owing Woody anything else. He has already taken the ASG for plenty for the results he has provided.

By khao$

June 12, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I’m tired of hearing how young this team is. Smith and Childress are four year vets now. Marvin 3. At some point, you have to make moves to improve, even at the risk of breaking up continuity. Any player development (Josh Smith for example) has been player initiated (Josh’s trip to Houston with Hakeem).

By Maniac is accurate

June 12, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

There are at least four coaches available right now who have records a thousand times better than Woodson’s and who, if they had been here, for the past four years would’ve had two 50 wins seasons and a three playoff series wins under their belts.

Woody is just bad, bad, BAD!

By FRANK

June 12, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

By some sense

June 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Guys…come on. Why bring in recycles when we’ve got a guy who’s improved the team every year he’s been here?

Continuous improvement is the mantraa of any well-run business.

Now that this is done, please, Mr. Sun(d), get busy upgrading the one and five spots.

By Hugo

June 12, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

For all you guys that think you know. It was very fair considering when he first took the Hawks job there was this rebuilding plan in place. Everyone knew it would take some time to get this franschise turned around. He has improved each year with very limited talent. You got rid of the cancer, Knight, for his moves and drafts that still make me throw up. Imagine Gasol, Paul in the mix with these other studs and I believe we would be playing for the championship now. If we can land a shooter, strong Center, I believe we are right there. Get some knowledgeable scouts and bring this city a championship. Can I apply?

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

I can see us winning 40 this year, 41 next year, and MISSING the playoff’s. That’s about Woody’s avg, right? If the ASG is happy with that, Woody’s the right man for the job. Silly ol me, I thought they wanted to win a Championship. NOT!!!!

By Clarkekent

June 12, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

This is the worst thing they could have done. Theses players have gotten better in spite of Woodson. I can’t remember the last time I saw this team score out of a time out. do we have any plays beside Joe Johnson on an ISO play. He doesn’t use his bench. Woodson is not a good head coach. He may be a good assistant but head coaching is not his thing. We makes zero adjustments during halftime. They play so lackluster on the road. He coaches against his team’s strength which is to run. He consistently gets out coached. You rarely see players cutting to the basket …but wait… how can they when Joe is ISO on the other side. Then you wonder why Josh Smith is taking 3’s … Hell, that’s where he is positioned to be in that play. Phewy!! 1st Vick now… Wooodson. Next they won’t be able to resign josh smith. And considering we don’t have any pick they need to sign both of them back.

By bball friend

June 12, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

2 more years of “We just didn’t come out ready to play tonight”.

By travis

June 12, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

let’s be honest…you are in employee, your sales for the past 4 years 13widgets, 26widgets, 30, and 37widgets, with a surprising performance in the company’s final sales push. you have a new “manager” do you deserve to be fired?

i hate woody as much as you all do, but steady increase in wins and a major push during the playoffs don’t justify firing, to me.

under new management, i would want a chance to prove what i can do. we gotta do it for woody.

if all things remain constant, we should have a 43 win season

By DAP01

June 12, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

Idiots!

By mykhalc

June 12, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

well NOW i know what SUND is about!!! RIDICULOUS…PERIOD!!!!

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Is this and April Fool’s joke? Oh, I forgot, it’s not April. Darn!

By femhawkfan

June 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

I remember Sund said something about talking to the players. Exactly which players did he talk to? I am positive that one of the players Sund talked to was JJ(a player that was probably really pushing for Woodson). I love JJ with all my heart and think that he is a wonderful player, but I don’t think his opinion should weigh to heavily. JJ is lock for the next two seasons and is fully satisfied because the majority of plays are ran through him. Sund should have really been talking to Chill and Smoov, these two guys have been with Woodson since the beginning. Those two probably know Woodson better than he know himself!

By brett

June 12, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

I’m done. I can’t believe they are bringing this BUM back. All the goodwill that was garnered has been lost. Hopefully Belkin wins the lawsuit and takes control from these retards. UNBELIEVABLE.

By doc

June 12, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

ken and everybody else, your only hope is that they low-balled him on salary. i think the salary will be an interesting and significant estimate on what they really think about him. if it is higher than what has been paid to del nigro and curry and porter then maybe he is their man if it is lower and he accepts then he continues on and his family and girls get to finish school here in atlanta whether he is fired by dec 1 or not. i guess i could live on 3 to 4 mil even getting fired for a while. it also suggests the organization is not ready for the prime time playas just yet.

By doc

June 12, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

hugo what does gasol have to do with it as he stole him from the hawks when he was in memphis? geez, that was bk’s best day and you have to throw water on it.

By hmm

June 12, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Are you freakin kidding me? Dang…thought for sure he would be gone…or at least I was wishing that.

He absolutely sux. Anyone here could stand on the sidelines with a frown, and have the players ignore them because they don’t respect your coaching ability’s. I will do it 100k a year Hawks!

By Marcus

June 12, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I’m not all for this but not entirely against it as well. I mean unlike a new coach you know what to expect, whether that turns out to be like the early years then, God help us! However if we get more like we had toward the end of the season and the playoffs then that’s about where the Hawks should be now. Besides, it’s hard to blame him when the GM made so many bad decisions and put this burden on him. Had Larry Brown been our coach during those years he would have left us long ago for greener pastures.

By bball friend

June 12, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I could justify the contract extention if the Hawks had competed in at least ONE of the playoff games in Boston. They were blown out FOUR times in that series. Game 7 was a complete joke. How can a team be so night and day. They were never prepared on the road. And frankly, it they were good enough to take Boston to 7 games, they should definitely have won more than 37 regular season games. The guy just doesn’t command the respect of his players. Did anyone else notice how the players were hardly paying attention to him during his locker room speaches that were broadcast during he playoffs? He lost them a long time ago. Bring in an Avery Johnson, who already has credibility due to his past successes, and the players will take notice and follow him.

By Joe

June 12, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Another crappy move by a crappy franchise.

Losers keep losers and continue losing.

I am really starting to wish that the Spirit would just sell the team for the good of everyone involved. They are an absolute joke of an organization.

By PD

June 12, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

The young Hawks raised their game in the playoffs because it was the playoffs. They played a close series with the Celts DESPITE Woodson being their coach. It’s a shame that so much talent will be wasted for two more years.

By Jamal

June 12, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

FLIP SAUNDERS, AVERY JOHNSON?? Do you see the difference in winning cultures and losing cultures? The Pistons fire their coach after making the league championship series…..we give our coach an extension for losing records!!!!

By nique

June 12, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this

two thoughts:

i agree completely that this team got better despite woody. is there anyone (woody supporter or not) that believes that woody has what it takes to develop these players to their full potential?

giving the guy a 2 year deal indicates that they still don’t have a strong opinion about woody. it’s difficult to swallow the fact that after 4(?) seasons with this guy they can’t decide whether he’s the coach to bring this team real playoff success or not.

ok maybe a third thought: they need a real pro running this organization because the guys in charge seem to be pretty aimless.

By travis

June 12, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

let’s be honest…you are in employee, your sales for the past 4 years 13widgets, 26widgets, 30, and 37widgets, with a surprising performance in the company’s final sales push. you have a new “manager” do you deserve to be fired?

i hate woody as much as you all do, but steady increase in wins and a major push during the playoffs don’t justify firing, to me.

under new management, i would want a chance to prove what i can do. we gotta do it for woody.

if all things remain constant, we should have a 43 win season

By Micah

June 12, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Flip Saunders would not be a good fit for this team. Yeah he coached a “Larry Brown” Pistions team but the veterans did not respect him. I wouldn’t mind Avery Johnson but he took over a Don Nelson team and failed to give them that defensive edge, and bringing him to coach he Hawks doesn’t gurantee that we are going to be better next year, over time yes but you keep a guy the players respect and trust their system and see what happens. Eveybody knocks Woodson regular season record, but the team cam e ready to play when it counted and came up a game short.

By Gary

June 12, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Wow… 4 losing seasons… 100 games below .500. Why wouldn’t you sign him up for 2 more years? I think he can take this group back to the playoffs as a 7 or 8 seed, but I just don’t see them getting much better than .500 without a coaching change. But you never know, maybe BK was the problem and everything will work out now with the new GM. They better make some great choices in the draft and sign those Joshes if they want to keep fans in the stands.

By MikeJones

June 12, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I wonder what it is like to not be held accountable for failure in your job? Must be nice.

By Ryder

June 12, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this

I think that if Woodson comes out of the gate with a bad record, he will be let go and not huge cost to the ASG. I think Sund knows he needs to provide another down low presence to suit Woodson’s low post game w/Horford.

By travis

June 12, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

please remember that your franchise player, JJ wanted woody back!! franchise players can always decide what coaches leave or stay, jordan and he 1st coach, byron scott was run out of nj after 2 eastern conf runs by a star player, etc.

jj wants woody here, if anything be mad a jj. the asg is listening to their star player. you know that jj will bolt as soon as he gets a chance if the guy he wants aint coachin

By G

June 12, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Why are we surprised? 1)Falcons = Matt Ryan over Dorsey 2)Braves = not signing fresh quality arms 3)Hawks = keeping Woody 4)Atlanta sports teams = Failure

By dmortone

June 12, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

i don’t know why we got our hopes up with the possibility of Woody being fired. think about it, would BK really have left if the option for woodson getting fired was available?

By JB

June 12, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Mr Belkin: I hope you win your lawsuit against the bunch of idiots from the ASG. Upon winning your court case, give Sund an IQ test to determine whether or not his IQ is not below 68. Otherwise, there is no other explanation for offering Woodson a two-extension.

By Derek

June 12, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Two more years? You have got to be kidding. This is just another example of the losing culture of Atlanta sports. Avery Johnson! Avery Johnson! Unbelieveable.

By Jason

June 12, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

It makes no sense to me why the Hawks would keep a proven loser in Woodson when someone as capable as Avery Johnson is on the market.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou, I cant find this news anywhere, except for in the AJC. Does the NBA even know we have a team here? Do they even care? Maybe they’ll discuss this ridiculous extension on NBA Fastbreak? Yeah right!!!!

By Bk Hawk

June 12, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Some things never change same BS. Does anyone give a damn what the Fans want? Maybe they will do like the Braves crash under Cox this year.

By Jesse

June 12, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

How many times did he say, “The guys weren’t ready to play, and that’s my fault?”

He is the wrong man for this team. Flat Out.

They don’t listen to him. He doesn’t push the ball enough. He’s too conservative.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

Hey Micah, are you that big white guy with the beard, that sits behind the bench?

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

And what draft might that be, Gary?

By HawkFAN

June 12, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

April Fools day was a couple months ago. There is no need to play games here!

By Astro Joe

June 12, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this

Ryder and others, unless stipulated, contracts of Head Coaches are guaranteed. If Woody gets fired after 8 games, he will still get his salary for the next 156 games. That’s likely one of the reasons he was only offered a 2 year extension, because of the odds that he won’t last beyond December of this year.

Doc, not only will it be interesting to see the annual salary (which I predict will be withheld), but I also wonder if both years will be guaranteed. I’ve suggested a few times maybe a higher salary guaranteed salary in year 1 (like maybe $4M) with a team option for a second year at a lower rate (maybe $3M). That limits their exposure should they choose to dump him sooner than later while providing Woody some incentive to be used as a bridge to a settled ownership situation.

So far, nothing particularly surprising here. Disappointing but not surprising.

By JB

June 12, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this

Season ticketholders deserve a better product on the court. Extending Woodson for two more years does not show that the Hawks organization wants to provide a better product. I will not continue to purchase season tickets as long as Woodson is coach.

By Shawn

June 12, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

WHY WHY WHY

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Hey Sekou, I guess all the regulars have nothing else to say on this topic, unless their still trying to regroup after hearing this nonsense.

By no id

June 12, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Another blunder involving the Hawks..At best Woodson might be an average coach, but i don’t think he will ever lead the Hawks to a championship, let alone a division title..We need a coach that will take them to the next level and he is not the one to do that..Bad decision on Rick Sund..Kinda makes you believe he really is a hand puppet for the ASG.

By shawn

June 12, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

I forgot the other 3 or 4 owners…WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY not just move the team to Seatle and let us start fresh, can the dream play the hawks schedule????

By jcfromindy

June 12, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

The Hawks Suck! This is the worst mistake that they could have made. Is this the same team that got rid of Rasheed Wallace? The GM sucked in Seattle, why bring him here! Just bad decision making on the part of the Hawks…………Mike woodson go back to Indy……………. You just can’t coach at all!

and Flip Saunders, Sucks too, who ever mentioned his name :)

By Ramon

June 12, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

Doc, I offer that my 20-10 start be removed from the records. May I get a second in motion? lol.

Seriously, its not a bad move by Sund. Because this is the LAST card that ASG has. And if Woody falls through, Sund can now come back and say ‘Let me do this my way, now.’

I will say everything may depend on how many adjustments he’s willing to make for the game plan. Honestly, Woody’s biggest problem wasn’t player development or anything like that. Woody’s biggest problem was in game management. With a deeper roster, I hope Woody can see better effort on the defensive end from every one.

Sund could’ve seen that ASG will not be paying top dollar for a coach, and figured Woody is better than the candidates ASG would allow him to persue. If thats the case it was better to bring him back. And as much as I would like to see a new coach, Woody is WAY better than Casey.

By dmortone

June 12, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

bye bye salim, i hope your next team gives you more minutes

By vic

June 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Will not attend any games win or lose under Woody coaching. So good bye Hawks!

By ray

June 12, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, Doc, agreed. No surprises. The only question is whether Woody signs. I’ve had enough of this…

By Columbus Hawk

June 12, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Jamal, you were dead on with your comments.

I am soooooo glad I didn’t renew my season tickets. With rising gas prices and an hour plus drive, I am done wasting my time and money on an organization that believes you reward a coach that has won a third of his games in 4 seasons.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this

Hawk Fan, should’nt you be in Summer School? Dont come on here giving orders. wtf! It was a JOKE!! I know April was 2 months ago my man, but thanks for reminding me.

By bill

June 12, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this

Typical ASG move…can’t wait for next season, now that we’ll have more chances to observe Woodson as he pouts on the sidelines as his “young up-and-coming” team (who aren’t getting any younger) continues to mangle his half-court offense. Never thought I’d say this, but I now officially look forward to Belkin winning the never-ending lawsuit!

By Maniac is accurate

June 12, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

It’s really cute seeing the posts on here about letting Woody continue what he’s started and how his record has improved all the years he’s been here.

A good coach could have taken the exact same players and done soooooo much more with it. Geez, so the team is young. It’s also inconsistent, because the coach is overmatched. I remember a young Celtics team with a rookie named Larry Bird that didn’t take nearly this long to “develop,” or win title.

By Season Ticket Holder

June 12, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Where can I get a refund on my season tickets?

By JuliusCesaer

June 12, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

The Hawks opening round playoff battle with Boston apparently has for the moment SAVED Woodys job. I can assure you had the Hawks been swept in the opening round by blowouts each time Woodys job would have been HISTORY. Woody is a pretty decent coach. I dont think hes the best coach in the league but I certainly dont think hes the worst coach either. When Boston went up 2-0 in the series with Atlanta, Woody made the correct adjustment for his troops to knot the series up at 2-2. Woody also adjusted for a second time when Boston went up 3-2, Atlanta was right there to tie it at 3-3. When the series was tied at 3, I bet the NBA network exeuctives were praying for the Hawks to lose game 7, knowing that Atlanta might go all the way to the finals if they had upset Boston in round 1. It was a very memorable series for the Hawks and I think the current Hawks roster put Atlanta Hawks basketball on the NBA map with that remarkable performance against the Celtics. It also undoubedly saved Mike Woodsens job since Woodsen most certainly would have been fired if the Celtics had had an easier time of it. For the Hawks to push the Celtics to the brink of elimination is one of the greatest accomplishments in team sports history. Woody proved that he deserved an extension and justifiably was rewarded with one.

By Samuel

June 12, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Good,

My man, Rich Sund. At least you know real basketball knowledge when you read it.

I hope you guys don’t whine all year long. Just get on board.

I am very excited about this summer and next year. We really need to sign Bibby and the Joshes. If not Bibby, make an offer to my boy, Monte Ellis. We can do without Marvin and ZaZa. I think this year will be Solo’s coming out party.

Good job Woody and Sund. Now let’s make all the Haters mad.

By chilidog

June 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

WTH is wrong with these bonehead establishments that run Atlanta pro franchises? Do any team in Atlanta want to give the fans a championship? To give this wannabe Steve Harvey lookalike an extension on a contract is idiotic to say the least. He is the poorest example of a coach I have ever seen. He does not know how to teach the players to win. The Hawks are the only team in the league that can have a 20 or 30 point lead at halftime, and lose the game in the third quarter. Who ever decided to keep this loser need to be run out of town with him.

By newkid

June 12, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this

Assuming Woody finds the terms of the 2-year deal agreeable, and given the reported history of less than the most enviable of relationships between he and the kid, could this development portend the exit of JSmoove via a sign & trade? Anyone care to speculate?

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Ramon, did you just say that Woody did’nt have a problem developing players? Woody, stop posting as Ramon please!!

By Spud Webb

June 12, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this

ahahhahhahhahahhahhahahah. MORONS. Good lord, Avery Johnson is what we need, Sund is an idiot. WHY would they do this. Ridiculous. Just another Brilliant move by this clown of an orginazation. Joe Johnson on ISO, everyone else stand there, thats just great coaching I say. Sund your already losing my faith, Billy already did this blunder. GOOD LORD and this town get any worse with it’s sports teams? LOL, Don Waddell might as well be running the Hawks too. FRUSTRATING FOR SURE. Please move hawks, go to Seattle. Instead we get to see Woody standing on the sidelines with that dumb &ss look on his face, over and over and over again.

By cp

June 12, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this

Does Woodson have pictures of the B.A.S.G. that they dont want released? What in the hell do they see in this guy to offer him a new contract? Like others said , the same ol crap over and over with Atlanta franchizes. I wanted to get back in the draft to help fill out our bench but no need now with Woody on the sidelines seeing how those players wont get any minutes. Two more years of silly timeouts, terrible substitutions, no adjustements, iso to Joe, coming out at halftime flat, folded arms, frowning face, and underachieving. Where is David Mc David when you need him.

By AthensBob

June 12, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

I’m disgusted Sekou.

Just utterly, speechlessly disgusted.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Julius Cesaer, And what adjustments are you taking about? Playing at home? Thats the only adjustments I remember! EVERY TEAM PLAYS BETTER AT HOME! What happened in Boston? BLOWOUTS!Where was all this adjusting then?

By AthensBob

June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

“I think this year will be Solo’s coming out party.”

From where, the bench?

… just clueless …

By Desz

June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

I can’t stand this team!!! It’s moves like this why I don’t support them. He doesn’t know how to do adjustments and management is just plain dumb. Avery Johnson and Flip Saunders are available and you re-sign this bum?

Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 12, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this

This reminds me a lot of career benchwarmer Jerome James having one good playoff series and being rewarded with a $36 million contract by the Knicks. Nice to know that our front office is reminiscent of the laughingstock of the league. Are you there God? It’s me, Najeh. Please give the city of Atlanta just ONE properly-run sports franchise.

By hatfieldgeoff

June 12, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

I am sorry to see this contract extension for several reasons. But I was intrigued (but mostly amused) by the story last week that Woodson was a candidate for the Detroit Job and several others in the NBA. I’m sure the shrewd leaders of the Atlanta Spirit Group then jumped right in to sign their man to an extension. (Insert laugh track here) Did anyone really think Mike Woodson was a serious candidate for any other job in the NBA. I’m sure this extension was given because no one else in the NBA wanted this job or more correctly wanted anything to do with the morons that are the Atlanta Spirit Group (Surely all of them inherited their money). I am rooting for Belkin to get the ownership. He is trying to get rid of multiple idiots they are just trying to get rid of one. By the way Josh Smith needs someone with an iron hand to teach him how to play his position. It doesn’t appear he is listening to any of the current coaches. He can’t finish inside unless it is a dunk and the takes too many 3’s.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 12, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

I guess on the bright side though, Clyde now gets to sell a lot more T-shirts. Or will they be half T-shirts?

By Dan

June 12, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

Woodson has improved the Hawks record each year. Not an easy task with the players he has had (Billy Knight deserved to go). He’s earned two more years with the way the Hawks played at home against the Celtics. If the Hawks don’t make the playoffs next season, then fire his butt.

By Ross

June 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

AHHHHHH!!!!!!!

WHY GOD WHY!!!!!

I hate the ASG soooo much!

By Eric

June 12, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this

OK, Woodson has NOT ACCEPTED THE CONTRACT YET!!!!!!!

He may be mad it’s only 2 years.

Oh wait, no one else is gonna offer him a contract.

By Kevin Willis

June 12, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

Sund is an idiot. Does he really think he’s going to be able to get ANY free agent to come play for Woody? WOW. NO WAY ANYONE COMES HERE that is worth a flip. “come play for this moron of a coach we have”. No draft picks and no FA. Looks like Speedy Claxton will still be on the roster. ahhahhahhaha, what a train wreck this team and every other team is in the ATL. I wish Nique or somebody would buy this team, good lord anybody buy this team along with the Thrashers.

By RAD

June 12, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

There is no way Mike Woodson and Josh Smith can co-exit. The Hawks decided today by re-signing Mike Woodson that Josh Smith will not be back. It is a shame that Mike Woodson did not have clue of how to develop or coach Josh Smith. Josh Smith will now be free to find a coach that can help him reach his potential by playing to his strengths and not exposing his weaknesses. I ask one simple question. Why would the Atlanta Spirit think that any Atlanta Hawk fan would rather pay $60 to watch Mike Woodson coach than to watch Josh Smith play?

By KevinM

June 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

With Woody back, we can begin the campaign slogan of “more of the same” for the next 2 years. The ASG has no clue; Woody will not be matching wits with Mike Brown or Doc Rivers in the East Finals. He will be watching like the rest of us.
We will continue to be ignored by the TNT game schedule and ESPN will probably allow us on as 2ndary while most of the country will show Wiz/Cavaliers. We could be in worse shape I guess. We could actually have candidate after candidate turn us down once Woody ‘decides’ to go elsewhere, because that’s what it might take, like BK, to see Woody leave. He will get to decide. I will watch from home for the next 2 years while Woody gets his chance to ‘prove’ himself. What a truly disheartening day to be a Hawk fan!

By learn to read

June 12, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

Hey RAD,

Josh Smith can’t just choose to leave Atlanta. The Hawks can match any offer made on him and keep him here, even if Smoove signs an offer sheet somewhere else.

By NO MORE BOBBY

June 12, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

Why are Atlanta teams afraid to fire their head coach? Woodson and Bobby Cox would have been gone a long time ago in a place where the owners really care about winning.

What the F!!!!!!

By nique

June 12, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

SEKOU is there any deadline for Woodson to accept? Any chance he won’t?

By I.MUS WRITE

June 12, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

I think im gonna be sick……… I keep having this vision of joe isolated on the wing pulling up for a fadeaway jumper.Jeezuz………

By ZachRandolph

June 12, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Spud Webb: you should go back to winning slam dunk contests! You dont need to bring Avery Johnson in here when he couldnt win in Dallas with a team that has more than enough players to win an NBA championship. It is probably every coaches dream to coach a player like a Dirk Norwinski and you cant even win with a former MVP. Avery Johnson is good but he isnt GREAT and that is what the Hawks need at this current time. They need a GREAT coach who is a proven commodity. The Hawks need a coach like a Pat Riley. Pat is a proven commodity where Avery Johnson has won titles as a player but NONE as a coach. Im hoping that Woody doesnt sign the contract extension and resigns instead so that the Hawks can lure Pat Riley out of retirement to come coach the Hawks to a championship level and bring the Larry O’Brien trophy to Atlanta. Pat may also have to lure Kareem Abdul Jabaar out of retirement to play center for the Hawks.

By Matt from Hotlanta Hawks

June 12, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

Sund is dead to me. Woodson sucks, and he is an idiot for resigning him. This will ruin the team and the franchise and put the Hawks back in rebuilding mode when Woodson’s contract runs out. What exactly is he good at? This team sucks on defense, they only got better on offense when they traded for Bibby, and any “improvement” seems to coincide with natural progression that every single rookie makes with experience (even ones with terrible coaches).

FIRE SUND.

By Another previous Hawks fan

June 12, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

What a joke, just another reason that the management of the Hawks are out of their minds. They gave him 2 more years because he barely made it to the playoffs…how sad. If they been in the Western Conf, they wouldn’t have made it at all.

By no id

June 12, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Another blunder involving the Hawks..At best Woodson might be an average coach, but i don’t think he will ever lead the Hawks to a championship, let alone a division title..We need a coach that will take them to the next level and he is not the one to do that..Bad decision on Rick Sund..Kinda makes you believe he really is a hand puppet for the ASG.

By oldmike

June 12, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope they reach the conference finals next year so that the ASG can then be free to follow NBA logic and fire Woody. What a joke! The league needs to fire the owners. Take over the franchise and give us a break. What would Mark Cuban do?

By dumbfounded

June 12, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

RAD- Your’e right no ONE WANTS TO PAY TO SEE WOODSON COACH THE HAWKS TO A LOSS… WE WOULD MUCH RATHER WATCH JOSH SMITH LEAD US TO A VICTORY!!!

DID YOU HEAR THAT ATLANTA SPIRIT?!?!?! YOU MORON’S YOU BLEW A HUGE OPPORTUNITY TO BE RID OF ALL OF BILLY KNIGHTS DUMB MISTAKES AND YOU AND SUND DECIDED TO SIGN THIS JOKER????

WHAT YOU NEVER HEARD OF…

AVERY JOHNSON?

OR

FLIP SAUNDERS?

PROVEN WINNERS!!!

JIM- YOU MIGHT HAVE A POINT, BILL CURRY MIGHT HAVE DONE A “BETTER JOB!!!”

I HATE YOU ATLANTA SPIRIT…

By ATL GATOR

June 12, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Is this a joke? I actually thought the Hawks were going in the right direction- not now!!

By one66soul

June 12, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

I HOPE HE PICKS UP AVERY JOHNSON AS THE MAIN ASSISTANT.

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

Mykhalc

Do we need to put the SFPD on suicide watch for you? Are you aright, bro? Believe me, I’m cryin’ along with you.

Astro Joe

Does this mean the return of Anakin Joe?

Ramon

Yeah, that’s the best spin I’ve heard on this - BASG’s last card. But I’ll have to totally disagree on the importance of Woody’s lack of player development. It’s his biggest flaw, even bigger than game management.

Clyde

Get the new t’s ready.

By Chuck

June 12, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Great Job Woodson

By Chuck

June 12, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

Great Job Woodson

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Last year when Ed Stefanski took over from Billy King, he pressured Mo Cheeks to give the young players on the team major minutes. This paid off down the road, as the Sixers coalesced into a deep, athletic team that caused matchup problems for their opponents.

I’d like to think that Sund made this decision on his own and that it was not preordained. But can you find out if there are any strings attached to Woody’s return concerning player development?

Even Gearon said that part of Woody’s evaluation would be about that very subject. Have you heard anything on that front?

By one66soul

June 12, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

BRING WOODY WITH THE BEARD BACK!!!!

By mykhalc

June 12, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Sautee, i’m in a padded room bro as i type this bro!!!! a sad day in the ATL for the HAWKS!!!

By GoldenRichards

June 12, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

For those people who keep insisting Avery Johnson is a great coach, look at Averys record of winning titles as a head coach. Zip, zilch, nada, nothing, he never has won as a head coach and he never will because he cannot extricate himself from looking at the games from a players perspective since he is a former player. Avery is one of those guys who will never advance from being a player to a coach. Avery cannot make the quantum leap that it takes by taking himself out of the equation as player and looking at the game from a coaches perspective. Doc Rivers made the transition and now Doc is on the cusp of winning an NBA title, something he could never win as a player. Avery is bright, brilliant and talented, just like Flip Saunders is, but I dont give a flip if we hire flip saunders or avery johnson or whoever, my beef is that I want a proven winner to stand on the sidelines at Phillips arena. Someone like Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Greg Popavich, someone like that who has rings to show for themselves not someone who is a wannabe like a Flip Saunders or Avery Johnson who are satisfied with coming in second place. No, you want someone who will not stand for losing and that is who needs to come in here and coach the Hawks. I know of a name who hasnt been mentioned who would make a great coach, in fact I know of four names that stand out: Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabaar and James Worthy or even Marques Johnson. Any one of those four guys would make wonderful coaches for the Hawks. And dont forget former Hawks coaches Mike Fratello and Hubie Brown. They would be dynamite for this current Hawks team.

By Brad

June 12, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this

This is great!!! I now have even more of a reason not to buy Hawks Tickets!!!!

By REY

June 12, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

I hate the ASG. WHAT CHEAP LOSERS!

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Samuel

I’m reposting this ‘cause it seems it got lost in the hoopla.

Not a HATER, but I am disappointed. And I’d guess that your feeling of vindication is surely tempered by your awareness of Woody’s shortcomings, regardless of whether he came back or not.

So, here’s my earlier post, with some queries for you:

Imagine for just a moment that your own teams had to play 48 minute games instead of 32.

How successful would you be with a bench of 1.5 players? (And yes I’m exaggerating for the sake of making a point)

And did you notice that Phil Jackson went TEN deep, even though it’s the Finals?

Just out of curiosity (and I’m not trying to make a point here) how important at your level is developing a reliable bench?

That to me has been Woody’s greatest sin. And whether or not they overachieved in the playoffs, for me it doesn’t offset that lacking.

Also, there’s a direct corollation between:

a: they only won 37 games and limped to the finish.

and

b: they challenged the best team in the league at least at home in the playoffs.

If they could do (b), then why could they only do (a)?

COACHING! Or lack of it.

And another question regarding your teams - in the playoffs, are they already fired up, or is it your coaching that does it?

Please don’t think that I’m disparaging your abilities. These are questions that your earlier posts raised for me.

peace

By actionjackson

June 12, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

O.M.G. i would rather University of Georgia Star Teresa Edwards coach the Atlanta Hawks!!!!!!!! WHen is the Atlanta Spirit (or Atlanta city council-Both Disfunctional) Gonna make some since .The NBA laughing stock continues. When guys from GAmesday ESPNradio call Atlantas Basketball team a joke ,you would think some one in the ASG would catch the hook, and do the right thing.SUR-VEY says wrong again .Atlanta has been the a miserable sports town (beside the Braves,Bulldogs) for a long time. Mike Con-vick trashed the city with his low i.q.and low class friends.. I seriously thought the lil general would be here to to solidify the basketball operations with the hawks ….. Well we have another 2 yes two not one year of woody ball. I jus cant get enoigh of Woddy lookin clueless on the bench as if he is const??ated.. This is the worst move the Hawks have made since trading Dominique Wilkins for the Future BUM hall of famer in Danny Manning. Can we ask Rick Sund to resign -immediately please……………..Apollo Greed

By actionjackson

June 12, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

O.M.G. i would rather University of Georgia Star Teresa Edwards coach the Atlanta Hawks!!!!!!!! WHen is the Atlanta Spirit (or Atlanta city council-Both Disfunctional) Gonna make some since .The NBA laughing stock continues. When guys from GAmesday ESPNradio call Atlantas Basketball team a joke ,you would think some one in the ASG would catch the hook, and do the right thing.SUR-VEY says wrong again .Atlanta has been the a miserable sports town (beside the Braves,Bulldogs) for a long time. Mike Con-vick trashed the city with his low i.q.and low class friends.. I seriously thought the lil general would be here to to solidify the basketball operations with the hawks ….. Well we have another 2 yes two not one year of woody ball. I jus cant get enough of Woody lookin clueless on the bench as if he is const??ated.. This is the worst move the Hawks have made since trading Dominique Wilkins for the Future BUM hall of famer in Danny Manning. Can we ask Rick Sund to resign -immediately please……………..Apollo Greed

By Matt

June 12, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

I’m just back to say…damn.

And also to say to GoldenRichards that anyone who thinks Michael Jordan would make a good coach needs to take a deep breath of air rather than nitrous oxide. If we hired a former player as a rookie coach, I’d want it to be Steve Smith. No one else should even be given consideration unless they have prior coaching experience on a winning team and have shown a willingness to design a system to fit the players available (which Woodson has proven himself utterly incapable of doing).

Damn. Damn. Damn.

By Bob in SF

June 12, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I for one am excited about two more years of watching the Hawks clog the lane and look clueless on offense. I mean anyone can use a young, long, athletic team to run and gun but it takes a special kind of coach to turn a bunch of slashers into a poor shooting, half court set team. And then not only using a badly organized half court offense but letting the PF bomb away from 3pt. range while leaving your shooters on the bench is pure genius! Awesome! The NBA where bad coaching and worse GM’s happen!

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this

MannyT

Two more years of BLE.

Two more years of WAF.

We need a PAIN medication.

By the way Gen. Hayden says he already has all your info. ;-)

Also, have you looked into joining AUA?

That’s Acronym Users Anonymous.

“Hi, I’m MannyT and I use acronyms”.

You know I love it. But we need a new one now!

By priest

June 12, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

Flip Suanders?? Avery Johnson??? hahaha, what planet are you on? those guys aren’t coming to coach atlanta. Woody is better than anyone they could have convinced to come here. don’t get me wrong, i am not a Woody fan at all, but come on, big names aren;t coming to Atlanta, and like it or not, he coached us to the playoffs before his contract expired. A 2 yr extention for Woody was a good call, if he fails this year, fire him,. but give him a full year with THIS group and see if he can get up to the 5th or 6th seed and maybe out of the first round. remember guys, BK didn’t give him the best roster. Best point guard he provided before Biby was one legged speedy crackstn!

By UGA Class of '92

June 12, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Stunningly bad decision.

There’s really not more to say.

By david

June 12, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

Surprise, surprise… Absolutely jaw dropping incredible. What a sad time for the Atlanta Hawks and their fans. I knew they were going to keep the worst coach in the NBA. I didn’t have one fraction of confidence they would do the right thing. ZERO. How sad for the players. For me/us. I have been defending Sund. What a complete moron. Any one of the other teams would have fired him after 2 years. We keep him through his entire contract and then extend. Absolutely mind blowing. Watch out NBA here comes the Atlanta Hawks.

By Astro Joe

June 12, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this

Sautee, I am one who has always believed that the ASG (specifically Gearon) pulls most of the strings for this franchise, so I am not surprised nor tempted to approach my dark side again. Now if he goes out and hires a Vinny Nel Negro or Bob Weiss type (assuming that at some point he gets to hire a coach) then I probably will by-pass Anakin and go straight to Darth (and start cheering for the Wizards). But the ASG are looking at the post-Bibby record and figuring that Woody can be effective with that line-up. I think Woody caps out around 42 wins, so I’m frustrated that ownership somehow feels that’s sufficient coming off the playoffs.

And let’s assume that the thorough and experienced Sund placed a call to Smith’s agents to verify that bringing Woody back won’t impact their ability to re-sign Smith. If Sund ends up choosing Woody over Smith… well, I pity the fool.

By atlww

June 12, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

ESPN reports: Atlanta Hawks extended its coach, Mike Woodhead, a two years contract worth 1.5M in total. Thousands of fans flooded into Home Depot to purchase stones. It is expected that Mike will have to wear helmet for next season’s coaching job. (fans will definitely throw tons of stones at him). Woodhead think the risk is too high compared to the contract amount. He is trying to negotiate a higher contract amount. Story to come ..

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Ahnd the Braves blow another lead. wow!!

By david

June 12, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Okay here is the next incredibly dumb thing they will do. They will keep J. Smith and pay him the max and act like he’s Dr. J. And lose Childress which will be a tragedy. I like Smith alot (little overrated) but by keeping Woodson he will continue to only hit on about 3 cylinders. Childress will be a Laker, or atleast a smart team. Watch.

By Tyger

June 12, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this

Franchise needs stability

By KentWilson

June 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

Woody SHOULDNT accept the contract unless it calls for Woody to be the highest paid coach in the league. Why not? Anyone who can force an elimination game on the Celtics, AND COACH HIS TEAM TO FORCE THE CELTICS ON THE BRINK OF ELIMINATION, a team who won a league best 66 games, almost 30 games more than the Hawks is an absolute genius and should be rewarded thusly. WOODY HAS EARNED THE RESPECT OF HIS PEERS AND THE NBA AND SHOULD BE THE HIGHEST PAID COACH IN THE LEAGUE. PERIOD. That must be why Woody refuses to sign the deal because he feels he would be grossly underpaid.

By Mg

June 12, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this

Woodson is a donut. He has ZERO coaching skills.

By ILL-Logical

June 12, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Translation: Woody and JJ have run Josh Smith out of town like Chipper and JS ran Andruw Jones.

This has JJ’s fingerprints all over it; the we don’t have the money therefor we must (sign) and trade our budding star memo has already been written.

The owners are all tripping over the fact that they “owned ” a franchise- they are the modern day Rankin smith family(the original ,and clueless owners of the Falcons).

The better news is that Josh now knows what he has to do to become a complete player in the context of a team game.

So it’s DDSS for all of the true sports fans.

By JC

June 12, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

Maybe woodson will improve, but he for sure doesn’t know how to call a play when the game is on the line. obviously the hawks still need a legitimate center.

By mykhalc

June 12, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

STUPID AS IT GETS!!! the BASG offer an extension to a coach that they KNOW will be fired!!! WTF is next???

By D Fin

June 12, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

This is why the city is looked at by the national media as the worse sports town in the u.s.a. they settle for less and are cheap, i will not attend another game as long as this bum coach is still here!!

By Dr. Dave

June 12, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

The only thing more ridiculous than our offering Woody the job is his “mulling” over whether to take it. Most coaches with records as bad as his usually get thrown out the door and don’t get offered jobs elsewhere, exepting Bob Weiss of course. I hope he asks for money than he deserves and we say no thanks, take a hike.

By Maxx

June 12, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

The ASG doesn’t want to ruin the chemistry we have going, and if you look at his head coaching tenure, Woody has led this young team to steady improvement each year. That being said, Woody neglects our bench and is not a good motivator. Avery Johnson would light a fire under this teams a* and make us play some defense, not to mention he would utilize our bench more. Flip Saunders would also be a great hire for this young team, he is established, respected and has had success with two previous franchises. Let’s put it this way: I hope Woody doesn’t sign that contract

By Harry Hawk

June 12, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

I figured this would happen. A two-year deal means nothing if the team stinks at the beginning of this season. The assistants and Woody know that, so it’ll be interesting to see how this shakes out. Looks like Flip Saunders, Avery Johnson, and Jeff Van Gundy will all be available during the season, so finding a credible replacement won’t be difficult. I knew Sund would want to keep Woody. It’s his “reward” for getting the team to the playoffs. The likelihood of BK and Woody both being gone after a playoff season was almost nil. This is more acceptable to me than BK staying here and making the next hire.

By BravesFan79

June 12, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

WOW….I knew something was wrong when the Hawks didnt go after the Suns ex coach….who would of been a PERFECT FIT!!
Were clearly a fast break team stuck with a halfcourt coach (not named Larry Brown)….this is Terrible!

Dont be surprised if the Hawks dont even make the playoffs next year.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Golden Richards, Pops, Phil, and Pat already have jobs. What other championship coach could we bring in? Help me out here. And remember, Auerbach passed away.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this

Joe Dumars is still laughing!!!! Fools!! HAHAHA!!!!

By Don!

June 12, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this

Sigh.

I guess we have a new phrase for the blog. Sort of. Instead of saying “Fire Billy and Woody” well be saying “Fire Ricky and Woody” for the next two years.

Bottom line, either your team is working towards a championship or they’re not. This is a move that smacks of treading water — not one of improving the team.

Even if we keep both Joshes, we’re aiming to be a .500 team at best with this move. Whoopty-do!

This team needs better leadership, starting with ownership. I’m not thrilled with Sund, and I could have understood maybe a one-year contract, but not two. Unless Sund has the go ahead to fire Woody mid-season if they under perform (again) and they’re willing to eat the last year and a half of the new contract.

Of course, that will happen when pigs fly …

Later,

Don!

By LMAO

June 12, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

Typical Atlanta Sports, fire the coach that stretched The Celtics to 7 games in the Playoffs! LMAO, Atlanta has the worst fans in the NATION!

By #21=Top 50,1stBallot

June 12, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

I usually try to be logical, objective in my posts, but I am at a complete loss of words. Suffice to say I do not support the decision, however my support for the team is unyielding. I close with two things:

“I [truly do] know why the caged bird sings”…. I’ll leave it to the intelligent lot among you to decipher.

And

How can we REsign a coach who is represented by Glass, Joe? I at least demand Bald Bull or above (shouts to anyone who gets that!)

RISE UP

By nique

June 12, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this

I’ve really wanted to stop caring about the Hawks for the past few seasons given all of their horrible decisions, but if Sund doesn’t re-sign Smoove then I’m really out.

By JB

June 12, 2008 6:31 PM | Link to this

Okay. Let’s just see what Woodson does with a whole season with a real point guard. Remember, the guy only had 1/3 of a season with a real point guard and his team improved. In fact, if you don’t include the road trip the Hawks were on when they acquired Bibby the Hawks played over .500 ball. They would have played better, but when they clinched the 8th spot they kind of tanked it waiting for the playoffs. But, they showed that they could play for the long haul. Now, add a real big man and move Horford and Smith to their natural positions and you have an incredibly defensive team with great offensive potential!

By doc

June 12, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

terrell …. RUDY T!!!

By X. Adams

June 12, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

I like mike woodson , As a assistant coach the players need a new coach woodson is lame and the players won those 3 playoff games against boston. we need a avery johnson or a flip saunders , anybody except mike nothing against him it’s time for a change and mike is not the way to go! the basketball team has apart of the city behind them bring a new coach & a quality allstar, I promise we’ll sell more tickets !….Do sign it mike don’t do it !

By ray

June 12, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this

Astro Joe, agreed. Wholeheartedly.

Sautee, there IS no vindication for Samuel at this moment, nor any other Woody supporter. Why?

1)This is a two-year extension offer. Until we see an article saying he signed it, he’s not part of the future.

2)I’ll say it again: this is a two-year extension offer. Which means that owners and GM are not willing to committ to Woody until he proves what he can do with an “improved” roster (i.e. a decent veteran pg), depending on just how this roster is going to be “improved”. He’s not shown us he can win yet, but they’re willing and decent enough to give him a two year cushion in which he can prove that progress…significant progress…can be made. This includes an emphasis on player development, because you CANNOT improve significantly without it. Period. Even a high school/AAU coach can’t deny that…..RIGHT?

3)Again…no vindication until Woody starts helping to right the ship, not turning it in his own twisted, obscure direction. This team has lacked an identity for 4 damn years. We don’t have a style, a gameplan, not a single damn defining characteristic that’s worth anything. Woody has to change that, and he has to change that for the better. He now has a good veteran pg. He now has a more-than-serviceable big man. But changes still need to be made. The question is, will he work with what he is given or will he continue to under-develop players and use the roster setup as an excuse for his failures? That is….if he signs.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

If you dont include the road trips, we were a 500 team? How can you not include road trips? That’s the most important part of being a good coach in the NBA. WINNING ON THE ROAD!! You guys need to stop making up excuses for this clown. A team that plays WITHOUT a coach, could win 3 or 4 more games than they did the previous year, on experience alone. PLEASE!!!

By Harpie

June 12, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

If Woodson’s back ,the season’s over already….

By cp

June 12, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

Clyde get the fresh batch of shirts ready a.s.a.p.

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this

terrell

Manny already hinted at a former Championship coach. Dick Motta. Of course he’s probably in his eighties, but he does have a history with Sund. ;-)

Hey, if we could trade Zaza and Marvin and get Kevin Love, we could have our own Unseld (Love) and Hayes (Horford). Just like Motta had in the late 70’s.

For you younger folks, I mean Elvin Hayes, not Jarvis or Chuck.

doc

I’d love to get Rudy T, but with his heart trouble, Smoove would KILL. him. dead. Both in making unbelievably great plays and unbelievably dumb ones.

And besides, do we think the BASG would EVER pay enough for a Championship coach?

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this

JB

“In fact, if you don’t include the road trip the Hawks were on when they acquired Bibby the Hawks played over .500 ball.”

yeah, and if you don’t count the playoff road trips, they are UNDEFEATED in the playoffs!

Just pokin’ at you man.

peace

By benjy

June 12, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

This has gotta be one of the worst moves ever! Its like watching bad high school ball with him out there.

By david

June 12, 2008 7:42 PM | Link to this

Can you imagine how the basketball Gods throughout the league think we are the dumbest team in the history of the NBA.

By ATLien

June 12, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

Is this a bad nightmare????? I’m not feeling this move at all, but since woodson will be the head coach I have to back him. I just hope he attended a coachings camp during the offseason.

By ray

June 12, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I’m all about forgiveness, but if this clown signs, he has to prove himself. I don’t see what there is to “mull over.” He said he deserves to be here (of course, when Gearon is already saying that, then it’s easy to just parrot it). He wants to be a head coach. Heh…if he stays, somebody better have his a$$ on a very tight leash with a few ultimatums: bond with your players (stop being a pecker-head), develop a system that works with the pieces you have, develop your players, etc.

As far as the players he has, what do people expect: change the whole roster to Woody specs? How stupid is that? Dude hasn’t proven he can win a single damn thing! He’s a first time head coach! Yeah I can see it now, just listen to Joe and Woody: replace half the young players with vets. Oh yeah? what kind? Not good ones, we can’t afford them. I’ll bet Woody would love for Josh Smith to go somewhere else.

I’d take Monta Ellis over Mike Bibby. Any day…these days. A few years back? Naw, probably not.

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this

I know you just did’nt compare Kevin Love to Wes Unseld? You should be ashamed of yourself.

By ray

June 12, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this

You know what?

It occurred to me that this two year contract extension offer is even uglier than it looks. Ask yourself why the ASG made that offer. Don’t fool yourself. It was the ASG. It is the ASG. Sund is too new and too…well, he’s not an owner, and he’s not a guy named Gearon, which means he only makes decisions if someone named Gearon is cool with it.

But here’s the question: Why a two-year extension? Is it because Woody really deserves a chance? Or is it because these cheap-a$$ owners DO NOT WANT TO BE COMMITTED TO ANYTHING. They say Belkin wanted to run the team on the cheap. So what do they call themselves doing? I’ll believe otherwise when they pony up the dough to resign both Joshes AND keep a guy like Bibby. But I just don’t see it happening. You know what else? Look how long it took to get a GM in here. How long do you suppose it would take them to get another coach in here (unless they either promote Larry Drew and he accepts, or they get some desperate scrub from somewhere else). Both Joshes would be gone by the time it happened.

And think about this: would an incoming coaching prospect receive more than a two-year contract offer? Hmmmmmmmm. How many more times would we see Marc Stein having a field day on our pathetic situation? How many names would pass through the hat before some back-door last minute deal comes through for a loser like freakin’ Jim Boylan (formerly Bulls head coach)?

Enough is enough. The best possible thing the ASG could do is just get the hell out of Rick Sund’s way and let him do what he knows how to do. But no, they can’t keep their multiple noses out of it. I take that back. The Gearons can’t keep their noses out of it. Micromanaging sons of….

You know what else I take back? I take back the thought that this is the best thing they could do. Here’s the best thing the ASG could do:

Re-sign the Joshes or at least make some hellacious block-buster deals with one or both that could really add some excitement and potency to this roster. Balance the roster better. Get a different coach who can make this team exciting, like Golden State. Exciting enough for people to want to watch, and winning enough to at least not be struggling to make it into the playoffs. Gain revenue from fielding a much more exciting prospect. And then SELL THE TEAM (BOTH FRANCHISES ACTUALLY) TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO KNOWS WHAT THE F### THEY ARE DOING.

Make the product better, gentlemen. Make it worth selling to someone so that you can make a profit. Put more money in your coffers than you had when you got into this. And get the hell out. You don’t know what you’re doing, there’s too many of you, and none of you have what it takes to do this alone, much less one other partner. It can’t last, and it’s only a matter of time before the mutiny occurs because too many of you are losing too much money. Go home and leave the NBA and the fans of Atlanta alone. You are making a mockery of the city, of the state, of one of the best NBA markets around.

There, I said it. And I won’t take it back.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 12, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

LMAO, Cleveland made the NBA Finals last year, and Mike Brown is if anything a worse coach than Woodson. Sometimes, believe it or not, players can overcome coaching, word to #7.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 12, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

Ray, on opening night in November you should grab the mic from Ryan Cameron Zaza Pachulia style and deliver that speech to the ASG while they are sitting there.

By MannyT

June 12, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Time to look into my Paul Harvey crystal ball to see the rest of the story. My WAG—no secret insider conversations.

First, Woody gets a multi year extension offer (as predicted).

He will not take a pay cut, but he may not get a noteworthy raise. (My guess, 2 years for 8.5-9 million.) Like Sekou mentioned in prior blog, if you drop coin for Curry & Del Negro, you can’t get a coach with experience to take a pay cut.

Woody probably thinks the deal is so-so. Why jump to sign it? The ASG didn’t jump to get him an offer. That move eliminated any chance he had to even interview for another top job.

Remember, he can probably get top assistant job in Charlotte & maybe Detroit.

Time to put that agent to work to get some sweeteners put into the deal.

While the deal is likely, it’s not done. Woody now has the power…even if only for a few days to let the ASG twist in the wind.

Don’t bash Rick Sund, he is like the last party invited to an arranged marriage. The in-laws (ASG) setup the situation and the dowry. The bride (Woody) was locked in with parental support. Groom 1 (BK) saw that the in-laws were too meddlesome and the dowry not large enough for the PAIN. Groom 2 was young and ready to go (Grant), but wanted a bit more (authority/dowry?) to say I do. Groom 3 (Sund) was a bit older, but more focused on getting his latest future ex-wife. Having been out of the game for a season, he wanted one more run at a bride and was willing to make the deal that the in-laws wanted. Que the wedding music…

However, the family is unlikely to remain in tact. The bridesmaids (assistants) will not all stay. Fitsdale and/or Drew can see greener pastures w/o much manure. The bigger question for success might be who fills these shoes to provide more impact DURING games.

Unless Sund creates some interesting addition by subtraction to get a few veteran roster fillers, how can this team be better? Paste your favorite Ando summer roster evaluatgion here. There are 7 healthy bodies under contract and Speedy. League rules require we get more bodies even if Woody won’t play them.

…and for the next few days until the contract is signed (or withdrawn) I continue to use the acronym unleashed in May. Sautee this is for you.

WAFFI Woody Arms Folded (middle) Fingers Extended He learned this one from Josh Smith a few seasons ago. No need to pull it out until he started getting jerked about with the contract.

…and THAT’S THE REST OF THE STORY

MannyT filling in for Paul Harvey

WAFFI

By terrell barron

June 12, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this

I’ll take Mike Brown over Mike Woodson.

By falcon21

June 12, 2008 8:37 PM | Link to this

PLEASE DO NOT SIGN IT WOODY,YOU NEED TO GO WHERE YOU CAN GET A 10 YEAR PLAN. OK ENOUGH ON THAT. TED TURNER IF YOU ARE READING THIS,PLEASE BUY THE TEAM,I KNOW YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT BASKETBALL BUT YOU ARE SMARTER THAN ANYONE ELSE WITH THE HAWKS!!!

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this

terrell barron

naw, man I was being lighthearted and silly. And as much as I love Horford (and he’s my favorite Hawk) it’s even more blasphemous to compare him to Big E.

Dude is the #6 scorer and #4 rebounder in league history. Averaged 21.0 and 12.5 for 16 years! (For you young folks, think an offensive-minded Tim Duncan).

If Horford could develop a devastating turn-around like Elvin, we’d be seriously in “bidness”.

in the mid to late Seventies, that turn-around was the second most devastating shot in the league, after Kareem’s skyhook.

but I bet you remember, eh?

peace

By Matt

June 12, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Manny,

Shouldn’t it be WAFFE? Just sayin. If you really want a good time, turn that into WAFFLE (to describe ASG’s decisionmaking process) or LUFTWAFFE (evil dudes dropping bombshells - but they’re ineffective because you can hear them coming from miles away).

By EJH

June 12, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

Bloggers are fans, not basketball experts. So most of you people here think like fans (fanatical people). People who know that this is a business realize that when making decisions in any business you have to be prepared for the reprecussions of those decisions long term. Right now the hawks made a good business decision in keeping Woodson. The first two years that Woody was the Hawks coach does not count. His 7’1” center died of a Heart attack in his sleep, in which no one know how that affected a young team mentally or emotionally. So the Hawks have not had a center since then. They have not had a true point guard until Mike Bibby who is a far cry from what he was 6 years ago. These are not Mike Woodson’s fault but he has guided this team through this turmoil and not even starting on ownership and Billy who did not ever get him a point guard. So give woody some more veteran help inside and another shooter and watch the Hawks win 50 games and be a top 4 seed in the east. Good job ASG.

By ray

June 12, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Sautee, one more shot to add to that group: Hakeem’s Dream Shake and turnaround shot…geeezz…unblockable..

By Sautee

June 12, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

Ray

Yeah, totally agree. But Hakeem’s prime was a few years after E. who played through ‘84

Sekou

Your boy Trevor is showin’ us why you love him. Great energy.

By falcon21

June 12, 2008 10:07 PM | Link to this

Woodson has had plenty of talent to win 45 to 50 games the last 2 years. He cannot coach. DW can see it, we can it, so why the he## can you not see it? EJH He is a loser!!!

By Sekou K. Smith

June 12, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

New blog is up peoples if you want new space to vent. Ha. Ray is today’s winner for post of the month (above). That was a rant that made Blog Z blush. Dang son. Venom.

By Samuel

June 12, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

I figure that Sund did the right thing. He talked to the players and they all agreed that they wanted Woody back. They finally began to realize what he is trying to do here. They liked that feeling they experienced during the playoffs.

Sund probably looked at the playoff experience and atmosphere at Phillips and realized what could be here in Atlanta. He probably looked at the possible replacements for Woody and realized that they are all unemployed for a reason.

I’ll admitt, i’m a little surprised by 2 years but after cuz assured me that his boy,Sund, was a real old school basketball man. I knew he would do the right thing.

By ugapip

June 13, 2008 1:33 AM | Link to this

Is David Anderson going to be a Hawk. (Center from Europe?)

By Roger

June 13, 2008 5:56 AM | Link to this

I think its a brilliant move keeping Woody….Its all a plan…you see, this puts us in the lottery next year where we can pick up our center of the future!!! Kudos to ASG!

By Tom Smith

June 13, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

Good for WOODY!!! He just took them to the play-offs!!!lol…All of the HATERS are losing it!!!lol

By Lloyd

June 13, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Re-signing Mike Woodson actually makes the Jon Koncak contract fiasco look like a good move.

By david

June 13, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Ofcourse the players wanted Woodson back. Can you imagine how slack practice is? All they do is play, they don’t work. OBVIOUSLY. Oh yeah they won three games in the playoffs. You get a fired GM from the worst team in the west and combine him with the worst coach in the east. Now there’s a formula for success. One things I have learned in life is to be positive but when you try and try to be positive with this team but the facts are so negative the only way to be positive is to step away and focus on something else. The Hawks CAN’T get better with this coach. He doesn’t have the upside. “Unbelievable support from the fans”. Thank God for his sake he can’t read.

By GoldenRichards

June 13, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

Rudy Tomjanovich would be a good fit for this Hawks roster. Former New York Knick guard Walt Frazier would make a great coach as well former NBA players Charles Barkley or Kenny (the Jet) Smith or Mark Jackson. Any of those candidates who I mentioned would do a better job than Mike Woodsen. Mikes record is about 150 games under .500 and I am amazed that he still has a coaching job in the association.

By JohnnyLightning

June 13, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this

I dont know how anyone can say that there is no upsdide with Woody. That is all you have with Woody is upside because by being at the bottom now the only way to go from here is up. The Hawks were the ONLY playoff team to finish well below .500 with only 37 wins, an absolutely abysmal record. In fact, for Woodys coaching career record to get to .500, Woody would have to coach for about another 60 years to even his record at .500. That is an indication of how pitiful Woodys record really is. Woody only received the contract extension for the Hawks winning only 3 games. It should be noted, however, that those 3 wins were against the mighty Celtics, who are on the cusp of winning the NBA title. So those 3 measly wins werent against chopped liver. Had Woodys Hawks been swept from the playoffs in four games, Woodys coaching career would have been swept away just as surely as the sewers sweep the citys streets clean every night. Woodys is holding on to to his Hawks coaching job by a thread and should the Hawks get off to a terrible start this upcoming season, Woody may get fired long before the all-star break.

By david

June 13, 2008 7:28 PM | Link to this

JL you’re right on the upside I just mean I don’t think Woodson can get better because HE just doesn’t have it in him to have an upside. Anyway we are both saying the same thing. That is he sucks because he does suck. Think about this if we had lost the last game (or maybe last two) we wouldn’t have made the playoffs. Remember how close it was with Indiana I think? If we had lost which obviously there was a 60 percent chance then he surely would have been fired. But now we have him another couple years. But everybody knows he will be gone early next year because he isn’t getting any better this summer. When the season starts he’s going to still be Mike Woodson. Still run the most boring offense with a terrible defense, a crappy point and no big and zero motivation. Now there’s a combo. Go Hawks go and wherever you go take the Braves with you.