AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2008 > July > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBrace yourself …
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE MATRIX - If you thought the tango Josh Childress danced with Olympiakos was simply a negotiating ploy, you were wrong.
And I mean 100 percent wrong.
This is no joke people.
Childress is still in Athens and won’t leave without making a decision on his immediate future.
At least three of the (ridiculous amount of) people I spoke with about his situation throughout the day and night Tuesday are convinced that he is “gone.”
There has been no official word, of course, but that could come as early as this morning (stay tuned to ajc.com for the updates).
What looked like a crazy stunt three days ago has turned into a bona fide nightmare for the Hawks, who simply couldn’t win in this situation (if they increased their offer to Childress they’d lose all credibility in future negotiations but if they lose him, they lose all credibility with the public).
No one is pretending that free agency is anything other than a bare-knuckle brawl for cash between the team and the players and their agents.
Losing Childress this way, if it does indeed happen, is a third round TKO for the Hawks, who had their chances to lock Childress up long-term with a legitimate contract extension and never did.
What constitutes legitimate, however, is where everyone seems to have shifting opinions. It might not matter by lunchtime, though, because Childress might be a member of a different team by then.
How this situation melted down to this point is stunning when you consider that Hawks general manager Rick Sund and his assistant GMs went to Washington to sit down with Childress’ agents two days after the start of the free agency period, in an effort to make a face-to-face pitch early on in the process.
TRUE OR FALSE?: Speaking of offers, our good friends at ESPN.com weighed in with another round of intel on the situation regarding both Josh Smith and Childress and where negotiations stands between the respective camps.
They reported that Josh Smith has been extended a six-year, $60 million offer from the Hawks. But spies in both camps confirm that this is absolutely, 100 percent NOT true.
In fact, Smith has never been formally offered a cent over $9 million from the Hawks. They’ve only had discussions about where things might go but there’s never been a formal offer at that rate.
As we reported earlier, the Hawks did extend an offer to Childress with a starting salary in excess of the NBA’s $5.5 million mid-level exception. But that was only after yanking a more lucrative offer off the table, according to one of my best spies, when Childress didn’t immediately accept the initial offer.
“Come on, man. Do you really think these guys would still be hanging out there if they were dealing like this all along?” one of my spies told me late Tuesday night. “The spinning that’s going on right now is nothing short of despicable. They haven’t done right by those kids [Childress and Smith] and they have every right to want more for themselves.”
WORD TO THE WISE: I’m stepping out of bounds here a bit, but this is something I have to share. I’ve been in my hometown (Grand Rapids, Mich.) since yesterday for the funeral of my aunt who died of cancer last week.
I’ve seen aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives, both distant and near, that I either haven’t seen in years or didn’t even realize were a part of the family.
Having dismissed family reunions and other events like that for years because they conflicted with whatever I thought was more important at the time, I’m suggesting you reconsider in the future if you’re guilty of the same. I know I will.
Don’t let the only quality time you spend with family and friends consist of funerals and weddings.
Sorry for the sermon, but I had to get that off my chest.
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Comments
By BA
July 23, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this
God bless you and yours, Mr. Smith.
This Childress thing is making my stomach hurt.
By DIRTY PUPPET
July 23, 2008 2:43 AM | Link to this
This is not looking good at all.
Childress, for all his broad talents, is somewhat replacable through 1 or two smaller salary players. I’m more worried about the negative affect this situation has on the other players, and what they think of there future with the Hawks.
Don’t tell me that after this mess, players of the caliber of JJ and Horford are going to want sign up long term with a big smile on there face?
Sekou, if an offer over $9mill has not been offered to Josh, what do you realistically think is….
how much Josh Smith willing to settle for?
dirty puppet
By Gilley
July 23, 2008 2:52 AM | Link to this
I feel you Sekou. I know the feeling and give my condolences to you and your family.
Moreover, the Hawks are slowly showing that they are not willing to do what it takes to win. You should take care of your business and they are not doing that with J-Chill and J-Smoove. Sund will catch a lot of heat and his tenure may not be long if things do not go well. The city was excited and now we are all left pondering. Not a good move Sund.
**Sekou,
Although we are focused on Childress and Smith. Assuming we re-sign them, can we afford Luke Jackson or Thomas Gardner AND Kwame Brown?**
By RaJaH
July 23, 2008 3:02 AM | Link to this
This week is going just GREAT! So far, the Hawks lose Chillz to a Greek squad, Candace Parker is in the first ever WNBA brawl, Hawks lose their first summer league game, and we’re still owned by the D.A.S.G!
By cp
July 23, 2008 3:24 AM | Link to this
I send my condolences SS.
The thing that will hurt this franchise more if Childress does in fact sign with the Greek team is the ripple effect it will have on future free agents and our own players. What player on this team is going to want to re up. What free agent is wanting to come here with this sorry front office. I was prepared for the worst but damn.
By mykhal c
July 23, 2008 4:31 AM | Link to this
my condolences to you and your family Sekou.
if you did not think the re-signin’ of WOODSON was a bad omen, think again!!!
do what cha gotta do JOSHes. like i said earlier, when people do NOT like who they work for they usually leave…PERIOD!!!
By Hawk Fan in New Orleans
July 23, 2008 5:02 AM | Link to this
My condolences Sekou. Let’s hope Sund is on the phone now making a counter offer - maybe the offer from Greece serves as a wake up call…Maybe not:(
By Philip K
July 23, 2008 5:30 AM | Link to this
As an Olympiakos fan I hope that Josh signs with us.It will be the best trade in European history…I think its a done deal but lest wait until the end of the day.
By ray
July 23, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this
Sekou, my condolences on your loss. And thanks for reporting the truth.
Will ASG and Sund supporters still frolic in the fields of fool’s gold or reluctantly slide into the harsh light of truth?
By docsbro
July 23, 2008 6:19 AM | Link to this
Hey Gilley…”Sund will catch a lot of heat and his tenure may not be long if things do not go well.” You obviously don’t pay attention to how the ASG works ‘cause Waddell has been doing these things to the Thrash ever since they took over and he GOT A PROMOTION!! It looks as if Sund is just “following the company line”….
By JHarv
July 23, 2008 7:04 AM | Link to this
I have to say this is really been a frustrating off season. If we keep this up we’ll never be able to attract decent free agents any longer. Is there any truth to the rumor that Josh Smith wants out of the ATL
By Philip K
July 23, 2008 7:12 AM | Link to this
Guys!!!It’s a done deal.I heard on Greek sports radio that Josh is signing with Olympiakos!!
By Nikos
July 23, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
IT is official childress signed to the reds for 3 years.
Next target is Ben Gordon for Olympiakos to close their roster but believe that will not happen as the Bulls will already know what happened to Atlanta and they will pay him
By DAP01
July 23, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
INCOMPETANCE (The owners, the GM, the Coach)
Being a Hawks fan is terrible
By DAP01
July 23, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
INCOMPETANCE (The owners, the GM, the Coach)
Being a Hawks fan is terrible
By kwooden1
July 23, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
I don’t mean to be so cold but from a money perspective it is a no-brainer for Childress. He has to take the money! I don’t believe the talk of it being tax free, because any income you make outside of the country is still subject to some level of taxation. Hopefully our accountant experts can weigh in on that. Even with all that said the only thing he’s not getting is a chance to win an NBA championship next 2-3 years, which we all know is not going to happen. (at least in Atlanta) He can go play some ball in Greece, his skills should improve and he gets to play less games so he body will take less punishment. He can come back in 2-3 years and get paid for year and then become a free agent. AND HE WILL STILL BE IN THE PRIME OF HIS CAREER! The only real question is why we (HAWKS/NBA) don’t value his talent as much as an outside organization does? (Their paying a lot of money for his talent) Hopefully Stern is watching, because the NCAA will not be the only competition for the NBA really soon. (especially if we don’t when the GOLD again this year)
GO HAWKS???
By RAD
July 23, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
SEKOU You are absolutely right about spending time with our families and friends. Thank you for your boldness and sharing your personal feelings. I had a strong feeling that Josh Childress was not bluffing about going to Greece. The sad thing is that all of this could have been avoided. If you look at what is going on with the Joshes, why would any NBA player want to come to Atlanta and play for the ASG? Also, what must be going thru Al Hofford’s mind as he will soon be in the same position as Josh & Josh. Let’s be real about something for a minute. If Josh Childress signs with the team from Greece, that would free up some salary cap space to sign a free agent or 2 correct? Has the ASG done anything that would lead you to believe that they would actually spend that money? I could see them leaving that money in the bank and telling us (the fans) that they will be looking at next year’s free agents. Now what about Josh Smith? I like Sekou have a few connections (especially concerning Josh Smith). As a matter of fact, I tried to warn everyone many weeks ago about Josh not wanting to play for Mike Woodson. Sekou is right on target about the Hawk’s not making Josh Smith a formal offer over 9 million. Watch what you read that comes from the national beat writers. Sekou is on top of his game. Hold on to Sekou’s coat tail. There’s much more to come.
By Ben
July 23, 2008 8:04 AM | Link to this
I am sorry to hear about, Sekou. Keep your head up.
In other news, SCREW THE ASG.
I HATE YOU GUYS WITH A PASSION.
YOU MORONS JUST DON’T CARE
By Willie Coyote
July 23, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this
UN-FREAKIN-BELIEVABLE!
By Lacsho
July 23, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Sekou I offer my condolences to you and your family. You’re absolutely right about spending quality time with family.
Bottom line I withdrawal all of my negative comments I made about Billy Knight in the past. It’s clear the ASG, BASG, or the DASG whatever you want to call this lousy group of owners are the Atlanta Hawk’s cancer. They will be the demise of this franchise. Unfortunately Atlanta sports fans can’t catch a break, and we have to suffer , due to the fact that ownerships lacks competence
By doc
July 23, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
hey little bro know
knowing that you follow the thrashers religiously and i loosely you might want to update and, the illigitimate son i never had in my teens, how the thrasher fans view levinson. keep it clean as this is a family paper.
bulletin:
HERO reports granny is hemorrhaging bad. she says something about the sun was shining in her eyes and couldnt see. no wrong report, it was sund was driving and she reports he cant see beyond the tip of his nose to cause the accident and there was a problem with the integrity of the car as it was out of alignment. fortunately it only involves one car at this time. seems like a vital organ is at risk. it could be more if her deterioration continues. emt services no where to be found.
somebody named broussard came up to the scene and applied a very make shift tourniquet that seemed to only worsen matters, it wasnt sterile. apparently he pretended to know more than he did and has hurt the situation more.
first car is probably totaled, insurance company to assess damages.
sund, seen driving off from the scene erratically fast but with no apparent destination in mind. other reports having him diving in circles. he also is telling his friends in high circles he is not responsible.
more news expected regarding organ damage in the afternoon.
By clint
July 23, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this
As a long time hawks fan, if Childress does sign with any foreign team, there is no way in haded that i will attend any games this year. The ownership group does not deserve any of my hard earned money as they have not tried to put a quality product on the floor. I will watch from afar on tv, but its just like shopping, put out a $hitty product and no one will buy.
If you can’t sign a guy that has improved every year and has represented your organization without fault off the court, who are you gonna pay?
And 9 mil per yr for smoove, what a joke. After what al jefferson got last yr, smoove is at least worth 12 mil per yr.
If im bibby, jj, marvin, horford, i would consider the hawks like the old clippers and montreal expos. We are just the training ground for other teams to pick up our players after they develop here.
fire woody, asg, sund
ps - how can new jersey sign dooling, najera, and jarvis hayes and we don’t do squat after making the playoffs for the first time this century?
By Lacsho
July 23, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Nice metaphor Doc
By oldmike
July 23, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
SEKOU: Where do you see this franchise in the future? It’s beginning to look like this “ownership” group has no intention of making the team relevant here. The ASg decision making is weak and it looks as though they do everything on the cheap. As bad as Billy Knight was there is no doubt he wanted Woodson out of here and lost that battle and resigned. A “source” told me that the Hawks would never be able to sign both Joshes because of luxury tax implications. That’s beginning to sound right on. I am beginning to adopt a who cares attitude along with so many others who post on this blog. That really s@$5ks.
By MannyT
July 23, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Sekou I am sorry for your loss.
By doc
July 23, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
is BASG in wrong league or wrong business? will it be official soon in a league of two, the clippers and the hawks.
ando, where is BK now to beat like the dog to save the emperor?
anyone hear the story of don waddell, sund has bk didnt listen.
on a more serious note:
headed to serve soup to the homeless. wont be long before the money i was going to donate to the hawks goes to the folks at crossroads. check it out, a very worthy and responsible group that could use a little love in the way of donations. no solicitation but if you do, say the doc on wednesdays sent you. come on down we could always use an extra hand on a regular or irregular basis. it rivals the work i do for pleasure received.
guys i do take that seriously as well as family and occupation. it is is pure hang time and pleasure relating to a good group of folks at the table. remember please, no disrespect to any of you guys. better than watching the boob tube or news and certainly better than working on the lift with my right arm at some bar.
peace out.
By doc
July 23, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
thanks lascho. didnt we celebrate b’days recently? seems so from he conversation a while ago.
By MannyT
July 23, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
I understand that negotiations can be rough and tough. I can respect working with a real budget to run an organization. I do wonder about tactics if the plan fails or turns the players against the team.
Looks like the Hawks lose credibility due to Chills negotiation. Looks like the offer to Smith is a sports false flag that has been exposed. We have not signed any free agents on a team that has 8 players under contract.
Toss in the hockey stuff and it looks like the ASG is writing a playbook on how to be seen as ineffective. Donald Sterling will mail the I’m the punch line badges over immediately.
I do wonder if negotiations with the Joshes would have gone better with BK? I am not saying he was a good negotiator because I don’t know at all. However, I would expect that there would have been some kind of relationship established between the GM team and the agents prior to this June when Sund came aboard. Even the closers in baseball warm up. This is more like bringing in a free agent that arrives at the arena in the 4th quarter and the ASG says get dressed, you’re a key part of the game ending strategy!
This is not a good Campaign for Responsible Athletic Professionals (CRAP).
By Paddy
July 23, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
You think there were alot of empty seats at Phillips last year, just wait. The next ASG promotion will be to ask the few fans what time can you get here and give me a time you would like to have the tip-off. The ASG does not want anyone to miss the fun and action that will be coming our way. Think there is a 50/50 chance we can beat Seattle this year. Maybe even sweep them. Can’t wait, let the fun begin. I know we have a chance to win it all this year. GOOOOOO Hawks and God Bless the ASG.
By B.A.ToDa
July 23, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
I’ve been “Bracing Myself” since this offseason starter. I don’t know how much longer i can Brace Myself! I just ordered me a Joe Johnson Swingman Jersey online because I was too afraid to get a Josh Smith jersey at this time and also Bibby may be gone after 1 more season. There’s never a “sure thing” with the Hawks franchise, even when there’s something good going on with the team.
By Lacsho
July 23, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
YESSIR Doc last week!! I’m still trying to recover. I wish you well my friend.
By MannyT
July 23, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Bracing is over, new blog up.
By MannyT
July 23, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
Good luck Chills. You will be missed.
It signed the Tsilntres
I guess the change to blue road unis didn’t work for him ;-)
WASP
By Ken Strickland
July 23, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Instead of venting our collective frustration on these blogs, why do we get the address of the SAASG and flood them with our feelings. Offering Chills such a contract shows why Euro basketball is becoming so strong. They seem to appreciate players that are consistent, versalile and fundamentally sound, while we seem to be enamored more with flash and potential.
This is going to be a bigger blow than possibly losing Smoove. Without Chills, Woodson will be hard pressed to utilize his bench. Chills did so many crucial things consistently. Now, Woodson will have to utilize several players to get the overall production he got from Chills. And as we all know, that is one of Woodson major shortcomings. He won’t be able to chastise a player like ALaw or Salim, and totally ignore them for long stretches at a time as punishment, while using Chills in their place.
I’ll say it again, WE NOW SEE WE CAN’T BLAME BK FOR EVERYTHING THAT WENT ON WITHOUT LOOKING AT THE INFLUENCE OF THE SAASG. If anything, he should be commended for accomplishing as much as he did under very trying circumstances, while working with a bunch of ANAL MINDED MORONS.
By jgramoglia
July 23, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I am visiting my 90 year old mother in Syracuse NY and intend to visit her more than the usual once a year as I used to. Your sermon was true.
By Big Man
July 23, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
The ASG(Astronomically Stupid Group) has let Childress get away. They might as well give up on Josh Smith now. They wasted an asset. Now they get nothing for him. I won’t be watching the NBA much this upcoming season, well at least not the Hawks. I definitely will not be spending my hard earned(lol) cash on a Mike Woodson coached team.
By Sixers guru fan
July 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
It’s sad that quality & proven players are being held like hostages for thier teams. I’m glad Childress is making a move for himself & not letting what they call a restricted free agent keep him at the owners bay. Shame on the NBA. If i work for a company & was due a 10 increase, but my boss told me i did my job,but he can only give me 15 cents while i’m under contract. Then i’m gone too! For years on my jobs i muled, & left the ones who tried to play me like a fool.
By Sixers guru fan
July 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
It’s sad that quality & proven players are being held like hostages for thier teams. I’m glad Childress is making a move for himself & not letting what they call a restricted free agent keep him at the owners bay. Shame on the NBA. If i work for a company & was due a 10 increase, but my boss told me i did my job,but he can only give me 15 cents while i’m under contract. Then i’m gone too! For years on my jobs i muled, & left the ones who tried to play me like a fool.
By Sixers guru fan
July 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
It’s sad that quality & proven players are being held like hostages for thier teams. I’m glad Childress is making a move for himself & not letting what they call a restricted free agent keep him at the owners bay. Shame on the NBA. If i work for a company & was due a 10 increase, but my boss told me i did my job,but he can only give me 15 cents while i’m under contract. Then i’m gone too! For years on my jobs i muled, & left the ones who tried to play me like a fool.
By Sixers guru fan
July 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
It’s sad that quality & proven players are being held like hostages for thier teams. I’m glad Childress is making a move for himself & not letting what they call a restricted free agent keep him at the owners bay. Shame on the NBA. If i work for a company & was due a 10 increase, but my boss told me i did my job,but he can only give me 15 cents while i’m under contract. Then i’m gone too! For years on my jobs i muled, & left the ones who tried to play me like a fool.
By Sixers guru fan
July 23, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
It’s sad that quality & proven players are being held like hostages for thier teams. I’m glad Childress is making a move for himself & not letting what they call a restricted free agent keep him at the owners bay. Shame on the NBA. If i work for a company & was due a 10 increase, but my boss told me i did my job,but he can only give me 15 cents while i’m under contract. Then i’m gone too! For years on my jobs i muled, & left the ones who tried to play me like a fool.
By kenny
July 23, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
trade josh smith for the mavs josh howard and brandon bass? what do you guys think?
By RickMark
July 30, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
I am so sick of this crap, If they don’t resign JS I will never go to another Hawks game. I think we all should Boycott all they’re games and hurt them where they care most, in their pocketbook! The HELL with them!
By snvqj lxhrojezd
November 18, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
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