Hawks

By Dear ASG

July 23, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

You should be ashamed to even pretend to be owners of a professional franchise - much less 2. The sooner you’re able to sell the Hawks and Thrashers the better off this city will be.

By Rutuger

July 23, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

well, ill be damned. he actually did it… so thats how it is these days? playing in greece is a better option than playing for the hawks.

between this, woodson, the new deadbeet GM, and the josh smith debacle, we’re really making ourselves one hell of an appealing FA destination.

By Darrell

July 23, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

How in the hell did the Spirit Group let this happen!?

I think losing Chills revolves around the rehiring of Woodson!

By Bill Gullion

July 23, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

Childress ‘was’ a very overrated player. Despite what people say, he was a defensive liability on a team that doesn’t play very good defense. Let him take his hair and game to Athens.

By newkid

July 23, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

A broader, and perhaps more penetrating, question is what type of impact will Childress’ signing have on the NBA? Are we witnessing the early ‘sounds’ of the opening of Pandora’s box?

By Tony

July 23, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

What do you expect? The teams in this town does close the deal.

By Tony

July 23, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

What do you expect? The teams in this town do not close the deal.

By Florida Evans

July 23, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

DAMN, DAMN, DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!

By MadMax

July 23, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this

This franchise is a complete joke. Just when you think it can’t get any worse they go and out-do themselves…

By randy

July 23, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

Spirit offered Childress 5 years and 34 million and Josh turned it down for 3 and 20 in Greece. That speaks a great deal about our organization!

By jrmjr5

July 23, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

same old, same old. nm

By trottinghometudd

July 23, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this

I don’t like the fact SEKOu, that you haven’t reported on the riff Chil and J-Smoove have with Woodson.

Yes there wil be more stunning news as soon as Smoove can make a resonable deal happen.

Atlanta Spirit has punked the monkey (meaning Basketball fans) and you can’t find the story or even acknowledge that there is a story you are working on.

Shame on you and T. Moore.

By HB Ando

July 23, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

For those of you who questioned, or didn’t believe, the math behind my now months’ long contention that there was no way the ASG would spend the necessary money to keep this team intact, I now ask,

“anymore questions?”

There was NO WAY they were going to spend that projected $65-67 million. So all that hype about keeping the team together and making the playoffs this year (which I suggested was premature talk, given the uncertain nature of the pre-season roster make up).

The ASG needs to sell the team. Period.

And, one last thing. Steve-o, who was certain, 100%, that Josh would not play in Greece, needs to shut up and leave. You’re a freakin’ idiot, dude. Don’t go away mad, just go away….

If there’s an optimistic Hawks’ fan, here on this blog, after this latest blow, you’re either an employee of the organization, or truly hopeless (hey, but Santa Claus will still show up at your house on Christmas Day, right?).

Looks like Luke Jackson and Jeremy Richardson will be getting minutes in the NBA this year.

By MannyT

July 23, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

Best of luck to Chills.

I won’t say that the ASG has hit the bottom, but they can reach out and touch it.

While it may not be fair to hang this unprecedented signing around Sund’s neck, I do look toward an ownership group that has shed management layers and wonder what are they doing?

It’s too late to keep Chills, but they need to focus on having a better overall roster for the start of the season. Now that you have lost one of your RFAs, you got more work to do and less talent to choose from over the next 3 months.

Stop bringing the PAIN and get to work.

By Deputy Dave

July 23, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

if the Hawks did offer JChill a 5 yr / 33 million dollar contract and he refused to go to a B league, well see ya later! The organization is bigger than one player’s greed.

By Peter

July 23, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this

We should have fired the coach………. and Steve Belkin should be the owner……..

This franchise will be worse off with out the energy Childress brings to the court.

Can you say losing team yet again !

Sad state of affairs for all of the Atlanta Franchises !

By patrick

July 23, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

The Spirit group is to blame. Childress had no desire to play here, neither does JS. This was the only way out. Let’s hope JS doesn’t follow suit. The fans need to find a way to force the Spirit Group out of our city.

By FalconDawg

July 23, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Well…I guess the won’t be raising the prices on hot dogs now. Unfreaking believable…..

By D.Ellis

July 23, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

How can anyone in Hawks MGT. think they are “building” a team or winning over the fans when they let one of the most beloved players leave for Greece?????? This sucks. Good Luck to you J-Chill. I enjoyed watching you play and your hard work as a player.

Sekou-Can you let us in on when you will speak with Woody/JJ/AL about this???? Myself especially but I’m sure others would love to hear fom players that are locked in contracts and especially our Leader Woody. PLEASE GET AN INTERVIEW ASAP!

By Wayne

July 23, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Here we go again. Just when we think it is getting better with the Hawks. Top-flight 6th men do not grow on trees, he will be hard to replace in Atlanta. It’s not like players are trying to play here.

By ndc97105

July 23, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

This is very disturbing with no direction from someone in ownership. We extend a contract to a coach who has a losing record. The GM we have has no idea about talent. I am disturbed, angry, ashamed, confused with this whole ownership group.

By JR

July 23, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

The question I have is why were other teams not knocking down the door to get Childress. I don’t think it is as much of a loss to the Hawks as I do the NBA. No big deal. Childress is too thin and not good enough shooter. Point blank he’s a bench player. Why do you fork out big money for a bench player. Let’s focus on Josh Smith now. If he doesn’t want to play for Woodson let’s work something with Charlotte for a sign and trade for Emeka Okafor. He doesn’t want to be in Charlotte either. There you go problem solved. Hire me Rick Sund as Assistant GM

By Reggie

July 23, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Im offically naming ASG, get this name everyone CHEAP SQUAD

By Bobby

July 23, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

GOOD THE GUY SUCKED ANYWAY!!! HE WAS NOT WANTED HERE

By Jon

July 23, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Seriously how in the world can the ASG let this happen. Those morons are killing what would have been a great franchise. First not drafting Chris Paul and Brandon Roy and now this. How do they expect fans to buy season tickets when they let fan favorite players like J-chill go to Greece.

Seriously stop fighting and sell this franchise to an owner who knows what he is doing and cares about the team, fans, and the city.

I hate the ASG and if they screw up the Smith signing I am not buying any Hawks tickets this season.

By jcmo71

July 23, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

WoW….Hawks are cursed.

By Fred Sanford

July 23, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

You big dummy (ASG)!

By Jimbo

July 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I pride myself on being one of the last to jump ship. Well Spirit Group….I am flying through the air in a perfect swan dive. I am sure I am going to “stick” the entry. You can “stick it” too.

By Don

July 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

I get the feeling that those who have a choice do not want to play for this organization no matter the money and terms offered.

By khao$

July 23, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

This just adds to the glistening “reputation” of our Atlanta Hawks. Regardless of whether you think Chillz was valuable or not, it’s embarrassing. Other than NBA has beens, NO ONE leaves the NBA for overseas teams.

By Jacob

July 23, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Please do us all a favor and sell the Hawks and Thrashers so we can quit being embarassed in front of the entire world. What a flippin’ joke these two franchises are.

By Chris

July 23, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

I read where the Hawks offered him 5 years at 33 mil… its obvious that he wasn’t that coveted by other NBA teams. I think he is a typical greedy player… The Hawks franchise does suck… but for many other reasons.

By CDS

July 23, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Pathetic, stupid, cheap, worthless bunch of bums the Spirit Group are. They care nothing about this franchise, so why should anyone want to play here? I don’t blame Josh though. He went somewhere he can be on a winning team, while getting much more than he would ever get here.

Hawks just lost their 2nd best all-around player. Playing in some European league > playing for the Hawks. Way to go Spirit Group! So how long until Josh Smith gets out as well?

By Bo

July 23, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

What did you expect from these owners, Damn Joke!

By HB Ando

July 23, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Well, if there’s a plausible light at the end of the tunnel, its that the Hawks have effectively lost $6-7 million in salary obligation, which means there is NO excuse for not paying Smith a salary that works for both sides ($10-11 million per? Which seems reasonable given Al Jefferson’s $13 million per, and K. Martin’s $11 million).

Anything less than getting that deal done quickly is simply further proof of just how broke the ASG is……

By Tech75

July 23, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

This is bad, and not just for the Hawks, but for the league.

The NBA has been shown up to be the arrogant bunch that they are, same with the Spirit group.

Good luck, Chills, loved your professionalism and attitude.

By Aaron

July 23, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Childress will be getting a lot more money per year in Greece when you factor in the fact that Olympiakos will be paying for car, housing, food, taxes, etc.

A LOT more money. So, good luck to him.

This is far from disastrous, though. The Hawks can now afford to use the MLE on players that were better fits - shooters from the wing (Vujacic, Smith?) and real big men (Brown, Morris?).

Hopefully, Childress will return next year.

By EW

July 23, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Can the NBA take over this team and force the owners to sell? They are a joke!! Get Arthur Blank in here.

By Russ

July 23, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Right now we can’t worry bout spoil milk..We all know that the Hawks owners are cheap! In order for the owners now to gain our trust in them..they need to sign Josh Smith, and I mean fast!! If they let this guy go by FA..the Hawks are doomed this yr. and everyone will be saying last season was a big fluke!! GET IT RIGHT HAWKS OWNERS!!!!

By Scott

July 23, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

This is yet another example of the Atlanta Spirit Group’s inability or unwillingness to spend the money to be competitive. Atlanta is not a small market city that develops talented young players and then watches as they go to larger markets once they reach maturity. The ASG has made it seem so and it is time for the NBA and NHL to step in and do something.

By Stirg d'Nahsif

July 23, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

All this time, we’ve been thinking that Hawks management was the problem after bad decisions; I’m not certain now because Hawks management has changed. Poor decisions have been made since the departure of ‘Nique Wilkins and management has changed several times. Nah, I’m going to blame this one on the Hawks’ Gods; and yes, they must be crazy.

By MikeJones

July 23, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Um…. People… this isn’t breaking news. the Hawks players care about winning as much as the Hawks owmers do. Hiring Rick Sund and Mike Woodson set the precedence.

By Euro Trend

July 23, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Dollars and Sense. The exchange rate 1 Euro = $1.60. That is part of the reason Olympiakos was able to offer so much more than the Hawks. This move reminds me of the North American Soccer League when the New York Cosmos brought in Pele and Franz Beckenbauer…two of the most famous soccer players from their home countries. Granted Pele and Beckenbauer were past their prime and much larger stars than Josh Childress, but the economics of the move and the dynamics of the leagues are very similar. NASL=Euro Basketball…NBA=Intl Futbol Clubs. Can’t blame Chills for taking advantage of the exchange rate and the opportunity to see the world at the age of 25.

I don’t know how much the ASG is to blame for this, but I do know that they better focus their efforts on J. Smith and finding a big man.

By Laker fan

July 23, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Why would you want to keep a guy who obviously is only about money? They offered him $9 million a year and that wasn’t enough for his first big contract in the NBA? You are better off without a guy like that. He’s rich, but not a team guy.

By ATLDawgy

July 23, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

This is why MY money stays in MY pocket. Why should I invest MY money in NBA priced season tickets when ASG won’t invest in a quality NBA product? Then when they stumble upon one, they won’t maintain it!

By Pete

July 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

All of these guys hate Mike Woodson, it is kinda obvious. The owners of the Hawks are a joke as well. Josh should have been starting instead of Grady(Marvin Williams).

By BobWeiss

July 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Everybody else must have been watching a different Josh Childress than me the past several years. I’m actually relieved that we didn’t give him a 5 year contract. This league is full of overpaid players like Childress that teams threw big money at hoping they would continue to develop. I simply don’t see greatness with Chilly and would much prefer to spend the money on somebody else.

By Nahjay Davnpoop

July 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

josh childress? the guy who finished sixth in the sixth man of the year voting who was drafted sixth overall in the draft? WHO CARES. blazing a trail? maybe for mediocre players. childress is so replaceable it’s not even funny, but the real joke is on the hawks, who are so pathetic that a player even considers blazing this trail as opposed to playing for an organization with an ownership so disconnected they probably can’t even call each other on extensions with their office phone.

i think stern should consdier contraction, starting with the hawks. it’s too much to ask for fans of any city to have to put up with the kind of front office behavior atlanta has endured over the past few years.

but i like how that high school kid bolted overseas and skipped college. i really do wish every kid in the country would do that, just to stick it to the ncaa and nba.

By cwm

July 23, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

section 104 says: CAN WE HAVE BILLY BACK …. WE WANT BILLY .. WE WANT BILLY …. THE GRASS IS ALWAYS GREENER ……

By B.A.ToDa

July 23, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Does this mean we have more money to throw at Josh Smith now? And i hate that we lost Childress for basically Nothing! Why are we drafting and developing these players if we have no plans for them in the “future”.

By Realist

July 23, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

Sekou, you called it the richest contract in Euroleague history, but then you didn’t even tell us how much they are paying him. That is kind of lazy reporting, don’t you think?

By darrell starks

July 23, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this

THEY ARE BROKE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY to sign JOSH SMITH trust me when i say this they have been rumor from around the league AND NOW ITS starting to come to light there was never no offer made from ASG SORRY OWNER TO JOSH CHILL I DONT no why people continue to defend this owner ship they have destroy THRASHERS AND NOW THEY ARE OWN THEY way to destroy the HAWKS IN TILL THEY SELL THE TEAM THE HAWKS WILL continue to decline.

By Melvin

July 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

This should be a serious memo to Stern to resolved this ownership fiasco in Atlanta. This is a black eye on the entire NBA. For those who think the ASG are savvy businessmen. Explain how they loss two players (JCHill & David A.) to FOREIGN TEAMS in the same summer. I wouldn’t be surprise if JSmoove is next to relocate….

By cj

July 23, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this

this should open up some money to get a bonafide BIG man

By HB Ando

July 23, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

Man, already from the comments here, it seems folks don’t understand the true implications of Childress leaving. Pointing a finger at Childress is like blaming the victim.

Is Childress replaceable? Heck yes. But that’s not the point. But in the NBA, your players are assets, and starters, or top of the rotation players, if they are to leave, need to bring assets in return. But the Hawks continue to waste assets (like blowing a #5 overall pick, on Shelden Williams, and using him as a throw-in player, less than a year-and-a-half later, in a 4 for 1 for Bibby).

Childress is replaceable. But watch. They will not replace him with a player of his caliber. They’ll fill in for him with a Luke Jackson, who is a free agent, or a Jeremy Richardson, who has been a borderline NBA player for years.

That’s a diminishment of the product on the floor. And the obvious financial limitations that are exemplified by this situation, will continue to work against the Hawks being a competitive team.

This isn’t about losing Josh Childress. This is about the realization that the organization doesn’t have the resources or the commitment to return to the playoffs again next season.

This team is not on its way up, and never was. It’s simply treading water in the basement of the NBA.

If you don’t see that, if you don’t get that, then simply watch and learn……

By MannyT

July 23, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

NBA teams were not as likely to get Chills because they needed the Hawks to cooperate with a sign & trade to pay him. The Hawks understood correctly that they had the upper hand in any NBA deal due to his RFA status. There was no reason to help another team get Josh.

On the other hand, foreign teams did not have to follow any of the NBA rules.

This is like the difference between the average person taking another job inside their company or moving to another company. As far as rules about free agency, the NBA is like one company with each team as a separate division. If you take a job in one division today, the company will not allow you to switch divisions a month or two later if you see a better job. You can quit and go to another company. That’s roughly what Chills has done.

Now that one young, talented player has made the jump, it will be easier for others to follow.

PAIN for the NBA

Good CRAP for the Euros.

By fudd21

July 23, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

People calm down. For anyone that has been listening Ando has been telling you for months that the roster wasn’t coming back in tack for financial reasons. I don’t think anyone saw it going down this way, with Josh going to Greece, but we all knew there was a realistic possibility that at least 1 if not 2 of our “core 8” would be leaving. Looks like Jeremy, Luke, and possibly Salim too will be playing for us next year.

By ATLGrounded

July 23, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Man I truly wish that all of the fair weather fans leave this great city!! As a matter of fact, follow Josh to Greece!!! At the sign of uncertainty and discomfort ALL of you crabs start whining and moaning and complaining!! There’s nothing to be done about Chil!! He’s gone! Ok so what! We’ll miss him but he’s not the last swingman in the league!! We’ll get another one and hopefully a better one. So he went to Greece… Ok so what!! That just means that we don’t get to play against him. This gives him an opportunity to potentially become a trailblazer and if it doesn’t work out… he’ll be back here in the A next year! All in all the fear should fall on the NBA and not on Hawks fans. The NBA now has to worry about competing with a new expansion league that for years has been a place for the “not-good-enoughs” or the washed up vets…

So with that being said…. stop crying chumps and get ready for the Falcons…. well nevermind… all you do is whine, moan and complain about my Dirty Birds too…

By Daddyrich

July 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Yes, our ownership group is a bunch of idiots, but it would have been stupid to pay Josh Childress more than the 33-34 million he was offered by us. Id rather him play in Europe than us pay him more than 7 mil per season. Im guessing the Greek contract was for 3 years 21-25 million, so I dont blame him for taking the money and getting out.

By Issues

July 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

I think the issue is Woody. I really don’t think younger players like playing for him because he impedes growth. Big Al is an anomalie. He is going to get his in spite of Woody. Its ridiculous. Only the Hawks. I wonder what is going to happen now with Joe Johnson ( 2yrs unr), Marvin Williams (r after this yr), then Big Al. Wow…..

By Mitch

July 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Chills is a free spirit…his signing in Greece does not come as a major surprise. The money is great, the women are fine and the culture is divine. For a Stanford man, these elements are very appealing.

My fondest remembrances of Chills are how hard he played even when the Hawks were getting blown out. Chills is a class act all the way. In terms of effort, he brought it every night…and his production was consistent. He played smart and within himself, as evidenced by his .530 FG percentage. He will be missed…in some ways he was the glue of the team the past couple of years, regardless of whether he was the 6th man.

The question now is, what kind of $$$ Euro teams will throw at J-Smoove???

While it’s more speculative to think that Chills signed with Greece to get away from Woody… with J-Smoove, it’s clearly on his agenda to not have to play for Woody—-whether Sekou wants to keep denying it or not.

Woody has stifled J-Smoove’s game, just as he stifled the Hawks’ style of play.

What we Hawks fans have to hope for now, is that in two years both Woodson and Sund are gone…Steve Belkin becomes the owner finally—-and the organization is put back into capable hands with the hiring of a competent NBA head coach and a smart GM—-just in time to keep the team built around Al Horford and A.C. Law.

By lakerat

July 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

“HAIR” TODAY - GONE TOMORROW!

By belkin4owner

July 23, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

WOW! it says a lot about your ownership and your coach when a player opts to play in the freakin euroleague rather than the NBA. Chill was the only legit bench player we had and could have been 6th man of the year this year, and he bolted for greece! I vote for getting a goon squad together and paying a visit to phillips arena to run off the ASF’NG. These guys are a complete joke! i’m tired of hearing mike gearon and rutheford sydel talk about how much they care about these franchises and this city! what a load of shikaka man. Look guys do us all a favor and just give the team to Steve Belkin, he’s from Boston and would probably care more about this team than this group of broke gibroni’s

By lbj_fan

July 23, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

I don’t think it’s a big deal. Childress can take his ugly a* shot to Greece for all I care. He was a horrible pick at #6 when the likes of Iguodala and Deng were available. Maybe he’ll put on some meat on those bones and come back to the hawks in 2 yrs. as a more complete player and not just a slasher.

By greecy1

July 23, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this

Now we have the coin to get Candace Parker

By Cookie

July 23, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Any NBA veteran who would rather play overseas than in the NBA is a veteran you would rather not have on your team. Obviously, Chills had little to no value to 29 other teams. Plus, he has a history of foot injuries. Good luck to him. Ask Nique how it went for him in Greece. Full contract guaranteed? Yea, right. They still owe Nique millions! Chills will be begging to come back the league!

By Giannis

July 23, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

hahahaha guys u can always see him play….FOR OLYMPIAKOS!!! never underestimate europe again, this transfer will broaden the horizons to europeans and more players will come to europe now…is it so painful. oh rutuger guy…playing in olympiakos is hell better than the hawks olympiakos has some history unlike hawks, sry but this is the truth…

By opieandy

July 23, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

It’s the NBA. Who cares?

By chris

July 23, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

I know that basketball’s become a global game, but still…this is a HUGE black-eye to an ownership group that doesn’t need anymore bad press.

Sell the Hawks and the Thrashers. PLEASE! ASG, YOU’RE KILLING SPORTS IN THIS TOWN!

By Peter

July 23, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

I guess the 22 owners of this club need to try to think of a way to get fans to come out this year…….. maybe they should hire a comedian for each game, as the results will probably be a JOKE anyway !

By Tucker

July 23, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Face it, Atlanta does not have an NBA franchise.

By Brad

July 23, 2008 9:49 AM | Link to this

There are several telling notes in this developement. 1) It tells us the Hawks will remain average,they can not re-sign their own average players. 2) It tells us that Chill is an average player who no other NBA team thought much of, and who now chooses to swim in a much smaller pond. This is not just about the money, but the money as it relates to his value as a player. He chose to grab what he could while he could, which is smart on his part. The Spirit is a blunderous bunch who should do as Chill did and sell in order get what they can while they can. Bringing Woodson back was a joke and indicates that the Hawks have low goals. Loosing Chill was not a devastating blow, but another indicator that this group is going nowhere. It is a shame, after they gave the Celtics all they could handle. Joe is too good of a player and too good of a guy to have to endure this!

By B.A.ToDa

July 23, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Childress Will NOT be replaced. I don’t see us bringing in any1 to fill his spot. But hopefully with Childress gone, we have more money to throw at Josh Smith to keep him in town. Atleast keep half of your promise- “our main priority is resigning the Smith’s”.

By dsmith

July 23, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Bill wake up! Defensive liabilty? Cmon Bill do watch the Hawks or even basketball period? Childress was the best on the ball defenders we had and also got several steals that led to several fast break points. Childress did all of the Hawks dirty work, loose balls, tip ins, blocked shots, and guarded big time scorers including point guards, 2 guards and small forwards. Bill please get your facts straight before commenting on a subject you know nothing about.

By Darrell

July 23, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

Anybody that thinks that Chills was over rated obviously didn’t watch the games or isn’t a Hawks fan…this dude did the dirty work when everybody else was standing around. He hit the boards and played even better without the ball creating points anyway he could. His game suffered because he took the high road and came of the bench 1) because Marvin couldn’t handle bench duty and 2) there was nobody else on the bench that Woodson trusted.

By MercerJD

July 23, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

This is not a blow to this organization. For four years, the Hawks have suffered through Billy Knight’s draft where he picked essentially the same player, Childress and Smith, twice in the first round.

In four years a 6th overall pick was the first guy off the bench, and the other guy, Smith, was a headcase, who played a me-first game.

Neither got along with the coach, neither gave any indication that they were playing a team sport.

Now, management is in. They are rectifying all the issues of the Knight-era, be it financial, scheme, or personal in nature.

Sund isn’t doing it with a bunch of PR savvy, but so what? Have you seen the Hawks since 1999? This is a speed bump compared to hiring Terry Stotts or signing Isaiah Rider.

And the rest of the league is essentially agreeing with Sund and the Hawks. Sekou, where are the offers? Nobody else in the NBA wants these two, so why should we sign them? So we can finish 10 games under 500 again in a crappy conference? Please.

The only people that are upset about this, Sekou, whose only sources for stories are the agents for the Joshes, or those who haven’t bothered to watch a game since Mookie Blaylock left.

By Nahjay Davnpoop

July 23, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this

hb ando,

you are not enlightening anyone with your regirgitated, psuedo-reporting, so take your convoluted statements to a special ed class,where you can be far more impactful.

By DASKALOS7

July 23, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

WELCOME TO THE CLUB JOSH , WE WILL HAVE A GREAT SEASON :))

By hawks fan

July 23, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

i actually think that as long as Chill is out of the NBA we should be well off.. as long as he isnt playing against the Hawks organization, we should be fine.

on the other hand… the hawks ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO sign Josh Smith.. if they fail to do so, then the team will suck.. They also have to sign a big man such as Brown..

go hawks

By Olmpiacos Front Office

July 23, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Suckers.

By Gerry

July 23, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this

Brandon Jennings may have opted to play in Europe but it probably isn’t “over playing at Arizona” since he has yet to meet NCAA requirements with his standardized test score and has had a prior test red-flagged by the NCAA. This decision by Childress is only comparable with Jennings in that they are both from California.

By Ben

July 23, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

A few thoughts

1) Be real, people—J Chill really isnt that good of a player. The guy averaged 12 ppg with us, got big minutes, is soft, can’t create offense, and has horrendous mental break downs (See the NJN February 7, 2007 games if you don’t believe me)

2) ASG Blows

3) Chillz turned down a 33 million offer to go play in a soft league with people he can’t even understand?

4) ” They do whatever they can to make you feel at home.”

Damning quote.

By Vito

July 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

WELL DO THIS MEAN WE CAN GO GET DENG OH DAMN THIS DA HAWKS

By Astro Joe

July 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

So what we really need is a back-up to Marvin, I say take a look at Quinton Ross, Devin Brown, Devean George or Maurice Evans. If the Hawks could trade for Damien Wilkins, they should also see if they could make that happen. But first and foremost, let’s get Smith and Kwame signed.

Ultimately, I think Chill stays gone ofr 1 season and returns next year to the NBA. If the Hawks ownership fiasco is settled, there is a better chance that they will agree to a S & T, especially with Bibby & Zaza (and possibly Speedy) leaving the payroll. He essentially postpones his RFA status by 1-year until the team’s situation provides a more favorable climate for him to get paid. Smart, if you ask me.

By the way, did that Jennings kid pass the SAT/ACT tests? I didn’t think he could get into Arizona and was forced to consider other options, I didn’t realize that he had met the entry standards and opted out of the scholarship.

By GA all day

July 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Honestly, Im ready to say f@# all these Atlanta teams. The Falcons turn their backs on players for “image” reasons. The Braves are playing with a minor-league roster. The Hawks pull this dumb sht. I always support the home teams through the good and the bad but I nominate Atlanta, GA to win the ESPN crown for being the “NO-TITLE-TOWN”

By Chris

July 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Lets not react so harshly, this is afterall only Josh Childress. not a star, not a great talent, guys like this are common so let a Greek team pay him millions and they Hawks can find another average player with bad afro and bad teeth to take his place.

By Paddy

July 23, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Hey, wait one dam minute there. Don’t jump ugly on the ASG. They have proven time after time they are “Big Time” owners and are always ahead of the curve. They will get out of this mess like thay always do. They are smart and know sports really, really good. And they have alot of money and make a profit every year. So what if the empty seats at Phillips will outnumber the fans. The ASG will have an answer for us any day now and it will be a really, really smart move on their part. Have faith, they have never let us down before and they won’t let us down now. I think we have a chance to win it all this year and will probably sweep Seattle also. They also know that we don’t need Josh Smith anymore. You just wait, our NBA ship is about to arrive and with it the next NBA trophy. GOOOOOOHawks and God Bless the ASG.

By Realist

July 23, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Does Olympiakos have any money left over for Josh Smith? One can hope…

By Jeremy

July 23, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Makes me sick.

By Linclarry

July 23, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Randy posted: Spirit offered Childress 5 years and 34 million and Josh turned it down for 3 and 20 in Greece. That speaks a great deal about our organization!

Response:

No this actually says a great deal about the current economic difficulty with the dollar vs. the Euro. All that money he signed for is TAX FREE! It also speaks to the fact that unlike the NBA, the EURO LEAGUE has NO salary cap and can offer whatever they are willing to pay. Yep, that sound you hear is Pandora’s Box opening.

By Lacsho

July 23, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Ando I agree with you 100%. I wonder if Stern has the power to resolve this ownership debacle. Bottom line things won’t be right in Hawksville as long as this ownership group is intact.

Wow I guest there’s going to be a big crowd at Phillips next week to buy season tickets.

By Mitch

July 23, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

Best scenario…a sign and trade with the Clippers: Josh Smith for Marcus Camby and Al Thornton.

Camby can start in the midde and be the shot blocker the Hawks need w/o Smith. Al Horford can slide over to PF…and Thornton becomes the scorer off the bench in Childress’ role.

Camby has one year left, but, with a good season they may be able to re-sign him.

The question is: would the Clippers be enamored enough with J-Smoove to part with Thornton, a player they really like, and with good reason. But…Smith would electrify their team in ways that Thornton cannot.

By DAP01

July 23, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

After years of rebuilding, years of being patient, we find out that they did not have a plan, that the owners and management are idiots.

By B. Thenet

July 23, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

The big loser in this is the GM of that team in Greece. Josh Childress is the highest paid basketball player in Europe, EVER?

Ha Ha Ha

He will beg to come back next season after they boo him off the court in Greece.

By loco

July 23, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

plympiakos gives him 20m free taxes!!! lol

By loco

July 23, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

plympiakos gives him 20m free taxes!!! lol

By Darrell

July 23, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Who cares what happens to Marvin!!!!

By B.A.ToDa

July 23, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this

Mercer i think you have too much faith in the organization that even if we lose both Josh’s will come out good in the long run. Me, personally, i don’t see that happening. It will hurt us in bringing in other quality players and even resigning our Own Guys in the future. We’re still on pace of staying a “Lottery Team” year-in-and-out. I just hate that we never had a top 3 pick when LBJ, Melo, and Wade was up in there.

By darrell starks

July 23, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

TED TURNER SHOULD TRY AND GET THIS TEAM BACK OR COKE COLA MUST TRY AND BUY THIS TEAM NOW.THIS franchise is worth only 280million A GOOD OWNER COULD COME IN HERE INVEST MONEY AND DOUBLE IT BUT YOU HAVE TO SPEND MONEY TO MAKE MONEY and that the truth if a good owner come in here and put a good team on the floor this city will support YOU AND YOU WILL TRIPLE YOUR MONEY QUICK DO WE HAVE ANY BUYERS?

By Rob

July 23, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this

Can we fire the owners of the Hawks? How bad is our team that a young player would rather go to Greece then to play for the Hawks.

The Atlanta Spirit ownership group is a joke.

By Dimitrios

July 23, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Some of you didnt even know Olympiakos….now its time to learn about Olympiakos and his history…not only in basketball but also in volley,polo, soccer swimming, for all the sports….then you will know why Chil come here…..www.olympiakos.org.gr…..this is Greece…

By The Truth Is....

July 23, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Moore was right. Worst sports town in America….

By SS

July 23, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

This is the top 5 reasons that this deal is a killer for this pathetic organization, and none of them have to do with the talent or contributions of Childress:

1. Free agents will not respect this franchise’s (stated) commitment to winning; therefore none will want to come here.
2. They let a quality mid-level player vacate the roster without any compensation; therefore, they must now replace him by either picking up a lesser talent in free agency or a young guy that isn’t ready to play. This is inexcusable.
3. Other guys on the team will question the team’s commitment or ability to spend the money to secure them long-term. This almost guarantees future defections.
4. Mike Woodson is firmly entrenched as the controlling party of this franchise now. If guys aren’t willing to subject themselves to his style, they will be gone. How does a guy with a .238 winning percentage earn that level of power?
5. All the good will and positivity earned by this team during the playoffs is now gone with the wind.

How is it that the ASG can manage to run 2 franchises into the ground in 5 years? They fired a Stanley Cup champion coach in favor of a 9 year losing GM after the team’s only playoff season, and they turn around and extend the contract of a coach who doesn’t even win an average of once per week (assuming 4 games per week).

By j

July 23, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Hello, Well, as usual, the Hawks will make National headlines for something inept. As has been pointed out repeatedly, no other NBA franchises put a contract on the table. I am quite curious to see how ASG is going to spin this situation. At the beginning of Free Agency, I expected we would not resign both of our RFA’s. I really just hope and hoped we could resign Smoove. Come to that, I really think this will pressure ASG to make a competitive offer to Smith. Not the qualifying offer but a 6 year contract. Here’s to hoping. Cheers, J

By KevinM

July 23, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

You know what plan Rick Sund and the Stagnates have in place for losing Chills? Nothing! It is obvious. This offseason is a disaster. This can get uglier very quickly. Congrats to Chills and I hope you get the $$ you have been promised in Greece. You trumped the group here in Atlanta. Now, Smoove has the trump card here. I don’t see him leaving the states because of his roots here. Transactions so far this offseason: - Stagnate group signs a demoted Rick Sund from Seattle. - Sund and the Stagantes sign Woody to a 2 year extension. - The Hawks ‘work out’ Kwame Brown and Randolph Morris. - Chills to Greece.

Well, so far, how excited are you fans about getting to Philips and buying season tickets? What is really sad here is the people who have bought season tickets and believe in the management decisions this group makes, and continues to make. My thought is if you aren’t trying to contend for a title, then you don’t belong in this organization. Mike Gearon, explain this move! Your market viable offer to Chills just doesn’t sound legitimate. The only time Chills was mentioned in this offseason was AFTER he landed in Greece.

By TheHawksFan

July 23, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow, Now that was funny. Low Ball in effect. I guess you really do have to question if there was ANY offer on the table at all to either Josh. I will question the AJC. Why the whole time the Hawks were winning in SL no Headlines. They lose 1 game then there is a Write Up. Go Figure. Good Luck Chilly. Take Care. See Ya Soon. Hopefully next summer.

By josh

July 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

ASG Sucks! What the hell is Sund doing? More embarressed today of the hawks then ever.

By RG

July 23, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

Pathetic, we would be better off if we didn’t even have an NBA franchise. Maybe St. Louis will take them back.

By MannyT

July 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

We will never know for sure, but aside from this unprecedented action, the best pay Chills could get in the NBA/North America was with the Hawks. Without the Olympiacos deal, that 5 yr/35 mil was a reasonable offer. Year 1 of that deal is about 1 mil higher than his tender. Chills was NOT the guy that would put strain on the salary budget.

The budget strain potentially comes from the guy that is still out there—Smith.

Now buzz is popping up about him going to Europe. While it might be possible, I think this one is less likely. I would imagine there is less of a spread between his NBA and European value.

WASP

By GaDawg

July 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

Who cares about the hawks. Way to go Childress. Why be play less for one of the worst franchises in NBA history when you can be the league all-start somewhere else? Enjoy the experience.

By Joshua

July 23, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

you know what forget Chill he’s an idiot take that mone yand get some help off the bench 7 mil goes a long way and sos

By Manny

July 23, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

I think it’s a dumb move. On Childress’ part.

It’s like this: His game is so soft that he’ll take a big salary from Greece? He didn’t think that he could make a strong name for himself with another team in the NBA? SO he had to go to Greece to get his money?

To me, the NBA is THE League. That’s where the big boys play. I mean, you couldn’t demand a trade from the Hawks?

That’s pretty weak. I wish him the best, though. His NBA career, though, is over.

By Jeff

July 23, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Did anyone hear Drew Barry talking about how notorious the Greek leagues are for not paying timely or at all? Bad move for Chills. I have also heard Gearon speak a few times about how coveted many teams thought Childress was – must have been more B.S. Regardless of Childress’ shortcomings every team could use a high energy guy, even the BRAVES!!!

By David

July 23, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

who cares? come get me if smith leaves

By Joshua

July 23, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

A R T H U R B L A N K

By brian2370

July 23, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this

Does this surpise anyone… coming from this ownership group? Now rumors are abound that Josh Smith may go overseas as well. Can’t wait to hear how they will spin this as a poisitive, come clean Atl spirit. You blew it.

By Joshua

July 23, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

A R T H U R B L A N K

By sherri

July 23, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

What’s the BIG DEAL? International players come over here and play all the time. I wish him luck!

By Star of the Zanarkand Abes!

July 23, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

I hate to lose him, but I would have left this ownership fiasco too. Olympiakos is a great team, and Athens is one HELL of an exciting city to live in.

GOOD LUCK, CHILLZ!!!

By SS

July 23, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this

To “B.A. ToDa”: you’re an optimist. Even if the Hawks had a top 3 pick in 2003, we would have probably drafted Milicic or Chris Kaman. There is absolutely no reason to believe that they would have drafted LBJ, Bosh, Wade, Melo or even T.J. Ford who would have been a reach at 3. Given the Hawks draft history, there is very little to make me think that they would have made the right choice in that draft even though it was loaded.

By J. Petrash

July 23, 2008 10:26 AM | Link to this

This is not the end of the world people and it’s not all the fault of the ASG. Look at the big picture…. Childress just received a tax-free contract paying him more than 7 million dollars a year (according to reports). Like another post said, the contract often includes housing, a car and other perks. That means that the hawks were going to have to pay him 9-10mil a year to equal that contract. Who would say that he’s worth that much $ as a Hawk? I love Chill’s game but that’s way too much money to spend on a 6th man who averages 12 and 6. Good for Childress for leaving. Who wouldn’t take that $ and go to Greece?

By just go

July 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

I hear Seattle is looking for a new team!

By Ben

July 23, 2008 10:27 AM | Link to this

Chillz turned down 34 million to go play in Greece?

He was already overpaid in his rookie contract, as there were at least 4 or players taken below him who had better numbers.

By j

July 23, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

Hello, GaDawg, it is idiots like you that keep our professional franchises on life support. I am a UGA grad and supporter but I still care about our pro teams.

By BigTimeGaTechFan

July 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Yes, Yes, Yes, good move. I was fearing the Hawks would over pay JC to match other offers. He was never that good and a wasted 1st round pick. Childress very over rated, sign in Greece because he was not very wanted in NBA after testing Free-Agent market. Thought we may have anouther John Konkac situation.

By indyhawkfan

July 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Let’s all get some things straight:

What is so frustrating to life-long Hawks fans like myself is the there is no hope for the future. With bad draft choices (we had NONE this year) and questionable trades, to go along with losing your RFAs, the future is clear. This once promising team will be defunct by 2010.

I am really sad today. Not only because J-Chill is gone, but because of the message that has been sent: “Atlanta is Losertown, USA.”

…….Don’t even begin to ask me about the Braves!

By MannyT

July 23, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Astro Joe Brandon Jennings did get his number on his 2nd try on a standardized test. The NCAA thought there might have been something unusual about the 2nd try and asked him to do a 3rd. He did, but opted for Europe before the results became public.

For those who look down on Josh for taking this deal, let me know the last time you turned down a big pay raise. Some of the highest paid NBA folks were not the best players—a few