Hawks

By hansoal

August 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this

I agree… match it right away!

By mcschoen

August 8, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

No brainer…first easy decision for Sund!!!! Get Smith sighned ASAP!!

By jtb

August 8, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

Please match this deal Hawks.

By J-Mo

August 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this

I agree completely!!! Match it now, or STOP contacting me ASG to buy tickets!!!

By Corey

August 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

If they let this one get away from them the Phillips Arena will never sell out

By Corey

August 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

If they let this one get away from them the Phillips Arena will never sell out

By Doug

August 8, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

“Why risk damaging your relationship with Smith more, by playing games for another week?”

Because you’re Mike Gearon. And in Mike Gearon’s world, Mike Gearon is smarter than everyone else.

By Realist

August 8, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

First off, congrats to Josh Smith, his agents, and Sekou for getting the man a bigger contract than many of us imagined was possible. I was wrong, and I fully admit it.

Now, as to the question at hand. Sekou, who cares about “damaging your relationship with Smith more, by playing games for aonther week?” That’s completely irrelevant from the Hawks’ perspective.

The question is: Do the Hawks want to let him walk, and be a terrible team in 2008 (with tons of flexibility for 2009), or do they want to be a keep him and be a mediocre team in 2008 (with very little flexibility in 2009 and beyond)? Personally, I’d let him walk and keep the flexibility, because I don’t think this team is anywhere near a contender. But you can definitely argue that it’s better to be average and expensive than terrible and cheap.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Good job Sund. 58 mill for Smith is a bargain. What’s that about 11.5 a year? Come on Manny, give Sund his due. lol!!! Now who wants to bet me that they’ll take the whole 7 days to get something done? lol!!

By #1 Priority = Joshes

August 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

The NBA may want to stock up on Grizzlies Smoove shirts in Atlanta, because I’m assuming they’re gonna have a lot of new fans down here in about a week.

Thank you Memphis! Now I can stop obsessively checking the ajc to see if the slooooow BASG finally got off their @$$.

By Angry Fan

August 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

AMEN, Sekou. MATCH IT NOW!

HAWKS FANS MAKE SOME NOISE!

By Big John

August 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

If they don’t match this offer I don’t ever see me going to a Hawks game again until ASG sells the team.We’ll soon find out if they really are broke now!

By Ernest

August 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Matching this right away would send a message to the fan base that the Hawks were serious about their statements early in this process. It would also send a message that they are serious about keeping their core together while building a competitive team. As Sekou said, why risk damaging the relationship with Smith AND the fans…

By Wayne

August 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Match it as soon as possible, show him some love! Memphis is smart, with Smith in that lineup along with OJ and Rudy, they could turn some heads.

By BlakeO

August 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

This is a no brainer…match the offer and move forward.

By Peter

August 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Match the freakin Deal !!!!!!

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

New Blog, your boy ToDa! Knowing the Hawks i doubt they have any sense of urgency to match. But lets pray they do match. If not Memphis will be one of the most exciting teams in the league for a very long time.

By Reggie

August 8, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Should I be concerned about the fact that the hawks are offering about 9 million, and Josh Smith got 11.6 milliom from the grizzles, im not sure they are going to match. Also what can the hawks do if they match the offer for josh Smith, they need to make more moves.

By Mike D.

August 8, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

Now we get to see if the Hawks Mgmt. is as inept as many believe them to be. This is a no brainer. Many were speculating that the Hawks would need to get there offer up to 10-11 mil a year range. Well the price is set the Hawks need to match or risk losing all the good will that they gained with making it to the playoffs. My decision on season tickets hinges on whether or not they keep Smith.

Think that will help them make the right decision?

By Big Mone

August 8, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this

I agree that the Hawks need to act quickly; but does anyone know the specifics of the deal (e.g signing bonus, is it front loaded, ….)? Really shouldn’t matter how the deal is structured because the NEED to match.

By AGTfan

August 8, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

I guess now we can see if ASG is anything resembling a legitimate NBA ownership group or the farce that most here think them to be. Based on previous experiences, I have to think we’ve already seen the last game of Josh Smith in a Hawks Uni. Hope I’m wrong, but look over on the hockey side of things. At least there they have to come up with a minimum payroll and they haven’t done that yet.

By R. Stroz

August 8, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this

Isn’t it obvious that Smith doesn’t want to play for Woody and the ASG is playing cheap.

Would someone please buy out the SAWB who own the team so we can get rid of these parasites.

By some sense

August 8, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

Before the day is out.

Why? Easy:

1.) The market has spoken. 2.) They said they would.

Let us play.

By MemphisGrizz

August 8, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Let him walk…he sucks anyway..

we gonna take your BOY!!!!

har har har….thanks ATL!!

By RealSquawk

August 8, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this

Let us all thank the Grizzlies for speeding up this process

Not only are then ending this standoff, but they are doing it at a reasonable price.

So its either we match or we let him walk.

Whatever we do please do it today.

Don’t take the weekend.

And now we can focus on the Marvin situation. and filling out the rest of those roster spots.

By keithedmundson returns

August 8, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Watching player after player signing, it was only time before Smoove got his offer. Sekou, please confirm it was a 5 year offer and not 4. That might be a problem here with the ASG. I would expect it to be a 5 year deal and if frontloaded, it would be a challenge to the ASG. Now, even the ASG can’t mess this one up since ‘someone else’ once again has set the market value. Smoove is needed in this lineup as I showed in previous blogs. The bad blood may still be there, and I have to think that the ASG will need the entire, 7 day, 168 hour window to make this decision.
You think this ruined any of the ASG’s staffers’ weekend? This is Day 94 of the Sund/Woody regime and it now appears that a decision will have to be made on their end. Does anyone seriously think a trade is in the works instead of just a simple signature? I think it will be seriously considered. If someone could explain the ramifications if someone other than the Grizz makes a trade proposal, how much of a cap impact is it to another NBA roster?
Myself, I expect Smoove to be back here long-term despite the bad vibes. Maybe all the differences can be overlooked heading into the vet camp.

By RAD

August 8, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

SEKOU

Could this be the start of a sign and trade? The Hawks match the offer and then trade him to the Grizzlies. I hope not!

By Flexibility???

August 8, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this

Flexibility??? The 2009 free agent class is led by Carlos Boozer and Andrew Bynum in terms of big men. Neither will come to Atlanta.

By R. Stroz

August 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

I feel for the people who bought season ticket packages during the playoffs thinking they were going to see the same team next season.

Typical ASG, bait and switch.

By Dylan Strozier

August 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Here,s another example of WHY I an native Atlantan. I,m not gonna say don’t support the Teams here; Yet I dislike the moves that the organizations make.We have some of the more supporting fans that any franchise could ask for although management has a tendency to overlook that fact.I believe the fans here deserve a parade.

By Dallas

August 8, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

I agree with MATCH IT NOW. Only way to start smoothing over hurt feelings. If it takes a full week it invites Josh Smith to publicly plea for them not to match.

Sekou, can you find out if the deal includes a signing bonus? Memphis could make 10.15M of that a signing bonus if they wanted to frontload it. Is the ASG willing to write a big check up front?

By luke

August 8, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

This is not good. With Bibby and Joe Johnson having such huge contracts, where is this money going to come from? All I hear is match it, match it, match it, but with what? Attendance has improved, but not to sell out status. This should have taken care of last season. They should sign and trade I think. Take Hakim Warrick and Kyle Lowry for Smith and a deadbeat making too much money, or find another trade scenario. Matching this offer could be catastrophic in the long run. First Pau Gasol, then Rasheed Wallace, now Josh Smith. This is what happens when you don’t care of business.

By Manny

August 8, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

I can see Realist’s point. I respectfully disagree, though. I say sign him quick and build little by little. I personally like the nucleus that’s here already. Plus, this nucleus has playoff experience. And for such a young team, that’s critical.

If I could make a move, it’ll be to get a big man. But I wouldn’t sacrifice the nucleus.

By vdunkndunk

August 8, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

MATCH IT NOW, ASG - DO THE RIGHT THING FOR ONCE!!!

There’s no reason not to match, so there’s no reason not to match RIGHT NOW. If they let Smoove walk for nothing they are dumbest most incompetent ownership group in the history of the NBA, but what’s new?

By RB49

August 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

No doubt, sign him now! there is absolutley no need to wait the seven days out. The BASG can save a lot of face with all the fans by signing smoove quick fast and in a hurry. I just have a baaaad feeling theyre gonna drag this isht out as long as they can cause they dont wanna come off the pocket and pay up. damn damn damn.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

But Realist, if we keep him, we’ll definately be a better team this year and should be CONTENDERS in a couple of years, so I dont understand your logic, on that one. Who could we draft, or sign that would make us a better club, if we had the flexibility you speak of? Lebron’s going to Jersey and Wade is going to Chicago. All that’s left is Bosh and Melo. And I like Smith more than Bosh and Melo has some issues. Plus the contract is frontloaded, leaving us with room to re-sign Horford and JJ. I think the Hawks got what they wanted. Luckily, they let the market set Smith’s value, and we wont have to overpay like half of the bloggers would have done.

By AtlSouthside

August 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Well Folks…This what we’ve been waiting for. If the Hawks do match, then I can completely understand why they’ve waited so long - they were just trying to make sure that they weren’t over paying for him. I don’t blame them for that. But if they don’t match, hmmmm, it will be a sad day in Hawks history. I can imagine that most true Hawks fans (aka Grady Babies) have little faith at this particular moment. So i guess we have to just sit back and wait it out. Maybe ASG will surprise us and do something uncharacteristic….

By FRANK

August 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

WHAT IF SOME OF THE 85 OWNERS THIS TEAM HAS ARE ON VACA IN THE FAR PARTS OF THE WORLD AND SUND SENDS FOR THEIR APPROVAL BY PONY EXPRESS CAUSE ITS THE FASTEST MAIL SERVICE ASG WILL PAY FOR. THEN WHAT? TRUST ME THESE FOOLS DO NOTHING FAST EXXCEPT MAKE EXCUSES.

By jp

August 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

what do they do with Rudy Gay? why even make this offer? They have a bunch of guards and in the West that just won’t work.

By Stefan

August 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

MATCH THE OFFER NOW!!!!!!! DO THEY EVEN KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES IF THEY DON’T RE-SIGN HIM!!?!?!? NO FANS, NO SOLD OUT GAMES, NO NOTHING. DO THEY REALIZE JOSH SMITH IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS PEOPLE COME TO SEE THE HAWKS PLAY!!!! THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FROM ME IF THEY DON’T MATCH THE OFFER!!!!

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Uh, i’m not confident the Hawks still see Smith worth anymore than the $9 they offered. But we’ll see what happens. I’m not gonna assume anything or get my hopes up quite yet. I mean, it is the Hawks we’re dealing with.

By Kelley

August 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this

Don’t Match it. Pursure the Sign&Trade for Rudy Gay. New Starting Line Up” PG - BIbby SG - Joe Johnson SF - Rudy Gay PF - Al Horford C - Morris - Space Eater

By keithedmundson returns

August 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Sekou,

Look in yesterday’s blogs….this was my prediction because that roster in Memphis has no frontcourt players and is full of PGs. They can show Mayo at the 2 all they want, but he will be a 1 in this league and needs the ball in his hands. I don’t know if he and Conley will co-exist very well as their size is a limitation. Do any sign and trade with the Grizz that you want with one exception: Do not bring Toine back here and relieve the Grizz of that bad contract Riley put out there. How Riley got rid of it was amazing! But, all that said, the Hawks need Smoove more than Smoove needs the Hawks. Anyone think Smoove is worth 8-10 wins in the Hawk lineup?

By Michael

August 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Sekou, Please explain how the offer sheet works & what the Hawks options are.

Can the Hawks stills do a sign & trade? If so because the Grizzlies have signed him to an offer sheet can they only do a deal with them now?
Or can they choose if there going to match the offer or not? If they wanted trade him they would have to match this offer then do it right?

Personally I don’t care & won’t care about the Hawks or Thrashers until the Sprit Group sells the team to an owner(s) that will spend $ & let there GM’s do there job!

By C-DUB

August 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

ASG needs to sell the team and let real basketball knowledgable individuals run the organization. If they would put a winning attitude behind their choices, they could make a lot of money if that is what they are in for. True fans will go to the games if you give us a good reason.

By Sign and Trade

August 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Trade him:

Darko

Lowery

For

Smith

He doesn’t want to be here anyway!

By The 2 Joshes

August 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

BK told us repeatedly that the goal for the off season was to re-sign the 2 Joshes - I love the Hawks with the 2 Joshes especially JChill but they’re not the same with just one Josh - especially the one who has a tendency to be subordinate - JSmoove is undoubtedly the most exciting player on the team but watching someone who makes $11.6/year take ill-advised 3-pt. shots with 20 secs left on the shot clock, who turns the ball over with ill-advised passes at crucial times, who grumbles when the coach asks him to do something will be painful to watch - maybe too painful considering the cap space lost and absence of JChill - I love JSmoove but at 11.6/yr. it will be a bitter pill to swallow

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith for Darko and Kyle Lowry. lol!! Just kidding fellas. Is a sign and trade even possible, now that he’s signed an offer sheet? Just curious?

By who cares?

August 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

They won’t signhim cause the team is probably gonna move to Seattle in a couple of years. Besides-who really watches the NBA any way? itis scripted liek WWE! The ref already told eveyone who the League office wanted to win. So they blow their cap space for one person? No way. If they can’ t sign their 2009 class. Who Cares? it is just basketball. Not that any body watches it.

By who cares?

August 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

They won’t sign him cause the team is probably gonna move to Seattle in a couple of years. Besides-who really watches the NBA any way? itis scripted liek WWE! The ref already told eveyone who the League office wanted to win. So they blow their cap space for one person? No way. If they can’ t sign their 2009 class. Who Cares? it is just basketball. Not that any body watches it.

By LIUSG

August 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

SIGN AND TRADE

By Greg

August 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Must match it immediately. I don’t see any other option. If we want flexibility we can generate it by letting Bibby and Zaza walk.

By SB

August 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

MATCH it before the 6 Oclock Sport center.

By Flexibility

August 8, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this

Move Horford to the 4. Team was going nowhere despite taking the Celtics to 7. Play Memphis’ game and wait for 2009 with another top 3 pick. What’s one more year of suffering? Just puts them on par with the rest of the ATL teams. JS wants out DESPITE being from here. Let him go and roll the dice.

By AtlSouthside

August 8, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

**Sekou,

What do u think? What are the chances of the match? We do have the cap space right??**

By jb

August 8, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

MATCH IT NOW

By MannyT

August 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

note—Manny & MannyT are 2 different folks. I see he’s back. Different people, different opinions.

terrell NO props to the ASG. The deal looks like a bargain because it is for 5 years. If the length was the only sticking point, they should have been able to negotiate on better terms. If you check my post from the prior blog, this deal is worse for ASG cash flow than the deal that Monta Ellis signed. They will pay Smith more out of pocket in each year of this deal than Monta will get in his first 5 years.

Let’s frustrate him in negotiations, make it look like he got less when he didn’t, have a higher cash outlay than you would have by doing the deal, let Memphis—not Atlanta—write the terms of his contract, mess up your team’s public relations along the way as you appear to be stubborn and clumsy negotiators.

Do you think Smith would have rejected the Monta Ellis deal (6yr/67 mil) after things fell apart with Philly and the Clippers? If they really want Smith, they could have had him and a better relationship with him for less.

No props to the KAOS crew.

B-CUP

By bballbill

August 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this

Consider the recect performance of this ownership group. Now, everyone expecting the ASG to do the intelligent thing please raise your right hand……thought so.

By SalimFan

August 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

No once the offer sheet is singed a S&T can’t be done anymore. It has to be done once the contract is offred and before its signed by smoove. He did the right thing by signing it IMMEDEATLY.

By ksleezy

August 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this

It hasn’t been matched yet?

By spotts

August 8, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this

I can’t believe we’re even in this position. Josh should’ve been signed LONG ago. Are there literally a bunch of monkeys in the front office?

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

Uh Oh… I forgot the Grizzs have Darko. The Hawks ownership probably loves that guy and think he’ll turn out to be a great Center to run beside Horford at the 4. I wouldn’t be surprised if we some how do a sign and trade thinking Darko will be what’s needed for our team.

By ant banks

August 8, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

11.6 mil per year. the hawks mgt are dumb. they waited for someone else to set what they were willing to pay for josh. they could have offered 10.5 per. or even 11per. that would have saved them 3 mil. dumb!!

By Robert

August 8, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this

Sign and trade…

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Terrell,

You laugh,but yet you have no idea if the Hawks can make a trade? Huh?

Milici- Solid young ,Legit NBA center (forget he was the #2 pk) Can clog the lane, rebound and blk shot. And this would allow Al to move to PF.

Lowery- With Bibby in his last year and A.C. still not proven why not go after a young NBA PG.

Also if you can go get a #1 in 09 and maybe a #1 in 11 (since the NBA does not allow trading of #1’s in consecutive years, why not ask for it. It is called negotiating.

By Vick Supporter

August 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Quit f*** around, ASG. Sign him, or you’re really gonna lose money.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

JP, they plan on using Smoove at PF. Gay plays SF. Their lineup would be Conley, Mayo, Gay, Smith, Milicic or Gasol.

By Ken Strickland

August 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this

Matching the offer isn’t the issue, which I think they will do. He’s too valuable to let go without compensation, like they did Chills. It’s what they intend to do after matching it. I believe they will try to shop a sign and trade, and will keep him only if they can’t get an acceptable return for him. At least we’ll know the outcome of this SAASG fiasco, one way or the other, in about a week from now.

Do you think Smoove would have signed if the SAASG had upped their previous 5yr $45M offer to $55M per yr?

By MannyT

August 8, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

OFFER SHEET

Once Smith signs it, you either match on the terms as written by his agents and Memphis or you let him go.

There is no tweaking allowed.

KAOS

By doc

August 8, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

when i worked trauma the best cases were gunshots as they required no work or decisions except to go to the or and explore. no sitting around thinking it over as only time would hurt the patient. whether sund realizes granny on her way back from the dead somehow got loose and someone shot her. any decision to wait only hurts her more. get over it already and do the surgery to fix the problem. the whole world is watching and as business men you know it is important to protect your brand, no?

mike d i am in the same boat and i hope there are others too. it wont take long for me to reinvest the thousand bucks they hold of mine now.

terrell are you an idiot? we have been calling for josh to be worth 11 mil a year and wondering why sund hadnt offered it yet. now how is that saving money. just looks stupid to me and probably pizzed off josh to boot. what is your frigging point?

realist you were of the few who didnt see josh’s worth, conventional wisdom called it right on 11 mil. dont fool yourself, again.

By spotts

August 8, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to be a Hawks fan when your team is awful. But when your team is a failure year ater year, and when your ownership does NOTHING to change that, it really shows what the ASG is after.

We want an ownership that cares here in ATL, but apparantly a decent franchise is too much to ask for. Enjoy your money, ASG.

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

It’s on the Hawks page now, small link to it. NBA-Hawks Smith

By Nice

August 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

see if Memphis will make trade for Darko Milicic

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

How weird is that sign and trade. We were 2 min. off.

By Josh Childress

August 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this

Run Smoove, Run!!!!!!!

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

How weird is that sign and trade. We were 2 min. off.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

How weird is that sign and trade. We were 2 min. off. lol!!

By MikeL

August 8, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

Don’t pretend you will be going to the games regularly even if they sign Smith. You never did before.

By Jay

August 8, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this

First of all the Atlanta Hawks are doing what they have always done and that is let good talent slide right through their hands. Second Josh Smith is the second best player on the team; His potential is off the chart. Third the team is trying to save money for the 2009 free agency but what players would want to come here to deal with the type of front office/owners we have here. I’ve played the game on the college level so I think I know the game a little( with that being said) some of the moves we have made in the past 6 yrs have been worst than the extention giving to Jon Koncak. I have been a season ticket holder for the last 4 yrs; I will not be one after this yr and would not be one this yr if I had paid for it already. Enough is Enough.

By david

August 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Rick Einstein Sund & the Einsteins can surely figure this one out. I can see them with a calendar with their finger counting 7 days. Go Hawks. ONLY pro sports franchise on the planet that would lose an important cog to an overseas team. Absolutely unfreaking real. Childress was the glue. Was the glue. They will match Smith’s offer but just the fact that they won’t match immediately just shows how incredibly dumb they really are. Every move is so unmotivating to the players. No love, no care, no brains. Did they really resign Woodson to two more years? Nightmare.

By James

August 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

The market has spoken..No more wait and see.

By J-Dub

August 8, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

No decision every appears easy for the ASG! Everything must go through a committee. Has anyone here ever be part of a committee? Watch, it will take a week to match it with this group. For once and for all, get MATCH it now!

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith and his people wer looking for 12 mill ,just like Okafur. I read that somnewhere. So how is 11.6 not a bargain? And Ant Banks, no way he would’ve signed for 10.5 mill. Dumb!!

By R.SUN

August 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this

Hey yall this is Rick. Rick Sund thatz who dam it. Dont know why yall getting excited,we gonna ship his butt to Memphis anyway. NO WAY IN HELL we can afford 11 million. Besides Marvin is our future and he is bulking up to play the 4. Yall took me serious when i said we would match offers for the fro and stupid hops. the joke is on yall now go get them season tickets. I’ll bet BK dont look so bad now.

I think we should trade horford for Petro/Ridnour Now say something and I’ll ship JJ’z a* too

Who wants some of the Sund man, thats what I thought

By One of 50 ASG members

August 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this

At an emergency ownership kegger this morning, we decided to say we stand by our vow to keep Josh. Then sit back and let the seven days pass and lose Josh, saying he really didn’t fit into our plans, etc. etc. The truth is we don’t have that kind of money. Shhh. Don’t tell anybody I told you.

By AWKS1

August 8, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

Let ASG do what they said they would do and FREAKIN’ MATCH IT ALREADY so all those pro-Josh Smith can look forward to next season.

Sekou, thanks for staying on top of this for all of the ATL / Josh Smith fans!

By Jeremy

August 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

If they don’t match this offer, I AM DONE WITH THE HAWKS until the Spirit sells or loses the team.

MATCH THE OFFER.

I hope that you are ready your customer’s feedback Spirit.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Was’nt Woody on the Detroit Coaching Staff, when they took Darko over Melo and Wade?

By Reggie

August 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this

Josh Smith Update: The Memphis Grizzlies pulled off a stunner, agreeing to a five-year $58 million offer sheet with Hawks restricted free-agent Josh Smith today. Sources tell HOOPSWORLD, the Hawks have every intention of matching the deal, that reviewing the specific terms of the offer is all but a formality. Memphis may have done Atlanta a huge favor. The Hawks now have seven days to match the deal.

At five years and $58 million, it’s roughly the amount of money Smith was seeking but the Hawks weren’t convinced they would have to meet the amount. The offer from Memphis makes it clear they do, so it seems they will.

By The_Future

August 8, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

It’s the ASG… why should we believe they’d make the right decision when every other one they’ve made this summer has been COMPLETELY WRONG?

So long Josh. It was fun while it lasted…

By Jsmoove = overrated

August 8, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

TRADE THAT CLOWN TO THE GRIZZ FOR SOME YOUNGER, CHEAPER TALENT

By ray

August 8, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

I’m no prophet by any stretch of the imagination, but I had a small suspicion that this might happen.

Memphis was being inconspicuously quiet, despite the fact that they are the only team with “real” cap space.

With the highly publicized non-action between Smith and the Hawks coming to a dead stalemate, all Memphis had to do was wait. Couple that with the fact that Memphis is short on effective, experienced bigs, and the closest thing they have to a true power forward (or at least a guy who can play that spot) with experience and capability is Hakim Warrick or Antoine Walker. Warrick is much better as a 3, and Walker is just about useless these days. Josh easily trumps both. Other than that, Memphis’ frontline players include rookies Marc Gasol and Darrel Arthur, and inconsistent, enigmatic center Darko Milicic.

Well, it’s a shame that it takes another team to get our gears turning. 7 days. That’s it.

I don’t know about some of you, but I smell sign-and-trade. It would be cheaper for the owners. Look for something that includes a young pg like Lowry or Crittenton, and the shortest contract they can manage to acquire. In other words, you can probably expect to see Antoine Walker. Add that to a bag of skittles and we have a deal. Heh.

Or…

We can put on our tin foil hats for a nice little conspiracy theory session. Remember a short time ago when that rumored, but never official “offer” of $9.5 million a year for 6 years came out? Guess what? That comes out to $57 million. Odd how close to $58 million that is. Very odd. In fact, one might think that it is possible that this has been arranged. Think about it, the Hawks weren’t budging. They never really officially offered more than the 9/45 deal, yet this 9.5/57 deal “leaked out”? And now this? Is is possible that Hawks management finally figured out that it would take significantly more to sign Josh, which they weren’t going to pay…and by now Josh doesn’t want to play here anymore? Hmmmmm.

The perfect idea would be to make a behind-the-scenes arrangement that puts some measure of control back into the Hawks hands after they threw most of it away. What better way than to get Memphis to offer a contract no larger than what the Hawks themselves were willing to pay, then match it, then do a sign-and trade?

Or, This is the perfect opportunity to sign Josh for the money they’d rather pay him (but just couldn’t offer him for some strange reason). Or this is Josh’s way of getting more than he was officially offered. Who knows. But I think the results of this new situation will lend credence to a number of theories, not necessarily mine.

By Tyger

August 8, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

No Need to Rush

The Hawks have committed themselves to playing by the rules of the CBA, so, if the rules allow for another week, then thats what the rules allow for.

The overwhelming misconception here and with Childress is that emotions dictate business decisions.

Its not a lack of care or any of the above, but simply the fact that the NBA and NBA Players Assoc. have labored hard over a set of rules and guidelines that frame these negotiations and neither party is to be blamed for exercising their rights under the CBA.

The Hawks have 7 days to match, there’s no benefit or loss by taking the whole 7 or less. Its the rules.

Moreover, the Hawks said go get an offer. Smith and Co. had no offer. Now, Smith has an offer and the Hawks have 7 days. Those are the facts.

It wont make a lick of difference if the Hawks sign him on Day 6 or Day 2 as long as they sign him.

Everyone knows the Hawks have a peculiar ownership group, so expecting them to match immediately is setting yourself up for false expectations.

They need time to get their ducks in a row, hopefully, sooner than later, but if the Hawks can match the offer in 7 days…then bottom line that is all thats required.

By Flappin Hawk

August 8, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this

Sign him know. He’s not the best player(yet) but he’s the heart of the team and the only player capable of bringing those phenomenal playoff crowds back to their rabid frenzy. There has never been a playoff atmosphere in Atlanta like that Boston series…ever. I’ve been a Atlanta sports fan for over 40 years and for those 3 games Phillips Arena was by far the most intimidating home court we have ever had in this city. If the Hawk’s don’t sign Josh it would be nothing more than total disrespect to our community. SIGN HIM NOW GENTS!!!

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this

It’s official! ESPN.com has reported! ESPN Josh Signs…

By Dan

August 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this

Good for Memphis! At least now the Hawks have to do something. If the Spirit Group would have just started the summer with some urgency, they would not be in this situation.

This is a classic example of what happens when all you do is spout out corporate BS quotes like “move through the process” and “explore our options”. F**k that! Act or don’t act.

Now, once again, the Spirit Group has their backs to the wall. You know they are going to come out on the short end of this thing. No matter how it ends up playing out, the Hawks will be worse off because of the Spirit Group’s sh*tty way of doing buisness.

By YOUALLSHOULDREADTHIS

August 8, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this

There is value in waiting to match the offer sheet. Memphis’ cap room will be tied up for a week. As they are the only team left with significant cap room in the league, that is a viable advantage in the race for the last of the FA’s. Right now Memphis has little more than the LLE to offer. Now that they know what they have to pay, the Hawks can set to filling out their roster accordingly, then match.

They should call Josh and tell him they are matching, since u guys are so concerned about hurting his feelings. Then they should send a bouquet to Memphis signed: “We’re Matching, XOXO) and thank them for doing the negotiating for them. Then they should wait the full week.

Have you guys never watched RFAgency play out? Teams NEARLY ALWAYS take the full allotment of time to match.

Also, there can be no sign-and-trades now. He’s signed the offer sheet, so it’s all or nothing. If they sign him they can’t trade him right away either, per the CBA, they have to wait a certain length of time (I cant remember off top but its at least 1/2 a season).

I am assuming ASG will match, since they cant afford the PR hit of Josh Childress X 1,000,000. If they don’t we can all put the Hawks away until there is new ownership in place.

So, with that said, everyone CALM DOWN. There are a lot of ins and outs to the CBA that a lot of you obviously can’t grasp. Just let Sund do his job, and don’t expect the Hawks to match til next Friday.

This is business. We are dealing with grown men. Smith is about to get a huge contract so there should be no hard feelings. Matching right now is stupid and serves no purpose whatsoever.

By Nick

August 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Hopefully he’ll keep shooting those killer jump shots.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Lowcountry, your’re right I have no idea, that’s why I laughed. Get it? Or are you too country to comprehend? lol!!

By msubearfan

August 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

Sign him and send Memphis a thank you letter.

Or if it is a sign and trade, get Crittenton here as part of the deal. Him and Darko maybe.

By Glenn

August 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

As I said earlier , This is the best case scenario . We get Josh Smith at a good price & lock him up for many a year. Memphis really came through . I know I’m going to get booed but I don’t even mind Maurice Evans over Josh Childress . For the financial trade off a no brainer IMO . We have some tough money situations coming up next year . We will have to pay for a point & Marvin is a RFA as well right ? I’m as hard on the Hawks as anyone but I’m starting to think this is going to turn out just fine . Especially with the lame sign & trade rumors I was hearing . T. Prince for Josh Smith is just silly . I’m thinking it is time to get excited about next year . The Hawks will resign him . It’s a slam dunk . Get it . Ha !

By D_Costa

August 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Match the deal!!!

Stop sitting around waiting for the sky to fall cause it’s not gonna happen.

This is the NBA, there is no such thing as a fair deal. Somebody’s always overpaid, somebody’s always underpaid.

Bring Josh Smith back and let’s move forward.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this

Doc, I recall alot of guys hollering for Okafur money, which is 12 mill per. If you were’nt one of them, I WAS NOT TALKING TO YOU. wtf? Chill out Doc.

By Donald Smith

August 8, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Hell know let him go. Josh Smith is not, I repeat is not a 12 million dollar player at least not yet. Too many highs and lows . 8pts. tonight 28 the next 14 rebounds 4 the next night . Too many jumpers and way to many threeeeees.Yes we the Hawks, need him but we dont need to overpay.So say go bye. With both joshes gone. Time for Horford and Williams to step up big. And we have a lot of money to lease some good role plauers.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this

Doc, I recall alot of guys hollering for Okafur money, which is 12 mill for 6 yrs. If you were’nt one of them, I WAS NOT TALKING TO YOU. wtf? Chill out Doc.

By AdamG

August 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

The contract is not indicative of Smith’s (or anyone else, for that matter) real worth. The real worth is in his performance. And the Grizzlies (or the Hawks) will find out soon enough that his performance doesn’t merit such a contract.

Especially if he is still stagnant in his emotional and mental growth.

By fudd21

August 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

AtlSouthside The cap is not an issue when re-signing your own free agents. You can go over the cap to sign them. Its called the Bird Rule.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Well said Tyger.

By edgar

August 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

Hawks don’t match this and they will be THE SEATTLE HAWKS within five years.

Maybe it is all part of Spirit’s evil master plan….

By c pritchett

August 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

the hawks don,t have enough money to match the offer. they should have sign JOSh when they sign those last two players.

By Sekou K. Smith

August 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

The Hawks don’t have any sign and trade options the minute Josh Smith signs the offer sheet and faxes it to them. They only have two options, match the offer or let him walk.

The sign-and-trade stuff is moot the minute the Hawks get the signed offer sheet.

But there should be no question about it, the Hawks match this ASAP and move on with their summer. We all move on our with our summer.

The Grizzlies just did the heavy lifting here folks. All the Hawks hahve to do is match it and move on or let Smith walk and move on.

And the offer is five years, $58 million.

By JOE

August 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Does the ASG know that if they let Josh Smith go then they will lose atleast 25 to 30 % of the fans? And that would also mean that they will have lost 2 restricted FA for absolutely nothing!!! Our 2 biggest priorities this summer might I add!!! Hate is a strong word but I tell you if the hawks lose this for the second time this summer I will HATE sund and the ASG!!!!! They are terrible and I wish I could say it to them face to face!!!!! Sund your are terrible everywhere you go!!! There’s a reason for that too… Because you suck!!!!!! And to the ASG my 2 year old daughter could be a better owner than your sorry a*******e$!!!!!!

By WHAT!

August 8, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

Glenn @ 2:07PM -

Please do not mention attempting to resign Marvin Williams on this site ever again.

We need to drop that kid like a bad transmission and pray to God, Jesus and Obama to forgive us for wasting a draft pick and all that money on that waste of space to begin with.

By Dawg 'n IT

August 8, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

I still want to see Smith at the 3 in a Hawk uniform before letting him go. Sign him.

By nique

August 8, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this

this ownership sucks. i love how they alienate a future superstar and end up (hopefully) paying him what he was asking for anyway. nice strategy!

i hope they match, but i have a feeling that they will try to do a sign-and-trade and screw that up.

sekou, how seriously are the hawks trying to sign elson? i think he’d be a great addition to the team.

By Thomas

August 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

It’ll be interesting to see what the team will do, especially since they haven’t taken care of this matter yet. You would have thought they would have handled this deal by now; clearly there must have been some disagreement with numbers discussed thus far. I think the team will only regress with its seemingly annual rebuilding plans if they don’t bring him back. They already took a hit by losing Josh Childress.

By Peachtree John

August 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Prediction: The Hawks let Smith go. Not that this action will help in any way. They will botch the opportunity to make lemonade out of lemons by continuing to fail in offering a product that is competitive. I don’t care who they bring in, they still have the same head coach and the same management. FAILURE.

By snellville jacket

August 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Why not round it up and make the player happy.

By Mark

August 8, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Who cares about African roundball?

By hawker

August 8, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

I smell collusion tween Sund and cats GM. How else to explain this convenient escape hatch…Whats our end of the bargain?

By PLEASE READ

August 8, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Again, THERE CAN BE NO SIGN AND TRADE

at this point, so please stop posting these scenarios. Once Smith signed the offer sheet, that got the clock moving. He is either matched within the next 7 days or he is gone. Thats it. Black and White. Please note.

By ray

August 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Scratch that one conspiracy theory. I see that Josh’s offer is 5 years and 58 million, not 6 years and 58 million. Damn.

I don’t see the Hawks matching this (and I hope I’m wrong). So. Assuming the worst, what happens next? A sign and trade or does Josh walk away scott free? 7 days….

By Hawk4Life?

August 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Hawks fan since the 80’s after moving to ATL from Puerto Rico. I’ve been one of the few around my circles that have rooted for the Hawks ‘win or lose’. I bought into the “we’re developing talent” philosophy kicking and screaming. Now that you develop the talent, shouldn’t do anything in your power to keep it???

JSmith is not just talent, he’s entertainment. That’s ticket sales!!! The ownership can repair a bit of the damage by acting quickly. This will be a fan that will get away if the ASG does not keep their word.

Billy Knight looks better by the minute!!!

By Reggie

August 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Sekou

Do u think they would be concerned about the fact that the money is 11.6 per year, and they want to give him 9. Also Do you see the hawks making a minor trade at some point to get better.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

Is Josh Smith really built for Woody’s(Larry Brown’s) type of offense? Just asking? I know one thing, he would flourish in Memphis’ run and gun scheme.

By jonathan friedman

August 8, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Wait will find a way to mess this up!

By Grizz fan

August 8, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

If you take Darko off our hands, we’ll toss in Marko Jaric for half price!

By nique

August 8, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this

thank god, the sign-and-trade option doesn’t exist. thanks for clarifying sekou.

By Jsmoove = overrated

August 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

let that clown go to memphis. if the grizz want to bring the acrobatic circus to town, let them. atl should save that money and spend it on an actual basketball player.

By John Battle

August 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

PLEASE PLEASE sign him hawks, dont be the same stupid mediocre, no decision franchise that I have been cheering for 20years

By J

August 8, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

Hey ASG, what’s the rush? You’ve got 7 days to match it, so take your time, count your pennies, then sell some of your gold jewelry next week (as seen on tv) to get to the 58 million. After all, isn’t that why you waited - for someone else to set Josh Smith’s market value? Now you have it. Remember though that every day you wait, the price of gold could drop lower and lower and you’d have to sell more of it to get your 58 million. Lotsa luck.

By Tron5000

August 8, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this

OK, **Atlanta Spirit.” Do the right thing.

First, you traded for Mike Bibby and his $15 million contract. Then, you re-sign Woody (who admits that Bibby runs Bibby’s own offense better than the Hawks have been able to run Woody’s after 4 years with the man). Then, Childress is allowed to sign with a team in Greece. Now, Josh Smith is headed to Memphis unless you match the offer?

I’ve already promised to boycott attending Hawks games while Woody is the coach, unless we are in the top 5 of the Eastern Conference. If you let Josh Smith go, so help me, I’m done with this team.

Forever.

By mykhalc

August 8, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

the stupid a$$ BASG will somehow forget to sign the papers by the deadline!!! it’s soooo obvious that it is the inevitable conclusion to the way they conduct business!!!

BRAINLESS…CLUELESS…USELESS…PERIOD!!!

By SnuffySmith

August 8, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

I really and truly DONT CARE if the Hawks match Smiths offer. I WANT THE HAWKS TO MATCH THE DEAL, but if they dont who cares. The Hawks havent done well in the playoffs in such a long time and it seems theyre ALWAYS in the rebuilding mode. I dont care if Smith comes or goes because I dont think hes that great to begin with. He is an up and coming player in the league and I think he is going to be a great superstar, but why pay him like a superstar when he has done nothing to deserve such a significant raise. I know that the Hawks dont appreciate him because if they did, they would have already had him signed already. When the Hawks team folds and moves on to another city, maybe then Hawks management will realize that they could have had a good team here in Atlanta but they were WAY TOO CHEAP TO PAY MARKET VALUE for their players.

By Peter

August 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

I say sign the guy if the Hawks want any type of excitement for the next few years………and have a chance to bring other good players here to the Hawks.

Also the guy is SOOOOOOOOO YOUNG……. he will get better…….so anyone who is worried about his mistakes…..well he is on a learning curve, and doing great while learning !

Also yes…….. we can sign then trade him for anything we would want or need if that is the way the organization goes………

I know he is not a Kevin Garnett, but he would be really making less than 1/2 of what Garnett makes……..his salary is almost $24 million per season……..this would pay Josh $11.6 Million per year……..

Seems like a steal for a guy that has so much up side !

By doc

August 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

terrell last year i went on record as saying he would demand 65 yo 75 for a 6 year deal. most saw the hand wrotng n the wall when others began to come in with their millons. the hawks may save a year by this offer only o have smith walk out at 27 instead of 28. how can you consider it a good thing if they really wanted smith. it all suggests they want him pff their hands even if they dont control the marbles. if they had wanted him they would have signed him like was done in chi town and in san frn times two. absolutely makes no sense to have handled it this way except to say we dont want you and will only pay you if you find out your worth. i really dont get the positivs behind it as it is fraught with danger. like telling your lover to find her worth on the open market and if she finds someone to mar her you will then offer a ring. i guess that is wtf and you dont have anything to f, if you catch my drift. kind of empty handed.

i guess if you keep asking you get an answer and vice versa, all is good and not personal and no i dont think you as stupid or idiotic only a phrase of contempt in the heat of the moment. heh heh, sorry.

it is all good and it will keep turning as we dont know what is behihd door what must be about 65 as a hawk fan. just doubt it to be closer to a championship but maybe liquidity.

By Glenn

August 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

@ By WHAT!

I’m feelin ya . Marvin is still silly young though . Yeah thinking of his playoff performance makes me want to puke in my mouth & when of course you look at those 2 PG’s we could have had instead of him, well , that is another shot to the gut . Still even if we let him go or trade him we will still need that cash to sign another 4 . Maybe Boozer, Iguodala , Lamar Odom, or a center if we decide to move Al over to the 4 spot .

By UGASlobberknocker

August 8, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

I have lived in Atlanta since 1966. I attended the first Hawks game at Tech; also the only two conference finals they have ever made in Atlanta (first 2 yrs here).Saw Pistol Pete in the 70s; Cursed Drew in the early 80’s, loved everybody in the late 80’s. But they lost me and thousands of others in the past 10 yrs..UNTIL this year. I went to a game (actually 4) for the first time since 2000. I even went bought a Hawk sweatshirt for the first time since 1988.I am sure there are thousands of old Hawk fans just like me. Thousands of new ones who have just come on.

All of that is toast for me and everybody else if they let Smith go. If they let that happen, I hope they follow him right out of town. Let Las Vegas have em or send em back to St Louis. No one would be going to the games anyway. Maybe in a few years we could get an expansion team with some REAL owners instead of a bunch of pretenders.

By roan st

August 8, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this

If they don’t match that offer sheet it will be the death of this franchise. Nothing else left to say.

By kgbsfinst

August 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

Wait to sign Smith for the 7 days? Really?

We are talking about Memphis right? The same team thats in the west, which we face like twice a year?

You do realize that the people who they could sign other than Smith is Gordon(bulls) and IGGY(philly)? Where would you rather have either or those two play, Chicago, Philly, or Memphis?

The faster we sign Smith, then the faster they can go after one of them. Granted I dont think they will, they dont need a SG or SF, but if your reasoning is to keep their money in limbo, then it doesnt sound smart.

By Aaron B

August 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

You think damaging their relationship with Smith will be bad…. wait till the fallout comes with the fans. Anything less than a quick sign of Josh Smith will result in a huge letdown that they will not recover from… guaranteed.

By singndblues

August 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

OK, just looking for some clarification and I admit I am not an expert on the cba but can’t Memphis, if they really want js, and are afraid the asg will match the offer, not propose a sign and trade between these two teams? Is that not a similar senario as to what was done when we signed JJ? Can someone please enlighten me?

By Hawk4LifeNotForLong

August 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this

I’ve been a Hawks’ fan since the 80’s and have been one of the few that have stuck with them win or lose. I even drank the kool-aid about ‘developing young talent’. Now that they’ve developed some of it, they’re just letting it go??? What’s the point?

Count me in as one fan they will lose if they don’t re-sign JSmith!

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

$58 million over 5 years is all it took? Wow the A.S.S. better match this…

By travis

August 8, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

the hawks have no choice. they will sign him!! CALM DOWN!!!

By Sweet Swagga

August 8, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this

All the mess yall talk about concerning this team is ludicrious! Yall were crying about Childress leaving like he was a Kobie Bryant. Ain’t nary team in the USA would have paid $20 mil for no 2nd stringer! $58 mil for J Smoove? Get Real! He could go to the Grizzlies and be their some-timey star player while we finally free up some money to get a true player. These young Kats are all about the cash these days. I don’t know why yall think we should do all of these un-realistic trades and moves but won’t expect a team like LA to do the same. But I’m not worried, as soon as the Hawks get like the Celtics, then all yall haters are gonna be sitting in that arena like you were “lifetime fans.”

By Nopigs21

August 8, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

Look fellow bloggers, ASG is in a no win situation and i’m not a fan of theirs at all. if the match immediately, then they look like they were just waiting to see if he gets another offer and Josh feels slighted.

If they wait a week, then Josh feels slighted that they had to think about it and the fair weather fans will leave anyway so the outcome is the same either way. He’s not happy here and he won’t be happy here until Woody is gone.

I’m not a big of Mr. Smith but we don’t have any other options. Billy the Kid and ASG set us back a while with previous drafts and Sund couldn’t get it right anywhere else so why would he get it right here???

By doc

August 8, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

terrell, do you really think this is handling it right, no options going forward and only animosity built?

By makeeazymoneytoday.com

August 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

i am really torn because i think the Hawks SHOULD match the offer just to save face BUT on the other hand the money spent on one player (Johnson) is what got the Hawks to where they are now a medicore team who think they are contenders i say save the money make soem key moves in the offseason to soften his departure by getting Bibby and Johnson and the big guy some big help like a veteran

votechange08

makeeazymoneytoday.com

By ray

August 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

I love all these folks who come on here and say “calm down”. It’s a blog, not a real life situation. People can vent and spew emotion all they want. Who’s worse, those who choose to vent, or those who take it seriously enough to start telling people to calm down? Please…

terrell, yes Woody was there. Funny comment about half the bloggers wanting to overpay Smith. I think most of the people who even mentioned a number mentioned $11 million per year, nothing more. And the only people talking about a max contract were the ones insisting that he shouldn’t get that kind of money. The ASG never budged on their offer of 5/45. I think they could’ve offered him 10.5 or 11 million a year and he would’ve signed. But you think they’re smart by allowing Memphis to put it up to 11.6 million a year? Dude, give me a break. The ASG did not plan this…

By doc

August 8, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this

i guess we can go after ando’s guy iggy next, right? the quicker the better in moving on unless there is somethig there we want. time is a wasting but do we have cap to really sign anyone else?

bibby cost us folks, he had better come up big to replace both joshes because in effect that may have been what was gotten in that deal. anyone know the math on what is left to spend and dont forget chills q o to keep the budget down?

By Drew

August 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Sorry Hawks Fans, Josh Smith is NOT worth 50+ Million Dollars!!! In fact, if you watch the tape of game 7 against the Celts, hes not worth 50 cents!!!!

By travis

August 8, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

ray pump your brakes, baby!! folks were panickin’ thinkin’the hawks would let him walk or do a sign and trade. Sekou just explained that they can’t do a sign and trade.

hawks have only 1 option and that is to sign josh. there is no way that they will let 2 top draft picks leave without compensation in the same year.

so CALM DOWN folks, the hawks will match and sign josh.

By Lou

August 8, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

This takes the cake if he gets away. I have been pulling for this team since they came on TBS in the early 80’s. I thought we had seen the lowest of lows, but we can’t sign good players and the ones we draft we can’t re-sign.

By ray

August 8, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

If that’s the case Drew, then the whole team isn’t worth $5 dollars total if we’re really going to go by game 7 of the playoffs. Shut up, you moron.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

That’s b****** Ray. There were a number of guys calling for Okafur money, which is 6 yr 72 mill. Dont make me look it up. lol!

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

That’s b****** Ray. There were a number of guys calling for Okafur money, which is 6 yr 72 mill. Dont make me look it up. lol! And a few were saying he was worth MORE THAN THAT.

By ray

August 8, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

This is a no-brainer. And how many of us (yes, myself included) have been saying all this time that somewhere around 11 million per would do the trick.

As Doc says, looks like the “conventional wisdom” wasn’t too far off after all….now cue the dissenting voice…

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Drew, you cant tell what he’s worth by looking at 1 freakin game. wtf?

By SB

August 8, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

Come on Drew……… you are pointing out one game in which team whole team sucked. He’s only 22, How many 22 year olds not named Lebron James or Kobe Bryant play well in game 7’s?

By kenny

August 8, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

SIGN!! RESIGN!! MATCH!! Whatever you need to hear get it done. This is a great price for his talents. Besides if you don’t it will just be the same thing next summer with someone else, plus who’s going to come hear willingly after all this drama that took place. Suck it up, cut the check, and thank you to the Memphis grizzlies for expediting this process.

By The Truth

August 8, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Ray

I second that motion

By kgbsfinst

August 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

I wonder how much the ASG likes Bibby? If they were wanting to keep him after this year, I wonder if they could resign him and help with the cap cost. Hes worth $15 right now, but IF the ASG wanted to keep him, I doubt he would be looking for 15 again. Maybe around 3 years, $8 per year. He would make $24, and it would save us around $7 this year.

I dont think this will happen, I just thought that would be an interesting way to help the cap. What do you guys think?

By Jared

August 8, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

ASG,

You have got to sign Josh Smith, it is obvious that your most active fans all want him back, haven’t you had enough PR nightmares?

Is he worth $11,500,000 per year? Well if one were to make $200,000 per year as a doctor, they would make $6,000,000 over a thirty year career of seeing 25 patients a day. SO WHEN FANS ACT LIKE $11,500,000 PER YEAR IS A GREAT DEAL… i’m not sure that it is.

However, if you can’t execute a sign and trade for a top flight big man (who makes much less) and perhaps a top round draft pick, you had better ante up while you still have some fans.

In the mean time, lets think about the amount of lives two doctors can affect over a thirty year period of seeing 80 patients per day for the same price. That would be 1,600 people per week, 6,400 people per month, 76,000 per year, 2,300,000 over a thirty year period.

That’s healing a few people and perhaps even saving lives of a few more.

But don’t forget, the most important thing is sign JOSH SMITH!!!

By Plum

August 8, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

If they let him go, they will not be in the playoffs for another 9 years. It would be like them choosing Marvin Williams over Chris Paul, the Falcons trading Brett Favre, Michael Jordan’s high school team cutting him…feel my drift??? A decision that will make them wonder in the future, why did we do that??? KEEP JOSH SMITH!

By ray

August 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

I know, Travis, just got told. Believe it or not, I’m not panicky or anything. What’s going to happen is what’s going to happen. I’m just writing, and this is just a blog.

I wouldn’t make such guarantees if I were you. We once thought Childress would be re-signed too, ya know….

By ken

August 8, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

To Atlanta Spirit Group & Hawks organization

I just wanted to share my ideas for the organizations growth looking forward. First off, I understand not wanting to max out Josh Smith. I agree he was not worth 70$ million, but lowballing him at 45 - 50 million was not smart either. I hope that you will remember this in the future. While on the subject, I hope you are planning to max out Al Horford. Big powerful players with leadership qualities are hard to come by, most especially for the hawks. He is battle-tested and averaged a double- double as a rookie. If you are having any doubts about what to do with him, please fire the entire staff or sell the franchise before his resiging in 2010. Okay, my starting line-up for the 09’ season goes Rajon Rhondo, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Al Horford, and Hasheem Thabeet. Originally I had Josh Smith in the place of Marvin Williams, and used Williams as trade bait to aquire the pick of Thabeet( but changed for obvious reasons). Now of course this is predicated upon how things go. If Thabeet has the all everything season I envision him having then you are going to have to give a lot to aquire the high pick. I see him as a young Mutumbo with more potential. And like Horford he stayed in school three years and learned how to play the game (unlike J Smith). Now with a player like Thabeet, a good point guard really helps; and Rhondo has great speed/quickness, good size, and nice intangibles. With the celtics cap situation tied up in the big three, I believe you should be able to lure Rhondo away with a “Good” offer; which is a good investment for a franchise point guard. Obviously Joe Johnson has proved his value and merits a pay raise (but not Rashard Lewis). I’m not sure if Marvin Williams has lived up to being a #2 pick; he will have to show alot this year(and pick a position). Now I was cool with giving Mike Woodson a chance, but the guy is average at best. Learning under Larry Brown may not have helped him with player relations either (especially for a young team). I know there must be better coaching candidates out there. Avery Johnson may have only coached one year, but he’s won a ring as a player and been to the finals as a coach. I also believe he got the most out of the talent he had (just wasn’t championship caliber). And I know the hawks aren’t most peoples idea of a dream job, but to change that stigma you have to start somewhere. You have to keep that in mind when trying to attain players as well. Players will take less money to play for a contender or a respected organization, but honestly the hawks are gonna have to overpay to attract some people (like Joe Johnson). Sure you cannot overpay everyone, but that’s why as an organization you should have a game plan of who you want to build around (i.e. Al Horford, Joe Johnson, TBA point guard). And with the mishandling of the Joshes you better try to get it right next go round. If that means signing Horford to a max deal early (like Chris Paul or Deron Williams) than so be it. The roster moves made these next two years are going to affect the next 10 years whether you realize it or not. And we’re still hoping for the best. Go Hawks!!!

~Ken~

By Joshua

August 8, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this

sos if not get an unconditional 1st rounder and tank it and try and BJ Mullens Rickey rubio or Dermerr Derozan

By J

August 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

we need this man on our squad DO IT!

By A.Lebechi

August 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this

The relationsjhip is already beyond repair in my eyes…if we can work a sign and trade with them….
S. Claxton— J. Smith— Z. Pachulia—

for
R. Gay— J. Crittenton— D. Milicic— 09’ first rounder
call it a day!!

If they don’t want to give Rudy Gay up, then match the offer and hope for rain!!

By Astro Joe

August 8, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this

Sekou, is there anything with the timing of signing our own free agent vs. signing another FA with regard to the salary cap? In other words, would we have the same amount of cap flexibility if we match this offer Saturday and then try to sign another free agent Monday as we would if we tried to sign another free agent first and then matched the offer sheet later? That’s the one thing that could factor into the “match it now or later” scenario. I just don’t know how the accounting rules work, but even with Smith or board, this roster still feels far from complete.

By questionsanswered

August 8, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this

singndblues -

there can be no SnT. The JJ trade was different because we drafted an offer sheet and presented it to Joe, but he hadn’t signed yet. PHX bluffed saying they would match, which they may or may not have, and BK really wanted JJ so they negotiated a SnT BEFORE JJ signed the offer.

Smooth already signed the sheet so that’s it. No trade. To keep or not to keep.

We cant let Smith walk and then go after Iggy or anyone else. We are already over the cap. The only reason we can continue to go over the cap is because we have Smooth’s bird rights. We don’t have Iggy’s and we cant offer anything more than the mid-level exception, which Philly would match in a heartbeat. Only Philly is negotiating with Iggy right now because they are the only ones that have the capspace to sign him (again due to bird rights) and Memphis is tied up with Smooth.

If we let Smooth walk we will not be any better off this year cap-wise. In regards to Chillz, his caphold count against us unless we renounce him, but again, this would offer us no cap help this year as we were so far over.

Bibby’s 14 million contract was actually a big reason to do last year’s deal, not a negative, because it’s expiring this year and big expiring deals are huge in the NBA because of the flexibility they offer. That’s future cap relief and is key in a rebuild - they are worth alot at the trade deadline.

By Dan

August 8, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

Jared

what the hell are you talking about?

By Melvin

August 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

The Market has spoken and the offer is on the table… ASG it’s your turn to make a move….

By kgbsfinst

August 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

RAY, I am on your side. I’ve been saying that all along, 6 years $66 mil.

When the “realists” on this blog were saying “wait for the market to set,” we were(and others) were wanting the ASG to set the market price for Smith. I think there was ONE person who wanted to pay him anything……ONE PERSON!

By drew

August 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

Ray, You are right, this team is not worth $5. And will NOT make the playoffs this season, with or without Josh Smith. And I hear you guys about game 7, OK, but my issue is, he is NOT a pure scorer, we need a pure scorer, a few blocks and highlight dunks are not worth 50+ million sorry!

By beewar9

August 8, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this

I think the Hawks need to act very quickly to match the offer and keep him as an asset. Don’t let him just run away to another team like you did Childress. That would be an amazing loss for the franchise. If you don’t like the contract, that’s fine, you can retain him and then deal him on to another team. I bet there are a lot of teams that like his wow factor enough to give up some quality players to get him. I still wish we had dealt him for Amare. That would have been great. I think we need to keep his rights and then deal him off soon. Or keep a hold of him and hope he develops. I honestly don’t think the Hawks will let him get away. They MUST be smarter than that.

By Kal-El

August 8, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

While everyone is trashing ASG, remember the Hawks and the Thrashers were owned by the suits at Time-Warner until around 2003. These are the dopes who didn’t spend money on the Braves and destroyed almost all of TBS holdings.

By beewar9

August 8, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

I think the Hawks need to act very quickly to match the offer and keep him as an asset. Don’t let him just run away to another team like you did Childress. That would be an amazing loss for the franchise. If you don’t like the contract, that’s fine, you can retain him and then deal him on to another team. I bet there are a lot of teams that like his wow factor enough to give up some quality players to get him. I still wish we had dealt him for Amare. That would have been great. I think we need to keep his rights and then deal him off soon. Or keep a hold of him and hope he develops. I honestly don’t think the Hawks will let him get away. They MUST be smarter than that.

By terrell barron

August 8, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this

J,THERE CAN BE NO SIGN AND TRADE ONCE HE SIGNED THE OFFER SHEET. One more time, THERE CAN BE NO SIGN AND TRADE ONCE HE SIGNED THE OFFERSHEET. Again, THERE CAN BE NO SIGN AND TRADE ONCE HE SIGNED THE OFFERSHEET.

By MemphisGrizz

August 8, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this

First off, the Grizz are not trading Gay, Conley, or Mayo….at all!!! Get off that thought!

Those 3 guys will not ever be traded in the coming 3 years or so.

Face it, you either got to match the deal or you lose him.

NO TRADE!!! You would love to have Rudy or Mayo or Conley, but that will NEVER, EVER HAPPEN!!

i am sorry for your loss, but JS will be a Grizzly

By BT

August 8, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this

SS, have you heard a peep out of dumb … , I mean ASG? Travis I am glad you are confident that ASG is smart enough to know (or to be able to afford) that this is their “only” option. I could easily see them coming out with a stupid statement like “we want to spend the money prudently to give the City of Atl. the best team etc.” All the while claiming that they could spend the money better elsewhere on better pieces for the team.

By Smoky Joe Wood

August 8, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with the small minority. (And the majority was created, of course, by the beat writer and his headline.) The smart move here is the unpopular move—let him go or work out a sign-and-trade for one of their good young guards and a big. If you tie up this kind of money in a player like Josh, you’ll never get where you want to be. Josh is a great piece to a team if he’s willing to be your 4th scoring option, and if he’s willing to concentrate on defense and rebounding. But he’s not. So let him go. In a salary-cap league, you have to be very smart about divvying up the pie. 11.6 for J-Smoove is not smart.

By Sekou K. Smith

August 8, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this

Astro,

The Hawks have the same amount to offer potential free agents, regardless of what we do with Josh.

By jhan

August 8, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this

ray - collusion was the first thought that came to my mind when I heard the news. But when I started thinking about it, a 5/50 would have been more likely.

When it’s all said and done what is better:

Chills/Smith or Smith/Evans/Morris/Filler

Only time will tell.

By beewar9

August 8, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

http://www.thememphisedge.com/

Maybe we are okay!

By The Grinch

August 8, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

This ownership group is so incredibly pathetic, I almost wish they WOULDN’T sign the sheet so that not a single fan shows up the next two years and they’re forced to sell cheap to someone who really wants to make the Hawks a good team. That way Woodson’s gone too and we can get a real coach. It’s a damn shame to be even considering such a thing, but these people make me physically ill. No way we’ll be contenders while they’re “making decisions” under any circumstances.

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

update Article on Hawks “offer 6 year to contract”

By Hawks Management Sucks

August 8, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

Hey folks don’t get too excited.. they won’t match it they will let him go…watch

By I.MUS WRITE

August 8, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

At this point things may be to far gone- Ownership really blew this one tryn to play the low ball game…..And at the end of the day Woodcock is still here ….In my E-40 voice OOOOOUUUHUUUU

If we can sum how get

Rudy Gay/Darko for

Smoove/ZAZA

Lets get that done right away and move on. With rudy on board marvin becomes expendable and my land us a nice piece

By Faithful

August 8, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

you guys keep talking abut overpaying him an lettign the market set his price. It’s 58 million over 5 years..so thats over the 11.5 Smith was looking for that you all said before was too high. The Hawks could have offered him a contract of 6 years but the total would have been closer to 70 mil. still 11.6/yr. We argued for weeks about whats too much. I always said Josh was worth btwn 11-12 mill…others said no more than 11. Its 11.6mm and now u guys are saying thats a good market price. Thats what he was always worth. But to u…bow its not to high cuz the hawks didnt offer it initially

By Captain Obvious

August 8, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Your not getting Rudy Gay from Memphis.

By TA

August 8, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Season tickets and Mini-Plans now available…

It’s time to “Get Fired Up”

Contact me today at text to be linked

By Frustrated Fan

August 8, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

Was posted under the name Faithful but changed back. But if you look at the sports vent from yesterday..look at the comment about 5 yr/58mm…it was me indeed

By Mitch

August 8, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

The Hawks HAVE to match this offer. Had they compromised with JSmoove and his agent and come uo tp $10M a year they might have saved $8M over the 5 years…but, they were the ones who kept telling both the Joshes to go otu and find a contract…and BOTH of them did…and BOTH of them got more money, by a lot, than what the Hawks originally offered.

The bar for JSmoove has been set…the Hawks begged him to find it for himself…now he’s done the Hawks a favor, because had he signed the one year tender and bolted town next summer as an UFA, the Hawks, once again, would get no compensation for losing a first round draft pick.

I said on Sekou’s blog two days ago that the Hawks should realize that they saved money on the Chidress/Evans transactions. They should thereby be resolved to spend a little more than they originally wanted to on JSmoove in order to keep this 22 year old (Atlanta native) phenom dunking and swatting shots and filling the seats at Phillips.

By TA

August 8, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

Season Tickets and Mini-Plans now available!

It’s time to “Get Fired Up”

Contact me today at Travis.Apple@atlantaspirit.com

By MannyT

August 8, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

If you want wild conspiracy theory, look to Memphis.

If I’m the GM I would have already contacted the Clippers on the following.

If the Hawks don’t match, I get Smith for you at a price that is lower than you would have paid him. We get Camby and we’ll work out the players to fit the numbers.

Because a 10 mil starting salary keeps Memphis UNDER the cap, base year compensation does NOT apply. All they have to do is pull out their old Run DMC vinyl and wait 30 days to do the deal!

Now that’s innovative CRAP.

By You got to be kidding me

August 8, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this

The Hawks , Thrashers, and ASG are a joke… let them die and move elsewhere!

By Pragmatist

August 8, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

why shouldnt we wait the seven days? What does it hurt? are you people really going to be angry if we sign him on day 7 vs day 5 vs day 1?

By clutch

August 8, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

if we dont match this offer, i will have a difficult time cheering for my hawks next season. it will hurt my soul.

By glenn

August 8, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this

By B.A.ToDa update Article on Hawks “offer 6 year to contract”

We were only going to Josh Smith 9 million a year but since another team offered him 11 million we won’t match . Instead we will give him millions more in a bigger contract because ? I really hope that’s just a rumor & we’re not going to give him millions more for no real reason . That would really take absurd to new heights especially when a salary cap is in play .

By bibbity

August 8, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

If this new GM let Childress get away to Greece and then doesn’t sign Smith, he’s a bigger jackass than Pete Babcock. Sund will be the biggest jackass in Atlanta sports history and it would be a joke if he kept his job.

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 8, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this

“The smart move here is the unpopular move—let him go or work out a sign-and-trade for one of their good young guards and a big.”

First of all, it’s too late for sign-and-trades now. What incentive does Memphis have to give the Hawks anyone? If they wait 7 days they will get him for free. Billy Knight is not their GM anymore. That’s not gonna work out.

With that said, PLEASE explain to me how it is the right move to let your 2nd best player walk for no compensation. I really would love to hear your explanation, because I seriously doubt you have any. If he walks, we get cap room. Big whoop. When has the A.S.S. ever shown an inclination to spend money? What good does cap room do us? All that cap room serves to do is burn the proverbial hole in the pockets of the A.S.S.

And regardless of what you think of Josh, there is nobody else out there that the Hawks can expect to get at a reasonable price who will replace his production. Nobody.

So like I said before, please offer me an explanation. Because so far, I haven’t seen one reasonable explanation from the anti-Josh crowd for why matching this offer is not a good move.

I’m not picking on just you, but anyone else who is in your “small minority”.

By B.A.ToDa

August 8, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

glenn I know, it makes no sense to me either.

By the way, my dude beewar9 beat me to that link once i posted it. So props to him.

By fudd21

August 8, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this

Doc According to ESPN, we have 10 players currently under contract at 54.8 mil. That includes the Evans and Morris signings. Josh, Mario, and Jeremy are not part of that 10.

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 8, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Manny, isn’t there some rule against players being traded within 6 months of signing a contract?

By rainman

August 8, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

i remember another atl team signing a black star to a big contract that seemed like a no brainer. mr vick anyone. this guy is a thug and a cancer let his black a$$ walk.

By SalimFan

August 8, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Glenn, in the long run itwill be cheaper than the current Grizz deal. But I don’t think smith gives a F@#$K anymore. The only reason sund would put together another deal would be to NOT get screwed over with all of those annual raises that are probably in the Grizz contract offered.

Smoove is probably going to sign the Grizz deal.

By CDS

August 8, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

The Spirit Group has soured this relationship to the point where Josh Smith no longer wants to be associated with the Hawks. Don’t be so sure that the Hawks will match the offer. This Spirit Group are a bunch of cheapskates. They aren’t showing that they really give a rat’s behind about Josh, but they don’t want to let him go either.

If Josh leaves, you’d better believe that JJ isn’t too far behind. The ASG are making the Hawks a laughing stock mere months after packing Philips full of screaming, rowdy fans.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 8, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this

There still can be a sign and trade. The Hawks match the offer and then in turn trade him to Memphis. If the management does not infact “value” him, they should simply say look we are going to match it simply because we can’t let him walk uncompensated. If, however you truly “value” him, lets work out suitable compensation.

The problem with that, is it would require ASG to think outside of the box and thus far they have shown no ability to do this.

By kirknga

August 8, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Well, well , well, finally some real news! An offer has finally come for Mr. Smith.

First, I would like to say congratulations to the young man. He’s about to become richer(he wasn’t poor to begin with). I think this great day for Josh Smith and his family, but that has taken a back seat to the usual grousing about ASG.

I think what someone wrote earlier about now knowing their budget while Memphis has it’s money tied-up is an interesting point. I’m not sure if there is a targeted player the Hawks feel they are now better positioned to acquire, but that’s an option that may not have been raised either.

It will not bother me one bit if the Hawks wait until the last possible tick to match the offer. As I said a couple of days ago, it doesn’t matter when he gets the contract, just so long as he gets one.

And waiting isn’t going to hurt PR, there is nothing short of selling the team that will please some Josh Smith fans.

I think it is a win for the Hawks. Josh clearly did not want to play for that one year deal which is something the Hawks had to know and were able to use. And now the Hawks will sign him for less money than some of us thought they would have to due to the deal of others.

5 years at $58 million a year. There will likely be some spin that it’s really something other than that but the report is 5y-$58 million.

I’m encouraged still, I think ASG will sign Smith for a reasonable amount. It is an amount none of us know whether or not Smith would have accepted last year if offered, much less last month, had the Hawks not stuck to their leverage. At this point,no matter what anyone says, there is no way of knowing this for certain, though it wouldn’t surprise me if some face-saving leak does come out of the Smith camp.

The one caution that I am hearing from Josh Smith fans is that he may not be professional or mature yet. “His feelings, his feelings!”, they all say. I can’t count how many times I’ve read this from Josh Smith fans.

Ironic that it is the true believing Josh Smith fans that make the strongest case for not keeping him.If what they say is true, that his feelings are hurt, and by implication his play and the team will suffer as a result, then the Hawks may be better off letting him walk and taking whatever PR hit and cap space and be thankful for it.

In any case, it’ll all come out in the won-loss. And I do hope Smith is resigned. I hope he is mature and professional, and that he is all what others here have insisted that he is. This will be his 5th year in the league and I’m looking forward to more than just great the athletic dimension that I’m told I’m overlooking.

I expect him to be worth all the worry, fuss and fighting.

Go Hawks!

By BLONJU

August 8, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

SIGN SMOOVE or FORGET ABOUT BEING AN NBA FRANCHISE! All the people that think we should let him walk need to remember these things: (1) Smoove is 22 years old (2) Carmello Anthony averages AS MANY TURNOVERS PER GAME (3) Smoove was the fastest to 500 blocks ever (4) 17 pts / 8 rbs / 3 ast / 3 blk / 2 stl per game (5) Deng, Okafor, Ellis, Beidrins, Jefferson will all be making similar $ (6) The market has spoke (7) Pay the man or fade into oblivion

By ghost

August 8, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Thank God. Figures, it took another NBA team to force the Hawks to act. At least now we’ll either get a sign-and-trade done or have Smith. I’m fine either way, as long as they’re not so far beyond stupid that they just let him walk.

By AngyHawksFan

August 8, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Listen up ASG. When they traded Nique (and a championship) away, I swore the team off. A decade went by with no reason to think I made the wrong decision. The only Hawks game I attended since then was that glorious night when Nique’s number was raised to the rafters and Kasten and Lenny were booed out of the building. Then the young core of this team shows the whole city something, many former Hawks diehards like myself returned, now you’re pathetic game playing is on the verge of driving the whole city away from the Hawks again.

Josh Smith goes, so do I. The last trip I make to Phillips for anything Hawk related will be to demand a refund for the season tickets I bought THINKING I was going to see this young nucleus of talent grow into a contender. You allready dropped the ball with Childress, don’t let it happen again unless you want to be completely insignifigant.

By hawks fan if

August 8, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

ASG ARE A COMPLETE JOKE IF THEY DONT MATCH THAT DEAL

By Greg

August 8, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

I TOLD SOME GUYS AT THE BEGINING OF LAST YEAR THE HAWKS WOULD NOT RESIGN JSMOOTH OR J-CHILL. J-CHILL IS GONE NEXT UP J-SMOOTH. THEY WERE P** THEY DID NOT HAVE A DRAFT PICK SO THEY ARE POSITIONING THEMSELVES TO HAVE A DRAFT PICK NEXT YEAR. THE FORMULA IS SIMPLE FOR THE HAWKS USE DRAFT PICKS TO BE COMPETATIVE EVERY 3 YRS, BUT LIKE THE CLIPPERS NEVER SIGN THEM FOR LONG TERM DEAL WHEN THEY DEVELOPE.

By Colorado Bulldog

August 8, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Let’s see.. he has gotten better every year… youngest ever to over 500 blks… Had an amazing Game 4 vs eventual champs - 28 pts, 6 rbs and 7 b shots… we already got embarrassed losing J Chill..

You’d have to be insane not to sign him ASAP. Come on this ain’t Jon Konack signing an absurd offer from DET. Sign him now!!!! And after we get off to a rough start with season, fire Woodson and bring in a real coach.

By Frustrated Fan

August 8, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

u guys look at it this way…the hawks werent willing to pay smith 70 mil over 6 years so why would they match 58 over 5 yrs. Some of you guys are making me laugh cuz you all still think the deal is a 6-yr offer but its not. Reading is fundamental and so is this decision. Hawks got lucky he didnt get a higher price. Anyway, letting two free agents get away with no compensation is terrible at the least. Smith gets away we then have what 8 contract players. All of them being bench players including Marvin the Duck…cuz he is not a starter or future player on this team in my book

By ant banks

August 8, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

I SWEAR…THE NEXT MUTHA WHOS MENTIONS THAT WE CAN DO A SIGN AND TRADE IS GOING TO GET A CYBER KICK IN THE ASSPRIN!

WE CAN NOT DO A SIGN AND TRADE. STOP SAYING IT!!!

By Richard

August 8, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this

We have already messed around enough and let Chill escape overseas. If we let Smoove go we are back to square one. Don’t let everybody be right about the Hawks being one of the worst franchises in professional sports, make the move and smile because we’ll have Smoove for five more years.

By Frustrated Fan

August 8, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

ok ok…before u all beat me up…horford and JJ are not bench warmers. Bibby is past his time in my book as well

By ant banks

August 8, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

OUR ONLY OPTIONS ARE TO SIGN HIM OR LET HIM WALK!!!!! READ SEKOU’S POST/COMMENT HIGHLIGHTED IN BLUE!!!!

By fudd21

August 8, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

I personally don’t think we will match. We currently have 10 players signed at a salary of 54.8 million. If we match the offer, and I don’t know the terms but we’ll assume it’s spread evenly, we will be at 66.4 million with 11 players signed. The league requires you to have 13 players under contract and most teams have 15. So if we sign another 2 to 4 players at close to the league minimum, say 1 million each, we will be looking at a payroll of 68 to 70 million. I don’t think the ASG is with that regardless of who is coming off the books next year.

By travis

August 8, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this

“August 15, 2008, a date which will live in (Hawks) infamy.”

By wtharri2

August 8, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this

give him to us hahaha…i hope yall dont have the money to pay him with bibby and joe to pay…its not the biggest deal in the world if my griz cant get him and yall match, but damn he would help my team…the right thing would be for the hawks to match, but im not complaining if they dont

By used cars

August 8, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

Sund has said all along that they were waiting for market value….It’s set now, so hopefully they can get this deal done…Then get Smith watching film of the home games from the playoffs, so he’ll understand where his greatest value lies, with 15 feet of the basket..Now lets get another shooter like luke jackson and we should have a chance to improve on last year

By Bill Turner

August 8, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

That’s why I choose not to support those criminals. Ever since the strike year….oops, that was baseball.

Anyway, that’s why I support Auburn football.

By doc

August 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

some floks seem to be saying the basg are being stupid to look smart, if they really wanted josh. just maybe they dont and this is the only way to let him go?

as fudd says they ae probably to their budget and what i suspected long ago. time will tell as they head to vet camp what their budget really is.

By kgbsfinst

August 8, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this

Why sign him now and not wait the whole 7 days? I think it an easy answer. RESPECT. Its either we sign him or we dont, in other words, do we want him or not? If you wait the 7 days it just shows you really dont know if you want him. Do you want to send that message to the guy who is going to be here the next 5 years?

“Honey, I want to spend the rest of my life with you….will you marry me?”

“UMMM……give me a week to think about it.”

By RAD

August 8, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

SEKOU

My source was on the phone with Josh this afternoon and according to my source,Josh has signed the offer sheet and it will be faxed over to the Grizzlies at 8:00AM tomorrow morning.

By doc

August 8, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

and the hits keep on coming to the sekou blog.

By doc

August 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

and the hits keep on coming to the sekou blog.

By Lowcountry Bulldawg

August 8, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Ant Banks,

If by chance you are refering to my post, ya gotta read the context that it is written in. My preference as a fan is to keep him, but I can see the benefit of negotiating and leveraging the fact that we can match the contract. Then make a deal. Match then move.

By GrizzFan

August 8, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Grizzlies fan here. Just wanted to make a point about a S&T that a lot of you are talking about. The only way it would happen would be the Hawks and Grizz would have to lay one out and then the Grizz can retract the offer sheet. Then the Hawks can sign Smith to that same deal and then trade for players and the salaries dont have to match b/c of our capspace and the rules of the CBA. But im pretty sure this can only happen if Smith doesnt officially sign the offer sheet which its still up in the air if he has physically signed it.

Also the rumor around here is Hakim Warrick and Javaris Crittenton in the S&T. But its just a rumor.

By Mayor Of Buckhead

August 8, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this

Sign him now please! Your fanbase depends on this move!

By randolph

August 8, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

HAWKS,PLZ DO THE RIGHT THING AND SIGN THE MAN…QUIT TRIPPIN

By ant banks

August 8, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

rad are you on something, bud?

By SKYHAWK

August 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

TERRELL BARRON, DIDN’T WE GET JOE JOHNSON IN A SIGN AND TRADE FROM PHOENIX AFTER WE SIGNED HIM TO AN OFFER SHEET???

By ray

August 8, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if the Hawks decide to wait all 7 days to match the offer. If they do, then they did the right thing, in my opinion.

However, I do challenge people to stand by what they say. Since some want to spin the hurt feelings back around and yap about how Smith better be this and that, how about this:

You say we can get better with or without Josh Smith. Well, all the pipe dream sign and trade possibilities are gone now, and you can thank your wondrously smart ownership group for narrowing the options. If we don’t match the offer sheet, we won’t have him. We won’t have anything. I’d be very interested in an explanation of how we’ll win more games this year..if we’re without him. Very interested indeed. Don’t trip over yourselves trying to deliver a credible answer. No, really. How do you think we’ll win more games: with or without Smith? I’ll wait.

There is one RFA left that could help us, and that’s Iguodala. And that wouldn’t even solve our frontcourt problems. But Iggy’s team is working with his agents now. How good do you think our chances are with that?

You see, the only decent option is to sign Smith. We sat by and waited while each and every decent free agent was signed. We sat and waited for other teams to set the market price for our RFAs. Isn’t that the ultra-smart method that has been repeatedly applauded all this time? Now here we are. Match or don’t. And I’m still wondering how this translates to more wins if we don’t match.

If you don’t like Smith, it’s okay. If he signs (much to some people’s chagrin), it’s fine to say he better be worth it. Isn’t every player that’s signed to a new and bigger contract looked at that way? If you fit this description, then all you’ve done is choreograph what you’re going to say for the next year or more if Smith is signed and falters for even one second. In fact, you’ll ignore every other factor in the game just for that. Pathetic and predictable, but true all the same. And I’m calling it out for what it is right now…

By Dumb Dumb

August 8, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this

ASG = D-U-M-B! That spells dumb, ya’ll.

By Old School

August 8, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

Let him go along with his poor attitude, lack of jump shot, defense and lack of intelligence. You could not pay to watch a Hawks game with Josh Smith on the team.

By Munzir

August 8, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this

I expect an offer to be made by Monday, and Tuesday at the latest. If not, then an offer of over 60 Million by Friday.

By ray

August 8, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

ant banks, if we could really kick somebody’s butt on here, I think there would be a lot of kicking already! Hell, I can think of a few I’d like to apply my size 12 to….

fudd21, watch….they’ll refuse to match. Then they’ll sign a third of the summer league team to make up the rest of the mandatory roster. Heh. I’m just kidding. I hope.

kgbsfinst, I hear ya. We were talking around 11 million for quite a while. The haters aren’t trying to hear it, of course. And suddenly it’s “well, if we sign him then he better be everything every blogger on here said he will be!”

Like, what the fck are they going to do about it? Nobody on this blog is making decisions. Some people need to get a grip…and if they don’t like all the fuss, they can go elsewhere. Unlike Josh Smith, NOBODY WILL MISS THEM.*

By James

August 8, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

OK. Hawks wanted Smith to get an offersheet from someone else, and now he has been nice enough to wait for Hawks’ response. Now it is Hawks’ chance of landing him. If they match it, I would be wondering why couldn’t they offer something similar and make Smith happy.

By John

August 8, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

Let him go to the Grizz and let them overpay them. He’s a bum and let’s save our money and put it into a real player.

By RAD

August 8, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

I am trying to find out when the Hawks will receive a signed copy of the offer sheet. If I find out, I will pass that information on. It could be faxed at 8:00AM tomorrow also.

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 8, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Skyhawk, you are failing to take into account the fact that Billy Knight was an idiot.

By AtlFlavor

August 8, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this

Word is this DEAL has been on the TABLE for JSmooth to sign for some time. Damgage done. End of Story. This is Sad n Bad. Sund gambled n LOST. ASG listened to him and now they are JACKED UP!! Sund was trying to get Smooth at a Walmart price for the season and FUGGED up BAD!! Mike G might pony up and Do The Right Thing. But he is going to EAT alot of Crow. Talk about Woody not lasting till Nov. Hell my money is on the castration on Sund before 2009.

By New school

August 8, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

hey OLDSCHOOL, why don’t you go chear for the alabama rednecks? that’s right they are not an nba team, so sorry. maybe next year the KKK can sponsor them with enough money to get into the nba and you will have a team to root for. first yall want to run mike vick out of town now josh smith. redneck hatas.

By richbrave

August 8, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

THANK YOU JOSH SMITH for knocking the ASG off the fence. 10.1+ is cheap. SIGN HIM UP. Don’t even hesitate. Let him know he’s valued by management. Your last chance ownership. Delay will be fatal.

By A Thinking Fan

August 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

u all expect BASG to do what?

By Dumb Dumb

August 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Distinctly Underachieving Managerial Bums!

ASG = D-U-M-B! That spells dumb, ya’ll.

By Kevin Willis

August 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

Sekou what is you’re gut feeling on this one, will they match? I hope they do or… Sign and trade, I know that Memphis has 3 good point guards. If we are NOT going to match this I would hope (hope a key word with the ASG) we could at least get say Mike Conley and the other Gasol at LEAST. Thoughts on that Sekou? Are those salaries even close to the Smith salary? I know you’re not hearing anything (blog from earlier this week) but maybe you’re hearing something now? This is really a crossroads for this ownership group, match it, or at least get a good deal in a sign and trade, lose him for nothing and it’s the begining of the end for this franchise in Atlanta (all just my opinion).

By richbrave

August 8, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

HORFORD’s contract is next. He and Smith are the pillars of this franchise. Losing SMITH is a guaranteed bottom-feeder sucker style move. SIGN SMITH now that everyone knows what it takes.

By kgbsfinst

August 8, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this

Another question I would ask all the Smith haters.

If you dont think we should sign him and kep the money for next year to spend. Do you honestly think we could get a good(if not great) player to actually come here?

I have asked that question before and none of the antiSmith people seem to want to answer. Seriously…..who would come here?

By adamb

August 8, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

if we don’t match the offer, i’m DONE with this f*** team

i almost hope we don’t, so i can be done with this f*** loser franchise

By BT

August 8, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this

Never, ever under estimate the stupidity of ASG!

By cp

August 8, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Match the deal and be done with it. Forget all this extra crap. If they dont match it I will be getting NBA league pass and watching other teams this season. I think he signed the offer sheet so no sign and trades people.

If Memphis gets this kid because of this p** poor front office then they will have a nice young nucleus. Conley, Mayo, Gay, Smith, Warrick, Lowry. That is a nice young nuclues to work with right there.

By Captain Obvious

August 8, 2008 6:00 PM | Link to this

Guys look, I’m from Memphis, I’m actually a Braves fan and post on the Braves blog regularly. That being said. The Grizzlies are not trading Conley, Mayo, or Gay. Those 3 are untouchable. So if there was a S&T it wouldn’t include those 3. It would be either Crittendon, Warrick, Lowry, or Milicic. If the Hawks wanted Gay, Mayo or Conley in a deal for Smith, the Grizzlies would reject it.

By jopanoy

August 8, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this

If ASG doesn’t sign Smith now What in the world makes anyone think they will be players in the FA market in ‘09? When you’re an undesirable location…you overpay…when you have a shtty ownership group you overpay….when you’re stupid you overpay…..ASG had NO leverage to begin with. Goodbye to the momentum from the playoffs the ASG has single handedly killed the spirit for the Hawks and is messing with the cohesiveness of the team in general. If ASG doesn’t sign Josh then the bottom line is they LIED our ownership group is the ENRON of basketball. LIARS LIARS LIARS. Prove me wrong ASG……hll prove 90% of us wrong….sign Smith and begin the healing process.

By MannyT

August 8, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this

Najeh I think you are referring to base year compensation rules which last for the longer of 6 months or June 30th.

If Memphis gets Josh, they are not subject to BYC because they would still be under the salary cap (58 mil).

I did make a mistake earlier. You can trade a drafted player 30 days after signing him. Other players have to hang around for 3 months or until Dec15 (whichever is later,) unless it is a sign & trade deal. So the Camby conspiracy is dead.

As it has been said many times today, it is too late to sign & trade w/Josh if you were interested. Once the offer sheet is signed, either take it as is or leave it. No tweaking allowed.

KAOS

By The Truth

August 8, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

What makes any of you “give away Smiht” so we will have lots of money to spend next year.

What in the recent course of this franchise would make you thiink the Hawks so-called ownership would spend one dime of that money to get anyone great off the free agent list next year or any year. Remember the only big deal done by this group was for Joe Johnson and one of the partners of the Spirit group sued to stop it from happening.

We need new owners and not these egotistical do-nothings who could care less about the fans and the game itself.

If any of you owners out there think I’m full of it, PROVE IT - I BEG YOU TO PROVE ME WRONG.

Did I just a pair of deaf ears leave the room?

By kirknga

August 8, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Interesting how the same predictable sources now are afraid to stand firmly behind Smith.

Instead of saying no, he’s mature, he’s professional, he’s going to make the Hawks a better team, let’s change the subject to be about people who dare to say they have “expectations” of Smith!

As a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, I will darn well have big expectations of Josh Smith who is now going into his 5th year of NBA play. Why wouldn’t anyone not have such expectations? Isn’t he a “unique talent”, a players who fills many stat columns?

He’s getting a nice contract, so that will be done, and there is no reason why any fans of the team should not expect Smith to be as great as many here have said he is.

I’ve always said that players feelings are secondary to the amount of money they receive. Show them the money and they’ll be ok.

It has been others, ironically some of his strongest supporters, that keep talking about “feelings”. Now apparently there are those that want to start walking back on the importance of his feelings and apparently any expectation that his contributions to the team will be apparent and significant.

So now some want to spin it all as an issue with people who who said don’t overestimate players feelings or Smith in the first place!

Such desperation on a day their guy gets a big pay raise is really unfortunate.

Let’s be happy for Josh!

Go Hawks!

By Kevin Willis

August 8, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this

Sekou disregard my questions from previous blog, just read the whole string today. I didn’t realize the signing of the offer sheet nullifies any possablility of a sign and trade. This kind of gives me hope that they will match then. Unless of course they (sund and the asg) didn’t didnt do they’re homework again and didn’t realize that memphis was close to this deal and didnt MAKE a sign and trade offer? If that’s the case, it’s over! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we match. I’ll be interested to see J.Smith and Woody this year if we do match. Could be a lot of issues until Woody is gone (which would be a blessing).

By Ripdog

August 8, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this

Where’s the blog on John Edwards. I want to see him on Maury saying “That baby don’t look like me”.

And give Josh his money.

By MannyT

August 8, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

Dumb Dumb May I include DUMB in the blog-tionary?

fudd21 Most likely Josh signed a deal that starts with a 10 mil salary and 800k raises for the next 4 years. That gets you to 58 million exactly over 5 years.

Fit 10 mil into the cap this year. There is no luxury tax concern. However, there is a concern if that takes the ASG beyond their real budgeted salary money. No one likes a bounced pay check.

Folks every few years the CBA changes. That also changes the rules that are used to get free agents. Some of the rules that were in place when we got JJ may not be the same now that Josh is the RFA. The last CBA change was in 2005.

KAOS

By Larry

August 8, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this

Glad to see that JSmith will get his $! This Hawks organizations needs to step up to the plate, match the offer, and trade somebody (other than Al and JJ) for a defensive minded center. I’m still disgusted by the loss of JChil, but losing JSmith would be DEVASTATING! I don’t think Randy Morris is the answer at C. Maybe he can be a decent back up, but I doubt it. I don’t believe Craig can be “Speedy.” If given a chance, Law will have a breakout year, and folks will rarely lament the non-drafting of that Chris guy. Oops, maybe I wasn’t supposed to mention that. Marvin “The Duck” Williams will also emerge as a legitimate scoring threat. But, will JSmith wear Grizzly blue, or the new(ish) Atlanta blue Hawks uniform? 6.75 days and counting, until we get that question answered. I might have to go watch the Josh-less Hawks, because I can relate to their style of basketball. I’m no good, either.

Gotta run, Mother just put dinner on the table. We’re having apple pie for dessert. I don’t want to be late. Keep hope alive, Hawks fans.

By ant banks

August 8, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

Najeh I thought that I was the only idiot on here. What are you doing giving someone else a title that you so graciously bestowed on me?

That safety parachute had better open for the Hawks are you can call them “Done-Done!!”

By jhan

August 8, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

I certainly hope they match this offer for Smith. I agree that by waiting so long there is nobody worth signing that will match Smith’s productivity.

Interesting side note about Smith’s feelings. They were apparantly hurt or he felt disrespected by the organization because they took so long to offer him money.

If he plays like crap or doesn’t progress over the next 2 years are we allowed to bring that up or must we be quiet in order not to hurt his feelings again?

Some say he’s only a 22 year old kid therefore he needs to be treated with “kid gloves”. Now that same 22 year old is getting paid $11.6 million per year - is he now an adult? Can he suddenly handle being treated like an adult that must live up to expectations? Does he get a free pass for awhile because his feelings were hurt this off-season?

What are reasonable expectations for Josh now? Are they higher because he got a 1000% raise? Or do we still need to wait for him to develop & mature?

I personally think the kid is going to be a monster in this league. I like everything about him - plays with attitude, doesn’t back down from players like KG, has a fire burning in his belly & plays that way. What I don’t care for are some on-court decisions he might make. Those can be changed. The fire he brings to the game are not easily replaced.

GO Josh! GO Hawks!

By Dumb Dumb

August 8, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this

Manny T, you have my blessing.

By C.O.G's finest

August 8, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Mark, W.T.F is that african roundball S##t supposed to mean?

By Gilley

August 8, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

MATCH or DIE

Plain and Simple

*So there won’t be any confusion or misunderstandings. I stole the moniker from the Vote or Die campaign*

Josh Smith should be with the Hawks for the next 5 years.

By ray

August 8, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

richbrave, how’s the recovery going? Well, I hope.

By ray

August 8, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this

Like I said, pathetic and predictable, and dodging the challenges in a most dramatic and cowardly fashion. Oh, and twisting/misrepresenting other people’s positions (while crying about the very same thing). Such a quick subject change while tiptoeing away from what was said before. Again, predictable. But then, so was the pathological lying…Anyway….

Kudos to Sekou on the Marvin Q&A. I am so glad that Marvin is working on expanding his shooting game. I’m also glad he has gained weight and strength. He needs these things to make that next step.

Also witness his statements about his teammates. I think that says it all, coming from a teammate. I wonder how certain people would try to discredit this or defame him as well.

I’m happy Smith will get paid decent money. I’d be happier if he would do so as a Hawk, but this is totally and compeletly up to Hawks management now. No ifs, ands, or buts. I feel like the Hawks team has a better chance at winning and being good with Smith rather than without. And I’d be willing to listen to any viable argument that says otherwise. In the meantime, I’ll borrow a glittering generality from captain obvious: the tale will be told in wins and losses. So, one more time if we have the kahones to answer: will we win more games this year with Smith, or without?

By Dub C

August 8, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this

I.MUS WRITE…E-40? One of my all time favorites…Sprinkle Me Mane!!! LOL. Regarding Smoove…should be simple. SIGN HIM! But some people here mentioned that Sund may not want him back. I can see that honestly. He may be attempting to look long term from a salary cap standpoint. But I don’t buy that for one bit! ASG would have no idea what to do with salary cap space. That would be another opportunity for the ASG to make another bad decision.

ASG and Rick Sund….MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!

By This gets old

August 8, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this

They won’t match, they could have offered this same deal a while ago.

Salary flexibility? What player in their right mind is going to come and play for the ASG?

Sign and trade? Forget it, you act as if Memphis is just going to give us players to make up for losing Smith. Grow up!

By kirknga

August 8, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this

I think some honest questions were raised as to Smith’s feelings and expectations about his level of play.

It is legitimate to ask these questions about Smith, I don’t see how he is so special that fans shouldn’t have very high expectations of him.

(Kudos to those who admit they are in fact pathetic and acting cowardly in dodging these questions about Smith,confession is good starting point towards realization that there is a much larger issue going on with you. I would suggest some professional help now that this first step has been taken.)

As to the questions that were asked by another fan, I would say if Smith isn’t a perennial All Star then I will be disappointed. I certainly expect his talents to be impressive enough to carry the Hawks to more than 37 wins.

In short, I expect the debate to end and he becomes a consensus great player. No more issues about jump shots, or basketball decisions, attitude or anything of that nature.

Everyone will have their own expectations I supposed, maybe mine are too lofty, but I have similar expectations for Marvin and Horford as well. I would argue that Horford, not Smith is the closet. But I expect them all to be consensus great players.

Go Hawks!

By Ramon

August 8, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this

Sekou, allow me to say thank you for the Marvin Q&A. I asked for something like that and it was refreshing to read the article. I must ask though, when he was answering about Smoove, was he more irritated and angry or what?

By Ramon

August 8, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Sekou, allow me to say thank you for the Marvin Q&A. I asked for something like that and it was refreshing to read the article. I must ask though, when he was answering about Smoove, was he more irritated and angry or what?

By Ramon

August 8, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Sekou, allow me to say thank you for the Marvin Q&A. I asked for something like that and it was refreshing to read the article. I must ask though, when he was answering about Smoove, was he more irritated and angry or what?

By ksmoove

August 8, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

THE HAWKS MANAGEMENT TEAM IS A JOKE!! THEY INVESTED IN BOTH JOSH SMITH AND JOSH CHILDRESS WHEN THEY BOTH WERE RAW TALENT TRYING TO LEARN THE NBA GAME. PROMISED THE FANS A WINNING PRODUCT WITH BOTH GUYS AS ANCHORS OF THE TEAM. THEN THE TIME COMES TO REWARD BOTH GUYS WITH LUCRATIVE CONTRACTS AND NOW THE HAWKS HAVE AMNESIA. I REALLY HAVE TO QUESTION THE HAWKS COMMITTMENT TO WINNING. THE FANS IN ATLANTA ARE TIRED OF NOT HAVING A CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER TEAM.

By Sevius

August 8, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this

If they don’t sign Josh back not only are they losing their best player, they are also losing the few fans they have in Atlanta. That would not be a good move for the GM or the organization as a whole.

By not a hawks fan

August 8, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this

Sekou - you are wrong on one thing. This is the SECOND move no one saw coming. The first was the Olympiakos offer to J Chill. Now this. Though I am sure (?) that the Hawks will match the offer, the damage is done. And Hawks fans (I WAS one once) will be left to wonder if anyone in the Spirit organization has any clue whatsoever.

By Professor

August 8, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I say sign Smith and move him to the 3. Send Duck Butt to the bench and let Horford and Morris man the 4 and the 5. There really isnt many more options to choose from. In a way I am kind of glad Chills is gone. We had too many forwards and I think development was stunted because of it.

By mookie

August 8, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Sekou, when are the hawks going to learn from there history of bad management issues?? We were 2 players away from competing for the title now this crap!! How does the hawks brass expect the fans to keep paying BIG BUCKS while they toy with us about keeping everyone together? To get respect you must earn respect,Josh has earn that respect… make the right choice Rick.

By BCS Slave

August 8, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

Just like so many…I have no faith in the ASG. Once again they are proving they have no idea how to run a franchise and keep fans.

Please ASG…prove us wrong.

By Sautee

August 8, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this

kirk

What does this mean?

I would argue that Horford, not Smith is the closet.

By Info Gal

August 8, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this

Its a done deal! The Hawks finally did a good thing. THEY MATCHED THE DEAL FOR JSMOOVE!

By jim dandy

August 8, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Please e-mail these clowns and request they quickly match the offer for Josh.

If they blow this, we could be looking at the worst ownership in history, at least other than perhaps those idiots that own the Thrashers. Oh they do, never mind.

hawks.fanmail@atlantaspirit.com

By richbrave

August 8, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

ray:

doc gave me at least 15 more years this time. By then I won’t even know what a blog is let alone your name, or any of the playa’s, or the caress of sweet drmaryb’s cyber kiss…. GO HAWKS.

ASG - MATCH THE OFFER, and add 5% for the insult. NOW DAMMIT’- NOW.!!!!

By KB

August 8, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

KUDOS TO THE HAWKS AND ASG GROUP!!1 THEY ACHIEVED THEIR OBJECTIVE….YOU DONT WIN BY OVERPAYING ..LOOK AT THE SPURS. MANU AND PARKER ARE MAKING AROUND 10 MIL… OVERPAYING DOES NOT GUARANTEE THE GUY WILL PLAY BETTER..IF IT TAKES A FEW EXTRA WEEKS TO ENSURE WE DONT OVERPAY FOR 5 YEARS THEN SO BE IT… GO HAWKS!!!!!!..DONT GET WHY YOU ALL ARE CRITICISING ASG OR SUND ????

By jim

August 8, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

Ramon Ramon Ramon Take it easy on the refresh Take it easy on the refresh Take it easy on the refresh

By ray

August 8, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Huh. Imagine that. A twisting of words. Weak and pathetic. Angry because you cannot sway the masses? Angry because you think others are? I’m afraid your little professional help speech was spoken into your mirror…

For the record, I expect Smith to be everything I think he can be. I’ve always expected great things from him while acknowledging that he is young and not playing in a very sound system (many of us recognize this, but some forget). I expect him to rise above it. As for his “feelings”, just what are the questions related to them? Please repeat them if you haven’t forgotten them. Or did the source who is sniveling about them actually ask any?

For the Record:

To answer Jhan’s questions, which I do see: Josh is being paid like a grown man, so let him act like one. Development and maturation are an on-going process. However, I expect to see significant progress each season. But I also expect to see progress from one group of games to another. Regardless of who’s uniform he’s wearing, he will be expected to play like he’s worth it. If he plays crappy for the next one, two, or 5 years, then he proves me wrong and he proves a lot of other people wrong. Worst of all, he lets himself down, his teammates down, and whoever is paying him. There’s some truth for you. I don’t see Josh as a kid, and I don’t think he needs to be handled with kid gloves. But I do think that any player needs to be handled properly and a player’s ability to maximize his potential is directly affected by the system in which he is placed. In other words, it’s a factor, whether you like it or not. Like I said, development and maturation are an on-going process. Is any one of us the same maturity-wise now as we were at the age of 22? Are the expectations for Smith higher now that he is about to get paid much more? Of course they are, or he would not have been offered this much money. You offer a player more money based on the idea that he will be worth the money or based on the evidence that he already IS worth the money. Elton Brand gets that much money because he IS worth that much money already. Josh Smith gets offered as much as he has because he has shown that he is good, but is believed to be one who will be even better.

I personally think the kid is going to be a monster in this league. I like everything about him - plays with attitude, doesn’t back down from players like KG, has a fire burning in his belly & plays that way. What I don’t care for are some on-court decisions he might make. Those can be changed. The fire he brings to the game are not easily replaced.

And that is exactly why Memphis made the offer and why we should match it.

Those who have been around since this blog began probably remember all the times we’ve hollered about Smith and the mistakes he makes on the court. I know I have plenty of times. Having always liked him as a player, I never cut him any slack on this blog. And I’ll be right there again if he starts messing things up. But I don’t think he will.

Now. I believe I’ve answered some pretty good questions about Smith. We’ll see if the camp 2 counselor can ever grow a set and do the same or just come up with more useless and evasive rhetoric.

By ray

August 8, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Sautee, I think he’s losing his mind because so many people are yelling that Smith should be signed. I wonder what the perspective is now on the ASG’s supersmart move of letting the market set the price? As you can see, I also recalled his statement about how he believe the Hawks could win with or without Smith. I’m wondering how that idea is looking right now, but he seems to be dodging the question with an elusiveness that even the caped crusader can’t match….

Richbrave, don’t say that. You’re makin’ me feel bad man. Hang in there.

By richie boy

August 8, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this

wouldn’t hold my breath on that one RAY.

By doc

August 8, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

ray, his attitude last season was flawless why wouldnt he continue the trajectory. his decision making and consistency improved almost with each game. i know you wouldnt dispute it. can you imagine what ivaroni will do with that group of hosses, young but seem to be balanced. the 6’9”’ kid from syracuse would be good in a trade as he seems to be chills’ like by the numbers just dont know much more about him. seems like trade possibility isnt there. oh well, i hope the basg like the terms of the agreement as they had the chance to make it palatable to their own terms. 9 mil a year? what a joke. oh well, bye bye josh is a possible refrain. mike vick athleticism with a head on his shoulders and a family to support him to make a difference, gone?

By bang

August 8, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

They did the right thing and kept him!

By Explicit

August 8, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Well what do you know I guess the sky isn’t going to fall after all.

Like I said the market for Smith wasn’t set and as soon as it was the Hawks acted right away by signing Smith to a new deal. It was just business and it worked out well for Smith because his gamble to reject the Hawks October offer payed off and he’s going to make significantly more money.

The market never got set on Childress and Childress and his agent made a great move in finding a team that would pay him more money than anyone here in the states would.

Again it’s just business.

It may have hurt at times but the Hawks made the unpopular choice and played this one smart. Time to move on.

By Melvin

August 8, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Kudos to the BASG for re-sigining Josh Smith. Oh well looking forward to seeing some of you guys at the games this season.

By kirknga

August 8, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Some are now claiming they somehow predicted this would happen. Wow. Yes professional help is in order.

Some of us have actually answered the questions without any agenda other than the Hawks.

You think people could just come out and say good things about Smith. Get to the point as it were.Because we have Smith, then “I expect….xyz good things for the Hawks”.

Such low and vague expectations, not one mention about whether the team improves on 37 wins or not with Smith in the fold. Hopefully others will be able to see past their own tongue far enough to answer the actual questions about feeling and expectations for the Hawks.

And look, the spelling patrol found a crumb as well, Aww!

Congratulations Josh! Go Hawks!

By rainman

August 8, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

he is not worth the money and this team will pay in the long run but it will be fun to watch this dude play for the next five years. now trade marvin for a stud shooter or big man and bring in luke jackson dude looked good in summer league. bibby, jj, evens, smith and horford. then ac, zaza, morris, maybe jackson maybe speedy and marvin thats not to bad. i would start evens at the two so he can guard the other teams top scorer to give jj a break from that. its time to let all this other crap go and get pumped up i cant wait for the season to start.

By Nookah

August 8, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this

Well, well, well!!!! Finally this charade is done and we can move on with our lives. Let’s face it though guys it’s all business. The Hawks had the time on their hands and they used it to the limit. Unfortunately their gamble did not work with Childress but it worked to a charm with Smith. Say what you will about them taking too long (and I share that opinion) but you have to give them credit, they did live up to their word and match Smith’s offer. Bear in mind that they got no offers (NBA teams) for Childress. How can we blame them for not trying to match a 3 year $20M offer for Childress. He certainly isn’t worth that. Good for him he got the deal and took it. If I was in his shoes I’d take it too, and if I was in the ASG’s shoes I’d do the same and not sign him for that or close to that.

Let’s hope with JS being signed, and Marvin working hard we can be even better next year. I think we will!!!! Now if we could find a way to trade Woody (we have already signed him).

Thoughts anyone. KenS let me hear from you. I value your opinion bro.

GO HAWKS!!!

Nuff Respect!!!

By kirknga

August 8, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Well there’s one more thing lots of people were wrong about.

Folks were so sure ASG wouldn’t do what they said they would do all along. Guess they aren’t broke after all.

Smith is now in the fold. I’m happy for the Josh Smith and his many fans, and hopeful for the Hawks.

Again, I expect the talents of Smith to contribute heavily to an increased win total and I expect him to be professional and mature. I don’t care if his feelings were hurt, he is being compensated very well to play basketball.

By doc

August 8, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

heeee’s back! wow it is such a ruse and travesty. still cant quite see any fathomable reason to draw it out. i am glad smith has more class than the owners. sad a 22 year old has to show the older guys how to act.

now to round out the team with francisco elson if he hasnt truly signed. morris is not quite woody material or ready for prime time players.

bibby better bring it dude.

By doc

August 8, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

kirk batting .500 is not batting .1000 which is what they said they were going to do if i remember no?

he wanted to get it done and worked hard to get it done as chills would have but it is hard to negotiate with a wall it seems.

again the kid has some class.

By kirkngaisaHAWKS SPY

August 8, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

Don’t think people don’t realize you came around when Sund & Pendegraph were hired. U come on here with your agenda like you have been on this blog for years. Also, you have the same smug attitude like the ASG. What makes you think your opinion is more important than anyone else? Maybe you don’t understand. Smith is the second best player on this team and was voted most underated player by his peers in the NBA.(ESPN) Yet you continue to give us your blog expert opinion. If I remember correctly Mr.Expert you were the same one who said he wouldn’t get an offer sheet. The AJC needs to add an ignore button for jerks like you. THREE TEAMS WITH CAP ROOM. THEY ALL WENT AFTER THE SAME RFA. JOSH SMITH GO TAKE THAT BACK TO SUND

By richbrave

August 8, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

ray:

No worries mate. I’m 65+ now. By then I’m almost 81. Besides, by then they’ll be able to grow new body parts and have a cure for Althizemer’s?? Oh, shyt, I forget how to spell it.!!!! Heh,heh. SIGN SMITH NOW.

By cityofdecatur

August 8, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Now it’s time for Josh to ACT like a mature man. no more pouting , arguing with his coach and to learn when to shoot the three and when to make the good crisp pass. Having said that welcome back MAN. Fun to watch (even for those of us that ‘watch’ most of the games on the NBA internet radio connection). Chill took the best nearly unfathomable offer available and we as Hawks fans will move on. Now if mr Potato Head can actually coach a game with some inspiration maybe just maybe we can reach a home court advantage playoff spot. GO HAWKS

By Nookah

August 8, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

I remember seeing an interview with Josh Smith’s mother right after the playoffs on “11 Alive”. Based on his Mom’s statements then I was pretty optimistic then that Josh would resign. Little did I know it would take this long and go this route.

Thank God it’s over. Josh will be entirely man enough and cooperate with Woody. Sometimes I think the relationship between them is overblown.

Anyway, welcome back Josh and thanks Mom, I think you had a part to play in this even though the ASG took the long route.

GO HAWKS!!!!

Nuff Respect!!!!

By richbrave

August 8, 2008 11:38 PM | Link to this

BRADLEY says he’s signed. NOW ASG add 5% for playing chicken with SMITH and getting lucky.

By MannyT

August 8, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this

I won’t call the ASG broke, but I will say that they could have done a better job of managing the cap space if they had been proactive. While people can sit on the total number (58 mil) the cash outlay for this deal is worse than the comparable deals that RFAs signed.

Guess who makes more cash and has the higher cap allocation next year between Josh Smith and Emeka Okafor? Smith’s cap charge is almost 500k more on a contract that is 14 million lower and 1 yr shorter. That’s what reactive negotiation does for you. Deng is the only guy in this RFA class that has a higher cap charge for the 2008-09 season, and his deal is one season longer and 22 mil more.

If the ASG had signed Josh to the exact same 5yr/58 mil deal as Memphis, the cash flows would have been smaller now and larger later. (The team with your Bird rights can offer you higher raises, so the inital cash flows are smaller.) If the accountants actually factor in some time value of money, the offer sheet match costs the ASG more money than if they had made the same offer.

I am glad that Josh is coming back, but Mark Bradley called it right in his blog. The ASG is a middling and muddled outfit.

Negotiations are done…now it’s Olympic time!

It’s real SUPPLE. Passive KAOS gets the deal done.

By Sekou K. Smith

August 8, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

No sense arguing about this one. We all win. The Hawks keep Smith. We get to end this thing. And now we get to talk about Michigan football again … sike.

This thing took forever to get done and while it wasn’t pretty, the end result is the one most people wanted. I said most people.

Rest easy this weekend Hawks fans. You’ve earned one peaceful weekend.

By kirknga

August 8, 2008 11:58 PM | Link to this

kirkngaisaHAWKS SPY(we know who you really are but ok I’ll play along)

I’ve been here and commented here way before Sund arrived, I know people believe they are special because they comment a lot more than others, but I assure they aren’t….. Thanks!

What a shame people can’t just be happy for Josh and his family tonight.

I remain encouraged for the Hawks as I’ve been all offseason. Hopefully you Josh Smith fans aren’t wrong about his abilities and the team is improved rather than handicapped by his resigning.

Go Hawks!

By travis

August 9, 2008 12:17 AM | Link to this

the hawks had no choice but to sign him. there was no need to “fret”. the hawks would have lost two players for nothing. i knew they would sign him. Bibby is outta here by the trade deadline!! bibby 14mil, jj 13mil, smoove 11mil. Wow, almost 40mil on 3 players. THE QUESTION NOW IS WHO DID WE BRING IN BY THE TRADE DEADLINE?

By travis

August 9, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

the hawks really played themselves though. 5/45mil was way to low and they knew it. they refused to raise, which ticked smoove off even more. i think that smoove would have taken 10.5 per year, which would have shown good faith on the hawks and smoove would have saw the 1.5more per year. no feelings would have been hurt and this would have been a win-win situation. now 5/58, 13mil more than you offered, now only josh wins and the ASG looks like idiots to the fans, smoove, and the players who have to wonder what will happen when their turn comes. hawks got played like a freshman virgin with a playboy senior!!!

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 9, 2008 12:28 AM | Link to this

The Hawks got lucky for the time being, but what many people fail to realize is that this makes them look really bad both in the eyes of the current players (in particular, Joe Johnson) and prospective free agents in the future. This style of negotiation does not win you much respect among players around the league. When it comes time for that key role player to decide which team he wants to join to contend, it’s gonna be the one with the proactive front office, not the reactive one.

By cp

August 9, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this

Alright they have finally handled their buisness. Now who do we sign to fill out the bench. Whats going on with James White? I like the guy from Ohio State we had in for the summer league.

By Najeh Davenpoop

August 9, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this

Yahoo says the Hawks have made an offer to Francisco Elson, although the Bucks are currently the front-runners.

I think that would be a fine signing for the Hawks — we could use a big guy who can rebound and block shots. I would consider him an upgrade over Zaza. Sekou, any truth to this rumor?

By BA

August 9, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this

IF they win, they won’t have to trade anybody. The Hawks fans in this town will come out to watch a winner- see ‘08 playoffs.

Don’t worry, Ando- I can’t really lombaste you, because you said that the “current” (at the time) roster wouldn’t be back. But it’s hardly been the slash and burn offseason (they’ll trade BIBBY! They’ll TRADE BIBBY!) that our long-winded one promised.

If this small army of hack owners wanted to win, they had to eventually commit to it with a serious payroll. Well they have made the commitment, so now let’s WIN.

By mykhal c

August 9, 2008 1:06 AM | Link to this

i’m sure SMOOVE is stoked about the cash but i certainly didn’t hear any luv towards the mgmt and BASG!!! gotta feelin’ he ‘really’ did want out!!! glad they at least had some haste AFTER the offer sheet was signed!!!geeeesshhhh glad you’re back SMOOVE tho you might not be feelin’ the same!!! and who could blame ya!!!

By SalimFan

August 9, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this

Looks like were going to see Mervin V 4.0 this season, new and improved lol.

By SalimFan

August 9, 2008 2:04 AM | Link to this

Regular season scheduele higlights for next season

Childress ESPN First-Take interview

By 47indakota

August 9, 2008 2:26 AM | Link to this

Yes! We got Smith back! Now lets go after Bonzi Wells!

PG Bibby Law Speedy SG Joe Richardson Evans SF Marvin (Smith also) Bonzi West PF Horford Smith C Zaza Morris

and then if we have Salim just in case.

We are set!

Can you imagine Bonzi and J-Smoove on the floor together!?!

By roan st

August 9, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this

Why do some of you think that by trading Bibby the Hawks will solve their payroll issues? If they trade him they will have to take back the same amount in salary. Bibby has an expiring contract so if ASG is looking to wipe salary off the books they will just keep him. In the NBA teams can’t dump salary by trading a player with only one year left on his contract. Bibby is the expiring contract!

By ray

August 9, 2008 7:38 AM | Link to this

Kudos to the ASG and Sund for doing the right thing. I am very enthusiastic and hopeful for this season. I believe that we will win more than 37 games this year if we can avoid major injuries and major roster changes that are detrimental (which I don’t expect, but you never know). I think this year’s team will be stronger.

Josh Smith himself said he feels good about himself and is ready to prove that he’s worth the money. That should be a good starting point for detractors and those who are personally holding him responsible for a win total (still not understanding the team sport concept, are we?)

I don’t know who this Kirkngaisahawks spy person is, but apparently kirk does. It isn’t me, but then if he knows who it is, then he already knows that. Meanwhile, whoever the hell it is has probably called it right. Huh.

Well, anyway, I answered the question about the 37 wins, and the camp counselor continues to dodge questions posed to him while claiming that others have already answered those questions (which were posed to him). Ha! Such is the spice of life! Anyway, I’m happy that Josh is signed and we can move on! Josh will be better this year and people who are hating this will just have to deal with it. Suck it up! Go Hawks!

Now…who else are we going to sign?

By ray

August 9, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this

Manny, good point. However, I’m just happy that we have Smith back in the fold (as others have said). Yeah, it cost the ASG more because of the way they did things (and I hate agreeing with Mark Bradley). But at least they matched the offer.

Doc, yeah they kept half of their promise. If I had to choose though, I’d say it was the better half. Of course, ol’ sour grapes over there won’t concede any such thing. I can’t believe he’s still reading my posts after talking about how I don’t scroll past his….

Najeh, I hope we can get him. We need another big man, and it needs to be a vet. Elson did a decent job in San Antonio. He’s not a barn-burner of a signing, but he’ll help. I still think one of the bigger keys to the froncourt will be Randolph Morris. If he starts to come on strong, then we really have something. Also, Zaza has to get into the form that he had in the postseason. Only, before the postseason. Woodson (or one of his assistants, like Tyrone Hill) needs to work with him and get him going early. If his role has changed, then he needs to become acclimated to it. But this needs to be done by helping him through it, not by cutting his minutes down to nothing and never letting him get into a rhythm.

At the same time, it’s on him to embrace his role, whatever that role is to be.

By ray

August 9, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

terrell barron, gotta give you credit. You said Smith would be signed, and he was. Credit where credit is due.

By smirknga

August 9, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this

kirknga

What a shame people can’t just be happy for Josh and his family tonight.

Why Kirk, you almost sound like you care (gasp!) about Josh Smith’s feelings!!!!!!!!!!!

By ray

August 9, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this

From Chad Ford of ESPN:

On Monday I put the Atlanta Hawks and the Memphis Grizzlies on the list of NBA offseason losers. The Hawks had already mishandled restricted free agent Josh Childress — losing him to a huge offer from a team from Greece. And it appeared that they were in a no-win situation with free agent Josh Smith. Smith was desperately trying to get out of Atlanta and the Hawks weren’t budging from a lowball offer of $45 million over five years.

On Friday, the Hawks got some semblance of redemption. The Grizzlies signed Smith to a five-year, $58 million offer sheet and the Hawks quickly matched the contract, ensuring Smith’s return.

It was a smart move by the Hawks. Many teams would’ve waited the full seven days before deciding to match the offer. The Hawks’ decision to immediately match sent a strong signal to Smith that they wanted him and wanted the healing to begin. Whether Smith feels the same way remains to be seen. Sources said that Smith was hoping to change uniforms this season. Smith’s gripes have been with coach Mike Woodson and the Hawks’ front office. But the group on the court this season isn’t too shabby.

While not as strong as the playoff team that took the Celtics to seven games, they certainly averted disaster. Smith might be the most talented player on the roster. He’s moody, inconsistent and can be a pain in the butt in the locker room. But he oozes potential and at times the past few years, he’s capitalized on it. His 19.08 player efficiency rating (PER) last season ranked him among the top 40 players in the league — and ahead of Andre Iguodala, Monta Ellis, Luol Deng and Emeka Okafor.

The Hawks still have a ridiculously young and talented front line of Smith, Al Horford and Marvin Williams. And they still sport a talented veteran backcourt with Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby. With a year of playoff experience under their belt, they should be a favorite to make a repeat postseason appearance this season.

In fact, it’s fair to assume that Smith, Williams and Horford are still getting better, and all three could up their numbers from last season. That’s sure to give the Hawks a significant extra boost.

The question now is about depth. Losing Childress hurt. Despite his sixth-man status, he was the glue that kept the team together. He didn’t need the ball to be effective on the floor and was mature beyond his years. On many good teams in the NBA, he was a surefire starter. Now he’s replaced by Maurice Evans, a 28-year-old journeyman who is coming off the best season of his career.

The Hawks also have center Zaza Pachulia, the injury-plagued Speedy Claxton and second-year point guard Acie Law. But all of those reserves combined, will struggle to deliver what Childress did.

The way I see it, we’re getting Mo Evans in the very prime of his career. He’s 28 and he’s got both maturity and experience on his side.

As far as how Josh feels with the contract situation and all…it’s time to be over it. Sure, he got offered good money by another team, but his team matched it. We could speculate why the offer was matched, but as fans does it really matter at this point? Josh is now $58 million dollars richer. The time for hurt feelings is past. You don’t have to like the people who are paying you, you just have to do your job and show you’re worth the money. Besides, he will be with his teammates now, and neither they nor his coaches had anything to do with the business side of things. I full expect Josh to put his nose to the grindstone and help this team be more successful than it has been in the past. And I’m not talking about 38 or 39 wins. I’m talking about an above .500 record. But no matter how you slice it, the record is a still and always will be a TEAM goal, not something that sour-grape sucking detractors should hang on the neck of one person. Just ask any of the Hawks players whether any one player should be solely responsible for the number of team wins and see if they don’t slap you back in the mouth with that silly notion. This is not even asked of Joe Johnson, who is both team leader and team captain…and yes, being paid like it too.

In the end, I believe Josh will be what this team needs him to be and what some of us fans believe he’ll be. I believe he’ll get over the “feelings” part quickly and get right to work. He likes his teammates. His teammates like him. Look what Al Horford, Marvin Williams, and new teammate Mo Evans had to say. Stop the hate. Get over it. Josh is here now, bound by contract. And the team will be better for it.

‘Nuff said.

Now, as somebody else said, let’s kick some arse and grab that Olympic Gold!!

By ray

August 9, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

Also from Chad Ford within the same article: a bit of food for thought on the “spin” that organizations put out:

As for the Grizzlies, on the surface, their decision to make Smith a big offer looks encouraging. I’ve been critical of owner Michael Heisley’s unwillingness to spend money on the team. Everything they’ve done since January reeks of a team trying to cut costs — at whatever cost.

For weeks the Grizzlies failed to make an offer to the likes of Smith or Iguodala despite being the only team with significant cap room. Their five-year, $58 million offer sheet to Smith has all the appearances of a savvy team taking advantage of a buyers’ market and taking a shot at a young player who could be an All-Star someday at a position that they really need help with.

Look a little deeper and things aren’t as clear. A source in Memphis told me on Friday that the team “already knew” that the Hawks were going to match the offer. The source held out little hope that Smith would actually wear a Grizzlies uniform. Why would the Grizzlies make an offer to a player that they knew they wouldn’t get? According to one GM, it’s all about appearances. “If you’re getting criticized for being cheap and doing nothing this at least counts for something. Now Mike Heisley and [GM] Chris [Wallace] can beat back skeptics who question your commitment to the long-term health of the team. It happens all the time.”

I’m not sure I’m willing to go that far. Smith would’ve been a great fit in Memphis. With Smith on board, I think you could’ve put the Grizzlies in the mix with the Blazers as one of the best young teams in the league. With Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley already on board, Smith would’ve been a great fit on an up-tempo, run-and-gun team. You have to believe that Heisley and Wallace honestly hoped the Hawks wouldn’t match.

Now that Smith is a Hawk again, it will be interesting to see what the Grizzlies do next. They could make a similar offer for Iguodala, but he doesn’t fit a need. Ditto for Ben Gordon.

If the Grizzlies really are trying to improve their team, what they really need desperately is some veteran help on the front line. Currently their front line has a still-disappointing Darko Milicic, Hakim Warrick and two rookies, Marc Gasol and Darrell Arthur.

Both Gasol and Arthur have a chance. Gasol was the MVP of the Spanish league this past season. He’s very skilled, but there are serious questions about how his athleticism and game will translate at the NBA level. Arthur should’ve been a late lottery pick, but questions about his health caused his stock to plummet on draft night. And you can always hope that maybe this is the season Milicic finally uses his talent on a night-to-night basis.

The team could also try to play the trade market using their cap space and their glut of point guards as bait. They could go for a player with an expiring contract like Shawn Marion, Lamar Odom or Chris Wilcox. Or if they really wanted to roll the dice on a talented, but troubled player, I’m sure the Knicks would give them Zach Randolph.

The plan had presumably been to save their cap room and wait until the summer of 2009 when the free-agent class is a little stronger. That’s still a possibility. If they go that route, this season’s Grizzlies could contend for the worst record in the league. However a top pick in the 2009 NBA draft along with lots of cap room next year could turn into a bonanza if the team can lure a top free agent next year.

Chad Ford covers the NBA for ESPN Insider.

By Dead Man Walking

August 9, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this

Hey Sekou! Congratulations to you and Josh Smith! But you could only get him 58 MIL??? He’s ALL-WORLD! Great quotes, too. Did you write them for him? Hey, everytime this idiot fires up (and misses) a three; every time he turns it over; every time he blows a defensive assignment; everytime he blows up and starts b*** at his teammates and coaches; I’ll just be sending you guys a little reminder that 58 mil just doesn;t get you much these days. Never have I heard either one of you guys talk about winning. It’s all about getting paid, whether you deserve it or not. Too bad you couldnt save Chills, too, Sekou. Looks like the other 29 GMs agree with the Spirit, not you. Hmm, wonder who is right? Good luck, smoove. Can;t wait for your first temper tantrum. Oh, that’s right. You’re the smartest man on the planet (next to your agent, Sekou).

By ray

August 9, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this

Heh, heh! Smirknga is another one I can’t take credit for (but I’ll no doubt get blamed for it). Have to say, that one was pretty funny….

By ray

August 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Hmmmm…dead man walking…sounds like more sour grapes or the same sour grapes. I wonder if somebody else who likes to accuse people of posting as others has done this one? Only fair to trade “equal opportunity” accusations, right? heh, heh…

By the way, anybody remember the last time Josh blew his temper and got into it with teammates and/or coaches? I think it was back in 06-07, wasn’t it? So, uh….are we going to get mad at all the other players every time they blow a defensive assignment, or miss a shot, or turn the ball over? There’s no hater like a retarded hater…

I am really glad to hear about Marvin working on his shot (as I posted earlier). Being able to consistently shoot threes makes him a more complete shooting threat and a more complete offensive threat overall. And adding that strength/bulk to his frame…it can only help. Kudos to him for putting in the work. I figure that’s more points and rebounds from that position. Also, becoming a better shooter helps the team big time in that we aren’t having to rely on that production coming mostly from the pg and sg.

By Samuel

August 9, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this

WELL,WELL,WELL,

All that expert posting about what the Hawks and my Boy Rick would and would not do.

The Bottom line is: The Hawks improved their team from last year. We lost a great defensive 6th man, who could occassionally score. A player with a weak outside jumper who was very athletic and young in Childress.

We gained a great defensive minded vet with 30-something playoff appearances who can score and knock down the 3. We also gained a PROJECT in Morris who was considered the #10 best player in the world in his class in ‘04. At 22 he could be a steal.

ALL IN ALL, GOOD WORK BY THE SPIRIT AND RICK SUND. LIKE IT OR NOT.

I guess we know the difference between the amateurs and the professionals.

Play Ball

By dirk

August 9, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

The Hawks should have let Josh Smith go because they have already messed this team up by letting Josh Childress get away. What dose Hosh Smith really give you he can jump hi and dunk are you telling me you can,t find another player in the NBA that can do what he dose he is nothing special. Is he worth the money he got I guess so but I would have let him go . Did the Hawks pay him because they know thay made a mistake by letting Childress get away and knew they had to do some damage control? The Hawks have set them selves back 5 years .

By The Truth

August 9, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

dirk

I trying to figure out are you a jerk, a moron or both. You can’t be a Hawk fan. Go prey somewhere else!

By MannyT

August 9, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

If we roll back the clock a few summers to the time that the Hawks won 39 games over the past 2 seasons combined we were very much like the Grizzlies. I would guess that folks would have been very happy for us to put an offer sheet on the table for a good RFA. Memphis also shook up their team with the trades to get OJ Mayo and Darrell Arthur. I say there is some value in trying.

That is a real concern about the ASG these days. I do question if they are trying to do something versus watching what happens and taking the easy pickings off the floor. If this is more about the divorce than their long term vision to run the team it might make sense. I hope they get the roster to 13 or 14 players with guys that fit whatever Woody needs this season to be more successful.

ray I am glad that Smith is back. I am also happy that this thing is done so all sides have time to heal the edginess of negotiations. For all those folks who think Smith should be ok becuase he got paid, that is only partially true. If you get a raise tomorrow, but I replace your boss with a top notch jerk, are you happier? Sometimes yes, sometimes, no—it probably depends on the individual. I hope this works for him, but I don’t know him well enough to say. Time will tell.

While the Elson signing would have been a good add, it looks like he’s going to be a back up Buck.

So my offseason tally so far: Add-Evans, Randolph Lose-Childress

All of our development is squarely on the organic growth of the players that are still here, because the add, lose looks like a very minor fantasy league trade.

Consequently, Samuel your Sund/ASG praise is entertaining. Every NBA team has a project. I guess you moved our project tag from Solomon to Randolph. Yes Evans can knock down the 3, but I would not call him a scorer. He averaged 9 pts/game as a starter which is less than the former 6th man who rarely shot 3s.

I guess you know the difference between amateurs and professionals…from an accomplishment standpoint, I’m not handing out pro cards to this crew. As the dictionary works, if you get paid, you are a pro. That does not mean you do a good job.

OLE

By MannyT

August 9, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

new blog up

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August 9, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

Damn. Bernie Mac is dead.

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August 9, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this

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