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Home > Jeff Schultz > Archives > 2008 > July > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLose Smith and Hawks could be (gulp) Thrashers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The hockey team can’t offer enough to convince premier free agents to come here. The basketball team says it won’t give Josh Smith a choice.
Blessed is leverage, which gives the Atlanta Spirit owners at least a split of this offseason’s doubleheader.
The Hawks maintain they will match any offer sheets given to Smith and Josh Childress, their two restricted free agents. They’re the correct moves, the almost mandated moves — certainly with Smith, who, despite occasional geranium tendencies on the court, remains a far better player than most. In short, even when he’s bad, he’s not that bad.
To lose Smith would be a significant step back for the Hawks. Few players in the NBA can match his skill set. Rare is the player who is 6-9, can block shots, run the court, rebound, score and, by the way, is only 22.
The strongest argument against giving Smith a bloated contract is it financially ties the franchise to a player who remains immature and inconsistent. There’s also the matter of his tenuous relationship with coach Mike Woodson.
But if you’re the Hawks, can you take the chance of Smith developing with another team?
They had better use the leverage while they have it. Why? Because this is not yet a destination other players are flocking to — and we need not look far to see how negative perceptions can wreck a team’s July. Look down the hall in Philips Arena.
The NHL free-agency period began Tuesday. Well, in most cities. Thrashers general manager Don Waddell begged and whiffed. The Thrashers went hard after their No. 1 target, defenseman Brian Campbell. One report said they offered Campbell $60 million over eight years. (Waddell disputes the figure). Campbell considered the proposal, then signed with Chicago. Basically, he may have left money on the table to sign with a team that hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since 1961. In terms of perceptions, that’s where this team is.
The Thrashers signed a decent puck-moving defenseman, Ron Hainsey, on Wednesday. But stealing players from the Columbus Blue Jackets generally doesn’t move the meter. Or the team.
Perceptions can kill a franchise. For as much as pro athletes get painted as paychecks-first creatures, most want to win. Some will take less money to play for a contending team. Some will bypass significant money to avoid playing for a loser.
Smith’s desires have been difficult to read — except those times when he has openly feuded with Woodson. (Ironically, his biggest outburst came at Philadelphia, the team now trying to lure Smith. A string of expletives directed at Woodson led to a two-game suspension.) But for somebody who was born in College Park and grew up in Atlanta, he certainly hasn’t left the impression he would do anything to stay here.
The Spirit owners at times have acted as if Smith and Childress love it here and don’t want to go anywhere. They made that same mistake with Marian Hossa, believing he would re-sign. Fact is, it was never close.
Losing Smith wouldn’t drop the Hawks to the Thrashers’ level. But it would nudge them in that direction. No sign-and-trade with the Sixers could make up for his loss. No sign-and-trade would lead anybody to believe, “The Hawks are headed in the right direction.” No sign-and-trade could make up for his scoring or lead anybody to recall three playoff wins over Boston.
Smith was in Philadelphia on Wednesday. The greeting party included the mayor. You think the Sixers aren’t going to make this difficult?
The Hawks offered Smith a $45 million extension last year. Smith asked for more. The Hawks said no.
Here we are. Smith will get more. If the money ends up coming from another team, you need not wonder what direction things are headed.
Permalink | Comments (76) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA, Thrashers/NHL
Comments
By CRYSTAL
July 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
you have to sign smith and childress point blank!
By Josh
July 2, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
These are the 2 most pathetically ran franchises in all of sports. Don Waddell is the worst GM in the NHL, he is completely clueless and if he doesn’t do something to get a player like Pavel Demietra and a couple of other decent pieces to the Thrashers they will be the worst team in the NHL by far. As for the Hawks, if they don’t sign Smith to whatever money he wants they have 0 chance of making the playoffs again next year and will be back in the lottery. Forget Childress, do whatever you can to keep Smith, you can get a couple of decent bench players for Childress money, but whatever you do KEEP SMITH!
By Steven
July 2, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
If this were any other ownership, then I would be confident that the right thing would be done and Smith would be kept…but its ASG so I stay weary of the situation.
By JMAGIC
July 2, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
We should have gone after Jermaine O’neil, Keep Smith and get a couple vets on the bench like Posey. Starting five Bibby, Johnson, Smith, Horrford, O’neil that would have been really hard to beat!!!!!!
By Harpie
July 2, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks don’t keep Smith, screw ‘em!
By Disgusted Again
July 2, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
This is the same franchise that traded Dominique Wikson. This is the same francise that signed Jon ‘Contract’. This is the same franchise that drafted Adam Keefe. This is the same ownership that passed on Chris Paul and Deron Williams. I will gladly walk down Peachtree Street ButAzz naked if they re-sign Smith. It just won’t happen. They are the most inept bunch of goof balls that ever existed.
If I was Josh Smith - I’d take the money from Philly and get the heck out of dodge ! FAST.
By Aaron
July 2, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
All this silly back-and-forth is, well, silly.
Note to all readers: the Hawks get the right to decide whether they keep Smith or not. The only question that remains is this:
Is he worth what another team will give him?
That’s it. Nothing more, nothing less.
By snivlem
July 2, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
Both of these guys are RESTRICTED Free Agents-which means everybody just settle down and see what offers the players get. It probably cost the team some to let other teams do the negotiating, but it might not have. JSmoove * is* a mandatory re-sign, and JChill probably won’t bring enough on the market to merit us not matching(over $7 million/season would be that line)-so just breathe, and hope Rick Sund has real vision for the team. Both Joshes will probably be here next year, let’s hope we can move Bibby and his contract for an upcoming PG next year, and be built for the future.
snivlem
By Jeremy (snivlem)
July 2, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
Both of these guys are RESTRICTED Free Agents-which means everybody just settle down and see what offers the players get. It probably cost the team some to let other teams do the negotiating, but it might not have. JSmoove * is* a mandatory re-sign, and JChill probably won’t bring enough on the market to merit us not matching(over $7 million/season would be that line)-so just breathe, and hope Rick Sund has real vision for the team. Both Joshes will probably be here next year, let’s hope we can move Bibby and his contract for an upcoming PG next year, and be built for the future.
snivlem
By Proud dawg
July 2, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Ho Hum….. and this is surprising to whom?
By Bama Fan
July 2, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
If the Hawks don’t resign Smoove, im done with this franchise. Josh should’ve been resigned way before now. This is ridiculous!
By Lou Vales
July 2, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
OR ELSE??????? Come quite a ways from those “halcyon” days at the Palm Beach Post, Haven’t we Jeffrey??
OR ELSE—Indeed!!!! Why don’t you pay him?? After all it’s not that far from Belvedere Rd to telling an entity how to spend millions. And when you take into account near Hooveresque Economy, maybe X Millions isn’t too bad. Ask some of your readers if they could make do??
By HHoops
July 2, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
Relax people! The Joshes are not going anywhere. We are just going thru the process that has to be gone thru to keep them.
I’m just wondering who we can sign or trade for to improve our team!
By Lou Vales
July 2, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Jeff, Did you tell the West Palm Beach Expos how to spend their money????
By Orlando
July 2, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
The Hawks are doing the right thing. They aren’t about to be pressured into signing him or Childress. Instead they will wait and see what the market will offer. Atlanta will match and re-sign both of them, knowing there are huge ramifications for this franchise if they don’t retain them.
Keep in mind that Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, and Al Horford are also watching to see what happens, because when their contracts come up they will be either confident or leery of dealing with the ASG.
By lawton
July 2, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
WHY are soo many people in love with smith? i dont like his game. the only thing he brings to the table is shot blocking and the occasional monster dunk. the rest of his game is: no handles, bad shot selection, even WORSE passing ability. he is overrated and i cringe everytime i see him with the ball. he cannot dribble to his right AT ALL, and lofts up three pointers like he is mark price. let him go.
By D-Cider
July 2, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
hey, jerk schultz..losing smith would be a drag, but i keep checking the AJC everyday waiting for you to move on..let me know if you need any help packing
By david
July 2, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
I doubt if they will have enough doe to keep Childress, which breaks my heart because he’s such a good all around player with a great attitude. The Hawks should have both Childress and Smith locked up way before now. But the Sixers will offer both the max or close and we will have to match to keep both and we won’t cause we are to stupid or just can’t afford. Either way it’s because we are out foxed. Imagine that. The Hawks owners and GM getting out foxed. The Sixers know they can’t get both but are fairly sure they can get one by simply being more clever and more aggressive. Stay tuned.
By Najeh Davenpoop
July 2, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
The Hawks should definitely match Josh Smith — that goes without saying. As much as I like Childress though, I don’t know if it’s really worth matching him for the full mid-level exception (which he will probably get) if he won’t even be a starter here. If they do match Childress, it means they are gonna have to trade Marvin, so the question is who can you get better value for on the trade market. Right now, although Marvin may be a smoother offensive player, I think Chills’ versatility makes him the more valuable trade target, so in his case I would try to pull off a sign-and-trade if I’m the Hawks. You can probably pick up a pretty solid big man and/or point guard in exchange for him if you try.
By jdewayneatl
July 2, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this
It is interesting that there hasn’t been any word of a offer from Philly to J Smoove. Things may not be as iffy for us Hawks fans after all.
Putting things into perspective, both Joshes should be back in Atlanta.
First, has anyone noticed that Philly (though they are so high and really want J Smoove) hasn’t put an offer on the table either. If things went so well today, I would think that there would have been some word of an offer.
Second, Philly is inviting J Chill also. This is a strategic move. They can’t possibly offer a contract to J Smoove that the Hawks can’t match and sign J Chill too. Making the perception that Philly wants J Chill to come along with J Smoove is just incentive for J Smoove to take an offer and it would be an offer less than the maximum that they could offer.
By david
July 2, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this
If you are ever going to be worth a s**t in the NBA you have to be atleast 9 deep. Players like Childress are so valuable. Losing Childress is a terrible mistake. How can you draft this guy so high, as soon as he has the league figured out and with so much upside and just let him go to a different team? STUPID. It’s a symptom of not locking your future players earlier. You can’t wait til the last minute and then have to spend all your doe on your starting five players. There is a formula for success and it’s not the way the Hawks are doing it I guarantee you that.
By ant.b
July 2, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
We need to keep J.Smith , and go after a Big Center , somebodty who can stop up the middle , I have never played a down of ball in my life and I can see that, what is wrong with our front office.
By Jared
July 3, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Ah Schultz, never passing on a single opportunity to rip on anything over any little quirk. Screw you.
By jeremy
July 3, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
i’d love to see the hawks keep this entire young core group (j-smith, childress, horford, marvin, acie law) together. i love watching smith play, he’s a special talent. but to pay him $10 million a year or more (if that’s what the sixers end up offering) is a little much. for all his talents, there are holes in his game on offense, his attitude is questionable and i don’t think he’s ever going to be an elite player (like joe johnson is and horford eventually should be). would you pay that kind of money to an offensively inconsistent 3rd or 4th option for five years, or try to take the money, lock up the rest of the young crew (childress and horford, once he’s eligible for an extension) and then go after a veteran center who can defend like desagana diop so horford can play the 4 on a regular basis. that way, you’re looking at a potential rotation next year of bibby, johnson, marvin, horford and center to be named, with zaza, childress and law as key backups and maybe solomon jones/mario west can contribute as role players. bottom line for me is that while i like having smith in atlanta, i wouldn’t feel comfortable giving him a huge long-term deal.
By Lou Vales
July 3, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Dear Jeff, Sounds like you have the same number of fans as you did in West Palm Beach. What is it about West Palm Beach and Atlanta. Surely it can’t be that the AJC is comparable to the New York Times as far as sports writing is concerned??
By phillyroni
July 3, 2008 12:59 AM | Link to this
yo ATL fans, i glad to hear that a good percentage of you don’t think that J Smith is worth keeping. Put him on a front line with Sammy and Iggie , let him continue to develope his game and we have something. with Andre Miller running the show and Mo cheeks coaching we will finally be a true force in the east. Thanks for the favor,, Philly Sixer fans really appreciate your generosity
By Lou Vales
July 3, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
Dear phillyroni, Just realize as you are jock sniffing away, that none of these “Phi Beta Kappas” whom you are living your vicarious existence through, would take the time to dial 911 if you lie bleeding in the street after being hit by the team bus.
I trust your financial house is in order with no home mortgage, no credit card debt, no car payment and adequate investments, life and health insurance to provide for your family. If that is all in place,Sniff Away phillyroni, sniff away. Lunacy!! Abject Lunacy!! Josh Smith wouldn’t give this mouth breather the time of day to save his life and this parent’s basement dweller is sweating Josh Smith’s contract status. You know if gas hits 7 bucks a gallon, you will still have people living on fumes worrying about what it takes to get Jason Bay to the Braves.
By Lou Vales
July 3, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this
Dear phillyroni, Just realize as you are jock sniffing away, that none of these “Phi Beta Kappas” whom you are living your vicarious existence through, would take the time to dial 911 if you lie bleeding in the street after being hit by the team bus.
I trust your financial house is in order with no home mortgage, no credit card debt, no car payment and adequate investments, life and health insurance to provide for your family. If that is all in place,Sniff Away phillyroni, sniff away. Lunacy!! Abject Lunacy!! Josh Smith wouldn’t give this mouth breather the time of day to save his life and this parent’s basement dweller is sweating Josh Smith’s contract status. You know if gas hits 7 bucks a gallon, you will still have people living on fumes worrying about what it takes to get Jason Bay to the Braves.
By RA
July 3, 2008 5:05 AM | Link to this
You gotta love the free agent season! Okay, first off, Sund has been forced into a corner. Management’s inability to extend Josh Smith’s contract last year pretty much guranteed that his value would be determined by the market, and folks, if you think that his agent was going to allow anything else, don’t. It’s not that the Hawks didn’t make Smith a tangible offer, they did. Forty five million for a gifted player whose decisions on the court at this point of his career may just as easily lose you a game as his talent can win one sounds to me like a fair offer. But the reality of the NBA free agent market is that if given the choice between being fair with a franchise and a huge money payday, the player in question (and his agent)is probably going to go with the big money payday. (Exception: A player nearing the end of his career who desperately wants to win a championship and who is already so financially secure that money just doesn’t matter as much any more…) Oh, it’s not fair, but what are you going to do?
Now the reality is that no one can pay as much for J-Smoove as Atlanta, and I honestly believe that the Spirit group is willing to open their wallets to keep one of the rising talents in the game. I mean, let’s be honest, Josh Smith has more upside than about any player east of Chris Paul and south of Le Bron James… His attitude not withstanding (anybody else remember how they were at 19-22?), I believe he’s got what it takes to be one of the best players in the game. So, in conclusion, let Philly give Josh Smith a tour of the city. Heck give him a cheesteak while he’s up there, God knows he’s earned it, but at the end of the day, and the start of next season, I predict that he’ll still be wearing a Hawks uniform.
By Webspinner
July 3, 2008 6:16 AM | Link to this
It’s ime to stop beating up on the Hawks for not signing Josh Smith last summer. Think about it. He very likely was not going to sign no matter what the Hawks offered. He knows the Hawks can’t afford to lose him. The Hawks know they can’t afford to lose him. Heck, we all know the team can’t afford to lose him. Smith has two smart agents. They were not going to sell their client short. They were going to test the free agent market regardless of what the Hawks offered. Why sign with the Hawks last year for $45 million, $55 million or $75 million until you know for sure what your true market value is? Which is what we are about to find out shortly.
By JBEEZ
July 3, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this
The Hawks fans coming out the wood works..shocking cause Atlanta is regarded as the worst sports town in the country. A bangwagon town but as for the Josh’s think about why would the Sixers show they hand. The offers will leak out come out once Josh Childress comes to Philly on Monday.Why would any players leaves another city for the money. Josh Smith agents are still in Philly today, why you think about it?Yesterday was the tour of Philly today is too talk money. The Sixers also know the Hawks can’t match both…so why do a sign and trade when they got the leverage over the Hawks.
By Pete
July 3, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
these guys would be real stupid to lose Chilly and Smoove
By darrell starks
July 3, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
THIS IS AMAZING THE SIXER JUST OFFER JOSH SMITH 67MILLION DOLLAR THE SIXERS ARE PLAYING GAME BECAUSE THEY NO IF THE HAWKS MATCH THAT OFFER THAT THEY WONT BE ABLE TO SIGHN JOSH CHILL I SAY SIGHN THEM BOTH AND DO A SIGHN AND TRADE WITH DENVER FOR CAMELO THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO TRADE BIBBY 14MILLION JOSH CHILL MARVIN WILLIAM AND NUMBER ONE DRAFT PICK TO GET CAMELO.
By Ward
July 3, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to play devil’d advocate, but I will…What if we did do a sign-n-trade for Josh Smith and Salim to Philly in exchange for Dalembert and Louis Williams. Then we resign Childress. Trade Bibby to Phoenix (looking for cap relief) for Barbosa and Diaw… I like that team a lot imagine: Starters Back-up C- Dalembert C- Zaza PF- Hortford PF- Diaw SF- Marvin SF- Childress SG- Johnson SG- Louis Williams PG- Barbosa PG- Acie
Are you saying that team is not one of the 3 deepest in the league, the absolute most athletic team, and one that could make a run at the title?
By Ward
July 3, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
I don’t want to play devil’d advocate, but I will…What if we did do a sign-n-trade for Josh Smith and Salim to Philly in exchange for Dalembert and Louis Williams. Then we resign Childress. Trade Bibby to Phoenix (looking for cap relief) for Barbosa and Diaw… I like that team a lot imagine: Starters Back-up C- Dalembert C- Zaza PF- Hortford PF- Diaw SF- Marvin SF- Childress SG- Johnson SG- Louis Williams PG- Barbosa PG- Acie
Are you saying that team is not one of the 3 deepest in the league, the absolute most athletic team, and one that could make a run at the title?
By Meezy
July 3, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
The person they need to get rid of is Marvin. I think the two Joshes is the best fit. If we get another big man in here of starting quality, Childress has already shown that he’ll accept a 6th man role. I don’t think Marvin would accept it as much. In a nutshell, we need to sign both so we can use Marvin as trait bait along with another player or two to get another big man in here. Preferably a scorer. That way, it would present the best case for Smith to start at the 3, and we bring Childress in. Would be golden if we could keep Marvin though.
By Jeff Schultz
July 3, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
Hello folks. A few responses: Snivlem: I think Childress is garnering more attention on the open market than you may think. Personally I think it’s going to be hard for the Hawks to match offer sheets for both Josh’s. One, yes. Two, I’m not so sure. … Lou Vales I never worked at the Palm Beach Post (though since it’s another Cox paper it’s possible they picked up my stuff). Also, the “Or Else” was not typed by me. Writers don’t write the headlines. …. Lawton I hear ya. Like I said, there’s arguments on the both sides of the Josh Smith equation. But losing him far outweighs keeping him, in my view, and I think the view of most fans. … D-Cider I’m not going anywhere yet. But my lawn needs mowing, if you’re looking for work — and my guess is you are. … JS
By Steve
July 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
The Sixers have a lot more money than the Hawks, and if I am Josh Smith, I am getting out of dodge and heading for Philadelphia. By resigning Smith and Childress, the Hawks would put themselves in cap (opposite of heaven) for years to come and become the Knicks. One of them is gone to Philly…Smith will get 22 million more in Philly plus a lot more up front…a lot to think about.
By ProudTechFan
July 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Well I was watching the replay of game 4 agains the Celtics last night on NBATV and the atmosphere was incredible. Josh Smith had a pretty good game even though Joe took over the show in the 4th quarter. But just seeing what Josh brings to the table when he is on his game is fun to watch. He gave KG all he could handle in that game and everytime he did something great I said to myself,”we have to keep this guy”, I said that at least in 10 times in the second half alone. His athletic ability is amazing and I know this kid can come around. And to be honest I think keeping Woodson was a good idea, at this stage of Josh’s career i think Woodson might finally be able to get through to him. Bottom line, he is from here, this city seems to really get behind their own and he is very valuable to this franchise… Dont let him get away…
GO HAWKS!!!
By VickBeliever
July 3, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Jeff Franacouer can stink up the joint for 2 years in a row and the thought of removing him will never be mention. You take a young gifted athelete who is no so media savy and the question is rasied. Josh Smith should be a Atlanta Hawk for lifeno questions asked. This team is only a couple additions away from being great. No need to subtract from this equations.
By MsDee
July 3, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this
If Smith leaves for Philly, hope he realizes that he will not get the same love from those fans like he got from us. The way that Josh shoots the ball in crucial times, I just dont see their fans supporting him like we have.
By A.S.
July 3, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
If Smith leaves for Philly this franchise goes from being a major playoff threat in the East to dreaming of the day they will be able to get into the playoffs again. We need to start building a reputable franchise with the Hawks. We saw last year during the playoffs that if this team performs these fans are as good as any teams. If we loos Smith it will be hard to give these fans a reason to even turn on the Hawks game on TV!
By Eric
July 3, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
MsDee, I might be the only true Hawks fan in Atlanta. Atlanta fans are the worst in America, we don’t appreciate our players like we should until they are gone. Philly has a nice fan base, they are tough when they feel players aren’t giving 100%. Take the Braves for example, all those winning seasons they gave us, but all you hear is they should have won more titles. You call that love???
By MsDee
July 3, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Eric, I hear what u are saying but we are talking about Philly!! Yeah, they are alright when u are playing great, but the way that Smoove trys too hard at times and come up short cause he didnt pass to the open “shooter” but decides to shoot it himself, those “fans in Philly” will get to know Smoove real soon and get disgusted with Smith real soon!
By Brendan
July 3, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this
The funniest thing is … The ASG put themselves in this position. Why do they proscrastinate like this? They could have locked up these players a year ago, but didn’t. Why? Why insult them, by not renewing them? If either player is lost to an RFA offersheet, the Spirit Group has no one but THEMSELVES to blame.
These situations could have been complete avoided. Poor decision-making. And it runs rampant at the offices of the ASG. They still haven’t locked up “franchise” goalie, Kari Lehtonen, yet either. Not that the situation is exactly the same as with “the Joshes.” Lehtonen won’t command big dollars. And even if he is lost to an offersheet, the compensation will likely be a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick, plus they have an insurance policy in Ondrej Pavelec.
It must be disheartening for the ASG to know that Tier I hockey free agent won’t come to Atlanta at ANY price. Well, that is, if they care. They probably just want to sell the team for a monster payday, with low overhead. If the Spirit Group spends too much on free agents, they’ll blow the first pick in the draft next year, and miss out on John Tavares.
By MsDee
July 3, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
Esp. if Smith is making 67mil, he will have to start playing like he is worth 67mil!!
By Eric
July 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Even I get nervous when Josh Smith takes a three, or attemps to lead a fast break. But when the smoke clears, and you look at his numbers for the season there is almost no one in the N.B.A. that fills the entire stat sheet like him. The youngest player to over 500 block shoots in the history of the league, beating out Shaq. All I am saying is the people of Atlanta don’t know what we have in Smoove, and I don’t want to look back 10 years from now after he’s gone to another team and won multiple titles, and say damn we should have keep Josh Smith like Atlanta fans always do.
By Hawk i
July 3, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
This is what I hate about pro sports. I hear ‘we should pay whatever it takes” when all pro athletes are making absolutely insane salaries. No doubt both of these guys are gifted, and I guess we have no choice in paying up to keep them, but it still irks me when this crap comes up. Oh well, maybe when the tickets cost $500. per game. maybe we’ll wake up and realize it’s just a game. Personally, I’d rather some of this money go to our troops. After all, they’re risking and giving their lives for us, not just playing a game that most of us would play for free.
By Eric
July 3, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Hawki I believe tickets already cost close to $500 dollars. I bought two regular season tickets for over $200 on the lower level. Can’t imagine what courtside cost.
By JBEEZ
July 3, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Yes Atlanta is the worst sports city in the country. We gave AI nothing but love in Philly. He was Philly,still is beloved see the O we gave him when he came to town in March. Josh you will have 68million reasons to come to Philly……….we will get one of the Josh’s so get over it,accept it go to therapy….lol
By scottbravesfan
July 3, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
Vick believer, who the hell do you know that wants to keep Francoeur? Everyone I know and on the message boards wants him to be sent down to Richmond. Stop trying to make this into a race thing. The Hawks would be stupid to let Smith go, since they are the Hawks they probably will let him go.
Atlanta is the worst sports town because their franchises are so stupid.
By Hawksfaithful
July 3, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Just don’t give up Al Hartford a year from now. That would be as bad as trading Dominique Wikson! Or Keith Brookings for that matter!
By JSS
July 4, 2008 6:07 AM | Link to this
Hey Schultz,
You’ve never done an honest day of work at the AJC either, so what’s your point? Another day, another piece of tripe about the Thrashers… You cheap a$$ bast*, go out mow your own two foot lawn…
Happy 4th of July to the rest of you!!! To the NO TALENT HACK, PARC is looking for new hostages n Colombia, when can you catch Spirit Airlines?
By bigeasy830
July 4, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
If we sign J-Smoove can we then afford to keep Joe in 2 or 3 years? If the answer to that question is yes then we must do it. I believe getting Chills to stay for the mid-level exception money of around 6 million is a steal. He is so versatile. He has great handles. He is not a point guard but when you see a guy 6’8” bring the ball up court to free up your point guard for 3 pointers or he is doing a better job of bringing it up court because they cannot pressure him and you can run your offense after you get it above half court then, he is a keeper. To have one of the best 6th men in the game for 6 mil is just an abosolute steal. Bibby is gone after next season, unless he signs for much less money. So we should be able to pay them both then have money for the future signing of all and Joe. The way Al is developing he will get max money. Marvin may be the odd man out unless he has a break out season this year. He improved last year but he still did not have that break-out year. He must be more assertive on the offensive end. He must work on his body and he must develop a more consistent jumper and increase the range of his jumper plain and simple.
By workinDawg
July 4, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
Agree that the Hawks MUST keep Smith, he’s a very gifted player.
However, don’t confuse Hockey w/hoops. An NHL player in ATL is about as famous as mid-tier morning dj. Go to a town that grew up loving the sport and you are a real celeb. It’ll never happen here.
By CJ
July 4, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
Smart franchises lock up players before they go “on the market”. The Spirit should’ve signed Smith last year regardless of the circumstances.
By hawks fan (CONFUSED?!)
July 4, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this
what if the hawks got labron? eh eh?
By ray
July 4, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this
All it would’ve taken is a better offer than 45 mil. Instead, if we match, we end up probably paying well over 60 mil. Reeeeeal smart…
By BA
July 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Schultz, you should thank your lucky stars that AJC is dumb enough to keep you around. I’ve seen nothing in your “articles” that suggests you have any real talent. “Cut my grass”? What are you, Donald Trump? Did you really expect to submit this half-baked article that has zero new information or relevant points and NOT get criticized? I have no idea what kind of job security you mantain, but if (or when) they remove you I will absolutely revel in your failure. Then you can “cut MY grass”, you overinflated boob.
By kirknga
July 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Both of these guys are RESTRICTED Free Agents-which means everybody just settle down and see what offers the players get. It probably cost the team some to let other teams do the negotiating, but it might not have. snivlem
Smith has two smart agents. They were not going to sell their client short. They were going to test the free agent market regardless of what the Hawks offered. Why sign with the Hawks last year for $45 million, $55 million or $75 million until you know for sure what your true market value is? Which is what we are about to find out shortly.
**Webspinner**These are both such keen observations. It is very encouraging to see that not all Hawks fans are incapable of serious analysis of the situation.
These two comments are among the best I’ve seen on all the threads about the subject(including my own).
According to many, Smith’s signing was imminent!
Where are the offer sheets? .
By hop
July 5, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this
the hawks will lose all of their top players and then sell the club to another ownership. who will then move the club to another city.
By JB
July 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Schultz your an idiot; why don’t you stick to what you know about hockey which honestly is basically nothing.
We offered plenty of money to Brian Campbell, Waddell even flew to Ottawa to meet with Campbell’s family to convince them of the Thrashers integrity, we lost out NOT because we didn’t offer enough money BUT because Brian wanted to be closer to his family.
As for Hainsey he is a good puck moving defenseman and was Columbus’ BEST D-Man for the last three years and has improved at that same pace. He will help the club more than Alexei Zhitnik could have.
By Section119
July 6, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Jeff-
When are you going to write a story about the unsettled ownership of ASG and its devastating affect on the Thrashers and Hawks? Ownership, or lack there of, is the real problem. GMs are just employees.
By Jermaine Burkes
July 6, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Sign Smith and bring better players to the team what is it to own a team if you are not going to bring a winning product on the court don’t you guys want to win man just think smarter thats all by the way don’t sign childress he is worth losing also west, jones,and claxton needs to be out as well!
By disgusted
July 7, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this
“Ms. Dee” You say Josh Smith won’t get love from Philly fans like he does from the Hawks fans. Then you go on to bash him in everything else that you write. Fans like you is why players want to go somewhere else. What do you think the Hawks record would of been this year without Josh Smith? For all the complaining he is a vital part of this team. Next year all of you experts will be complaining the Hawks should of kept Smith.” Kirgna maybe the offer sheet hasn’t come because they don’t what the cap room will be?” Another AJC blog expert.
By daniel
July 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Do whatever to keep smith, sign back childress, use the mid level exception to sign petrus, and try to sign Kwame. petrus is a good defender and athletic and can shoot threes which is perfect for the hawks. they need a defender who can guard the other teams best player every night so joe johnson can focus on his offense. kwame isn’t that good but he is a good defensive center and he is athletic and very strong. basically a bigger stronger hortford but without the skill. kwame would be a great role player
By bburnett
July 9, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
The Atlanta Spirit are the worst ownership group in professional sports. No one in the group has any decent knowledge of the sports in which they run. When they hire those that do…they fire them because they were not that good to begin with. We are worse than the Clippers as an organization. At least they put out a product thats worth going to see and compete. Professional sports may be at an end here in Atlanta. All I can say is thank god for a real owner like Arthur Blank…if not for him we’d be the laughing stock of the nation. I say that meaning not in terms of wins and loses, but by the fact he actually cares about the team, franchise, and city!
By Tad
July 13, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
There is talk in Detroit of a sign and trade of Josh Smith to Detroit for Chauncey Billups and Maxiel. Detroit is rebuilding and Chauncey could prove to be the point guard Atlanta needs to beet Boston. Maxiel would patch the void at power forward left in Atlanta by the Departing Josh Smith.
By Tad
July 13, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this
Max is a shot blocker who has a nice looking jump shot. Smirh has to many games that he is in foul trouble and doesn’t produce. Billups is one of the top guards in the league. I don’t see Detroit giving up both.
By Mike
July 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Max is a shot blocker who has a nice looking jump shot. Smirh has to many games that he is in foul trouble and doesn’t produce. Billups is one of the top guards in the league. I don’t see Detroit giving up both.
By Mike
July 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Max is a shot blocker who has a nice looking jump shot. Smirh has to many games that he is in foul trouble and doesn’t produce. Billups is one of the top guards in the league. I don’t see Detroit giving up both.
By Marcus
July 17, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Schultz - you’re an a*****, get a life. We know you hate the Thrashers and you’re just looking for attention and trying to drive hockey out of Atlanta, but please just give it a rest for the sake of the fans. Yes, there are some fans out there.
PS- It’s your negative and arrogant sarcastic articles that forced me to cancel my AJC subscription.
By Marcus
July 17, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Schultz - you’re an a*****, get a life. We know you hate the Thrashers and you’re just looking for attention and trying to drive hockey out of Atlanta, but please just give it a rest for the sake of the fans. Yes, there are some fans out there.
PS- It’s your negative and arrogant sarcastic articles that forced me to cancel my AJC subscription.
By Marcus
July 17, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this
Schultz - you’re an a*****, get a life. We know you hate the Thrashers and you’re just looking for attention and trying to drive hockey out of Atlanta, but please just give it a rest for the sake of the fans. Yes, there are some fans out there.
PS- It’s your negative and arrogant sarcastic articles that forced me to cancel my AJC subscription.
By License to Ilya
July 17, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Schultz- you need a hobby son. Your little Thrasher ripping excursions are getting pretty tiring. I mean, do you really have to stoop to this level? Is this the kind of tripe that you dream up and dump out, under the misnomer of insightful journalism? This reeks of an attempt to stir up controversy and holds so little journalistic integrity that it makes me think that perhaps you would be better suited in the employ of one of the black and whites in the grocery store checkout lane. At least there you could drum up your imaginary conflicts amid the much more sensational backdrop of a Batboy versus Sasquatch battle to the death! It would also serve the purpose of allowing you to finally be able to address a readership with an intellect similar to your own- minute and easily excited. In short, your schtick is tired Schultz. Your writing has always been sophomoric, but the content has continued to slide down the scale of credibility. It has finally arrived at its destination though it would seem. Rock bottom. The AJC really should look into hiring writers that have a clue. You are a ridiculous person bent on compensating for your own shortcomings by exacerbating the perceived shortcomings of others. Others, who I might had, have a degree of difficulty in their jobs somewhat higher than being the journalistic equivalent of a poo slinging monkey.
By still a hawks fan
July 24, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
even though different time and owners, the franchise is the worst at personnel decisions. top 5 moves that were dumb: trading dominique making koncac rich raising ticket prices 4 a losing team drafting sheldon williams drafting adam okeefe as a lottery player losing josh smith will put us back where we were 2years ago. we need to build around horford while he is still interested in us. if u want to trade somebody, trade joe, u can get a lot for him, since he made ray allen look real old in the playoffs.