AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > May > 21 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIverson to Hawks: Just do it
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
There is a gremlin sitting on the Hawks’ shoulder, saying what all gremlins say: “Do it.”
The Hawks are off the radar on the Atlanta sports scene. They are off the board annually in playoff races by December. They have a chance to get one of the NBA’s premier players.
“Do it. Come on. You know you want to. What else are you going to do? Draft some guy from Italy?”
Allen Iverson scores points. He sells tickets. Those are two things that put him ahead of almost everybody else. Isn’t that enough to overlook the other junk stuffed in the luggage compartment?
The Hawks just won 26 games, and that was after improvement. Is it worth a risk to become, like, relevant?
“Do it, do it, do it!”
Another off-season and another rebuilding project awaits. Is it time to throw the dice yet?
They have thought about it. They have talked about it. Dude, don’t be naïve — of course they have talked about it. When you run a franchise and finish last and have to dive into the cesspool of more postseason analysis, you talk about everything. You certainly talk about Allen Iverson.
I have had several conversations with myself about Allen Iverson. I have told myself to shut up. I have tried to talk myself out of it. I can’t. Gremlins.
Iverson will be 31 next month. He was still the NBA’s second-leading scorer this season at 33 points per game. That ranked just behind Kobe Bryant and just ahead of LeBron James, neither of whom are available.
He averaged 7.4 assists. Say what you want about Iverson hogging the ball, particularly for a point guard. But those 7.4 assists ranked ahead of any Hawks player.
So. A backcourt with Allen Iverson and Joe Johnson. Reminds me of an old question back in the Jurassic: “Do the Hawks play tonight?”
This isn’t a new rumor. It’s an old rumor with new juice. Word first drifted out of Philadelphia early in the season that Iverson wanted out. The Hawks were mentioned as a possible destination because the Hawks always are mentioned as a possible destination. It’s the residue of having salary cap room. And agents.
Iverson-to-Atlanta (or anywhere) was resuscitated when the Sixers went 8-16 down the stretch and missed the playoffs. Iverson and his partner in baggage, Chris Webber, planned to sit out the year’s home finale. They didn’t arrive until just before tip-off. They weren’t on the bench for fan appreciation night. Oops.
General manager Billy King didn’t take it well. He fined both and, in a profanity-laced tirade, said: “We didn’t make the playoffs. I’ve got a lot of [bleep!] work to do, and this is some [bleep!] that’s a distraction to me. Am I [bleep!] off? You’re [bleep!] right I am.”
Got it.
King did not state: “A.I. is gone.”
Neither did he state: “A.I.’s my man.”
A.I. stands for, “Available immediately.”
I know. For every pro, there’s a con. Maybe even an ex-con. But let’s put the entourage aside for now.
There’s that practice thing. Iverson doesn’t like it. There’s that money thing. It’s a long, expensive risk. Iverson has three seasons left on his contract totaling $60.328 million. If it didn’t work out, it would be a mistake of Koncakian proportions.
Iverson could negatively impact the Hawks’ younger players. He is not known as the nurturing sort. He is not first on the list of guys you think of who would say, “Please coach, let me be the one to show Josh Smith how to win.”
But Hawks coach Mike Woodson would know what he’s getting into. He was an assistant in Philly. There’s always that chance, too, that a change of scenery would give Iverson new perspective.
Hey. There’s a chance, OK?
Billy Knight started this project by cleaning out big contracts. The net result: 39 wins, 125 losses and holes. How much better can they realistically expect to be next season without a bold move?
Iverson would give the Hawks a presence. A toughness. A guy who actually wants the ball when the game’s on the line.
He has flaws. Big ones. But stars without flaws generally aren’t available, so we debate risk-reward. Iverson scores points and sells tickets, and the guy on my shoulder won’t shut up.
Permalink | Comments (156) | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Jeff Schultz
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Larry
May 21, 2006 07:30 PM | Link to this
A week or so ago Jeff Schultz was siding with Martha Burke and the National association of Lesbians. Now he wants the hawks to recruit a tattooed, selfish, immature hip hopper who can dribble and shoot a big round ball so our city can have greatness.
Schultz, you’re the perfect guy for the AJC!
By Aaron M
May 21, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
Are you crazy? Sure AI is a talented ball player has has few peers in this league, but I don’t take the chance if I’m Billy Knight. AI will sell tickets and improve our win total, but bringing him here would totally disrupt what BK is doing, rebuilding a competitive winner. Sure we’re all tired of the losing, but we’re losing sight of BK’s long range plan, and I don’t believe he jettisoned all those big contracts to bring in an aging problem player with attitude. I’ll stick with solid improving players like JJ and Josh Smith. I’d rather take my chances with BK than with AI. We’re a work in progress and I’m not ready to throw it all overboard. A little more patience is in order.
By Hawk Fan
May 21, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
Aaron M= Billy King?
By Ben T. Wood
May 21, 2006 08:04 PM | Link to this
You no doubtably have descened to the pit of crack smoking insanity…. Allen Iverson is a PUNK…. He epitomizes what is wrong with athletics and basketball in particular and you want to bring that poison to this young club?
Hawks owners…. PLEASE do not consider this cancer of the court named Allen Iverson…. it would be the worse thing you could possibly do… it would ruin the young playes no doubt….
Schultz has lost it for sure and if you look back at the history of the Hawks and bad character/chemistry players, you will see it does not work..
Bring Iverson to Atlanta and bring the slime, the gangster attitude, the selfish, the arrogant, the king of dissension to our city…. and reap the harvest of your folly…
Schultz is an idiot…
By DHD
May 21, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
I don’t want that troublemaker here to mess with our young guys.
By Ignorant
May 21, 2006 08:28 PM | Link to this
Don’t do it!!!!!!!!!! Yes AI will sell tickets and he has grown up some but his cost is astronomical. Focus on Joel Przybilla (C), Mike James (PG), and a sign in trade with Denver (Harrington), in which the team gets Nene (PF-C) and someone else. Pachulia would back up Przybilla, Lue backing up James, and Nene backing up Josh. Your second unit would look like this: Lue (PG), Stoudamire (SG); Childress (SF); Nene (PF); Pachulia (C).
By jcwfalcon
May 21, 2006 08:31 PM | Link to this
Just the truth…
Last year I attended ONE Hawks game and was disgusted. They played with no heart and played defense worse than a high school team. I saw no effort. FYI, I was at the Bulls game in early March. Definately not worth my buck. For the same price I paid I have a better seat at the Falcons games, and could go to 2 or 3 Braves games, you know, a couple of teams who at least win enough to go to the playoffs on a regular basis.
I watch about half the games in the wait for them to put something on the floor worth paying to see.
My bucks: AI comes to this team and I will attend at least 3-5 games next year. No big changes in the offseason, and the next game I attend will be a playoff game, should they ever make it. Maybe the win, maybe they dont, but at least AI is entertaining and a helluva player. This team loses anyway…at least give me something for my $!
By the way, from what I have read from Billy Knight lately it does not have me wanting to come to any Hawks games either. Basically his “I am mighty” mentality and not caring about what the fans want is a big turnoff that keeps me from wanting to open my checking account to him. Memo to Billy, you have had the team several years and it still sucks. You should be begging for an open ear from fans or media…because right now…no one cares about the team you have built. Its pretty bad when the contributing factors to me not wanting to pay to see this team is not only the fact they dont win, but also has to do with the GM’s personality. That should have a place in the equation about as much as I should know a baseball umpires name at the end of the day.
By ACC12 Booster
May 21, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
The recent model for winning titles in pro sports is winning as a team (i.e. the NBA Spurs, NBA Pistons, NFL Patriots, NFL Steelers, MLB White Sox, etc.) and not being overly dependent on the scoring or individual skills of one or two superstars. It is this model of winning that the Hawks should aspire to while building a competitive team. Iverson is a disgrunted, self-centered, aging “superstar” who would serve to do nothing more than set a very bad example for some very impressionable 18-22 year-old first, second and third-year players who are just now starting to play the right way on a team that is just starting to build good chemistry on and off the court.
Why impatiently bring in a guy who would attempt to hog the ball for 30-40 minutes a game from the developing talent and then throw a fit just because the coaches told him that he has to share the ball? On top of that, he would set a very bad example for the young players by skipping team practices, team functions, team flights and even games whenever he feels like it because he thinks that the rules of the TEAM don’t apply to him personally or individually.
Nah! I’d rather just patiently continue to build through the draft year-by-year than to take the risk of bringing a cancer like that on to my young, promising team. Why tear up a team with a promising future to bring around a guy with such a troubled past, present and no future? At 31, Iverson is yesterday’s bad news and Jeff Schultz is a certified fool for suggesting that a young team on the right track bring around such a selfish and destructive troublemaker like A.I.
Don’t just pass on Iverson, quarantine him from team sports. Check the stats and compare between some great team players and play within a team concept and Allen Iverson, who just can’t quite the team concept of play and PRACTICE…
Tim Duncan, team player who loves practice: Four NBA Titles
Magic Johnson, team player who loves practice and annually made his team better by being amongst the NBA’s leaders in assists: Five NBA Titles
Bill Russell, center and captain of the great Celtics teams in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s who was a great team player and loved to practice with his TEAM to become better at the game as a TEAM: 11 NBA Titles
Allen Iverson, aging superstar who skips as many TEAM functions and games as sees fit and who frequently skips out on team practices because he thinks he above the team concept: ZERO
By ACC12 Booster
May 21, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
The recent model for winning titles in pro sports is winning as a team (i.e. the NBA Spurs, NBA Pistons, NFL Patriots, NFL Steelers, MLB White Sox, etc.) and not being overly dependent on the scoring or individual skills of one or two superstars. It is this model of winning that the Hawks should aspire to while building a competitive team. Iverson is a disgrunted, self-centered, aging “superstar” who would serve to do nothing more than set a very bad example for some very impressionable 18-22 year-old first, second and third-year players who are just now starting to play the right way on a team that is just starting to build good chemistry on and off the court.
Why impatiently bring in a guy who would attempt to hog the ball for 30-40 minutes a game from the developing talent and then throw a fit just because the coaches told him that he has to share the ball? On top of that, he would set a very bad example for the young players by skipping team practices, team functions, team flights and even games whenever he feels like it because he thinks that the rules of the TEAM don’t apply to him personally or individually.
Nah! I’d rather just patiently continue to build through the draft year-by-year than to take the risk of bringing a cancer like that on to my young, promising team. Why tear up a team with a promising future to bring around a guy with such a troubled past, present and no future? At 31, Iverson is yesterday’s bad news and Jeff Schultz is a certified fool for suggesting that a young team on the right track bring around such a selfish and destructive troublemaker like A.I.
Don’t just pass on Iverson, quarantine him from team sports. Check the stats and compare between some great team players and play within a team concept and Allen Iverson, who just can’t quite the team concept of play and PRACTICE…
Tim Duncan, team player who loves practice: Four NBA Titles
Magic Johnson, team player who loves practice and annually made his team better by being amongst the NBA’s leaders in assists: Five NBA Titles
Bill Russell, center and captain of the great Celtics teams in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s who was a great team player and loved to practice with his TEAM to become better at the game as a TEAM: 11 NBA Titles
Allen Iverson, aging superstar who skips as many TEAM functions and games as sees fit and who frequently skips out on team practices because he thinks he above the team concept: ZERO NBA Titles
By ACC12 Booster
May 21, 2006 08:48 PM | Link to this
The recent model for winning titles in pro sports is winning as a team (i.e. the NBA Spurs, NBA Pistons, NFL Patriots, NFL Steelers, MLB White Sox, etc.) and not being overly dependent on the scoring or individual skills of one or two superstars. It is this model of winning that the Hawks should aspire to while building a competitive team. Iverson is a disgrunted, self-centered, aging “superstar” who would serve to do nothing more than set a very bad example for some very impressionable 18-22 year-old first, second and third-year players who are just now starting to play the right way on a team that is just starting to build good chemistry on and off the court.
Why impatiently bring in a guy who would attempt to hog the ball for 30-40 minutes a game from the developing talent and then throw a fit just because the coaches told him that he has to share the ball? On top of that, he would set a very bad example for the young players by skipping team practices, team functions, team flights and even games whenever he feels like it because he thinks that the rules of the TEAM don’t apply to him personally or individually.
Nah! I’d rather just patiently continue to build through the draft year-by-year than to take the risk of bringing a cancer like that on to my young, promising team. Why tear up a team with a promising future to bring around a guy with such a troubled past, present and no future? At 31, Iverson is yesterday’s bad news and Jeff Schultz is a certified fool for suggesting that a young team on the right track bring around such a selfish and destructive troublemaker like A.I.
Don’t just pass on Iverson, quarantine him from team sports. Check the stats and compare between some great team players and play within a team concept and Allen Iverson, who just can’t quite the team concept of play and PRACTICE…
Tim Duncan, team player who loves practice: Four NBA Titles
Magic Johnson, team player who loves practice and annually made his team better by being amongst the NBA’s leaders in assists: Five NBA Titles
Bill Russell, center and captain of the great Celtics teams in the ‘50’s and ‘60’s who was a great team player and loved to practice with his TEAM to become better at the game as a TEAM: 11 NBA Titles
Allen Iverson, aging superstar who skips as many TEAM functions and games as sees fit and who frequently skips out on team practices because he thinks he above the team concept: ZERO NBA Titles
Enough said, an aging “star” of Iverson’s “caliber” pretty much speaks for himself with his actions.
By JG4
May 21, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
I’m gonna go with Jeff on this one. I don’t have the statistics to back this up, but AI has impressed me more than a few times with his basketball IQ and ability to “work well with others”.
We’ll start with the ‘03 All-Star game in Atlanta. AI put in 35 points (on only 23 shots I may add) and 7 dimes with Jordan on the floor and was still able to set him up for the “would-be” winning shot.
In the ‘04 Olympics, he was the only “superstar” that committed to playing early and appeared to be the only person that showed up Athens.
I remember a game last year that he put 53 on the Hawks and he seems to play well here averaging 40.3 pt/ 7.7 assists (maybe the strip clubs keep him motivated ;) )
Now, I kid AI a lot for regularly going for the natural 30/30 (30 points on 30 shots), but when I look at Philly’s roster, I am surprised he doesn’t take more…and even more surprised about the 8 assists. Everytime I’ve ever seen him on the floor with competitive players he always seems to be able to play well and step his game up. The Hawks now are head and shoulders better than the cast of characters he took the finals just a year back and I’m sure the quest for a ring will be a motivating factors as he gets older. And with AI, we may be able to get some of those calls late in the game which could flip a few wins around. $60 million is stiff price tag, but maybe we could work a MLB type deal where Philly sends some cash (i know, i know the NBA cap is a little different). One thing about Hawks fans is that we are still suffering from the Isiah Rider thing, but I think the healing period is over Atlanta…I think it’s not a bad idea. I’m ready to be “basketball relevant” again.
By Jim, Savannah
May 21, 2006 08:53 PM | Link to this
Surely, there comes a time when you have to “Just ,Say No!” to jerks like Iverson, but if the Hawks say “Yes!”, then let’s also get Rider back to play the 2, sign Spewell and Dennis Rodman to play the 3 and 4, and see if we can locate Chris Washburn in a homeless shelter to play center. Maybe we can find John Drew and Eddie Johnson for the bench. Then we get Hubie Brown back to drive the rest of our young guys insane.
By Tony
May 21, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
Now if iverson were winning championship with his play then you might consider him even with the attitude. But since he has been in the lottery along with the Hawks for the past 3 years, what is the point???. This guys doesn’t win basketball games!!!! It would be as stupid as it was bring Isiah Rider to play for the Hawks. AJC writers are the least knowledgeable sports writers in the country. They offer no insight into the sports teams that they are suppose to be experts on. Stop covering the Hawks please.
By geechee
May 21, 2006 09:32 PM | Link to this
Nice column. I see it went over like a lead balloon with this crowd.
By Mark
May 21, 2006 09:44 PM | Link to this
Do it.. what the hell!
By #1 Hawks Fan
May 21, 2006 09:46 PM | Link to this
Did i just see somebody write that we should sign Joel Pryzbilla . WTF are you thinking. Iverson would be a great addition to the team. Harrington is more than likely not going to re-sign here. Iverson can play the 1 or 2 as can joe johnson. Marvin can be molded into the SF starting postion along with J-Chill. pachulia will be better next year and he was good this year. You can package Lue, Harrington and one of the SFs into a trade for Iverson.
By alabama crabdangle
May 21, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
you got to be kidding me, there is no way in hell i would have iverson on my team. he is like the terrell owens of basketball. who wants that in the locker room? he crys and pouts when he doesn’t have his way, the idea sucks, why would you listen to your gremlins jeff schultz? didn’t they die in the movie?
By Jim, Savannah
May 21, 2006 09:51 PM | Link to this
Of course Hawks mgmt never listens to us. And how can we argue with all these 60-win seasons, 14 consecutive playoffs in a row, 3 NBA titles in the last five years?
By Rob
May 21, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
The Hawks biggest weakness is their defense, espically inside. Getting AI would take up all the Hawks cap room so they won’t be able to get any defensive bigs.
Anyone notice what Lebron and Wade are doing in the playoffs? both of them are at the top in the league in pts in the paint scoring. Do you think Zaza as a starting center will deter them from driving?
Or how about Orlando with their front line of Howard and Darko? How will the Hawks match up with them?
The only time AI has had any team success is when he was surrounded by defensive role players. How many defensive role players do you see on the Hawks?
By givemthebird
May 21, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Why not shoot for Kevin Garnett? If we’re gonna go big, let’s get better. Same hype, but more productivity. Al Harrington and our 1st for the big ticket.
Bird
By Greg
May 21, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
AI? Come on Jeff put the drugs down. You are out of your simple mind. AI is just what the Hawks don’t need. Attitude,dosen’t want to practice,pouting,selfish,crying,31 year old idiot. Now we all know that Schultz is not only a terrible writer but has the same basketball mentality of Pete Babcock.
By Striclty Laved
May 21, 2006 10:29 PM | Link to this
I heard people say Allen Iverson is aging and on the downside of his career, but that was five years and six scoring titles ago.
The point is Atlanta fans want a point guard and he is exactly what the Hawks need… someone who can penatrate a defense and lead the league in steals like he has four of the last five years.
Get him and then focus on getting a big man like Nene in here to help inside and this is a contending team.
By DustinH
May 21, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
I would love to have iverson, hes the model for what guts and heart means! I havent liked them since they traded Wilkins when i was a kid, (excpt the Mutombo years) but iverson would make me watch hawks games again!
By j-man
May 21, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
I say don’t go after Iverson not because he is an attitude problem but because he only has probably 2 years of high level basketball in him because he takes a beaten each season and he is one of the smallest men in the league but go after Garnett he probably will be available and he has all the attributes you need to win just trade Harringtonand our lottery pick for him and we will make the playoffs.
By j-man
May 21, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
I say don’t go after Iverson not because he is an attitude problem but because he only has probably 2 years of high level basketball in him because he takes a beaten each season and he is one of the smallest men in the league but go after Garnett he probably will be available and he has all the attributes you need to win just trade Harringtonand our lottery pick for him and we will make the playoffs.
By Eddie
May 21, 2006 10:52 PM | Link to this
Get AI-that will put butts in the Arena and eyes on the tube-and the Hawks are going NOWHERE as it stands now….as for all you guys on this blog worried about the “thug” mentality and “hip-hop” culture AI might bring-um, this is the NBA last I checked, not the NHL-thugs et al run rampant in this league…..
By edward
May 21, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
hey tony, thats the dumbest think i have ever heard. i am embarassed that you call yourself a hawks fan. A-I wouls sell ticktets and most importantly win games for our hawks. He is one of the best players in the nba. only 2 yrs left? are you retarded? i am personely banding you from making anymore posts on this site. my fellow hawks fans and i will be a lot smarter for not having to listen to you anymore. PLEASE GET IVERSON!!!
By G-Money
May 21, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe all of you fell for the bait. If you think that Jeff Schultz actually believes that the Hawks should get AI then I have first dibs on an expansion team NBA franchise in Waycross, GA. It’s great to stir up conversation during a dull time, but why not talk about something a bit more relevant and realistic than the Hawks acquiring AI. Not even BK would do something that idiotic (even if he thought that it would possibly help the team). Corporate dollars coming to the arena would grind to a complete halt. The Thrashers would be sold out, and a few more folks might be season tickets to see Tech play. If you want to talk about something, I’m with J-man. Kevin Garnett would be a better and more sane topic to start off with.
By little ben
May 21, 2006 11:21 PM | Link to this
Given that the Hawks haven’t had a winning season since we blew up a playoff team six seasons ago, and given that we’ve had a rebuilding project four of those six years, what would giving AI an opportunity hurt. The only place we can go is up. I doubt our 675 impressionable small forwards that make up this roster will immediately start shooting Heroine upon his arrival. Frankly, I think our team could use an attitude adjustment, and maybe AI in the locker room might just light a fire. No one should really care about the practice issues because his actual play when there are butts in the seat is second to none.
Again, when you’ve been this bad for this long, what could it hurt.
By GTYjackets
May 21, 2006 11:50 PM | Link to this
Does everyone forget what Iverson did in the Olympics? When it looked like the US wouldn’t even medal he said he wouldn’t stand for that and he became a leader. He took a young inexperienced team of huge egos and made them winners. I think Iverson could definitely come in and be a role model for our young guys.
By EdoRiver
May 22, 2006 12:00 AM | Link to this
Yes, why not go for someone with a team mentality, Kevin Garnett, if we are going after great players. Why do you check the guy at the bottom of the barrel when it comes to the TEAM concept?
What were the conditions for Iverson to win the championship? Can Atlanta match those conditions? at what cost?
By Jay
May 22, 2006 12:19 AM | Link to this
This idea is awful for many reasons.
How would we trade for AI? I dont think we have enough contracts, even with Harrington. And what would we trade for him…Harrington and picks? No, we already traded away picks last year and you know the 76ers are going to want a lot.
Take a look at the playoffs. Notice that the point guards on these teams ARENT shoot-first? Parker, Kidd, Nash. Now there are some out there…Terry and Arenas come to mind. But they dont hog the ball anywhere like AI does.
Shoot-first point guards have proven that they do not win. Period. Exhibit A: Stephon Marbury. How many successful teams has he had again? Yeah.
They have tried pairing many different combinations of players with AI. Shooters, scorers, defensive players, low-post players, young players, vets. NOTHING has worked…so you think the very young Hawks would?
AI is a proven cancer. Hates practice, doesnt show up on time, complains about the league all the time. Has gone through too many coaches.
Myth: AI sells tickets. Fact: Philly’s attendance has been in decline, including being in the lower-half last year.
The last thing we need is AI to take away shots and opportunities from our swing-men.
31 is approaching old for a nba pg, especially one with as many minutes and injuries. Bad investment.
AI has 7.4 assists because has the ball in his hands ALL the time. Stephon Marbury has over 7 assists and you dont hear people saying he shares it either.
Joe Johnson is the alpha dog on this team. He’s the future. No need to impede his rise to superstardom.
If you watched the team last year, you know we have one proven scorer (JJ), one on-the-rise scorer (JSmith), and one soon-to-be scorer (Williams). What we need is a point guard who will feel all these guys and get them involved. Not another person jacking up 25 shots a game!
Look, I know you need to take a position with these editorials, but AI on the Hawks reeks of when we had Rider.
By Wolverine
May 22, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this
Atlanta Fans are really fun. The Hawks have some of the youngest and highest potentially talented players in the league. BK is actually building the team right. I would rather see the rumored trade with Al Harrington to NJ for Richard Jefferson that bringing AI into the fold. The Hawks need two things a low post threat that can block shots & Rebound. And a ball control point guard. I actually I like UCONN point guard Marcus Williams or even SHelden Williams. Hopefully we get the six spot so we can take him then we acquire NENE. And guest what Hawks Fans we improve another 10 - 12 games. We lost alot of games in final minutes. A better defense down low would definitely help. IN BK we trust. Hell he is ten times better than Pete Babcock.
By alan
May 22, 2006 12:57 AM | Link to this
Just say no to crack!!!
Then again, smocking crack would be better than having Allen Iverson ruining a team that’s on the rise. The Hawks need a couple of things to make the playoffs this year; Allen Iverson is not one of them.
By the way, maybe if you watched the games Jeff you would know Joe Johnson wants the ball in his hands at the end of the game and hit several last second game winning shots this year.
Bottom Line:
This is Joe Johnson’s team and we’re building it around him!!!
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 22, 2006 12:58 AM | Link to this
Rob, your post is the one shining light of intelligence in a wasteland of stupidity. What the Hawks need is an inside presence who can play defense and block shots. What we need is a Ben Wallace-type player on this team. If we are going to trade for a superstar we gotta focus on big guys who can play defense and play center for at least half the game.
Having said that, apparently being one of the 2 NBA superstars who is willing to give up his summer to represent his country is not enough to convince our great Atlanta sports fans. Apparently playing through injuries that nobody else in the league would play through still makes you a “selfish punk” in the eyes of Atlanta’s citizens. I guess being a former NBA MVP and taking a team with little to no offensive help to the NBA Finals still makes you a selfish loser. I guess being 8th in the league in assists, ahead of so-called “pure” point guards like Luke Ridnour, TJ Ford, and Tony Parker (not to mention Lebron James, Gilbert Arenas and Dwyane Wade, who all have the ball in their hands at least as much as AI) doesn’t stop you from being selfish. No, in Atlanta if you have more than 2 tattoos and you listen to hip hop music, you are not good enough to improve a 26 win team, even if you are a former MVP and future Hall of Famer.
People comparing AI to Isiah Rider apparently don’t realize that Rider never won MVP, never made the NBA Finals, never even made the All-Star game, and came to Atlanta following a season where he averaged 14 points per game. Even if you disregard the fact that AI’s not even half the character problem Rider was, AI is a million times better basketball player than Rider. It’s not even close to being a comparison.
Allen Iverson is not gonna fill the Hawks’ biggest need, and the Hawks would be better off going after a big man in a trade. But if you really think AI wouldn’t improve the Hawks, you are smoking crack. Honestly I wish all of Atlanta’s sports teams would move somewhere where the fans know what they are talking about, so the rednecks who post on these blogs can just talk about UGA football all day, since that’s all they care about anyway.
By Tony
May 22, 2006 01:35 AM | Link to this
Answer this question Najeh for me please since AI is so great. Why is Philly in the lottery again this year??? Obviously he didn’t make them better!
By ranger
May 22, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
any of you that actually think bringing AI to atlanta is a good idea obviously knows nothin about basketball or sports in general…you build a team from the ground up, you instill your system and get everyone to buy in to it…you do not bring a player like AI to your team in the middle of this process..cancers are to be cut out, not added…while i have questioned some of BKs moves(like passing on paul), he is obviously building this franchise the correct way…adding a true pass first point guard and a skilled big man are the main goals…there is no need for someone who will hog the ball all night every night…tony delk got zero minutes in atlanta last year so that the young guys could develop, AI would only slow these guys development…johnson, smith, jchill, williams are all young talented players with the potential to be stars…let them play and continue to add role players around them…AI will ruin team chemistry, which the steelers, patriots and pistons have all proven is the way to win championships…if you want to win a few more games in the short term, then bring AI to town…if you want to win championships and playoff games consistently over the long haul, then keep him the heck away from ATL
By blue
May 22, 2006 06:27 AM | Link to this
I think that everyone that donot want AI to come to atl is stupid All I have to say to them what do we have now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A bunch of player that do not know how to win this team would be 10 times better with AI
By blue
May 22, 2006 06:28 AM | Link to this
I think that everyone that donot want AI to come to atl is stupid All I have to say to them what do we have now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A bunch of player that do not know how to win this team would be 10 times better with AI
By Native Son
May 22, 2006 07:17 AM | Link to this
This dead horse has been beaten more timrs than Granma’s old area rug.My Hawks team is right on the precipice of being darn good. What with the young talents they now have,no rookie point guard is going to put them over the top.They do need a veteran type point,that will mesh these talents,but they don’t need Iverson.Garnett,would’nt be a bad trade-off,but he’s looking for a championship calibre team.An aside to this, is that, the real fans are still chatting about this at the water cooler.Which means the interest is high,and most have found an appreciation for what B.Knight,and M.Woodson are doing,and expectatons are up for every body.Should be a great draft\free agent period,for tthe Hawks.
By Rod
May 22, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
First thing the Hawks need to do is get a real GM. Billy Knight is a joke and has the “shut up fans, I don’t care what you think” attitude. Obviously the GM should know more than the average fan. However, there’s no excuse for his arrogance and insulting behavior toward any fans that might have - God forbin - an opinion!
Billy, you’ve been GM for 3 years and the team still sucks - you ain’t good enough to spit on other people’s opinions.
When the Hawks get a real GM, they’ll have someone to make intelligent decisions and get better. Until then, the only time I’ll go to Phillips is when the Thrashers are playing!
By CMAX
May 22, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this
The hawks play with no heart, the one thing that AI will do is play hard, dont fear the tatooed hip-hooper fear the won lose record.
By Mart
May 22, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this
No one would buy Hawks tickets just because Iverson was on the team. We all recognize an aging, ball-hogging, poisonous player. Hey, come to think of it, maybe we could swing a deal for Gary Payton, too. An Iverson/Payton backcourt would be one for the ages. Whoa, wait a minute, Pippen’s been making noise about coming out of retirement. He did wonders for the last couple of teams he was on. But we’d need a rebounder; there’s one available—Rodman. Hawks 2007 NBA champs!, and lots of tickets are sold!
Sorry, Mr. Shultz, not your best work.
By uga4ever
May 22, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
The Hawks have a career Asst. Coach as a head coach, and a GM that has been fired by two different teams. Until they get solid, proven people in these positions, they will never be playoff-caliber teams.
By scott
May 22, 2006 08:41 AM | Link to this
NONE
By TechMan
May 22, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Win with the players you already have. The Hawks are better team then their record, but everyone keeps making excuses, like they’re to young. This is the history with the Hawks - Diaw, Terry, Walker, now look like a pretty good team, but didn’t win because nobody expected them to. Harrington, Johnson, Smith is an incredible team. The coach is fine but we need to pick up the expectation - I don’t see a team in the playoffs that we can’t beat! Go Hawks and stay away from AI.
By scottmartin
May 22, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
I HOPE THIS GO DOWN
By AC Hawk
May 22, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
How many point guards available in free agency has made it to the NBA Finals?? Let’s see, I believe none… so before everyone goes off calling AI to be a “cancer”, “ball hogging”, blah, blah, blah, he nonetheless has taken his team to the finals. Following up on that question, who de have as his supporting cast? Aaron Mckie, atleast this team has players to compliment his talent. Bring him here and get us hawks fan excited about something. And if this doesn’t work out, fire Knight; AI is the only shot Billy has at saving his butt.
By SR
May 22, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BRING THAT CANCER TO OUR CITY !!!!!
By SR
May 22, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BRING THAT CANCER TO OUR CITY !!!!!
By SR
May 22, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY DO NOT BRING THAT CANCER TO OUR CITY !!!!!
By Val Champ
May 22, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
I am all for AI coming to the ATL. I love the Hawks whether they are losing or winner. It is called a true fan. I was born an ATalien, so Outcast calls us. AI will be coming to a team that needs him and like AC Hawks stated will compliment his talent. SO, I SAY AGAIN, BRING HIM ON!
By Jim Rhodes
May 22, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this
We DON’T need AI, he’s selfish, he won’t practice, he has his own agenda which does not include anything involving the TEAM. Would he help the Hawks to the playoffs, how did he do with the 76’s? Lets don’t waste our time or money.
By Gavin
May 22, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
Much of Iverson’s negative personality issues are ones that continue to follow him from his early years in the NBA. Today, I see him more as a coachable, professional, and mature superstar in the NBA. He would certainly be a good pick up for the Hawks, both on and off of the court. I think that he makes the players around him much better. With someone like I verson as a teammate, we may be able to see some of the other players that we wrote off as mediocre reach their true potential. We may very well have a team full of Scottie Pippens in need of a Jodanesque player/personality to unleash their ful potential.
By Matt
May 22, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
Atlanta, to me, has always been known as a city with classy teams, like the Barves, the Falcons until D Hall showed up, and the old Hawks of D Wilkins. Kngiht screwed up by not taking Chris Paul, who wanted to be a Hawk. We have about 47 forwards and one overpaid 2 guard. Johnson’s good, but not that good. Why trade for Iverson, what has he ever won, and he usually had a pretty good cast around him. We have alot of young talented forwards that we could use to trade for a PG or to get more picks. There has got to be another PG in college that can play like CPaul. Just draft who the Bulls would draft they do a pretty good job. We don’t need anymore highflyers, we need a table setter.
By ok
May 22, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Atlanta fans don’t like to win,I give up. Mike Vick is such a problem but he wins, A.I. would be great but he is problem, who cares win some games then be picky. You people make me sick. Stay with sorry teams and over looked always, Hey but the uniforms are nice, always a bright spot.
By ok
May 22, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
Matt you much be on the island with Mr. Locke, and Jack cuz you ARE LOST. A.I. never won anything? supporting cast? Classy Atlanta Teams? You must work for the AJC cuz where are those comments coming from? Catch that plane back to reality, Thanks.
By Tracey
May 22, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
Amen Najeh! A.I. has more heart than half the players in the league. He deserves respect for what he has been able to do with the cast of character’s he’s had in Philly over the years. Atl. fans are so fickle…Stop hating!
By Kevin
May 22, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
Signing AI would just tie us up in mediocrity. Is there someone here who thinks AI makes this a better team? AI is not Steve Nash, who makes his teammates better. AI is not one of those.
He will have several ‘LeBron’ moments where no one else touches the ball on a possession. AI didn’t play well with Webber, he didn’t improve Iguadola’s game and his last game sit down was blamed on someone else. Why do we need that in Atlanta? I just can’t see him making us a title contender. He may be able to get us to the playoffs, but at what cost?
Having AI on this team should not be the focus; the focus should be how are we going to compete on the boards each night? Can we get some rebounds and block out? Can Childress remember what the score is in a close game?
Can Josh show up in meaningful games instead of when we are just playing to ‘upset’ other teams? We have way too many questions on this team and AI doesn’t answer any of them. Who cares what sells tickets? I don’t! Only winning basketball brings in the fans regularly and we aren’t close to playing it yet. If you can’t defend your home court, you won’t succeed. I still question many of BK’s moves. He literally has traded off a playoff caliber team. (Terry, Abdul-Rahim, Delk, Walker, Mohammed, Diaw, Jackson, Ratliff) Those guys would play well against what we are putting on the court every night. If the playoffs aren’t in reach this year and we are already out of it in Mid-February, then it’s time to look at the ones making the decisions.
By Nea
May 22, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
I’m a a true A.I. Fan. I’ve been following his game since his days at Georgetown. Regardless of his sometimes questionable behavior off the court,who are any of us to judge someone else’s personal life? The bottom line is the man handles his business on the court—check his stats. I say do it, bring A.I. to the ATL! The Hawks need some pizzazz.
By whammer
May 22, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
AI has never won, not in college, not in jail, and not in the pro’s. Some players like Dr.J and C.Barkley you tend to root for to win. Nobody roots for AI to win, not even his own city. There are ways to build a winning team without a selfish player like AI. Just ask Detroit, San.Ant, etc. AI gets hurt and goes down and there goes your team and all your cap money. Those who support this have blinders on and cannot think past tomorrow.
By Lexie
May 22, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
here it is
By David King
May 22, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
Yes, ohh hell yes, sign him up immediately! This will bring the excitement back to the absent Atlanta Hawk’s game! I love the game of basketball but lately here in town there has not been anything to cheer for! No one wants a loser. We can lose a few games here and there but not every season! Let’s get him!!!!!
By Matt
May 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
Hey Ok, your post to my post wasn’t even a response. Don’t type what I typed, write something for yourself. Yes, Atl teams are classy, we don’t fight and our players are never in the news, except for DHall’s fight. The main problem with the Hawks is the coach. Draft a point guard or a big man.
The people who are posting for AI coming to ATL, you might be right, I forgot how he showed up for the Olympics when nobody else did. Good point. Hey ok, AI never has won anything team wise. So who’s lost? About the classy teams stmt. You questioned it, state your position.
By Norm
May 22, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this
no,No,NO!!!
By whammer
May 22, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
David, if you love basketball have you noticed it is a team sport. Ai is not a team player, never has been never will be. The second half of last season the young kids got it, and played tough. Got the respect of many other teams. They are very close and need less help than ever. Ai would ruin this team and ruin any chance of a future. Again, he goes down with an injury and there goes all your cap money and any chance of winning. I am from DC, I watched him in high school and at Georgetown. Jon Thompson could not coach him, he has been nothing but looser who makes lots of money for himself. He is very disliked in Philly. He has a very small thug fan base and lovers of the team game called basketball can’t wait until he is out of the game. The rest of the league has made a strong effort to get ride of the thugs and go back to fun, team basketball where stars make everyone around them better. Ai has never made anyone better and he has had many of chances. I applaud the NBA and it’s efforts to bring the game back to greatness with teams, not thug’s like AI. AI in Atlanta would be a long term hurt this young and talented team could not overcome.
By Dennis
May 22, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
NO DON’T GET AI.
NEGATIVE ROLE MODEL ON AND OFF THE COURT.
I moved to Atlanta from Philly and not having to root for him was a plus. If he comes here, I won’t even watch the games, let alone buy a ticket.
By Kay
May 22, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this
Anyone who has something negative to say is just not ready for change… Someone that is always content when things could change for the better… Someone who’s not a risk taker, and scared of the unknown… I say we need to take a chance… We’ve taken a chance with these new “boys”, maybe something rough and tough will get them out of there shells and act like the “men” the NBA wants/needs them to be…
By j-man
May 22, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
What up G-Money I could tell you were from DA Cross because you actually make sense its good to see a fellow crosser on this blog but I have another idea to ponder about we make the Garnett trade and then go after Jason Terry and try to bring him back in the fold to play PG what ya think dog.
By j-man
May 22, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
What up G-Money I could tell you were from DA Cross because you actually make sense its good to see a fellow crosser on this blog but I have another idea to ponder about we make the Garnett trade and then go after Jason Terry and try to bring him back in the fold to play PG what ya think dog.
By j-man
May 22, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
What up G-Money I could tell you were from DA Cross because you actually make sense its good to see a fellow crosser on this blog but I have another idea to ponder about we make the Garnett trade and then go after Jason Terry and try to bring him back in the fold to play PG what ya think dog.
By j-man
May 22, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
What up G-Money I could tell you were from DA Cross because you actually make sense its good to see a fellow crosser on this blog but I have another idea to ponder about we make the Garnett trade and then go after Jason Terry and try to bring him back in the fold to play PG what ya think dog.
By wxwax
May 22, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
Isaiah “J.R.” Rider.
Next.
By Greg
May 22, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
Iverson would be a definite improvement over what we currently have. We are fooling ourselves if we believe that this will be a playoff team simply by adding a point thru the draft. Iverson would give the Hawks a certain intensity that has been lacking for years. How many times have we seen the Hawks come down the court in critical times and not have a clue offensively what to do. but like a earlier posting, not sure if a deal is doable. I mean yeah Harington, but am sure they would want more than that and a draft pick. But I would first try and pursue a possible deal for Garnett. Why not offer Marvin Williams, No. 1 pick and Harrington for Garnett and see if they bite.
By Whammer
May 22, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Kay, you do not understand the game and the impact a move like this would have. It is not about change, it is about winning. Plain and simple AI does not equal winning. J-man has a basketball option, not a PR option like AI. Change is not always good, and in this case could be horrible. NAME ONE PLAYER AI HAS MADE BETTER OTHER THAN HIMSELF, NAME ONE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP HE HAS ONE! Let’s change, but at a cost that will lead to winning and not eat up every Dollar of cap room we have on one player.
PS: Anyone who think JJ is not that good has not watched him in person. He is one tough talented player and the only reason he did not have higher numbers is because he is a team player.
By Toni R
May 22, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
The Hawks need all the help that they can get. If Allen can help the hawks, I say go for it!!!!
By ck
May 22, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
So Now the hawks bring in AI. Suddenly our team is burdened with two huge contracts and no more cap room for the much needed big man.
Also for some reason I see shades of TO (Terrel Owens) in AI. A selfish disruptive talent that can help a team immediately but destroys the team in the long run.
As much a si would love to see AI’s talent here I would have to say no way to bringin him in ATL.
By zane
May 22, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
ai is what the hawks need he can control a team and that is what the hawks needs
By David
May 22, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
AI is definitely the “Answer” to the Hawks questions or problems. Answer is a tremendous scorer, second only to Kobe this season, Labron came in third place in scoring in the associaition; and Answer is definitely one of the best team players in the history of the NBA. Yeah—give the Answer a shot—and there won’t be the need for any more questions about the Hawks—got it?
By James Flowers
May 22, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
These so-called sports fans kill me criticizing ball players for failing to live up to their expectations off the court. Allen Iverson, with his tattooes and his so-called checkered pass, is an extremely talented ball player. But what many people ignore is the fact that this undersized man has competed in the land of the giants for a good many years because of his dedication during the off-season. Every year he’s been in the league, he’s tested out as the best conditioned athlete on his team. He has to be to take the beating he takes while competing in the N.B.A. The beatings he takes, combined with the number of games he plays and the pace at which he plays, should be enough for his coach to allow him to not practice at times. It surely has not affected his play. The Hawks should get him, without a doubt, and should do so with the swiftness. I seem to remember a guy who gambled too much, isolated his teammates, questioned his coaches authority and judgement, and received preferential treatment for his entire career making the Bulls a dynasty. And none of these nay-sayers called him a “Punk”.
By Ralph Megginson
May 22, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
AI would be a great asset to the Hawks. All he wants to do is WIN, but AI must play 40 minutes a game to do so, even with all the fouls that he should get by getting knocked down every play. He maybe just too good to be with the Hawks. I could care less on how many tattoos he has on his body. He would be here to give you a 100% of basketball and he gives a 150% EVERY game. He probably could teach the Hawks how to be winners. If Lebron James isn’t considered a ball hogg how could you ever consider AI one, and AI doesn’t take have the shots Lebron does, he gets beat up more and doesn’t get the foul calls. Talk about a double standard.
By Frankie
May 22, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
Bring in A.I. Hell yes….He would Dare the younger players to work harder,and keep up with his stats. He would fill the seats, he would guarante more than 30 wins the same season he arrives. I will bet my season tickets, Opps, won’t purchase them until A.I. comes….
Bring him in for 3 years and other top names will contact ATL to come in the next two seasons. He is a scorer, he is a beast in the paint against the 6’9” to 7’ers. Scoring leader fro many years and he needs a home. Make ATl his new home.. We are in our 100th year of rebuilding. How many more young kids with big salaries are we going to recruit and they lay on the sideline with p** poor work ethics. Look at the Washington wizards who got areanas a few years ago, he was an out cast from LA clippers and now he is the foundation of the team that went to the play offs two straight seasons. I say Bring in A.I. and ATL will never be the same soft team again…….and I will buy season tickets just to go see A.I. not these babies….
By CAROL
May 22, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
TO ALL YOU JUMP OFF THE BANDWAGON FANS, AI WOULD BE THE PERFECT FIT FOR ATLANTA, WE NEED THIS, TO MAKE UP FOR PASSING OVER CHRIS PAUL. I SAY BRING AI.
By Frankie
May 22, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Bring in A.I. Hell yes….He would Dare the younger players to work harder,and keep up with his stats. He would fill the seats, he would guarante more than 30 wins the same season he arrives. I will bet my season tickets, Opps, won’t purchase them until A.I. comes….
Bring him in for 3 years and other top names will contact ATL to come in the next two seasons. He is a scorer, he is a beast in the paint against the 6’9” to 7’ers. Scoring leader fro many years and he needs a home. Make ATl his new home.. We are in our 100th year of rebuilding. How many more young kids with big salaries are we going to recruit and they lay on the sideline with p** poor work ethics. Look at the Washington wizards who got areanas a few years ago, he was an out cast from LA clippers and now he is the foundation of the team that went to the play offs two straight seasons. I say Bring in A.I. and ATL will never be the same soft team again…….and I will buy season tickets just to go see A.I. not these babies….
By CAROL
May 22, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
TO ALL YOU JUMP OFF THE BANDWAGON FANS, AI WOULD BE THE PERFECT FIT FOR ATLANTA, WE NEED THIS, TO MAKE UP FOR PASSING OVER CHRIS PAUL. I SAY BRING AI.
By glenn
May 22, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
Who cares, basketball season ended when Florida cut down the nets…. the pro game is a joke now…
By Ralph Megginson
May 22, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this
You are right on the money Mr. James Flowers. It is good to here someone REAL.
By glenn
May 22, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Who cares, basketball season ended when Florida cut down the nets…. the pro game is a joke now…
By glenn
May 22, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
Who cares, basketball season ended when Florida cut down the nets…. the pro game is a joke now…
By Wink from Lithonia
May 22, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this
I am a supporter of AI and would welcome his addition to the Hawks. By himself he would not be the total Answer to what the Hawks need.
If you take a look at the playoff team they all have a point guard & center. At the very least they have an inside presence.
I am reading all these negative comments regarding AI, some deserved criticism of his past as we know it, but its just that in the past. He made some mistakes, said some things, wears some tatoos, who cares; most of you were young once,some of you still are…I am positive you have made mistakes too… his mistakes are just on a different stage, and it peoples jobs to expose them. Maybe someone PI is trying to expose yours, his credit score may be better than your…hmmm.
Between those lines on the court there is no one who competes harder, for his size as tough a player as there is in the NBA. I could care less what this guy does with his private time..as I care less of what you guys do away from your jobs. Let this man earn a living for his family with the talent he was given.
Should BK bring AI in, and I doubt that he will, because he is not 6’8”. But if he does, he will give us the NEEDED point guard, proven scorer, defense on perimeter, HEART, TOUGHNESS, 4th quarter LEADER, a reason to go to a Hawks game & a CHANCE to get the “W” in close game. The backcourt would be awesome. As for his negative influnce, I would like give the current Hawks some credit to be able to handle that,should if come up, after all they are grown men capable of making their own choices. You know that guy that works with you…maybe AI like..or was he media created too. Grow Up, get on the band wagon or get off. Basketball comments welcome, viewpoint welcome, character assasinations…take it somewhere else.
By Robert Campbell
May 22, 2006 01:02 PM | Link to this
I live Columbus GA and I would be willing to buy season tickets. So let`s not let a chance like this slip by you cant go wrong you will win more game. You will sell more tickets I have a family of four think of how many others would make that 100 mile trip to see A.I.
GET HIM Robert Campbell
By Ryder
May 22, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
“Joe Johnson is the alpha dog on this team. He’s the future. No need to impede his rise to superstardom.” excellent quote!
THIS is the reason you don’t go after AI. That would totally destroy the purpose of getting JJ, who actually does the same exact thing Iverson does (play solid defense, distributes the ball, and takes over in the 4th) and he’s also younger not to mention taller.
It’s obvious that there are a lot of passionate Hawks fans who are sick of losing and bad deals. This would be another one that sets this team back for years, not to mention eat up the salary cap space that Knight has worked so hard to establish.
I don’t like his personality, but I agree that he does know what he’s doing. I believe that by sticking to his guns and building the team around these players (JJ, Smith & Marvin Williams) the key will be to build complimentary pieces around these talents.
For example, say the Hawks get the fourth selection in the draft lottery tomorrow. It won’t be too much of a stretch to get Marcus Williams of UConn. Hopefully Rudy Gay will be gone to Charlotte so he won’t get tempted to get another 6’8 forward who is inconsistent. Use Harrington as trade bait to get a power forward in a sign-and-trade deal. Or, if that doesn’t work and Knight gets a PF in the draft, then try to go out and get a PG like Sam Cassell. A veteran leader like him would do wonders for this team. A better selection in my opinion.
By Phil S Steen
May 22, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this
Jeff: Just say NO to Iverson! Spare us!
Years ago, I cancelled my Hawks season tickets (right down on the floor!) because the Hawks couldn’t convince Dominique that the game was best played 5 on 5. Today, Iverson may actually pass the ball, but he is far worse because he is a punk, and simply a more recent indicator that the NBA game is not worthwhile. In fact, Iverson may be the poster child for all surly, self-absorbed, peurile NBA players.
He might be good for sportswriters, but he would be bad for business regardless of wins and losses. The Hawks have probably already sold all the tickets they can to the “punk” demographic. It is past time for the NBA and the Hawks to re-learn how to appeal to a broader market.
By ms
May 22, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this
You need to get rid of that so called manager Knight and replace him with the likes of Michael Jordan or someone who actually knows about basketball. Get rid of that coach and get someone who knows what he is doing. Funny how these players cant do a thing here in ATL, but as soon as they are traded they become big! Its the management and coaches. The Hawks are a joke and its because of Billy Knight.
By Charles
May 22, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Let’s look at it like this, the Hawks have not had a great player since Dominick Wilkins. And the one or two player that was about something they let go. Jason Terry and Nague (Sorry for name mispelled). Terry was never in a playoff game until he left Atl. and this year is in one, where is Atl. still looking and watching. Matombo, is another player that did not go anywhere until he left Atl. The player that came out of Cedar Grove was pure slop, never produced any defence or offense so now what’s up? The Hawks would be totally nuts not to get Iverson. Great player, Big Ticket Seller, and can and will bring excitment to Atl. something the Hawks need badly. The people of Atl. are tried of them losing year after year. Making promises they can not and have not been able to keep. Let making the play-off’s. Braves have done it for 14 or 15 years. Falcons have done so and are trying to improve their chances.Hawks I ask that you please take this All-Star don’t lose your chances. Yes he may have situation that may need to be addressed and a good management team will do so productively with out criticism. Look at it like this none of us are perfect, and whom are we to judge.
By Charles
May 22, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
Let’s look at it like this, the Hawks have not had a great player since Dominick Wilkins. And the one or two player that was about something they let go. Jason Terry and Nague (Sorry for name mispelled). Terry was never in a playoff game until he left Atl. and this year is in one, where is Atl. still looking and watching. Matombo, is another player that did not go anywhere until he left Atl. The player that came out of Cedar Grove was pure slop, never produced any defence or offense so now what’s up? The Hawks would be totally nuts not to get Iverson. Great player, Big Ticket Seller, and can and will bring excitment to Atl. something the Hawks need badly. The people of Atl. are tried of them losing year after year. Making promises they can not and have not been able to keep. Let making the play-off’s. Braves have done it for 14 or 15 years. Falcons have done so and are trying to improve their chances.Hawks I ask that you please take this All-Star don’t lose your chances. Yes he may have situation that may need to be addressed and a good management team will do so productively with out criticism. Look at it like this none of us are perfect, and whom are we to judge.
By Ssgreeno
May 22, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
If AI is indeed a “coach killer”, by all means bring him in. And while he is at it, maybe he can also get rid of that joke GM the Hawks have. Then maybe the owners will get serious about getting a professional GM, coach, and having a sensible draft for players at positions the team actually need. Oh wait - maybe the owners will be going too, depending on what the Judge rules in the lawsuit in court. What a total and hopeless mess!
By JAY
May 22, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
I have read about 50 blogs from you guys about AI and I agree with Jeff.1st you should take a chance on AI because there is no one in the league who plays like its their last game Everynight.2nd we the Fans deserve something better that what we are seeing out there now.I went to only went to three games last year,and those tickets was FREE.And 3rd we need to be glad that a superstar even wants to come here because on the route we’re going nobody even wants to come and play for the Hawks no more.And you guys with about the off the court stuff with AI,the guy wants to win on the court.Every team need a little bad guy on the roster,you can’t win nothing with a bunch of nice guys.
By Mo in Stone Mountain
May 22, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
To be perfectly honest I can see the good and bad that could possibly come from bringing A.I. to ATL. I was always Iverson’s worst critic going back to G’Town and even before that when the brawl went down at the bowling alley in Hampton. I have seen A.I. play live on 4 different occasions since he’s been in the league, I have also played against Bubba Chuck several times at Run N Shoot and in Newport News. I have to admit I think mentally he is the toughest player in the league, and I have never witnessed a player with more heart in person or on TV.
I think with the current line-up the Hawks have Iverson would fit in very well with their chemistry. We still need a Big Man that will get us 15 and 10 consistently
By Wink from Lithonia
May 22, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Good point Jay, we need some bad guys, tough guys to give this team some attitude. AI can bring that with spades. We want our Falcons to add killer safety, we had a nice guy in Bryan Scott in that position. Now we want someone who can take a head off. It not like Scott is not a football safety, but we need someone who has the attitude to take the head off every chance he gets!!! Management saw the need now we have one on the team. Let get AI, if for attitude only, somebody who want to put the dagger in the opponent every night. Get knock down, get back up, and put the dagger in them again. Hey management, just do it!!
By Matt
May 22, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
Hey Schlitz, I mean Schultz…nice ripping off the Two Live Stu’s from about three or four weeks ago. They were the first ones to talk about this…
By BadgerDawg
May 22, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
AI=Loser. Always has, always will. He is the problem with the me-first NBA. He has never made his teammates better and he’s one of the biggest thugs in the NBA. Maybe some people like his gangsta and baby’s momma act, the bottom line is he will ruin any team he’s on. His best fit would be for a terrible team he’ll make into a .400 team by taking every shot he can.
By Justin
May 22, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this
There are ups and downs to this situation. The ups are that we will have a better backcourt, win improvement, playoff chance and better attendance. The down side his is media frezy, unstable leadership, and this will probaly mess up the flow of the current Hawks on the roster because they have a good flow now.
By Justin
May 22, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
There are ups and downs to this situation. The ups are that we will have a better backcourt, win improvement, playoff chance and better attendance. The down side his is media frezy, unstable leadership, and this will probaly mess up the flow of the current Hawks on the roster because they have a good flow now.
By Mo in Stone Mountain
May 22, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Good point Jay, you must have a bad boy scrapper and most of the time it carries over to the rest of the team. As long as everyone knows and understands their roles, and stick to their role you can win games and then who knows what’s next!
By Isiah Rider
May 22, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Hey! Keep my name outta dis!! I ain’t half as bad as AI.
By Isaiah Rider
May 22, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
Hey! Keep my name outta dis!! I ain’t half as bad as AI.
By Isaiah Rider
May 22, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this
Hey! Keep my name outta dis!! I ain’t half as bad as AI.
By Mo in Stone Mountain
May 22, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
As I said before I have never really felt A.I. as a person but, I am going to give him his props were it is due. He is one of the best players in this league and extremely competitive. Just like I feel as though Tim Duncan is weak but, I still give Mr. Fundamental his props.
By Douglas Oden
May 22, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Even from San Diego California its looks like a no brainer from here. A.I has more heart than most NBA players. The only question is whether he is willing to go to a team with a losing history. At this stage in his career he maybe looking for a ring. I think the ring thing is overrated. However winning never gets old.
By Mo in Stone Mountain
May 22, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
Just for the record though, if I could pick up KG I would definately persue him before AI though
By Mo in Stone Mountain
May 22, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Douglas Oden what do you mean “the ring thing is overratted”? I guess in this new generation of ballers you may be right, but a true baller love the game and competes to win. No disrespect but obviously you don’t play the game.
By jay black
May 22, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
AI will take way too many shots and opportunities away from our future stars and impede them from making any more progress in the league. We should build from the draft and get Marcus Williams or even Hilton Armstrong from UCONN or Dee Brown. We need another low post threat and a proven PG, not a Marbury-like player or will score 45 and still lose. I know the guy has heart, but we already have that in JJ and Josh Smith. PG please!
By jay black
May 22, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
AI will take way too many shots and opportunities away from our future stars and impede them from making any more progress in the league. We should build from the draft and get Marcus Williams or even Hilton Armstrong from UCONN or Dee Brown. We need another low post threat and a proven PG, not a Marbury-like player who will score 45 and still lose. I know the guy has heart, but we already have that in JJ and Josh Smith. PG please!
By Cori
May 22, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
i think they should recruit AI. he’s an awesome baller and would definitely fill up the Phillips Arena and attract more fans. I say…..DO IT!!!!!
By jay black
May 22, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
AI will take way too many shots and opportunities away from our future stars and impede them from making any more progress in the league. We should build from the draft and get Marcus Williams or even Hilton Armstrong from UCONN or Dee Brown. We need another low post threat and a proven PG, not a Marbury-like player who will score 45 and still lose. I know the guy has heart, but we already have that in JJ and Josh Smith. PG please!
By Cori
May 22, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
i think they should recruit AI. he’s an awesome baller and would definitely fill up the Phillips Arena and attract more fans. I say…..DO IT!!!!!
By jay black
May 22, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
AI will take way too many shots and opportunities away from our future stars and impede them from making any more progress in the league. We should build from the draft and get Marcus Williams or even Hilton Armstrong from UCONN or Dee Brown. We need another low post threat and a proven PG, not a Marbury-like player who will score 45 and still lose. I know the guy has heart, but we already have that in JJ and Josh Smith. PG please!
By Casey
May 22, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
AI is past his prime and will come with too high of a price tag. They will be alright, but will be no better than the 76ers are now! I’m ready, make it past ready for them to contend!! AI will be a vast improvement, but so would anybody else of his status.
By Stephen
May 22, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
I don’t even know whats going on, I couldn’t read all that crap. ESPN is reporting A sign and trade with Al Harignton and one of are young forwards probaly Josh Childers to end all this talk about what the Hawks would have to give up.
Thats not bad casue Al isn’t coming back and Smith and Williams are the future at the forward spots for us. So all we would really be giving up is Josh Childress.
I haven’t decided if I’m for this or not. Iverson plays hard, real hard. But it also changes what Billy is trying to do here, which is make us good for a long time. So do I give that up for a chance right now. Who knows but I wouldn’t give up the lottery pick. Since we need a big to go along with whatever we get in Free Agency.
And stop crying about a point gaurd, the man we need is a Center to go with Zaza named Andrea Bargnani 6’11 from Italy. Go do your homework on that guy.
Rise up Atlanta.
By Hawk4Life
May 22, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
Najeh Davenpoop,
You hit the nail right on the head. These are not Hawk fans that are responding to the question posed. They’re disgruntled Thrashers fans that want the Hawks to continue to be as bad as their beloved Thrashers. I was born and raised in ATL. These “fans” here have always been the same. If the player is young, black, with braids or cornrows and listens to rap, he’s instantly branded a thug. While they express sorry at every opportunity for D. Heatley’s drunk, murdering a**. Or Chipper Jones’s adulterous, bastard breeding lifestyle. They’re ok because they’re clean cut and listen to Billy Ray Cyrus. They’re cowards who hide behind false reasons for not liking the most exciting players in the respective leagues (AI and M. Vick) by claiming them to be thugs. BK really was addressing these “fans” when saying that he knows more than the people criticizing him. These same fans stood by and watched P. Babcock tear up a playoff-bound team and said nothing. Now they criticize every move BK makes. He essentially said “to hell with them” and now they’re really steaming.
GET AI NOW!!!!!!!!
By whammer
May 22, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Those who want AI most likely want TO as well. Talent does not always equal wins or improvement. This guy is not a winner in any basketball venue. Nash, Duncan, Wade. Those who love AI and think he is the answer need to name those on his team he has made better. Ok not realistic, bull. Jordon made everyone on his team better, Duncan makes many on his team better, Nash the same. AI has done nothing to bring his team numbers up only his own. That may lead to a few more wins for the Hawks, but the damage it will do will last much longer. Let a true team star like JJ grow and build this team around him. The sport has gotten much better due to the building of solid teams, not individuals. AI would be a cancer on the Hawks, like he has been on the 76er’s who have not one at a high level with him.
By Rondrell Mcclendon
May 22, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
I think they should get Iverson, because he would make a great compliment to our basketball team. He is a proven leader (led Sixers to finals), and I think he would do great guiding the young guys we have in the right direction and plus he will be another electrfying player to play for an Atlanta team (Michael Vick). So I say….GET HIM IF YOU CAN!!!!
By Rondrell Mcclendon
May 22, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
I think they should get Iverson, because he would make a great compliment to our basketball team. He is a proven leader (led Sixers to finals), and I think he would do great guiding the young guys we have in the right direction and plus he will be another electrfying player to play for an Atlanta team (Michael Vick). So I say….GET HIM IF YOU CAN!!!!
By Don in Roswell
May 22, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
I love basketball…I played basketball in highschool and college. Iverson is everything I detest about human tatoo billboards…we need to build a franchise that is respectable and one that we’d want young men and women to emulate…not a hoodlum” like him. I once heard when asked a question that needed an answer…and he said…I’d cut’em**…yes he is the kind of guy you’d want to build a franchise around Schultz…I like the way we are going now, it is painful from a not winning standpoint, and…-it may take a while but these appear to be good young men…worthy of our support. If the Hawks were to stoop to Iverson…I’d be gone as a supporter for sure! No way I’d go and pay to watch him. I’d rather lose with good people!…if that is what it has to be. He’s a bum.
By whammer
May 22, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
stephen, i get the espn ticker, have checked their web and listened since I saw your posting. no mention of a sign and trade. where did you hear that?
By Jeff Schultz
May 22, 2006 04:13 PM | Link to this
Ben — I can assure you that any insanity is drug-free. Geechee — “blogs” and “scientific sampling” don’t intersect. G-money—I don’t write anything I don’t believe. Whether I stir it up or not is just a bonus. Matt — I like the Stews. They’re funny guys. But I’m not a daily listener of sports talk radio, I didn’t “steal” this from them, nor was I even aware they brought it up. Isiah: Peace out. Others: Like the comments, even the deranged ones.Thanx JS
By mary h.
May 22, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
I would be willing to take a chance with AI to have a winning team. Even when Dominique played his one man show, the games were exciting. Not any more. Bring someone who can put people in the seats and maybe then the team will get fired up. And trade him later if he proves to be a mistake. Remember Laetner? He wasn’t a team player and we got rid of him. JUST please DO SOMETHING!
By Mart
May 22, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve scored my share of points in my over-40 b’ball league, so you can take it from me: that A.I. can dribble. By the way, everytime I see Iverson’s stat sheet I have to ask—is that his age or his shooting percentage?
By Jay
May 22, 2006 05:01 PM | Link to this
Oh Isaiah,naw you wasn’t as bad as AI,,,,you was worst.You wouldn’t even come out of the Omni hotel one game but thats another story.Man the Hawks need to be glad that a superstar like AI is even willing to come down here.Its hard to go to a losing team just ask Isaiah,,,,I’m sure he’ll co- sign with me on that.And someone sayed it right earlier,,,I don’t think these are real Hawks fan,these guys that are not with getting AI must be some Thrasher fans because all I have read is….he’s a thug,he has tattoos and stuff,he this,he that,man the guy will kill himself to win a game.Get on the court,and get out these guys personal life.Last thing,Isaiah the only I knew about that because the media interviewed me at the game,so you still cool with me and you was a killer on that court,but like I sad its hard to come to a losing team peroid.
By Richard
May 22, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
Iverson isn’t a solution to anything - he is a problem. If the Hawks can’t improve the team without Allen Iverson, maybe they should just dissolve the team.
By David
May 22, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
For those people who have compared AI to Isiah Rider, they are completely misguided. Isiah Rider was a thug, a dope pusher and a malcontent. Allen Iverson is a former MVP, a perennial all-star, and a sure-fire, certain Hall-of-Famer. Acquiring AI is analagous to acquiring Kobe Bryant or LaBron James. He is their EQUAL!!. He is one of the top 5 players in the game; and has been for the last 5-10 years. The only reason why some people have discounted him and diminished his illustrious accomplishments over the years is because he is a short player; however is plays very much above the rim, just as LaBron does and Allen is a GIANT among NBA players (much like Wilt Chamberlain was!!) Its true that he does get into trouble sometimes, but that is certainly the risk of doing business….and I would be absolutely delighted to have him brought into the Hawks. He will more than provide answers, he will be their salvation and probably save a franchise from the ashes of Hell! Please, with utmost certainty, bring Allen aboard and let him work his magic on the Hawks. What an ANSWER to my prayers if Allen was acquired by the Hawks. I earnestly hope that Bill Hunter is reading my BLOG right now.
By Scott
May 22, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
Heck—why not go after AI and his $20 mil a year salary for the next 3 years—and dont stop with AI, the Hawks should see if the Knicks will part ways with Stephon Marbury and his $20something mil in salary too. After the Hawks trade for the AI and Steph, lets see if the architect Billy Knight can lure Larry Brown to coach this dream team.
By SYL
May 22, 2006 05:17 PM | Link to this
Wow, this is amazing to me…reading the blogs of you men who obviously hate my boy AI. You have referred to him as a thug, hoodlum, selfish, and the list goes on and on. Whatever…he has enough money to dress how he pleases and what the hell is wrong with a tattoo? If the former president of the United States can have fun, who cares about a societal inflicted image? I’ve been watching his game for about 3-4 yrs and yes I do take into consideration his age and his size. Yes, he can be a little selfish, but his heart is in the right place. He still scores better than most in the league, and not to mention his consecutive games of scoring more than 60pts. When was the last time the Hawks did that? Regardless to what you non-athletic hating individuals have to say, he is all heart which is why he has been injured so much. What do you have that much passion for? Personally I don’t want him to leave Philly because of his wife, children and family…although many women like myself love him for other reasons, that isn’t important. I bet you guys are just GQ material, huh? However, if he did come to Atlanta, the games would have much better attendance, and you angry, name calling haters might actual find a girlfriend that could help you spell and punctuate properly. Geez get a life, how many of you are taking care of your entire family financially? If he is retiring in a few years let him retire in the city of brotherly love and not in a city where the men are loving one another at alarming rates. Regardless to what you say or think about his tears, selfishness, attitude problem or whatever your issue is… Mr. Allen Iverson, definitely holds his own.
By SYL
May 22, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, this is amazing to me…reading the blogs of you men who obviously hate my boy AI. You have referred to him as a thug, hoodlum, selfish, and the list goes on and on. Whatever…he has enough money to dress how he pleases and what the hell is wrong with a tattoo? If the former president of the United States can have fun, who cares about a societal inflicted image? I’ve been watching his game for about 3-4 yrs and yes I do take into consideration his age and his size. Yes, he can be a little selfish, but his heart is in the right place. He still scores better than most in the league, and not to mention his consecutive games of scoring more than 60pts. When was the last time the Hawks did that? Regardless to what you non-athletic hating individuals have to say, he is all heart which is why he has been injured so much. What do you have that much passion for? Personally I don’t want him to leave Philly because of his wife, children and family…although many women like myself love him for other reasons, that isn’t important. I bet you guys are just GQ material, huh? However, if he did come to Atlanta, the games would have much better attendance, and you angry, name calling haters might actual find a girlfriend that could help you spell and punctuate properly. Geez get a life, how many of you are taking care of your entire family financially? If he is retiring in a few years let him retire in the city of brotherly love and not in a city where the men are loving one another at alarming rates. Regardless to what you say or think about his tears, selfishness, attitude problem or whatever your issue is… Mr. Allen Iverson, definitely holds his own.
By SYL
May 22, 2006 05:18 PM | Link to this
Wow, this is amazing to me…reading the blogs of you men who obviously hate my boy AI. You have referred to him as a thug, hoodlum, selfish, and the list goes on and on. Whatever…he has enough money to dress how he pleases and what the hell is wrong with a tattoo? If the former president of the United States can have fun, who cares about a societal inflicted image? I’ve been watching his game for about 3-4 yrs and yes I do take into consideration his age and his size. Yes, he can be a little selfish, but his heart is in the right place. He still scores better than most in the league, and not to mention his consecutive games of scoring more than 60pts. When was the last time the Hawks did that? Regardless to what you non-athletic hating individuals have to say, he is all heart which is why he has been injured so much. What do you have that much passion for? Personally I don’t want him to leave Philly because of his wife, children and family…although many women like myself love him for other reasons, that isn’t important. I bet you guys are just GQ material, huh? However, if he did come to Atlanta, the games would have much better attendance, and you angry, name calling haters might actual find a girlfriend that could help you spell and punctuate properly. Geez get a life, how many of you are taking care of your entire family financially? If he is retiring in a few years let him retire in the city of brotherly love and not in a city where the men are loving one another at alarming rates. Regardless to what you say or think about his tears, selfishness, attitude problem or whatever your issue is… Mr. Allen Iverson, definitely holds his own.
By Dave
May 22, 2006 05:32 PM | Link to this
Most of these comments make me understand that I now live in the south: king of football, king of believing all media hype, king of kowing nothing about basketball, and king of veiled racism. Take this from a long time Sixers fans..AI would be the best thing to happen to Atlanta since Mike Vick. Iverson has long since matured from his ‘posse at practice’ days of his youth, but noone in Atlanta would know that since most of you still believe the 1996 news that accompanied AI as a rookie. Comparing him to Isaiah Rider is sick and disgusting. A I is a team player; his team just isn’t that talented. Hasn’t been since he’s been in the league; only the great coaching abilities of Larry Brown could cajole a Finals appearance out of the bunch in 2001. A I’s stats at his size are unrivaled since the days of Isaih Thomas. If you ever take the time to watch an All Star game, you’ll see how AI is a great team player when talent is around him. Quit talking about tatoos and selfishness if you haven’t seen more than 5 Sixers games in the last decade. And quit being hypocritical about him, knowing you’d be the first in line for season tickets if he came here. It won’t happen though; Atlanta doesn’t deserve a Hall Of Famer like AI. As a Sixers fan, I’ll happily keep him, while the Hawks keep the NBADL point guards you have now.
By nunnayo biznezz
May 22, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
All yall slow!!! He would be a great addition to this team..U guys are worried about the wrong thing..U are so afraid of the “Big Bad Attitude”of an athelete,just as u are afraid of him walking down your street!!..If we had more players who play hurt,and 100% like AI,we’d be in the playoffs against miami tomorrow..U never been around a person like AI,so u don’t understand him..U are more prone to follow one who is less intelligent and alot like u,like your leader..”The Decider”..LMAO!!!!
By nunnayo biznezz
May 22, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this
All yall slow!!! He would be a great addition to this team..U guys are worried about the wrong thing..U are so afraid of the “Big Bad Attitude”of an athelete,just as u are afraid of him walking down your street!!..If we had more players who play hurt,and 100% like AI,we’d be in the playoffs against miami tomorrow..U never been around a person like AI,so u don’t understand him..U are more prone to follow one who is less intelligent and alot like u,like your leader..”The Decider”..LMAO!!!!
By Dunk-a-Fella
May 22, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
Thank You, SYL
It appears that you are the only one who looks at the person not the persona. Allen Iverson is a great player who would sacrafice everything to win. I’m a man from the hip-hop culture, and I understand where he’s coming from. Most people judge him because they can’t relate to an African American who sees the world from a different perspective. AI is an example of Americas’ dirty laundry and most people have a problem digesting it when it’s in your face. I hope he dosen’t come to the ATL. the confederate flag and AI just dosen’t go together. Mike Vick has tats and attitude I don’t hear nobody putting him down. AI the “Dunkadelic Hip-Hop Legend.”
By Ed
May 22, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t touch Iverson if I was the Hawks. At his age, he’s worth the gamble to a team if it gives them a chance to contend. By the time the Hawks will be able to contend for anything, he’ll almost certainly be deteriorating as a player. He usually misses at least 10 games a year now, I don’t see that improving with age. His dominating the ball and “practice, we’re talking about practice” attitude, which likely will only get worse moving to a 26-win team, will probably hurt the development of the young guys. Plus, they will probably have to give up Marvin or Josh Smith and both of them have a chance to be better than AI in 3-5 years. The Hawks should focus on building a championship team someday, noy winning a few more games short term and getting a quick boost of hype.
By big al
May 22, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
bring in allen iverson , brian oliver, dennis scott, kenny anderson , and mutombo good team!!!!!!
By big al
May 22, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
bring in allen iverson , brian oliver, dennis scott, kenny anderson , and mutombo good team!!!!!!
By big al
May 22, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
will some body responed to big al comment.
By Zack
May 22, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
I say the hawks should just get him. Billy Knight is going to mess up the team anyways so the might as well getting asses in the seats and have more wins next year.
By Zack
May 22, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
I say the hawks should just get him. Billy Knight is going to mess up the team anyways so the might as well getting asses in the seats and have more wins next year.
By big al
May 22, 2006 06:38 PM | Link to this
zach where is brian oliver and kenny anderson
By DC
May 22, 2006 06:43 PM | Link to this
Can you say Isaiah Rider? Pete Babcock can.
By big al
May 22, 2006 07:02 PM | Link to this
dc where is brian oliver and dennis scott
By DJ
May 22, 2006 07:12 PM | Link to this
You are RIGHT ON!
AI, historically, has shown up for the games; he’s worked hard; he’s carried the team. I can only imagine how it feels to be be an “hated” leader who gives all that is impossible while being on a team that, appears, to be lackluster.
It is sad that people recall the negatives about AI but not his strenghts (knowledge of the game, giving himself wholeheartedly, gaining the respect of coaches, etc.
AI is, definitely, an asset not an a*…!
dj, Long Beach, CA
By Spitttin Venom
May 22, 2006 08:06 PM | Link to this
I’ll have whatever Schultz is drinking, please.
By G
May 22, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
A.I. with the Hawks…. sure, just another piece of another non-puzzle…non-team player…non… NO !!!! Don’t do it.
By Scott
May 22, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
The Hawks haven’t won a NBA championship in 48 years (1958), maybe getting AI will finally shake up the Hawks a little bit and actually make them interesting. Because as it looks now, the Hawks will be challenging the Cubs record for longest championship draught.
By bill g
May 22, 2006 08:50 PM | Link to this
Marcus Williams. Say it again MARCUS WILLIAMS. I posted a similar idea last year (it went something like this : CHRIS PAUL).
Please don’t go for AI. Draft Marcus Williams to set the rest of our talent up for success.
MARCUS WILLIAMS
By JB
May 22, 2006 09:41 PM | Link to this
Dear Jeff— The only reason AI’s assists are up is because of necessity—his wheels (i.e., his bread-and-butter) aren’t what they used to be. They won’t get better with time. The length of his contract is only matched by the amount of time you must have spent rolling the doobie you smoked before writing this column.
By RYAN
May 22, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
WE DON’T NEED IVERSON!! WE HAVE SALIM STOUDAMIRE!! LET THAT MAN PLAY PLEASE!!