AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > August > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks make another serious mistake
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
The Hawks just traded two players and received nothing but a draft pick. This sounds like a joke. A team that loses 125 games over two seasons can’t find something of value on a playoff team’s roster?
Sad to say, that’s the Hawks for you.
An unfunny joke.
Sometimes their many owners are trying to buy out Steve Belkin. Other times Belkin is trying to buy out those many owners. Sometimes these owners act as if they’re strapped for cash. (Why else ask Indiana for $3 million in this sign-and-trade?) Other times they’re throwing money at guys who might not be worth all that much. (Joe Johnson got $70 million, Speedy Claxton $25 million.)
Sometimes they’re hell-bent on drafting the best player available. (Especially if he’s a wing!) Other times they’re drafting for need. (Shelden Williams was chosen largely because he blocks shots and the Hawks lacked a shot-blocker.) Sometimes they talk as if they’re serious about winning. Then the playing starts and it becomes obvious this franchise isn’t serious about anything.
To recap the offseason: The Hawks took Williams with No. 5 pick when almost nobody else in the world regarded him so highly. They drafted Solomon Jones, another shot-blocker, in Round 2. (What, one wasn’t enough?) They spent big on Claxton, who backed up Chris Paul, whom the Hawks should have taken instead of Marvin Williams in 2005. Then, after weeks of confusion, they finally jettisoned Al Harrington, whom they should have traded at the February deadline.
An object lesson in the sign-and-trade: When the Hawks worked one with Phoenix for Johnson, the Suns held out for Boris Diaw, who would become the NBA’s most improved player overnight. When the Pacers worked one with the Hawks for Harrington and John Edwards, Indiana didn’t have to part with a warm body. Amazing.
Why would a team that isn’t exactly overrun with first-rank players not take a flyer on some Pacer lesser light who might prove useful? (The backup center David Harrison, say, or the shooter Sarunas Jasikevicius?) The only answer that computes is that the Hawks’ many owners — who also own the Thrashers, at least until Belkin seizes both — don’t care to absorb any more contracts. And if that’s the case, why should they continue to own these teams? Why not take a buyout and let the financial burden fall to the man they’ve come to despise?
I had hope for these owners, who are — or, more precisely, were — full of optimism and good cheer. I had hope for Billy Knight, the GM who moved boldly to disassemble the horrid roster he inherited from Pete Babcock. I had hope until the cheerful guys began to get out-litigated by Belkin at every turn, hope until Knight started to assemble a roster with little thought to actual positions. (Not for nothing has Knight become known around the NBA as the King of Wings.) I had hope until the Hawks got nothing from Diaw, of whom they didn’t know what to make. I had hope until every single decision made by this franchise left me wondering, “What are these guys doing?”
Moving Harrington in February made sense. No, demand wasn’t as great as the Hawks had hoped, but surely some contender would have come across with someone of value. Instead the Hawks chose to keep — and keep playing — Harrington, thereby depriving Marvin Williams of an increased workload. The belief was that they could get far more over the summer in a sign-and-trade. The reality is that almost no sign-and-trade could have yielded much less.
The Hawks didn’t have a No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, Phoenix having absconded with that along with Diaw. This sign-and-trade brings the Pacers’ No. 1 pick. In June the Pacers picked 17th overall. According to NBAdraft.net, the 17th-best player apt to be available next summer is UCLA’s Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, whom the site identifies as an “extremely athletic and versatile wing.”
Great. Just great.
Permalink | Comments (183) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Mark Bradley
Comments
By Danny Manning
August 22, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
Its all my fault.
By A Real Fan
August 22, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
After all this time, I have to agree with others. Mark Bradley is a jerk! After giving no insight into possible sign and trades with the Hawks. It seems that all he was waiting for was for the trade to be completed so he could bad mouth it! If he’s job is to p** off the Atlanta fans he does a great job of it!
By John Koncak
August 22, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Please. Its all MY fault.
By josh
August 22, 2006 07:57 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley is a troll
By A Real Fan
August 22, 2006 07:59 PM | Link to this
Sorry, I meant “his Job”
By Davey
August 22, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
Al was our second leading scorer and we got a mid 1st round pick? I feel sorry for you fans that think this team has any future.
By Mr C.
August 22, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight traded got Joe Johnson (max. contract) for Boris Diaw and 2 first round picks. He then turned around and traded Harrington and John Edwards for 1 future first round pick. LOL. What a GM
The Hawks and not worth my time so i apologize for digressing. Lets talk about the Falcons, college football and basketball. Wake me up when the Hawks fire Billy Knight.
By bret
August 22, 2006 08:17 PM | Link to this
The ownership is a joke,GM knight is on thin ice. I hope the BRAVES don’t end up in a mess like the hawks are the worst sport team atlanta ever seen in my 40 years of being loyal fan. totally agree with Mark B. this time.
By stoned mountain
August 22, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Are you aware, Mr Bradley, that the GM had restrictions —- like being prohibited from taking on a multi-year contract? Under these circumstances, name a couple of players you would have pursued. Show us some reporting, some thinking, some work —- not just your customary lazy vilification.
By mountain_jim
August 22, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this
Well in the case of Al I agree with Mark.
Bad trade due to likely-lame-duck ownership cheaping out.
Hey Mark - why don’t you interview BK and ownership and try to get them to admit the truth of the behind the scenes restrictions and machinations on this deal.
After all, they want us to buy tickets and get excited for next season but it sure looks like winning is not their main concern at this point, conserving dollars is.
By Jeff
August 22, 2006 08:27 PM | Link to this
Bradley, you are right on target, which is not what you can say for an embarrassment of a professional basketball team.
By Wink from Lithonia
August 22, 2006 08:41 PM | Link to this
The deal is done put a fork in it. My hope that this same deal has cooked the GM as well, I hope to say put a fork in him too. However, these are the Hawks and he could get an extension with the Sprit group in charge. I agree with Mr C, but I will give a little 20/20 eyesight.
Hawks were advised by Steve Belkin that they were overpaying for Joe Johnson, giving Diaw ( I admit who knew he would develop) and 2 first round picks. Now we trade Al & a 7 footer & 6 fouls for a 2007 draft pick. This pick will be worst than Sheldon William if we had picked him where he should have been picked late 1st round. Indian’s pick will late first as they will make a run in the playoffs.
In summary, since the Spirit Group has taken over and I omit Belkin from this group here is their management result: Lost one MOST Improved Player (Diaw),2 first round picks, picked up 95 million in salary (Johnson & Claxton), split ownership, erroneous use of a 2006 draft pick, lost 19 points / 7 rebounds (Harrington)and all we have to show for it is 2007 late round draft pick which is going to be worst than the one we owned when Belkin was telling them they were giving up too much. Funny how one season can change a GM’s view on the value of a 1st round draft pick, not to mention 2 of them. Billy can you hear the phone ringing? I believe it Oklawakandi agent calling…..
By Bertie
August 22, 2006 08:43 PM | Link to this
Bradley, sadly I have to agree with you. You forgot that a franchise with a horrible drafting record held out for a draft pick of a team that unless injuries occur is going to be one of the top 3 or 4 teams in the east.
By Spud
August 22, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
I don’t always agree with Bradley but he’s spot on with this column. The Hawks are a joke. Every time we make a trade, we always lose out. Can you name one trade where we’ve gotten the better end of the deal? You might say Stephen Jackson for Harrington but we just gave him back! The Hawks are a joke. Doesn’t Arthur Blank like basketball??? Please save us from this crap!! Somebody.
Anyone notice that we draft all these high flying athletes and then try to make them play Detroit Pistons style D? Shouldn’t we be running and gunning like the Suns?
By Drew
August 22, 2006 08:47 PM | Link to this
Did you guys see the quotes from Al on his way out?? Ouch. Mark is exactly right, all this time and drama, and all we get is a draft pick??? Unreal. Just when it seems like the Hawks are about to turn the corner… is it to much to ask to get a veteran big player?????
By Hmmmm!
August 22, 2006 08:51 PM | Link to this
Trade for a quality backup!!!!! I believe the Hawks have enough “quality backups” already. What they need are quality starters.
By Dejay
August 22, 2006 08:54 PM | Link to this
This was just badly planned out, period. You mean to tell me that a mid-late draft pick was the best they could do for a 19/7 guy, who was their lone post threat and second best player? If anyone in the national media dare to question why fans don’t turn out in droves for this mess, this should be Exhibit A.
All I have to say is that the young guys had better be everything that BK says they are. I bet the folks in Indianapolis and Phoenix (who will get the Hawks’ pick next season) are laughing their tails off.
Forget trying to buy the Braves; Arthur Blank needs to rescue this franchise instead.
By donny
August 22, 2006 08:56 PM | Link to this
Both Mr. Cap Space nor Mr. Draft Pick Have never done the following: Made a pass,shot, assist, All-Star team, or MVP.
By Cdaddy
August 22, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight, Don Waddell - they are both idiots that should have been fired some time ago. Yes, Harrington is correct, the Hawks had one pulled over on them, again. Steve Belkin cannot possibly do any worst than the fools owning, and running the teams have. This all is way beyond sad.
By Donny
August 22, 2006 09:04 PM | Link to this
Speedy Claxton $25 million. (another Tyronne Lue, yes!) Would be nice if we could get someone like Jason Terry. Oh. Wait. He used to be a Hawk. And we gave him away for what? I can’t remember. Not that I really want to.
By bob
August 22, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley is a white version of Terrance Moore. He’s all about the controversy and he makes no pretense to actually believe what he writes. He will never acknowledge the difficulties predicting who will turn out amoung a bunch of 20 year old draft picks (had the hawks been able to be sure that Josh Smith was going to be the real deal they would have taken Chris Paul) nor will he give credit to B.K. for going out on a limb to get a special player, Joe Johnson. Mark, in case you missed it, Johnson was a restricted free agent and Al was unrestricted. That’s a big distinction in leverage. (Forget that Johnson had much more more appeal on the open market.) Diaw has turned into a nice role player but that is a result of his increased confidence due to Steve Nash accentuating his strengths. Anyone who saw Boris on the Hawks night after night shook their head at his refusal to be aggressive. It’s agreed that Woodson has made plenty of mistakes but he’s been asked to develop a system that fits his players while they are still unknown commodities, “works in progress”, aka Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Marvin Williams. Being patient does not sell newspapers but it sometimes makes sense. If Bradley and Moore are so respected for their acumen, isn’t there somebody out there willing to pay them more than the $30,000 a year they currently make for peddling their puke. P.S. It’s hard to defend the Hawk owners for the Belkin mess but blame King and Spaulding, their lawyers, not them. Or maybe Bradley thinks its OK to just fantasize that they did their own legal work too.
By Brian
August 22, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
First of all, Al harrington isn’t that good of a player. That’s why Indiana got rid of him for Steven Jackson in the first place.
They want him back now because they are desperate. He’s probably a 16/6 guy on a team with proven scorers. That isn’t worth as much as you think it is.
This deal should allow the Hawks to sign Lo and with a first round pick it doesn’t sound that bad.
The problem is the idiotic Atlanta “sports fans” that think they know about basketball when they really don’t.
All the people in Atlanta understand is overrated college grid iron and NASCAR. So, most Atlanta “sports fans” don’t have a right to talk about anything else because you don’t know anything about the rest of it.
Let that be understood. Stop talking about something that you know nothing about or really even understand.
You need to worry about which new scrub the Bulldogs will have starting at QB next year.
Atlanta doesn’t deserve an NFL, NBA, or a MLB team because Atlantan’s are sorry fans and have always been.
By John R. Moriarity, Sr.
August 22, 2006 09:19 PM | Link to this
Mark…
I can’t agree with you more about the Al Harrington deal, and as long as the Hawks continue to be a ship adrift in the sea, without someone at the helm, it’s only going to get worse.
I used to be a huge Atlanta Hawk fan… that is until they were sold by Time Warner to this group of knuckleheads. When I first heard that TW had sold the Hawks to a group of six or seven guys, the first thing that came to mind was my mother’s old saying, “Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the meal.”
Until the legal battles within the Atlanta Hawks ownership are settled or someone else steps up and buys the team, I think we can expect nothing but the same old **.
I could even in vision a situation where things might get so bad with the Atlanta Hawks, that the NBA might have to step in and pull Montréal Expos type of deal.
Most sports teams reflect either the owner, GM or coach/manager. An owner either comes in and says this is how it’s going to be, or they hire someone with the expertise and give them the responsibility to say, this is how it’s going to be.
As long as there are too many Atlanta Hawk “owners,” the product on the court at Philips Arena will continue to hover near the bottom of the league.
I only hope whoever takes over ownership of the Atlanta Braves when TW sells them in the fall, understands the function of leadership in sports ownership. The new Atlanta Braves owner either needs to have a strong hand at the top or they need to get out of the way and hire someone and give them the responsibility to run the team.
Otherwise, I fear it won’t be long before you’re writing another column about a trade that results in no return for the home team… but this time it’ll be about the Braves.
John R. Moriarity, Sr. Woodstock, Georgia
By Davey
August 22, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
Sooo let me get this straight……Basically we traded Al Harrington Steven Jackson and Edwards for a mid-first round pick. Way to go Billy Knight!
By RA
August 22, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this
You know what, at least they got something. The ultimate blunder would have been to let Harrington walk and not get anything in return. In an offseason that offered plenty of opportunity for failure, I think the Hawks could have done much worse than they have this offseason…
By will c.
August 22, 2006 09:29 PM | Link to this
I’m disappointed at this trade. Al did everything he was asked to do and he should have been rewarded with a contract from the Hawks. Here’s our starting line-up for next year.
PG - Speedy Claxton SG - Joe Johnson SF - Josh Smith PF - Marvin Williams C - Za Za
I think we can win 30+ games but I don’t believe we will make the playoffs.
http://www.williamcoit.com
By Steve
August 22, 2006 09:33 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight Sucks. So do the owners. I wish Blank could by the Hawks. These guys are all an embarrassment to the city.
By This gets old
August 22, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
Say…how did Harrington get to the ATL in the first place? Who traded for him? He’s worth what he brought in trade.
He only seemed worth a lot more because we haven’t had a lot of good players. Who’d you guys want to go, one of the good young guys?? Money is the name of the game in the NBA and we need it. There’re almost more guys here complaining about the trade as actually show up at the games.
By BullDawg Rick
August 22, 2006 09:48 PM | Link to this
The “joke” is on the City of Atlanta…
Just DO NOT buy tickets…
They STINK!!
After the joke that are the “owners” there’s that other “joke” Billy Knight…
Man Pete Babcock doesn’t look so bad afterall.. (sic)
Will c… The Hawks win 30 games!?!?!?
That means they’ll lose 52… Is that “good” to YOU??? Are you a Loser??
Just think, 3 years ago the Hawks & Bulls both sucked… Look at who’s in the playoffs & look who sux, STILL!!!!
By Bones
August 22, 2006 09:54 PM | Link to this
This trade isn’t great, but it isn’t horrible. At least the Hawks got a no. 1 pick and they keep their salary cap space. If they sign Lorenzen Wright and one more big, they can be a much more competitive team.
Al Harrington is wildly overrated. The Pacers shouldn’t have traded for him and instead have gone with Daniels and Granger for the majority of the minutes at small forward.
But yea, David Harrison would have been a nice addition.
In terms of drafting, Billy Knight not drafting Chris Paul will be considered his biggest mistake. He could have drafted Paul and then taken Brandon Roy this year, and then gotten a few bigs with the money they had for being under the cap.
Also last year the Hawks coud have traded for Ron Artest and even Earl Watson.
Nonetheless, if the Hawks can sign Lorenzen Wright and get another big, they could be a decent team this year.
By Boy
August 22, 2006 09:57 PM | Link to this
Well lets see. The hawks finally got rid of Harrington. He wasn’t physical,not a leader, and he isn’t worth no 6year-60million dollars. Good move by the hawks. It’s time to let Williams and the Josh boyz do there thing. We have better talent than we did a year a ago. With JJ play and practicing with the NBA’s next best generation, Knight is getting the pieces ready to compliment JJ. Besides we need that cap to sign our young core guys back. The pacers have had there time. They traded the best defensive shooting guard in the game, and then he could score!!!(Artest) What can Harington do? Him and O’neal will be sitting on the bench hurt, dressed like there going to church as the young hawks will finish 6th in the east and the pacers will finish 8th or 9th
By Brian
August 22, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this
“BullDawg Rick”
The Georgia Bulldogs suck as does college gridiron.
All of the Bulldogs QB’s flop in the NFL. Not of them even make an impact.
By G Money
August 22, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
Bones, what money are you talking about??? The Hawks are broke; that’s why the deal went down like it did!! Hey Boy, how do you figure the Hawks will win enough games to be a 6th seed?? Can I have some of that Kool Aid?
By Dave
August 22, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
It’s time to rid ourselves of Knight and these clueless (about everything) owners. Bring on Belkin - he can’t do a worse job.
By Patman
August 22, 2006 10:42 PM | Link to this
Please move cynthia Tucker to the sports page! I don’t know how much she knows about sports but she seems to be the only columnist on the AJC staff who has anything even resembling a brain!
By Lee
August 22, 2006 10:44 PM | Link to this
Can’t wait for this “Spirit” ego centric ownership to be over with. To all of you who were concerned if Belkin owned the Hawks/Thrashers…rot in hell. This team GM and management(?) is the worst in Atlanta franchise sports history. Bring on Belkin. At least he knows when the team is getting screwed, (Johnson/Diaw) He’ll be a much better owner than this circus bunch!!
By Brian
August 22, 2006 10:51 PM | Link to this
The Hawks need to be removed from Atlanta… If the Hawks are cursed it’s because of the Atlanta sports fans.
When the Hawks finally move from Atlanta they’ll become a much better franchise.
By Tim
August 22, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this
you know I cant help but laugh that a “professional” columnist would come up with such uninsightful drivel just to stir up frustrated fans…It’s very easy to get POed about a deal like this without thinking when the Hawks have been what they’ve been but I’ll bet a lot of you forget that the Hawks traded Rasheed Wallace to Detroit for a mid first round pick that turned out to be Josh Smith…I can safely say I’m a lot happier with Josh than I would have been had the Hawks kept Sheed and watched him walk for nothing at seasons end…you have to consider that sometimes you must play the hand your dealt…Al would not have resigned here period, so it was BK’s job to get SOME kind of compensation for him without letting him walk away for nothing…he did, and I’m satisfied because A)it opens up a starting spot for both M. Williams and Josh and B)we could end up with a better player in the end than we would have had we traded Al for a “warm body” But as for Mark Bradley and this column all I have to say is that it is extremely small minded to childish to keep on beating the same drum over and over again based on this deal…you sound like an ignorant 10 year old fan who automatically labels it a bad deal unless the Hawks come away with Jermaine O’Neal and/or more
By Dallas Comegys
August 22, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
Why blame others, when its really my fault!!!
By Hawk Hack
August 22, 2006 11:17 PM | Link to this
blah, blah, blah … who cares, the Hawks will never be any good any way, thank God footbally is around the corner, HOLLA!
By Young Marc
August 22, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
Exactly Tim.
By SB
August 22, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
Mark you couldn’t be more wrong. Belkin will never own any team. There is no way ever concievable that belkin would ever get ratified by the board of governers in the nhl or the nba owners approval.
As well your comments on getting nothing. Clueless. Keep Harrington all you do is let the hottest summer league player ride the bench, as well as josh smith who was like night and day after last years all star break.
What is your deal really? If you have so much hatred why don’t you actually legetimize what your talking about. You make me sick!
By Young Marc
August 22, 2006 11:37 PM | Link to this
I think the Hawks are moving in the right direction. We had to find some way to get Marvin Williams max playing time, and the only way was to get rid of Al. We have 2 solid C’s for the price of one, we are under the cap (look at the possible free agents for next year), and we now have a 1st round pick in a draft full of talented big men. And would yall please get over Chris Paul, we would’ve most likely picked Derron Williams b/c he was the highest rated PG by most teams in the draft.
By tyger
August 22, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
BK Fleeces Indy
BK scores a $10M windfall by moving injury prone Al Harrington and John “Who” Edwards to Indy for a 2007 1st rd. pick.
BK, as versatile as the 6-8 players he loves, demonstrates his own “crossover” with this shrewd capology. Mostly known as a “talent man”, he has squeezed every bit of value out this roster as anyone possibly could.
Al Harrington is about as good a team player as they come, but he wasnt taking the Hawks anywhere. The former high school prodigy has the legs of a 35 yr. old. He’ll do well to finish out his 4 yrs with Indy.
Meanwhile, the Hawks acquire a 2007 pick in whats supposed to be a great draft next season. Problem is, the draft is overhyped and the Hawks wont benefit much, just like they didnt benefit much this year.
However, sometimes you have to acquiese to the peanut gallery, likewise the Speedy Claxton acquisition, so that you can get on with your business.
Best of all, we saved $10M we didnt need to spend that can be used down the road to sign our young stars: Marvin, Salim and the Joshes.
Two years from now, when Dwight Howard is totally free, you’ll be kissing BK’s @$$.
By Michael
August 22, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe I haven’t heard the words “Cap Space” out of the Hawks people yet. They always trade for this guy and Mr. Space never plays a minute. I don’t know what position he plays but Cap sounds like a dynamite player.
By mkd
August 22, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
Al played hard every night. He was a leader on the court and a solid citizen off. Big mistake by the Hawks. Best of luck Al.
By Stephen
August 22, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
Brian, I don’t know what your problem is with Atlanta, but you can leave. Also, what is your problem with college football? You must have gone to one of those little northern colleges whose team couldn’t compete with a GA high school team. Leave UGA/College football out of a blog about the Hawks. And while you are at it, just leave period.
By DHD
August 23, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
The Hawks are freeing up money. Maybe Ben Franklin can play the middle.
By Clyde
August 23, 2006 12:07 AM | Link to this
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY t-shirts are stll available. Get at me.
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By Dannyboy
August 23, 2006 12:14 AM | Link to this
Hey, how can I apply for Billy Knight’s job? From what I’ve seen of his track record, it doesn’t take too much knowledge of the NBA to get in that position. I’ve been playing NBA Live on my XBox for some time now so I may be over qualified.
By jbrownjib
August 23, 2006 12:15 AM | Link to this
I have to agree with some of the other respondants in that Bradley has not chimed in with an opinion until action has been taken. It makes me think that he was a women in a previous life.
By Samuel I AM
August 23, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
Will the Sports Gods please take every team in this city and move them the heck out of town. Give them to cities who know how to support teams. Atlanta is a disgrace of a City with Sports in it. I would call it a sports city. In order to be a sports city. The city actually need to know the sports. Atlanta is obviously is not that.
By Big Bree
August 23, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
It’s about time! I’m tired of reading the paper everyday and seeing headlines talking about Harrington deal near. All of you dissing the Hawks need to shut the fu@k up because had they not received anything at all in return then you would have been complaining even more. The Hawks didn’t need any more players anyway. They barely know what to do with the ones they have. I still don’t like Woodson as the coach for this team and don’t expect him to last too much longer. The right coach can make BK look like the genius some say he is. But as long as Woody is around he’ll keep looking like the buffoon most say he is. Mark I never had issues with your columns until today. Have you been hanging out with Terrance Moore lately or something. Please, one writer is enough for us to dislike at the AJC. Unless Terrance is leaving soon, please get your act together!!
By Rutuger
August 23, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
Wake me up when this team wins 40 games.
It’s okay—I really, really, really like to sleep.
By GatorChamps06
August 23, 2006 12:34 AM | Link to this
PEOPLE, WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!! BRADLEY IS RIGHT…PLEAES, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS RIGHT, PLEASE FIRE BILLY KNIGHT!! HE IS NOTHING BUT A LOSER AND A CANCER TO THIS ENTIRE CITY. THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINKS BILLY KNIGHT IS SANE IN HIS CONSTANTLY INSANE MOVES IS BILLY KNIGHT. THIS GUY IS NOT FIT TO COACH A 10 YEAR OLD LEAGUE AT THE Y, MUCH LESS AN NBA TEAM. YOU CANNOT WIN IN THE NBA WITH A GROUP OF CHILDREN. DON’T YOU THINK IT’S TIME TO START ADDING SOME VETERANS TO PLAY WITH THESE KIDS? THE OWNERS ARE A JOKE AND THE HAWKS ARE YET AGAIN NOTHING BUT THE BUTT OF ALL JOKES AROUND THE NBA. WE ARE THE CLIPPES, BUT EVEN THE CLIPPERS AREN’T THE CLIPPERS ANYMORE - THEY WIN GAMES. WE LOSE, WE ARE LOSERS. NO STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE TO WIN HERE. WE HAVE BEEN REBUILDING FOR 10 YEARS!!!!!!!! 10 YEARS!!!! WHO REBUILDS FOR A DECADE + AND STILL SAYS WE’RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK? NOBODY BUT A SENILE, SENSELESS FOOL. AND THE HAWKS ARE CONTENT WITH THESE FOOLS AND LOSERS RUNNING THIS ORGANIZATION FARTHER AND FARTHER INTO THE GOUND. IF YOU ARE A HAWKS FAN (AND I WAS BORN/RAISED IN ATLANTA AND IM A LOYAL HAWKS FAN), THEN PLEASE BOYCOTT THIS SEASON. DON’T GO TO ANY GAMES…NOT THAT MANY GO ANYWAY. BUT NOBODY SHOULD GO. DON’T GO TO THE CLUB LEVEL TO DRINK AND SAY YOU’RE THERE FOR THE SOCIAL SCENE. JUST DONT GO, THEN MAYBE THEY WILL FIRE THESE GROUP OF LOSERS. I WOULD ALMOST RATHER THEM DISMANTLE THE TEAM AND MOVE THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE THEN HAVE TO WITNESS THIS YEAR AFTER YEAR. PLEASE, SHOW ME ANOTHER FRANCHISE THAT DOES THIS…THAT MAKES THESE TERRIBLE MOVES AND JUST GIVES AWAY PLAYERS FOR NOTHING…NOTHING. EVERYTHING ABOUT THE HAWKS IS A DISGRACE. AND FOR ALL YOU ‘FANS’ OUT THERE WHO HOLD ONTO SOME KIND OF SCRAP OF HOPE AND THINK THE HAWKS CAN CONTEND THIS YEAR…THEY WILL BE LUCKY TO WIN 25 GAMES. JUST MAIL IT IN, DONT EVEN SHOW UP TO PLAY THIS SEASON, IT WILL BE BETTER THAN GOING 15-67. BILLY KNIGHT…PLEASE JUST LEAVE. IF EVERYONE IN ATLANTA IS TOO MUCH OF A COWARD TO STAND UP TO YOU, THEN PLEASE WAKE UP AND TAKE A REAL LOOK AT YOURSELF AND CALL YOURSELF WHAT YOU ARE - A DISGRACE. MAYBE ARTHUR AND TED CAN GET TOGETHER AND SPLIT THE HAWKS.
By GatorChamps06
August 23, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this
PEOPLE, WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!! BRADLEY IS RIGHT…PLEAES, FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS RIGHT, PLEASE FIRE BILLY KNIGHT!! HE IS NOTHING BUT A LOSER AND A CANCER TO THIS ENTIRE CITY. THE ONLY PERSON WHO THINKS BILLY KNIGHT IS SANE IN HIS CONSTANTLY INSANE MOVES IS BILLY KNIGHT. THIS GUY IS NOT FIT TO COACH A 10 YEAR OLD LEAGUE AT THE Y, MUCH LESS AN NBA TEAM. YOU CANNOT WIN IN THE NBA WITH A GROUP OF CHILDREN. DON’T YOU THINK IT’S TIME TO START ADDING SOME VETERANS TO PLAY WITH THESE KIDS? THE OWNERS ARE A JOKE AND THE HAWKS ARE YET AGAIN NOTHING BUT THE BUTT OF ALL JOKES AROUND THE NBA. WE ARE THE CLIPPES, BUT EVEN THE CLIPPERS AREN’T THE CLIPPERS ANYMORE - THEY WIN GAMES. WE LOSE, WE ARE LOSERS. NO STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE TO WIN HERE. WE HAVE BEEN REBUILDING FOR 10 YEARS!!!!!!!! 10 YEARS!!!! WHO REBUILDS FOR A DECADE + AND STILL SAYS WE’RE ON THE RIGHT TRACK? NOBODY BUT A SENILE, SENSELESS FOOL. AND THE HAWKS ARE CONTENT WITH THESE FOOLS AND LOSERS RUNNING THIS ORGANIZATION FARTHER AND FARTHER INTO THE GOUND. IF YOU ARE A HAWKS FAN (AND I WAS BORN/RAISED IN ATLANTA AND IM A LOYAL HAWKS FAN), THEN PLEASE BOYCOTT THIS SEASON. DON’T GO TO ANY GAMES…NOT THAT MANY GO ANYWAY. BUT NOBODY SHOULD GO. DON’T GO TO THE CLUB LEVEL TO DRINK AND SAY YOU’RE THERE FOR THE SOCIAL SCENE. JUST DONT GO, THEN MAYBE THEY WILL FIRE THESE GROUP OF LOSERS. I WOULD ALMOST RATHER THEM DISMANTLE THE TEAM AND MOVE THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE THEN HAVE TO WITNESS THIS YEAR AFTER YEAR. PLEASE, SHOW ME ANOTHER FRANCHISE THAT DOES THIS…THAT MAKES THESE TERRIBLE MOVES AND JUST GIVES AWAY PLAYERS FOR NOTHING…NOTHING. EVERYTHING ABOUT THE HAWKS IS A DISGRACE. AND FOR ALL YOU ‘FANS’ OUT THERE WHO HOLD ONTO SOME KIND OF SCRAP OF HOPE AND THINK THE HAWKS CAN CONTEND THIS YEAR…THEY WILL BE LUCKY TO WIN 25 GAMES. JUST MAIL IT IN, DONT EVEN SHOW UP TO PLAY THIS SEASON, IT WILL BE BETTER THAN GOING 15-67. BILLY KNIGHT…PLEASE JUST LEAVE. IF EVERYONE IN ATLANTA IS TOO MUCH OF A COWARD TO STAND UP TO YOU, THEN PLEASE WAKE UP AND TAKE A REAL LOOK AT YOURSELF AND CALL YOURSELF WHAT YOU ARE - A DISGRACE. MAYBE ARTHUR AND TED CAN GET TOGETHER AND SPLIT THE HAWKS.
By t-bone
August 23, 2006 01:11 AM | Link to this
From one Indy fan…
We really like Baby Al, he a good guy and a solid performer. Boy, the ownership is messed up for the Hawks, that is a shame for the fans. They deserve better. Owner need to remember who pays the bills.
By L.D.
August 23, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this
Look, I could understand picking on Mark Bradley if this was the Braves and they had made a bad trade, since the Braves do something the Hawks can’t/won’t do, which is win. But you guys shooting the messenger in this case are off the planet here. There is no, repeat, NO strategy here being implemented by the Hawks brass to make this a winning team. It’s far more plausible they are trying to leave Belkin with a wreck of a basketball franchise, since he was most interested in that part of the partnership. In any case, could you imagine Mark Cuban having someone as clearly one-track minded as Billy Knight running his team? Perhaps the reason why Knight never divulges anything in pressers and interviews is because he really doesn’t have any good ideas going on, unless a forward’s available.
By Mr C.
August 23, 2006 01:28 AM | Link to this
I think some of the fans blogging here has been infected with the Hawks ubiquitous disease. The idea that we could have got nothing is absurd. You can’t lower ur expectations and srife for lower goals. The article states that we should have got a lot for Al Harrington so maybe some of the dissenters need to go back and read the article again.
Everyone understands that Harrington has to be moved. The sticking point is that we only got a first round pick for him. Any other team would have got a couple of bodies on top of the first round pick. The only way Harrington could got paid big is through a sign and trade deal.
By Relttez
August 23, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this
This was the worst article. All the time, Mark Bradley writes articles that places this team in a negative light. Thats so original. But you fail to emphasize:
Marvin is due to have a break-out year.
So is Josh Smith.
We actually played better with Al off the floor. We will be better on defense b/c he is gone. He scored 18.6 points, but how many did he give up?
That Al was unrestricted, therefore he didn’t have to deal with us.
We kept salary-cap flexibility, so we can sign a big name next year. So actually the trade is Al, John Edwards for 2007 1st rounder and whoever we sign next year.
Who on Indy will really help us? David Harrison? Indy won’t give him up, because that would leave them with Jeff Foster and John Edwards as their centers. Come on now, they’re not that stupid.
JJ is an Olympian, and you say he might not be worth 70 mil? How many players you know that scores 20 ppg, 6.5 assists per, 40 min, 82 games, 4 rpg? Better yet, when he is averaging 23 points next year at his natural shooting guard spot then you will be saying the same thing right? This is a joke.
Where’s the optimism? Such cynicism is sickening, especially when we actually have an up and coming team. I can’t wait for people to eat crow.
By Ike
August 23, 2006 02:52 AM | Link to this
Actually, SB, belkin WILL get control of this team. he has consistently been the ONLY one who has shown reason and intelligence in the hawks’ front office. he woud be a better GM than Knight. you just don’t knwo what you’re talking about
and that goes with all the other anti-belkin people. name one way belkin is worse than any other owner we’ve had over the past 15 years. he actually has goodinterest for th team in mind. he isn’t an incompetent fool
By Greg
August 23, 2006 05:51 AM | Link to this
Bradley is an idiot. Like many others, he assumes there was some deal out there that we passed up. I challenge Bradley to prove there was a better deal. Until I hear that, Bradley’s just another guy with an opinion. We all knew that would probably be the deal. Bradley probably wrote this column weeks ago.
By bugmenot
August 23, 2006 06:13 AM | Link to this
Young Marc, it’s impossible to get over the Chris Paul draft. It will go down in Hawks history as the worst mistake ever. The Hawks needed a point and blew it. And even if the Hawks picked Deron it would be no different. Deron is still fighting for a starting job whereas Paul was rookie of the year and is now playing on USA Basketball, huge difference.
By TJ
August 23, 2006 06:47 AM | Link to this
Everybody seems to forget that AL was an UNRESTRICTED free agent. He could have walked for NOTHING!!!!! You cannot compare this to Joe because he was RESTRICTED. You’re comparing apples to oranges. At least BK got something out of this, we could have had nothing to show.
By RA
August 23, 2006 06:53 AM | Link to this
bugmenot,
What you forget is that Marvin Williams still isn’t old enough to drink. Come back at the end of this season and then we’ll talk about how dumb not selecting Chris Paul was. Now all draft picks are chosen with the very next season in mind…
By Dawgfan
August 23, 2006 06:56 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight. what a joke. and all the so called brain trust in the Hawks office. What a Joke. Sell the team to Jordan are someone else. you expect fans like myself and many others to drive down from the North Ga Mountains to see this team. if you do then the joke is on you. We will just stay here and watch the local high schools play basketball.
By MeGaWatt
August 23, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this
The Hawks should have just been left buried in the rubble of the old Omni. This is the most inept franchise is sports history!
By Jedediah
August 23, 2006 07:18 AM | Link to this
The trade stinks like three day old fish in the middle of P’tree St., but I will say this in Knight’s defense: he may be working under an edict from ownership not to take on any long-range contracts. Not sure if we’ll ever know, but what if Belkin did buy out the other guys? He’ll obviously be rolling in cash. He used to be the villain to me, but if the front-office/courtroom story was a Western, the guys in the white hats would be played by the three stooges.
By Bigmuddy
August 23, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
Watched my Hawks first game in 1996 and was a fan for 30 or so years. Watch them now for comedy. Never thought anyone could top Babcock but BK has. How stupid and arrogant can one guy be - good luck Atlanta - you need it Right on Bradley.
By deja-vu-again
August 23, 2006 07:41 AM | Link to this
Mark is right - again. I really don’t think these owners know how to pull together a winning team. I am so tired of not having a team to be proud of here in town. Another season with no pro-ball for me. Thank goodness for college ball.
By WW 3
August 23, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
it continues to amaze me that no sports franchise has ever recruited an ajc sports writer to run its operation!!
By Captain America
August 23, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this
Brian- you are such a simpleton. The hawks are bad because of the fans? What are you, a male cheerleader? And are you really trying to rag on college football? More people across the country will watch the college football pregame show on saturday morning than will watch any regular season NBA game this year. Face it- the NBA is lame. And the Hawks are the lamest team in the lamest league (college, pro, any sport). Have fun this year cheering for the Hawks. The rest of the world will try to do something productive, like watch football.
By MARK
August 23, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
YAWN!!!! Who cares?? I used to be a season ticket holder. Now I wouldn’t go if I got free tickets and dinner. Totally boring franchise, totally boring atmosphere at Philips, a hassle getting to and from the games. I’d rather watch two quality teams play on HDTV than come and watch the Hawks play anybody.
By glenn
August 23, 2006 08:14 AM | Link to this
The lame pick is even lottery protected . There might be hope for you yet Bradley .
By Glenn
August 23, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this
Does anyone remember that AH was an UNRESTRICTED Free Agent? The fact that the Hawks got anything for him is still better than nothing. They used what little leverage they had (the ability to pay more for their own player than another team can) to get something in return.
The real issue is what the Hawks choose to receive for him. Other clubs were actually offering more then the Pacers, but the Hawks management is restricted from taking on some contracts and other obligations.
For the sake of the franchise, the Courts need to expedite a resolution to the dispute so SOMEBODY/ANYBODY can make some decisions whether they are right or wrong.
By K Virden
August 23, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
Okay, let me see if I understand this correctly, the hawks are relying on Josh Childress, Shelden Williams and Marvin Williams to lead the way. Oh, I feel better already. Can we just skip the NBA this year in the ATL. and concentrate on college and Pro football.
By Who Cares
August 23, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
Who’s Al Harrington and when did we sign Bobby Knight as our GM?
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this
Mark, YOU are the funny joke. Once again you’re being totally disingenious with your line about the Hawks trading “two players” and getting nothing but a draft pick. You do realize that including John Edwards in the deal was a victory for the Hawks, since neither team wanted to have to pay this guy. It’s not like the Pacers tricked us into trading away an extra player.
And you act as if you have no idea that there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE between a RESTRICTED free agent and an UNRESTRICTED free agent. It’s totally asanine to try and compare Al Harrington’s free agency with Joe Johnson’s. That’s something that only someone who doesn’t understand NBA basketball would do—unless you happen to have an agenda. I’m not sure which it is with you.
The Hawks got a pick and didn’t take back salary. Not bad. That’s a lot better than Joe Dumars did with Ben Wallace—the Pistons got nothing in return for an NBA all-star center and multi-defensive player of the year. The Hawks also did a lot better than the Wizards did last season with Larry Hughes—they didn’t get anything either. Why? These guys were UNRESTRICTED. They can go where they want and their teams don’t have a right to match. Al wanted to go to the Pacers, so we helped him and got back into the 2007 draft. There were MUCH WORSE possibilities.
By ernie balls
August 23, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
Wouldve been nice to at least get another big man, BUT next years draft is gonna be loaded with all the players who had to spend this year in college, instead of going straight to the NBA. The Hawks are definitely still looking to the future, and believe Josh Smith can fill Harrington’s roll now.
By J
August 23, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
75% of the people on this blog aren’t even fans, haven’t been to Philips Arena in 2 years, and know nothing at all on what has taken place in those past two years! All Bradley does is cast his shadow of negativity on anything he can without first reviewing the facts. I have to agree with most of the “true” fans on here that Atlanta doesn’t deserve ANY sports teams b/c the support is horrible (lack of support equals lack in winning). If you want something to harp on, be upset about the Ownership issue but PLEASE stop beating the same old drum on BK and the team. The Hawks have made huge steps towards turning everything around … and who was the idiot that compared the Hawks w/ the Bulls??? The Hawks didn’t start rebuilding until 04-05 .. the Bulls started rebuilding back in 02-03, and they just started making the playoffs again. The Hawks are on the same road! For crying out loud, go to a game first before you make snap judgements, these guys play their hearts out! I’m ashamed, so ashamed of these comments… even the Braves are taking Heat now, when they are in the process of developing their young guys! Ugh, so disgraceful … show some support!
By Jamie
August 23, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Billy, why you sooooooooooooooooo stoooooooooopid?
By J
August 23, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this
75% of the people on this blog aren’t even fans, haven’t been to Philips Arena in 2 years, and know nothing at all on what has taken place in those past two years! All Bradley does is cast his shadow of negativity on anything he can without first reviewing the facts. I have to agree with most of the “true” fans on here that Atlanta doesn’t deserve ANY sports teams b/c the support is horrible (lack of support equals lack in winning). If you want something to harp on, be upset about the Ownership issue but PLEASE stop beating the same old drum on BK and the team. The Hawks have made huge steps towards turning everything around … and who was the idiot that compared the Hawks w/ the Bulls??? The Hawks didn’t start rebuilding until 04-05 .. the Bulls started rebuilding back in 02-03, and they just started making the playoffs again. The Hawks are on the same road! For crying out loud, go to a game first before you make snap judgements, these guys play their hearts out! I’m ashamed, so ashamed of these comments… even the Braves are taking Heat now, when they are in the process of developing their young guys! Ugh, so disgraceful … show some support!
By J
August 23, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this
75% of the people on this blog aren’t even fans, haven’t been to Philips Arena in 2 years, and know nothing at all on what has taken place in those past two years! All Bradley does is cast his shadow of negativity on anything he can without first reviewing the facts. I have to agree with most of the “true” fans on here that Atlanta doesn’t deserve ANY sports teams b/c the support is horrible (lack of support equals lack in winning). If you want something to harp on, be upset about the Ownership issue but PLEASE stop beating the same old drum on BK and the team. The Hawks have made huge steps towards turning everything around … and who was the idiot that compared the Hawks w/ the Bulls??? The Hawks didn’t start rebuilding until 04-05 .. the Bulls started rebuilding back in 02-03, and they just started making the playoffs again. The Hawks are on the same road! For crying out loud, go to a game first before you make snap judgements, these guys play their hearts out! I’m ashamed, so ashamed of these comments… even the Braves are taking Heat now, when they are in the process of developing their young guys! Ugh, so disgraceful … show some support!
By derrick
August 23, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
i gree,that we have missed up again.i mean we lost a player,who can score,for a player we will probably cut when we draft him.it just admazing every plaer we trade,goes elsewhere and do will.may someday we will get it together!
By Air Ball
August 23, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
This sad song from the front office about always “looking to maintain their salary-cap flexibility” and not wanting to take on any salary is a load. Maintain flexibility for what? Last I checked Michael Jordan isn’t coming out of retirement so need to hedge your bets there. This the same bull they have been feeding the fans for what seems like years now. I am beyond done with Billy Knight. Maybe I willl see him around town so I can in turn refuse to shake his hand. Please just bring back the yellow uniforms so I can officially go kill myself!
By scribe
August 23, 2006 08:49 AM | Link to this
so we traded Harrington for about the 20th pick in the first round? That’s all? And they wonder why NO ONE comes to the games. This team and organization is a joke….
By Adam Keefe
August 23, 2006 08:51 AM | Link to this
Actually, it is my fault. I was supposed to be the savior of the franchise.
By J
August 23, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
sorry guys, didn’t mean to post the same thing 30 times
By mo
August 23, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, I agree, too. This trade was just plain old stupid. You mean to tell me that they traded a guy that was a solid contributor, and one of the bright spots on this team for a DRAFT PICK???
I mean, we couldn’t get more than THAT???
Now if they use that money to pick up someone who can contribute this year, and is a scorer, then perhaps it makes sense… and I hope they have already closed the deal before they traded Harrington. If not, you just told the Hawks fans that next season will also be a “Rebuilding” year.
mo
By paul
August 23, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this
Brian, the reason people dont know much about the NBA is because it sucks. No wonder. You are one of about 3 people who even give a crap about the Hawks. LOL.
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
Atlanta fans are basketball stupid, but it’s partly the fault of writers like Bradley and the uninformed drivel he passes off as writing. Bradley is just as basketball stupid as many of the bloggers here, but the AJC doesn’t care because Atlanta fans don’t care.
Bradley’s biggest problem with BK was BK suggesting that the media doesn’t always understand everything that’s going on. I think BK may have hit a nerve with that one.
By Jay
August 23, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
As usual, Mark Bradley is critical of everyone except the Bulldogs. Surprise.
Hey Bradley, if you ever took two seconds from ripping (insert Atlanta franchise here), maybe you could take a look at the Hawks roster and rotations. Here, I’ll do it for you…I know you have more people to insult.
Pg: Claxton, Lue, Ivey Sg: Johnson, Childress Sf:Josh Smith, Marvin Williams Pf: Sheldan Williams, Jones C: Zaza, Wright
The team is set. The rotations are set. Where would your magical player the Hawks “should” have traded for played? There is one spot left, open for next year’s #1 pick. So you see, there would be no point in taking a player just to pay his contract while he rides the pine.
See how simple that was? Of course you dont.
By J
August 23, 2006 09:15 AM | Link to this
From one Jay to another, Thank You! Well said brother!
By Ryan Jones
August 23, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
Mark is 100% right. I don’t care if you like the guy, how can anyone possible argue with this article. Billy Knight has destroyed the Hawks. A first round pick for Harrington? When was the last time the Hawks drafted a good player? We could have had Troy Murphy, but no we a get a draft pick! Unbelievable.
By Vern
August 23, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this
I agree with most bloggers in the fact that Mark Bradley appears to write for the shock value. For someone in his position to have such an uneducated view of the nba process is odd to me. It points out the obvious that he has an agenda. Here is a thought, lets trade for Josh Childress for Kobe, Zsa Zsa for Jermaine Oneal Speedy for Steve Nash. Sounds crazy right? Well that’s how Mark sounds with some of his opinions. Joe Johnson getting 70 million in the scheme of the NBA is fine! He is one of the brightest young up and coming stars! in the nba. How many Hawks players have made the Olympic team?….. I believe The Hawks will win in the upwards of 35-40 games this year. Life is about playing the hand you are dealt sir. In order to do a deal BOTH sides have to agree. Indiana was not and did not give Al the money he was looking for, that is why it took so long. Blame the Pacers not the Hawks.
By J
August 23, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Ryan,
Troy Murphy??? What a joke … and pick up the rest of his inflated contract? what kind of nonsense is that? Wright, Williams, and Pachulia have the same potential at less cost … are you kin to Bradley???
By TD
August 23, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
Billy Knight has to go. It would ahve made more since for them to trade for a young center from Indiana and forget about the first round pick. They should have at a minimum asked for David Harrison in the trade. This would have given the Hawks a true 7 footer in the paint and not some 6’9” power forward. We are not Detroit and we should stop trying to be like them. The draft pick really doesn’t matter because the Hawks will suck again and we will be in the lottery anyway. I agree in principle with Bradley.
By ernie franchell
August 23, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this
i think your totally wrong. Al is NOT worth a 1st round draft pick and the hawks got one. He is a 6th or 7th man on a contending team at best. The risk of that 1st round picks future is WELL worth Al. your a columnist for atlanta back your team.
By JR Rider
August 23, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this
It all started when you got upset me for skipping practice when my sunglasses got stolen. Those were nice sunglasses.
By bill c.
August 23, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
Sorry guys but I have to agree (for once) with Mark. A medium #1 draft pick is crappola. I agree that the owners are wanting to save money and not take on any contracts. We could have probably gotten Murphy from Golden State who would badly fill our need at PF (good scorer and great rebounder). Instead, we end up with basically nothing for a very good player that quite a few teams (at least those that had cap room) were very interested in.
Until the ownership battles are settled, the Hawks will continue to languish at the bottom of the league.
By Rob in Atlanta
August 23, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
What Harrington signed for is indicative of his perceived value around the league. Getting a draft pick was a good deal for the Hawks.
By bill
August 23, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
The deal is finally done! I feel better already…now BK & Hawks have all that CAP room to attract all of those ‘07 free agents to the ATL…
Yeah right!
I miss John Battle.
By Captain America
August 23, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this
Question for all of you “real fans” that keep knocking Mark and everyone else: Why should I spend $100 on my friday night to go to Philips Arena to watch such a sorry display? The organization has given me no reason to care about any of these players. The team doesn’t win. The commute to the arena is the worst in sports. The concessions are over-priced.
Just because we, the majority, choose not to support this garbage of an organization, does not meand that we are not real fans. Bradley is 100% correct. Those of you who want him to write something positive about the Hawks should try to think of something positive about the Hawks. Its not that easy, is it?
By A-Town Vet
August 23, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
This may not be the optimal trade every one would have wished for however we did get a first round draft pick. Peopel worried about points tend to forget that Marvin and Josh will absorb most of the duties AL is leaving behaind and we still have the ultimate scoring threat od Salim, so putting up points is not an issue. While Al is a solid player I am sure teams were not going to give up the house for him becasue he is not someone you base your team around, doesn’t directly make players around him better, and has the knees of a 50 year old man.
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
It makes me shake my head when I read that some people here actually think taking on Troy Murphey would have been a good thing. Posts like that are just an example of the low basketball IQ around here. Murphey has a massive contract that would kill all cap flexibility for the next 5 years, he’s 6’11 but shoots only 43% from the field because he has no post game and is strictly a jump shooter, and he’s a terrible defender with slow feet who blocks 1/3rd of a shot per game. So that’s who you’d rather have than a good young prospect? Brilliant.
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Sorry to go off on that last post, but I get so frustrated listening to these opinions.
Anyway, my point of view is that Billy Knight has already drafted Josh Smith with a 17 pick and Boris Diaw with a 21 pick. He’s proven he can find talent with a mid-first round pick.
Both of those guys are more valuable as assets to rebuilding teams than Al Harrington, so if we can find another one like that in a 2007 draft that’s going to be loaded, then we have gotten a good deal.
The Pacers themselves got Danny Granger with a mid-first round pick last season, and there’s NO WAY they would have given up Granger to trade for Al…so there’s a very good chance we will still end up with the more valuable asset when it’s all said and done.
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this
One last thing…I remember a lot of people being upset with BK for trading Rasheed Wallace for a mid-first round pick. But that pick turned into Josh Smith, and I don’t hear a lot of people complaining now.
Patience is the key to building a good team, but fans and the media don’t have any. Quick-fix teams just end up like the Knicks.
By dap
August 23, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
It obvious that Mark Bradley knows less about the Hawks than the average person on this blog. He comes across as someone who reads the headlines and thinks that he knows everything.
Why can’t columnist and reporters be providers of information. For example, why can’t they get some insight on the thinkings of BK and actually provide information. What’s going on in management?
The Hawks, believe it or not, are improving. They have what now resembles a complete and deep roster. They have several young and very talented guys. They have money to spend in the future. They have no contracts on the books for bad or non contributing players. They will improve by 10+ games this year with the promise for continued improvement for years to come. The future will improve even more if the owners of the Hawks will get their problems resolved.
By Brooks
August 23, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with Mark Bradley. The Hawks are a joke. It could be 10 years before they sniff the playoffs. Good thing they don’t play in the western conference. I don’t care anything about NBA basketball but I do watch the Hawks. Is there a worst franchise ever. Even the Royals have the upper-hand on the Hawks. Every offseason we pick up nobodies. How can you attract an all-star player to play in front of 3,000 people. We pickup Speedy Claxton and we have a press conference for the guy. That’s embarrasing. It looks like the owner’s want to save money rather than fill the seats. NBA basketball is officially dead in Atlanta.
By Local Sports Fan
August 23, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Are the Falcons the only team in this city that knows how to sign and trade for good players??? A 1st round draft pick? Ha! They’ll trade that away.
By Casey
August 23, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this
A first round pick MIGHT be ok if the Hawks knew how to pick. They’ll just waste it on a small forward from Italy that nobody’s ever heard of. BAD MOVE!
By Greg from Marietta
August 23, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
I don’t understand why everyone is so upset with Mark Bradley for speaking the truth, it’s obvious that the HAWKS entire organization is the JOKE of the NBA. So, just suck it up and admit that Pro Basketball in Atlanta will never amount to anything. I have.
By Jonathan
August 23, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
OH wait what did Detriot get for Big Ben? Al was a UFA he could have just walked he gaves us the chance to sign and trade out of his not wanting to F us. What did Indiana get for Peja, What did Orlando get when Shaq left, oh thats right NOTHING. So now a player who was leaving anyways with our future (Smith and Williams) coming up and needing playing time, and we get a pick in the deepest draft in awhile instead of nothing. Oh wait its Atlanta people will still whine.
By Greg from Marietta
August 23, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this
I don’t understand why everyone is so upset with Mark Bradley for speaking the truth, it’s obvious that the HAWKS entire organization is the JOKE of the NBA. So, just suck it up and admit that Pro Basketball in Atlanta will never amount to anything. I have.
By DKM
August 23, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
This is making the best of a situation that was getting away from them. Drafting all these very mobile players hopefully means we will run and gun ala Phoenix. Al was a good player who was not mobile and liked to play on the low block or shoot threes not consistently. He doesn’t fit this style. The big question is whether the coach will play that up tempo style with lots of shots to compensate for inconsistent shooting which is universal in the league. We couldn’t pay Harrington what he wanted for a last contract before retiring so this is a good move. By the way, the Pacers are not a quick team and may not make the playoffs as well so this may turn into a great move!
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Bradley is entitled to his opinion, and I think there are legitimate ways to make his arguments. But the reasons he cites to support his conclusions reflect very little understanding of the realities of the NBA. That’s OK from your average blogger (although it’s still annoying to hear rants based on stupid thinking), but we’re talking about a guy writing for a major paper who doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
By P**
August 23, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
If you pushed Mark Bradley and Terrence Moore off a building guess who would land first? Who cares? These guys should be arrested for impersonating sports writers. Better still just run them out of town.
By P**
August 23, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
If you pushed Mark Bradley and Terrence Moore off a building guess who would land first? Who cares? These guys should be arrested for impersonating sports writers. Better still just run them out of town.
By GM R
August 23, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
They wanted this draft pick badly so they would avoid the embarrassment of a zero interest 2007 draft. What chance do they have of getting a player with it who will average 18 ppg? None as long as BK is in charge.
By DKM
August 23, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
This is making the best of a situation that was getting away from them. Drafting all these very mobile players hopefully means we will run and gun ala Phoenix. Al was a good player who was not mobile and liked to play on the low block or shoot threes not consistently. He doesn’t fit this style. The big question is whether the coach will play that up tempo style with lots of shots to compensate for inconsistent shooting which is universal in the league. We couldn’t pay Harrington what he wanted for a last contract before retiring so this is a good move. By the way, the Pacers are not a quick team and may not make the playoffs as well so this may turn into a great move!
By vdunkndunk
August 23, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Look at it this way. We got cap space from trading Harrington and a 2007 1st-Round top 10 protected pick.
So essentially instead of acquiring the PG and C we needed from the Harrington trade, we signed Speedy Claxton and Lorenzon Wright.
So from trading Al we end up with Speey, Lorenzon, and a 1st round pick. Not bad.
By ebineezer
August 23, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
About the only time I agree with Mark is when he is slamming Billy Knightmare and the Buzzards. Lets all go order our season tickets today!!
By JJ
August 23, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
I am no Billy Knight fan, but I am beginning to wonder if his hands are tied when it comes to trades and taking on contracts. No GM in his right mind would have let a player like Al leave without getting something more of value for him. We just really have a situation where I think the owners (whoever they are) are behind some of the stupidness of this move.
By Jill
August 23, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
I like the move. Harrington was a ball hog, and quite frankly, he isn’t a star. Rebuilding takes time, Mr. Bradley. And since Knight showed up to GM (remember how awful PETE BABCOCK was?!), the process has been going on. This isn’t the NY Yankees we’re talking about (sorry to bring in a baseball reference)… The Hawks aren’t going to sign aging proven veterans instead of grooming younger players. I like this tactic. I’ll take youth over dealing for aging stars like Allen Iverson any day.
By Brew
August 23, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
What Mr. Bradley, and most of our Atlanta fans have forgotten, or maybe never knew is that Marvin Williams was never going to be an instant superstar. When he was drafted we knew it would be 2 to 3 years before he grew to anywhere near his potential. Chris Paul has a great year (only 1 year), and you are quick to say it was a mistake not to draft him. You are all wrong!!! Marvin Williams will be a superstar in this league, and you will all be asking what ever happen to Chris what his name. What is the last team that won a championship with a high scoring small point guard. Think before you answer. As for Harrington, I hate to see him go, but he is not the player you all seem to think he is. The Pacers need another small piece to it’s puzzle. I repeat “a small piece.” We got rid of a small peice of our future for a 1st round pick. Remember that we had no 1st round pick. Now I admit that at the end of the day we gave up to much in the Joe Johnson deal, but I blame that on Boris Diaw himself. He always had potential to do what he’s done in Phoenix, but here he played like a girlie man. You don’t build a team that’s a long term winner overnight. You must all admit that our current ownership, front office, and back office for that matter had very little to work with. Mr. Bradley please stop just trying to sell news papers, and speak the truth every chance you get. If you want to talk about sorry, let’s start with your own sports page.
By Brew
August 23, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
What Mr. Bradley, and most of our Atlanta fans have forgotten, or maybe never knew is that Marvin Williams was never going to be an instant superstar. When he was drafted we knew it would be 2 to 3 years before he grew to anywhere near his potential. Chris Paul has a great year (only 1 year), and you are quick to say it was a mistake not to draft him. You are all wrong!!! Marvin Williams will be a superstar in this league, and you will all be asking what ever happen to Chris what his name. What is the last team that won a championship with a high scoring small point guard. Think before you answer. As for Harrington, I hate to see him go, but he is not the player you all seem to think he is. The Pacers need another small piece to it’s puzzle. I repeat “a small piece.” We got rid of a small peice of our future for a 1st round pick. Remember that we had no 1st round pick. Now I admit that at the end of the day we gave up to much in the Joe Johnson deal, but I blame that on Boris Diaw himself. He always had potential to do what he’s done in Phoenix, but here he played like a girlie man. You don’t build a team that’s a long term winner overnight. You must all admit that our current ownership, front office, and back office for that matter had very little to work with. Mr. Bradley please stop just trying to sell news papers, and speak the truth every chance you get. If you want to talk about sorry, let’s start with your own sports page.
By Jim Feely
August 23, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
to things wrong with the Hawks; the manager and the coach. Two more inept mrons do not exist in professional sports.Is i because they are black that they are not kicked to the curb?
By andy
August 23, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
2.jsmoove is the answer at pf not sf. he has bulked up his upper body and shows no fear of playing inside. his rookie year he could only dunk and block shots. last yer he added a good midrange jumper. this year he will add the post moves that will make him a superstar.
By bushwacker
August 23, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Wow I did not know this many people cared about the Hawks.
If Al is right now the best player on the team besides Joe Johnson and he’s 26 yrs old and avg 18pts,WHY DID WE TRADE HIM????
By STEVE BELKIN
August 23, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this
I TOLD YOU SO…..
By Tommy
August 23, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
The way i see it there were two other offers to consider. One with goldenstate for two you good looking prospects that we wanted but in order to take them we would have to pay for an extremely overpayed forward who cant play defense that could cause problems down the road resigning the josh’s. The other trade would bring in another forward that we dont really need because we really like the young forwards on our team and bk seems to get a lot of flack for picking up too many forwards. The only thing this team really needs is a superstar center and teams arent lining up to get rid of those in a sign and trade. Harrington doesnt really compare to Joe Johnson, he isnt even in the same ballpark. Marvin Williams is going to be a superstar and no one expected Chris Paul to be as good as he was last year. A lot of people can make bold statements in hindsight but i would say that the hawks have never had as consistently good drafts as they have with knight they made a really good pickup with Pachulia that no one gives him credit for and the two things this team needed the most was a point and we went after the two best free agents available and signed one of them and a backup center so that when pechulia has to come out we dont get murdered. we have addressed those needs. the problem with the hawks teams of the past was that they went out and blew money on the “best available players” such as glen robinson shareef and gave bloated contracts to players like allan henderson and chris crawford. i like the roster and im fine with BK.
By Ryder
August 23, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
Thank you DKM for putting it into perfect sense. Al is not that great a player, if he was, why bother drafting Marvin Williams? He did not display any of the leadership it takes to elevate this team. While I’m at it, let’s take a look at some of the great Hawks over the years that we’ve lost.
Jason Terry, Shareef, Al Harrington, Antoine Walker are all players who can fill up a stat sheet but in no way shape or form did they do anything to lead this team to success. If you think about it, the only time Atlanta was truly considered a threat is when they had the following things: leadership from the PG position (remember no one knew who Mookie was when he came here)which is why I think when it’s all said and done Atlanta’s offseason will be a successful one because of that.
As for Al, I’m not sad to see him go. It was obvious that he is not the type of player who can be built around. JJ is that man, and based on the current power struggle going on with the owners BK could only do so much. It’s the fickle unstable mindset of the “fans” of Atlanta that can’t see the big picture. This team was mired in salary cap problems with the great Hawks Terry and Shareef who did nothing for this team. I give BK credit for steering this team into a team with direction.
Remember folks, Atlanta had to do some desperate things to get some of these players (JJ for example, and don’t forget the only reason Diaw improved so quickly is because he’s playing in a European style offense that he’s accustomed to) and I like where Atlanta is going. Look to the improvements of JSmith and Marvin. Outside shooting? Got it covered with Salim and JJ. Shelden and Lorenzen Wright will provide some inside presence (they may not be Shaq or even Dwight Howard, but it’s an improvement). Speedy will surprise some folks and he will be eager to prove he deserves to be a starter in this league.
The key as always is Woodson. You can hate BK all you want to, but I think he’s only playing with the cards he’s been dealt, thanks to the ownership fiasco. Woodson must determine what type of team he wants to have. BK has constructed this team to be a run and gun style, but Woodson has got to realize his personnel is not built to play Detroit basketball. If he doesn’t adjust his style then he needs to be the one out the door.
By JawGA
August 23, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this
Well, at least tickets to this year’s games will be easy to get, just like last year. Going to Phillips to see the Hawks is more about being seen than actually watching this team attempt to compete.
By Eric
August 23, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this
Mark,
Do you have “Bad Move, Hawks” template on your computer that you just us Find and Replace on to suit the particular situation?
Really, it’s getting old. Your tired act makes me want the Hawks to win now more than ever…so you can eat crow for all to see.
By sicem
August 23, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
Who cares it is pro? basketball 75% overpaid thug gangsta rapper wanna be`s. The Hawks should leave town and save the city the embarassment! They suck the league sucks the pro? game is not even played as it was meant to be played. They just hog the ball try to dunk every time and run thier foul mouth. You cant even take a kid to the game and sit in a decent seat because he will hear about 200 curse words during the game. They can trade em all for all the decent community cares. Look at the results in the last olympics and you can see where these thugs have taken an American invented game. Pro? basketball is a disgrace and a joke!
By Rmelvin
August 23, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
Billyknight is doing a great job, but why not keeping Dante Smith, he is better than Josh childish and Royal Ivey.I am very happy He traded Al. Al is too slow, can’t defend and he turn the ball over too much, he need to go.This roster has atleast five All Stars,my only worry is the coaching,I dont think Woodson is the right man for the job,because the team he had last year should have made the playoffs.
By Wesley
August 23, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
BILLY IS AN IDIOT ! I just wish he read this paper !
By JC33
August 23, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this
Here is the problem, Atlanta fans suck and dont understand professional sports. First off, Harrington was an unrestricted free agent, which means he could sign with anyone without having to be traded. The Hawks got a 1st round pick for a guy who could have walked any time he wanted. Second, half of you are just racist yuppies that wont watch the NBA anyway, you just crack on it all day long. Lastly, the Hawks have an ENTIRE ROSTER of young twenty somethings signed for the next 3-5 years, they have a ton of atheletes, some great scorers, and just need TIME yes TIME to start winning some games. Fair weather Atlanta fans suck, that is the bottom line. Give the Hawks a break!
By "D" in Houston
August 23, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
Thank GOD for football!!
By Billy Knight
August 23, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
ummmm…It’s not my fault.
By The Big A
August 23, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks the Hawks know what’s going on is nothing but a huge A-hole.
The Johnson thing was a mistake, not because of Johnson, but because of what they had to pay to get him, and now they’ve assembled another team that will win 25 games. Of course, all of you know this already.
The Hawks are a waste of time and money.
By Tim
August 23, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
The Hawks have been in disarray for years. I am only 20, and yet I can never remember about being excited about the Hawks. Wait…there was once…nope, I was just excited to see them play MJ. Until an actual gamechanger somehow lands in Atlanta, the Hawks will wiggle around in the cold, dank cellar that has become their home. “Thrifty” investors that paid big to own the team now dish out huge contracts to mediocre players and “can’t afford” to get some quality guys to be role players. Stop crying about having to put some money into this team. As investors they should know that it takes some risk and money, but in the end it usually works out well.
By The Big A
August 23, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks the Hawks know what’s going on is nothing but a huge A-hole.
The Johnson thing was a mistake, not because of Johnson, but because of what they had to pay to get him, and now they’ve assembled another team that will win 25 games. Of course, all of you know this already.
The Hawks are a waste of time and money.
By The Big A
August 23, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
Anyone who thinks the Hawks know what’s going on is nothing but a huge A-hole.
The Johnson thing was a mistake, not because of Johnson, but because of what they had to pay to get him, and now they’ve assembled another team that will win 25 games. Of course, all of you know this already.
The Hawks are a waste of time and money.
By J
August 23, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Does “The Big A” stand for the big @$$??? Why don’t you post something new instead of posting something that was talked about 5 months ago … JJ is proving his worth to the team, with his work ethic, his style of play, his unselfishness, and his leadership. He is a role model for the younger guys, the type of player who practices when he doesn’t have to so that he can make himself and the team better. How can you say that they are a waste of time and money when you’re not even attending??? Another reason why Atlanta doesn’t deserve ANY pro teams!!!
By Quent
August 23, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
Let’s take a LOGIC and NON-EMOTIONAL look at the overall situation. Last year, we traded Diaw and two picks for picks for JJ. Now we traded Al and Edwards for a pick. The trade was supposed to clear the actual signing on Lorenzen Wright. Okay so we basically ended up trading Diaw, Edwards, & Al for JJ and Wright. So why are we complaining again?
By Billy Knight
August 23, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
I’m a complete moron.
By Rick
August 23, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
Mark Bradley is a stupid idiot. I don’t even have to read the columns once I read the headlines. He makes arguments over sports/teams he has no clue or understanding about. Don’t you have to do some research or have some general knowledge to bash a team or talk about something? jeez
The hawks had a log jam at forward, we have drafted some very good rising stars. We don’t need Harrington, period. We traded him, got a pick, and didn’t take on contracts for next seasons incredible crop of players available. Now, our young stars can grow in the position left by Al…not to mention he has bad knees? I would have been ok letting him walk for nothing, but a draft pick and getting rid of edwards are great moves.
Boris Diaw is a bum who can only flurish in the phoenix system. I was wanting to get rid of that bum after his first season. JJ is the man!
We drafted for need this season and not the best player available. I’m sorry all of you bandwagon idiot fellow fans of mine…but…the hawks are either this season or in 1 year playoff bound for many seasons thereafter. Management might have taken a long time to get to this point, but when you take over for a babcock it will take a miracle to get a team upright. We are almost there.
Hawks management has done a great job. Mark Bradley is the dumbest sports reporter ever…I want to puke…on him! Rick
By Billy Knight
August 23, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
I’m a complete moron.
By Mark
August 23, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember that Billy Knight used to play for the Pacers? Hmmmmmm, interesting. Also, Harrington ASKED the Pacers to trade him because he did not want to backup Ron Artest. Otherwise the Pacers would have kept him. He was 2nd runner up for sixth man of the year before the Pacers traded him.
By Steve
August 23, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
Anyone agreeing with Bradley obviously knows as little about the situation as he does.
1) He wanted to get David Harrison, but due to current restrictions placed on the Hawks by a judge, they cannot trade for nor take on, ANY multi-year contracts if the talks with that player had not started prior to the judges ruling. Indiana excercised an option on Harrison’s contract in early July that keeps him under contract thru the 2007-2008 season.
IN OTHER WORDS, had Bradley done ANY research at all, he would have known the Hawks could not have gotten this player and would have shut his mouth. Sadly, the common poster on this board has no concept of this either, as only a couple of people have mentioned this as a problem. PAY ATTENTION folks.
2) Harrington was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Stephen Jackson, whom we did not want to pay a big contract for. His numbers have started to fall in Indiana due to the fact he isn’t the only player on the team that is a decent scorer (as he was in Atlanta).
In the interim we had Harrington. A player who couldn’t get 10 rebounds a game on a team with no other decent big men. A player who took time away from what appears to be a MUCH better, MUCH younger, MUCH cheaper player in Marvin Williams. Let’s not forget that Harrington seemed to be a player who didn’t really care all that much about losing. HE was also a player so DEVOID of leadership ability that the Hawks overpaid/overtraded for Joe Johnson.
So, in essence, the Hawks overall, will likely be getting a middle-tier first round pick, while conserving salary cap space, for a small forward type of player who averages less than 20 a game. In case you people haven’t noticed, there are a glut of players like him in the NBA, so his value was nowhere near as much as the Atlanta beat writers kept trying to make it out to be.
I like Harrington for being unselfish and not being a cry-baby. However, this trade is fine by me because it will give our young Hawks more playing time, which is a great thing because we DON’T KNOW their ceiling, but Harrington’s was obvious, and it was no better than dozens of players in the league, including 3-4 on our current roster.
By Kevin
August 23, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
How can you call this a mistake? You get rid of a quality player who was only going to be here for this season and then would have left to be paid more and you get nothing in return when that happens. On top of that if you keep Al, you have 4 guys playing the same positions and the young guys sit on the pine. Now you free up salary and playing time for Marvin, Josh, and Sheldon, and you have room to make a move this year at the deadline if the team is in contention. Everyone with a brain knew that rebuilding this team from scratch was going to be a long process, but I think that they are right there now with a chance to finish 8 and get trounced in the first wound of the playoffs.
By Kevin
August 23, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
How can you call this a mistake? You get rid of a quality player who was only going to be here for this season and then would have left to be paid more and you get nothing in return when that happens. On top of that if you keep Al, you have 4 guys playing the same positions and the young guys sit on the pine. Now you free up salary and playing time for Marvin, Josh, and Sheldon, and you have room to make a move this year at the deadline if the team is in contention. Everyone with a brain knew that rebuilding this team from scratch was going to be a long process, but I think that they are right there now with a chance to finish 8th and get trounced in the first round of the playoffs.
By Sports Are stupid
August 23, 2006 02:04 PM | Link to this
I’m going to get all bent out of shape about something as inherently boring and completely useless as basketball. Or any other pro sport for that matter.
I’m going to cry about something that has no impact on my life in any way shape or form.
I’m going to quote meaningless stats and give armchair critiques about utter nonsense.
I’m going to get frustrated and angry over some two bit town with some never was basketball team.
I’m a sports fan.
Pathetic.
By Rick
August 23, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
Sports are dumb dude:
you are obviously one of those untalented persons at sports, who always watched while the other kids played. You were to unathletic and nerdy for other kids to let you play with them. Now your sole purpose is to bash fans of something they love, since you are a person who cannot love something, since it and everyone else has rejected you for your whole life. Rick
By Mitch
August 23, 2006 02:32 PM | Link to this
The Hawks overpaid to land the face of their franchise: Joe Johnson. Well, they had to…and he’s the only All-Star caliber player on the team…as of yet!
I would do the deal again…knowing that the Hawks weren’t likely to get ANY All-Star caliber player to even THINK about playing for them.
Al Harrington can score…but he gives up as much or more on the other end…and because of that, and because he won’t be able to jack up 25 shots a game the way he did in Atlanta…he will never be an All-Star.
Did anyone really want him back?
On the one hand Bradley and others complain about giving up 2 first rounders for JJ…and then the Hawks get one back for Harrington (when they could have gotten nothing at all)…and they still complain. Go figure.
The draft…same thing…one minute Bradley and others complain that all they do is draft wings…and then they complain when the Hawks draft a defensive oriented PF, when it was clear that the Hawks had NO interior defense last year.
Did you want Randy Foye instead?
Randy Foye is a 2 guard…Joe Johnson is a 2 guard…so is Salim Stoudamire, who can flat-out score on any level.
The four acquisitions the Hawks made ALL are chemistry pieces…PG Speedy Claxton is the perfect push-the-ball-up-the-floor point guard for the Hawks…he is exactly what they need…Shelden Williams was the NCAA Defensive Player of the Year for 2 years for a good reason…the guy is tough nosed and super competitive…Lorenzo Wright is a long big with quick ups, a silky touch around the basket and the ability to alter shots…same with Solomon Jones, who offers the Hawks a more physical presence in the paint.
I think the Hawks will have six players average in double figures this year:
Johnson (23 ppg)
Pachulia (17 ppg)
Smith (16 ppg)
Williams (14 ppg)
Claxton (13 ppg)
Stoudamire (10 ppg)
And Wright, Lue and Shelden Williams will average in the 7-10 ppg range.
If the tempo is right and the chemistry is better, I like them to win 40 games and challenge for a playoff spot.
By Andy Gunter
August 23, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a loyal hawks fan since i won a ball boy contest in 1986 at age 8.(I accidentally hit Bill Lambeer in the face with a ball, I thought he was going to crush me.) In recent years I’ve seen the talent the Hawks have let go, and have to question the ability of the owners to run their Franchise. Obviously, they got a GM who knows what to do with the Thrashers, but the Hawks have continued to disappoint with the moves and draft choices they have made. They had drafted someone from Europe who never even stepped foot in the gym. I can’t remember the last time we had a winning season. Let’s hope to get Belkin back cause Billy “Blind AS” Knight don’t know squat.
By Tony
August 23, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
As a Pacers fan I like the deal. I think your problem in Atlanta is the ownership, who in their right mind would want to play for the Hawks? I used to live in Atl and loved it. Back then the braves were champs, Matumbo (or however it is spelled) was dominating the lane. Wilkens had only been gone a short time and the Citys teams look awsome…what happened? Is it that the true genious was Ted Turner? makes one wonder, anyway great deal guys.
By Tony
August 23, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
As a Pacers fan I like the deal. I think your problem in Atlanta is the ownership, who in their right mind would want to play for the Hawks? I used to live in Atl and loved it. Back then the braves were champs, Matumbo (or however it is spelled) was dominating the lane. Wilkens had only been gone a short time and the Citys teams look awsome…what happened? Is it that the true genious was Ted Turner? makes one wonder, anyway great deal guys.
By Tony
August 23, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
As a Pacers fan I like the deal. I think your problem in Atlanta is the ownership, who in their right mind would want to play for the Hawks? I used to live in Atl and loved it. Back then the braves were champs, Matumbo (or however it is spelled) was dominating the lane. Wilkens had only been gone a short time and the Citys teams look awsome…what happened? Is it that the true genious was Ted Turner? makes one wonder, anyway great deal guys.
By Tony
August 23, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
As a Pacers fan I like the deal. I think your problem in Atlanta is the ownership, who in their right mind would want to play for the Hawks? I used to live in Atl and loved it. Back then the braves were champs, Matumbo (or however it is spelled) was dominating the lane. Wilkens had only been gone a short time and the Citys teams look awsome…what happened? Is it that the true genious was Ted Turner? makes one wonder, anyway great deal guys.
By Jawgadawg
August 23, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Dude, you are pathetic. Move to another city or something. All you do is complain and your rationale never makes sense.
By Bigg MYKE
August 23, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this
Can somebody please tell me what the hell just happened? Do we even desire to win any games??? As if you haven’t noticed, there aren’t any marquee college players anymore..no more big men to draft….so why do we keep stockpiling freaking picks that nobody wants! Firebillyknight.com.
Bradley is a genius!
By Bigg MYKE
August 23, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
..and Mitch! Give me some of that stuff you are smoking! The Hawks can hardly average a “double digit” winning record..much less 4 scorers at double digits! Man I love your optimism. Enron is hiring…you should check it out!
By Bob
August 23, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Billy Knight supporters, please explain the following:
In 04-05, the Charlotte Bobcats were in their first year. Despite only being allowed to use 2/3 of their salary cap, they won 5 more games than the Hawks.
In 05-06, the Charlotte Bobcats were in their second year. Despite only being allowed to use 3/4 of their salary cap, they won the same number of games as the Hawks.
In fact, during both seasons the expansion Bobcats spent millions of dollars less than the Hawks, yet won the same or more games than the Hawks.
Why should casual observers be interested in the Hawks given this? Given the NBA CBA to favor players resigning with their team when their rookie contract is over (see all of the 2003 draft class this past summer), why would a potential free agent like Dwight Howard be interested in signing here (other than the fact that he has connections to Atlanta, which a number of NBA stars also have)?
p.s. The Chris Paul/Baron Davis comparison is not even fair. Baron Davis had well-known knee injuries in college, and though CP3 plays hard each night in a big man’s game, AI has been able to thrive in this league as well.
I hope someone can provide a resonable response that would encourage an NBA fan like myself to want to become invested in the Hawks.
By Mascot on a Moped
August 23, 2006 04:37 PM | Link to this
Great Chad Ford article today….
It’s not shocking to hear the words “great trade” when the team attached to the other end of the deal is the Atlanta Hawks.
The Pistons heard it when they stole Rasheed Wallace from the Hawks at the trade deadline in 2004 — a move that gave them the NBA title. The Suns heard it (albeit belatedly) when they got two first-round draft picks and Boris Diaw for Joe Johnson last summer.
Al Harrington will be back in blue and gold this season. But in the case of the recently consummated Al Harrington trade, I’m letting Hawks GM Billy Knight off the hook. It wasn’t Knight’s incompetence that made this a great deal for the Pacers. It was the brilliant maneuvering of the Pacers’ front office that made this deal, in my book, the best move of the summer.
By Micheal
August 23, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
EMBARRASSING!! I am a native of Atlanta and have only had a few good seasons that I can remember. HELP….somebody buy this team again and put in some real management!! Go Falcons and Braves!!
By Micheal
August 23, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this
EMBARRASSING!! I am a native of Atlanta and have only had a few good seasons that I can remember. HELP….somebody buy this team again and put in some real management!! Go Falcons and Braves!!
By Cisco Kid from the ATL
August 23, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
**This is for Mark Bradley and all of the negative ‘wanna be’ NBA general managers that post on this blog. You obviously don’t know anything about basketball because if you did, you would realize that the Hawks are in their third year of rebuilding this team, not the tenth!
You have to look at the big picture! If you remember, the Hawks had a bunch of malcontents with overblown salaries on their roster and Billy Knight blew up the whole thing and started from scratch.
Obviously, some of you have not followed the NBA close enough to know that rebuilding a team takes more than three years. You must be smoking something if you think you just blow up a team and go to the playoffs three years later.
I keep hearing about Chris Paul, but some of you brainiacs don’t remember that Milwaukee and Utah passed on him, and there were many NBA experts who were not sure whether Paul was big or tough enough to take the beating of the NBA game night after night.
Consider the fact that prior to the 2005 draft, many league insiders thought Marvin Williams was the best player available. I guess the jury is still out on that assessment, but Billy Knight probably picked the player that most NBA general managers would have picked.
Face it, New Orleans got lucky with Chris Paul. This was no stroke of genius. Don’t blame Billy Knight for going with the league’s consensus number one pick.
As of today, Billy Knight has built a team that is two deep at all five positions, they are ten million dollars below the salary cap (which is good since there were no blue-chip free agents available this year) and they still got a first round pick for Al Harrington.
I’m not saying that Billy Knight is a candidate for GM of the Year; I’m just telling you that this guy has made some great decisions and like any other NBA general manager, has made one or two mistakes.
Mike Woodson was a great selection as a coach and we need to remember that we have a very deep squad and the youngest team in the NBA. Most of these guys have not even scratched the surface of what they will be in the NBA. What do you ‘wanna be’ general managers expect? Eastern Conference Finals?
Remember, the Hawks have the youngest team in the NBA. Why wouldn’t you expect for them to have one of the five worst records in the NBA? You have to be kidding me if you expect me to believe that you know anything about basketball, much less the NBA.
Lastly, for Mark Bradley, you obviously don’t know anything about basketball or any other sport as evidenced by your stupid comparison of Joe Johnson’s and Al Harrington’s free agency. To even mention that Joe Johnson is overpaid is just plain moronic. I would venture to guess that the AJC must be over their salary cap and they have no other choice but to keep a scrub columnist like you around.
Peace and hair grease! And by the way, go back to watching the WNBA you bootleg NBA executives!**
By HOP
August 23, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
THE only way to get the attention, of the owners who are all bush league, is to call a fans strike and boycott the team this year.
then, maybe these owners will get their act together and get something resolved.
by suggestion would be, please put this team on the market and maybe, we can get some owners who have a clue!
By Glenn
August 23, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
From ESPN.com:
It’s not shocking to hear the words “great trade” when the team attached to the other end of the deal is the Atlanta Hawks.
The Pistons heard it when they stole Rasheed Wallace from the Hawks at the trade deadline in 2004 — a move that gave them the NBA title.
The Suns heard it (albeit belatedly) when they got two first-round draft picks and Boris Diaw for Joe Johnson last summer.
Now the Al Harrington trade with Indianapolis…
By Michael
August 23, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
If any professional team was as professional as the sports writers for the AJC, Furman Bisher & Terrence Moore being the exception, then they would be guaranteed to be the last place team every time. As a native Atlantan, now living in Hawaii, I have read the sorry diatribes from our so-called sports writers for decades & they are bush-league with the exception of Bisher & Moore….
By bfred
August 23, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
How long will the NBA let this ridiculous ownership charade continue? Force a resolution already. We obviously can’t sign any major long-term contracts until this is concluded.
By Ed W.
August 23, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
If some of the rumored trades I read about in February were true, you’re right, they should have traded him then. However, once they got to this summer, trading for a #1 plus trade exceptions or expiring contracts is the way to go. Most people making around Al’s new contract have lousy contracts or are too good to give up for Al. Getting a package of a few role players probably isn’t worth it - they would just take PT from the young guys. Like it or not, their future depends on the development of the young guys like the Joshes and Marvin.
By mrnumbersman
August 23, 2006 07:56 PM | Link to this
Oh my, where to begin? There was the team that was the number 1 seed in the east but lost because they weren’t fast enough. But they won 58 games that year. Break them up and bring in some speed.
So, some speed was brought in with JR Rider and others. They are now long gone. There has not been a playoff appearance since that time. The Hawks have drafted so good players over time - Jason Terry, Boris Diaw are a couple. Then there have been some real busts over time - Ed Gray, Jon Koncak, and others.
Now, there is wingman, Billy Knight, drafting 6’6” - 6’9” players when what is really needed is a point guard. Who is drafted? Marvin Williams. Fast forward - another point guard is needed. Who is drafted? Sheldon Williams.
Go figure
By Mike
August 23, 2006 08:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Mumbers, dont forget he drafted FIVE, count em FIVE 6’6”-6’9” players a few years ago in the same draft. 3 in the first round. HAHAHA. What a moron!! I mean we needed every position but PF. That was the year Okefor and another center (cant remember, but hes in Orlando) was out. Jameer Nelson for point. But NOOOOOO! We need to stock up on useless SF/SG bodies. Face it. This team is sunk till someone who knows what they are doin gets into the front office. Im glad they didnt pick up more useless contract for Harrington. At the same time, Im depressed because I know they have no idea how to spend the money.
By HawksFan
August 23, 2006 08:07 PM | Link to this
You might be the worst sports writer in this country. You know nothing about anything, yet try to come off as some “insider”. Hey, jacka$$!! Remember in May when you ripped the Hawks because you said they were going to get Iverson? Wondering how many games you think AI will play for the Hawks this season. You know nothing about sports. Stop writing about them.
By Steve
August 23, 2006 09:22 PM | Link to this
You people make me laugh. I wonder how many people really know basketball. Al was an OK player in Atlanta, he is good but he is not great. People, he shot 45% from the field and for a big man that is not good. He is not a great rebounder. He is not a shot blocker. He is not what the Hawks need long term. the Hawks have younger players that can do what Al did and more. Josh Smith has improved his game. He will have a higher shooting percentage than AL. He can block shots. He can rebound. He is more active. He can defend. He bringing a lot more to the Hawks and he has not reach his full potential.
Marvin Williams is another good big man that is coming into his own. The kid is a pure shooter and he can pass, rebound etc.
I can not wait until camp starts so the Hawks can show you guys what I am talking about.
By MonkeySqueezins
August 23, 2006 11:12 PM | Link to this
Steve,
I agree that the Hawks are better, long term, without Harrington. The point is that Silly Knight had yet another chance to show that he understands the job of a GM, and blew it. I’m not saying we should have taken stiffs from the Pacers or Warriors or anyone else; we needed draft picks, thanks to the way Knight got porked by Phoenix last year. But he leveraged the most marketable FA left (a player whose acquisition was heralded two seasons ago) into one lousy, lottery-protected, first-round pick. He didn’t have to take on bloated contracts; just get more future considerations.
Cause and consequence: The Hawks overpay in picks for (the fabulous) JJ, and then fail to trade down in the draft (which would have netted us a future pick AND Sheldon Williams), and so felt compelled to give Al + Edwards away to get one.
Let’s just check that scoreboard one more time, fans: The Pacers have Harrington, Edwards, and Stephen Jackson from Atl. The Suns have Diaw and two (high) draft picks. The Mavs have J. Terry. And as evidence of his genius as a GM Knight secures for the Hawks…one mid-first draft pick.
Said it before, I’ll say it again: Billy Knight probably knows a lot more about basketball than I do. However, it is clear that there are about 26 GMs in the NBA who know more than he does.
By Sphinx10
August 23, 2006 11:22 PM | Link to this
For all of you pseudo “GMs” out there that think the Hawks front office made a bad decision on the recent transactions, PLEASE BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR DAY JOBS AND NOT APPLY TO ANY OPENINGS WITH THE HAWKS’ FRONT OFFICE.
It is obviously that you guys don’t understand the rationale that was taken place here. First and foremost Al Harrington was an UNRESTRICTED FREE-AGENT, which means that he did not have to have any further ties with the Hawks and ultimately they would not have gotten anything in return for him. Just ask the Pistons with the Ben Wallace issue.
Secondly, the Hawks now have the opportunity to draft a decent player next year, with the draft expected to be really deep. Next several bloggers mentioned that we could have gotten Troy Murphy from the Warriors, but why, with such an inflated and undeserved contract that he has. The Hawks were able to acquire Lorenzen Wright and bring him back in the fold where he will be an asset to Zaza and provide a veteran presence.
Bottom line is that you guys criticize BK for all of his blunders, but Babcock started all of this mess when he decided to draft players like Jon Koncak, Dallas Comegys, Priest Lauderdale, Chris Crawford, Ed Gray, etc.
I rest my case. Give BK some slack, for after all, he had to come in and clean up the mess that “Babs” left behind. The Hawks will not be a push over and will be once again be very competitive.
Prediction: 35-42, with thoughts of playoffs for 2007-08.
By MonkeySqueezins
August 24, 2006 12:16 AM | Link to this
Oh, and this for “Cisco Kid from the ATL” and Mitch: Ok, let’s look at the job Knight has done.
He blew up a bad, overpriced roster. How hard was that really? Ok, he unloaded the Big Dog—getting nothing in return—and I’ll count that among his accomplishments. He also got Dallas to take Henderson, but had to give up Terry, so where’s the genius in that. Portland was desperate to unload Rasheed, and Knight gave up two All-Stars (Shareef and Radliff) + Dickau. (Let’s ignore for the moment that Abdur-Rahim was only a Hawk because Knight gave him to us for Gasol.) One game into the Rasheed era, Knight made Detroit a championship team in exchange for the pick that would become Josh Smith. Bottom line: Not bad, but hardly the stuff of genius
After blowing up the roster, he brought in Al Harrington, Antoine Walker, Tony Delk, Peja Drobnjak, Kenny Anderson, Kevin Willis, Jon Barry, Pig Miller, Bob Sura, Michael Doleac, Donnell Marshall, Lonny Baxter, Gary Payton, Tom Gugliotta, Joel Przybilla…and a whole lot of other guys not on the team anymore. Bottom line = tell me honestly that you or I couldn’t have done that well
He reached in the draft for Josh Childress and Sheldon Williams. Picks of Smith, Marvin Williams, and Stoudamire were excellent—but the latter two took no brilliance, as they were consensus preferences at that position. Donta Smith, Royal Ivey (rather than PG Duhon), and Solomon Jones look like wasted picks. Don’t even ask about Cenk Ankyol and Viktor Sanikidze. Bottom line: At best a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10
Got a terrific JJ from Phoenix and ZaZa from free agency. Signed Jason Collier and Tyron Lue. Got a mid-first pick from Indiana. Let’s grant that he had to overpay for JJ and grade this out as a C overall
Fired Stotts. Hired Woodson. At least Stotts’s teams showed consistent effort, but we’ll give Woody an Incomplete with this young squad
Knight has had opportunity after opportunity to show that he has a clue. Instead, he’s been abused by just about every GM in basketball not named Isaiah.
I love the Hawks, and I think they’ll be fun to watch. But we’ll be watching them lose, and Knight has NOT done that much better than we could have done.
By MonkeySqueezins
August 24, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
Hey Sphinx10,
You’re right. Harrington was an unrestricted FA, and we could have gotten nothing in return. But you need to remember that no one had cap room to sign Al outright. Denver, Golden State, New York, and Indiana wanted him, and each needed the Hawks to sign-and-trade. Maybe the market wouldn’t yield more right now, but at the trade deadline we could have loaded up.
So maybe I am a pseudo GM wanna-be. But there are about two dozen real GMs out there right now laughing (again) at Knight, and hoping he still has a job when they need to boink over some franchise.
By Taurus
August 24, 2006 01:26 AM | Link to this
The Hawks will never be a good team until they have solid ownership. The ownership is the foundation of the team. If its in disarray, how can you expect the team to be any better. The Hawks had huge bargaining chips with Harrington, #5 pick, and possibly Josh Smith for a franchise player, like KG, or maybe have traded Al and #5 pick for Gasol and their #24 pick this year and 1st round pick next year. The reason why I chose KG and Gasol, because at the end of the year KG was talking about he wanted out and Memphis was wondering will they ever be any better with Gasol as the franchise, however, pair anyone of them with Joe J. and we are cooking with grease. Once the Hawks have good ownership, maybe we will be on the good end of a deal.