AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > October > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIdeal time for Hawks to take off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Nature abhors a vacuum, and our pro sports scene is approaching vacuum status. “The Falcons used to be the team with Michael Vick, but he’s gone and they’re struggling,” Josh Smith says. “The Braves haven’t made the playoffs the last two years, and the Thrashers are off to a slow start.”
That leaves Smith’s team, and we’ve been conditioned to laugh hard and long whenever that forlorn franchise is mentioned. We should stop laughing. The Hawks are now our best hope.
Yes, the Hawks.
Yes, really.
The marketplace is wide open, and the Hawks finally seem to have something worth buying. “No question about it,” says Dominique Wilkins, who’s the club’s vice president and who was, 22 years ago, part of a team that rose up and made Atlanta take notice. “This is a prime opportunity for us.”
For the first time this century, a warm little buzz has attached itself to the franchise that has endured a long nuclear winter. The Hawks are seen as having had, miracle of miracles, a very good draft. There’s a growing belief that the process of rebuilding, which has moved at a glacial pace, is nearing its blessed end.
“I do think this is a playoff team, barring injuries,” Wilkins says, and the Hawks, as we know too well, haven’t reached the postseason since 1999. “People say the [NBA] East has improved, and it has, but we’re one of the teams that has gotten better.”
Practice games aren’t usually worth mentioning, but in the current climate — Braves falling short, Thrashers falling flat, Falcons falling apart — it must be noted that the Hawks won their first three exhibitions. Wilkins again: “We like the situation we’re in. This is a different team, a different atmosphere.”
This isn’t to say the masses have embraced the Hawks already or will anytime soon. This, remember, is Atlanta. Stan Kasten, once the president of every local pro team save the Falcons, used to say that Atlantans needed about a year to catch on even after a team starts to win. Indeed, that’s what happened with the 1985-86 Hawks.
They weren’t expected to do anything, but they arrayed three draftees — Spud Webb, John Battle and, yes, Jon Koncak — alongside young players like Wilkins and Doc Rivers and Randy Wittman and Kevin Willis and Cliff Levingston and Antoine Carr, and by New Year’s the Hawks were above .500 and getting stronger. They finished 50-32 and made the playoffs and beat Detroit in Round 1, but attendance didn’t exactly spike. Only three regular-season home games (two against the Celtics, one against the Lakers) sold out. On April 10, 1986, Wilkins scored 57 points before an audience of 9,902 at the 16,000-seat Omni.
But, come 1987 and 1988 and 1989, the Hawks were the biggest game in town. (It helped that the Braves and Falcons were moribund.) “People weren’t quite used to it [at first],” Wilkins says. “But I remember arriving at the airport during that Boston series [in 1988], and there being thousands of people to meet us. People really tripped to us. Atlanta’s always been like that — if you get their respect, they will support you.”
Josh Smith, the burgeoning power forward, is a lifelong Atlantan. He doesn’t recall the 1985-86 season for a basic logistical reason: “I was just coming into this world.” He can, however, sense a difference in the way people are regarding his team. “I go to different malls,” he says, “and it’s like people are waiting for us to explode. … This town is waiting for a team to explode, and I believe we can do it.”
If nothing else, the Hawks have at least ceased being a tired punch line. There’s an air of expectation, as opposed to a cloud of abject dread, ringing the team that has over the past eight seasons finished an aggregate 220 games under .500. Says Smith, smiling: “I’d be happy if everybody is just talking about the Hawks in a positive light.”
Everybody isn’t. Not yet. But a few folks are, and there’s a chance that number will expand over the next six months. There’s a chance the club nobody has been willing to claim will soon be the people’s choice.
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By Moose
October 16, 2007 7:54 PM | Link to this
I have to admit there are some things to like about the Hawks. They look like a 7 or 8 seed in the East this year. Maybe a playoff run will get some people into the Philips Arena seats. If they are ever a real contender, Hawks tickets will be impossible to get. Until then, I’ll buy $90 seats from a scalper for $20 right before tipoff.
By dakast
October 16, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
So it’s come to this……God help us.
By DB
October 16, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
I’ve been an Atlanta since the 70’s and we only had one team to take it all the way (Braves 95) I have gotten use to all of the losing. Right now I will take any team, but let’s be real it does not look good. I still love all my teams but we are just in Loseville.
By John Battle
October 16, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
If we have to depend on the Hawks to have success, consider us done. We’d have more luck with the WNBA team. Have the Hawks considered playing preseason games against some of those teams?
By JM
October 16, 2007 8:30 PM | Link to this
I’m buying stock in this Hawks team, if for no other reason than what Bradley stated, that they are our best hope for seeing postseason action from any of our sports teams in Atlanta. These last couple of years have been BRUTAL for this fair city’s pro sports franchises. The Braves have had two straight disappointing years. The Thrashers playoff run last year was pretty fun, but getting swept in the first round and their 0-5 start this year pretty much killed all the goodwill built up from that. The Falcons have been a disaster since 2004 and are at rock-bottom as we speak, and the Hawks have gone an unthinkable 8 straight years without a postseason bid. Atlanta may not have the best sports fans in the world, but dadgumit, those of us who do support these teams deserve better. I’m not even asking much from these Hawks. A .500 record, or even slightly worse, would be fine. Heck, they don’t even have to make the playoffs. Just give us someone to cheer for and be proud of. That’s how bad it’s gotten here.
But, anyway, I’ll stop my whining…
By meeeee
October 16, 2007 8:31 PM | Link to this
what has the world come to? hey wait a minute dont forget about those gwinnett gladiators. although they arent top tier hockey they made it to the finals and lost to a very good alaska team in just their 3rd season. lets start paying attention to some winning teams instead of the disasters
By The_Future
October 16, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Acie Law IV has ‘it’. As pessimistic as i’ve been about previous Hawks teams, there’s just something different about this bunch, and it starts with Law running the point…which means Woodson has to start him.
This city is dying to support a winner, especially a wining basketball team - but they just need a reason to believe. With Law, Johnson and the improving Smith leading (and most importantly, staying healthy - the immediate future looks very bright, Atlanta. I’ll be there opening night….
By smartguy
October 16, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
If you think the Hawks have a chance, then you haven’t seen Mike Woodson coach. I would love nothing more than for the Hawks to become Atlanta’s darling, but it just ain’t happenin. Have you seen the first handful of games on the Hawks’ schedule?
The worst part for us die hard Hawk fans is that the Gearon Goons look like they’re ready to let our best player go after this season. Someone needs to slap the Spirit.
But, hey, the good news is that a WNBA team is coming, and when they’re just as screwed up a year from now, maybe we can get excited about MLS
By mountain_jim
October 16, 2007 9:21 PM | Link to this
I like the Hawks talent base, but agree with smartguy that Mike Woodson will be the key - if he continues to performa as he has in the past, the Hawks will not have enough talent to overcome his coaching in order to make the playoffs.
By Dave
October 16, 2007 9:27 PM | Link to this
I’ve give the Hawks credit for a good draft (finally). I will, however, deduct points for the new uniforms. (Blue? Stick with the traditional red & yellow.) Anything short of the playoffs will be a BIG disappointment.
By savethecityHAWKS
October 16, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this
believ it or not the hawks can be pretty good this year if they play as a team
By Young
October 16, 2007 10:06 PM | Link to this
Hawks should win some games, Falcons should get the #1 pick for being 1-19, Flames should not win until December and Braves will have to wait until next year again, I meant 2020, but we do have Rick Flair WCE Champion.
By peter
October 16, 2007 10:11 PM | Link to this
They do look good out there…….God please no bad injuries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By tony
October 16, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
I was so disappointed that we didn’t draft Mike Conley Jr but as I studied and watch some highlight reels on Acie Law made me feel more comfortable with him. He is a fearless competitor and will not back down from no one. He’s a natural bone leader like a Magic Johnson, Doc River or a Steve Nash. Acie Law college career in assists are 546 and Steve Nash college career assists are 510. Acie Law scoring career is 1669 and Steve Nash is 1689. Folks, we have a star in the making. As for Al Horford, this guy fear no one. He put me in the mind of Charles Barkley and Tim Duncan. Al will bang with the best of them. He is one of the most unselfish athletes I’ve seen in a long time. He will put the team before himself. He can beat u down low or at the top of the key. These 2 rookies just win.
By Gutz
October 16, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
This team is on the verge of exploding I think! I’ve been to two preseason games and with Law running the point along with JJ, Marvin, Smoove and Zaza(or Horford)this team looks pretty nasty. Marvin has really stepped up so far in all 4 preseason games and Law just looks like he’s to contribute NOW. Horford and Smoove are developing nice chemistry already as well. Horford can easily average a double double this year IMO. Smoove will explode as well! Our depth is also going to be KEY this year as our second unit is probable one of the best in the NBA coming into the year. When you have Lue, Speedy and AJ at the PG, and Chill, Shelden, Salim, Solomon, and Horford coming in to round out the rotation your looking real good if you can avoid injuries. Were 12 deep this year easily and you can even throw in BLowright for 5-10min a game. I’m really optomistic about this team this year. Let’s just hope we can shock the world! I will be there opening night as well when Dallas comes to town. That game is going to be awesome!
By DLT
October 16, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this
Does any except me still have their “ATLANTA HAWKS PLAY OFF BOUND -100% GUARANTEED” tee shirt? They gave them away at games during the 2003 season. They haven’t made good on that guarantee yet. I’ll believe the Hawks are a good team when I see it.
By bravesstill#1
October 16, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
The hawks will never be atlantas team, i hope they improve and do good but be realistic. Atlanta’s team is UGA. thats the team everyone cares about, college football rains supreme in atlanta, maybe that would change if a lot of teams did good, but probably not. Anyways Braves are winning it all in 08
By DLT
October 16, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
And by the way, I do want to believe.
By Fan O Maniac
October 16, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
I’m a Hawks Fan O Maniac!!!!!!!!!!!! The Newest Brand for the Fan…
By Mr. Gilley
October 16, 2007 11:38 PM | Link to this
As long as Woodson let’s his players play and don’t try to be so hard knock..I think Atlanta will strive. Stoudamire outside shooting should help.. Horford Smith and Williams, Sheldon and Marvin Banging and Joe Johnson giving us 20ppg…We should be contenders!!! Let’s Get it Man!! Support them now!!!!
By fred b.
October 17, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
i hope Bradley is right otherwise this will be an even longer winter. i wanna believe in this team just as much as the next guy but let’s remember these are still preseason games. i’m just hoping it carries over to the regular season.
By Darrin "The Vent King"
October 17, 2007 12:08 AM | Link to this
If the Hawks can get a legit big man or two that can MOVE, they could surprise some folks. Acie Law and Al Horford are two young studs that I think are going to help change the atmosphere of losing around there. They don’t play to lose. Neither one of them. Horford is going to surprise people by infusing the art of playing with your teammates plus his a beast. He makes that extra pass for his teammate that gets him an easy bucket and hyped up in the progress. Ask Joakim Noah. That type of play can be infectious. It work in Florida. As for the new Law in town, he has that “dog” in him. He can be our Ben Gordon in the 4th quarter one day, if not sooner. He has a passion for the game, at least from what I saw from him when he played in college. His Texas A&M squad was 0- and forever in their own division when he first got their as a freshman and by the time Acie left, that same school was making big noise in the NCAA tourney making all kinds of trouble in their division. He doesn’t quit AND loves to take over the game when the its on the line. He isn’t afraid to take THAT shot and I like that. We need that. With “He Got Game” Joe Johnson and the athletic wonder with the ever improving jumper that btw is going to surprise some folks and put him in the All-Star game this year in Josh Smith, in a season or two this team may be capable of pulling themselves out of the cellar. The Hawks have a long way to go, but I think they may finally be at least getting started.
GO HAWKS!!
By se ashe
October 17, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
watch more film on rebounding …practice outside shooting and blocking shots
thanks JS for the tickets tonite.
atlanta attend more Hawk games.
By HB Ando
October 17, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
It’s always pretty funny when Bradley or T. Moore do a “Hawks’ drive-by”. They always offer such a superficial overview of actual situation.
If you are interested in following the Hawks, and their potential/challenges, you really should check out Sekou Smith’s Hawks blog, right here on this very ajc.com website.
Then you can contemplate that this team, while assembled with it’s greatest aggregate, individual talent, in years, continues to be unquestionably imbalanced, lacking a center, and compiled of 5 PG’s, Joe Johnson, and 9 forwards.
This isn’t a playoff team. Book it. And unless the front office leverages it’s young, redundant talent, at the forward position, along with it’s similarly redundant, veteran back-up talent, at point guard, in the acquisition of a legitimate center, or, at the very least, a replacement first rounder, for the likely lottery pick they are giving Phoenix, from the Joe Johnson deal (don’t get me started), then as much as you can point to the various individual talents of each player, you can only play five at a time, and none of them can stop legitimate, opposing post players (go back and look at every pre-season box, and see what opposing bigs have done to us), then we’re still in the basement of the East.
Or make it even easier on yourself: find a team that you can definitively establish as worse than this team, in the East.
I can’t find a one.
And I’m certain that Phoenix can’t wait to get our unprotected, likely, lottery pick, next summer (can you imagine OJ Mayo being groomed to replace Steve Nash?) .
Swell.
By Capt. Caveman
October 17, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Hawks are ready.
Atlanta is ready.
The NBA is ready.
ARE YOU?!?!
By jc_dawg
October 17, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this
Wilkins is dead-on when he says that “barring injuries they can be a playoff team”.
Last year they won 30 games but Johnson was out for a good 15 games or so. Add Horford and Law to a team that is young with eveyone coming back…and they should be better this year.
We could be looking at a 40-45 win season. And that could nab the 7th or 8th playoff spot in the east.
Go Hawks!
By Russ
October 17, 2007 1:47 AM | Link to this
I have been a hawks fan since the 86 season. I grew up in PA and can thank TBS for steeling me from the Sixers. Fell in love with Niques game and have been a follower since. The Hawks look to have A VERY GOOD TEAM CHANCE this year. I can see them getting over the 40 game mark. People say the East has gotten better and most of those comments are due to Bostons offseason moves but look out for the Hawks. Besides Boston will need to show they have a bench to backup those that they got this summer.
By Russ
October 17, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
I have been a hawks fan since the 86 season. I grew up in PA and can thank TBS for steeling me from the Sixers. Fell in love with Niques game and have been a follower since. The Hawks look to have A VERY GOOD TEAM CHANCE this year. I can see them getting over the 40 game mark. People say the East has gotten better and most of those comments are due to Bostons offseason moves but look out for the Hawks. Besides Boston will need to show they have a bench to backup those that they got this summer.
By Nique!
October 17, 2007 2:09 AM | Link to this
First off, Braves are going to win World Series next year is the best joke I have heard in years. Gotta Love Bobby but that guy has never had a hunch that was right……
As long as management does not trade our best player when we are dominating like Lenny Wilkins did to me then we will be fine.
Not to mention Horford is a beast that is going to taking people out and finally you will see some smashmouthing that is not happening in the Loser Dome across the street….
By JT
October 17, 2007 2:14 AM | Link to this
I mean, why NOT the Hawks? Even though it has taken them FOREVER to rebuild the team, they did it the right way. We finally have a solid young point guard and a talented big man to build a team around. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made some noise this fall….so hell, GO HAWKS!!!!
By Sham-Rock
October 17, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this
GOOD LUCK WITH THAT BRADLEY If you recall I believe the thrashers were 5-2 in the preseason. So I would not hold my breath until the Hawks have a decent team!
By Richard Kraus
October 17, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
Anyone who saw the Trailblazers’ Outlaw and Aldridge abuse the Hawks front line over the weekend would have to have rose colored glasses on to even imagine the Hawks hanging with a mid level NBA team.
By Change in the air
October 17, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
The Falcons are hopeless this year. People say we will get a good draft pick to bring to this hopeless team . Mike Vick you was ans still is this team best hope. Hawk hope less!!!
By smartguy
October 17, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Ando is the man. Perfectly phrased “redundant talent.” We have so much redundant talent. Four power forwards (and more if you want to count Zaza or LW) and four point guards (five if you count Salim). Where is the balance for this franchise?? My guess is that the balance and sensibility we needed is sitting on his hands in Boston. Either Billy is a really good salesman, or the Gearon Goons are really gullible (or just plain stupid).
On a positive for the Hawks, I do think we are better than Milwaukee, Indiana, and Philly.
By andy
October 17, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
You’ve got to be kidding, I’d rather watch Monday Night RAW than watch a bunch of THUGS in The NBA!!!!This is no longer basketball, it is MEBALL!!!
By Atlanta Fan
October 17, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this
The Braves are still Atlanta’s team. They were the first pro sports team in Atlanta. They have the most wins in Atlanta since the dawn of time. The Hawk, Thrashers, and Falcons could all win championships and a year later the Braves would still be the most popular team in the Southeast. Sorry Mark Bradley you are wrong as usual.
By One
October 17, 2007 10:16 AM | Link to this
If the Hawks are our best hope, we’re HOPELESS!!!!! They may as well let the cheerleaders play! HAHAHA
By Tommy
October 17, 2007 10:33 AM | Link to this
Until another Atlanta franchise shows that they can win as consistently as the Braves, everyone else will be completing for second best. I like where they’re headed, but it’s pretty scary that this town could be attaching all of its winter-time attention to a 38-win hawks team…
By Ryder
October 17, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Richard I also believe that the Hawks had six players sitting out that game with injuries, so I can’t put any credit into that one.
This team is deep enough to surprise some teams this year. The key will be how Woodson manages (or in his case mismanages) the lineup. Will he have the rookies come off the bench until they get used to the pace of the NBA game? Will Josh Smith develop a consistent jumper or decide to work his game down low? Can JJ get some rest and not be subjected to 40+ mins a game? The early schedule is daunting with games against the top Western teams but if the Hawks can develop a top flight unit and learn how to properly execute the fast break offense then they should be fine.
Oh, one more thing: SUPPORT SEKOU’S BLOG! If anyone deserves credit for sticking with this franchise through all their mess it should be him.
By JB
October 17, 2007 11:05 AM | Link to this
I’ve been a Hawks fan for 26 years (since I was a kid). I remember the days of Dan Roundfield, Tree Rollins, John Drew, Eddie Johnson and the like. I’ve seen the ups and downs and crazy GM moves (Billy is nothing compared to Pete Babcock, now he REALLY had some crazy draft moves!). After all of these years this is the first time since the Dominique days that it looks like there is a plan that is coming together. It appears we are seeing the budding of an awesome rose! These guys have been putting in the work and deserve our support. I can’t say that for the other organizations. As much as I was a MV7 fan (and still wish him the best) he has single handedly ripped the Falcons apart and the Braves are sliding into duldrum. The Hawks have stayed the course in the midst of everyone laughing at them and it’s starting to payoff. Hopefully they’ll get off to a fast start. When that happens let’s give them their due and support them like the hometown team that they are. Go HAWKS!!!!
By PeachBowlDawgs
October 17, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
They closed the blog for names of the new WNBA team. (What a JOKE!)
I had to post mine somewhere though.
Atlanta Yankees (considering half of this town is from up North)
Atlanta Faiweathers (considering that amounts to what fans in this town are)
Atlanta GoldClubbers (now that would draw basketball players and fans alike back)
Atlanta PitBulls (everyone could come in show their support for the infamous prodigal son)
And last but definitely the one that should strongly be cosidered to draw fans to the game:
ATLANTA CONVICKS
Opening night Ookie fans would come to see the game in droves. As they sellout because the special opening night fan giveaway would be condoms and a secret compartment water bottle…
By PeachBowlDawgs
October 17, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
I like what the Hawks have done and think they could be a playoff team this year.
Horeford and Law were perfect picks. Marvin Williams progresses his game and becomes a star this year. And then you have Joe Johnson and Josh Smith. Sheldon Williams and Josh Childress need to be traded because I don’t see much in either of them that would make them productive in the growth of the Hawks.
By own the paint
October 17, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this
This team will be better but the jury is still out on Mike Woodson. Somehow if we just had a guy like Mutombo (7 foot shot blocker) and a true PG to come off the bench, I feel like we’d win the division. But things are looking up. And let me in give you the true saviour to this franchise; next year’s draft will be loaded with TRUE POINT GUARDS. O.J. Mayo, Augustin at Texas, Lawson at UNC, Chambers at Kansas are all GREAT POINT GUARDS. We get one of them and NO ONE WILL STOP US! Ok BK show us what you are made of.
By Marcus
October 17, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
I still don’t like the new color scheme. But I do like what I see with the Rookies.
It should be a good year.
By Marcus
October 17, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this
Can we have one blog without Vick jokes?
By roan st
October 17, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
The hawks have the worst coach in the league. Plus they get destroyed inside because they have no true center and billy knight refuses to acquire one. Do they have some nice young pieces? Absolutely. But until a big that can play defense is brought here they will fall short of the playoffs.
By ** for peachbowldawgs**
October 17, 2007 12:23 PM | Link to this
does mv7 ever leave your mind? are you consumed by him? let me guess….a black man playing the most segregated position in all of sports p** you off? this is a hawks blog. not a wnba blog. not a falcons blog. save your ill-placed remarks for when you are at home with your hood on, or another blog. take your khaki shorts, and flip flop sandals back to samford stadium, re-enroll in college.play a sport. then maybe you can become a productive ga citizen by helping with you guys graduation rates. ooops did i say that? ridiculous.
By B-Ball Fan
October 17, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this
I have been a Hawks fan since before they ever came to Atlanta. Yes, I remember when they were the St. Louis hawks with Sweet Lou Hudson, Joe Caldwell, Richie Guerin, Walt Bellamy, Zelmo Beatty, Don Ohl. I certainly hope this year’s team can make a play-off run, but realistically I think still a year away. Go Hawks !!!!
By Buck Naked
October 17, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
The Hawks absolutely have talent at certain positions, but Billy Knight’s obsession with wingspan and athleticism has produced a team of forwards sprinkled with 2-guards. Maybe Acie Law can run the point, but with no true center in the paint, the Hawks simply won’t compete with the East contenders. I love Horford, but at 4, not 5. JSmoothe at 3? OK, but where does Marvin go? He’s a nice 2, but a better 3. Plus, JJ is entrenched at 2, and he’s not gonna be a 1, even though he played there last night out of necessity. It all works, though, if Big Al feeds me the “shut up juice” and takes care of business down on the low block. Having JChill and Shelden coming off the bench ain’t so bad, either. All that said, Woody is gonna go a long way toward defining the 2007-8 season. Is he a real NBA head coach? This season should tell that tale… At least they should be relevant once again, and even entertaining at times. That alone is enough to keep me interested.
By morris
October 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Peachbowldogs, It’s obvious that you don’t watch the hawks games. Typical blogger who comes out of nowwhere and makes stupid comments. ” Sheldon Williams and josh childress need to be traded because I don’t see much in either of them that would make them productive in the growth of the hawks”. No question shelden is a dud. But when you put josh childress in that statement it either shows your ignorance or you simply are making comments about a team you really have no insight too. Josh Childress is well on his way to being the best six man in the game. He can play mlutiple positions- sg, sf, and even pg and pf in certain situations. He can score, rebound, defend and brings an energy that no other player on the team can provide. Childress is pivotal when it comes to the success of the hawks this year.
By No Spirit
October 17, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Spirit fired Hartley after taking Thrashers to the playoffs. Woodson could last longer putting losing teams on the floor than going to the playoffs. Spirit hang onto Mike & Billy yet fire their only winning coach? They are and always have been a JOKE.
By CPT BRENT BAGLEY
October 17, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
I’m sick and tired of all the losing. It’s time for a team to take charge and it might as well be the Hawks. This team should finish a winner and make the playoffs. Hopefully, that’ll be a good percusor of the new WNBA team.
By tim
October 17, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this
People will be watching college football until winter. I hope the Hawks have a good season. I have been a fan for many years but until we get a legitimate big man the best we can hope is to get a 7, 8 seed and an early exit. WTH is wrong with the Thrashers. Braves not in the playoffs. ARGH!!!
By Dave
October 17, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
I hope to see the hawks do well this season, still skeptical. A 41-41 season would be a good improvement. Its a long season and a good start will bring in some fans, I expect to see a lot of empty Thrasher seats if they keep this up. As for the comment that Atlanta does not have good sports fans, that is BS, It is only because Atlanta only has Bad sports teams that the fans recognize as S—T when they see it, Braves pre 91 12 last place finishes from 74 to 90 the only thing worse than the braves during that period is the Falcons in over 40 seasons of play they have been at the bottom of the division over 20 times and have only finished over 500 6 times- there are teams that have won more superbowls in that same time span than Atlanta has 500+ seasons. The Flames were mediocre for the 8 seasons they were here but when they left they won a cup. The Hawks had some good seasons with Dominique but never came close to a Finals appearance, and Lenny Wilkins with Mookie Blaylock and Dikembe Mutumbo teams were pretty good also, but when you have 40+ years with mostly losing teams nobody wants to be associated with the crap that has been dealt to the city. So after many years of sports journalist telling us that this is the year, because of the numerous 1st round draft picks we have accumulated, we have found that the year usually results in another first round draft pick. Atlanta fans embraced the Brave wholeheartedlly in 91 and continued support them through the 90’s and even to this day, they are a good draw, but even with the Braves success they are 1-4 in world series yes even in winning they are losers, a disappointment to the fans who deserve better. So I say when Atlanta has several seasons of winning franchise history behind them judge us!!! but with a football team that averages 5 to 6 wins a season a basketball team that averages 20 wins a season, a hockey team that is lucky to have made the playoffs once in 8 seasons and a baseball team that chokes in the playoffs -when they emerged from their 60 win losing ways. I am a Falcons, Braves, Hawks and Thrashers fan but reality is that 3 out of 4 are bad and the other one is slowly fading into mediocrity.