AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 18 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBibby’s a gift to Woodson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Terence Moore
Nothing against the six, nine, 387 or whatever number of other Hawks owners comprising Atlanta Spirit, LLC, but this franchise would be so much better with just the Gearons in charge.
Once again, Michael Gearon Sr., the insightful father, got it exactly right when discussing the present and the future of the Hawks. They just became significant, or beyond that, after swapping virtually nothing for Mike Bibby, a real point guard with credentials and more than a little zip left in his 29-year-old legs.
“I think everybody on our staff wants to see how we’re going to play when you put a guy out there who can really run a team, because that’s what we haven’t had,” said Gearon, who has spent three decades with the Hawks as everything from GM, president, chairman of the board to NBA governor. “But, listen. I don’t think it matters what moves you make. Fans just want to see one thing, and that is, what you do on the floor.”
To put it bluntly, Hawks coach Mike Woodson has to win.
Like now.
“You know, how does Ted Turner race when he doesn’t have a really great boat? Well, now you’ve got a good boat. You’ve got the pieces. I think now Mike has a team,” said Gearon, referring to Woodson, a career NBA assistant before joining the Hawks. He spent his three seasons in Atlanta before this one winning just 28 percent of the time courtesy of a young and flawed roster.
Even so, Woodson has impressed in several ways. First, he has ignored the whining among players over his supposedly demanding ways. “If they think this guy is tough, they should have been around when Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello were coaching here,” said Gearon, chuckling, before adding, “All of that [whining] by players means nothing to me.” Here’s what matters more to Gearon: The next time Woodson complains about his plight with the Hawks will be the first.
We’re talking about a screwy ownership situation, where one owner is suing the others for control of the team, and where the general manager has made bizarre moves and non-moves. “The guy never complains, never knocks a player in private conversations, never says a negative word about Billy [general manager Billy Knight], the owners, the players, anybody,” Gearon said of Woodson. “Any coach who came in here was going to lose games. Mike had a kid who was right out of high school [Josh Smith], and another who spent just a year in college [Marvin Williams].
“The Bulls, in their rebuilding process, they just kept churning guys. Elton Brand. Ron Artest. Tyson Chandler. We didn’t churn anybody. We had the guts to sweat it out and not panic.”
So much for the past. As for the Hawks’ present and future, Gearon expects results, which he should. Which means Woodson has to produce in a hurry. Which means his fate will depend on whether the Hawks spend their last 33 games ending the distinction of having the NBA’s longest current streak for a team missing the playoffs at eight seasons.
With Bibby, the Hawks aren’t so young and flawed anymore. He is a real point guard for a franchise that kept ignoring such a thing (Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Mike Conley Jr.) in the draft. If you add Bibby to All-Star Joe Johnson, along with the athletic and capable likes of Marvin Williams, Al Horford and the two Joshes (Smith and Childress), the Hawks suddenly are competitive in the wobbly Eastern Conference. Their 21-28 record puts them just 2 1/2 games from the sixth playoff spot, which they would prefer. You can make the postseason as the seventh- and eighth-place teams. It’s just that you’d get the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons, the only monsters in the conference.
Even with Bibby, the Hawks aren’t ready to slay a Goliath in the playoffs, but this gets them closer to a slingshot.
“This is his opportunity,” Gearon said of Woodson. “It’s something that he deserves, and he finally got it.”
Or he’ll quickly get it.
Permalink | Comments (48) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Terence Moore
Comments
By drmaryb
February 18, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this
Hey Terence
Great article, this is good work on your behalf. Keep it up! youv’e really been smoking these past six months.
Now we can focus on the five spot and suring up our bench. I would like to see more effort plays e.g. Mario West.
I could actually take less of ZA ZA. He has not come to play this year - is he sulking? Why not man up and challenge Horford instead. Don’t hate - compete!
I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’ve got my POPCORN and Cherry-COKE! I’m ready - folks!
By Sunny Jay
February 18, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
hello everybody
By clarkekent
February 18, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
Woodson needs to play his players.. salim and solmon jones .. Acie law he has to play now bcuz of the trade. if Josh smith isn’t on the floor solmon jones should be playing. he is the only true shot blocker on the team.. salim is instant offense. he should get ten mins a game just becuz he is a scorer. i would like to see al horford solomon jones and josh smith on the floor at the same time with joe johnson and bibby. that would be a running squad tht would cause match up problems for teams.
By drmaryb
February 18, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
It’s time to get off BILLY’S back. This GM is appreciated for his “WURK” all over this league. He get’s more love and respect outside of this city than most people think!
First he Demolished the old regime’s mess. Then he began building something new! and he had a vision a plan. Now whether you agree or like his vision or his plan - well, at least he had one!
Listen to all the losing team “QOUTES” after an Atlanta Hawks Butt-Whippin’! They all say the same thing, “They’re so long.” and “They’re so inter-changeable on defense when they rotate.” “They were flying around reaking Havoc and Marvin was makin’ shots.”
It’s all there, these HAWKS have been a handful & Now? They just got ORGANIZED! Go Billy! Go Woody! Go Terence! Go HAWKS! ROY - HORFORD ;o
By Shasheika McSanchez
February 18, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
hey guyssss biggest hawks fan right here!!
By Eric
February 18, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
Finally a good article by Mr. Moore. Let me add by saying something no one has mentioned. The Hawks bench also got better with this trade. The Hawks have a great young player in Soloman Jones, who hasn’t played because of politics. Now they don’t have a choice but to play him. Then there is “the sniper” Stoudamire who can play the role of specialist. My prediction the Hawks make the 6 seed, and defeat Orlando in the 1st round.
By DarkRyder
February 18, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves people: Has anyone bothered to look at the upcoming schedule? The Hawks are still immature on the road and falter under pressure. If Bibby’s going to make any real impact, it has to start off right away.
Besides, Philadelphia’s now playing a cupcake schedule, New Jersey is still around, and the Wizards are starting to get healthy. That 2.5 deficit for the sixth spot could turn to 7 games in a heartbeat.
Atlanta is still one person shy of the league minimum roster, will they bring in Dale Davis or PJ Brown to get that veteran big who could dispel Horford?
Will Woodson still stick to his guns and put all the offense on JJ, or will he finally learn to adjust to the talent on this roster?
By Dikembe X. Applegate
February 18, 2008 8:25 PM | Link to this
hey ShaSheika McSanchez i’m your biggest fan!!
-<3 Dikembe X. Applegate
By William J. HArding
February 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Thank you Hawks for bringing in a quality and proven player, Mike Bibby, to assist the younsters.He got his basic training from his father and Lud Oldson at Arizona.
You now have the right Coach You have sent the grouchs and disobedient players away and you have a group to build upon.
We will be praying for the team and I will be investing in tickets.
God bless and strengthen the entire organization.
Once this group gets going the front office will get the message and get their priorities in orded.
Bill HArding
By jdewayneatl
February 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
If Terrence likes it then it must be GOOD. Can’t wait to have a seat at the playoffs!!!
By spudster
February 18, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
finaly someone in this organazation got it right ! now this team will be worth watching & pay my money to see.
By richbrave
February 18, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
drmaryb:
Go mary. What defensive #5 would you bring in here.
By THE Hawks Fan
February 18, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
The ASG and Billy Knight have tried to really make this Team better. I cant belive im saying that. You have to give them credit for trying. Addition by subtraction. Coach Woodson can get atleast 20 more wins out of these guys. He has to change up some though. His in game adjustments have to get better. His sub patterns WILL get better with less options. Buf if any thing he has proven he has more lives than a cat crossing 285 in rush hour traffic. This man has been through alot. I hope it all makes him and the HAWKS better.Goooooooo HAWKS!!!!
By John
February 18, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
It is rare that Mr. Moore says anything kind about any Atlanta Sports franchise so for him to pin an article praising the young Hawks is of significance. I am a long time Hawks fan of the Dominique Wilkins, Tree Rollins, Dan Roundfied, Eddie Johnson era and to see this team peice it together is a beautiful thing
By honest_abe
February 18, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
somebody want to fill me in when “not complaining” translated into a job well done?
helloooo mr. gearon #2. wake up!!
why should your current coach complain when he knows he’s stealing a paycheck from you every single day! until you fire woody the asg will be continued to be looked upon as broke and clueless.
By Najeh Davenpoop
February 19, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
I am pretty shocked that Mike Woodson mentioned Salim Stoudamire and Solomon Jones by name as people who are getting a greater opportunity. In fact, I’m surprised he still remembers their names. Neither one is a guy the Hawks should be counting on, but both can contribute in certain aspects of the game in short stretches, and as the 9th and 10th guys off the bench can be pretty valuable.
By Pinball34
February 19, 2008 12:45 AM | Link to this
Wrong, TEARUS (a new one) MOORE, Get a LEGIT center, then Woodson will be set, like you say. We need Horford at 4, not 5…
By mred1943
February 19, 2008 1:16 AM | Link to this
need a big how about johan petro from seattle he’s a young shot blocker with a reasonable salary
By Dr. Warren
February 19, 2008 3:08 AM | Link to this
Get your Fritos and Tabs ready folks. Grab a seat close enough to the TV to adjust the coat hanger antenna. We got ourselves an old school point guard who can shoot to the hills. The Fish That Saved Sacramento has come to ATLANTA!!!
By Danny Manning
February 19, 2008 3:39 AM | Link to this
Suckers.
By Steve Belkin
February 19, 2008 5:53 AM | Link to this
I HAVEN’T APPROVED THIS YET…
By Smarter than you
February 19, 2008 6:30 AM | Link to this
Hey, drmaryb!
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY!
By jm
February 19, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
If you consider a wasted #5 overall pick in the draft nothing, then you are correct in what the Hawks gave up.
By Titothebear
February 19, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
Sure, Mike Bibby is a good player, but he is not going to make this team a real threat to win the pathetic East. Correct me if I’m wrong but don’t they still have a gaping hole at center? Fine, Bibby turns a 21-28 team into a .500 team but what possible good will that do? They’re still going to get hammered by Detroit, Boston, and probably Orlando. Screw just making the playoffs, we need to win divisions, conference finals, and NBA titles. I don’t want to be an 8-seed and become a sacrificial lamb. Please tell me this isn’t all that will be done…ugh!
By LL Cool Scott
February 19, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
A lot of fans have been blaming Mike Woodson for this teams struggles. However, there’s one thing I’ve learned in watching the league for the past 25 years - PLAYERS win and lose games, not COACHES. Billy Knight is the one who made those horrible draft picks and personnel moves and was mainly to blame for this teams struggles. Now, Billy Knight pulled off a brilliant trade and if we start winning, he should get credit for that, not Woodson.
By drmaryb
February 19, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave
Your’e my most favorite blogger - I get you!
At the #5 we need an old savy veteran. Not someone who will try to do too much. J-Smoove needs some help patrolling the paint…someone who can chage shots and block a little. I think Marcus Camby would be a perfect pick, but you know Denver isn’t going to let him get away!
We simply need a presence not a Force! Look at Tim Duncan - He’s a true #4 playing that spot. He’s crafty and has amazing post up moves…Typically rookies don’t come with that type game! Dale Davis looks O.K.to me!
By drmaryb
February 19, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
Hey Titothebear
cheer up man! we gotta start somewhere!
By ATL Rattler
February 19, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
let’s see if we’d pick Mike Conley Jr, we wouldn’t have Al Horford….I think I’m good on that one.
By RickNole
February 19, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
Tito I think some people just want to see the Hawks finally play a meaningful game late in the season and into the playoffs.
No one expects a ring, but the experience for this young team to make the playoffs would be gigantic. Just look at the Orlando Magic(where I currently reside). They got swept by Detroit last year, but they have grown leaps and bounds since.
I would be happy to see this team compete in the playoffs even if they get swept in the first round.
By RA
February 19, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Hey Titothebear,
You know it’s times like this when I really wish you’d kept all that bubbling personality and brimming optimism over there on the Falcon blog WHERE IT BELONGS! Anyway, you’re right about one thing. The East is pathetic, and it’s mostly wide open, but as far as the Hawks getting hammered. I dont’ think so. No, Atlanta hasn’t won a game against Detroit this season, but in at least two of those games the mighty Detroit Pistons came away with claw prints all up and down their backsides. The Hawks have handled Orlando, beat them in their own backyard earlier this season as I recall, or did I blink? And as for Boston, who hasn’t gotten their butts torn out of the frame by them this year??? I mean, you put three all-stars on Golden State’s roster and they’ll look like world beaters too.
Now, I’ll tell you plane, this team has put more grey hairs on my head than I’ve accrued at any time in my life, well, them and the Falcons, but I think that this incarnation of the Hawks is finally ready to stop worrying about what the rest of the league is going to do to them and concetrate on what they’re going to do to the league.
By some sense
February 19, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
Easy, Terence. Coach Woodson hasn’t made any excuses to this point. No reason to think he’ll make or have any now. Next move is to find another p/g to groom, probably not Law, and add a presence up front.
By cashmere
February 19, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I LOVED THE LAST TWO LINES OF THIS REPORT, NOW THATS GOOD REPORTING.
Terence Moore,WOODY,YES N EVEN KNIGHTAND THE OWNERSHIP HERE I THINK YOU CAN DESERVE A PAT ON THE BACK FOR THIS ONE
n i think we’ll stop giving you swirlies,and egging ur cars now.
By ricky
February 19, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
Maybe now the Bibby is here he can help mold Acie. It certainly can’t hurt to pick his brain and see how he operates.
By James Adams
February 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Again, Terrance Moore proves to be the funniest man ever by making a grown sports figure ‘chuckle’. every Damned article someone CHUCKLES!! I think when he cant think of the proper verbage to use, he just automatically puts ‘chuckles’. Damn , Damn, DAMN DAMN DAAAMNN!!!!
By Nikki
February 19, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I’m excited. Suddenly, this team has a second wind. No excuses coach. Get ‘er done or get packing.
By Saabotager
February 19, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Bibby will be a good fit. Mike Woodson is a bad fit. Therefore this trade will cancel itself out. Woodson does not make the proper ajustments throughout the game. Too many leads have been lost to him not making adjustments. No Salim when you need a spark. He takes guys out who are hot. Bibby will want to run. Have mercy on him if he makes a turnover on that run. Woody will snatch his a* or find a way to ruin his morale during the game. Not a good decision during cruch time. The Hawks can be a fifth/sixth seed if Woody allow them to play.
By The Official Terrance Moore Scorecard!
February 19, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the official Terrance Moore scorecard. The scoring grid is as follows:
Making a man ‘chuckle’: 2 pts Reference to the Oakland Raiders: 1 pt Reference to the San Francisco 49ers and/or Bill Walsh: 2 pts Reference to The Big Red Machine, Pete Rose and/or Joe Morgan: 2 pts Reference to Notre Dame: 2 pts Invoking the name of Art Shell: 25 pts Using the term ‘greatness’: 1 pt Using the term ‘goodness to greatness’: 3 pts Discussion of racial issues: 5 pts Endorsing a black head coach/GM: 3 pts Referring to UGA fans ‘barking’: 2 pts Sentences with five or less words to enhance signifigance: 3 pts Making a positive comment about and ATL pro team: (-2 pts)
TM Chart: 30+ pts: Worst Article Ever Written 25-29 pts: Goodness To God-Awfulness 20-24 pts: Touchdown Jesus Is Weeping 15-19 pts: Chuckle-worthy 10-14 pts: Bill Walsh Would Be Proud 5-9 pts: Is this Really Steve Hummer?? 0-4 pts: Someone’s Been On Jim Rome Is Burning Too Much This Week Negative Points: Best Article Ever
Todays Article:
4 pts Someone’s Been On Jim Rome Is Burning Too Much This Week
Two definate positive comments about the Hawks brought down what could have been a Bill Walsh worthy article. Nice job making an owner of a pro fanchise chuckle you funny, funny man!
By Orlando
February 19, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Danny Manning err, the Human Egg, how long till you get injured again?
I see what Tito is saying, but even if the Hawks don’t get any higher than 7th, they will have something to build upon for next year. Let’s see what happens.
By smartguy
February 19, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
Where to start? Gearon is wrong on two big points. First, he seems to think that we’ve never had a point guard before, and that Bibby will all of a sudden provide something completely new. Bibby may be an upgrade, but its not like Tlue and AJ were completely inept. So, yes, he should provide new help, but its not like a completely new and different component.
Second, the owner should not be calling his players whiners. Regardless of sport, age, or skill, an owner who wants to get the most out of his athletes should not whine about his players’ whining. That really makes Sr. Goon a hypocrite.
Terrence, you said some good things, but would things really be better if only the Gearons were in charge? I highly doubt it. I am all for a singular owner, but these two Gearons have done nothing whatsoever to give me confidence in their ability to run an NBA franchise. The fact that they’ve made excuses for Woody until now tells me all I need to know about their competence.
By Author
February 19, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Smartguy (heh…right),
I know that you’ve been spending the last 2 years having wet dreams about Smoove, but you can’t deny that he whines a lot. So does Salim. Mark Cuban calls his players out and no one faults him.
Also, you didn’t live up to your name because you obviously don’t know the meaning of the word “hypocrite” because nowhere did you cite anything by Gearon that was hypocritical. In fact, by saying that he liked Woody because Woody doesn’t complain and that he doesn’t give a flip when players whine, he’s expressing a perfectly consistent feeling about his attitude towards people who put themselves above the team.
By smartguy
February 19, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Author, you’re the same guy who was writing under the names of Clyde=moron and smartguy=moron. After we called you out time after time, you disappeared for a while, but now you’re back with a new name. I know its you, because no one else keeps track of anything I have to say and because no one else has accused me of having “wet dreams” about Smooth. Anyway, Gearon was whining about his players’ whining. That is the definition of hypocrisy, dumbass. Find another name now.
By smartguy
February 19, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
By the way, my posts praising Smooth have been few and far between as of late. Yes, I love him all the more, but there has been no need to point out how good he is. His play and numbers do all my talking. Only you would need a post to tell you that 9 assists back to back by the second leading shot blocker is an impressive thing.
By Hillary Munches Bush
February 19, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Terence:
Your column is so predictable and pathetic. If some sports exec returns your call (Gearon), he’s great. If a similar sports exec ignores your call, (Schuerholz), he’s bad.
Cities where you used to live and work (Oakland, Cincinnati, South Bend) are great. The city where you currently work (Atlanta), is bad.
I can’t believe that you didn’t force a racial angle into your column. What’s going on here? Is there no fresh racial outrage that you can incorporate into your daily drivel?
What about the overabundance of caucasian american drivers in auto racing! Can’t you do something about that?
By richbrave
February 19, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
HILLARY MUNCHES BUSH;
Don’t forget hockey, dude.
By richbrave
February 19, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
drmaryb:
Where you at girl? Office hours have arrived. What you think of a match-up between my man Gilbert and your newbie Mike. Woo - maximum offense baby. Last shotitis. It’s gonna’ be catching. These young men will cure the common cold.
By drmaryb
February 19, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
Hey RichBrave
mmmmhh! that sounds good to me. Gilbert (healthy) up against M.Bibby? Mano Y Mano, Now that would be a thing of beauty!
By joebrave
February 20, 2008 1:48 AM | Link to this
The AJC needs to fire this Koon,Terrence Moooron,and the Hawks Need to drag Mike Woodson behind a Truck!!!!
By joebrave
February 20, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
The AJC needs to fire this Koon,Terrence Moooron,and the Hawks Need to drag Mike Woodson behind a Truck!!!!