AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2008 > February > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks longer on talent, but short on time
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Marvin Williams was considered the most promising player in the 2005 draft, and if he hasn’t had — sorry for broaching this yet again — the galvanic NBA impact of a Chris Paul, it’s nonetheless true that Williams averages 15.8 points and 5.8 rebounds. And he’s now the fifth-best starter among Hawks.
You could — yes, this again — stock a playoff roster with the guys Billy Knight hasn’t drafted, but the greater point is that Knight has, at excruciating last, built a playoff roster for his team. Not many teams can boast five starters of this eminence:
— Al Horford, the third player picked in 2007.
— Williams, the second player picked in 2005.
— Josh Smith, the 17th player picked in 2004.
— Joe Johnson, the 10th player picked in 2001.
— Mike Bibby, the second player picked in 1998.
Asked Wednesday what he saw when he watched tape of the Hawks, Reggie Theus — Bibby’s coach with Sacramento and briefly a Hawk himself — said this: “I see a very athletic team, a very dangerous team. When they get it going, they can cause a lot of problems … They could be a very exciting team in the long run.”
Here’s the thing, though. The long run starts this minute. The Hawks awoke Wednesday 10 games under .500, which should never have happened. But now they’ve seen their last excuse shredded — the Hawks have a point guard! — and these next two months cannot be two months more of false starts and broken promises.
They could and should make the playoffs. They could and should become a rising force in the thin-gruel East. Then again, they could and should have done that already.
The trade with Sacramento has been characterized as Bibby’s chance to land with a playoff team, but the cold truth is that the Kings have a better record in a more difficult conference. The Kings do not, however, have better players. A lot of teams with better records have worse players than the Hawks, especially now.
Asked before his first home game in Philips Arena if his new team has the wherewithal to qualify for the postseason for the first time this century, Bibby said: “I think it does. We’ve just got to get on the same page. We’ve only had five games, and it’s still tough — we’ve only had one practice. But it will come.”
Asked the same question, Johnson said: “We do, but it depends on how bad we want it.”
It’s a cliché, sure, but it’s one of those clichés that has the benefit of being true. In calendar year 2008 the Hawks too often have played like a team that didn’t know how to win. Bibby could change that. He knows what he’s doing. He knows because he has done it.
And if you want to know if he, at the ancient age of 29, has anything left … yeah, he does. He showed that against the Kings, scoring 24 points and making 12 assists and steering the Hawks to their highest-scoring quarter of the season in his first quarter as a Hawk in Philips. (And Williams, who was ill, didn’t participate.)
To watch this team swooping and slashing and stacking 40 points on Sacramento in 12 minutes was to wonder if this is how it will be, and if it is there’s no doubt this team will be playing beyond its 82nd game. But what got the Hawks 10 games below .500 was the bizarre inability to consolidate a single gain. This powerful effort — the Hawks won 123-117 — cannot be a one-night or a one-month thing. This must be sustained.
Said Josh Childress, who scored 25 points and who’s yet another lottery pick (sixth overall in 2004): “We have to make it a goal and commit to getting a win by whatever means necessary.”
Sure, that notion could and should have taken hold long ago. But there’s still time, just, for this to work. There’s no longer any reason for these Hawks to stink.
Permalink | Comments (43) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks / NBA, Mark Bradley
Comments
By Powder Springs Hawks Fan
February 27, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
FIRST COMMENT!!! Serioulsly, though, The Hawks have all the talent in the world,…the problem is coaching…Woodson has to go. Larry Brown or Rick Carlisle or Van Gundy are available.
By Esteban
February 28, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
Woodson should be embarrased to see his team be 10 games under .500 with all the talent he’s got. Post-season or not, these should be his final games @ Phillips Arena. These players deserve a better coach and motivator. All the Hawks have to do is keep their starting 5 in tact, hire at least a decent coach, and we’ll see a true contender arise from the East next season.
By Harpie
February 28, 2008 1:04 AM | Link to this
AMEN!!!!!!
By durtydogg
February 28, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
FIRE MIKE WOODSON AND BILLY KNIGHT!! PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE!!!!
The Rick Carlisle thing would be ok. I wouldn’t be mad at it. Van Gundy, nah. I just keep seeing Keeny Smith for some reason. I mean, this is the Hawks!
By James
February 28, 2008 1:29 AM | Link to this
This is Woodson’s last chance to get this Hawks’ team on track. And it could also be Billy Knight’s last chance as well. And for Woodson,if he fails in Atlanta, he will not receive another head coaching opportunity on the NBA level..
Players such as Chillz and Marvin have to step up their games and play up to their draft status. They aren’t kids anymore.
By Casey
February 28, 2008 3:36 AM | Link to this
There are 2 BIG reasons why the Hawks might not make the playoffs.
Or, as I call them, Dumb and Dumber, or Idiot Twins, or Affirmative and his brother Action.
The Hawks played well, mostly, against Sacramento. But, it was Sacramento. They are not a championship contender, and the Hawks were barely able to hang on at the end and win at home.
As for Marvin Williams, I’m not sure why you brought him up. He didn’t play tonight. What is your point? Just another excuse to bring up Chris Paul, AGAIN?
But, since you did bring him up, if we learned anything from this game, it would be this: The Hawks played better without Marvin “Invisible Man” Williams. I hope he stays sick for a couple more weeks, at least. They are a better team with Childress starting and Mario West coming of the bench. Trade the Invisible Man for a center.
By smartguy
February 28, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
FIRE MIKE WOODSON!
the guy is clueless.
By deja vu
February 28, 2008 7:11 AM | Link to this
Hawks have no offensive scheme, no ability to adjust during games, no killer instinct, zaza and marvin and even joe are regressing…and woodson is still the coach because?…
By rfsbkr
February 28, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this
That is just another sly racist comment. Just come straight out and say what you want to say. It is about good and bad decisions and coaching, not about the color of someones skin. Grow up.
By Barry
February 28, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Let’s leave the Hawks alone right now and let them mesh with Bibby. I think we are going to see some excitng things if Bibby stays healthy and allowed to run the show as Woodson stated he will let him. These “Young Guns” are ready to RUN and Gun and I am looking forward to it with some wins. I belives Phillips Arena will be the place to be now since Bibby is running the floor. He reminds me so much of Jason Kidd in how he runs the flor and looks to do crazy things with the basketball to set his teamates up for great shots. These young Hawka are hungry and they are looking to eat whatever ball Bibby feeds them. this is going to be fun. Hey, and wait until Bibby learn all the plays. It will be just in time for the playoffs. WATACH OUT NBA. HERE COME THE HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN!!! TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YA AT PHILLIPS ARENA!!!!!!!!
Ringold
By Barry
February 28, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Let’s leave the Hawks alone right now and let them mesh with Bibby. I think we are going to see some excitng things if Bibby stays healthy and allowed to run the show as Woodson stated he will let him. These “Young Guns” are ready to RUN and Gun and I am looking forward to it with some wins. I belives Phillips Arena will be the place to be now since Bibby is running the floor. He reminds me so much of Jason Kidd in how he runs the flor and looks to do crazy things with the basketball to set his teamates up for great shots. These young Hawka are hungry and they are looking to eat whatever ball Bibby feeds them. this is going to be fun. Hey, and wait until Bibby learn all the plays. It will be just in time for the playoffs. WATACH OUT NBA. HERE COME THE HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN!!! TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YA AT PHILLIPS ARENA!!!!!!!!
Ringold
By Barry
February 28, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
Hey Y’all:
Let’s leave the Hawks alone right now and let them mesh with Bibby. I think we are going to see some excitng things if Bibby stays healthy and allowed to run the show as Woodson stated he will let him. These “Young Guns” are ready to RUN and Gun and I am looking forward to it with some wins. I belives Phillips Arena will be the place to be now since Bibby is running the floor. He reminds me so much of Jason Kidd in how he runs the flor and looks to do crazy things with the basketball to set his teamates up for great shots. These young Hawka are hungry and they are looking to eat whatever ball Bibby feeds them. this is going to be fun. Hey, and wait until Bibby learn all the plays. It will be just in time for the playoffs. WATACH OUT NBA. HERE COME THE HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! This is a SECRET from a HAWK FAN!!! TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SEE YA AT PHILLIPS ARENA!!!!!!!!
GO HAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ringold
By techster
February 28, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this
Yes, the Hawks have some good players on their roster now. But let us not forget that they are not there because of the brilliant moves of BK, but because he and Woody have created and presided over a trainwreck for the last few years. The Hawks got all those high draft picks because they were consistently awful. My girlfriend, who doesn’t know a basketball from a rugby ball, could have watched ESPN draft previews for 30 minutes and drafted at least as good, probably a better, team than the numbskull BK with all those picks over the last few years. He and Woody just keep the ‘growth’ going to keep those paychecks rolling in. ‘Growth’, from laughingstock and butt of all NBA jokes, to one of the worst teams in the league, to really bad team, to a team struggling to fight their way to .500 and possibly make the playoffs and get swept out in the first round. Wow, great work BK and Woody! Maybe next year they can play .500 ball and win one playoff game - that would be growth, right! Now that we have some players that can play, we need owners, coaches, and managers that know their @$$ from their elbow.
By G.Rhone
February 28, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
This is why the Hawks loose:
By DemDems4Ever
February 28, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this
Incompetence, thy name is Knight and thy name is Woodson.
Both seem to be genuinely nice guys but they are not producing and production is ultimately the only measure of ability in professional sports.
Marvin was drafted for his potential and he has yet to produce. Will he? No one knows for sure. He is young but seems not to be making progress since his early season run of decent play.
Josh Smith continues to improve on both ends of the floor.
Josh Childress is our only lottery pick who provides consistent energy and positive impact on the games.
Shelden Williams was given token minutes against his old team so he is unlikely to be in Sacramento after his contract expires.
Al Horford is a beast. Period.
Mario West should play despite his lack of offensive skills. He set the tone early against the Kings and deserved more.
Mike Bibby brings what Tyronne Lue once had - and with more talent. The trade was a steal for the Hawks.
BUT, the BIG question is will either Miami or Atlanta have enough players left from the active roster in the December game to field a team for the final 51.9 seconds on March 8th?
By Darrin "The Vent King"
February 28, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Coaching wise, we need a change 4 real. Woody has had long enough. Anyway back to Bibby, MY GOD that was sick what he did to Udrih last night. I swear Bibby was on some “And 1 Mixtape” action last night. I don’t know what that youngster said to Bibby, but I sure wish we could have taped it, so we can play it back before every game. That one play in the 4th qtr where Bibby was just toying with dude, dribbling between his legs, crossing him over and then making that no-look pass under the basket from out there by the 3-point line was freaking hilarious. I would hate to be Udrih at the King’s next practice when they start looking at game film. I haven’t seen that type of offensive aggression from a Hawk guard since Steve Smith left. Sick. That guy’s point guard play is worth the price of admission by itself and with Josh Smith swatting shots left and right, you have to be careful when you sip your brew or it will end up on the back of the neck of the people sitting in front of you. Can’t wait til this team puts it all together.
GO HAWKS!!!
By R. Kelly
February 28, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Has Woodson not learn yet, that Mario West could be an intregal part of the line up. Every time he plays, he brings energy and hustle, and not to mention perimeter defense, in case Woodson has forgotten, something we sorely need. The Hawks are not a half court team. Therefore Woodson needs to put people on the floor that is condusive to our strengths i.e. Mario West. I’m not saying that Mario is a star, but neither is Marvin Williams, and Mario brings more to the table than a sometimey mid range jumper. Marvin may average in double figures, but they are the most insignificant points I have ever seen, and on the flip side, all of the things he does not do such as, play defense, rebound, more than cancels out his mere 14 point, or what ever it is, average. Please trade this clown while the league is still duped into thinking he is an emerging talent. And don’t forget, FIRE WOODY.
By Mr. G
February 28, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this
Steve Smith would be the ideal choice to coach the Atlanta Hawks should they get rid of Mike Woodson. He has a plan for everything if you listen to the commentary. Smitty said it at best. During the last 2 minutes of the game he made several key points that Woodson failed to make. One was the ill-advised time out with a minute on the clock that led to a backcourt violation when they should have streaked up the court. Udrih should not have allowed for an uncontested lay up. Those are two examples of real coaching that Woodson fails to realize. Mike Bibby might be a little too late for the playoff run this year but if Knight doesn’t do anything stupid like trade him but find away to lock him up for another 3 years, we should be good to go.
By Dr. Warren
February 28, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
We all know the Hawks won’t play like this night after night. They only play well when randomly feeling the passion. Even though they make outrageous salaries, they are still kids in their 20’s, and they are still human. Consistent motivation is hard to come by at any price. Like a good corporate manager, a successful coach must be a masterful motivator who knows how to trigger each of his players as separate people. The fact that Hawks lose regularly to teams with worse talent indicates the problem rests just as much with Woodson’s people abilities as with his strategic ones. If you aren’t going to fire him, Spirit, at least buy him a Jack Welch book.
By DarkRyder
February 28, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this
Here’s something to note: after last night’s game Woodson admitted this about Bibby, and I quote:
“And I want him to feel free to the point that if he doesn’t like things that I’m doing, hey, he’s got that right to let me know, and we’ll change them.”
This lets me know that either Woodson knows the players are tuning him out or that he’s finally getting it as a coach. He knows that his style of half-court ball doesn’t work with this undersized roster and now has to defer to Bibby for advice.
Something else to keep in mind Hawks fans: what if Atlanta does sneak in as the 7th or 8th seed? Think about this: Management will look and say “Well, they did make the playoffs with this roster. So what would happen if we had Bibby for the whole year? We think Woody deserves the chance to find out?” then there will be one more year of Woodson’s incompetence.
Now what would you root for?
By mars
February 28, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
Still have too many forwards and no real center. Address that and they’re on their way.
By RickNole
February 28, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
“I dont want to screw him up, he has done this for a long time. If we are doing something he doesnt like, I will change that”
People theses are the words of Mike Woodson after last nights game. These are not the words of a coach that sounds like he knows what he is doing….
Can you imagine Phil Jackson or Larry Brown or even a Doc Rivers making this statement??
By BlueEagle
February 28, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
If making the playoffs means more Woody-ball then no thanks. PLus, do you really want to see that beatdown that the Hawks would get in the first round from either Boston or Detroit?
Ownership is the problem! They have allowed and developed a culture culture that settles for mediocrity. Because of this the opposition has more support in the arena than the home team (ex: the MVP chants for Kobe were louder here than in Staples Center…WTF???), because of this there is little faith in those at the top to develop a team that we can be proud of. Who knew that I would long for the days when the Hawks won 50 games a year but got bounced in the 2nd round on a yearly basis.
Tell you what Spirit, let’s just focus on basketball, I don’t need a house band, I don’t need Ryan Cameron announcing players by their nicknames (rememeber when players got nicknames when they deserved them…because they were good?), I don’t need post game concerts, all we want is good basketball.
The first step is finding a coach with a clue.
By imconfused
February 28, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Why isn’t Mario West getting more playing time?
By Rocco Malone
February 28, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this
The problem as all Hawks’ fans know and post daily is Woody. Billy is not an issue; this is his team and this is a nice team. Good players with high character; no off court problems from any player in the past 4 years. I like what he has done with this team. Marvin is a good player and will be a star in the league. Do not bring up Marvin over Chris Paul; that is a dead issue. We have Marvin and I love him. He has one of the best mid-range jumpers in the league. I think ZaZa needs to be in the starting lineup and allow Marvin to come off the bench. This is not a knock on Marvin; this is to make our starting lineup bigger and put Al at the 4. Woody will not be here next year and I am ready to see the same team with different leadership. LETS GO HAWKS! LETS GO HAWKS!
By Rocco Malone
February 28, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
The problem as all Hawks’ fans know and post daily is Woody. Billy is not an issue; this is his team and this is a nice team. Good players with high character; no off court problems from any player in the past 4 years. I like what he has done with this team. Marvin is a good player and will be a star in the league. Do not bring up Marvin over Chris Paul; that is a dead issue. We have Marvin and I love him. He has one of the best mid-range jumpers in the league. I think ZaZa needs to be in the starting lineup and allow Marvin to come off the bench. This is not a knock on Marvin; this is to make our starting lineup bigger and put Al at the 4. Woody will not be here next year and I am ready to see the same team with different leadership. LETS GO HAWKS! LETS GO HAWKS!
By TreeATL
February 28, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Fire Woodson and hire ‘Nique for the remainder of the season. Coach W. has way too much talent to underachieve as a leader.
By DustinDiamond
February 28, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this
somebody said it best yesterday regarding the Hawks. NOW THAT THE HAWKS HAVE A SUPREME POINT GUARD, THERE IS NO LONGER A REASON FOR THE HAWKS TO STINK.
By DustinDiamond
February 28, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this
somebody said it best yesterday regarding the Hawks. NOW THAT THE HAWKS HAVE A SUPREME POINT GUARD, THERE IS NO LONGER A REASON FOR THE HAWKS TO STINK.
By Shotgunq
February 28, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
I don’t see why the Hawks won’t get rid of Woodson. I mean what’s his career record? And what’s he doing this season with good talent?
If the NHL’s Ottawa Senators can fire their coach whilst they are still in 1st place in the conference, why can’t the Hawks seem to get rid of Woodson?
By JohnD
February 28, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
The Hawks need a proven coach not a former player without coaching experience. Steve Smith and Dominique are class people who might be able to coach.
This young team needs a coach already recognized as a winner and with a track record.
The easiest thing is to post on a blog, or sit behind a microphone, or even sit on the sidelines and comment on what should have been done by the coach. Making the decisions under fire is the tough part.
By Orlando
February 28, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
You can get rid of a coach in hockey in a breeze because in that sport anyone can coach a team to success. All you have to do is say, “Knock the other guy out, and goalie stop the shots.” Gee what brilliance. Heck, they probably asked the Zamboni driver to coach before settling on the GM.
Firing Woody won’t solve all the problems on the court. This roster is too small to compete with the bigger threats of the league.
By STRETCH
February 28, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
The Hawks need to make a trade in the off season and here are some possibilities. And the ESPN Trade Machine does NOT lie, so here we go:
A trade like one of the above, plus a fresh start with Bibby makes this team a legitament contender instantly! Anybody out there feeling me?
By FredSanford
February 28, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
Shotgung: What are you talking about get rid of Woodsen. You dont get rid of a coach that is on the verge of guiding his team to a world championship. The Hawks are about to win the title as soon as Bibby gets adjusted to the team. With Bibby at the controls, taking into account Bibbys performance last night against his former team Sacramento, Bibby was absolutely steller and I see the Hawks playing like that every night until the season ends. If the Hawks are winning when the playoff starts the Hawks WILL win the NBA championship in June of 2008.
By Kim
February 28, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
I’m a huge Bibby fan since Mike came to Sacramento. Atlanta is in for some good basketball. If the coach continues to let Mike run this team…I see a great future for them. I am still a Kings fan but I am more of a Bibby fan. Last night proved how well he can run the team. I have never watched the Hawks played only when they play against the Kings but since my favorite player Mike is on this team I realize that all this team was missing was a true point guard. We miss Mike up here in Sacramento but will continue to cheer him on whenever he choses to go. Go Mike and the Atlanta Hawks!!
By Kim
February 28, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
I’m a huge Bibby fan since Mike came to Sacramento. Atlanta is in for some good basketball. If the coach continues to let Mike run this team…I see a great future for them. I am still a Kings fan but I am more of a Bibby fan. Last night proved how well he can run the team. I have never watched the Hawks played only when they play against the Kings but since my favorite player Mike is on this team I realize that all this team was missing was a true point guard. We miss Mike up here in Sacramento but will continue to cheer him on whenever he choses to go. Go Mike and the Atlanta Hawks!!
By Casey
February 28, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
The fact that Woodson has said he will, basically, let Bibby run the team shows that even Woodson has realized that he has no clue how to do it himself. If Bibby is going to be a player coach, what are they paying Woodson for?
GET RID OF THE CLOWN!!! PLEASE!!!
But, since Knight will never do that, GET RID OF BILLY KNIGHT TOO!!!
By oldman
February 28, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Stretch make a good point:
February 28, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
The Hawks need to make a trade in the off season and here are some possibilities. And the ESPN Trade Machine does NOT lie, so here we go:
MW/ZAZA for Mike Miller Soloman Jones/MW for McDyess Soloman Jones/MW/ZAZA for Yi Jianlan/Desmond Mason Soloman Jones/Speedy for Yi Jianlan/Desmond Mason Speedy/MW/Soloman Jones for Brad Miller - and my favorite; Speedy/MW for Marcus Camby A trade like one of the above, plus a fresh start with Bibby makes this team a legitament contender instantly! Anybody out there feeling me?
These trades would be unecessary if the Hawks would have moved on draft night and taken Yi right after they took Horford. Please don’t say it couldn’t have been done…recall Portland and Seattle on draft night.
By RickNole
February 28, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this
Can Woody make like Bobby Petrino???
By Scoonie Penn
February 28, 2008 7:24 PM | Link to this
Usually I am not for blaming the coach for most things becaue players play. But I watched a Hawk game the other day and they were isolating Al Horford on Tim Duncan. 3 possessions in a row. WTF? I aint no coach but I know that aint going to work. Marvin Williams has to be the laziest basketball player I have ever seen. He should never get past the 8th seat on the bench. Josh Smith is talented as all world - but damn is he dumb. He has no basketball IQ at all. Joe Johnson while I love his game, on most nights he is as soft as tissue paper. Plus Bibby is not a real pg, so Woodsen needs to stop trying to make him out to be Chris Paul. He’s setting him up for failure. The best player I see out there is Zaza Pachulia, at least he knows who he is. The Hawks need a complete overall becuase as they are now. they aint going nowhere
By mmmmoookie
February 28, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
In the off season let’s see if we can trade for Samuel Dalembert. We could package Marvin and Zaza, and the salary is close. This would also give us the all Hispaniola front court w/big Al!
Shelden update: 0pts, 0 rebounds, 0 assists in 3 minutes last night…and I still think Shelden can maybe play in this league if given some run.
By Hock
February 28, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
What happened to Skou’s blog to day about Billy’s three failed attempts to fire Woody?
By Casey
February 28, 2008 11:43 PM | Link to this
I have read some really nasty comments about Josh Smith being stupid. I think this is wrong and completely uncalled for. First off, he came to the NBA straight out of high school. The only coaching he’s had above the high school level has been Woodson. Do any of you here believe that Woodson is capable of taking a high schooler and turning him into a legitimate NBA player? Josh Smith is the most physically talented and hard working player on the team, BY FAR. Get off his back. If he had a real coach he could learn how to play the game the right way. Let’s all hope that happens before it’s too late for him and the rest of these young players.