This is hard for me to say. You see, the Atlanta Hawks were the first NBA team that I rooted for. That version was the Danny Roundfield-Fast Eddie-Congressman Tom-Tree Rollins-John Drew Hawks, and my allegiance was rewarded by getting to see steady play and post-season appearances. Though my affections wandered after the 80’s, the Hawks were consistent if not spectacular in their achievements. Since 1999 however, the last year this NBA franchise got through to the tourney, they haven’t even sniffed posting a winning regular season mark. Many would name the Clippers or Warriors as the ultimate NBA doormat, but my accusing finger is pointing at the Atlanta Hawks as being the worst franchise of the 2000’s to date.
How this mess began and was perpetuated could be the subject of a doctoral dissertation. Comically inept trading and draft selections certainly have been major factors, along with ownership instability. But the subject of this series is how to make good, not pour gasoline on the blaze, so here goes an effort to find the glimmers of hope.
There are three, to be exact, all filed under: First Name J - Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Josh Childress. I think the play of Johnson, which has been at All-Star level for at least two years, speaks for itself. Likewise, the physical exploits and yet-to-be-tapped potential of jumping bean Smith has been well-documented on Sports Center highlights. Johnson goes for 25 per game and shoots 39% for threes. Smith contributes 14 with 9 boards and 2.6 blocks. There are no problems here, especially with these numbers reached on a bad team.
It’s the last “J” that tantalizes Hawks fans. He’s a Tayshaun Prince starter-pack, no doubt, but with a greater upside because of his ability to be a point-forward. If Childress can become the triple-double threat that he gives flashes of (as a recent line of 23, 8 and 7 demonstrates – OK, it was against the No D Warriors ), and a significant move can be made to bring in a versatile big guard to take some of the ball-handling pressure off him, there would be a realistic opportunity for this NBA team to become more competitive.
Other top 8 rotation guys that make sense to hold onto include Zazu Pachulia, a center that unfortunately wants to be a guard, but still gets enough done on the glass and Salim Stoudamire, an undersized two-guard that has no fear of taking shots: he just misses far too many of them. Marvin Williams has considerable talent, but it’s not being harnessed properly, and it would be wise to move him before his confidence gets shot in this 3-4 year minimum period to make this team a winner
How GM Billy Knight and Coach Mike Woodson wanted to have Tyronn Lue and Speedy Claxton on the same team is bewildering. Let’s institute a limit of one sub 6 foot player per club please, unless one of the names is Iverson. Both have been hurt, and Claxton, a career 42% shooter from the field, is sub 33% in a year that he was brought in to be the man at point. . Shelden Williams is the only keeper in what otherwise may be the worst NBA bench by far. He epitomizes a rule that all NBA coaches should slavishly follow – if ya got an ex-Dukie, get him on the court!
The Hawks are headed to the 2007 NBA draft lottery, perhaps with a top 5 pick, and this should be spent on a bruising shot-blocker like Hawes from Washington. That choice would allow Smith to freelance around the basket instead of matching up with the opposition big men. Mucho trouble for other teams there. The trade options are limited with Williams as mentioned being the most desirable for other teams. Bonzi Wells is one of the few available combo guards that might be on the block currently, but I would never want to lose value like Williams for the questionable attitude of the current Rocket, despite his obvious scoring ability. This is why there will be an extended stretch that Hawks will have to settle for what they can get in terms of improvement.
The Atlanta Hawks, named for birds of prey, have lost their ability to soar this past decade. It will take judicious moves and much patience in holding their core talent together before they can become playoff contenders again.
Next: Sonics a Sleeper?
Prev: Charlotte's Web of Talent
