Hawks Playing The Prevent

The NBA trade deadline is approaching this week (Thursday, February 24th). If you have lived in the city of Atlanta long enough, you know the Hawks aren't keen on making major moves. The last time they tried that they ended up with Danny Manning when they exiled the face of their franchise, Dominique Wilkins to the Los Angeles Clippers.

To use an NFL analogy, the Atlanta Spirit would much rather play a 'prevent defense' when it comes to major roster moves. They won't get burned deep by taking a risk. Status quo is safe to them. This current cast of characters is basically filming their sequel to last season's movie, and yes, we all know how it will end (with a loss in the 1st round or 2nd round).

Here is my big picture assessment of the Hawks problem. They don't have a centerpiece. They are lacking that cornerstone franchise superstar that you can build around. I know what your thinking - they paid Joe Johnson 'centerpiece' money. Remember what I said about 'prevent defense', well that was the formation the Atlanta Spirit called when Joe was to become a free agent. They knew he wasn't worth the money, but they felt their Plan B meant getting burned deep and losing him without getting a comparable replacement. Joe Johnson to the Hawks is the equivalent of that guy who owns a really expensive Ferrari, but only takes it out for a drive once a week. You paid a lot of money for this thing, but you aren't getting a lot of mileage out of it.

Look around the Eastern Conference and assess other team's centerpiece players. The Knicks have Amare Stoudamire (they could potentially end up with Carmelo Anthony as well). The Bulls have Derrick Rose for the next 10 years. The Magic more than likely will have Dwight Howard for another decade. Miami is set with Wade and LeBron. Those are franchise, superstar players. Line up Joe Johnson next to those guys and it just feels wrong.

As long as the Hawks continue to convince themselves that Joe Johnson is the cornerstone of this franchise, they will be stuck in mediocrity. If being one of the top eight teams in the East, but not contending for a championship, is ok with the Atlanta Spirit, then congratulations....you've accomplished that goal. However, if you want to become an elite team, you have to start taking risks. It's time to scrap the 'prevent defense' and become the aggressor.

Super Bowl Champs - It's Much More Than That

This is my first blog of 2011 and wow this one feels great! As many of you know, I grew up in Wisconsin. Sundays meant Green Bay Packer football. To witness them become Super Bowl Champs this past Sunday night was euphoric!

However, I don't want to write about how they were a #6 seed and overcame a ridiculous amount of injuries to key players all year long. I'd rather share why this is such an emotional victory as a sports fan. I exchanged text messages with a good friend of mine, who is a former NFL player (he will remain nameless, but let's just say his initials are W.D.). I asked why he was so shocked that I was overcome with joy and emotion after watching the Packers win. He said, "dude it's just a game." My response to that was, 'its much more than that.'

The NFL game is unique to other pro sports because your team plays one day a week. It's usually on Sunday afternoons. Growing up as a kid, this makes for the perfect scenario to find quality time with mom and dad and any siblings in the house. Watching the Packers win this Sunday night brought back memories of sitting on my couch as a 10 year old or 15 year old in Milwaukee with my parents, my brother and watching guys like Lynn Dickey at quarterback, Eddie Lee Ivory, James Lofton. No matter what happened throughout the week, I knew Sundays our family would be together because the Packer game was coming on the television.

I spent much of this past Sunday night texting with my brother. My dad called periodically to check my heart rate and to make sure I didn't pop one too many xanex pills! I even found myself thinking of my mom who passed away in 2002. I know she would be thrilled right now too.

"It's much more than that." This is about Emotions. Memories. Family. Tradition. It's a celebration of a journey. For me, the journey isn't the 16 game season, but rather the trip down memory lane.

My nine year old nephew watched the game Sunday night. He sat on the couch with his dad and grandfather. He saw the Green Bay Packers win. He may not appreciate it today, but 20 years from now he will remember this night. He may not remember the play of Aaron Rodgers or the interception by Nick Collins. What he will remember is how for one night in February he shared a special moment with family. He will realize it was more than just a game. "It's much more than that."