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).
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.
The problem is even worse than you portray it. This group has a conference call when someone wants to add a different kind of beer to the luxury suites.
ReplyDeleteI ask this question? While I know Carmelo Anthony wants to be a New York Knick, why haven't the Hawks called the Nuggets as a third team to facillitate the trade and get something (like Chauncey Billips) or even a draft pick for the future and move Marvin Williams?
I hope you've seen Ferris Buellar. Joe Johnson and the Atlanta Spirit are Ferris' boring, nuerotic friend Cameron Frye. Cameron is afraid to take risks, have fun or explore who he is. The Hawks need a Ferris Buellar - NOW