The Layup Line
A Series of Short Shots
Atlanta Stuck With Mike Woodson
Last week I “sent a memo” to Rick Sund asking that he hire Avery Johnson. Apparently, he didn’t get it. The Hawks will sign Mike Woodson to a new contract. Some delusional fans will point to the fact that the Hawks pushed the eventual Eastern champs to 7 games as justification for resigning Woodson. But I doubt that this is actually the reason.
The truth is that the Atlanta Hawks will have a hard time signing any elite coach because of their ownership situation. (If you don’t know the history, it’s a mess.) Top assistants such as Tom Thibodeau and Mike Budenholzer might be tempted by the talent of Atlanta’s roster and the chance at top dog status, but they too will be reluctant to join a ship run by mutineers. San Antonio assistant GM Dennis Lindsey stepped away from a GM offer prior to the eventual Sund hire.
Avery Johnson—and Flip Saunders—would constitute a major upgrade over Woodson, and probably make the Hawks a top 5 Eastern team. But the problem is that Atlanta is not willing to pay for a top flight coach. Hiring Avery Johnson, for example, would require no less than 4 million per year.
Look at the bright side, though. The Hawks have improved a little every season under Woodson. Next year, they could break .500. Go get ‘em!
