Atlanta Hawks: Three months ago, the high-flying Hawks were the talk of the NBA. After sneaking into the playoffs, Atlanta came out of nowhere to shockingly force the Boston Celtics to a winner-take-all, seventh game in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Celtics eliminated the Hawks in Game 7, but it appeared the feisty Hawks had taken a huge step forward. They had a roster teeming with young, talented athletes and, after years of ineptitude, it seemed they were coming together as a team. However, that momentum may have grinded to a halt as Atlanta management has bumbled negotiations with key players. Last month, Josh Childress took the unprecedented step of signing with a team on a different continent (Olympiacos in the Greek League.) Josh Smith, an ultra-talented, productive, and exciting forward is a restricted free-agent and still has not been signed. It is unclear if Atlanta will pony up and sign Smith to a long-term contract. Following the 2008-2009 season, Marvin Williams will become an restricted free-agent, and Mike Bibby will be unrestricted. In the summer of 2010, superstar Joe Johnson's deal expires. At some point, the Hawks have to decide what type of organization they want to be perceived as. Either they will be content with mediocrity, or commit to keeping vital pieces in Atlanta. With so many other teams in the East improving, Atlanta will have a difficult task qualifying for the postseason going forward. The Hawks should be a team on the rise; instead they appear headed in the wrong direction.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9670
Obvious conclusion, but wanted to share.
