Attracting Free Agents: The Intangibles

[Rod700]

Some of this is already being discussed a bit in another thread, but I wanted to branch the topic out in it's own thread. What qualities of Atlanta life can be improved upon to attract free agents? What can be used, outside of the team itself, as a selling point?

1. Another thread is already discussing the lack of income tax in Orlando v/s Atlanta. Rather than discussing how big of a difference that makes, I wanted to focus on Georgia's ability to match that benefit to some degree. My career is in government, and I'm familiar with some of the state legislatures, so this idea particular intrigues me. It of course isn't feasible to change the whole state's tax structure just to attract athletes. Doing away with income tax would just shift the tax burden to some other source, likely property owners, who already sustain public school systems, etc. etc. Would it be feasible though, to waive income tax just for professional athletes? It would be a worthy investment if it improves a team who would generate more tax dollars for the state, not just in it's on revenue, but to surrounding networks of businesses and the Atlanta economy it would stimulate. Is this unconstitutional though?
2. Comments have been made about how quiet Phillips Arena is compared to other ear drum-shattering arenas. Although winning games is the biggest solution to a lacksidazical crowd, what else can the team do? Ask players to participate in community activities or show up to key events that gets their faces out there more in the public? Up the tempo of entertainment during halftime, etc, perhaps even with D-league, and/or college athletes? Go an unconventional route and have some of the players interact with the crowd more? (security risk? too big of distraction for players?) Is it as simple as waging a larger media campaign, to familiarize the public with the team and their success more? (How about free beer? It works for us Georgia fans. jk . . . sort of)
3. Someone else had noted how popular Atlanta is to black athletes. Yet, I've heard the notion that a lot of athletes just keep a house there and retain their permenant residence elsewhere. What qualities of Atlanta attract, but do not keep black athletes (and athletes of any race)? Is it merely a party seen that they visit? Are the family-man athletes not impressed with Atlanta? Is there a particular type of development that the City could perform that could benefit Atlanta overall (because it is a form of development the City needs anyway) which would make it more attractive as a permanent residence to all potential citizens, including athletes?

[HMFFL]

Would it be feasible though, to waive income tax just for professional athletes? It would be a worthy investment if it improves a team who would generate more tax dollars for the state, not just in it's on revenue, but to surrounding networks of businesses and the Atlanta economy it would stimulate. Is this unconstitutional though?

This has protest written all over it.

Comments have been made about how quiet Phillips Arena is compared to other ear drum-shattering arenas. Although winning games is the biggest solution to a lacksidazical crowd, what else can the team do? Ask players to participate in community activities or show up to key events that gets their faces out there more in the public? Up the tempo of entertainment during halftime, etc, perhaps even with D-league, and/or college athletes? Go an unconventional route and have some of the players interact with the crowd more? (security risk? too big of distraction for players?) Is it as simple as waging a larger media campaign, to familiarize the public with the team and their success more? (How about free beer? It works for us Georgia fans. jk . . . sort of)

Dominique Wilkins seems to be the one that gets out the most for different events around the city. I don't believe I have once seen Joe Johnson out that didn't involve the entire team. I don't think any of the things you listed would help improve to get fans at the arena. The organization needs to prove they can win consistently and they're still trying to get over the past which has called some hurtful times for many. I believe trading Dominique still lingers with some of the older Atlanta fans.

[killbuckner]

I still think the owners will sign Iverson this offseason to give the team the buzz you are talking about. And honestly I think that might be right- the team would be MUCH more popular with Iverson on it- he would own this town.

[Rod700]

I don't think any of the things you listed would help improve to get fans at the arena. The organization needs to prove they can win consistently and they're still trying to get over the past which has called some hurtful times for many. .

Perhaps not, but they were meant as thought provoking catalysts for conversation, not absolute solutions (hence the question marks at the end of each). Any ideas for what could be done to attract and pump up the fans aside from winning more games though?

[Rod700]

I still think the owners will sign Iverson this offseason to give the team the buzz you are talking about. And honestly I think that might be right- the team would be MUCH more popular with Iverson on it- he would own this town.

The more I think about it, the more you are slowly winning me over that this could happen. (I can't recall if you think it's a good idea for our record though.) I'm getting a little off topic here by discussing team chemistry instead of things outside of winning games that could be helpful (like signing popluar players), but if we were to sign AI to run the point at an affordable price, I'd hope that we add another passer to the starting line-up. Someone with near Kukoc-like assists in case Iverson doesn't turn out to be a play maker for us and only hands the ball off to get his assists like Terry did.

[HMFFL]

I don't think any of the things you listed would help improve to get fans at the arena. The organization needs to prove they can win consistently and they're still trying to get over the past which has called some hurtful times for many. .

Perhaps not, but they were meant as thought provoking catalysts for conversation, not absolute solutions (hence the question marks at the end of each). Any ideas for what could be done to attract and pump up the fans aside from winning more games though?

Every idea you mentioned has already been used except for the free beer. At this point the ownership needs to be respected and a true winner needs to be on the court. That goes for just about every team. Teams like Golden State can pack the house because they're so exciting to watch. We don't have that type of appeal. It also doesn't help having idiots on Sports Talk radio bashing the Hawks daily.

[Rod700]

^^^Does Iverson provide that "winner" auroa, or at least the exciting to watch factor? The point too, is do you have other ideas?

[killbuckner]

I don't think that as far as building the best possible basketball team that bringing in Iverson isn't ideal. But regardless I do not believe that the Hawks are a championship contender so I don't have a huge problem with it if the Hawks do decide to go with Iverson. I have even started working out potential offseason plans based on bringing Iverson in with the MLE because I do think its so likely. (It was a bit of a moment of clarity to think about trying to work a Marvin for Bargnani trade and to think it wouldn't have any interest to the Raptors)

Lets say that the options at PG are Bibby at 8 million, A S&T for Andre MIller, or Iverson for the MLE. Even from a straight basketball standpoint I really can't argue against Iverson in that sitaution. Once you put the "buzz" and swing for the fences aspect of it I dont' ahve a lot of problem with it. This was a disastrous season for him but getting him out of detriot and wanting to prove everyone wrong is a nice situation to have him in if the $$ isn't too onerous.

On paper Joe is a pretty ideal player to have on the court next to him. Depending on matchups either one could initiate the offense. The switching defense thing woudl be a problem but its a problem with bibby as well.

[Rod700]

^^^When you put our options that way, I would be in favor of Iverson. Lots of people talk about Bibby's 3pt shooting being critical at the point position, but it's not like we don't a roster full of three point threats to spread the floor.

At this point I think Iverson would be a good move for the primary reason of regenerating the fan base. So many fans and so much respect for the team was lost when litgation limited our cap and kept us in the longest rebuilding process ever. Lots of Georgians don't understand that process, and are just thinking the team failed to go after and/or land competitive players. Now that we are out of that era, I think a lot of the masses are still waiting on a name they recognize before they drop the attitude that the Hawks suck no matter how we did this season (because they feel that success is fleeing, and have labeled the team as perpetual losers).

In the end, bringing in Iverson could very well get people behind the team again, which could be the best thing for the team in the long run. Regardless of whether or not he is the ideal fit, I think he wouldn't be disaterous, and would be a big pay off in not only fan support, but in attracting the interest of other players who might want to play with an Iverson/Johnson back court, and in an arena with more supportive fans.

[tbhawksfan]

One simple solution to make the Hawks a more attractive FA destination instantly; FIRE WOODSON.

As for the post; I can't belive that you proposed to give the millionaire athletes free tax. Are you totally delusional. God bless America.

[Rod700]

^^^In my line of work, state governments give tax incentives to incoming companies all the time. They waive taxes for a certain amount of time (like 20 to 30 years) in order to recruit the company and create jobs and stimulate the economy. Why not do it with an individual who is worth as much as a moderate sized company? As stated, if it improves the team, that stimulates the networks of businesses that thrive around pro teams as well as the Atlanta economy.

[tbhawksfan]

The old trikle down economics. Can we stick to Bball and leave your line of work at the office.

[dms269]

Here is my plan.

REALGM Hawks board buys the Hawks, Rod is our chief legal advisor. HMFFL can be president, we are all co-GM. Everyone is happy.

Now we just have to figure out the money situation. Anyone here rich?

[ATL DirtyBird]

^^^God, I wish we could to that. UGHHH

[jagstang76]

AI would be a huge mistake. Look at DEN since he left and look at DET since Billups left. Need I say more? I'll toss this in, Rip has been all torn up about Chauncey leaving. Obviously, Billups has something that AI has never had, and it has nothing to do with their talents.

[Rod700]

Here is my plan.

REALGM Hawks board buys the Hawks, Rod is our chief legal advisor. HMFFL can be president, we are all co-GM. Everyone is happy.

Now we just have to figure out the money situation. Anyone here rich?

I laughed when I saw this. Good stuff man, but I think that as a group, we would spend more time fighting than Belkin and the Spirit Group!

[raleigh]

Here is my plan.

REALGM Hawks board buys the Hawks, Rod is our chief legal advisor. HMFFL can be president, we are all co-GM. Everyone is happy.

Now we just have to figure out the money situation. Anyone here rich?

I want to be in charge of contract negotiations with free agents. Can I?