making the Hawks more marketable

myrak433 · Post #1 » by **myrak433** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 12:24 am

I believe that is first on Mr. Alex Meruelo agenda. I feel that he has to find a Marquee player to use to promote the Hawks. I feel this is the only way ticket sales will increase in Atlanta. the hawks have to have someone on there team that people want to pay to see.

there are almost as many stars living in Atlanta as there are living in L.A.

so if this team had some excitement about it the stars would come. and if the stars come the common people will show up.

I just don't know who the Hawks could get to bring the people to philips arena. but I do know that noone currently on the roster is that type of guy. the closest thing is Josh Smith.

Maybe if we could get Russell Westbrook and make him our marquee player. Or maybe Louis Williams, he use to draw a bigger crowd at his high school games than the Hawks did. Maybe someone like Al jefferson could be used.

I can not think of anyone else. help me out.

Post #2 » by **HMFFL** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 1:05 am

None of those players are going to improve our ticket sales. I doubt Josh Smith even plays a big part since he seems to be frustrating even the casual fans. The 2012 class has three players that can fill the void. Deron Williams, Chris Paul and Dwight Howard. One of those three will improve our attendance and drastically help us become more of a contender.

Alex Meruelo needs to construct a true championship contender and the seats will fill. Everyone realizes we won't make it to the finals with our current roster. Meruelo needs to be open to trading anyone on the roster as long as it gets us closer to winning a championship.

myrak433 · Post #3 » by **myrak433** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:24 am

I agree if you could get one of those guys you do it. I just believe that it would take to much to get one of them. then we would have one star player on a bad team. I also believe that Russell Westbrook could be had without gutting the team and he is the type of player that could be Marketed to be a superstar type player.

azuresou1 · Post #4 » by **azuresou1** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 2:24 pm

I'm not seeing how we could get Westbrook without trading Horford, and I think that trade is mostly lateral.

evildallas · Post #5 » by **evildallas** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:23 pm

Given the current roster the best way to get a more exciting product is Jeff Teague. The team needs to commit to breaking down the defense and get Josh and Al into highlight finishes rather than the style of offense that's been employed in the past. This is a band-aid though. The real solution larger term requires some retooling because the roster was built on flawed plans both for basketball and business.

The team really blew a lot of drafts and complicate the problems with resignings. For a winning roster Atlanta has one of the least marketable rosters I can imagine. San Antonio is right up there, but it has a better international flare.
#1) Highest paid player is a strong silent type. Good luck on selling that. (Joe)
#2) The most exciting player has frustrating tendencies and has become oversensitive to criticism. Could have been marketed successfully if he had gotten the organization commitment and coaching years ago. (Josh)
#3) The soundest player is a dirty work guy, who could be marketed, but hasn't really been yet. (Al)
#4) The most charismatic player has language barrier issues. (Zaza)
#5) The potential breakout player is soft spoken as well. (Teague)
#6) The highest draft pick is a flop as both a player and in terms of marketability. (Marvin)

Steps to take to market this team:
A real push behind Al. They should have ran with Al when he stood up to Paul Pierce a few years back, but marketing wasn't the ASG's strength. Al has personality and I think the city of Atlanta would stand behind him if it got out there. Right now Al's personality has been downplayed like he needs to be boring. He doesn't. He isn't Tim Duncan 2.0. Bonus is that it might help tap into the latino growth market.

Just because he makes the most money you don't have to market Joe Johnson. It's a lost cause. He's managed to get overpaid handsomely without selling himself to the public. Joe knows he'll never make a lot of money in advertising so he has no incentive to change.

Sign a marketable free agent. We don't have the means to sign a star, but we could sign someone who can help shill the team. My first choice would be Shane Battier. The Hawks could use someone who could be marketed locally as a great guy. The guy who does stuff in the community and never comes across as doing it for a selfish reason. Not to mention the influence a vet like that could have in the locker room. I realize there are players already here that do a lot in the community, but they often get overshadowed by their own court antics or persona.

Invest in media coaching with any players you want to build around. Look at the WWE as an example. Talent only gets you so far. You have to have the mic skills to get ahead. It's a key element to selling the product. When the NBA started marketing the player over the team it charisma and mic skills became an important element in moving the product. Jeff Teague could really use this.

If an amnesty clause exists in the new cba then get rid of Marvin. Marvin is a constant reminder of what the team passed on. He's also a constant reminder of unrealized potential. It's easier to market a career journeyman or a guy fighting for a job making the 5th man contributions than a well-paid #2 overall draft pick that has never substantially improved since jumping to the NBA too early. He's a poster child for not earning what he's got and a drain on the attractiveness of the organization.

Interview potential draft picks thoroughly. Given the salary cap situation and Joe's huge contract we need to add via the draft. In addition to on court skills it'd be nice to land some marketable personalities as well.

evildallas · Post #6 » by **evildallas** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 9:28 pm

Also, sign Rod Benson to a league minimum contract as a backup PF. He's a solid rebounder who seems to be blackballed from the NBA because of his strong social media presence. Embrace the new and the different. We already did the different with Etan Thomas, now we need the new. It's a minor impact on the court but someone so socially media savvy could help the team and his teammates become more marketability in the modern world.

Geaux_Hawks · Post #7 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 11:59 pm

Good post evil, though I think Al Horford isn't a guy with a lot to market. He isn't flashy in no way. He called out Amare, by saying no one is afraid of him, but yet backed down when it was time to play. He hasn't really built a house hold name on the court to give us publicity IMO. The Pierce thing wasn't spectacular IMO.

Honestly, when you look at him physically, there isn't nothing to really look at. No Tattoo's, no sleeves, no eye catching sneakers, no real nickname, or nothing. You take a guy like Chris Andersen. He has like a gazillion tats and just has an on-the-court demeanor that the crowd reacts to. He brings out the energy of the crowd when he does something, whether its a celebration after a play or just to pump the crowd up. Although he is a back up, he still impacts the game as a role player. Just looking at his description, he would be the perfect guy to start our new marketing journey if we wanted to look outside of the organization.

Internally, Josh Smith can be that guy, but he has to cut out that outside shot he tends to fall in love with. He needs to stick to slashing and highlight dunks. I think everyone loved his play in the Chicago series and that very well could lead to the Hawks performing better and taking a step into the ECF. If he starts playing up to his full potential, he could really bring the Hawks into the national spotlight. He has the flashiness you need for marketing already.

Next, is Jeff Teague. He has the fans right where they need to be. All he has to do is show us a break out year. Another good way is by what evildallas suggested by moving Marvin elsewhere. We need to rid ourselves of the constant reminder that we could have had better.

We don't need current superstar players to market. Just some guys that will make an impact on the court, excite the crowd with a big play, or give the team some local, regional, and national publicity.

Like I say, Chris Andersen would be perfect. A former tech guy like Anthony Morrow could bring out some of the GT alum. Donatas Montiejunas could give us a nice international flare. Of course some star college players would help via draft.

Essentially we need numerous new faces. Idealistically and realistically, I would like to see Chris Andersen, David Lighty, Joe Alexander, Tracy McGrady, and Brandan Wright in Hawks Uni's. Andersen can start and with his "Birdman" theme, would influence people to want see him along with it being a natural fit, Lighty will be playing with a Wes Matthews type of chip on his shoulder, Alexander & Wright both have so much upside IMO, and with their athleticism, could make some "Highlight Factory" dunks, and T Mac is just a former star player that might make people want to watch him if he is doing good enough. He looked good enough with Detroit IMO.

We want Big name guys, but unless we have that actual salary cap to go out and sign them, then it's not happening unless it is in a trade.

myrak433 · Post #8 » by **myrak433** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 12:22 am

azuresou1 wrote:I'm not seeing how we could get Westbrook without trading Horford, and I think that trade is mostly lateral.

I would trade Horford for Westbrook in a heartbeat. although I know that would be a big risk. I feel that westbrook could be as good as D-Wade. he plays just like him when Wade first go into the league. Westbrook isn't scared to be the main focus. you see he wants to be the main guy even though he has Durant as a team mate. but I would do a trade like Horford and Teague for Westbrook, Serge, and Nazr.

azuresou1 · Post #9 » by **azuresou1** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 1:13 am

Hm... that trade's interesting but it's pretty risky. I'd rather just amnesty Marvin and start marketing Teague heavily. For a PG he gets a **** ton of blocks and dunks. And FFS, we need to fast break more.

Also, **** it, have Zaza give a speech before every game. That'd be awesome.

myrak433 · Post #10 » by **myrak433** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 1:58 am

azuresou1 wrote:Hm... that trade's interesting but it's pretty risky. I'd rather just amnesty Marvin and start marketing Teague heavily. For a PG he gets a **** ton of blocks and dunks. And FFS, we need to fast break more.

Also, **** it, have Zaza give a speech before every game. That'd be awesome.

I don't Teague will have the same kind of career Westbrook will. teague has the skillz, he just don't have that dog in him like westbrook

Geaux_Hawks · Post #11 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 1:10 pm

Honestly, Westbrook would be a nice, but his FG% is terrible and he turns the ball over a lot, and all of that is the result of wanting to be that "Go-To" guy. I agree, that he does have a dog in him, but that dog sometimes takes over and blocks out the team. You can't have that type of breakdown in critical moments.

That's what happened to OKC against Dallas(and also Dirk). we sell more tickets and win games, but Westbrooks play is questionable IMO. He tends to over do it at times and wants to be in the spotlight.

I would rather swing a deal with Harden-Aldrich being the centerpiece's. Add Nazr and Mullens for fillers. We come out better adding Joe's replacement now in Harden, a dirty work center in Nazr, and 2 projects at center.

Geaux_Hawks · Post #12 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 1:22 pm

Teague & Harden would be a nice duo to market for the future. Harden and Teague could both rise to stardom as a young back court for years to come.

myrak433 · Post #13 » by **myrak433** » Thu Aug 11, 2011 6:49 pm

Geaux_Hawks wrote:Teague & Harden would be a nice duo to market for the future. Harden and Teague could both rise to stardom as a young back court for years to come.

Teague and Harden are very good players, they just don't have that it factor like Westbrook does. that is what the Hawks need someone with that it factor.

Geaux_Hawks · Post #14 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 2:52 am

myrak433 wrote:
Geaux_Hawks wrote:Teague & Harden would be a nice duo to market for the future. Harden and Teague could both rise to stardom as a young back court for years to come.

Teague and Harden are very good players, they just don't have that it factor like Westbrook does. that is what the Hawks need someone with that it factor.

Westbrook is selfish and wants to be in the spotlight. He really doesn't have an "It" factor. He inefficiently scores points, becomes selfish at times, and is very TO prone. He makes to many mistakes trying to overdue it at times. He will make plenty of good plays, but will also screw up a lot of them as well.

myrak433 · Post #15 » by **myrak433** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 11:10 am

Geaux_Hawks wrote:
myrak433 wrote:
Geaux_Hawks wrote:Teague & Harden would be a nice duo to market for the future. Harden and Teague could both rise to stardom as a young back court for years to come.

Teague and Harden are very good players, they just don't have that it factor like Westbrook does. that is what the Hawks need someone with that it factor.

Westbrook is selfish and wants to be in the spotlight. He really doesn't have an "It" factor. He inefficiently scores points, becomes selfish at times, and is very TO prone. He makes to many mistakes trying to overdue it at times. He will make plenty of good plays, but will also screw up a lot of them as well.

that sounds like most super stars in the beginning of their careers.

Geaux_Hawks · Post #16 » by **Geaux_Hawks** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 1:44 pm

I have never seen Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, Kobe. Wade, KG, Duncan,and many others confront a teammate or look as inefficient as Westbrook does. Let alone be as selfish as he can be at times. Kobe showed tendencies of being selfish and clashing with Shaq, but this was after their title runs and Shaq was at the back end of his career.

myrak433 · Post #17 » by **myrak433** » Fri Aug 12, 2011 6:55 pm

Geaux_Hawks wrote:I have never seen Blake Griffin, Kevin Durant, Kobe. Wade, KG, Duncan,and many others confront a teammate or look as inefficient as Westbrook does. Let alone be as selfish as he can be at times. Kobe showed tendencies of being selfish and clashing with Shaq, but this was after their title runs and Shaq was at the back end of his career.

well those are not the only super stars ever to play in the NBA.... Jordan, Melo, Dirk, A.I., and Wilkins are just a few players that where called selfish at some point in their career. as yes Kobe and Wade would be included.

and as far as confronting a teammate that is called being a leader. and even if Westbrook looks inefficient at times, he has only been in the league for three years. but I bet you can't say he doesn't give it his all and try to win every single game........

Ruhiel · Post #18 » by **Ruhiel** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 3:52 am

Durant confronted Westbrook about his shot selection.

Westbrook is not a "superstar".

Like Durant, Dirk has been called passive not selfish.

MaceCase · Post #19 » by **MaceCase** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 5:24 pm

Westbrook is a statwhore which Hawk fans can attest to with an ego that far exceeds his talents. As a PG your number 1 priority is to get the rest of your team into the game rather than trying to assert yourself especially when you have a fricking phenom in Kevin Durant to pass to. The playoffs certainly exposed Russell as he was imploding left and right with his chuckfests and he didn't get back on track until coach Brooks took him offball and let Harden (who is a more natural facilitator in the Joe/Ginobili mold) and even Maynor handle the PG duties.

I simply don't see Westbrook being a legitimate superstar candidate in the league as I've already pointed out to two guys on OKC that are better than him. The guy just has Steve Francis' game with Ricky Davis' mentality and that's just a **** mix. Would I take him on the Hawks? Sure, we need talent but not at the expense of other talents and definitely not as the de facto number 1. We'd still need an actual PG too.

myrak433 · Post #20 » by **myrak433** » Sat Aug 13, 2011 6:38 pm

MaceCase wrote:Westbrook is a statwhore which Hawk fans can attest to with an ego that far exceeds his talents. As a PG your number 1 priority is to get the rest of your team into the game rather than trying to assert yourself especially when you have a fricking phenom in Kevin Durant to pass to. The playoffs certainly exposed Russell as he was imploding left and right with his chuckfests and he didn't get back on track until coach Brooks took him offball and let Harden (who is a more natural facilitator in the Joe/Ginobili mold) and even Maynor handle the PG duties.

I simply don't see Westbrook being a legitimate superstar candidate in the league as I've already pointed out to two guys on OKC that are better than him. The guy just has Steve Francis' game with Ricky Davis' mentality and that's just a **** mix. Would I take him on the Hawks? Sure, we need talent but not at the expense of other talents and definitely not as the de facto number 1. We'd still need an actual PG too.

you mean like D-Rose