Hawks pleased with progress, bring back Woodson

[MapleLeaf]

From espn.com

The Atlanta Hawks announced Friday that they have re-signed head coach Mike Woodson to a new contract.

While the team did not make terms of the deal public, a person close to the negotiations said Thursday that the Hawks had offered Woodson a two-year extension.

"We are happy to have reached agreement with Mike on a new deal that signals his return to the Hawks bench," Hawks general manager Rick Sund said Friday. "I'm comfortable he will help this team reach its potential and build upon the success they enjoyed this past season."

Woodson led the Hawks to their first playoff berth since 1999, as Atlanta took the eventual Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics to seven games in the opening round before bowing out.

"I want to thank Rick for this opportunity, and to express my gratitude to the fans for the unbelievable support they've shown during my time here," Woodson said in a statement released by the team. "I've watched these players grow individually and collectively, and am excited to continue coaching them and building on the momentum from last season."

Woodson's record is 106-222. The Hawks' win total has improved in each of his four years. They ended the NBA's longest playoff drought this season, when they were 37-45.

 

[$tunna]

It'll be nice seeing where we can go next season but now all we gotta do is Re-sign the Joshes

 

[bulls12]

I saw this coming. Good move by Sund.

 

[dez]

Good idea IMO, I dont see why they would of let him go, no need to mess with whats working.

 

[.GR]

We'll see if they're willing to pay J-Smoove the MAX or else they wont be good without him.

 

[elcheato]

Yea good move keeping him but its somewhat of an overrated move.. Yea the Hawks were in the playoffs and took the Celtics to 7 games, but they got crushed every road game and only competed with questionable refs at home.. They were an under .500 team in the regular season and never looked that impressive. We'll see how Horford/Smith develop and if Acie Law can handle big minutes and show his stuff. Good young team, if they can develop they'll be a very solid team led by JJ.

 

[.dk92]

We will most likely resign Josh Smith, just because he's been a vital part to our team. Childress will probably sign with somebody else.

 

[.GR]

Do you think their willing to give Smith the MAX?

 

[$tunna]

Yea good move keeping him but its somewhat of an overrated move.. Yea the Hawks were in the playoffs and took the Celtics to 7 games, but they got crushed every road game and only competed with questionable refs at home.. They were an under .500 team in the regular season and never looked that impressive. We'll see how Horford/Smith develop and if Acie Law can handle big minutes and show his stuff. Good young team, if they can develop they'll be a very solid team led by JJ.

dude we played with questinable refs in Boston! We're gonna resign Childress because he's one of the best Bench players in teh league and Josh Smith might test the market but if he gets that far we'll match watever offers anyone else would give. (He will most likely come back because its his hometown)

 

[.GR]

Josh Smith will get offfered the MAX by other teams, I can guarentee that.

 

[.dk92]

Josh Smith will get offfered the MAX by other teams, I can guarentee that.

Oh, most definitely. We have to.

 

[$tunna]

Josh Smith will get offfered the MAX by other teams, I can guarentee that.

yeah him and Childress will get alot of good offers but I think Atlanta can top them all

 

[.GR]

Yeah, I dont think Childress will get TOO much, so they should be able to top his offers.

 

[$tunna]

Yeah, I dont think Childress will get TOO much, so they should be able to top his offers.

I don't think either will leave because of everything still fitting them : coach, city, team, future etc.