Hawks Likely to Fire Larry Drew (Nope, Drew Returns)

[EmpireWF]

http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story_2nd.php?story_id=133713759290947700

Once the Blazers get around to hiring a coach, one potential candidate is Larry Drew, Atlanta’s head coach the past two seasons. The Hawks have a team option on Drew’s contract, and word is he is likely to be let go after their first-round elimination in six games by Boston.

Atlanta has gone 84-64 in the regular season under Drew, 54, including 40-26 this year. The Hawks made it to the second round of the 2010-11 playoffs, losing to Chicago in six games.

Is it his fault they haven't done much in the post-season?

 

[FedEx227]

No but it's the NBA. Head coaches that aren't elite get passed around like passed out girls at a DDRGuido party.

 

[NAHSTE]

Well, he is a terrible coach.

The problem is the franchise is so cheap and the owners have such little disposable income that they will end up hiring another guy with no experience. Drew was brought on because he was cheap and he would not raise a stink that the roster could not be improved. Granted, he had a hard task. He was asked to somehow get more out of the exact same roster that had already maxed out with Mike Woodson.

But he was a terrible coach. Hopefully the next bargain basement hire is better.

 

[ralaw]

The Hawks are a good team, but they lack a proven star leader and a great coach that could get the most out of the talent that is on the roster. I like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith as a #2 players, but not as my go-to #1 guys. However, considering where they were this team has been successful. I don't think Atlanta is an elite franchise, but they have talent and potential to be a great team, but they just need to find a good coach to pull it out of them. Those types of coaches are hard to find.

 

[NAHSTE]

Yeah, ralaw, that's pretty much it. Hawks have a few really, really, really, good players who aren't quite good enough to carry a title contender. (You didn't mention Al Horford, who would be more of a star on a team where the offense was run through him.) You can make three stars but no superstar work in the NBA, but only if the team plays efficiently as a unit and has a sound bench and coaching staff.

The 2010-2012 Hawks had none of those things.

 

[FedEx227]

You need to follow the Pacers framework to get to that level without a true "star".

 

[ralaw]

With Johnson, Smith and Horford and a good young PG in Teague the Hawks have a good nucleus that can win, but they need a coach that get them over the top into that Miami, Chicago with Rose) range. I like Nate McMillan or dare I say Mike Dantoni. I bet Dantoni would be a great fit actually.

 

[FedEx227]

Maybe they can give Josh Smith a shock collar when he takes 18 foot jumpers.

 

[houheffna]

Damn shame...

Team bought into mediocrity by giving Johnson that huge contract, now they are upset...because they are mediocre. They need to fire the idiot that gave JJ that contract.

 

[nwfisch]

Damn shame...

Team bought into mediocrity by giving Johnson that huge contract, now they are upset...because they are mediocre. They need to fire the idiot that gave JJ that contract.

A shame. Built a team to increase its value instead of focusing on winning.

 

[Kuzzy Powers]

Drew will not be getting fired..

Larry Drew has had the third year option on his contract picked up and will return as Hawks head coach.
Contrary to an earlier report from the Portland Tribune which called Drew's return "unlikely," the head coach will return to the Atlanta bench. It's going to be an interesting offseason for Atlanta as the team looks to improve without having much flexibility to do so.

 

[NAHSTE]

:dd:

Cheap ass ownership strikes again!

 

[ralaw]

The Hawks are at that point where I'f the brought in a more innovative coach they could take that next step into that elite level, but now they're going to waste the talent in mediocracy.

 

[NAHSTE]

The Hawks are at that point where I'f the brought in a more innovative coach they could take that next step into that elite level, but now they're going to waste the talent in mediocracy.

Pretty much. Roster cannot be improved at all, the entire core is signed through 2013 and the team is right up against the luxury tax. The roster is essentially locked, meaning the only way to improve on last year's results is through better tactical deployment of said roster. Well, that, or the team can hope that one of the "medium 3" elevates his game to another level, but I'd think hiring a better coach would have been the safer bet.

 

[FirstTimer]

Pretty much. Roster cannot be improved at all, the entire core is signed through 2013 and the team is right up against the luxury tax. The roster is essentially locked, meaning the only way to improve on last year's results is through better tactical deployment of said roster. Well, that, or the team can hope that one of the "medium 3" elevates his game to another level, but I'd think hiring a better coach would have been the safer bet.

Sounds pretty much like the Bulls honestly.