Hawks 2020 Presser
Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2018 1:36 am
Wig eyes the reporters gathered in the Atlanta Media Room.
"Another year, another lost season. We had a great season only to come short of a title, losing in Round 2 against a Bulls squad with a ridiculous Russell Westbrook that went counter to the big-man load up we had to try to combat Anthony Davis. On top of that, the luxury tax payment we made last year combined with the huge contract offers our free agents garnered made bringing the team bad all but impossible."
"Our only really significant add was Spencer Hawes in Free Agency. With Draymond and Middleton signing elsewhere, we felt it was important to have extra depth at the wing - hence the late Earl OBryant pickup. Up front, Arthur Parish and Aaron Donald are solid scorers inside - you can never have too much depth. Unfortunately, that depth will be put to the test immediately thanks to Thomas Robinson taking a smaller offer from the Suns to chase a ring in the West. We hope he breaks a leg."
"On the other hand, Joakim Noah returned home but had a tough training camp. Noah's veteran leadership will hopefully allow him to tutor our player and accept a lesser role as his career starts to enter its twilight. With Robinson gone, though, Greg Monroe will get more opportunities to post stats in the middle."
"Harland Ellinger improved an already efficient game in the offseason. We may have to ask him for one of his best seasons to date, however. Daniel Randle continues to be an athletic freak on the other side of the backourt, and we have no doubt at all about his ability."
"The elephant in the room, of course, is expectations given the huge departures we suffered. I have spoken to the coaches and players and made it clear that the goal is the same as always. Championship. If trades come our way that will facilitate that change... well, my phone lines are open. The players know and understand this. Our bench players and even some of our starters have been told in no uncertain terms we are shopping them. We feel we have quality young prospects and for the right fit will be willing to consider moving them now - or we might hit the reset button if a great young rebuilding package comes along for Greg Monroe. Ellinger and Randle represent the future of this franchise because we've put a ton of investment into them and while I think we have an outside shot at navigating through the East, we're not going to make foolish future commitments - money will be an issue... thanks, Tax Man."
"Our work is cut out for us, but I think we're ready to face up to the challenge. Any questions?"
"Another year, another lost season. We had a great season only to come short of a title, losing in Round 2 against a Bulls squad with a ridiculous Russell Westbrook that went counter to the big-man load up we had to try to combat Anthony Davis. On top of that, the luxury tax payment we made last year combined with the huge contract offers our free agents garnered made bringing the team bad all but impossible."
"Our only really significant add was Spencer Hawes in Free Agency. With Draymond and Middleton signing elsewhere, we felt it was important to have extra depth at the wing - hence the late Earl OBryant pickup. Up front, Arthur Parish and Aaron Donald are solid scorers inside - you can never have too much depth. Unfortunately, that depth will be put to the test immediately thanks to Thomas Robinson taking a smaller offer from the Suns to chase a ring in the West. We hope he breaks a leg."
"On the other hand, Joakim Noah returned home but had a tough training camp. Noah's veteran leadership will hopefully allow him to tutor our player and accept a lesser role as his career starts to enter its twilight. With Robinson gone, though, Greg Monroe will get more opportunities to post stats in the middle."
"Harland Ellinger improved an already efficient game in the offseason. We may have to ask him for one of his best seasons to date, however. Daniel Randle continues to be an athletic freak on the other side of the backourt, and we have no doubt at all about his ability."
"The elephant in the room, of course, is expectations given the huge departures we suffered. I have spoken to the coaches and players and made it clear that the goal is the same as always. Championship. If trades come our way that will facilitate that change... well, my phone lines are open. The players know and understand this. Our bench players and even some of our starters have been told in no uncertain terms we are shopping them. We feel we have quality young prospects and for the right fit will be willing to consider moving them now - or we might hit the reset button if a great young rebuilding package comes along for Greg Monroe. Ellinger and Randle represent the future of this franchise because we've put a ton of investment into them and while I think we have an outside shot at navigating through the East, we're not going to make foolish future commitments - money will be an issue... thanks, Tax Man."
"Our work is cut out for us, but I think we're ready to face up to the challenge. Any questions?"