Monday, July 02, 2012

Great Trade. Who'd We Get?

So ends an era. One wherein terrible management turned a good player into a profound organizational handicap. Michael Cunningham reports:
The Hawks and Nets have agreed to terms on a trade that will send All-Star guard Joe Johnson to Brooklyn for expiring contracts and a first-round pick, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
Let's hear it for Danny Ferry, who performed a miracle. And let's hear it for Billy King, who saw the post-prime years of (presently) an above average score and passer who doesn't rebound, whose defense can best be described as "won't kill you if you put him on the other team's second-most dangerous wing" and thought to himself, "That's worth $90 million and a first-round draft pick."

The cost of the Joe Johnson era was only, it turned out, $105 million, one first-round pick, and one league average player. Danny Ferry turned a potential disaster into something that didn't work out as planned.

The Hawks have moved on. This trade doesn't improve them in the short-term, it only makes improvement possible in the future. Ferry will have to make several good decisions (and have them work) to get the Hawks to win two playoff series in a season for the first time since they moved to Atlanta.

Tonight, though raise a glass to Ferry, to Joe Johnson, to Billy King, and to the future.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Danny Ferry just won the Internet. No competition for GM of the year. I don't care that the season hasn't even started.

Jon L. said...

As I type I am getting ready to meet people to celebrate the one move that seemed impossible. Ferry has already shown in less than two weeks that he makes better decisions and is more capable than any GM that the Hawks have had.

Felix said...

Thank you, Danny Ferry!

And thank you, Billy King!

Throwback Soul said...

I think I just drooled a little...

Unknown said...

Welcome aboard, Devin Harris.

jrauch said...

Christmas in July. I never thought I'd see the day.

Buddy Grizzard said...

Nothing like a second honeymoon :)

Unknown said...

In recent news, season ticket sales for the Hawks have doubled in the last 8 hours...

Camden said...

Hawks get out of a tough situation.
I have a post on my blog

Calkutta said...

So, has anyone wondered why the spirit group allowed the massive overhaul? Surely, Rick Sund wasn't do prideful that he refused to try and trade Marvin or Joe. I fear they are in line to sell again. Dumping the largest contracts we had. It could simply be smart moves by Danny and a real desire to win by the brass. But, keep your ears open.