Low-key, the Hawks' franchise been on the block since before they sold the Atlanta Thrashers (hockey) 3 years ago. No one biting on the Hawks. Hawks franchise currently worth approx. $500M. Sterling just sold the Clippers for $2B, behind some of the same shyt. Controversy drove up the selling price. Out of the 7 owners in the group, maybe 1-2 are basketball fans. These are businessmen. There's no loyalty to any Atlanta fanbase.
The fanbase has never been the problem. The product is. Real Hawks fans came out when Nique was doing it. They even supported during the Lenny Wilkens' middle-of-the-road run. And definitely when Josh Smith was high-flying....then jacking up 3s from parking lot...in the playoffs.
The Falcons pack the GA Dome every home game with the most diverse crowd (black, white, latino, asian, etc.) you'll see. Just shows how out of touch the Hawks' ownership really is.
To be honest, the 7 owners been backstabbing each other for years. This is probably one of the main reasons that many NBA players live in Atlanta, but don't want to play for the Hawks. Ownership has been f-ed up for a long time now.
Another thing, just my opinion, but the Ferry-Deng thing might stem from Duke. Deng was one of those 1 and done kids. Ferry might still be butt-hurt over that. Other than that, it makes no sense. Deng has been a stand-up dude in the league. Played hurt many times.
All of that being said, none of this stuff coming to light should shock anyone. I'm sure during the Cobb County-Atlanta Braves deal negotiations, much worse was said. Just not documented and reported. The good ole boys down here know how to cover their dirt. These Hawks dudes aren't good ole boys.
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I got some other shyt to do, I couldnt commit to 1/2 of that.
