Proud Of Our Success In 2008-09
5/14/09
Our season is now over, as we lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 4 games in the NBA playoffs. We are disappointed how it ended, but overall I think it was a successful season for the Hawks and myself. A lot of good things happened, and we improved upon the year before.
Last year we lost to Boston in 7 games, and losing that series made us realize how important home court advantage is. So when we came into this season, our goals were to finish in the top-4 in the East and to win 50 games. Well, we didn't quite make it to 50, but we did finish 4th and came pretty close to 50 in the process.
By finishing 4th, we got to host Miami in our first round series. It was a pretty interesting series, and the homecourt advantage definitely came into play. We used Philips Arena as our weapon. Game 7 was there, and we won. Our fans were great, and we saw what an advantage they gave us.
In the 2nd round we played Cleveland. It was very tough. I don't like to make excuses, but the injuries really took a toll on us, and we got swept 4-0. It was a tough way to lose, but I am still proud of our team's efforts.
We are proud of our season, but we aren't satisfied. We all have to work hard this summer to come back next year and take the next step, and try to compete for a championship.
Now that the season is over, my contract with the Hawks is up and I will become a free agent this summer. I've been in Atlanta for 4 years, and I feel like I had my best seasons here. You really start to feel like your team is your family after being in a place that long, and guys like Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, we've all been together for a long time now.
I've really gotten used to Atlanta, and it really feels like home to me. I really appreciate the love and support I get from the team and the fans, it's very important to me. The fans really appreciate the effort I give, on the court during the game and off the court at team events and appearances, and it gives me great motivation and energy.
It's been a great 4 years - there have been many great moments I'll never forget, and I really feel like I've become a complete player in my time in Atlanta.
I want to thank everyone for helping me get to the place where I am today. It took a lot of time, effort, and determination, and this feeling is not something I want to ever lose. I also want to thank the Hawks organization for the opportunities I've had here - to Billy Knight for believing in me and signing me, and to Coach Woodson for giving me a chance to play as a starter and a contributor.
I say all this because it's how I truly feel, and because my #1 option as a free agent this summer to to stay here if I can. However, I know the NBA is a business, and everyone knows that. I want to stay, but at the same time I have to do what is going to be the best thing for myself and my family.
For now, the most important thing for me is to get some rest for my body and enjoy the summer time. A lot of NBA players play a lot of golf, but I've never gotten into that. I am more of a tennis guy, and I plan to hit the courts a lot. I'll start working out at some point towards next season, but I'm not sure when as of yet. Also, I'm interested in taking some business classes, so I am looking into some programs for that as well.
I am excited to spend some time with my son and my family, and do some resting and relaxing before Free Agency starts. I'll keep you posted as the process starts in July, but that's still a ways away for now.
Thanks to everyone for all your support this season, and I'll check back in as the summer progresses.