NBA stars increasingly are trying to "leverage their way to the city of their choice," but are bypassing Atlanta, according to Michael Cunningham of the ATLANTA CONSTITUTION. It "made sense they didn't come when the Hawks were a losing team." But they have "qualified for the playoffs four straight years and are one of three teams, along with the Lakers and Celtics, to make the second round of the playoffs three years in a row." NBA TV analyst Steve Smith said that the Hawks "haven't benefited because of questions about their ownership." TNT analyst Kenny Smith said that the "reputation of a team's basketball executives matters." Smith added, "Miami was like Atlanta for a long time for players: great place to visit, wouldn't want to play here. Then Pat Riley changed that environment and made that a place of winning." Cunningham noted that is "the kind of talk that frustrates Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr." Gearon said that he "has no plans to sell and that he and his partners remain committed to the Hawks." Gearon added that he "believes there's a false perception, fueled largely by local media, that the Hawks aren't as successful as the Falcons or Braves and don't have owners who are as willing to spend money." Gearon: "It's (difficult) trying to get the interest of the casual fan that doesn't know us and believes, 'They really don't spend money and they are not successful.' The last six or seven years, by our record, we are the most successful team in Atlanta." NBA TV's Chris Webber said, "Atlanta, it's a hard place to claim (for star players). You have to have die-hard fans" (ATLANTA CONSTITUTION, 12/18).
HAWK TALK: Gearon recently discussed the public perception of Hawks ownership. He said, "I look at things where people say, ‘Oh, well, the Hawks owners are cheap.’ That’s something I hear constantly whether it’s written or radio guys. Yet when you look at the facts ... This year we will probably have one of the top 5 payrolls in the NBA. It will be right around $70 (million)." He added, "If you look at our payroll vs. the Falcons ... their payroll the last three, four years has been in the lower third in the league. They were 25th in 08-09, 26th in 09-10, 26th in 2010-11. Now let’s contrast that with us. 2010-11 we were ninth; 2009-10 we were 21st. This year we will probably be fifth. What I struggle with is when the facts don’t support the (negative) view." Asked if he is "still trying to sell the team," Gearon said, "No. But who knows whatever happens in any situation. If somebody comes and offers you something you never know but that’s not what my goal is. (Gearon says he no longer has the investment bank that handled that sale on retainer.)" Gearon said he changed his mind on selling the team because of the "new CBA." Gearon also talked about his Atlanta Spirit group selling the Thrashers. Gearon: "It is emotionally draining and challenging to own and operate two teams. Very few teams in sports do it and it’s usually a corporation. (Stan) Kroenke is only one I can think of off the top of my head as an individual." Asked what it will take to increase team revenues, Gearon said, "One is being sure our fan base, that the perception of the team is accurate with the success and the commitment we have made to the team. We are a group that cares as much as anybody." He added, "How do you grow (revenue)? By getting to the fair-weather fan and (make him) realize, one, we care, two we are willing to spend money and three look at our success" (AJC.com, 12/17).
