Josh Childress to Greece

What type of franchise have the Atlanta Hawks become when they lose a quality NBA player to a European basketball team? The AJC reports that restricted free agent Josh Childress has signed with Olympiakos of Greece for $20 million plus for three years. Childress’ deal is the most lucrative contract in Euroleague basketball.

Since Childress signed with a non-NBA team, the Atlanta Hawks have no right to match the offer. Although the Hawks maintain the rights to Childress for the next two years, the Baby Birds will not receive any immediate compensation.

As a Hawk, Childress played approximately 29.9 minutes a night, averaged 11.8 points on 57 percent shooting. Childress was one of just six players in the NBA to average at least 10 points and 4 rebounds while also shooting better than 50 percent from the floor and making 20 or more 3-pointers. In J-Chills four years with the Hawks, he averaged 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists as one of the league’s best sixth men.

This off-season has been a train wreck for the Atlanta Spirit Group. First, they resign Head Coach Mike Woodson, who’s had a losing record the last four seasons. Second, they don’t make any moves to secure a draft pick in the NBA lottery and/or draft, i.e. if they didn’t plan on keeping Josh Childress, then why not sign and trade him for a draft pick. Third, they let Josh Childress sign to a Euroleague team. Fourth, they haven’t made any progress in resigning standout player Josh Smith.