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08:09 AM ET 04.28 | A big contract puts a big set of expectations on Atlanta's star. There is still a level of doesn't-get-it-ness with Joe Johnson. Stars get paid the most because stars are expected to do the most, but that second part is seldom acknowledged by the Hawks' guard. "I don't get all of the glory when we win, so I don't get to take all the [blame] when we lose," Johnson said before this playoff series started. Oh, Joe. This much is true: The Hawks did not lose Game 5 to Orlando by 25 points solely because Johnson made only 2-of-12 shots, at least when we even noticed he was on the floor. They all stunk. But Johnson didn't do nearly enough to prevent the loss -- or even collective team humiliation -- from happening. And yes, he does deserve a greater share of the blame than Josh Smith or Jamal Crawford or anybody else on the roster because more is expected from him.

Joe Johnson, Getty Images

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April 28, 2011 08:12 AM ET

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He is an athlete and they arent the smartest bunch of characters....

K.I.G.

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April 28, 2011 08:23 AM ET

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I wouldn't take responsibility for that either...

Otis B. Driftwood

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April 28, 2011 08:24 AM ET

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He also should be their highest paid player at the moment. He left Phoenix for the glory. Now tell the story.

P-Dubya

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April 28, 2011 08:33 AM ET

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Not his fault their organization would rather pay him a ridiculous salary than lose him.

Chitown's Finest!

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April 28, 2011 08:35 AM ET

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This whole season has been a step backward for Joe Johnson - at least in terms of effort.

BIGGIE

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April 28, 2011 08:38 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:29 AM ET 04.28 by jgb

Dont blame the playerfor getting a fat paycheckthats on managementWe all know who he is and what his +&- are long before this series

Agreed, the Hawks spoiled him from the word go. They drove his value up from Phoenix, had he not got that initial fat cheque his value would be no where near where it is now...

Spizzy

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April 28, 2011 08:43 AM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 08:35 AM ET 04.28 by BIGGIE

This whole season has been a step backward for Joe Johnson - at least in terms of effort.

Nah I disagree. Joe is who he is. He is a talented but lethargic, take-it-easy type player. He's always been that, prior to and after the ridiculous contract.

This one is on the Hawks management to set up that kinda expectations just because of the $$.

Kudos to JJ that he doesn't feel that pressure LOL.

ESPN

Atlanta , GA

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April 28, 2011 09:16 AM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 08:29 AM ET 04.28 by jgb

Dont blame the playerfor getting a fat paycheckthats on managementWe all know who he is and what his +&- are long before this series

It's true big money players always fake injuries when times get rough so they don't get blamed as much. Point in case when Lakers/Hornets series was tied 2-2 Kobe quickly faked an injury... last season Rashard Lewis was hurting through Orlando's playoff series. Yeah... Rose and Boozer are hurt... in case Chicago gets knocked out you already know they were hurt... It's just the way it goes... if y're underachieving fake an injury... when you come through... ur a hero!

Lostwill

Natick , MA

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April 28, 2011 09:21 AM ET

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Lets just hope that he continues to not get it.

ClevelandGuy

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April 28, 2011 09:34 AM ET

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It will always be your fault, Bro.

I Love LA

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April 28, 2011 09:38 AM ET

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QUOTE(#12):

Originally posted 09:21 AM ET 04.28 by G-B

... Live and die by the 3...

A philosophy we both are far too familiar with.

Otis B. Driftwood

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April 28, 2011 10:03 AM ET

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QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 08:43 AM ET 04.28 by ESPN

Nah I disagree. Joe is who he is. He is a talented but lethargic, take-it-easy type player. He's always been that, prior to and after the ridiculous contract.This one is on the Hawks management to set up that kinda expectations just because of the $$.Kudos to JJ that he doesn't feel that pressure LOL.

Well if that's the case than the contract becomes even more baffling (to me).

BIGGIE

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April 28, 2011 10:05 AM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:16 AM ET 04.28 by Lostwill

It's true big money players always fake injuries when times get rough so they don't get blamed as much. Point in case when Lakers/Hornets series was tied 2-2 Kobe quickly faked an injury... last season Rashard Lewis was hurting through Orlando's playoff series. Yeah... Rose and Boozer are hurt... in case Chicago gets knocked out you already know they were hurt... It's just the way it goes... if y're underachieving fake an injury... when you come through... ur a hero!

You forgot about Amare who apparently needs a bacKiotomy.