For a long time, our team has needed a role and an identity. After trading Deke, Smitty, and Mookie, we lost that veteran presence and team chemistry. The reason being is because we lost our best scorer and defenders. For years we have tinkered with teams with very little chemistry and no identity. The JR Rider/Jim Jackson years marked the first time this franchise had ever brought in questionable characters.

The JT, Shareef, Theo, Big Dog fiasco that Babcock bet would make the playoffs had many fatal flaws. First and foremost, who was the leader and who was the distributor. Flawed teams have flawed players and JT was that. He was a guy who could not take control of the offense. He didn't make those around him better. Instead he would allow guys like Big Dog and JR Rider do the job he was supposed to do.... And people blamed Lenny for making him sit the bench until he learned how to run an offense.

The start of the change came with BK. BK's vision was long, versatile, and athletic. This is what he sought in players. Unfortunately, it was his Achilles heel too. Long, Versatile, and Athletic bypassed Chris Paul in the draft. But what did we get from BK? Well, first and foremost Josh Smith. If he remains healthy, Smith may be the best non-center Shot blocker this game has ever seen. The next hit in the BK hit parade was Josh Childress. Gone now, but maybe the most efficient non-center in the game. Then there is Might Joe Johnson. I say it like that because he is a beast. Unfortunately, the media has yet to catch on. MJJ is right now one of the most underrated 2 guards playing. Then there's Marvin. Even though there's a lot of complaining that can be done about the pick, he is a good set shot shooter. To round out the list of hits, there's Zaza and Horford. These guys are pretty good energy guys. Zaza is a great BU C and Horford is a competitor. It makes for good team dynamics.

Sund came in and with him came the lost of Chillz and the entrance of Mo Evans and Flip Murray. These guys are experienced Journeymen who really bring energy and some talent to their games. It is too early to say what place Bibby will have on this team and the same can be said for Acie. Still the roles have been defined now. As I look at this team, I think a little to that old Hawks team from years gone by:

Bibby----------------------------------Mookie

JJ---------------------------------------Smitty

Marvin---------------------------------Corbin

Smoove-------------------------------Deke

Horf------------------------------------Laettner

Acie------------------------------------Mays

Evans---------------------------------Augmon

Flip-------------------------------------Recasner