ATL_BALLER

of the Hawks prying Doc away from the Magic right now? Doc is the ONLY potential savior I can see for this sorry franchise. That's right, in my mind, there is only one person who can help us--and who we are fortunate to have a history with... Aside from his great coaching ability--he brings the other intangibles: a high profile guy that evokes memories of previous Hawks glory and will put at least a few more people in the seats; and, more importantly, the credibility necessary to attract some big name guys. So, tell me, do we have any chance of luring him away? I don't care if we have to forfeit draft picks--we never draft well anyway. DOC IS THE ANSWER!

How is that every offseason, and even during--teams like the Kings, Mavs, and Lakers--with all their high priced talent--can continue to add big name players without all this salary cap talk--yet the Hawks, who have considerably less talent, are forced to dump salary? Please explain--

Is there a professional franchise that is run more poorly? As an avid Hawks fan over the years, it is sad and embarrasing to see the sorry state of this franchise. 1.Why don't the Hawks ever make a big splash in free agency? 2.Why don't the Hawks ever draft a true, exciting franchise player like 'Melo or Lebron (I how I miss 'Nique!) 3. Why are the Hawks the laughing stock of the NBA? I am sorry about the pessimism, but the fact that we have no coach, no owner, and absolutely no direction is just ridiculous. Please, someone here advise as to how this franchise can get turned around--especially when noone outside of JT wants to come here--

From Pete (he got back to me in an hour!)....Nothing really new here--let's just hope he pulls off a miracle deal for a star... Thank you for your comments....we work everyday to try an acquire a true star player.....the problem is that there are only a finite number of real stars who make the NBA go......and the teams who have them won't trade them away. But, we keep pursuing them anyway. The only way to get a real star is to win the lottery or get lucky and be in the top three in the draft.....the vast majority of stars were drafted in the top three and stay with their respective teams throughout their careers. We all recognize the need we have to draw fans....even with Nique on our team, we did not sell out regularly. Thanks again for your support and we will keep working at getting a star until we have success. I do feel bad for Pete. Although his drafting strategy has been inadequate, I think he has made some very solid trades (steals even--Rumeal for Mookie, Willis for Smitty, Mookie for Terry, Webb/Corbin for Laettner, etc.). Don't get me wrong--I think we need some fresh philosphy in the front office--but he is a nice guy who tries hard.

Hey, I see you have written to Babs before, and I would like to do the same. Do you have his email address handy? Thanks Doc!

I keep reading that the Wizards are looking for more rebounding and an interior defensive presence--as well as their dissappointment with Kwame. So...what about a package with Theo and Kwame as the principles? From what I have seen, the youngster just needs some seasoning, but he has some mad physical tools. If Mike Miller and picks could potentially get it done--surely Theo plus picks could... And...I am sure he would jump at the chance to come home--

I am new here, so forgive my curiosity--but I must ask: Why are you so high on Kenny Anderson? His best years are behind him, and, as awesome as he was at GT, his career has been very average. And, I don't see a KA-JT backcourt being too successful...

What do you think is the availability of some of Golden State's talent, specifically J-Rich and Jamison? I love both their games--and I am wondering if our past relationship with EMuscle could net us either of these two young stars. Getting those guys may be a pipe dream, though--I wonder what young, exciting talent could realistically be had?

I absolutely agree you need chemistry--but clearly this team has none. So, if we are starting over, why not build around an exciting ballplayer (we were making runs and filling seats in the 80's with Nique and the nice team built around him). My point is that it is going to take more than winning to bring the fans back--it will take a team that is BOTH exciting and plays well together.

Ok, maybe Antonio isn't a pure point, but as long as we have JT, we are not gong to have a traditional undersized 1. If we keep JT, we need a big guard with handles. (see Portland, who has Scottie at point forward!) I see Crawford mentioned quite abit, and I would be fine with that. I know this may be a stretch--but I think Odom could be had--and despite his shady past, the guy can flat out play. He would be an interesting solution at point.

If you look at the better players acquired during the Babcock regime, you'll some nice, smart, fundamentally sound--albeit uninspiring players (Ie. , Blaylock, Smitty, 'Reef.....). that leave us all pining for Nique's glory days. What we need to rejevenate this franchise are some players that not only get the job done, but that bring a sense of excitement! It is a GAME, right? I am not necessarily calling for playground ballers--but at least guys that attack the basket and play with some sort of enthusiasm. Specific guys that come to mind are J-Rich, Q-Rich, Miles, Kwame, JOneal...somebody to pump some life to each game and give people a reason to watch. Even when we were winning 50 games under Wilkens, we were doing it with relatively boring players and a boring system. Whether some like it or not, the game has gotten younger and faster--and we need to bring in the type of athletes that can play at this level. ANYONE short of Lebron to inspire this listless franchise!

How about PAIRING Dre and JT? Dre has some good size for a point, and can d-up the opposing twos.

How about adding trying to add these guys to the mix? Randolph looks like a stud, and when 'Sheed comes back, he'll be buried on their bench again. I know Portland probably wants to hold onto him, but it is worth looking into. Also, I think Antonio would be a sensational fit at the point. He has the size and athleticism to complement JT--and how 'bout how he took it [censored] strong to the rack against Theo! I haven't seen one Hawk take it that strong this year! What would it take to get this deal done? It seems the Blazers have depth everywhere.

i see some of you have written to Babs. Do you have his email address so I can drop him a line? Thanks!