Hawksman

Good luck to the former Hawks in the championship!! Dikembe Mutombo Steve Smith Kevin Willis Anthony Johnson

He averaged like 10 rpg in the Summer League. I agree, I think we should give him a shot. I am surprised nobody have swooped him up yet.

I agree with 1) Stotts 2) Dunleavy 3) Fratello 4) Carlisle

Well, looks like we are going to have a owner who cares. I cannot wait to meet him. It has been nearly a month since David McDavid signed a letter of intent to purchase the Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena operating rights from AOL Time Warner. And it is expected to be nearly another month before the sale -- estimated at $350 million to $400 million -- is completed. So the Fort Worth-based automobile tycoon wants to make it clear that he is not the owner -- yet. But, "we will be surprised if it doesn't close," McDavid said Friday afternoon from the spacious glass office in one of his many car dealerships in Texas. This two-story building stands behind a huge red and white sign that reads "David McDavid Auto Group" and is easy to spot on West Airport Freeway in Irving. McDavid is sitting at as his cherry wood conference table, where an autographed basketball and an autographed Dallas Cowboys helmet serve as the centerpieces. A rubber chicken, seemingly misplaced, is resting near a mound of paperwork. Since there are "a few points" still to be resolved -- including the approval of both the NBA and the NHL -- McDavid can't outline his plans for a team that technically is still owned by AOL Time Warner. But he was quick to point out what he thinks the Hawks, Thrashers and their fans need. "They need some love," McDavid said with his Texas twang. "Somebody needs to love those teams. If the owner doesn't love them, why should anybody else? Our vision is to embrace the community. Embrace our fans [and] do the best we can to bring the best people we can find to have a winning team. "We think that AOL has done the best they can do. But we think because it will be our 'core business,' if you will. We're going to be involved and interested in it," McDavid said, leaning back in a green leather chair. "If we lose, we're going to bleed. And if we win, we're going to be happy. We're going to live and die with those teams." When he was a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, McDavid said he made himself available to fans. He also has been studying the entertainment models of Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank and hopes to make a similar splash in Atlanta. "We think Atlanta is a great sports town," he said. "There are people who tell you it's not, but I think Arthur Blank has proved that's not true. Michael Vick helped him a lot, but Arthur Blank had made some major strides. You have to work at putting a good product on the field, work at trying to have good entertainment value for your customer. We think you need to win, but even if you don't it should be a fun experience for the people who are involved." McDavid said he spoke with NBA commissioner David Stern during Game 6 of the Western Conference finals, then had to endure an almost two-hour drive home to Fort Worth since Interstate 30 was backed up ("I don't know if it's like this in Atlanta, but you sit there for an hour and you never see what caused it," McDavid said, laughing). He is so impatient that he often avoids the stop-and-go Dallas traffic by hopping from his Irving dealerships to his Plano dealerships in his personal helicopter. That lack of patience is evident when talk turns to the coaching turnover and turmoil since the NBA regular season ended. "It's difficult," he said. "We will not have any time to spare. If we closed today, we would not have any time to spare." McDavid said he has been contacted by "a lot" of people who have expressed interest in living and working in Atlanta. He would not go into specifics. "I'm kind of in a spot where I can't do anything about that," he said. "But there's not a reason in the world Atlanta doesn't have a contender in those teams. They've got incredible talent, an incredible facility, and there are some good people there in management, too. Certainly, there will be changes. But there are some pretty good-looking coaches in there, too. I mean, we don't know what we're going to do. "Because we don't [own the team], we can't really go reach out to anybody. We can't go talk to anybody that's there. It's got to be an uncomfortable position for them, because they don't know what we're thinking. And I hate that." McDavid is beginning to like hockey. His son, Jimmy, plays in a men's hockey league and his grandson, Matthew, plays youth soccer. But McDavid loves basketball and has been keenly watching the work of Hawks director of basketball operations Billy Knight, scout Chris Grant and coach Terry Stotts as the team prepares for the June 26 draft. "They're doing it, I guess, because it's the honorable thing to do," he said. "They don't know whether they will be there or not. The fact is, we think a lot of [the Hawks' staff] will be, but we don't know who. It's an awkward position for everybody." As for the Hawks missing out on the first three picks in the NBA draft, "That's OK," McDavid said. "The Lord wants us to earn it. He wants us to work hard," McDavid said. "The Hawks were, what, eight games out of the playoffs? That ain't many, you know. They've got a great team, a great core. Because of our involvement with the Mavericks, we know a lot of NBA people across the spectrum, and you'd be amazed at how many well respected basketball people feel, without fail, that team is a whole lot closer to being really good than it is to not being good." No, the deal is not done and McDavid is not the owner. So consider these the words of a very well connected fan 800 miles away. "If we just get this thing closed -- and we think we can -- we think we're all going to have a good experience in Atlanta," McDavid said. "We'll get the fans back." Watch out! Looks like we have a Mark Cuban! YES! Someone who cares.

When I get on WSB's Sportstalk website will my articles be on the "newswire"?

Welcome back BHD!

This guy is good. He can rebound, block, shoot, and pound it inside. I wish we could draft him in the second round but I think we wont. I like this guy though. He is fast for his size too. I saw him play in the High School All-Star Game in Cavland. It was a re-run of the game.

I am serious guys. You probably think I am lying, in fact I know you think I'm lying. Reebox has signed a little kid named Mark. He is a baller. He shoots with his hands over his head but does not dribble lol. I cannot believe this. I saw it on PTI on ESPN. Guess what also happened, Nike signed a 13-year-old soccer player today also! You guys are never going to believe this. I know you arn't. It is the truth though. No joke.

Hawks Hold Pre-Draft Workouts, May 28 The Hawks welcomed draft prospects Tony Bland, Matt Caroll, Ruben Douglas and Willie Green to Philips Arena on May 28. Following the workouts, the players answered some questions for hawks.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tony Bland, 6-5, 201, Guard, San Diego State A two-year performer for Coach Steve Fisher's SDSU squad, Bland led the Aztecs in scoring for the 2002-03 campaign and during Mountain West Conference competition ... he posted 16.9 ppg in 30 regular season games and 17.9 ppg in 14 conference contests, shooting better in those games as well by hitting .529 of his field goal attempts ... Bland joined SDSU prior to his junior year after spending his first two seasons at Syracuse, where he helped them to two NCAA Tournaments and a "Sweet 16" appearance in 2000 ... the Los Angeles native grew up playing pickup against the likes of Michael Cooper, Norm Nixon, Paul Pierce, Baron Davis and Norm Nixon. How would you assess your workout? "I think I did a good job in the beginning. I shot the ball really well early on, but I hurt my quadriceps muscle (slight pull) and I had to keep playing. It slowed down my lateral quickness and my explosiveness, but overall I think I did pretty good." Tell our readers a little bit about your collegiate career "I feel I had a pretty good career. I started out at Syracuse and started for them as a sophomore (32 games). I wanted to get a little closer to home (L.A.) and be near my family and in my first year there (San Diego State) we went to the NCAAs for the first time since 1985. It was my third straight year in postseason play and while we didn't make the NCAAs last season, we did reach the second round of the NIT tournament." Who (in the NBA) have you patterned your game after? "Probably guys who can play the point guard spot, but spend more time at the two (shooting guard position), like Jason Terry. I feel more like a point guard but I believe I'm capable of playing of both positions." You mention JT. How familiar are you with the Hawks? "I'm real familiar with the Hawks, although I probably know more about your players from their collegiate careers." How many workouts have you had thus far? "This is my second workout and it was very similar to my first one (with the Lakers). We did a lot of the same shooting drills and one-on-one matchups we had today. We did more footwork and drill work here, but I thought it was a good session." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matt Carroll, 6-6, 212, Guard, Notre Dame Four-year starter for the Fighting Irish ... Named Honorable Mention All-America by AP and earned All-Big East Conference First Team honors as a senior ... finished career sixth on Notre Dame’s all-time scoring list with 1,850 points ... also ranks as the school’s all-time leader in three-point field goals made (301), games played (133), games started (125), and second in career free throw percentage (.825) ... scored in double figures in 96 of 133 career games ... led team in scoring and ranked eighth in the Big East ... also ranked third in the conference in three-point field goal percentage and fourth in free throw percentage ... set single-season school record for three-point field goals made in a season (99). What was your impression of the workout today? "I can't compare it. This is the first one I've done. It was a good workout. There are some good players here. It was fun going head to head and very competitive. And that's what I expected." Does being a four-year college player give you any advantage going into the draft? "It obviously gives me some more experience. Whether or not NBA teams like a four-year guy or a high school guy, it's hard to say. I've been through it. I have an education. I think I've experienced some hard times through basketball, and played in some big games. I think that could give me a little bit of an edge." Is there a player, past or present, that you can compare your game to? "I really used to like watching Dan Majerle. I liked his game. He could shoot the heck out of the ball, and was athletic. I just really liked his game." What could you bring to an NBA roster? "I'm a shooter. That's what I do best. But I hope what might surprise some people is my athleticism and the way I can defend. I hope to show people that through these workouts." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ruben Douglas, 6-5, 200, Guard, New Mexico Led the nation in scoring (28.0 ppg, rounded up from 27.964) as a senior, winning the title by a single point over Henry Domercant of Eastern Illinois (27.931 ppg) ... if Douglas had scored one less point or Domercant one more, the scoring title would have changed hands ... named Honorable Mention All-America by AP as a senior ... also named Mountain West Conference Player of the Year ... earned All-MWC First Team honors for second straight season as a senior ... ranks fifth at New Mexico in scoring with 1,782 points in less than three full seasons ... scored 20 or more in 31 of last 34 games ... reached 30 points 15 times, including seven of last 12. What was your impression of the workout today? "It was a new experience. I just wanted to play hard and knock as many shots as I can down. And show what I can bring to the table for the Hawks. It was very challenging." Other than your scoring ability (led NCAA at 28.0 ppg this season), what other skills do you have that teams might not be aware of? "I feel I have good ballhandling skills, good passing skills. And I'm explosive. ' I can do more than just fill it up. There are other facets of my game that people haven't seen yet. That's what I hope to do at these workouts." Is there a current player that you try to emulate? "I love Paul Pierce's game. He can post up, he can shoot, he can pass, he can rebound. 'Do it all Paul' is what I like to call him. I love Kobe Bryant's work ethic and his mental approach to the game, every game. He doesn't take any nights off. That's how it has to be in this league, over 82 games. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Willie Green, 6-4, 204, Guard, Detroit The 6’4, Detroit native posted a big senior season culminated by being named the Horizon League Player of the Year and honorable mention All-American by the Associated Press ... Green paced the conference in scoring with 22.6 ppg in 2002-03, which was good for 11th nationally, and finished his career as the Titans fourth all-time leading scorer with 1,779 career points ... his 678 points are the ninth-highest single-season total in school history ... also led the Titans in free throw percentage (80.5 percent), assists (2.5 apg) and steals (40), while finishing second in rebounding (4.9 rpg) and blocks (13). How would you describe the workout today? It was very intense, very competitive. Basically, it showed us what we need to do to get to the next level. Lots of hustle plays, a lot of good drills. It was fun. How do you think you’re personal workout went? I thought I did pretty well. My main focus coming in was to go as hard as I can in all the drills. That was my mindset, I wanted to show that I’m a hard a worker, a competitor, and just go from there. Was this your first workout with a NBA team? This was my third workout. I’ve also been to the Chicago Bulls and Memphis Grizzlies. Any other workouts coming up? Yes, I’m heading to Utah on Thursday. Anything unexpected come from today’s workout? No, I think the other workouts gave me a little bit of a head start so I knew what to expect. You played your college ball at a mid-major school (University of Detroit Mercy), some people might say that makes it harder to get to the next level. What are your thoughts on that? I don’t think it was a hindrance. I think if you can play ball then you can play ball, no matter what school you’re at. Of course the guys from the bigger schools are going to get the first look but I think guys from smaller school are coming up. If you can play, I think the scouts will find you. There are a lot of good NBA players who came from small schools. Describe your game for the Hawks fans who may not have had a chance to see you play in college? I’m combo guard, I do a little bit of everything out there.

Go to espn.com. I am sure they have it in the Hawks section. That is where I got this.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- David McDavid, a prominent Dallas businessman, has reached an agreement in principle to buy the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, Atlanta Thrashers of the NHL and Phillips Arena in Atlanta from AOL-Time Warner, sources told ESPN's Jim Gray. The deal is in the process of being finalized and could be announced by the end of the week, sources said. However, several AOL-Time Warner officials denied Monday that an agreement has been reached. They also said other potential buyers remain in the running for the teams. "We're not going to comment on specific rumors regarding the sale of our sports teams, but we are currently speaking with a number of interested parties," company spokesman Greg Hughes told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We don't have a deal with anyone at this time." Bloomberg News reported Tuesday that former Madison Square Garden president Dave Checketts will "submit two bids" by Friday to buy AOL-Time Warner's pro teams -- one that includes the Braves and one without. Both bids will also include Philips Arena and Turner South, according to the report. Checketts, also has a bid in to purchase the Dodgers," spent Monday meeting with AOL executives in Atlanta, Bloomberg reported. McDavid was once a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and had a 12.5 percent stake in the team under primary owner Ross Perot Jr. from 1996-2000, when Mark Cuban bought controlling interest. McDavid's primary success came by selling cars. McDavid started his first dealership in 1962 at age 19, and went on to become founder and CEO of David McDavid Auto Group, which operates more than a dozen auto dealerships in Dallas, Houston and Austin. He sold 70 percent of his company to Asbury Automotive Group in 1997.

Dun is not even our GM! Just so you know.

LOL that is what I just posted. That is pretty weird. I think he would be a great pick. We could use his energy and defense. He needs to improve of offense though even though he averaged 20 ppg where he played.

He is said to be a lottery pick but according to NBAdraft.net and a lot of people on basketball websites, we are going to get him at #21. He is known for his energy, scoring, and rebounding and he know has a three point shot. What do you guys think. Would he help the team. I think he would be perfect but if we did pick him I think we should leave him in France to marinade for 1-2 years.

That was unacceptable. Why did you say that? He has done nothing to you. That is ok if you think that just please do not post that. That is very mean.

Bummer. Man, I thought it was going to be our year.

I heard that Florent guy is very, very good.

Hawks bring in players for predraft evaluations Before heading up to Secaucus, N.J., where he hopes the Atlanta Hawks can secure one of the top three picks in the NBA draft lottery on Thursday, director of basketball operations Billy Knight will evaluate his first set of players for the draft positions the Hawks are assured of receiving June 26 -- Nos. 21 and 32. Two-time Ivy League player of the year Ugonna Oneyweke of Pennsylvania, Ronald Dupree of LSU, Lavell Blanchard of Michigan and Prentiss Gates of the NAIA's Southern Polytechnic State University will work out for Knight and head scout Chris Grant this morning. The four players will undergo a series of basketball drills and take a psychological exam. A second group of Ohio's Brandon Hunter, Arizona State's Tommy Smith, Jerome Beasley of North Dakota and Florent Pietrus of EB Pau-Orthez (France) will arrive Friday, with Detroit's Willie Green, Tony Bland of San Diego, New Mexico's Ruben Douglas and Notre Dame's Matt Carroll set to perform Monday. Unlike past seasons, the workouts will be closed to the media. "If we get one of the top three picks, I'll open that up to the media, but I don't think that's necessary for 21 and [32]," Knight said. The Hawks receive the 21st pick from Indiana as compensation for the Jamaal Tinsley trade in 2001. As part of the Glenn Robinson trade, the Milwaukee Bucks will get the Hawks' lottery pick if it falls between 4 and 13. -- Michael Lee It's going to be exciting to see who we pick. I cannot wait.

Are you the guy who just became a Hawk fan on Hoopsworld?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am having a fight with a friend at school. He says Bibby is better than JT. I think Bibby is overrated and overpaid. Just because of last year's playoffs everyone thinks he is a hero. He did nothing in the playoffs this year. Although JT has not made the playoffs yet he is a better player! Let's compare. Shooting: JT Passing: Same Defense: JT Driving to the hoop: JT by a hair Clutchness (not a word but who cares): Bibby just because of last year, keep in mind, JT is also very clutch. Dunking: JT Rebounding: JT Hype: JT Underrated: JT Overrated: Bibby What do you guys think? My man JT is better to me! GO HAWKS!

Hello! Anybody remember. When I see Reef go against Wallace he does very, very well. If you score 50 against a Big Ben, then you are good. end of story.

I hope he learns his lesson.

Jason Terry and Shareef. Both great guys. Very nice.

You need to calm down on these trades a little. You post about 10-15 trade ideas a day. Just a though from me. Get out more. Go outside, enjoy life!

Jury selected to hear Robinson case Hawks forward Glenn Robinson's domestic violence and gun possession trial will resume Thursday at the Cook County courthouse in Markham, Ill. Attorneys on both sides made opening statements Wednesday about three hours after a jury was selected. Robinson was charged in July with misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, assault and unlawful possession of a firearm after prosecutors said he threatened and pushed ex-fiancee Jonta French. The trial is not expected to last long, a Cook County spokesperson said. If convicted, Robinson could face up to a year in prison. -- Michael Lee