Highpozt

Before the injuries last the Hawks were considered one of the nicest front courts in the east (SAR, TK and Theo). SAR showed us what we can expect. If we can now get Theo going and of course keep the BIG DOG going then we most definitely have a sweeter front court this year than last. With a stronger and improved DerMarr a healthy Dion and a rookie named Dickau you have to be amped. If ED, Nazr and Henderson are solid off the bench then this team should at least contend in the playoffs. The only thing is that the Hawks stay healthy. We now have a reason to go to Phillips

Just think last year they said the Hawks had one of the best front courts. Of course the injuries ended that. If last year front court was sweet with Theo, SAR and Kukoc imagine it with Theo SAR and the Big Dog

Yes I think Leon could be a key ball player --- not because he showed anything so impressive last year but because he seem to be very aware that he is being given a second chance to show why scouts thought he was a number one pick. The other good thing about Leon if his talent is good is that he will come as cheap as it gets. The management stated they were pleased with his work ethics and his conduct --- that sounds like he knows this is his oppurtunity. If Dion last another season with the Hawks he knows he is on the hot seat --- hopefully that works positive and not negative particularly as you mentioned the mental aspect. Lastly if Theo comes back and is in the form he was when selected as an allstar this team should improve significantly.

I think the last 6 or 7 games the Hawks had absolutely no chance at the playoffs so I think they were in experimental mode --- although they were never contenders they actually had a ray of hope for the eighth spot after the allstar break. That slight ray of hope had them playing fairly decent ball about 20 games after the break. The chemistry between SAR and JT was very good. The return of Henderson and Kukoc was too late to really get a feel for how they might contribute and of course Theo was still MIA. The negatives were Mark Strickland and Cal Bowler they should have no place on the roster next year. The other negative was Dion Glover --- although I think his is a mental case and not lack of talent ---I really wonder if Dion is worth the risk. The positives were consistancy between SAR and JT --- also DJ started to show flashes that he can play in this league --- Ira turned out to be a hustler and defensive stopper and JV and Nazr solidified themselves as legitimate back-ups not starters. Of course JV is as good as gone with free agency. The other positive is that we have a allstar Center in waiting and if he is in form we should really improve on the defensive end. We also have a former #1 draft pick in Leon Smith --- with a full training camp maybe we will see in him what the scouts saw when they drafted him in the first round. While I am not overly optimistic I do not see anything that would indicate anything but upward directions for the team short of another season of serious injuries to key players.

The first have of last season was atrocious --- but after allstar break the Hawks were still playing hard --- is that a indication that maybe Lon has the players believing in him and his system. We played decent ball without an allstar Center. The question is that with Ira Newbill and Leon Smith getting a full training camp and with Theo healthy is this team a top tier Eastern team? Talent wise if JT and Sar hold form and Theo comes in playing like he did before the injury --- then the Hawks are as talented as any team in the east. With Nazr, Henderson, Crawford, ED coming of the bench, and with Cal and Strickland off the roster to make room for Newbill, Leon and Hanno the Hawks look pretty solid. Theo, Nazr, Leon, Henderson, SAR, Hanno, Crawford, Kukoc, Glover, ED, DJ, JV and JT looks like 13 players --- so a deal has to be made or we have a IR to hold a player. I really think in the Hawks case injuries was not an excuse but indeed the primary reason we were not a playoff contender last year.

I would take Nazr because he probably is going to improve when he really learns how to play the game. Mac is what you see is what you get --- he knows there is no upside. Nazr thinks he can be better ---that is indicated by the way he worked out last summer to improve his vertical and foot speed. They both are marginal but i think Nazr will pass Mac when all is said and done