HawkTodd

Could someone here please post Chad Ford's ESPN.com Insider article Updated Top 25 Free Agents. I would really appreciate it. Thanks. Sincerely, Todd

Hawks News: June 27, 2005 Hawks will make the right pick Today's question: Now that draft day is here, are you as sure as ever that Marvin Williams is the player the Hawks are going to and should draft? And if so, why? I really do believe that Marvin Williams is the guy the Hawks are going to take and should take. Forget all the nonsense you hear about his position being the same as players already on the roster. He makes sense for a team with an absolutely dreadful draft history. Talent-wise, he's got everything you want in a top draft pick. From all indications his character is pristine, and his unassuming demeanor and tireless work ethic will make him a fan favorite. I know Hawks fans have been stained by years of "can't miss" guys going wrong, but things have to change sometime. And this could be that time. More than anything, though, I'm convinced more than ever that the theory of drafting the best player available is the right approach. I've seen far too many instances where a team tries to overanalyze the process, when the obvious choice is usually the best choice. Do the Hawks need a point guard? Heck, yes. But if Deron Williams or Chris Paul or even Raymond Felton were better prospects than Marvin Williams, one of their names would have been the subject of your question instead of Marvin Williams. If he's the booby prize in a draft, that's not a half-bad night. ------------------------------------------------------------ Trades? Deal Jazz in (6-27-05) There have been mixed reports this week of uncertainty regarding prized North Carolina freshman Marvin Williams and whether he'd be selected No. 2 by the Atlanta Hawks. It's where the draft poker game begins. Forward Marvin Williams is regarded as the athletic star of the draft but is still young and unsophisticated about the NBA. Two team executives said they'd heard Atlanta is having second thoughts after impressive workouts by Deron Williams and Paul. And the Hawks are deep at just one position, Marvin Williams'. So would Atlanta dare skip him and risk passing a potential star? Perhaps putting out some negatives about him would make it easier. Then Charlotte might take the flier, since it has been pursued by Portland to trade Nos. 5 and 13 for No. 3, to move up. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks shouldn`t mess up this draft (6-27-05) ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks usually make a mess of the NBA draft, winding up with stiffs such as Jon Koncak, Doug Edwards and Ed Gray through the years. This time, they should be able to get it right. Coming off the worst season in franchise history, the Hawks will pick No. 2 on Tuesday night - a spot that sets them up for either Utah center Andrew Bogut or North Carolina forward Marvin Williams, the two most touted players in a draft that`s lacking a can`t-miss superstar. If the Hawks decide to go smaller, there`s point guards Chris Paul of Wake Forest and Deron Williams of Illinois to choose from. Any way the draft plays out, Atlanta is almost certain to get a player who will help improve on last season`s 13-69 debacle. ``I probably have an idea who we want, but I will keep that to myself,`` general manager Billy Knight said. ``We don`t have to make it until Tuesday night, and we will take all that time to keep meeting to figure out who we want. The bottom line is, we are pleased with the players we are going to have at No. 2. We think we are going to be overjoyed.`` The Hawks` dismal record - they were five games behind expansion Charlotte, the next-worst team in the league - gave them the best chance at landing the No. 1 pick. But, in what some viewed as the ominous sign of another draft misfire, Atlanta lost out to Milwaukee in the lottery. Knight isn`t concerned about losing the top pick. ``Milwaukee picks first, we pick second, and there is nothing we can do about that,`` he said. ``The good thing is there are four top players, and the Bucks can only take one of them. So we will see who Milwaukee takes, and then we will have a choice between three guys. We are going to be very happy with the player we get.`` Most draft prognosticators have Bogut, a 7-foot native of Australia, going to the Bucks with the top pick. If than pans out, the Hawks would likely jump at the chance to take 6-foot-9 Marvin Williams, considered the best pure athlete in the draft. Williams, who just turned 19, didn`t start a game in his only season at North Carolina, but he averaged 11.3 points and 6.6 rebounds for an upperclassmen-dominated team that won the NCAA championship. ``Sean May played in front of me, and he was the MVP of the Final Four. Jawad Williams played in front of me, and he was the team captain and a senior,`` Marvin Williams said. ``With those guys ahead of me, I had to just sit back and learn, and I was fortunate enough to get to do that. It was a big help to me.`` The Hawks are actually coming off one of their better drafts, landing Josh Childress and Josh Smith with first-round picks in 2004. Both showed the potential to play important roles in a massive rebuilding job that is still years away from paying off. Childress came on strong in the second half and wound up at 10.1 points per game, demonstrating a maturity that should make him one of the team`s leaders. Smith, a local product just out of high school, gave a high-flying face to a team once led by Dominique Wilkins. The teenager won the dunk contest at the NBA All-Star game, led the team with 144 blocks and just missed being a double-figure scorer (9.7). ``I would like to play here,`` Marvin Williams said. ``There are some young guys here like myself, like Josh Smith who is the same age as me, so it would be nice to get to play with a classmate.`` Williams is the sort of versatile swingman that Knight wants to build his team around. He can score from anywhere on the court, is a good ball-handler for his size and passes as well as most NBA guards. On the other hand, he needs to get stronger, must improve his defense and would give the Hawks a glut of players with similar size and skills. Al Harrington (the team`s leading scorer last season) and Smith are both 6-9 forwards, while Childress is a 6-8 player who can rotate between shooting guard and small forward. Bogut, Paul or Deron Williams would fill more pressing needs for the Hawks, who are severely lacking at both center and point guard. Atlanta might look to fill those voids with its next pick, No. 31 overall and leading off the second round. ``I know Chris Paul and Deron Williams can play the point guard on this level,`` Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. ``Marvin`s got to find his niche.`` Bogut worked out for the Hawks last week, hoping to dispel any doubts about his athleticism. He tried to show he can run the court, handle the ball and hit the mid-range jumper. ``A lot of people say in the East Coast media that I`m not athletic,`` he said. ``But my vertical (leap) was one inch behind Marvin Williams. You all say that he`s super-athletic, so I don`t see the problem.`` Bogut said the Hawks assured him that he`ll be their pick if the Bucks go with Williams. Whoever Atlanta gets, Knight knows that player will have some growing up to do. ``The NBA is becoming more a developmental league,`` he said. ``There aren`t any finished products coming into the NBA right now.``

Teams covet Hawks' position (6-9-05) Chicago — Hawks general manager Billy Knight has been a popular man at Moody Bible Institute this week. The Hawks own the No. 2 pick in the draft and teams looking to make a trade to move into that spot haven't been shy about approaching Knight to see if there's any interest. "Teams want the pick," Knight said while watching Thursday morning's action from his courtside seat. "We've had conversations about trading the pick, we're interested in what they have to say. That doesn't mean we're going to do anything. But we have to listen to what teams are talking about." Trading from the No. 2 spot down for Charlotte's multiple picks fifth and 13th — has been the rumor most commonly repeated. Knight wouldn't comment on the rumors but admitted any team that moves down the draft board would have to wait and see if the players they wanted fell to those spots. The more likely scenario would include the Hawks allowing the lottery to be completed before any moves are made, if they do indeed decide to make a trade. "I'm not commenting on any specifics," Knight said. "But we're considering all our options. But the bottom line is you take the best player (available) because you don't know what could happen with all that other stuff. I don't want to be caught looking out for what might happen, what could be, because the truth is you don't know how it could all turn out." Workouts scheduled The Hawks have tentative plans to work out four of the draft's top prospects, and several others, in the next two weeks. Wake Forest point guard Chris Paul is scheduled to come in first, on June 20, followed by North Carolina forward Marvin Williams, Illinois point guard Deron Williams and Utah center Andrew Bogut on successive days following Paul. Before then the Hawks could work out a couple smaller groups of players projected, Knight said. More picks The player the Hawks will pick at No. 2 won't make an appearance here until this afternoon, when many of the draft's projected lottery picks make their annual appearance for measurements and interviews. The players they'll select at No.'s 31 and No. 59, though, could be among the 64 players taking part in the two-a-day workouts under the watchful eyes of NBA executives and scouts. "There are some players here," said Hawks coach Mike Woodson, who joined his entire staff, the Hawks scouting crew and team executives and even a couple of owners in the stands for Thursday's sessions. "I know some people complain about all the guys that don't come here to work out. But there's some talent out here." Andersen's status Knight said the Hawks have had discussions with the agent of 2002 second round pick David Andersen, but haven't yet decided if they'll bring him over from the his team in Moscow for training camp. "We've talked a few times and we're going to continue to talk to him," knight said. "Right now we're looking at what we want to pay him and he's also looking at a contract with his team (CSKA Moscow)."

Hawks News: February 26, 2005 Hawks' PR slam (2-26-05) It has been a while, as you know, since the Hawks had anything to promote. So, yes, they are jumping on the marketing opportunity provided by rookie Josh Smith's slam-dunk championship. "For me personally," said Michael Gearon Jr., a lifelong Hawks fan who is part of the group that bought the team last year, "it's the most positive thing for the franchise since before 'Nique was traded." For the record, Dominique Wilkins was traded 11 years ago. In the aftermath of Smith's electrifying performance in the dunk competition at the NBA All-Star Game festivities last weekend, the Hawks featured him in a full-page newspaper ad and sent an e-mail to 30,000 basketball fans with a video compilation of his dunks attached. Billboards and radio commercials are in the works, and a tribute to 19-year-old Smith is planned at the Hawks' next home game on Saturday against Philadelphia. "We are going to maximize this new exposure in all the areas we advertise in," said Jim Pfeifer, the Hawks' vice president of marketing, advertising and branding. "We've all been excited internally about our young players, but this gives it more credibility in everybody's eyes that Josh is a star in the making. The exposure he got last weekend is huge as we try to promote our team throughout the city." The exposure was enhanced by Smith's donning a Wilkins jersey for one of his dunks. "I think he's going to get more respect from fans for wearing the jersey of a former player than for winning," said Wilkins, now a Hawks vice president. A letter from Wilkins accompanied the Smith video that the Hawks e-mailed to fans. "The kid has hops!" Wilkins wrote of Smith. Hawks president Bernie Mullin said the 10-43 team, in the midst of a two-week road trip, experienced a "very substantive spike" in advance ticket sales in recent days, which he attributes to Smith's performance last weekend. While Mullin acknowledges that winning "is the single biggest and best marketing tool," he also believes star power -- such as that Smith exhibited -- is important. "All you have to do is look at Michael Vick and the Atlanta Falcons," Mullin said. Even before he was drafted by the Hawks in June, Smith signed an endorsement deal with Adidas reportedly worth $12 million-plus over six years. ------------------------------------------------------------ Glove could still fit into the team's plans (2-26-05) SALT LAKE CITY - The Celtics still hope and plan to bring Gary Payton back after he clears waivers, but there is a risk involved in the process. Payton may have nodded in the Boston direction when he was sent to Atlanta in the Antoine Walker trade, knowing he would be let go by the Hawks. But in that it is against NBA rules to have a binding agreement in place, GP is free to accept a pitch from one of the expected suitors for his services. While the Celts are looking at veterans who could help at the point - like Jamison Brewer, whom San Antonio was expected to waive after his acquisition from New York - Doc Rivers sounded a bit more encouraging about Payton before the Celts beat Utah, 109-102, last night. Asked about the possibility of Payton coming back, the coach said, "I don't know if I can say that, but, you know, it would be great obviously. Gary loved it here. . . . He was great for me. He did everything I asked him to do. He was great with our young guys. He enjoyed working with our young guys. That was pretty cool, pretty special to see." ------------------------------------------------------------ Dumars mulls offer to Reid (2-26-05) The Pistons had conversations with the Hawks about acquiring veteran Kevin Willis. The Hawks apparently were willing to buy him out of his contract, but Willis made it clear that he didn't want to leave his family in Atlanta. ------------------------------------------------------------ Heat may be talking about deal for Payton (2-26-05) MIAMI — Just because the NBA trade deadline has passed doesn't mean the Heat roster is set for the rest of the season and playoffs. In addition to Alonzo Mourning and Steve Smith, who could join the team as early as today, Miami reportedly is interested in point guard Gary Payton. Payton, traded from Boston to Atlanta on Thursday, was believed to be negotiating a buyout of his contract with the Hawks on Friday. Heat President Pat Riley was noncommittal about Payton, who played with Shaquille O'Neal with the Los Angeles Lakers last season. But in discussing the flurry of moves made around the NBA at the deadline Thursday, Riley said, "There will be some players that are going to be available on waivers." Payton, 36, started all 54 games this year with the Celtics, averaging 12.1 points, 6.1 assists and 1.2 steals. Surprisingly, Boston, which sent Payton to Atlanta to obtain Antoine Walker, is the other team reportedly competing for Payton's services. But the conference-leading Heat has a much better shot at a title this year, which was the reason given for Payton leaving Seattle for the Lakers last season. If Payton were to choose Boston, it would be because of the opportunity to remain a starter. While he would certainly compete with Damon Jones for a starting guard spot in Miami, coach Stan Van Gundy has stuck with Jones alongside Dwyane Wade because of Jones' ability to hit the three-point shot. Jones has been more accurate and busier than Payton from beyond the three-point line this season, hitting 215 of 479 attempts for 41.5 percent. Payton is just 31-for-101, for 30 percent. Adding Payton would mean Miami, which is already working on a buyout of Wesley Person's contract, would have to make another roster move to create room. One possibility is Keyon Dooling, whose backup point guard role would be usurped by Payton. ------------------------------------------------------------ Nash to make game-time decision on hamstring (2-26-05) Payton on the move? Veteran point guard Gary Payton reportedly has asked the Atlanta Hawks to buy out his contract. Should the Hawks accommodate Payton's request, it's likely the Suns would pursue the veteran point guard as insurance, just in case Nash's hamstring doesn't heal. Suns General Manager Bryan Colangelo declined to comment on Payton, whom Boston traded Thursday, along with two other players and a draft pick, to Atlanta for Antoine Walker and cash. ------------------------------------------------------------ Gary Payton: Could be Headed Back to Celtics (2-26-05) Update: The Celtics are interested in re-acquiring Payton once he buys himself out of his contract with Atlanta, the Boston Herald reports. Recommendation: "I don't know if I can say that, but, you know, it would be great obviously," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers about getting Payton back. "Gary loved it here… He was great for me. He did everything I asked him to do. He was great with our young guys. He enjoyed working with our young guys. That was pretty cool, pretty special to see." ------------------------------------------------------------ Some cashing out (2-26-05) Rating the deals, steals Curious move: With both players impending free agents, why remove point guard Gary Payton from a position of need in Boston and inject Antoine Walker into the shot-happy combination of Paul Pierce and Ricky Davis?

Hawks News: February 24, 2005 Hawks get Gary Payton, Michael Stewart,Tom Gugliotta by trading Walker (2-24-05) Antoine Walker asked the Hawks for a new contract or for a chance to play with another team as Thursday's NBA trade deadline approached. And Thursday afternoon the Hawks obliged his request, sending Walker back to Boston in a blockbuster deal that sends a 2005 first-round draft pick, future Hall of Fame point guard Gary Payton and veterans Michael Stewart and Tom Gugliotta to the Hawks. Payton, Stewart and Gugliotta will wear Hawks uniforms for the next 29 games, if at all, as all of their contracts, like Walker's, expire at the end of the season. The deal is pending league approval. ------------------------------------------------------------ Walker returns to Celtics in shocker (2-24-05) Antoine Walker is coming back to Celtics after the Celtics traded Gary Payton, Tom Gugliotta and Michael Stewart and a first-round draft pick to the Hawks. ESPN.com Insider Chad Ford broke the news of the deal on a busy Thursday, the NBA's trading deadline. Walker spent seven years with the Celtics from 1996-2003, helping them reach the Eastern Conference finals in 2001-02. But basketball boss Danny Ainge decided after taking over the team during the '03 postseason that it would be better off without its strongest all-around player and its strongest personality. Nine days before the 2003 season opener, Ainge traded Walker along with guard Tony Delk to the Dallas Mavericks for center Raef LaFrentz, guard Jiri Welsch and a first-round draft pick. Welsch was traded to the Cavaliers on Thursday for a 2007 first-round draft pick. As a TV analyst before he took over the Celtics, Ainge made no secret of his distaste for Walker's game. When Walker was traded, Ainge commented less on his play than on his influence on the locker room, saying the player "had a grasp on the franchise." "He's been the best player here for quite a while. He's been a vocal leader in the locker room," Ainge said at the time. "Now we're going in a different direction." Walker leads the Hawks with 20.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 40.2 minutes per game. In his career, Walker averages 20 points and 8.7 rebounds. Payton, who reluctantly came to the Celtics in a summer trade from the Lakers, reportedly was in talks with the Celtics about a contract extension. Payton is eligible to become a free agent after this season. Payton, in his 15th season in the NBA, has started all 54 games this season for the Celtics averaging 32.8 minutes a game. ------------------------------------------------------------ Antoine Walker coming back to Celtics (2-24-05) The Celtics have reacquired Antoine Walker in a major move today, pending approval from the league. The Celts are sending Gary Payton, Tom Gugliotta, Michael Stewart and the lesser of their first round picks this season to the Hawks for Walker, who averaged 20.8 points in seven seasons with the C's. Walker was traded to Dallas prior to last season and was dealt by the Mavericks to Atlanta in this past offseason. ------------------------------------------------------------ Celtics: 'Twan returns to Beantown (2-24-05) News: Antoine Walker is headed back to Boston, according to ESPN's Chad Ford. Walker, who played with the Celtics from 1996 to 2002, is set to rejoin former teammate Paul Pierce, while point guard Gary Payton, Michael Stewart, and Tom Gugliotta are headed to Atlanta. Walker is averaging 20.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists this season. Views: Antoine posted 20 points, seven boards, and five dimes in his last season in Beantown, but the Celtics have very much become Pierce's team since Walker was last there. He's unlikely to see 40 minutes per game, as he has in Atlanta, and he's unlikely to see 19 shots per night as well. We expect his scoring to dip, but the Celtics do need his rebounding inside. Payton is always a wild card, and you can be certain he won't go to Atlanta quietly. We'd be surprised if he's as willing to put forth a 12-point, six-assist effort every night for a rebuilding Hawks squad that has no postseason hopes. ------------------------------------------------------------

Hawks News: February 21, 2005 Now it gets harder: Hawks hit road to face West foes (2-21-05) SACRAMENTO — Hawks coach Mike Woodson has been talking about if for weeks. Since long before Josh Smith's rousing win in the NBA's slam-dunk competition Saturday night in Denver. And weeks before his team regrouped after the All-Star break for practice Monday night at the gym at Sacramento State University, their first on-court session since last Wednesday's loss in Cleveland. The Hawks, 10-41 with the NBA's worst record heading into the post-All-Star break stretch run, are facing a treacherous 10-game stretch that could very well snap their resolve and wipe away any spark that might have been generated by Smith's star-making weekend. Nine of their next 10 games are on the road, including six straight against Western Conference foes starting tonight against the Sacramento Kings at Arco Arena. "I said it time after time, that we needed to do some work before the All-Star break because of what we would be facing when we came back," Woodson said. "But we couldn't find a way to get it done and now we've put ourselves in a really tough spot." The Hawks' seventh consecutive non-winning season is already guaranteed. And they're still the only team in the NBA that hasn't won back-to-back games; a blight rookie forward Josh Childress simply can't comprehend. "We know we've played well enough to put some things together but for whatever reasons we haven't been able to do something that seems so simple," said Childress, who has been one of the recent bright spots during the Hawks' toughest times. "We know who we are and what kind of team people think we are, and they're not the same. I wish I could say we were a better team than our record might indicate, but until we get it together, our record is all that anybody sees." Starters Al Harrington and Tyronn Lue are expected to return to the lineup on this trip, perhaps as early as tonight, after missing the final five and six games, respectively, before the break with injuries. Backup center Peja Drobjnak is also expected to return after missing the final four games before the break with a sprained ankle. ------------------------------------------------------------ Sprewell, Webber, Odom atop list of trade bait (2-21-05) 3. Antoine Walker, Atlanta Hawks to the Chicago Bulls for Antonio Davis and Andres Nocioni Why it will happen: The Bulls are nearing a breakthrough and need a scorer down the stretch besides streaky rookie Ben Gordon. Walker, a native from Chicago, would love to prove to Thomas Wolfe he can go home again. And the Hawks need somebody, anybody to get it done defensively and on the boards like Davis to compete. Nocioni would provide them with more perimeter shooting. Why it won't: The young chemistry of the Bulls is far too fragile to gamble on a hired gun like Walker. But with a chance to prove them wrong and get into the playoffs on the final year of his contract, he's guaranteed to be on his best behavior. ------------------------------------------------------------ NBA Trades deadline (2-21-05) ATLANTA HAWKS - The Hawks will try and move Antoine Walker, who is in first season with Atlanta. Walker is in the final year of a big contract ($14.6 million) and is attractive to a lot of teams around the league. The 28-year- old forward leads Atlanta in scoring and rebounding this season. ------------------------------------------------------------ Buzz loud as deal deadline nears (2-21-05) Atlanta. Wants to move Walker and get something, but insiders believe the Hawks made a mistake on Al Harrington and that relationship also could end. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (2-21-05) Atlanta Hawks: The rest of the NBA has been using the Atlanta Hawks for mop-up duties nearly every night of the season thus far. Absolutely no respect. But that's all about to change if Josh Smith has anything to say about it. His cross-town friend and rival, Dwight Howard, may have been the No. 1 pick, and Emeka Okafor may well win Rookie of the Year, but this 19-year-old has made an indelible mark on the rest of his peers and the league. As of Saturday night, if you didn't know who Josh Smith was, you do now. If you still don't ... you'd better recognize. Say 'Hello' to, not only the new Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk champion, but to a whole new excitement in Atlanta, Georgia ...

Hawks News: February 20, 2005 'Nique Selected As Finalist For Hall Of Fame (2-20-05) ATLANTA, GA (February 20, 2005) -- Atlanta Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins highlights a list of 16 individuals named as Finalists for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2005. The announcement was made today in Denver, CO, site of the 2005 NBA All-Star game, by Hall of Fame President & CEO John L. Doleva. The ninth-leading scorer in league history and a nine-time NBA All-Star, "The Human Highlight Film" also won two NBA Slam Dunk championships during his outstanding playing career. Wilkins is currently the Hawks' Vice President of Basketball. The Class of 2005 will be announced on Monday, April 5 at a news conference in Saint Louis, MO prior to the NCAA Men's Championship game. A Finalist needs 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. DOMINIQUE WILKINS was born in Paris, France before coming to the United States and becoming a Parade High School All-American, collegiate star at the University of Georgia and an NBA All-Star known for his amazing offensive power and high-flying above the rim game. During his career with the Atlanta Hawks (1982-1993), LA Clippers (1993-94), Boston Celtics (1994-95), San Antonio Spurs (1996-97) and Orlando Magic (1998-99), Wilkins was a nine-time NBA All-Star (1986-1994), a two-time NBA Slam Dunk Champion and named to the All-NBA first team in 1986. Wilkins is one of only three Atlanta Hawks to have his jersey (21) retired, and his incredible dunks and aerial acrobatics earned him the nickname "The Human Highlight Film". ------------------------------------------------------------ Inside Dish: Hawks got a steal in Smith (2-20-05) Hawks rookie SG Josh Smith, this year's All-Star slam dunk champion, remembers all the criticism that was leveled against him in the weeks before the 2004 draft, and even on draft night. He had looked like a top 10 pick before word spread that he was lazy, that he could not defend and that he never would be able to hit an outside shot. He dropped to No. 17, and it looks as if the Hawks got a steal. His shot is a work in progress--Smith says shooting will be his No. 1 priority this summer--but his work ethic and defensive skill have been impressive. "Of course I knew what everyone was saying, and that really motivated me," Smith says. "I knew I was better than that." Smith's long arms and quick leaping ability have allowed him to rack up blocked shots--he is averaging 1.8 for the season and 2.3 as a starter. ------------------------------------------------------------ NBA RUMOR MILL - Lakers & Boozer? (2-20-05) Hawks At The Table: What will Samuel Dalembert and Willie Green get you? Could get you Antoine Walker, if the right number of draft picks and cash were included – the Hawks might even take Glenn Robinson back to balance out the salaries. The Hawks are not closed to the idea of making a trade and Antoine Walker and his ending deal head the class. Tony Delk and Al Harrington both have been mentioned, but none of them are the gem for a playoff team like Walker, the question remains what team is sitting on $13.5 million in contracts they’d be willing to pass to Atlanta, and who has the right mix of young potential players and draft picks to make Atlanta bite. The Hawks are playing a bit of poker with would be suitors, but don’t be surprised is Philadelphia makes Allen Iverson happy and gets him help this season, by way of a deal with or through Atlanta. ------------------------------------------------------------ Built for performance (2-20-05) ORLANDO -- In a league that is growing younger every year, Atlanta Hawks center Kevin Willis has the look of a dinosaur. He entered the NBA in a draft that included Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and John Stockton. He was bypassed that year in favor of Sam Bowie, Mel Turpin and Lancaster Gordon. Yet the stars have retired and are waiting for enshrinement. The busts are long gone and forgotten. Only Willis remains. At 42, now in his 21st season, he has outlasted them all. "They're all home chilling out, watching me," said Willis, the oldest player in the NBA. "Maybe I'll write a book and call it `The Ageless Wonder.' "I still won't concede anything. I know they can't beat me. If [someone] beats me down court once, he won't do it again. I work too hard to let that happen." Throughout his career, Willis has been passionate about his conditioning and his body. He was an avid weightlifter long before it became popular in the NBA. His body, still muscled and solid, defies his age. It's one reason he still is playing. It's also why he is talking about playing next season instead of talking about this being his last. The jump hook he used 15 years ago still is effective. Unlike big men such as Patrick Ewing, who played until he was 39, and Robert Parish, who played until he was 43, Willis still can run with the young guys. "He's a freak of nature," said Dominique Wilkins, a Hawks vice president who played alongside Willis early in his career and pushed the team to sign him as a free agent last summer. "To see his body, to see the shape he's in, it just goes to show you what hard work can do for you." Willis played 10 1/2 seasons with the Hawks before he started a journey around the league that took him to Miami, Golden State, Houston, Toronto, Denver, back to Houston and finally San Antonio, where he won an NBA title in 2003. He signed with the Hawks last summer to be close enough to watch his son play his senior year of basketball at nearby St. Francis High in suburban Atlanta and to be close to his business interests, which include a clothing design company. His son, also named Kevin Willis, is a college prospect and, at 17, closer in age to many of his father's teammates than he is. They worked out together this summer, sharpening their games against each other. "It's meant a lot to me to be close enough to see his games, to be there to offer tips, to pile on top of his head when he slacks off the books," Willis said. "We run together in the summer. I know if he stays up with me, he's serious about his conditioning." Willis came into this season with career averages of 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds. He played in one All-Star Game in 1992, but it was long before most of today's players even were in the league. "A lot of things have changed," Willis said. "The focus isn't totally on basketball anymore. You got guys coming in now with big shoe contracts and big endorsements and record deals and jewelry and tattoos. Back in the day ... it was just about trying to win championships. "If everything lines up right and I stay healthy, I could be back next season, maybe with one of the contenders. The pool of players has changed around me, but I still know how to play this game." ------------------------------------------------------------ LeBron James Impressed by Dunk Contest (2-20-05) DENVER - Cleveland's LeBron James said this week that many of the top-name players avoid the dunk contest because most of the dunks have been used. After the show Atlanta's Josh Smith, Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire and New Orleans' J.R. Smith put on Saturday, James might rethink his position. Smith won the contest after donning the jersey of former Hawks star Dominique Wilkins and completing a reverse-spin 360, earning perfect scores on both dunks. Smith also scored a 50 after leaping over Kenyon Martin, who was seated in a chair, and throwing down a windmill dunk in the first round. "Josh Smith impressed me," James said before Sunday's All-Star game. ------------------------------------------------------------ Stanford Wins Sixth Straight Against UCLA, 78-65 (2-20-05) Former Stanford star Josh Childress, now a rookie with the Atlanta Hawks, watched from a seat next to new Cardinal football coach Walt Harris.

Hawks News: February 19, 2005 Q&A with Josh Smith and Dominique Wilkins (2-19-05) Feb. 19, 2005 - Atlanta Hawks rookie Josh Smith consulted with a veteran of dunk contests, Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins, before nailing two 50-point dunks to defeat Amare Stoudemire in the final round of the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk title on Saturday night. Smith swapped his Hawks jersey for a 'Nique throwback before breaking out the Human Highlight Reel's signature windmill jam, bringing the ball to his knees, head level with the rim. On his final dunk, Smith elevated with a 360-degree jam. Here's what Josh Smith and Dominique Wilkins had to say following the event. Q. How much advice did Dominique give you going into this? Did you receive some from him? Josh Smith: Yes, when I got chosen, Dominique helped me a lot. He was just telling me that start with my good dunks early and just come out with a lot of enthusiasm. He helped me along the way. Q. When did you guys decide to take the jersey off and put Dominique's jersey on, and talk about the origin of that. Smith: Well, I kind of surprised him with that. He didn't know I was going to do that, but I was going to do a dunk symbolizing what he did in his previous years. I did that and he was real excited and shocked that I would do that. Q. Can you talk about, did you watch Dominique before, growing up, or see any footage of him and what he's meant to you as a mentor, if at all? Smith: I grew up watching him. He's been a mentor. He was good all over the place. He had post-up, jumpshot and just getting his teammates involved. He was a real big person in my life to follow. Q. You guys talked afterwards; what did you say to each other? Dominique Wilkins: Those are trade secrets, we can't give those away because we're coming back next year. (Laughter). Q. After you saw Nash and Amare's dunk, throwing the ball off of Nash's head, did you worry a little bit? Did you think you have to do something to top that? Did it psyche you at all? Smith: Yeah, it did. That was a good dunk by Amare and Steve, and I knew I had to pull something out of my hat, you know, to get by and win. Q. Did you decide to go with the Dr. J, the Dominique, was that your idea to honor the legends in the home of the dunk contest here? Smith: Yes, it was. I had a little help, though, but I knew I was going to do a tribute dunk for Dominique. Q. What did you think of his whole performance from beginning to end? Wilkins: Well, you know, he was talking about after he won, him, you know, filling my shoes. But he has his own shoes now. He don't have to fill anybody's shoes. He shocked me with some of the stuff he did. I think the whole jersey thing kind of made everybody a little nervous. Like I say, he shocked me with that one. That was outstanding. You have to give Amare credit because the dunk he did was pretty nice. That's pretty hard because it's a timing dunk. But Josh, I think his athletic ability really shows well, especially on television, a crowd, you have everybody anticipating something outstanding coming. He didn't let them down. I think he exceeded far more than what they thought he could do. Q. There's only two ways that that dunk could have gone, sheer glory or true embarrassment, were you ever scared at one point? Smith: No, I knew I had the dunk all along. When I came down here on Thursday, I worked on it and I was confident in making that dunk. ------------------------------------------------------------ Wilkins will join Hall finalists list (2-19-05) DENVER — Regardless of his protégé's performance in the slam-dunk competition Saturday night, Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins won't leave town empty-handed. Wilkins, one of three Hawks whose jersey has been retired, will be named one of 16 finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame Sunday. The 2005 winners will be presented April 4 at the NCAA Final Four in St. Louis. Election requires a finalist to receive at least 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee. Wilkins, a two-time winner of the dunk contest, coached Hawks rookie Josh Smith in his bid to join the Hawks' fraternity of dunk winners, which also has Spud Webb (1986). ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks, Thrashers co-owner stays positive (2-19-05) HAWKS LAST AT THE GATE, IN STANDINGS: The Hawks have the worst attendance, as well as the worst record, in the NBA at the All-Star break. They are averaging 13,665 fans per game at Philips Arena. The New Orleans Hornets have the second-worst attendance, 13,830 per game, and the second worst record. ------------------------------------------------------------ LeBron has all kinds of excuses (2-19-05) HALL WHISPERS: Former Atlanta Hawks forward Dominique Wilkins is one of the finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, according to a league source. Despite being a perennial All-Star, Wilkins was omitted from the NBA's list of Top 50 players of all time. New inductees will be announced tomorrow.

Hawks News: February 17, 2005 Smith, Howard are teammates again (2-17-05) The last time Hawks forward Josh Smith and Orlando Magic forward Dwight Howard teamed up, they led the East All-Stars to a rousing 126-96 win over the West in the 2004 McDonald's All-American game. Howard's steady excellence earned him co-MVP honors, and Smith dazzled the crowd with his high-flying dunks and blocked shots, roles they've continued as NBA rookies this season. They'll reprise their starring roles tonight in Denver during the rookie challenge, the kickoff event for NBA All-Star Weekend. "Good things usually happen when we're playing on the same team," said a smiling Howard, who teamed with Smith and Kentucky freshman Randolph Morris on the powerhouse Atlanta Celtics AAU team during their high school days. "I'm not making any predictions, but I know it's going to be fun to play and fun for people watching." The game pits the league's top nine rookies against the top nine second-year players, as chosen by assistant coaches throughout the league. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony lead the sophomore team. Ben Gordon and Luol Deng will join Howard and Smith on the rookie team. Charlotte's Emeka Okafor was a scratch Thursday with a sprained ankle and will be replaced by Boston's Al Jefferson. Smith's weekend will get busier Saturday night when he tries to join Dominique Wilkins and Spud Web as Hawks to win the NBA slam dunk title. "I'm really just looking forward to the entire weekend," Smith said. "To be a part of all this as a rookie is exciting. But I'm planning on having a lot of fun and hopefully coming back with a couple of trophies, too." Howard, the No. 1 overall pick in last summer's draft and a contender for Rookie of the Year, is convinced that this is just the beginning of the all-star experience for him and Smith. "If things work out," he said, "we'll both be back in the future for the Sunday [All-Star] game. ------------------------------------------------------------ Ready For Takeoff! (2-17-05) The way Josh Smith has wowed fans at Philips Arena with his vast array of aerial acrobatics, it came as little surprise that he was invited to participate in the Sprite Rising Stars Slam Dunk Competition at All-Star Weekend. What may be surprising is what he has in store for the Pepsi Center crowd when he chooses which dunks to perform. “I have had some thoughts about it,” said the 19-year-old sensation with a sly smile. Part of what could make “J-Smoove” so interesting when seeks to become the fourth Atlanta Hawk to win the weekend’s premiere skills event is who has consulted with him about it — current Hawks Vice President of Basketball Dominique Wilkins, who took home the crown in 1985 and again in 1990 (Spud Webb is the other Hawk to win it, doing so in 1986. No other team has more than two champions). “He gives me helpful pointers every day when I see him,” said Smith. “He knows I have a little bit of him in me. He knows that I have that ability that he has and he tries to help me along the way with the growing process.” “As far as athletic ability he reminds me a lot of myself,” said Wilkins, who played at 6-8, 230 pounds. Smith stands 6-9, 225. “With a guy who has that kind of athletic ability and him being so young and energetic, he is going to make things happen.” Wilkins hopes his influence will help Smith make things happen this Saturday night. Of all his advice, he offered this most important caveat for the youngster. “Don’t save your best for last,” he said. “The mistake guys make is they kind of go through the motions until they get to that next round. Do your best dunk. Once you do your best dunk, you can do that same dunk again only add a little twist to it. That’s how I used to do the dunk contest. I did so many different things that I just put different variations on the dunks that I was very good at.” Ironically, of all the spectacular slams that Smith has displayed, his favorite he’s ever performed — and could be one to watch for early — is one he hasn’t even done this year. “I did a between-the-legs dunk last year in Barcelona, Spain, for Oak Hill Academy,” Smith recalled. While Smith is still shaking off the affects of a sprained right ankle that put him on the injured list for team’s first five games in February, Wilkins remains confident the kid will shine under the bright, prime time spotlight Saturday night. “I would give him a great chance because the kid has a lot of creativity,” said Wilkins. (NOTE: Dominique wasn’t nearly as supportive of him in response to this week’s Hawks.com poll, asking who would win in a slam dunk competition between Smith and Wilkins, circa 1985, promptly declaring with a laugh, “That’s unfair. Of course, I would win.”). Other teammates polled also stand firmly behind him. “I think he’d win it,” said Al Harrington. “He’s very creative. I’ll put all my money on him.” “I think he will do well,” added rookie Josh Childress. “I don’t know exactly what he has in his bag of tricks, but he’ll save something good for All-Star Weekend.” ------------------------------------------------------------ Who Needs College? (2-17-05) Small Forward – Josh Smith: Quite possibly the most electrifying dunker to enter the league in years, including LeBron. Since the Atlanta Hawks are rarely on TV, it’s difficult to catch Josh Smith’s aerial acrobatics. I’ve seen him about a half-dozen times, and he tries to dunk everything. If he’s not careful, he’s going to hurt himself on the rim one of these days. Smith, an alum of high school powerhouse Oak Hill Academy, was scheduled to attend the University of Indiana until NBA scouts began drooling over his athleticism. The Big 10 doesn’t have a single player that could’ve contained Smith. He would’ve averaged 20 points a game on dunks alone. Everybody was convinced (myself included) that Smith would be a colossal bust. He has very few refined basketball skills other than his jumping ability. On ESPN’s draft-night coverage, Jay Bilas was needlessly vicious in his assessment of Smith, going so far as to say (and I’m paraphrasing here), “If you were to pick anyone in this first round most likely to be a bust, it’d be Josh Smith.” I wonder if Bilas saw the Hawks-Mavs game a few months back where Smith blocked 10 shots (three of those blocks on Dirk Nowitzki at the pinnacle of his jumper) and threw down four of the most breathtaking in-game dunks I’ve ever seen. Granted, Smith still needs a jumper, some better ball-handling skills, some more discipline, and a better basketball sense, but his leaping ability and shot-blocking prowess are so advanced that it almost makes up for any deficiencies in his game. If the Hawks develop him properly, he could be their first franchise talent since Dominique Wilkens. But before all that happens, he has the opportunity to save the slam dunk contest this weekend. Good luck, Mr. Smith. (Along the lines of the dunk contest, it’s an absolute outrage that Tony Allen isn’t involved. I love watching Chris Anderson and Amare Stoudemire dunk as much as anybody, but guys over 6'8" have no place in a dunk contest. Allen is the only guy that could truly give Josh Smith a run for his money, and he’s not even on the list. Bill Simmons must’ve had an aneurysm when he heard the news. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (2-17-05) Atlanta Hawks: The undermanned Hawks went into Cleveland last evening with hopes of staying close, looking to steal one if the opportunity presented itself; when the dust settled, they left the Gund with another disappointing road loss. Currently the Hawks are 2-23 on the road this season, losing in blowout fashion to the Cavs, 111-89. Going into the All-Star break, the Hawks already have 41 loses. It is hard to say what the rest of the season mind state will be following the six day break, but Antoine Walker believes they can salvage the second half, keeping themselves away the wrong side of the Atlanta record books. The loses and poor play prompted just a few questions as I watched the Hawks appear outmatched and out coached again. Where is there shooter, and how come they don't have a point guard?

Hawks News: February 14, 2005 Points in the Paint (2-14-05) ATLANTA HAWKS - The Hawks hired Mike Woodson to be its new head coach and acquired talented forwards Al Harrington and Antoine Walker in the offseason. Atlanta felt it would be able to sneak up on its opponents and be one of the surprise teams in the league this season. The Hawks will once again focus on how to rebuild and try to figure out what is going wrong. This is an awful squad! GRADE: F ------------------------------------------------------------ NBA.com Rookie Rankings: Feb. 14, 2005 5. Josh Childress, G-F, Atlanta (No. 6) Stats: 7.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.5 APG (13.6 PRA) Upcoming: vs. Den. (2/15), at Cle. (2/16) Breakdown: Childress has continued to play strong in the absence of fellow rookie Josh Smith, who returned Saturday from a sprained right ankle. Childress has tallied three straight double-doubles, averaging 19.3 points and 10.3 rebounds over those three games. ------------------------------------------------------------ ESPN.com Power Rankings: Spurs rusty; Suns rise again (2-14-05) 29 - Hawks (10-39) If you're wondering why 'Toine really hasn't been mentioned anywhere as an All-Star snubee, you must have missed that Hawks' road losing streak has reached 14. And counting. ------------------------------------------------------------ CNNSI.com Power Rankings: Spurs, Suns Steam into break (2-14-05) 29 - Hawks (10-39) Antoine Walker says he wouldn't mind sticking around if the team decides not to trade him before the Feb. 24 deadline. Still, he might not want to unpack his bags just yet. ------------------------------------------------------------ InsideHoops.com Power Rankings: Updated February 14, 2005 28 - Hawks (10-39) Come on Hawks, enough of this already. Shock the world! ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (2-14-05) Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks lost 113-83 to the Bucks on Saturday despite Milwaukee playing without Michael Redd. They have also lost most of their front line to injury: Al Harrington, Chris Crawford, and Predrag Drobnjak. But have they lost their heart? If not, why not? ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Weekly Rewind - Week 15 (2-14-05)

Hawks News: February 13, 2005 Hawks legend Hudson's condition upgraded (2-13-05) The condition of Hawks legend Lou Hudson was upgraded to stable Sunday, a day after he suffered a stroke at his home near Salt Lake City. Hudson is responding to conversation, writing things down and fully aware of what's going on around him, according to his daughter Adreian, who has been at his bedside along with Hudson's wife since he was admitted to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City. "He's joking and receptive to what's going on," his daughter said Sunday. "He wrote some things down, he's breathing normally and they're going to try and remove the ventilator. The next three days are crucial, but so far so good." One of just three Hawks players to have their jerseys retired, Hudson, known as "Sweet Lou," was a six-time NBA All-Star and 1966 first-round draft pick of the St. Louis Hawks. Hudson, 60, lives in Park City, Utah, a ski resort town near Salt Lake City. He spent 11 of his 13 NBA seasons with the Hawks, who retired his jersey alongside those of Bob Pettit and Dominique Wilkins. Hudson served in the military after being drafted, relocating with the team from St. Louis to Atlanta in time for the 1968-69 season. Hudson, who had the distinction of recording the Hawks' first basket in Atlanta, averaged 20.2 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists in his career. ------------------------------------------------------------ WINDERMAN: NBA Sunday column (2-13-05) Trade talk on rise near deadline Others caught in the trade buzz include: Hawks forward Antoine Walker, whose expiring contract could allow a potential suitor to unload multiple unwanted contracts.

Hawks News: January 4, 2005 Hawks glad to have Lue's presence (1-4-05) Tryonn Lue was still filling out new employee paperwork after the Hawks wrapped up practice Tuesday afternoon. But he has already settled into his new role, having taken over as the starting point guard for a team searching for answers to its chemistry problems. While Lue's presence in the starting lineup doesn't necessarily translate into immediate wins, his presence does add a dimension. "We needed him bad, in the worst way," said Hawks forward Al Harrington, who works out with Lue in the offseason. "Nothing against our other point guards, but [Lue] can change the tempo of games for us. We needed a guy that could get the ball up the floor quicker, and he always has his motor running. He's also run a team before, and he's played the style of play we're trying to play." Lue fits the bill for the Hawks, who play at Cleveland Wednesday night, in so many ways. He is the floor leader and ball distributor his teammates were looking for. He also is the defensive menace and tone setter the coaching staff had in mind when he was acquired from Houston for Jon Barry two days before Christmas. In four games with the Hawks, Lue has put up solid numbers — 10.8 points, 4.8 assists and three total turnovers, while adding a veteran's touch on and off the floor. And make no mistake about it, Lue is indeed a veteran by today's NBA standards, although he's only 27. After stints with five teams in his 6 1/2 pro seasons, Lue relishes the opportunity to impart some of the wisdom he's collected during his journeyman career to many of his younger teammates. "I've played with Michael [Jordan], Kobe [bryant] Shaq [O'Neal] and Tracy McGrady, and I've learned under Phil Jackson, so I think a lot of what I've done in my career speaks for itself," said Lue, who spent his first three NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning an NBA championship in 2001. "The most important thing I've learned during my career is how to be a professional. "We've got guys that are hungry and eager to do big things, but they're 18 and 19 years old. I have to try and bridge that gap for some of them and try and guide this team on the floor at the same time. It's a challenge, but one I am ready for at this stage of my career." The early results have been promising. Lue scored a season-high 16 points with six assists in the Hawks' 104-101 loss at Washington on Sunday, playing 31 minutes in his first start. "I think he's been a great addition to our team because he knows how to play," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "He knows when to push the ball and when to get it back, and he knows how to get guys shots. And he can extend himself to play the kind of defense I want on the ball initially. "I think the guys really like him because he does make a conscious effort to get guys the ball when they're open. And nothing against Jon Barry, but we weren't playing him, and Houston wasn't really playing Lue. Once they called about Jon, I just thought it was a good fit or us, to bring in a guy that's still young, a guy that's played in championship games and a guy that's a true point guard." ------------------------------------------------------------ Work: Ratliff injury increases fantasy value of other Blazers (1-4-05) Someone else who could continue to perform well: Tyronn Lue, who on Sunday got his first start since being traded to the Hawks. He had 16 points and six assists, and given the lack of depth in Atlanta, he could put up solid numbers. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (1-4-05) Atlanta Hawks: Today's magic numbers for the Hawks are four and three, or more precisely, fourth and third. The Hawks are the fourth-worst offensive team in the league. Only Detroit, New Jersey, and New Orleans score fewer points per game, on average. Unfortunately, the Hawks are also the third-worst defensive team in the league. Only Orlando and Boston allow more points per game, on average. And despite the New Math, four plus three equals 30: in terms of point differential, Atlanta is dead last in the league, and is the only team giving up double digits on average.

Hawks News: January 3, 2005 For Hawks' rookie, there's no place like home (1-3-05) In some ways, Josh Smith is an assembly-line 19-year-old. "You'd be surprised how many nights he sits around playing video games, watching TV or talking on the phone, like most teenagers do," said one of his agents, Steve Holman. On other nights, the Hawks rookie travels a special path reserved for the elite few. These are the opposite poles that players such as Smith have straddled since the NBA began picking young players from the vine. How the league raises its stars from high school to high-profile overnight remains a wonder. One minute, Smith is spending an evening several feet above the Philips Arena court, collecting an ally-oop pass from Al Harrington, whirling with his back to the basket and throwing down a jolting over-the-head dunk. The finer points of basketball have yet to be sharpened. But the physical exploits already have inspired the Hawks play-by-play man of 15 years to invoke the franchise's most sacred image. "He's the most exciting thing we've had here in a long time. He does bring back memories of Dominique," said Holman, referring to Hawks superstar Dominique Wilkins. The next night, Smith may be at his parents' house in Kennesaw, just hanging out. Or maybe he shows up at his younger sister's basketball game inside his one-time playground at McEachern High School. Normal stuff. Of the challenges facing the youngest of the NBA elite, loneliness, at least, should not trouble Smith just yet. "It was a blessing for him to be in Atlanta," said Wallace Prather, a longtime friend who serves as one of Smith's agents. "A lot of times, a teenager goes to a city, and when practice is over, his teammates go home to their wives and families. With him being here, he doesn't have to struggle being in an unfamiliar city. He can go home and see Mom and Dad. He doesn't have a lot of the problems a normal teenage rookie would have." Help from all quarters: Like any emerging star, Smith is the product of an amalgam of influences. It's a rarity in NBA life that he can jump into his new Escalade — it's the single biggest extravagance since signing his three-year, $3.4 million contract — and reach many of them in less than an hour. Start with something as trivial as the nickname, the hip "J-Smoove." A childhood friend in Cobb, Courtney George, entered Smith in his cellphone under that nom de speed dial, and it just sort of stuck. Move to the tattoos on each arm. One is a tribute to where Smith is from: An outline of his home state resting upon the initials DSGB (Down South Georgia Boy). The other is a representation of the Lord with a basketball and the quote: "With God on my side, how can I fail?" Some fathers discourage body art. But Smith's father, Pete, was by Josh's side when he got that one. "I didn't want to get a stupid tattoo," Josh said. "Some people get tattoos that they regret in the future." Then consider the many voices in his ear, all nearby and providing a constant instruction. It takes a village to raise a small forward. The coach keeps up a steady refrain of "harder, faster, more." Mike Woodson knows that Smith could be tempted to glide by on his gifts. Others, notably ESPN's Jay Bilas, painted Smith as unprepared for the NBA life on the night the Hawks made him the 17th pick of the draft. So the prodding never stops. He since has shown a startling athleticism — as when he swooped from the help-side for 10 blocks against Dallas on Dec. 18 or produced two highlight dunks against the Mavericks again four days later. There are holes in his ball-handling and his left-handed shot, but who steps straight from 12th grade to finished product? Woodson has increased Smith's minutes dramatically, and his current average of seven points, four rebounds and 1.5 blocks a game figure to increase. "The kid has made tremendous strides in term of his basketball game," Woodson said. "He has a long way to go. He knows now he has to play hard and give big-time effort when he's on the floor. I don't think he knew that this summer." As for guiding these teens through the minefields of fortune and fame, Woodson said: "They gotta grow up. They're in the big-time league. Yeah, they are young men, but I don't chaperone them. They hang with their teammates, their friends, [and] you just hope they do the right thing. All we can do is mentor them and keep preaching to them the dos and the don'ts of the road." The teammates are there to give the lessons, from 42-year-old Kevin Willis to Harrington, another high school-to-the-NBA fast-tracker. They all share the responsibility of putting a little age on the kid. "He has a high basketball IQ. He's as athletic as anybody in the league," Harrington said. "It's a work in progress. It's like you're always pulling him aside saying something to him, coaching him, trying to make him better." Willis tells him: "You have the talent; you have the skill level; you're going to grow some more; you're going to get stronger. Keep a balance there; you're going to be a special person in this league." "It's a whole base. We love each other like family," Smith said. Parents' big presence: Then there is his actual family. His parents are here to take care of the details, whether that is coming over to Smith's Smyrna apartment to fix breakfast or providing a base for all the Hawks' young players. Paulette Smith prepared a Thanksgiving feast for the Hawks' other rookies — Josh Childress, Royal Ivey and Donta Smith — and Harrington. A large man with a presence to match, Pete Smith is a constant courtside presence as the team warms up before home games. He then settles into his seat behind one basket to study the game. He is a one-time trucker and a pretty fair basketball player who is very hands-on with Josh. Through his own readily admitted mistakes — "I knew the street life" — Pete Smith feels qualified to guide his son around many of the potholes that collected him. Often when Pete Smith speaks, it is in absolutes. "As a parent, you always know when your children are born, they are something special. That boy is something special," he said. Or about women: "Everyone wears a mask, and behind that mask is the real person. Sooner or later, you're going to get behind the mask and see the real person, and, hopefully, it won't cost you a lot of money when you do." Or about Josh's obligation to his profession: "I always tell him this is a privilege, not a pleasure. Don't turn it into pleasure." Paulette Smith adds: "I really feel that Josh is grounded. He was brought up in a spiritual environment, taught to do right and to always respect other people and respect himself. I always tell him, 'Make sure you walk in integrity.' He always knows where to come back to. I'm real confident about his decisions." Of course, in the end, Josh is his own most reliable rudder. He has been asked to grow up quickly, to skip a transitional phase or two. Expectation weighs heavily. Temptation loiters around every hotel lobby. "I'm comfortable," Smith says. "You can't have a lot of stress on you. You got to play under pressure thinking it's not really pressure. You got to have confidence. "I know right from wrong. I know not to do dumb stuff." Along with his ability to elevate higher and quicker than most, the 6-foot-8 kid has one other physical quirk: To go with the size-14 feet are a pair of quite regulation-issue hands. He can't securely palm a basketball, explaining why he sometimes loses the ball in mid-dunk, clanging the ball off the back of the rim. It is a reminder of how young Smith is, how much there is for him to grasp. ------------------------------------------------------------ Rookie Rankings: Jan. 3, 2005 6. Josh Smith, F, Atlanta Hawks (No. 17) Stats: 7.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.4 APG (13.0 PRA) Upcoming: at Cle. (1/5), vs. Sac. (1/7) Breakdown: The athletic Smith has blocked at least one shot in every game since being inserted into the Hawks starting lineup. Smith is averaging 2.73 blocks as a starter and only .80 blocks when coming off the bench. ------------------------------------------------------------ Heat rise, Magic disappear (1-3-05) 29) Hawks (5-24) (28) When we said no one can fill Philips Arena, of course we meant no one on the Atlanta roster. Just wanted to clarify, since LeBron, for example, has proven he can do it. ------------------------------------------------------------ Power Rankings: Suns, Heat streaking across NBA (1-3-05) 29) Atlanta Hawks (5-24) (29) Josh Smith is averaging 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in just under 20 minutes per game. The 6-foot-9 rookie is also showing the kind of athleticism not seen in Atlanta since the days of Dominique Wilkins. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (1-3-05) Atlanta Hawks: It was Atlanta's closest loss in over a month. Falling 104-101 on Sunday to the Wizards, the Hawks had their closest loss since a one-point disappointment to the Knicks back on November 30th. Since that point, all their losses had been blowouts and none had been by less than five points. To be within one point with 3.1 seconds left to team that is second only to the Heat in the same division is a good way to start the New Year. Not the best, of course, but it's certainly better than getting blown out. Is the chemistry starting to come together? ------------------------------------------------------------ Atlanta Hawks Team Report - January 3 (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks lost to the Washington Wizards, 104-101, on Sunday at the MCI Center. Antoine Walker posted 18 points and 13 boards in Sunday's loss for the Hawks, who dropped their fourth straight. Atlanta, which will wrap up its brief two-game road trip in Cleveland on Wednesday, has dropped four straight and eight of nine on the road. The Hawks are 2-11 away from home this season. The Hawks are 0-2 against the Cavaliers this season. Cleveland defeated Atlanta twice at Philips Arena. The teams are scheduled to play once more this season, as the Cavs will host the Hawks on February 16. Walker has scored in double-digits in seven straight games. He is averaging 17.3 points and 9.6 rebounds in that span. Walker leads the Hawks in scoring (20.3 ppg) and rebounding (9.1 rpg).

Hawks News: January 1, 2005 Hawks want fresh start in New Year (1-1-05) WASHINGTON — Josh Childress' New Year's resolution is simple: "To come back a new team, a new attitude," the rookie guard said of the struggling Hawks, who are 5-23 this season. "[We need] new ways of going about how we handle our business, just a new outlook. [The year] 2004 obviously wasn't very friendly to us in the wins and losses column." Coach Mike Woodson is even more direct about what he hopes to accomplish in 2005. "Start winning some games," he said. "That's the only thing that makes me happy. And to see my young guys continue to improve — that's important." The Hawks will have a slightly different look when they kick off the new year at noon today against the Washington Wizards (15-13). Point guard Tyronn Lue, who was acquired Dec. 23 from Houston in the trade for Jon Barry, will make his first start in a Hawks uniform. He replaces Royal Ivey, who started three games. A month ago in Philips Arena, the Wizards jumped out to a 62-35 halftime lead en route to a 114-90 win. "Washington drilled us here, so we should have a little pride [going into the game]," Hawks forward Antoine Walker said. Washington had seven players score in double figures. However, the Wizards' leading scorer Gilbert Arenas (23.1 points per game), did not play in Friday's loss to Boston, nor did he practice Saturday due to flu and dehydration. He is listed as probable for the game against the Hawks. Steve Blake started in place of Arenas in the 108-103 loss to Celtics while the other two parts of Washington's three-pronged attack accounted for 60 percent of the Wizards' scoring. Guard Larry Hughes made all six of his 3-point attempts for 33 points and forward Antawn Jamison added 29 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter. Washington is off to its best start since the 1984-85 season. Although the Wizards won their 15th game in the 26th game of the season, compared to the 48th game last season, they have lost three games in a row, just like the Hawks. "The two losses to Boston and Detroit still hurt and they are lying in our stomach like a bad oyster," Washington coach Eddie Jordan said. "We really want to get that out of our system." The Hawks would like to get November and December out of their systems. "We've got 50-something games left and we've got to build some type of team continuity," Walker said. "We've got to start getting some chemistry together." Woodson said the Hawks' defense is much better than it was the first time his team played the Wizards, but in the 94-79 loss to Seattle on Thursday, "We had slippage," he said. "We've just got to remember some of the good games that we've played defensively and use that as springboard going into tomorrow's game." ------------------------------------------------------------ Bad pain, bigger gain vs. Shaq? (1-1-05) Should Shaquille O'Neal offer an "in your face" in this month's two games against Atlanta, figure on Hawks center Jason Collier keeping a safe distance. In last week's meeting, a collision with the Heat center left Collier with several chipped teeth and a bruised jaw. Earlier this season, an O'Neal elbow left Collier with a five-stitch gash beneath his left eye. Perhaps the price of pain is worth it: Collier's two highest-scoring games have come against the Heat this season, with 20 and 15 points. ------------------------------------------------------------ Who's worth Bobcats' entire payroll? (1-1-05) AROUND THE LEAGUE: It's apparently registered on Atlanta Hawks rookie Josh Smith how hard he must work. Despite huge athletic ability, Smith slipped to 17th in the draft, due primarily to poor work habits in his auditions. Since entering the starting lineup recently, Smith is averaging 10.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.9 blocks.

Hawks News: December 29, 2004 Sharpshooting Sonics in for rare day game (12-29-04) The Atlanta Hawks and the Seattle SuperSonics started the season with something in common: They each lost their opener by 30 points. When they met in the following game at Seattle, the Sonics won 106-85 and their paths continued to diverge. The Sonics (20-6) boomed while the Hawks (5-22) busted. Seattle brings a sharpshooting team to Philips Arena Thursday for a rare 2 p.m. game. The Sonics are second in the NBA in 3-point shooting percentage (37.6 percent). Ray Allen is shooting 37.4 percent from beyond the arc (64-of-171) and is averaging 24.2 points per game, while fellow guard Rashard Lewis is making 40.3 percent of his 3-pointers (64 of 159) and averaging 21.5 points. Vladimir Radmanovic, a 6-foot-10 forward who comes off the bench but plays the minutes of a starter, is another long-range bomber (52-of-130 on 3-pointers). "We'll have to extend our defense and rebound the ball because there are going to be a lot of long rebounds," said Hawks forward Al Harrington. The Sonics lost Tuesday night to Philadelphia, one of the five teams the Hawks have beaten. "We know they're going to come in here with desperation because they lost to Philly," Harrington said. "They probably look at this game like these are the games they're supposed to win." Seattle coach Nate McMillan, who is no longer on the hot seat, has fashioned his team into the Northwest Division leaders while retaining nine players from last year's 37-45 squad. The Hawks kept only three players. "They're one of the best teams in the West," said Hawks coach Mike Woodson. "I've always had a great deal of respect for what Nate does, but they're starting to really play for him and have done some nice things for him this season." Lineup experiments: The Hawks have so many point guards that Boris Diaw hasn't played the last three games and Kenny Anderson was on the floor only four minutes against Cleveland. New acquisition Tyronn Lue, whom Woodson had expected to play 20-24 minutes as he gets used to the Hawks system, played 30 minutes vs. the Cavs while starter Royal Ivey, who got into foul trouble, played 11. "Yeah, we have an overabundance of perimeter guys," said Woodson. "I've got to somehow get to nine or 10 guys where I'm constantly playing them and seeing how we fare doing it that way. I don't think you can play 11 or 12 guys in this league and be successful." While Woodson has experimented with different looks, Diaw has started 18 games and spent five games stapled to the bench. "If he doesn't put me on the court, he doesn't think I'm going to be useful to the team," said the 6-8 Diaw, who can also play shooting guard or small forward. "It's his choice. He makes the best choice for the team." Does Diaw think he may be traded? "I don't know," he said. "I think you never know until the day they trade you." ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (12-29-04) Where’s Lang now you ask? Well, he’s in Atlanta, but that don’t mean he’s just taking it easy. Last night he was in the surprisingly full house when the Cavs took on the Hawks… Just across the street from Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta is a huge billboard, featuring dueling heads of LeBron James. It’s a Nike ad, one of those Chamber of Fear/Kill Bill-type campaign, and it looms large over the home of the Hawks. Which is probably a good thing, since there’s not a lot looming in Atlanta’s NBA world these days. I grew up in Atlanta, and this is where I learned the game, watching, off the top of my head: Dominique Wilkins, Kevin Willis, Moses Malone, Doc Rivers, Scott Hastings, Jon Koncak, Cliff Levingston, John Battle, Mike McGee (who, incredibly, looked exactly like a trash can), Spud Webb, Antoine Carr, Reggie Theus, Sasha Volkov and Randy Wittman. They always played hard, but they were never good enough to knock off the Celtics. Friggin’ Larry Bird just killed us. February 24, 1994. A day that will live in infamy. This was the day the Hawks traded Dominique Wilkins to the Clippers. Every time I bring up the trade to Pete Babcock, the Hawks GM at the time, he goes into his “Well, looking back, you always think it’s a good move at the time…” spiel. And it wasn’t all Babcock’s fault. Lenny Wilkens wasn’t happy with Nique’s play, Babcock was trying to support Wilkens, and Nique wasn’t getting along with Lenny. Well, however you parse it, that trade ruined pro basketball in Atlanta. You can make bad trades, you make trades that set a franchise back a few years, or you can make moves that completely ruin a sport in a city. That’s what the Nique trade was. We lost our only NBA hero, and from then on things plummeted downhill. And now the Hawks are where they are -- a pointless (literally and figuratively) squad that’s perpetually in rebuilding mode. The other night at dinner, my father, who loves basketball but isn’t really a Hawks fan, said to me, “I don’t know what’s wrong with the Hawks.” I told him that they just don’t have many good players. “But they’ve got about 12 different players than they had last year,” he said. Well, they need about 12 more players. Coming into last night’s game, the Hawks were 5-21, meaning they win about one game for every five that they lose. They don’t play as a team, and they don’t play as if they care about winning. Our third-leading scorer is Tyronn “Early Term” Lue, who has now played two games with the team. With the sixth pick in the Draft, we passed up guys like Andre Iguodala and Luol Deng in order to snatch Josh Childress, who has thus far been a bust. Luckily we got Josh Smith, this year’s most exciting rookie, with the 17th pick. GM Billy Knight has been building an entire roster of guys between 6-3 and 6-9, who can all run, but can’t shoot or defend. And right now they’re shaping up according to plan. As a fan, it’s completely disheartening. I haven’t written much about the Hawks this year because I just can’t bring myself to. What can I say? The Hawks are worse than the Clippers. What’s this world coming to? The lone silver lining? I get a good vibe from new coach Mike Woodson. I don’t know if he’ll get these guys to play as a team, but he’s letting they guys who can play, play. Once Childress outed himself as a bust, he hit the bench. Even though Boris Diaw has shown himself to be a great passer, he refuses to shoot, so he doesn’t play, either. Anyway, whenever I’m in Atlanta I pay a visit to see the Hawks play, on the off chance that they manage to accidentally win a game. And last night King James his own self was in the house, and the Hawks were expecting their second sell-out of the season. I got there early enough to find most of the Cavs out on the floor warming up, and someone introduced me to Cavs rookie Luke Jackson, who was working on his outside jumper. I told Luke that I’d picked him to win Rookie of the Year, but that since he wasn’t getting any playing time, I was blaming Paul Silas and his son, Cavs assistant coach Stephen Silas, for screwing up my pick. Steve, standing nearby, laughed and said, “Blame me! That’s fine!” In the Hawks locker room, my main man Kevin Willis was juggling ticket requests from a few friends, while fending off Kenny Anderson, who needed to take care of a few friends. Kevin told me about his new line of blue jeans, which will launch in the spring. I told K-Dub that I needed some jeans, because mine had holes in them. “My line has holes in them, too,” he said. “Yeah,” I replied, “but yours are supposed to.” We walked over to Royal Ivey’s locker, where a pair of the jeans were hanging. They were dark blue, with copper-colored touches here and there, and they actually looked pretty cool. Kevin held them up, and I pointed out a rather large hole near the crotch. “Um, Kev, that seems a little suggestive.” “Yeah, he did that himself, tryin’ to be all sexy.” That’s our starting point guard! When I’m at NBA games for work, I always sit in the press seats, but in Atlanta I like to sit in the stands, with the fans, because at least there’s a few Hawks fans around me, something I never get on my couch at home. Last night I sat in the corner of the arena, about twelve rows from the floor. I inflated my Thunderstix and cheered during the pregame introductions, and respectfully applauded when Kevin came out and addressed the crowd (“Everyone, have a prosperous new year”) in the way all the NBA teams do now in the post-Brawl/Don’t-Hate-The-Rest-Of-Us era. And then LeBron happened. Actually, Al Harrington started out on fire, playing really well for the first time all season. He was posting up, hitting turn-around jumpers, and finding ways to get the ball in the basket. Cleveland began the game running their offense through Zydrunas “Zzzzzzz…” Ilgauskas, who deployed a variety of slow-motion post maneuvers, which generally resulted in people crashing to the floor under the basket. LeBron, meanwhile, was doing his thing. He was hitting jumpers, he was driving to the basket. What he wasn’t doing was that jump-stop move that he kept getting whistled on last week. After the game, I asked Bron why he wasn’t using that move, and he said, “I had to adjust. I figured they were going to keep making that call, so I changed my game a little.” He is 19 years old. Josh Smith pumped in a few thrills, running down Anderson “Sideshow” Varejao on a break and blocking a two-handed dunk from behind, another time nearly catching a long rebound and dunking it home. He’s the only player on the team that makes me instinctually blurt “Whoa!” during games. At the half, Bron had 23, Harrington had 18, and the Hawks led, 51-50. I’m still not sure how this happened. Bron was Cleveland’s only consistent player, while the Hawks were getting spurts of energy from various guys, including the ever-swarthy Peja Drobnjak. One thing worth noting is that the Hawks are under new management, a mysterious group called Atlanta Spirit. When these businessmen got together and bought the HAwks and Thrashers, I was pretty sure it wouldn't work. But so far, thing seem to be going well. Those dudes are mostly staying in the shadows and letting Dominique be the face of the franchise, and the game-night experience is much better than it used to be (mainly because my main man Ryan Cameron is now the arena announcer). Put it this way: The game-night experience is rebuilt. The team, well, that's not as simple. Celebs in the house: Andruw Jones, Toni Braxton (the last person to stop Jason Kidd), Falcons TE Alge Crumpler, Actor Bill Nunn, singer Ciarra, and two Lil Bow Wows. Wait, one of those was Early Term Lue. The third quarter had been trouble for both the Hawks and Cavs. For instance, the previous night against Miami, the Hawks led at halftime, but blew it in the second half. But LeBron wouldn’t let the Cavs down on this night. He kept driving to the basket, including one fastbreak where he cupped the ball in his right arm and took two huge steps, sweeping the ball over the head of a defender and slamming the ball home. The Hawks alleged best player is Antoine Walker, but aside from a few cute passes, Toine just isn’t a franchise player. In fact, I’m not sure what kind of player he is. He’s a horrible free throw shooter (54-percent on the year, which was written in large letters on a blackboard in the Cavs locker room), shoots one-legged three pointers, and he complains incessantly to the refs. He plays hard, going 42 minutes last night, but he just doesn’t contribute enough defensively to justify his presence offensively. In the fourth quarter, the Cavs went with a small line-up, with Eric Snow and Jeff McInnis at the guard spots, LeBron and Tractor Traylor at forwards, and Sideshow Varejao at center. Instead of going big, Coach Woodson also went small, using Tony Delk, Tyron Lue, Josh Childress, Al Harrington, and Toine at center. Paul Silas gave Zzzzz… occasional looks at center, and Woodson just left Toine in to guard him. The Cavs went to a zone defense, which completely befuddled the Hawks, who kept trying to dribble through it. This doesn’t work. Cleveland, meanwhile, kept isolating LeBron, who would either drain threes or drive and get fouled. Despite a few triples from Tony Delk, the Hawks couldn’t keep up, and Cleveland won, 111-102. LeBron, who finished with an impressive 40 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists, sat in the corner of the locker room, and quietly dealt with the media. When asked what he wanted next week for his twentieth birthday, he said, “More wins.” Wouldn’t it be ironic if his birthday was on Christmas day? When one Cav asked if anyone had lotion, everyone looked to Cavs center Sagana Diop, who’s called “Ghana” in the locker room. Just thought that was funny. Out in the hallway, Cavs coach Paul Silas held court. “Whatever we needed, he provided tonight,” said Silas. ”He fuels us. As LeBron goes, so we go. He just wouldn't let us lose.” Now if the Hawks could just figure out how to get a LeBron. Until then, we got Toine! ------------------------------------------------------------ Nuggets waive bye-bye to Bzdelik (12-29-04) Still only 19 (for a couple more days), LeBron James manned up against the junior varsity team they run out there in Atlanta and dropped a 40 spot on the Hawks' heads. He also added nine boards, seven dimes and a highlight reel cradle jam in traffic in the Cavs' victory. We're picturing what his game might be like two years from today when he's still only 21 year old. Chills. Fantasy Smack: SF Al Harrington dropped a season-high 31 points, a good sign for his owners who have waited all season for Harrington to play up to the level of his lofty pre-season expectations. ------------------------------------------------------------ Atlanta Hawks Team Report - December 29 (Sports Network) - The Atlanta Hawks lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 111-102, on Tuesday at Philips Arena. Al Harrington posted a season-high 31 points and added six rebounds and four assists for the Hawks, who suffered their seventh loss in eight outings. Atlanta trailed 82-80 with 9:32 left to play after a Harrington three- pointer, but the Cavaliers responded with eight straight points and they cruised to the victory. Jeff McInnis capped off the burst on a three-point play with 6:28 remaining to make it a 90-80 affair. Anderson Varejao's dunk with 5:38 left gave Cleveland its biggest lead of the game at 94-82, and the Hawks got no closer than seven the rest of the way. The Hawks shot 53 percent from the field, but turned the ball over 18 times. Harrington has averaged 17.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in his last 10 games. He has scored in double-digits in 24 of 27 contests this season. Atlanta is off until Thursday when it hosts All-Star Ray Allen and the Seattle SuperSonics. It will be the second and final meeting of the season between the clubs. On November 5th, the Sonics crushed the Hawks, 106-85, at KeyArena. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (12-29-04) Atlanta Hawks: The Atlanta Hawks shot well for the entire game against the Cleveland Cavaliers last night at fifty three percent. Unfortunately they only played well for 2 quarters and their opponent had one of the best players (if not the best) on the court in the NBA.