HawkTodd

Hawks News (8-11-04) Some Kind Of Makeover! (8-11-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=469 ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-11-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9324.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Looking to solidify his role as the team's new leader, Antoine Walker says his main priority now is to call up Erick Dampier to convince him to join the Hawks. Is this merely political posturing, or a real desire to help his new team? One wonders why Walker wouldn't simply pick up the phone first and make pronouncements later. The only explanation that maintains Walker's integrity is that he didn't feel right making phone calls until he was officially introduced as a Hawk yesterday. ------------------------------------------------------------ Former PHS hoops star Jason Watson to play at Mississippi Gulf Coast (8-11-04). http://www.gulflive.com/sports/mississippi...21931622150.xml Another SIC player, swing man Donta Smith, was ticketed for Louisville before choosing to participate in the NBA Draft. He was drafted with the No. 34 pick by the Atlanta Hawks. "Donta was about the best college player I ever played with," Watson said. "He helped me improve my game. He is one of those guys that loves the game and he wanted to make everyone around him better. He was a legit 6-foot-7 guy who played on the wing." ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (8-11-04). http://slamonline.com/links/08092004/ At his introductory press conference in Atlanta, Antoine Walker said that he doesn't want to spend his career floating around the NBA. Little late for that now, isn't it, Toine? ------------------------------------------------------------ HEAT Sign Wesley Person (8-11-04). http://www.nba.com/heat/news/heat_sign_person_040811.html

Hawks News (8-10-04) Quotes From Antoine Walker/Tony Delk Press Conference (8-10-04. http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/Quotes_from_...r_and_Delk.html 5 Questions: Antoine Walker (8-10-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/5_Qs_with_Antoine_Walker.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Newest Hawk Walker will make pitch to Dampier (8-10-04). http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...04/11hawks.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Knight's makeover of Hawks nearly complete (8-10-04). http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfu...ry.asp?ID=43451 ------------------------------------------------------------ Full Court Press: Kings' Peja Problem (8-10-04). http://www.tsn.ca/nba/news_story.asp?ID=94279&hubName=nba TRADING POST: Walker to the Hawks - Unable to find a fit in Dallas, Antoine Walker was moved, along with Tony Delk, to the Atlanta Hawks for Jason Terry and Alan Henderson. Walker is entering the final year of his contract, which means the Hawks will get significant cap room for next season, and the deal works for Walker because he will be the Hawks' number one option, allowing him to post big numbers before hitting the free agent market. Delk will fit into the backcourt rotation. Terry takes over at the point for the Mavericks and his quickness should fit in well with the up-tempo Mavs. Henderson, while apparently healthy for the first time in a while, is likely to land a spot at the end of the Mavericks bench. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-10-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9315.shtml Atlanta Hawks: It's a damn shame. To have all that money available and not spend it on anyone worthwhile is a damn shame. So far, the Hawks have missed the boat on just about everyone they had shots at acquiring or keeping, with the exception of Al Harrington. They talked of Kobe Bryant, yet ended up with another Employee No. 8 in Antoine Walker. Troy Hudson was rumored to be coming here this week, yet re-signed with the Timberwolves almost as soon as the rumor broke. Zeljko Rebraca is working out for almost every other team in the league. Yesterday, they let Bob Sura fly free westward to Houston to play on a winning team with Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. And they offered Erick Dampier such an undercutting offer that he's done more waffling than IHOP. When are these guys going to get it together? ------------------------------------------------------------ Atlanta Hawks owner Michael Gearon, Jr., left, new Atlanta Hawks forward Antoine Walker, general manager Billy Knight, center, new Hawks guard Tony Delk, and Hawks Executive Vice President Dominique Wilkins, right, pose for photographs during a news conference in Atlanta, Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004. Walker and Delk, the newest members of the Atlanta Hawks, join a roster that still has spots available. Knight has done a nearly complete makeover of the team in the past six months.

Hawks News (8-9-04) 2004-05 HAWKS SCHEDULE: 10 Game To Watch (8-9-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/Hawks_Schedule_Analysis.html Chat with Hawks coach Mike Woodson, Thurs. Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. (8-9-04). http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatNBA?event_id=5600 ------------------------------------------------------------ Hansen Tells Us Why (8-9-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=468 ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-9-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9305.shtml Atlanta Hawks: If Troy Hudson was healthy last year, we might have seen the Timberwolves in the Finals. In some ways, it is that fact that is keeping the Wolves from re-signing Hudson to what everyone thought was essentially a done deal. Language involving guarantees and injury protection have slowed contract talks, and the Pioneer Press is reporting that Hudson is getting frustrated. So frustrated that he would consider a contract offer from the Hawks. ------------------------------------------------------------ Rockets Sign Bob Sura and Charlie Ward (8-9-04). http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/sura_ward_040809.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Wolves Re-Sign Hudson (8-9-04). http://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/hudson_040809.html

Hawks News (8-8-04) Hudson could end up in Atlanta (8-8-04). http://www.twincities.com%2Fmld%2Ftwinciti...s%2F9346564.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ ATLANTA: Looking for a Point Guard (8-8-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9295.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------ Doc keeps pulse of Payton (8-8-04). http://celtics.bostonherald.com/celtics/vi...articleid=38979 Walker finds new fit: Though he had hoped for a trade to the Knicks or Sixers, you can't say Antoine Walker didn't get his wish with last week's trade to depleted but cap-rich Atlanta. Beyond fellow tradee Al Harrington, there won't be a lot of other Hawks demanding the ball, which is great news for the self-described ``volume shooter.'' Walker had told friends, including Pierce, that he wanted to return to the Eastern Conference, where he has a better chance of making his third All-Star team. It also freed him up from a situation in Dallas where, despite the team's blue-chip status, Walker's role was submerged. He probably would have sunk even further back in the offense had he remained. The Mavericks now appear committed to prying the disgruntled Jason Kidd loose from New Jersey, and Walker is getting ready for a season in front of the Hawks' notoriously apathetic fan base. ``It's all about getting his money,'' one league official said of the fact that Walker, in the last year of a contract that will pay him approximately $14.6 million next season, needs some fattened on-court numbers heading into free agency next summer. The deal works especially well for Atlanta, which could drop as much as $20 million under the salary cap when Walker steps into free agency next summer. ------------------------------------------------------------ NBA RUMOR MILL - Rebuilding The Lakers (8-8-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9299.shtml HUDSON FRUSTRATION: Troy Hudson and his agent have been rewriting contracts for the better part of the month, and with each new revision, a new wrinkle surfaces. Hudson’s agent says he’s written the contract over a dozen times and each time it’s either the Timberwolves having issues with language or the league having issues with language. The Wolves are trying to protect themselves from injury, and Hudson is trying to insure a bigger payday. The end result is Hudson and his agent have started talks with Atlanta, and unless the Wolves get a deal approved soon, Troy may be taking his luggage to Atlanta.

THE DAILY (8-6-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9276.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Apparently Erick Dampier isn't interested in moving fast enough to grab the green while it's still available. In fact, if you were to put this guy in a money grab booth with :30 to grab as much cash as he can, he'd likely spend :28 of that time dreaming about how much he could get ... and practically miss the opportunity in the process. Now you have Sacramento Kings star Peja Stojakovic begging Sacramento management to trade him. Why not take what you have left of your millions under the cap and make a run at the league's second-best scorer (last season)? Because it would cause another season of Antoine Walker's pout fests, that's why ... ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (8-6-04). http://slamonline.com/links/08022004/ Speaking of the Hawks, the world's other Hawks fan, Myung in Atlanta, writes... Hey, Lang. It's been a minute since I've written you. First of all, just wanted to let you know I ran into Nick Anderson at a California Pizza Kitchen recently. He was travelling with a posse of about 3 or 4 guys. Yep, Nick Anderson still has a posse, even though he's been out of the League for a few years. He still looks like he's in great shape though. I was going to go up to him and ask him to pay for my dinner since his four missed free throws back in '95 cost me a bet back in the day, but I decided against it. I probably would've been thrown through a window, Charles Barkley style. Anyway, I just wanted to make an observation: has there ever been a team in NBA history that has had as much turnover in a 12 month span than our beloved Hawks? I know Charlotte's the REAL expansion team in the NBA, but what separates us from them? I totally see us as an expansion team this upcoming year (except we have much more talent right now than Charlotte does). But really, we're just like Charlotte: heading into the 2004 season, we're pretty much an entirely new team with an entirely new coach. In front of me is the Official 2003-04 Yearbook of the Atlanta Hawks (they mailed them out to all season ticket holders last season). You want to know who's on the cover? Six players and the head coach. Who are those players? Nazr, Theo, Hendu, JT, Reef, and Dion Glover. The coach is of course Terry Stotts. How many of those 7 guys (6 of them players) are on the team now? We all know the answer to that question. Throw in the fact that 5 other guys featured in the magazine (Dickau, Whoo Jackson, Jacque Vaughn, Lee Nailon, and Terrell Brandon) are no longer on the team, and I challenge anyone out there to find another NBA franchise who has gone through as much personnel change in a year as our team. Seriously, our team is unrecognizable. Not that I'm complaining. I'm excited about where we're heading. Do I think we'll be a Playoff team this season? No. But heading into the 2005-2006 season, I REALLY think we'll be ready to make our championship run. I mean it. I know you're pretty excited too, Lang. I'm sure you're skeptical about getting too excited (after all these years of disapppointment), but you've got to like what we're doing. I know it sounds nuts to most people in the world, but I'm REALLY excited to be a Hawks fan right now. I REALLY hope we'll move Antoine Walker for one last piece (there IS still time to make some moves, right?). I don't want to see him in a Hawks uniform. I'm not hating on him as a player like a lot of people are doing (i.e. he shoots too many 3's); I just don't think he has a place on the team if we're going to build around Al Harrington and the two Josh's. Even though it's his contract year and I know he'll play well, I think he'll stunt the growth of three potentially explosive players. If he plays on the Hawks this season as a rent-a-player, we might have more short term success this season and he could be an All Star, but he'll set our re-building plan back a year. One last thing: have you heard anything about new uniforms? I saw JT (pre-trade) on a local sports show here in Atlanta, and he mentioned how our new uniforms looked hot. I hadn't heard anything. I know Utah and Memphis have new uniforms, but I didn't know Atlanta was doing something different. Have you heard anything? No, I'm still excited about the Hawks, even though I shouldn't be. Antoine is going to be better than you think, I believe. And if he isn't, he won't get a big contract next year from anyone. As for the uni's, I heard the Hawks will have a third uniform next season with yellow as the main color, and that they will actually look better than it sounds. We'll see... ------------------------------------------------------------ Stojakovic requests trade (8-6-04). http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctime.../9334615.htm?1c Dampier update: Erick Dampier, a free agent who has played the past seven seasons with Golden State, said he would consider signing with the Knicks even if it meant accepting less money than he was offered elsewhere. "You get to a certain point in your life where the money's not a factor; you just want to win," Dampier. "I think I'm at that point. I'm not getting any younger, and I want to be in the playoffs and have a chance for a world championship." The Atlanta Hawks have offered him a six-year contract worth about $50 million, and unless the Knicks are able to pull off a sign-and-trade deal with Golden State, which is unlikely, Dampier will have to settle for the midlevel exception of $4.9 million a year from the Knicks. If he chooses to join the Knicks, Dampier said he would sign a one-year deal, then test the free-agent market again next summer. ------------------------------------------------------------ Georgian Sports: Q & A with Nickoloz Tskitishvili (8-6-04). http://www.mamuli.net:8989/geosports/sppro...pos=1&vjob=vsub,171 - Which team is most possible for you to play in? - As I played well during the Summer League, several clubs got interested in me. I won’t perish if I leave Denver, you know. At the moment four clubs are being most active. These are: Washington Wizards, Charlotte Bobcats, Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns. I want to go to the club where I’ll have best opportunity to play.

Hawks News (8-5-04) Report Card: How teams fared in summer session (8-5-04). http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/7552890 Atlanta Hawks: Finally, they got owners, filled out the roster and even added some talent by acquiring Antoine Walker and Tony Delk in exchange for Jason Terry and Alan Henderson after they landed Al Harrington for Stephen Jackson. But the jury is still out on talented but soft rookies Josh Childress, Josh Smith and Donta Smith and how rookie coach Mike Woodson handles them. Grade: B-minus ------------------------------------------------------------ Trade Analysis: Hawks Acquire Antoine Walker and Tony Delk (8-5-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/Trade_Analysis.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Chat wrap: Chad Ford (8-5-04). http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5652 James(Atl): I love what my Hawks have done. I saw them enough to know Sura ran the point better than Terry did anyway. Id like for them to go after Swift instead of Dampier... what do you think their chances are of getting Swift? How big would the offer have to be for Memphis not to match? Chad Ford: I like the Hawks trade for Harrington and Walker. I agree, Swift makes more sense than Damp on this young team. Many GMs believe he can be a center in the East. I'd offer him six years, $50 million and dare the Grizzlies to match (they claim they will). I don't think Damp really wants to play there. Why give a guy who doesn't want to be there that much money? ------------------------------------------------------------ Peter May: The free fall of Antoine Walker (8-5-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/stor...eter&id=1852615 ------------------------------------------------------------ Vince Carter Talk Heats Up (8-5-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9266.shtml ERICK DAMPIER: Erick Dampier’s summer is a complete mess. He walked away from a guaranteed $16 million over the next two seasons in order to be a free agent this summer. Then, he woke up to realize that he wasn’t the hot commodity that he thought he was. Who would have thought that teams wouldn’t be lining up for a 30-year-old with average abilities? The Atlanta Hawks have a substantial offer on the table, yet Dampier appears set on signing with the Knicks. Dampier told the New York Times Wednesday that “Atlanta’s in the rebuilding stage. I’ve been at that stage for the last six years. I don’t want to be in that position any longer.” Atlanta is rebuilding, but they will have a decent team next season. If Dampier signed the Hawks they could challenge for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference as a front line of Antoine Walker, Al Harrington and Dampier would be impressive and could cause some damage. The problem with Dampier signing with the Knicks - his top choice - is that they don’t have the cash to sign him directly, they need the Warriors to broker a deal through a sign and trade. ------------------------------------------------------------ Forward focus of interest (8-5-04). http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~90~2315423,00.html The Nuggets have been fielding phone calls from teams interested in trading for forward Nikoloz Tskitishvili. An NBA source said the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers have inquired about Tskitishvili. The Nuggets are in search of a defensive-minded swingman, and the 7-foot- 1, 235-pound Tskitishvili could be used as bait. "I am familiar with it," said Steve Heumann, Tskitishvili's agent. when asked about trade talks.cq"I've heard some things. It's very much in the Nuggets' hands. I know they are exploring a couple things." ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-5-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9265.shtml Atlanta Hawks: It's official. Antoine Walker is a Hawker and Tony Delk's been dealt. Atlanta gave up Jason Terry, Alan Henderson, and a complicated first round pick that starts next season and comes from Philadelphia, but potentially doesn't get delivered to Dallas (in which case Atlanta pays a penalty of $1 million). ------------------------------------------------------------ DAMPIER LOVES N.Y (8-5-04). http://nypost.com/sports/knicks/26295.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks and Thrashers Celebrate Wal-Mart Grand Opening (8-5-04). http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=...id=237826&rfi=6

Hawks News (8-4-04) Hawks Obtain Three-Time All-Star Antoine Walker (8-4-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/trade_080404.html ------------------------------------------------------------ 'Two proven winners' give Knight optimism (8-4-04). http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...04/05hawks.html Hawks open preseason vs. Howard, Magic (8-4-04). http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...5preseason.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Marty Burns: Mavericks-Hawks trade analysis (8-4-04). http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/writ...hawks.analysis/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Dampier Considers Knicks Over Cash (8-4-04). http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/05/sports/b...ball/05nba.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Chat wrap: Marc Stein (8-4-04). http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5662 Jimbo (Macon, GA): Are the Hawks gonna nab Dampier to round out a solid frontline with Walker and Harrington? Marc Stein: Dampier wants to go to New York. That's obvious. If he wants anything close to a payday, he'll have to go to the Hawks. But it would be a pretty solid frontline, by East standards, if the ATL did get Damp. To be honest, I think Walker and Harrington is a decent haul considering the Hawks have a tough time selling free agents to come there. And I like Diaw, too. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Land Walker (8-4-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9255.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------ Dampier visits Knicks (8-4-04). http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/k...s/ny-spknix0805,0,2075612.story?coll=ny-sports-headlines ------------------------------------------------------------ Jason Terry gets his wish (8-4-04). http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...lede.b0668.html Trade could provide Mavs an assist later (8-4-04). http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/basketball/9316540.htm?1c ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-4-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9252.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Jason Terry said if Stephen Jackson wasn't going to be back, he didn't want to be either. Now he doesn't have to worry about it. In a move expected to be consummated later today, the Atlanta Hawks will ship Terry and tired, underachieving forward Alan Henderson to Dallas for Tony Delk and another underachieving forward, Antoine Walker. So, are the Hawks finally cutting bait on the Erick Dampier derby? ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Roundup: Another Day, Another Deal (8-4-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=467 ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (8-4-04). http://slamonline.com/links/08022004/ The Hawks officially got ahold of the shimmying Antoine Walker. (And for the person that emailed me to complain that I was wrong and that JT didn't have a no-trade clause, JT could veto the deal, but he didn't.)

Hawks News (8-3-04) Hawks sending Terry, Henderson to Mavs for Walker (8-3-04). http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...804/04swap.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks still not out of the picture (8-3-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1851712 ------------------------------------------------------------ Tuesday roundup: Kwame Brown has surgery (8-3-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1851405 Atlanta Hawks: Guard Travis Hansen has signed a one-year deal to play for Tau Ceramica in Spain, the club announced. Hansen confirmed the signing to ESPN.com Tuesday afternoon. Hansen, who played collegiate ball at BYU, was the second-round draft pick of the Hawks last season. He averaged 12 minutes and 3 points per game with Atlanta. The Hawks had an option to pick up the second year of his contract, but told Hansen they wouldn't pick up the option, allowing him to leave for Spain. The Hawks have drafted five other swingmen over the past two summers, making Hansen expendable. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (8-3-04). http://slamonline.com/links/08022004/ Now, on to the big trade talk. According to ESPN's Insider, our main man Chad Ford, the "...Mavericks and Hawks are in the process of finalizing a trade that will send forward Antoine Walker to Atlanta for combo guard Jason Terry and forward Alan Henderson." Just this half of a sentence has a few holes in it. Let me break it down. I'm guessing that most of this stuff will end up on Insider tomorrow... -- According to NBA insiders that I've talked to, this thing still might not happen. The Hawks, from what I hear, aren't happy that word leaked out. They wanted to keep it quiet. But now it's out. (If this is the case, maybe it shouldn't have been brought up in a huge staff meeting yesterday in Atlanta.) -- If it does happen, it won't be today, because the NBA office is closed today. -- The trade being discussed also includes Tony Delk, who would go to Atlanta. -- Jason Terry's contract has a no-trade clause that still needs to be worked out. -- Regardless of how many times Chad Ford tries to claim otherwise, JT is not a two guard!! (Don't these people watch the NBA?) Yes, he played there for about 30 games two seasons ago and played really well, but he doesn't like playing the two. It kills me every time Ford writes that Terry is more comfortable at the two. Has he ever asked Jason? I have. -- Jason Terry's gym teacher in elementary school was Slick Watts. That has nothing to do with anything, but I wanted to throw that in there. -- As much as I like Jason Terry, he's not enough. He needs to be surrounded by players that are better than him, guys who will challenge him to play better defensively. He'll be great in Dallas, if he stays there after this deal and isn't moved on to Jersey. -- The Hawks feel like if they were ever going to have Antoine, this is the time. Toine's in the last year of his contract, so he better show something if he wants to make big money next year. Besides, in the Western Conference, Antoine was an OK forward. In the East, Toine was a two-time All-Star. -- I was in a cab this morning when I read Vecsey's mention of the trade in the NY Post. I whipped out my phone to call a Hawks source and it started ringing. It was my Dad, asking what I knew about Antoine Walker. I said, "He's tall, loves to shoot three-pointers, and he isn't going to be the best rebounder on the team. That about sums it up." -- I like what Hawks GM Billy Knight is trying to do here. He wants an entire team of guys that are 6-8, that can run and shoot and cause match-up problems. Imagine this line-up next year: Tony Delk, Josh Smith (who tore up the summer league), Al Harrington, Antoine Walker and Stromile Swift (who I still believe Billy is going to go after). Then you've got Josh Childress, Boris Diaw, Donta Smith and Chris Crawford on the bench. I know they probably won't make the playoffs -- then again, it is the East -- but they'll be fun to watch. ------------------------------------------------------------ Walker and Terry Switch Teams (8-3-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9243.shtml WALKER AND TERRY SWITCH TEAMS: The Dallas Morning News first reported this morning that Dallas and Atlanta are hooking up for a deal which would see Jason Terry head to Dallas and Antoine Walker come back to the Eastern Conference. Walker will thrive - filling the boxscore at least - in a return to the Eastern Conference where he was an All-Star a couple seasons back. Walker will step into a situation where he can be the Hawks primary option. Walker helps the Hawks because he has an ending contract which will free up a ton of cap room for the Hawks next season. One of the keys to this deal was the fact that the Hawks were able to dump an oft-injured and overpaid Alan Henderson on Dallas. Dallas makes out well in this deal as they are able to get one of the league’s top young guards who can start at point while Devin Harris matures and gives the Mavericks their future shooting guard once Michael Finley’s career starts to wind down. This is one of those rare deals where both NBA teams are able to fill needs and come out as winners. ------------------------------------------------------------ Mavericks Hawk Walker (8-3-04). http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/...htm?POE=SPOISVA ------------------------------------------------------------ Sources: Mavs to trade Walker to Hawks (8-3-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?id=1851245 ------------------------------------------------------------ Mavs get G Terry in four-player swap with Hawks (8-3-04). http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/7548158 ------------------------------------------------------------ Mavericks deal Walker to Hawks for Terry (8-3-04). http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/bask...er.terry.trade/ ------------------------------------------------------------ ANTOINE HEADING TO HAWKS (8-3-04). http://nypost.com/sports/knicks/26166.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-3-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9239.shtml Antoine Walker, former Celtic, former Mav, is soon to be a former Hawk. Dallas reportedly traded him to Atlanta for Jason Terry and captain Alan Henderson, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post. Walker is in the last year of his deal and will be a free agent come summer 2005. Is Al Harrington going to take an unexpected back seat to Walker in terms of playing time? Or will Walk be playing an undersized center again, like he did in the last part of the season with the Mavs? ------------------------------------------------------------ Mavs sending Walker to Hawks for Terry (8-3-04). http://www.insidehoops.com/walker-terry-trade-080304.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------ Crawford might be dealt to Knicks Tuesday (8-3-04). http://msn.foxsports.com/id/2634058 The Post is also reporting that Antoine Walker is gonna be dealt to Atlanta for Jason Terry and Alan Henderson. We're not sure how we feel about this deal yet. It's not bad for the Hawks — they get a scoring forward with a contract that's coming off the books after next season. The Mavs would be getting an undersized guard and a forward who averaged four points in six games last year. ------------------------------------------------------------ Knicks on Spree in opener (8-3-04). http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/218434p-187883c.html GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY: Free-agent center Erick Dampier is scheduled to visit with Knicks president Isiah Thomas this week in New York, perhaps as early as tomorrow. Several teams, including Memphis and Indiana, have expressed interest in Dampier but have been unable to work out a sign-and-trade with the Golden State Warriors, who have not ruled out re-signing him. The Knicks are offering Kurt Thomas and Othella Harrington to Golden State. If a trade cannot be worked out, the Knicks will try to convince Dampier to take their mid-level exception, which starts at $5 million. However, the Atlanta Hawks, who are trying to sign Dampier, can offer him more money. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hansen mends rivalry for camp (8-2-04). http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/51555

Tau signs Travis Hansen (8-3-04). http://www.eurobasket.com/esp/esp.asp Quote: Tau Cerámica Baskonia officially announced the signing of US forward Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU), last season in the Atlanta Hawks. Hansen spent his college years in Brigham Young University, averaging 16 points and 4,8 rebounds per game. Hansen was picked by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2003 NBA Draft (37th), playing 41 games with them last year (12 minutes, 3 points and 1,7 rebounds).

Hawks News (8-2-04) Hawks Release 2004-05 Schedule (8-2-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/Hawks_Releas...5_Schedule.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks' home opener vs. Cavs, James (8-2-04). http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...04/03hawks.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Notes: In perfect NBA, new labor deal would reel in players (8-2-04). http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/7546474 Shots from the perimeter: The Warriors continue to sit back with Erick Dampier, contemplating the sign-and-trade offers from the Grizzlies, Pacers and Knicks. Obviously, none of them have been exceptional or he would be gone already. And once the Atlanta Hawks -- with all the conceivable cap space to sign him to a maximum contract for six years -- didn't offer that kind of deal, it left Dampier and agent Dan Fegan to work with the Warriors. Dampier was the 10th pick overall of the 1996 draft by the Pacers, who dealt him in the summer of 1997 to the Warriors with Duane Ferrell for ... yes, present Warriors president Chris Mullin. Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh has always liked Dampier, and it's a plus that they're in the East, but it's hard to fathom the Pacers have as much to offer as the Grizzlies. And if the Knicks put Kurt Thomas in the package, that will be enticing. Sitting back with big eyes are the Phoenix Suns, but how much money they are willing to give up to a sometimes injury-prone Dampier is a question mark ... and is he worth Shawn Marion and the eight-figure contract that comes along with it? No, but the Suns could tempt the Warriors with Howard Eisley, second-year 6-11 talent Zarko Cabarkapa and a No. 1 pick for a fewer dollars. Bet on Jerry West reeling him in to the Grizzlies. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (8-2-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9230.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Erick Dampier is a man of many options these days. Unfortunately, he seems to be sleeping on most of them with his indecision --- so much indecision that he is a seemingly perfect fit for the Atlanta Hawks, a team who appeared to drag their feet most of this off-season. In fact, Dampier is so bad at making a firm commitment and moving forward, if he weren't 6'11" and 265 pounds, you'd swear he was John Kerry. The Hawks can put the most money on the table, but even their offer is considered a low-balling tender, which would lead one to believe that they only plan to have him in a Hawks uni for a short amount of time. Hey, No. 36 is available for Atlanta part-timers ..... might even be re-laundered by now. ------------------------------------------------------------ Three for All (8-2-04). http://www.nba.com/features/threeforall_040802.html Atlanta Hawks: -- Nov. 3: Atlanta opens the season in Phoenix against Steve Nash and the Suns -- Nov. 9: The Hawks host LeBron James and the Cavaliers in their home opener -- Nov. 17: New Hawk Al Harrington, who spent six seasons with the Pacers, returns to Indiana ------------------------------------------------------------ Crazy NBA free-agent season leaves Heat in driver's seat (8-2-04). http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/bask...on02080204aug02,1,4515219.story?coll=orl-sports-headlines Interest in Givens' job: Jack Givens tells us that he and the Magic have yet to discuss his status as the club's TV analyst. He has been charged with sexual battery and making lewd contact with a 14-year-old Orlando girl. Givens has been with the Magic's broadcast team since the franchise's inception in 1989. Atlanta Hawks analyst Mike Glenn and Bob Wenzel, CBS college basketball analyst and former Jacksonville coach, have expressed interest if a change is made.

Hawks News (8-1-04) Vandeweghe still in pursuit of swingman (8-1-04). http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~90~2307166,00.html Vandeweghe did not name other agents on his West Coast agenda, though he did say he has spoken "a couple of times" with Arn Tellem, who represents Nuggets free-agent guard Jon Barry. Barry said the Atlanta Hawks may be interested once Golden State free-agent center Erick Dampier's situation is determined. "I don't know what's going on as far as the Nuggets," Barry said. "They have a long list of guys." ------------------------------------------------------------ NBA RUMOR MILL - It's "New" In Jersey (8-1-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9218.shtml GRIZZ STILL AFTER DAMPIER: Dampier is said to have received an offer from the Atlanta Hawks, worth some $50 million. Dampier is rumored to be holding out for a Knicks deal that could get him closer to $60 million. Memphis is said to be using Stromile Swift as a bargaining chip, in a sign and trade deal. ------------------------------------------------------------ InsideHoops.com NBA Power Rankings (8-1-04). http://www.insidehoops.com/power-rankings.shtml 29) Atlanta Hawks (28-54) - The only guy that seems willing to play for the Hawks is InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner. ------------------------------------------------------------ Spurs enjoyed Western feud (8-1-04). http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/ar...d_western_feud/ Phoenix also has been investigating Zeljko Rebraca. League moles say Danny Ainge was also inquiring about Rebraca, the former Pistons center, which may lend further credence to the argument that Chris Mihm's days in Boston are numbered. Then again, big men in basketball are like pitchers in baseball. ------------------------------------------------------------ The pros and cons of the NBA's new faces (7-31-04). http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2607888 Al Harrington: Atlanta Hawks An aggressive scorer, very physical and athletic, who would rather drive than shoot. He likes to post on the right block and turn his right shoulder into his defender while he launches fade-away jumpers. Has an accurate medium range jumper and is active on the boards. Because he's too aggressive on defense, Harrington routinely gets into early foul trouble. In sum, Harrington is an explosive scorer who will respond with big-time numbers given sufficient daylight. Look for him to flourish in Atlanta.

If the Hawks send Travis Hansen to Utah he will wind up becoming a 12/5/3 type of player for the Jazz. Jerry Sloan has proven over and over again that he can improve lesser known players and mesh them with his current roster. The fact that the Jazz nearly made the playoffs last year proves this point. I'd just soon keep Hansen and let him develop into a nice role player with the Hawks.

Hawks News (7-31-04) Kittles Only One Piece of Clipper Puzzle (7-31-04). http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/n...clippers31jul31,1,1219115.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-clippe They're now looking for depth up front. They have worked out Zeljko Rebraca, a 7-foot center from Serbia and Montenegro who played in 24 games with the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks last season, and former Laker Samaki Walker, a 6-9 forward who played in 28 games for the Miami Heat. "We'd like to get more size," General Manager Elgin Baylor said, referring to someone who could play power forward and center. "We've talked to different agents about that type of player. That would be our next step." Beyond that, they're expected to sign two players from their summer league team: Quinton Ross, a 6-6 guard who was one of their last cuts last October, and Mamadou N'diaye, a 7-0 center from Senegal who has played in 58 games over four NBA seasons, most recently with the Hawks. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hornets pressing forward for player (7-31-04). http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/...64394208250.xml Bristow has declined to disclose specific players the team is targeting. But he said earlier this month that the Hornets had targeted Stephen Jackson as the top player they wanted to sign. Jackson ended up re-signing with the Atlanta Hawks and then was traded to the Indiana Pacers. ------------------------------------------------------------ Retirement an option for unsigned Barry (7-30-04). http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/olympics/article/0,1299,DRMN_261_3075441,00.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Roundup: Oops, They (ESPN) Did it Again! (7-30-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=466 ------------------------------------------------------------ Shoe companies have controlling interest in summer camps (7-30-04). http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctime.../9280255.htm?1c Josh Smith, who was drafted straight from high school by the Atlanta Hawks in June, said camps are more important than the high school season because of who sees you play -- college coaches and pro scouts.

Hawks News (7-29-04) Chat wrap: Chad Ford (7-29-04). http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5622 Matt, Baltimore: I am a Big Fan Chad! Hawks question here, with another lottery season and more cap room, will any free agents actually go to ATL next off season? Chad Ford: If they land Erick Dampier, most of it will be gone. If they don't, they'll have lots of room next year. Will free agents come? Sure . . . if the Hawks build a franchise worth coming. Who would've thought, two years ago, that the Nuggets would be a prime time free agent destination. If the organization is built to win and the team experiences some success, the free agents will come. With that said, it doesn't look good right now. From everything I've been told, their front office is a wreck, the owners can't agree on things and obviously, they have yet to sign a significant free agent (though I really like the trade that landed them Al Harrington). ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-29-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9185.shtml Atlanta Hawks: The Erick Dampier Sweepstakes (is that an oxymoronic misnomer?) has taken another strange turn. Apparently unable to woo Jamal Crawford away from the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks President Isiah Thomas has refocused his attention on Dampier once again, sweetening the deal in a trade scenario with the Golden State Warriors by dangling Kurt Thomas in a proposed package. ------------------------------------------------------------ Knicks offer Kurt in deal for Dampier (7-29-04). http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/216781p-186554c.html ------------------------------------------------------------ All is quiet with Dampier's moving plans (7-29-04). http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews.../9270189.htm?1c ------------------------------------------------------------ Nets Sign Jacque Vaughn (7-29-04). http://www.nba.com/nets/news/vaughn_040729.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Magic Sign Free Agent Michael Bradley (7-29-04). http://www.nba.com/magic/news/Magic_Sign_F...-115004-66.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks and Nuggets Talking Trade (7-28-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9172.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Help Open New Wal-Mart In Lithonia. http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/Hawks_at_Wal...-114926-33.html

Hawks News (7-27-04) Chat wrap: Dr. Jack Ramsey (7-27-04). http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5568 Jesse (Atl, GA): Hey Dr. Jack! Do you think Billy Knight of the Hawks is doing enough to improve the team? Dr. Jack Ramsay: I like the addition of Al Harrington. He can be a great player...works at it too. The rest of the roster will take time to assess. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-27-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9160.shtml Atlanta Hawks: We live in an impatient society. No longer do we brew a cup of coffee on the stove top, permeating the morning air with that once familiar aroma. Now it's off to the Starbucks on every corner to grab a hazelnut/vanilla/raspberry triple-foamed low-carb iced hot latte for $4.95 in the name of convenience and impatience. No longer do we read magazines and newspapers on the toilet or Reader's Digest jokes to our children. Now, everything's free and on the internet (still waiting to get a PC built in the can, though). No longer do we spend family evenings browsing the JC Penney mail order catalog, making our wish lists and hoping we can afford about half. Now it's off to Wal-Mart, Best Buy or Lowe's with a 2"x3" piece of plastic that signifies we cannot afford what amounts to twice the booty we'd have hauled in from Penney's. Someone forgot to inform Erick Dampier which century we live in. ------------------------------------------------------------ Pacers address point guard position with Gill (7-27-04). http://www.indystar.com/articles/4/165617-7114-036.html The Pacers remain interested in free agent center Erick Dampier, whose status remains in limbo. Dampier's best option appears to be to sign with Atlanta, which reportedly has offered a six-year deal for nearly $50 million. Dampier's agent, Dan Fegan, also has been trying to broker a sign-and-trade with the Warriors or a three-team trade that would enable Dampier to sign a major long-term contract. Dampier also could take the route that another Fegan client, Stephen Jackson, went a year ago, accepting a short-term deal for a potential long-term gain. Jackson turned down a three-year, $10 million offer from San Antonio last summer, but was unable to get a better offer. He signed with Atlanta for $1 million, then received a six-year, $38 million contract this summer as part of a trade with the Pacers for Al Harrington. ------------------------------------------------------------ Free Agent Breakdown - Point Guard (7-27-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9152.shtml Everyone Else: Jacque Vaughn, Atlanta - Saw numbers fall dramatically for second straight season; still quality distributor, but shot just 38.6% and no longer young at age 29. ------------------------------------------------------------ Basketball, anyone? (7-27-04). http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/opinion/9248330.htm There he goes again. Mayor C. Jack Ellis would like to spend $75,000 of the city's money on a basketball game. He would like to bring the erstwhile Atlanta Hawks with their 28-54 record to the Macon Coliseum to play the 21-61 Orlando Magic. Quick, name a Hawks' player. Once you get past Jason Terry and Mamadou N'diaye, who can you name? The mayor's thought is to have the city act as the promoter of the event and reap the profits - if there are any. ------------------------------------------------------------ 'Big Dog’ plays on (7-27-04). http://www.post-trib.com/cgi-bin/pto-story...z1_spor_02.html

Hawks News (7-26-04) Bucher: My summer league report card (7-26-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/stor..._ric&id=1846605 Atlanta Hawks: Now maybe it's clear why No. 6 pick Josh Childress insists he's a 2, not a 3 -- because he's not likely to beat out high schooler Josh Smith (17th pick) at small forward, at least not based on their performances in Salt Lake City. Smith has the athleticism to have an impact without the ball, while Childress was frighteningly mediocre despite being the Hawks' primary summer-league go-to guy. Childress didn't have the lift to get his shot off inside and his funky stroke, as is, limits his range. At the other end, Derrick Dial got every look he wanted against him. It's only summer league, but still ... ------------------------------------------------------------ Rocky Mountain Revue Team Reports Part 1 (7-26-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9139.shtml Hawks: The Hawks came to the RMR with 4 just drafted rookies on the roster and Travis Hansen. Hansen showed what he could do, hit the three occasionally, play defense and be a leader. He showed lots of athleticism. He will be a good player off the bench next season, he will be able to make sure plays are called correctly and be the best defender on the squad. Junior Harrington should have played himself onto a spot on the team. The Hawks don’t have a true point guard on the roster and this gives Harrington a great opportunity. He isn’t going to be the type of guy who scores in bunches for you, but he is going to run the point with no mistakes and pass the ball to the guys that need it. Josh Smith showed the most athletic ability out of every player at the RMR. He is a streaky player, some games exploding for lots of points and boards. Other games, he just disappeared. Lots of this has to do with the fact he is right out of high school. Given time, he could be the next Vince Carter in his first couple of years. He can jump probably higher than anyone else at the RMR. His rebounding will help the Hawks and he should be able to bulk up to play the PF spot in a year or two. Will be an amazing player. Josh Childress is going to be the next Scottie Pippen. He is steady and never plays outside himself. He continually got around 14 ppg and 6-8 boards each game. Expect this same production for the coming season. He can handle the ball and does a good job distributing the rock. Look for him to start at SF. Donta Smith did not show me a lot, neither did Royal Ivey. Look for the both to be on the active roster most of the time, just not seeing the floor a lot. Ivey has more of a chance to play as he can play either guard position and the Hawks will be lacking help there. These Hawks will see a lot of time this coming season as the team is young. They will be force in the league once these guys get a little time together under their belts. ------------------------------------------------------------ Spears: Teen phenoms’ summer orientation (7-26-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/stor...marc&id=1846663 Smith has the potential to become the most exciting Atlanta Hawk since Dominique "The Human Highlight Film" Wilkens. The 6-9, 210-pounder's acrobatic power slams make him a shoe-in for next year's dunk competition and he showed he isn't scared of trying to dunk on the likes of Dallas' 7-foot-5 rookie center Pavel Podkolzin. Smith also showed he can block shots, finishing third in the Rocky Mountain Revue in blocks per game at a 2.5 with several being tossed like a spiked volleyball. Smith averaged a team-best 14.7 points (on 46.4-percent shooting), 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in Utah. The 17th overall pick also showed he can hit the NBA 3-pointer by nailing seven of 18 attempts, but he needs to improve from the free-throw line (58.6 percent). "It's a whole different game," Smith said. "It's much more physical and you got to play every night because you're stepping on the court with someone that could have as much game." While Smith was statistically one of the top players in Utah, the Hawks still consider him to be very raw. "He can make the plays with the dribble. Right now, he's very unorthodox with his play. He's raw," Hawks coach Mike Woodson said. "He does things off of instinct, and that's a good thing. But I tell these young guys, this is a thinking man's game. You got to absorb and learn as much as you can "He's got a wonderful situation here, and I'm not going to baby him. I know he's 18. But I get paid to coach the team and that's what I'm going to do." Hawks rookie Josh Smith sure didn't play like an 18-year-old in Utah. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-26-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9146.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Erick Dampier opted out of the last two years of his Golden State contract at about $8 million per year in order to sign a secure, long-term deal. As teams above the cap, most notably the Knicks, fall by the wayside in sign-and-trade deals due to Golden State's reshuffled lineup, only teams with cap space can offer the unrestricted free agent more than the mid-level exception. Atlanta is reportedly offering Dampier only a three-year deal worth about $25 million, or also about $8 million per year. Dampier wants more years AND more salary. But why should Atlanta bid against itself? ------------------------------------------------------------ Patience behind shopping plans (7-26-04). http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~90~2294504,00.html Denver would like to add a strong perimeter defender, and White, Nuggets guard Voshon Lenard and Nuggets free-agent guard Jon Barry are considered more offensive-minded. Barry, an NBA veteran who is receiving interest from the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers, has not heard from the Nuggets recently. The Atlanta resident averaged 6.2 points in 57 games last season. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hansen returns to Utah to play ball (7-25-04). http://newsnet.byu.edu/story.cfm/51414

Quote: Did Clark miss all of this past season? I was looking at his bio and it only had him playing 27mins but didn't list a team. Yes, he was injured very early in the year last season with the Jazz before being traded to the Suns in the Tom Gugliotta deal near the trading deadline this past season. When given the time however he has been a very solid player in years past. I think he did have a marijuana posession charge against him while in college at UNLV.

Hawks News (7-25-04) Influence of Fitzsimmons still resounds with Hawks (7-25-04). http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/0704/26fitz.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Roundup: Dampier Not Likely to be a Hawk (7-25-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=465 ------------------------------------------------------------ The Search for a Center (7-25-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9122.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------ NBA RUMOR MILL - The Drama of Vince (7-25-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9135.shtml SOME SHOTS: Erick Dampier’s best offer has come from the Hawks, but the Hawks have been prudent in length of contract and amounts they are throwing at players, The Phoenix Suns may end up as the front runner for Dampier as the Clippers are going to match Quentin Richardson’s deal, clearing the way for Phoenix to use that cash on Dampier, although Phoenix may not go as long in years for Damp as they would for Q. ------------------------------------------------------------ Former Fury makes college a tough sell (7-25-04). http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazett...rts/9240633.htm

Hawks News (7-24-04) Former Hawks coach 'Cotton' Fitzsimmons dies (7-24-04). http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/0...itzsimmons.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks 78, Trailblazers 74 (7-24-04) (Rocky Mountain Revue) Hawks Edge Blazers To Finish 4-2 At Utah Summer League (7-24-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/RMR_gamerecap_072404.html link to box score. http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/game34.pdf ------------------------------------------------------------ Smith scores 26 to lead Hawks past Trail Blazers (7-24-04). http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/ha...04/25hawks.html ------------------------------------------------------------ DIME SMACK: Rafer is an inspiration (7-24-04). http://msn.foxsports.com/id/2601378 The Atlanta Hawks revealed their ticket sales numbers from last season, and they were just awful. Going into the 2003-04 season, the Hawks only sold 32 new season-ticket packages. Yes, 32. Said the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Thrashers tickets are more attractive than Hawks tickets." ------------------------------------------------------------ Cornell Digest: Alum Belkin is CU Entrepreneur of Year (7-24-04). http://www.theithacajournal.com/news/stori...ews/907045.html

Ricky Williams: 'I'm retiring' (7-25-04). http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sport.../9237156.htm?1c The 27-year-old running back's seismic decision to leave football in his prime, a week before the start of Dolphins training camp, is perfectly in keeping with his personality. It is outsized, enigmatic, brave, unpredictable, complex, interesting, selfish and surprising enough to leave your mouth hanging open. And, of course, different. Above all, right to the very end of a football career that will be finished when he formally faxes his retirement papers to the NFL offices early this week, Williams always has been relentlessly different. ''I'm finally free,'' Williams said by cellphone from Hawaii. ``I can't remember ever being this happy.'' Why is he doing this? Well, why not? This is how Williams has always floated through life, going wherever the wind guided him, so he never really fit within the drill-sergeant rigidity of football with all its rules, regimen and stopwatches. He relished the playing part with a child's enthusiasm, but the business part was always much too adult for him. Williams has an artist's sensibilities and sensitivities, forever fascinated by things beyond that ball, and he is no longer interested in playing his life away. He wants to study, learn, search, travel, question, write, meditate, read, wander, find himself, climb mountains, take pictures of waterfalls and be Dad without being interrupted by another 8 a.m. meeting to dissect film. His heart isn't in it anymore, in other words. And, in both running style and lifestyle, his body will not go if his heart doesn't lead. Williams doesn't do indifference. He either plays passionately, as he did for two bruising seasons as a Dolphin, or not at all. So not-at-all is what it'll have to be, even as this Dolphin season appears to be wrecked before it gets started, because Williams figures he'll either get injured or hurt the team playing in a sport this savage without motivation. He thought he might be able to make it through this one last season for his teammates, and only for them, but couldn't convince himself of it even after weeks of trying. He says he plans to call each of them individually in the coming weeks to apologize. He can't play for others. Williams has always been a locker-room loner, alone with his excellence, sitting apart from teammates even on the bench during games, and now he puts yet more distance between himself and those who play. ''I just don't want to be in this business anymore,'' said Williams, finished after just five NFL seasons. ``I was never strong enough to not play football, but I'm strong enough now. I've considered everything about this. Everyone has thrown every possible scenario at me about why I shouldn't do this, but they're in denial. I'm happy with my decision.''

Hawks News (7-23-04) Dumars can relax: Rasheed is signed (7-23-04). http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/nba23e_20040723.htm Atlanta: Former Piston Jon Barry told the Rocky Mountain News he would like to join the Hawks. "If Atlanta comes with an offer I'm happy with, I would imagine I'm going to try to do this thing as soon as I can," the free agent guard said. Barry, who turns 35 Sunday, said he would like to sign a contract before his son, Tyler, begins kindergarten next month. He averaged 6.2 points in 57 games for Denver last season. The Nuggets would like to re-sign Barry, but he would have to take a significant pay cut from the $3 million he made last season. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-23-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9118.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Madison Square Garden - New York, New York: 1,219 miles. Conseco Fieldhouse - Indianapolis, Indiana: 685 miles. Phillips Arena - Atlanta, Georgia: 393 miles - five and a half hours by ground, about an hour by air. For everyone in the NBA, it's always a numbers game. Erick Dampier just has to decide which numbers are more important to him. 393 miles or $40 million? ------------------------------------------------------------ Robbing Orlando Blind (7-23-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9121.shtml Erick Dampier is seeing his options dwindle quickly. Earlier this week he had Atlanta offering him a contract worth nearly $10 million per season, now he may have to sign with New York for $4.9 million per season, a complete joke considering what Adonal Foyle got to re-up with Golden State earlier this month. The New York reported this morning that Dampier told members of the media, "Atlanta is close to home. It's a team in a rebuilding process. Hopefully something can be worked out between me and Atlanta. If not, I have to work something out, maybe sign for the mid-level for two years." Under that kind of deal he could then re-sign with New York in two years for a deal worth $9 million per season. From a financial stand-point he’s better off signing with Atlanta and getting his money now rather than sign with a winner like the Knicks and wait for his money. It will be interesting to see if Dampier would rather get the "bling bling" or sign with a team with a better chance of winning. ------------------------------------------------------------ Crawford a fan of NY (7-23-04). http://www.nynewsday.com/sports/basketball...x233903961jul23,0,7371225.story?coll=ny-basketball-headlines On another front, the Knicks' Thomas hasn't given up on landing free-agent Golden State center Erick Dampier. If he can keep Mutombo out of the Crawford trade, he might be able to use him in a multiteam sign-and-trade deal for Dampier, who has an offer from Atlanta starting at $8 million a year but is holding off accepting because he would prefer to join the Knicks and is worried the Hawks are planning to trade him in December to another team. Nothing will happen until Dampier's agent, Dan Fegan, returns from a weekend trip to Spain, but the Knicks undoubtedly will try to find a third team that can provide the players to satisfy Golden State GM Chris Mullin. According to one NBA source familiar with the negotiations, a potential Dampier deal "is a work in progress." ------------------------------------------------------------ Rocky Mountain Revue Day 5 & 6 (7-23-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9110.shtml Thursday, July 22: Hawks 71 vs. Jazz 82 The Jazz find themselves down to only Raul Lopez at PG. Both Jermaine Boyette and Mo Williams are out with injuries. This leaves the Jazz with a lot of problems when Lopez is on the bench. Kirk Snyder had a break out offensive game, going for 23 Travis Hansen had a good offensive game, going for 13. Hanson showed that when he gets hot, he doesn’t miss. Junior Harrington showed a lot of leadership in this game. He also led the team in rebounds, with 6. The Hawks rookies continued to look smooth with Josh Smith going for 13. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Roundup: What We Saw (7-23-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=464 ------------------------------------------------------------ Wingate star debuts in Hawks' summer league (7-23-04). http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=4580

Hawks News (7-22-04) Utah Jazz 82, Atlanta Hawks 71 (7-22-04) (Rocky Mountain Revue) link to box score. http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/game28.pdf link to game recap. http://www.nba.com/jazz/Revue/rrmr04_game28.html ------------------------------------------------------------ HOU PITCHES KNICKS TO UNSURE DAMPIER (7-22-04). http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/18183.htm For the first time, Dampier acknowledged he may have to accept the $4.9 million mid-level exception if the Knicks can't work out a deal with Golden State. The under-the-cap Hawks have made an offer of a reported $40 million over four years, a total that just barely beats out a maximum six-year, $38M mid-level offer Thomas can make. Thomas was willing to give Dampier six years and $65 million in a sign-and-trade scenario. Talking to a TV station in his home state of Mississippi, Dampier said: "Atlanta is close to home. It's a team in a rebuilding process. Hopefully something can be worked out between me and Atlanta. If not, I have to work something out, maybe sign for the mid-level for two years." Dampier could risk signing for two years with the Knicks and then re-up for a six-year deal starting at $9 million under the cap rules, spurning Atlanta. ------------------------------------------------------------ David Aldridge: Offseason rankings (7-22-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/stor...avid&id=1844611 24. Atlanta Hawks: 2003-04 RECORD: 28-54, did not make the playoffs SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONS: G Josh Childress (1st round, draft); F Josh Smith (1st round, draft); F Al Harrington (acquired from Indiana) SIGNIFICANT LOSSES: G Stephen Jackson (traded to Indiana) The Hawks are about the future, with a new ownership group, Atlanta Spirit, taking over from Time Warner. It's a strong team, with Steve Belkin and Bruce Levenson at the top. Bernie Mullin will run the team as president, and his first decision was a good one -- leaving GM Billy Knight alone to continue the rebuilding effort. Knight brought Mike Woodson in from Detroit to be head coach, and Woodson is putting together a solid staff that includes Herb Brown and Larry Drew, who still deserves to get a chance to run his own team. But that's another story. Woodson will do well if ownership is patient. Given time, he and Knight will put a good roster together. They ached for Dwight Howard, but the ping-pong balls didn't bounce that way, so Knight went for solid if unspectacular in Childress. Harrington will get the opportunity to start and put up numbers that he didn't have in Indiana. The Hawks will struggle next season, but they should have a lot of cap room next summer, and will likely be a bigger player in free agency. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hansen making mark (7-22-04). http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,595078927,00.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Boomer off to Moscow (7-22-04). http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,10217696%255E10914,00.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks, Thrashers cultivating fans one at a time (7-22-04). http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/h...704/23sell.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Chat wrap: Chad Ford (7-22-04). http://proxy.espn.go.com/chat/chatESPN?event_id=5579 Frank (ATL): Can you give me any info on the hawks and tere attempt to sign Dampier and/or any other free agents. –Thanks Chad Ford: Dampier thought they had a deal with the Knicks, however, when Chris Mullin traded for Dale Davis, the deal collapsed. The Hawks are under the cap and offering him a pretty good deal, albeit for three years. He could take the mid-level with another team, but Dampier is certainly worth more than that. ------------------------------------------------------------ Josh Smith Chat Transcript (7-22-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/chat/josh_smith_chat_072204.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Dampier tells TV Hawks 'option' (7-22-04). http://www.ajc.com/thursday/content/epaper...391272004c.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Barry eager for a deal (7-22-04). http://rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nuggets/article/0,1299,DRMN_20_3055246,00.html SALT LAKE CITY - Like special TV offers and fast-food restaurant promotions, Jon Barry might be available only for a limited time. The free-agent shooting guard would welcome a return to Denver, but he could be joining his third team in four seasons as early as this week. Barry, who is drawing interest from the Atlanta Hawks, said Wednesday he would like to sign a contract before his son, Tyler, begins kindergarten next month. "If Atlanta comes with an offer I'm happy with, I would imagine I'm going to try to do this thing as soon as I can," he said. "It's very important for me to get that taken care of." Barry, who will turn 35 on Sunday, averaged 6.2 points and 2.6 assists in 57 games for Denver last season. He missed 21 games because of a shoulder injury but was a key reserve for the Nuggets late in the season. "At the end of the year when I finally got feeling well, I thought I had an impact on our playoff push," he said. "What have you done for me lately is not really the way it works in this league. It's what can you do for me tomorrow?" Barry made $3 million last season and probably will have to take a pay cut in 2004-05. The Nuggets could sign him to a deal right now, but the contract would cut into their cap space. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-22-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9108.shtml Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks offer to Dampier is reportedly $37 million over four years. Dampier would earn $8 million his first year and get 10% pay raises in each subsequent year. A sign-and-trade deal between the Warriors and the Knicks appears to be stuck now that the Warriors don't have a need for any of New York's bigs in return, but Atlanta still is not the only team in pursuit of last year's breakout center. Memphis and Indiana are also in the hunt. Meanwhile, Atlanta also appears to be making overtures to Denver's Jon Barry. Apparently Atlanta doesn't have enough swingmen. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (7-22-04). http://slamonline.com/links/07192004/ Erick Dampier told a TV station that signing with the Hawks remains an "option." No kidding. When someone makes you an offer, you have the option of taking it. Also, the Hawks are talking to Jon Barry, which I'm all for happening.

Hawks News (7-21-04) Hawks swingman still a hit in Utah (7-21-04). http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/h...4/22hansen.html ------------------------------------------------------------ DAMPIER DEAL HITS A SNAG (7-21-04). http://www.nypost.com/sports/knicks/27675.htm With rumors swirling the Hawks are no longer hot for Dampier because they've yet made an offer, Atlanta GM Billy Knight refuted them. "We've talked to him, we have an interest, we'll see what happens," Knight said. Meanwhile, the Hawks are $11.4 million under the cap but could be in position to lowball Dampier if he has no other options. Over seafood Monday night at a Salt Lake bistro and breakfast yesterday, the Hawks expressed their interest to Dampier but did not show him the money. Atlanta likely will wait to see if the Knicks have a deal. The Hawks should feel no pressure to match the Knicks' pending offer of six years, $65 million, with a starting wage of $9 million. Indiana and Memphis also have talked to Golden State. Atlanta coach Mike Woodson told The Post they want Dampier.The Hawks have cap room but no starting center and Dampier or Memphis restricted free agent Stromile Swift are their targets. "I thought it went extremely well," Woodson said of the Salt Lake City summit with Dampier. "The young man showed a lot of interest in wanting to be in Atlanta and we'd like to have him." Ironically, Dampier tried to persuade Atlanta to get Davis, his close friend. "We need big guys," Woodson said. "Damp's out there. He's a legitimate big guy who can score and rebound the ball. He told us he has an apartment in Atlanta. I told him 'you don't have to go far. We have a uniform waiting for you." ------------------------------------------------------------ Moves highlight difference between contenders, pretenders (7-21-04). http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/7514956 While Thomas still hopes that his package of Othella Harrington and Nazr Mohammed will bring Erick Dampier to the Knicks from the Golden State Warriors, there is a problem. Dampier was wined and dined by the Atlanta Hawks, who can sign him without the need of a sign-and-trade and reportedly have a $72 million deal on the table compared to the Knicks' $65 million offer. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-21-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9095.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Love. Courting. Manipulation. Lies. Deception. Such are the attributes when chasing down a fair lady like the Larry O'Brien trophy. Throughout much of the latter part of last season and into the playoffs, we saw various spots of high-profile players lusting and coveting the hardware as if it were a prized, virginal princess. They'd throw rocks at the window in the middle of the night, talk to psychiatrists and chatted about her in barbershops. Yet no one tried the Trojan approach, though the Jermaine O'Neal - Larry Bird set-up was close. JO dating the trophy? I hope he carried a Trojan that night, that trophy's been around a little more than Bird thinks. Personally, I think he could have found better dates --- even in Portland, Oregon. But Billy Knight seems to be out to win the trophy as if it were Helen of Troy. And he's loading up the wooden horse as we speak. ------------------------------------------------------------ Pacers still hope to land Dampier (7-21-04). http://www.indystar.com/articles/8/164046-5508-036.html Atlanta has nearly $12 million in salary cap space. Hawks general manager Billy Knight and coach Mike Woodson met with Dampier and his agent, Dan Fegan, in Salt Lake City on Monday. Knight, who was working in the Pacers' front office when they drafted Dampier with the 10th pick in 1996, reportedly has offered a deal starting at $8 million per year and totaling about $40 million. Atlanta could sign Dampier with the intent of trading him. NBA rules prohibit free agents from being dealt for three months after their signing date or until Dec. 15, whichever comes later. The Pacers and Memphis rank as trade targets. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE LINKS (7-21-04). http://slamonline.com/links/07192004/ That trade means the Warriors are more likely to just let Erick Dampier walk and then save his money. Which means the Hawks and Knicks are bidding for Erick Dampier. Go get him Knicks! Hawks GM Billy Knight is being responsible with the Hawks' cap space, which is good and all, but at the end of the day we're not going to have any friggin' players. ------------------------------------------------------------ Jackson sticks with agent, and it pays off ... BIG (7-21-04). http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/sports/9209302.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks: Childress posts a double-double (7-21-04). http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=fanb...nball&type=lgns ------------------------------------------------------------ Jasikevicius to stay at Maccabi (7-21-04). http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/454485.html Euroleague newcomers Scavolini Pesaro announced yesterday the addition of power forward Hanno Mottola (211, 26). Mottola averaged 10.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in 22 Euroleague appearances for Skipper Bologna last season, including 9.5 points per game in the Final Four. Mottola was the first Finnish player to appear in the NBA, playing for the Atlanta Hawks from 2000 to 2002.

Health failing Suns icon Fitzsimmons (7-17-04). http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/0717cotton0717.html The health of former Suns coach Cotton Fitzsimmons has taken a turn for the worse, according to team officials close to him. Fitzsimmons, 72, has been a patient at an undisclosed Valley care center since suffering a stroke within the last couple of weeks. A malignant tumor was found on Fitzsimmons' lung, near his heart, April 7 when he saw a throat specialist because of a persistent cough. Fitzsimmons, who had been doing color commentary on Suns telecasts, also has suffered from circulatory problems. He has been undergoing radiation and taking blood-thinning medication. A blood clot below his left knee in February forced him to quit traveling with the Suns, because flying aggravated the problem. ------------------------------------------------------------ My thoughts are with him and his family.

Hawks News (7-20-04) Hawks 74, Mavericks 67 (7-20-04) (Rocky Mountain Revue) Hawks Win Hard-Fought Game Over Mavericks (7-20-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/RMR_gamerecap_072004.html link to box score. http://www.nba.com/media/jazz/game18.pdf Royal Ivey Chat Transcript (7-20-04). http://www.nba.com/hawks/chat/royal_ivey_chat_072004.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Dampier offer firm; deals swirl (7-20-04). http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/h...04/21hawks.html Childress takes licks, keeps Hawks ticking (7-20-04). http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/h...1hawknotes.html ------------------------------------------------------------ Around the NBA: The Amico Report (7-20-04). http://www.insidehoops.com/amico-072104.shtml AN OFF-SEASON BREAKDOWN: Atlanta: As of now, the Hawks have about three players under contract. Luckily for them, two of those guys are Jason Terry and Al Harrington -- which means they just might win 20-25 games. Favorite player: Terry. SUMMER LEAGUE STUFF: As much as I hate seeing high schoolers killing the level of play in the NBA, I’ve been very impressed with Atlanta first-round pick Josh Smith in the Rocky Mountain Revue. Yes, Smith is the same guy who ESPN analyst Jay Bilas said “has the biggest potential to be a bust” of anyone in the draft. That could still be true, but so far Smith has looked very athletic, and underrated when it comes to having a grip on the fundamentals. In fact, he’s looked better than any high school player I’ve seen this summer -- including Dwight Howard. ------------------------------------------------------------ Harrington will get his chance in Atlanta (7-20-04). http://www.sportsnetwork.com/default.asp?c.../ACN3372149.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Maccabi lashes out at Barca as Saras talks stall (7-20-04). http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/453930.html Meanwhile, CSKA, which hosts this season's Euroleague Final Four, confirmed yesterday that Montepaschi Siena center David Andersen has accepted an offer from the Russian champions. Andersen, a No. 37 draft pick by the Atlanta Hawks, averaged 9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game in last season's Euroleague, and helped Siena to its first ever Italian league title. ------------------------------------------------------------ THE DAILY (7-20-04). http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_9088.shtml Atlanta Hawks: Erick Dampier met with Atlanta GM Bobby Knight, the man who helped draft him tenth overall in 1996, as the two mutually considered whether Atlanta would like to offer, and whether Dampier would like to accept, a six-year contract starting at more than the $9 million that the Knicks can offer in a sign-and-trade with Golden State. It appears as if the Hawks will pass on making a mighty offer to the mighty center. The next target for Atlanta's $12 million free agent war chest seems to be Memphis's Stromile Swift, a restricted free agent for whom Jerry West has promised to match any offer. The Hawks sure do like a challenge. ------------------------------------------------------------ HAWKS SWOOP IN (7-20-04). http://nypost.com/sports/knicks/25379.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ Trade for Dampier seems more likely (7-20-04). http://www.newsday.com/sports/printedition...x203900242jul20,0,2395121.story?coll=ny-sports-print Although Atlanta officials met yesterday with Golden State center Erick Dampier, a knowledgeable NBA source said the Hawks are expected to pass on the unrestricted free agent in favor of making a major offer to Memphis forward Stromile Swift. In that case, it's likely agent Dan Fegan will push Warriors general manager Chris Mullin to trade Dampier to the Knicks. Dampier met with the Hawks in Salt Lake City, where Atlanta is participating in summer- league play. Although the Hawks have the salary-cap room to offer Dampier a maximum-salary deal, they might be leery of his work ethic. Swift is a restricted free agent, so Memphis has the right to match any offer, but the Grizzlies might not overpay to keep him. Indiana and Memphis also are interested in Dampier, but Mullin has a close relationship with Fegan, who would prefer to have Dampier in New York if the Hawks don't make a substantial offer. ------------------------------------------------------------ Free agent Dampier meets with Hawks (7-20-04). http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1842804 ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Roundup: Hawks Chase Dampier--How High? (7-20-04). http://hawks.realgm.com/showarticle.php?artid=463 ------------------------------------------------------------ Hawks Star Jason Terry To Appear At NBA Rhythm N' Rims. http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/Rythym_N_Rims_071304.html