Nazr becomes more important

[Gray Mule]

While Theo Ratliff says he will never be 100 % again,

if he can give a reasonable impression of his former self

for half the game minutes and Nazr can play the other

half of the minutes, Hawks will still be a lot better team

than they were last season.

With Theo coming off his injury and not having played for

many minutes since his injury he had before the trade,

it will be a very slow process for him to get into N.B.A.

shape to play for extended minutes, even if he is 100 %.

It will take him all of pre-season and the first 15-20 games

to be ready for half time duty. Until then, he may be able

to play the first 5 minutes of each quarter, which will give

Nazr the relief he needs.

By the time we get to the playoffs, Theo should be ready

for a lot of playing time. If he can give 100 % while he

is on the floor, he can and will make a big difference

to the Hawks. 90 % healthy and 100 % effort is

probably all most players can do any way. Maybe they

are 100 % healthy but don't give the 90 % efffort.

I'm still optimistic for the Hawks. This revelation, while

causing us to pause and think, should not come as a

complete shock. We will overcome and prevail !!

Gray Mule