Hawks News (7-5-03)

[HawkTodd]

Griz hopeful overcomes grisly crash (7-5-03).

http://www.gomemphis.com/mca/grizzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_2089412,00.html

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Globetrotting Boyce's broken dream yields no bitterness (7-5-03).

http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/4/0...3-3094-036.html

Boyce's story isn't entirely a tragedy. Months after breaking his leg during the then-Big Eight Conference tournament in 1995, Boyce was drafted in the second round by Atlanta -- without the guaranteed money he would have gotten as a first-round pick.

Overcoming the injury was exasperating. He missed the first 60 games of his rookie season while recovering. When he returned, he wasn't the same. In 30 games in two seasons with the Hawks, Boyce totaled 79 points and 16 assists.

He most recently spent three seasons with the Harlem Globetrotters.

"The (NBA) is the top level," he said. "Although I was honored to be with the Globetrotters, I always wanted to come back and try to play one more time in the NBA. There'll be no regrets if I don't make it this time."

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NBA ROUNDUP: Milicic's club reduces buyout (7-5-03).

http://www.freep.com/sports/pistons/pist5_20030705.htm

Center Amal McCaskill is back with the Pistons after the Hawks released him. Last season, McCaskill opted for Atlanta so he wouldn't have to be on the injured list in Detroit. The 6-11, 235-pound McCaskill, a free agent, is on the Pistons' summer league roster.

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HoopsHype.com Market Center (7-5-03).

http://www.hoopshype.com/market_center.htm

Atlanta Hawks:

Free Agents:

Emanual Davis

Dion Glover

Darvin Ham

Jermaine Jackson

DerMarr Johnson

Mikki Moore

Ira Newble

Jason Terry

Trading Block:

Glenn Robinson

Needs:

Re-sign Jason Terry. Better defensive players.

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Foreign phenoms prepare next wave for NBA (7-4-03).

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/6464740

Three years ago, nobody respected French basketball. This year, three guys were drafted (Mickael Pietrus, Boris Diaw and Patch Morlende), and this is just the start. You look at what has happened with all the players from Yugoslavia and you see how it's changing the game.

"It's only making it better, with different players from all over the world. This is an exciting time for all of us, and it's just the beginning of where this is all going."

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2003 Free Agents By Aran Smith and Benjamin Egger (7-4-03).

http://www.nbadraft.net/2003freeagents.htm

20. Jason Terry (26) RFA QO -- JT is a lightning quick ball-handler who has yet to find his true position, PG/SG. But he did make solid progress this past season cutting down on turnovers and increasing his assists, but he’s still not the type one would want setting up your offense. He is a capable scorer with a solid jumper, yet too small to defend most SGs, and would need a big point next to him. Atlanta gave him a qualifying offer, and drafted Boris Diaw in the first round in an apparent attempt to find the tall, defensive focused player he’d need playing next to him in the backcourt. JT should end up playing for the Hawks this coming season, but the team will be more than willing to listen to offers for their big four including him, Glenn Robinson, Theo Ratliff, or Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Terry could use next year to launch himslef into one of the growing number of quality point guards who are seemingly more scorer than distributor. If JT can have a big year this season, he can be one of the more sought after players in next summer’s free agent class, or he can show little more than he has, and be no more desired than he is now.

Notable omissions:

Dion Glover (25)

Darvin Ham (30)

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NBA first-round draft pick signing status (7-4-03).

http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/gen/wire?messageId=17184682

21. Atlanta -- Boris Diaw, f, Pau Orthez (France)

(Unsigned - 3 years, $2.74 million)

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Final 2003 International Rankings (7-1-03).

http://www.nbadraft.net/2003int.htm

5.= Boris Diaw: (France)

Probably the most athletic prospect from Europe right now, but lacks a killer instinct. Has a great feel for the game. Versatile player who can cover many positions. Shooting and aggressiveness are his weaknesses but otherwise he does it all. Really could care less about scoring, prefers to wow the crowd with his ball handling and passing. Very good defensive player, that's easily his best attribute. Has super athleticism but must develop intensity to fulfill his vast potential. Gets criticized for worrying about style over substance. One potential problem for him is that he has been trying to become a point guard, his ball handling and passing have improved, but his biggest weakness, scoring has not developed. Because of his athletic prowess, Diaw still has some believers, however most scouts feel he is too unassertive and uninspired to ever become much of an NBA player.

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