Post by jcarter17 on Jul 14, 2010 12:50:32 GMT -5
Atlanta Hawks Season Recap
Atlanta, Ga.- On the surface, a 40-42 season would seem like a disappointment, but when you consider how low this team was, it is actually grounds for optimism heading into next season.
At its lowest point, the Atlanta Hawks sat last in the league, with a 14-28 record, and while some may have packed it in and tried for a high pick, this Atlanta team legitimately felt sneaking into the playoffs was not entirely out of the question. All it took was the willingness to cut ties with the past and look towards the future.
On day 72 of the SSBL season the Orlando Magic visited Atlanta for what appeared to be just another game, but for 5 Magic players, it would be the last game they suited up for with Orlando.
Prior to the start of the season, management for both teams had discussed the possibility of a deal involving Dikembe Mutombo and Nick Anderson, but Mutombo got hurt and shut the door on those talks. This was the day Dikembe was supposed to come back for Atlanta, but when he did not appear in the lineup, suspicions arose.
See in the days leading up to this game, talks were re-engaged, but on a larger scale. Talks went back and forth for a while, and with Orlando in town already, the Hawks felt confident a deal would get done, so Dikembe's return from injury was stalled, obviously to prevent further injury.
When all was said and done, the magic agreed to send all stars Nick Anderson and Ike Austin, youngsters Matt Hapring, Michael Doleac and Jonathan Kerner, as well as a 2001 1st round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange the Hawks sent Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith and Thurl Bailey to Orlando. It turned out to be just the spark the Hawks needed.
While the Hawks would ultimately fail to qualify for the playoffs, finishing 3 games back of the 8th seed, Nick Anderson and Ike Austin propelled the Hawks to a 20-11 finish and have given the fans of Atlanta some hope for the upcoming 1999-2000 season.
Notes: With the Ike Austin seeking a max deal, the Hawks are exploring other areas to find a power forward for the upcoming season. A return has not been ruled out, but the Hawks will let it be known now, they will not pay him a max deal and if any team with cap room is willing to do so, they will not be outbid by Atlanta.
"We would like Ike back, and will discuss some options with him, but if the money is out there for him, we wish him the best."
-Atlanta management would like the rest of the SSBL to know they are actively seeking to improve this roster, and that no asset in the Hawks possession is untouchable if it means bettering the team.
"We have been in contact with a few teams, but for the most part it has been pretty quiet right now. Our hope is that the playoff teams are just waiting for the season to conclude before engaging in talks. Otherwise it will be a long, boring offseason in Atlanta."
Atlanta, Ga.- On the surface, a 40-42 season would seem like a disappointment, but when you consider how low this team was, it is actually grounds for optimism heading into next season.
At its lowest point, the Atlanta Hawks sat last in the league, with a 14-28 record, and while some may have packed it in and tried for a high pick, this Atlanta team legitimately felt sneaking into the playoffs was not entirely out of the question. All it took was the willingness to cut ties with the past and look towards the future.
On day 72 of the SSBL season the Orlando Magic visited Atlanta for what appeared to be just another game, but for 5 Magic players, it would be the last game they suited up for with Orlando.
Prior to the start of the season, management for both teams had discussed the possibility of a deal involving Dikembe Mutombo and Nick Anderson, but Mutombo got hurt and shut the door on those talks. This was the day Dikembe was supposed to come back for Atlanta, but when he did not appear in the lineup, suspicions arose.
See in the days leading up to this game, talks were re-engaged, but on a larger scale. Talks went back and forth for a while, and with Orlando in town already, the Hawks felt confident a deal would get done, so Dikembe's return from injury was stalled, obviously to prevent further injury.
When all was said and done, the magic agreed to send all stars Nick Anderson and Ike Austin, youngsters Matt Hapring, Michael Doleac and Jonathan Kerner, as well as a 2001 1st round pick to the Atlanta Hawks. In exchange the Hawks sent Dikembe Mutombo, Steve Smith and Thurl Bailey to Orlando. It turned out to be just the spark the Hawks needed.
While the Hawks would ultimately fail to qualify for the playoffs, finishing 3 games back of the 8th seed, Nick Anderson and Ike Austin propelled the Hawks to a 20-11 finish and have given the fans of Atlanta some hope for the upcoming 1999-2000 season.
Notes: With the Ike Austin seeking a max deal, the Hawks are exploring other areas to find a power forward for the upcoming season. A return has not been ruled out, but the Hawks will let it be known now, they will not pay him a max deal and if any team with cap room is willing to do so, they will not be outbid by Atlanta.
"We would like Ike back, and will discuss some options with him, but if the money is out there for him, we wish him the best."
-Atlanta management would like the rest of the SSBL to know they are actively seeking to improve this roster, and that no asset in the Hawks possession is untouchable if it means bettering the team.
"We have been in contact with a few teams, but for the most part it has been pretty quiet right now. Our hope is that the playoff teams are just waiting for the season to conclude before engaging in talks. Otherwise it will be a long, boring offseason in Atlanta."
