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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > March > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHawks benefit from having Dominique around
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It took awhile, but this is exactly the way it should work for the Hawks. I mean, everywhere you look, it’s Dominique, Dominique, Dominique.
Surely you’ve heard of The Human Highlight Film, otherwise known as Dominique Wilkins, the past, present and forever face of the franchise. He’s the Hawks vice president of basketball, which means he is an advisor to the Gearons, the primary owners who run the team for Atlanta Spirit, LLC.
“While Michael Gearon Jr., is like a brother to me, Michael Gearon Sr. is just like a father,” said Wilkins, a popular courtside fixture at Philips Arena for home games. He also is a studio analyst for pregame, halftime and postgame shows of Hawks telecasts.
Here’s the biggest thing: Away from the slew of cameras and autograph seekers, Wilkins is doing what he should have been doing since his Hall of Fame career ended nearly a decade ago. That is, he is passing along his considerable hoops knowledge to current Hawks players.
Or shall we say that Wilkins finally is allowed by the Hawks to do so.
It isn’t a coincidence, for instance, that after Wilkins began huddling around practices this season with guys on what is the NBA’s youngest team, the Hawks began flying in the vicinity of their first playoff berth this century. More specifically, talented but raw Josh Smith is evolving into something beyond just a fancy dunking and blocking machine. With help from Hakeem Olajuwon during the summer and even more help from Wilkins throughout the regular season, Smith is closer to becoming a complete player.
“You can have a tendency to get away from the basics, but [Wilkins] has been there to help me polish that up,” said Smith, who often works with Wilkins either before or after practices. They discuss the physical as well as the mental, and then Smith dribbles toward combining the two. Smith added about Wilkins, “He’s also been there to teach me new moves on the block, and it’s been great. Just being able to get bits and pieces from a Hall of Famer — oh, man — you think about that all the time.”
Which means something was wrong with the way previous Hawks ownership and management viewed Wilkins’ role with the franchise.
Wilkins had no role.
That’s because the majority of those in charge of the Hawks for Time Warner couldn’t care less about Wilkins’ icon status around town. In fact, they resented it. How else can you explain why they only used Wilkins as sort of a well-dressed complement to Harry The Hawk?
“Oh, no question that was the case,” said Wilkins, who often asked Hawks officials before Atlanta Spirit took over four years ago for more visibility with the franchise. They listened, nodded and then continued to ignore him. Added Wilkins, “I didn’t understand why they had a problem with me, because I’m an easy guy to get along with. The thing is, I love the Hawks, and I love the city of Atlanta, and I don’t think there is anybody around who wants this team to win more than me.”
The Gearons might challenge Wilkins for such honors. It was Gearon Sr., a former Hawks general manager, who helped organize the deal with the Utah Jazz in 1982 that brought Wilkins to Atlanta. “Listen, everybody knows how I feel about Dominique, and he’s a very intelligent guy, and we’re fortunate to have him actively involved with the franchise,” said Gearon, who simply is making the Hawks resemble the Los Angeles Lakers, the Boston Celtics and other teams that promote their star players from the past.
Just ask Wilkins, recalling a conversation he had this year in New Orleans during All-Star weekend. “I was talking to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and we mentioned how we all have basketball expertise, and how we’re all able to teach it in a way that guys understand,” Wilkins said. “You see the position that Bird is in [as president of basketball operations for the Indiana Pacers] and what Magic is doing for the Lakers [co-owner and vice president].
“That’s what I like about the owners that we have now with the Hawks. They’ve given me the opportunity to do the things that I like to do.”
It has helped Wilkins, and it really has helped the Hawks.
Permalink | Comments (28) | Post your comment | Categories: Hawks/NBA
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By Ryder
March 22, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
Great article Terence. Now only if ‘Nique had enough stroke to get Woodson or BK canned we’d all be happy.
By T to the D
March 22, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
Give the “film” the coat and let him coach, SPIRIT!!!!!
By Steven
March 22, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Nique likes the current owners…I think he’s the only one.
By JJ da HAWK
March 22, 2008 8:11 PM | Link to this
I think Mr. Wilkins should take over as coach. I mean he already knows the players. Why not…
By Terror More
March 22, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
Huh? No slam against ‘Nique, but exactly how is he helping a team 11 games under .500 and perceived around the league as a bunch of underachievers? Maybe he “could” help by being the teams next coach? Unfortunately, Nique is being used for PR by the doofus bunch of owners that is the Atlanta Spirit LLC. This incompetent, unagreeable bunch has pratically ruined 50% of the pro sports in Atlanta….oh where are you Ted Turner?
By Michael Gearon, Sr.
March 22, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
In the 2008 NBA GM Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select…
By trainwreck
March 22, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
anytime you can have a knowledgeable guy, not to mention an icon for the city to help out with your franchise itsa good thing… bout time they let ‘nique do that
By areyouserious
March 22, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Dominique Wilkins is a mascot. He has been here for years. Why is he only allowed now to help players? How much did he pay you for this article?
By Bobby Cox
March 22, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this
CAN HAWKS WIN ONE GAME IN PLAYOFFS??
By steve
March 22, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Dominique is, was, and probably always will be my favorie and most fun to watch player of all time.
So awesome……. if we had just kept Willis/Doc/Wittman and the rest of that team-on-the-rise together instead of overhauling for Moses and Theus (which is a move that I admit i was with at the time)……
If we had just kept it all together after losing in 7 to the celtics in the 2nd round, instead of the next year making the two big moves for the older star players…… man oh man I think we wouldve been pushing the Pistons for their championships, either they wouldve won 0, 1 or 2 or we wouldve won 0 1 or 2 and Nique wouldve definitely gotten more well-deserved respect as a great WINNER and team basketball palyer and leader WHICH HE WAS!
‘Nique, you are the BEST!s
By Hawks Fan in New Orleans
March 23, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
Great article Terrance. Nuff said.
By hugo
March 23, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this
Nique, I hope you tell your bosses we need a bonafide center in this upcoming draft. And a shooter that can relieve Joe. Then and only then can we talk about consistant playoffs and possible NBA Championship.
By atlsun aka sunny
March 23, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
Wow this is actually a good article(in shock)
By Mr. Griff
March 23, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
Welcome back man. Out of all the screwy things going on with this ownership, at least they are getting a few things right. The Hawks need someone with as much insight and knowledge as Wilkins because judging from Woodson’s clueless looks during games Wilkins is the best bet to pass that onto the players.
By Covington,Ga
March 23, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this
Its good to see Wilkins out there helping our youngsters maybe he can give marvin a couple of good words.
By HoopsLegend
March 23, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Owners need to add GM to Dominiques’ title……..Goodbye to Knight….and Woodson(if we dont make playoffs this year).
By Pete
March 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
Maybe he will be head coach next season. You never know
By athensdawg
March 23, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
couldn’t agree more. the hawks have never been the same since the infamous trade for theus and malone…wish we still had the old guys…kevin willis, tree rollins, spud, cliff levingston, etc…too bad our old point guard (Doc Rivers) can’t coach us.
By brent
March 23, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
it’s been a long time coming for Nique to get the love and RESPECT he rightfully deserves in this city and more specifically, with this franchise. i realize his opinion on how front office is being managed is limited, though it sure would be good if Nique could convince some of the other basketball greats to consider investing their expertise in rebuilding this franchise. We’ve got some really good pieces and it would be a shame to not employ guys like Jerry West (who’s still available as a GM) and Larry Brown, Rick Carlisle or Jeff Van Gundy all of whom are not only available, but who WILL eventually coach again and HAVE experienced what it takes to win.
Nique’s advice to players and personnel will only be more convincing if there was more of a winning presence associated with this franchise. I’m all for rebuilding but doesn’t it seem like we’re asking a bunch of novices at best to do something that they’re clearly unable to accomplish?
I think the best way to use Nique is to do something he never was fortunate of experiencing while playing for the Hawks… SURROUND THIS MAN WITH A FEW SUPERSTARS IN THE FRONT OFFICE and Billy Knights and Mike Woodsons of the world to step aside!
By Roswell Ed
March 23, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
About the only bad thing you can say about Dominique is that he never played a lick of defense.
To say that this guy is a family man is an understatement. I think he once hired a cousin to put on his
deodorant every morning!!
He also should call and thank his speech therapist everyday.
I think that may be one reason the Hawks shied away from him for so long.
You use to not be able to understand a word he said.
Good job Nique.
Nobody in NBA history has a better highlight reel than
the Human Highlight Film!!
Regards from
and average white person!!
By Darren
March 23, 2008 11:32 AM | Link to this
Great Article. I think the rest of the Atlanta Spirit, LLC needs to sell the entire Hawks organization to Dominique. He obviously knows basketball and he certainly couldn’t do any worst as owner than the current group.
By Donald
March 23, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Probably the smartest move the Hawks’ execs have made in years.
By Vick Supporter
March 23, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
The Hawks can do it if they cut down on their turnovers and play defense.
By JL
March 23, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
You’ve got to be kidding me! Just what exactly has he done to: 1. help Mike Woodson? 2. help Billy Knight? 3. help the players?
What EXACTLY has he done?
From what I see - he’s a retired jersey hanging from the rafters, providing color commentary and continuing to build his pension plan by being a “member” of the executive staff.
By Scott
March 23, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
Great story—glad that Wilkins is able to share his experience with current Hawks like Josh Smith, etc.
By SalimFan
March 23, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
It’s About time. Josh needed agod mentor who knows what they’re donig.
By devin
March 23, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
NIQUE IS A HALL OF FAME PLAYER BUT HE IS NOWHERE NEAR COACHING OR MANAGEMENT! LOOK AT HIS HISTORY…. HE CAN’T EVEN MANAGE HIMSELF. HOW IN THE HELL IS HE GOING TO MANAGE A MULTI-MILLION DOLLARS FRANCHISE????
By Darell
March 23, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
I AGREE NIQUE IS ONLY A MASCOT FOR THE HAWKS. HE NEVER FINISHED SCHOOL AND HE DOES HAVE A FAILURE HISTORY.. HE IS JUST HANGING AROUND FOR HIS PENSION FROM THE HAWKS!! JUST LOOK AT HIS FINANCE/ASSETS…BROKE!!!