AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > April > 10
Monday, April 10, 2006
Thinkin’ of a master plan
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Well, I know you guys have some views on our Sunday dealy-schmo (Hawks Dream Team). Sorry to spring it on you without any warning. But I loved the idea of playing fantasy GM somewhere other than this space, even if it was just for a day. I tossed out several scenarios and had dozens more that I’ve thought about.
But I think it’s a great question, and one we have discussed here incessantly. What do you do to tweak this Hawks team and make them a playoff contender next season? I’m in the camp that believes several subtle changes as opposed to a drastic one (notice I left out of Sunday’s package all the possibilities of a blockbuster trade for someone like Kevin Garnett or Allen Iverson). But maybe you think otherwise.
Well, today’s the day for you to let the rest of us in your plan. I know Ando, Astro Joe, Norm, Cliff and many of the rest you regulars have scratched up your own blueprints. But I think it’s time we go over them again.
Me, I’m working on another master plan for the fantasy files. I’m trying to put together all sorts of ideas about what could happen in the future. It’s one of the things that keep this stuff interesting, trying to predict the future.
I did spend my weekend doing other things. I watched the Hawks trick themselves into thinking they could just walk over the Timberwolves minus Kevin Garnett and Ricky Davis. As Julia Roberts said in Pretty Woman, “Big mistake. Huge.” The Hawks should know better than anyone how this thing works. Teams that seem to be up against it tend to be the most dangerous. It’s been that way since forever.
I know most people are still caught up in the euphoria of the Masters and whatever other weekend sporting events kept them locked on to the TV screen, but I have to remind you all that it’s officially crunch time in the NBA season. The Hawks might not be in the mix but there are some other really interesting playoff battles going on.
In the East, the Pacers and Bucks are holding on for dear life for those last two spots. And in the West, the Lakers and Kings are trying to hold on to the last two spots. Six or seven games remain for most teams, so if ever there was a time to keep your eye on the NBA it’s now.
I almost forgot to tell you about my new standing on the whole tights ban that the NBA will institute for next season. Mark Madsen ruined any chance of support for the hip-to-toe leggings by donning a pair Sunday at Target Center. I wasn’t the only person in attendance repulsed by the sight of dude looking like a bulldozing ballerina. I was actually willing to put up with this peculiar fashion turn prior to seeing Sir Pasty himself sporting a pair of black tights under his game shorts. But enough is enough. Next thing you know he’ll be wearing corn rows. So Madsen has done something no one else could; he has me siding with the establishment. NO MORE TIGHTS.
