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Monday, May 22, 2006
A.I. is not the answer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Now that the entire world has weighed in on this Allen Iverson-to-the-Hawks discussion, it’s my turn.
And as much as I love his game, I can say without hesitation that I wouldn’t touch it. Make any case you want for the tickets he might sell or the attention that might come with his addition. But let me say this, and please understand it comes from the most sincere place I possess.
The only way the Hawks change their fate -– I’ve seen the comments that they’re irrelevant and a historic joke, etc. -– is to win games. If A.I. meant a guaranteed trip to the playoffs, then I say go for it. But Philly didn’t make the playoffs with him this past season, though he played at his usual elite level and alongside guys like Chris Webber, Andre Iguodala and Sam Dalembert.
I say chase someone like Sam Cassell rather than a much more expensive A.I. Sam-I-Am’s a proven difference maker in the win-loss column and a guy, even at his advanced age, who can help mentor the young point guard the Hawks need to draft or acquire in the coming weeks.
As for the rest of the playoffs, King James teased us and then returned back to earth Sunday. So we get the Pistons-Heat matchup we knew we’d get and we wait for the West to work itself out. I see the Pistons-Heat going seven games again, so get ready for another two weeks of drama.
Lottery is Tuesday night, so we’ll have a better idea of what the Hawks can and will do come draft time. It’s about time.
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