AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > September > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBehind the scenes with Dominique
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I must be crazy. A 20-plus hour ride on an RV on the day after Labor Day? I know, some of you are probably wondering what in the world I was thinking. But when you have a chance to roll with a soon-to-be Hall of Famer and his family (the ceremony is Friday and stay tuned all week and through the weekend for our coverage), you can’t turn that down. So here I am, on my way to Springfield with Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins and his crew. We’re only about an hour into the trip but a few things are already abundantly clear:
1) We’re riding in the Lexus of RVs. I don’t know the make or the model of this monster but this thing rides smoother than it should on these ragged highway roads. And for there to be this many people (I think our official count out of Dominique’s driveway was 14) in such close quarters, we’re doing well. At least no one has gone for anyone else’s throat yet. Ha. This does have a Road Rules feel to it, so stay tuned as the roadside drama unfolds.
2) The Basketball Hall of Fame needs to relocate to Gwinnett County. Or at least somewhere within a two-hour drive of Atlanta. According to the Internet directions, this trip should take anywhere from 16 to 19 hours. I’m guessing we don’t get there a minute under 24. I could be wrong but with this many people and children to boot, we’re going to have to stop somewhere for a meal and some leg stretching.
3) I have one of the best jobs in the world. My friends say it all the time but today it hits home. Despite reservations about a road trip this long (my rule is if it’s over two hours catch a flight), could there be a better way to go? I was surprised at Nique’s willingness to let the media (there are cameras from NBA TV and local stations filming various parts of the journey) have a behind the scenes peak at what has to be one of the most important times of his life. But he was adamant that we come along. I don’t know that I would be so gracious were the roles reversed. He and his family have been beyond gracious in this case. The Hawks should thank their lucky stars he doesn’t hold a grudge for them trading him all those years ago.
4) Speaking of the franchise, why haven’t the Hawks leaned on Nique the way other franchises have with their greatest players over the years? The Lakers are still cashing in on Magic’s smile and Larry Bird gets a standing ovation from the Boston crowd even when he brings his current team (Indiana) into town to smoke the Celtics in the playoffs. Sure, those guys and other legends like them have championship rings on when they show up. But only the fans born before 1985 remember those glory days. Nique remains the most recognizable face to be associated with the franchise yet he’s not used to market or sell this team the way you would think. Strange.
5) It’s already clear who the toughest member of the media contingent is here. While most everyone else has already fallen asleep, I’m wide-awake and ready to play some cards with anyone willing to lose their shirt.
.JPG)
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Comments
By billy
September 5, 2006 07:22 PM | Link to this
ROAD TRIP!! With Dominique!!
I remember when we used to trick-or-treat at his house on Halloween. That was cool. But you’re on the road with him - enjoy it, Sekou!!
By Samuel
September 5, 2006 07:33 PM | Link to this
Cuz,
You are the man. How ironic that I just finished watching two of the greatest basketball “Gods” of all time do battle on ESPN Classic. Bird and Nique in the ‘88 Eastern Conference Semi Finals. Wow, what a difference in eras. The contrast in intensity levels and shot making ability is astounding.
Any man who didn’t vote for Nique on the first ballot for Hall of Fame should be stripped of his voting right and barred from ever covering another basketball game. The man was an absolute “STUD”.
You are also right on in that the Hawks have not utilized Dominique at all for either a Marketing asset or a Basketball Mind. It’s ridiculous.
Yall drive Safe.
By EdoRiver
September 5, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this
Maybe there is a behind the scenes activity that Dominique does with the young players on our team, I hope so. Regarding #4, I agree with you, maybe the distraction is because the team has lost so many games they don’t think Dominique would be very enthusiastic about the idea….Enjoy the road, did you bring your portable game machine?
By Peter
September 5, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
14 people in one RV?? Brother you’re a far better man than I. Does it have DirectTV? Something, anything? You’d better open up an all night chat window or something.
It’s going to be great to watch this. The old days when the Hawks were an NBA power. Those fifty win teams were terrific. Damned Larry Bird!
By Bertie
September 5, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Dominique on his Hall of Fame induction. I have fond memories from the Hawks’ teams he was in. First, in his early years watching on TBS, which transmited almost all their games, when he combined with Roundfield to form the best pair of forwards in the league at the time. Then I went to school in Boston in the mid to late eighties and stayed an out of the closet Hawks’ fan. I caught a lot of grieve but had a lot of fun watching the Hawks push the Celtics all the time. Even though Dominique never won a championship his teams were always in the middle of things, making the playoffs every year, playing great teams tough, and even one game away from the Finals. In my book that is all a fan can ask and hope for. Enjoy this weekend Nique, you deserve it.
By Jerome Bennett
September 5, 2006 10:16 PM | Link to this
Congradulation Domnique and Family You have being a favorite of mines evey since your days as a Gerogia Bulldog. I also enjoyed meeting you personally once at Southlake Mall, not only are you a great athlete, you are a down to earth person. Wish I could be there to help you celebrate and cheer you on one more time. Good Luck and enjoy your day. Thanks from all the good times, the excitement, the laughter, the volunteering, and no matter where I was stationed during my Air Force Career, I could hold my head up proudly and say, I AM AN ATLANTA HAWKS AND THE HUMAN HIGH LIGHT FAN.
By russ
September 6, 2006 12:23 AM | Link to this
Hammering Hank is the Greatest of all time,and Phil Neikro and Dale Murphy was alot of fun to watch,Holyfield put this city on the map in the boxing world,Michael Vick is very exciting to watch so was Steve Bartkowski and Jesse Tuggle,Tree Rollins was a great shot blocker and Spud webb a Freak of nature with his jumping ability,but any real Atlanta or Georgia native knows when it comes to sports no other Athlete has ever been loved or revered Like Dominique wilkins,”the human highlight Film”.It will be a long time before we see such a gifted athlete at that position.During his playing days I often had arguments with friends(and I still believe it)that ‘nique was a better athlete than even Michael Jordan. It was unbelievable how easy this guy could score a basketball!! Even if they had the twenty greatest players of all time (instead of 50)he should be included.Atlantans have never been prouder of an athlete representing our city.It,s unbelieveable how this guy was not a first ballot hall of famer.Still we are very happy to see justice done for a well deserving superstar. Congratulations DOminique !!!!
By Alex
September 6, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this
I have fallen in love with the Hawks because of Nique! I live in Europe (Serb)and I remember the days when we havent had digital satellite receivers so I had to order VHS tapes with Hawks games from some relatives and listen to radio broadcasts on US Armed Forces radio… Anyway, I honestly believe that he should have been selected among 50 best NBA players (hands down). I think that he is probably the most unappreciated player in NBA history, so HOF selection is the least the league and true fans of the game can do for Nique… Cheers!
By Astro Joe
September 6, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
A road trip with ‘Nique has got to be one of the coolest things ever for a basketball junky from the ATL. DAMN. Ask him about Adam Morrison playing in the NBA as a diabetic and if ‘Nique thinks he could have kept up with his diet and medicine as an active player. Also, does he think that our young players are fully taking advantage of having a HOF forward available to them? It certainly doesn’t feel like it to me, but I’m sure that is BK’s fault somehow. Enjoy the journey, and tell ‘Nique to make sure to thank Lenny Wilkins for supporting that horrific trade.
By Marshall
September 6, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Sekou you kill me…leave it to you to bum a ride with one of the NBA’s all-time greats. Being from Alabama I too grew up on a steady diet of Nique. When the Hawks traded him they may as well have traded away my loyalty. And yes they should use Nique more in today’s marketing or what have you. Anyway enjoy the ride and give me a shout when you get back.
By dawinneris
September 6, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
If I could take a road trip with anyone whose ever meant anything to Atlanta sports it would be Nique!!! I would pay to hear the stories he would tell. The more I see the game today, the more I respect the players of his era. Talking about larger than life! Speaking of stories… Sekou, I think you have an inside track on a future Nique bio? Put the squeeze on him and make it happen!
By BhamHawk
September 6, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Congrats, Nique!!! I’ve been a life-long Hawks fan since the days of John Drew, EJ, Armond Hill, ect. But, you were always my favorite Hawk. You deserve the HOF honor! Congrats, again!
BhamHawk
By doc
September 6, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
sekou, you are being shown up by that dave o brien man. he does his reports from a subway car, on amtrak, the tarmacs while sitting getting ready to take off and you havent even given us one single update from the BIG BUS or a live interview with the only guy who can hold henry aarons jock in the state of georgia. wow, would it have been cool for you to hand over the keyboard to the man himself to greet his denizens in person with a simple hello and keep the faith boys and girls. you have a lot of nerve for shouting out hawks management and not take the time to watch our backs who support you day in and day out and keep his all to yourself!
maybe you are going to tell us that the real thrill was for the nique to have you on board to give him money in the late poker games. we better get a good story out of this one as we are still waiting. have fun man and clean up the drool.
By Samuel
September 6, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
Doc,
Looks like NBA.com beat us out. Check it out.
By ray
September 6, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
Have fun, Sekou, that must be a blast! Good to see him going to the Hall of Fame,too. We should let Nique tutor Smith, Marvin, and Childress. That would be the perfect help. While we’re at it, let’s get a big-man tutor as well. I seem to remember a thing Nique said about his approach regarding driving to the basket that went something like this: “when I went to dunk and you tried to stop me, I was either going to break your arm in the process or you were coming to the basket with me..usually resulting in a free throw afterward.” I am not sure that was the exact words (forgive me if I’m wrong) but you get the idea. While Josh nearly has that ability just from leaping, he and especially Marvin could stand to learn a thing or two about strength and determination when it comes to taking it to the hoop. Nique certainly knew how.
By doc
September 7, 2006 01:03 AM | Link to this
samuel, durn if we didnt get snubbed, you too sekou, no props from the big man, shoulda let him win dude.
another pr op missed.
better talk to the cuz.
By D. Mitchell
September 7, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Let’s remember that when Nique came along, the Falcons were terrible and the Braves were….just awful!!! He was a breath of fresh rarified air. I remember the a game against the Bulls on Dr. King’s B-day where he went for 40 something and Jordan went for 50 something and the Hawks won. I remember climbing behind my bed and crying myself to sleep when the Hawks lost to Boston in 88. I can go on and on about the Hawks because there was nothing greater than watching Dominique play for the Hawks. I even got some Brooks school shoes because those are what Nique wore in the Dunk contest that “they gave to Jordan in Chi”. Thanks Nique for all of the memories.
By newkid
September 7, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this
Couple items that may be of interest to you guys. First, this link will get you to a recent Realgm article.
http://hawks.realgm.com/
Second, there’s a bit of news on the wire (St. Paul Pioneer Press) that indicates the Hawks (and 3 other teams) are in pursuit of a 7’1, 280 lbs, 25 year old Greek player by the name of Andreas Glyniadakis. Drafted on the 2nd round in ‘03 by Pistons; in Pistons training camp in ‘05; no indication of actual playing time in the NBA to date.
By bill
September 7, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Newkid — Thanks for the link & article about Operation BK…hope that writer’s optimisim is correct, but I still have my doubts about team defense. I still think with our players we shoud run & gun it, but coming season will tell the tale — BK is a genius, or somebody is the fall guy!
By doc
September 7, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this
wow, newkid. that kind of answers in dpth the question i asked a few weeks ago after the wright signing and sekou briefly answered. seemed crdible since it comes from someone that seems to have no investment in what he says about billy.
whoever authored that one will have to watch his back around here.
By newkid
September 7, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
bill & doc, I didn’t recognize the writer’s name, and don’t know to what extent he’s attempting (or not) to be objective. Interesting perspective though isn’t it? Hope I don’t quickly become persona non grata here for introducing the piece. Just sharing.
By newkid
September 7, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
Another heads up guys. (Sekou, not attempting here to divert interest in your much anticipated updates on the RV trip with Nique, et al. Just sort of biding time until the next installment arrives.) Okay, SLAM magazine is doing a piece on the top 50 players in today’s NBA. The mag is doing this in installments, and holding down the #50 slot is Boris Diaw. The first installment can be found at SLAM’s website (SLAMonline.com). Why is it of interest? Cute little piece in the installment about a confrontation between Woody and Diaw at an ‘end of season’ meeting (presumably end of 04/05 season) where he told Woody he couldn’t play for him, then walked out of the meeting.
Again, just sharing.
By Astro Joe
September 7, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
I may be earning my PHD here (playa-hatin-degree), but it would not shock me if Diaw becomes a Monday, Wednesday, Friday kind of player. Remember when you were in high school, some girls looked real good on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the other days didn’t look like much? Diaw played some very uninspired ball for the France national team. I personally think that he is high maintenance, needs constant reassuring and ego-stroking. If D’Antoni can’t keep it up, I betcha Diaw goes back into his shell. Top 50? Maybe on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
By Dejay
September 7, 2006 07:31 PM | Link to this
I would’ve paid big $$$ to be on that bus with Nique and Co. Folks in town think they have it bad today with the Spirit group and the Braves no longer winning? Mitchell said it best; Nique came along when the Braves were rancid bad and the Falcons (who would already be 2-10 before the season started) had guys like you and me on their roster to play Montana’s 49ers in a dreary, run-down Fulton County Stadium. There were no Michael Vicks, Ilya Kovalchuks, Josh Smiths, Marian Hossas, or Warrick Dunns around to excite the masses; it was Nique, an aging Dale Murphy, and NOT MUCH ELSE. He, not Jordan, Bird, Magic, or Isiah was and still is my all-time favorite NBA player. Because, unlike the others mentioned, he had to carry an entire franchise on his back without a HOF player riding shotgun with him (and nope, a washed up Moses Malone DOESN’T COUNT). He didn’t get much help from his teammates, who played hot potato with the ball, only to pass it to him with 0.000007 seconds on the clock with three defenders draped on him like a $7 suit from Kessler’s. He got NOOOOO help from the front office, who made horrid draft picks and stayed pat for the most part while the Pistons, Bulls, and others passed them by. Yet, he never publicly complained when Koncak got his extention, when Adam Keefe was drafted, when Randy Wittman passed up wide open shots, or when Rumeal Robinson would blow him off to take another 25-foot runner. Why bring this up, you ask? Because we all know that some ‘expert’ from ESPN, CNN, or Fox will eventually take his shots at Nique before or after the HOF ceremony by calling him a ballhog, selfish, etc. without doing his homework. I’m just making a preemtive strike.
Anyway, congrats to the Human Highlight Film. It was a pleasure and a joy to watch him play at the old Omni (back when going to a Hawks game used to MEAN something in this town) and leave everything on the court each and every night. Enjoy the accolades and everything good that comes with it. It has been well deserved and long overdue.
GAME, SET, MATCH.
By Ken
September 7, 2006 07:49 PM | Link to this
About 2 years ago I was pumping gas in my work truck at the BP across from the varsity and I looked up and saw Domonique pumping gas in his Beemer. I cupped my hands around my mouth and screamed as liud as I could a ole John Sterling (remember him) famous line.
ON THE FLY, IN THE SKY, DOMOOOOONIQUE!!!
Nique just looked up and smiled. It was awesome.
Ken
By JohnD
September 8, 2006 09:23 PM | Link to this
Another Sterlingism:
DOMINIQUE, MAGNIFIQUE
And he was.
By narmand
September 8, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this
I have fond memories of meeting nique up in boston one summer. It was the higlight of my life, at the time I was living in NY and I begged him to come and play for the knicks. He was great he took about 10 pics with us and signed about 4 postcards for us. He is the man and will always be the man. The greatest ever…
By ray
September 9, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
Joe, I gotta agree on the assessment of Diaw. You on the money, brotha.
Ken, that was funny.
By mykhalc
September 9, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this
BIG CONGRATS ‘NIQUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you brought a lotta special moments to the hawks and b-ball!! NOW, help these young guns!!LOL
By ray
September 10, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
Falcons, Falcons, Falcons!! Wooohoooo, 20-6 over Carolina! And the Dawgs stuffed Spurrier and his Chickens yesterday too! Scoreless at that! And to think that all those “experts” had Carolina picked to freakin’ win the Super Bowl already. Looks like two carolina teams bit the Georgia red clay, eh? Sorry, no new Hawks news, and I love the gridiron. When’s training camp start again?
By butch rorie
September 11, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
If anyone has a copy of the poem about not quitting quoted by Dominique could they please send it to me…….thanks