Had the iPod pumping during my workout Saturday (come on now, I only do 40 minutes of brisk walking these days baby, nothing more and nothing less) and a song popped up on shuffle that hit me between the eyes.

You old school hip-hop heads out there remember Brand Nubian don’t you? Slow Down was the joint back in’90 (yeah, we’re all getting older). It’s a fitting tune for the mood I’ve been in the past few days.

I realized that we’ve all been going 1,000 miles an hour on what the Hawks might do with their picks (if they keep them) or in the draft and they haven’t even held an official workout yet (that starts the week of the 20th, but I don’t expect any real fireworks with Yi Jianlian not making his way to town for a close up and none of the major position players working out at the same time).

Maybe we do need to slow down and try and analyze this thing one more time before deciding who fits best and who does not with what the Hawks already have.

A wise (GM I know and respect) told me as much today. He also said that whatever player the Hawks could get in the draft won’t show up prepared to lead them. It’s just not realistic for rookies not named Magic or LeBron. And I understand where he’s coming from in that regard. We’re all probably expecting the best case scenario (rookie shows up, turns in one of the all-time great first year performances from a first timer and the Hawks roll deep into the playoffs) when the status quo (rookie shows up and struggles a bit early before coming into his own later in the year and becoming a key contributor on a still improving team) is much more likely.

Last week I asked another GM I know and respect what he’d do with the 3 and 11 and he didn’t hesitate with his response (Horford at 3 and Law at 11). The two guys widely regarded as the most NBA ready at their positions - makes good sense to me. Yet few people are even convinced that these are definitely the two guys that make the most sense for the Hawks.

I’m not at all ashamed to admit that I’m a bit stumped now as to what plan of action is the best. Two weeks ago I was convinced that the Hawks (if keeping the picks) should go PG at No. 3 to make sure they got the guy they wanted, because he’ll be gone at 11 and the best available big man at No. 11. As of right now, I’m not so sure what the shrewdest move(s) would be.

So I’m going to take the advice Grand Puba, Sadat X and my main man Lord Jamar and think hard over the next couple of days before diving back into this trivial pursuit we’ve all come to love.

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