The Hawks are planning a tribute to Walt Bellamy at an upcoming home game. The Hall of Fame center passed away Saturday at age 74. Details are to be determined.
Bellamy played 14 NBA seasons, including four-plus with the Hawks. In 338 games for Atlanta, he averaged 15.7 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Bellamy was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1993.
According to fellow Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, Bellamy attended the Hawks’ home opener Friday.
“I just hope they do something to recognize him in a big way,” Wilkins said. “He should have his number retired. He’s a Hall of Famer. You have to cherish people while they are here and don’t wait until they are gone to recognize them.
“If you don’t know who Walt was, go Google his stats and his accomplishments. He was an incredible player.”
A cause of death for Bellamy has yet to be determined.
Socks for homeless: Kyle Korver recently joined with YouTube sensation Kid President and the Atlanta Mission in an effort to have 1 million pairs of socks donated to the homeless as part of a "Socktober" program.
Korver said that through mutual friends, he has developed a relationship with the people involved in the creation of Kid President. The young Robby Novak, who suffers from a brittle bone disease, delivers inspirational videos that have gone viral.
The effort to donate the footwear was a natural for Korver, known for wearing high socks.
“If we can get everyone to get involved a little bit, donate a pair of socks, what a difference it could make,” Korver said. “We like what Kid President stands for. We like the cause. So we got involved.”
Atlanta Mission serves 1 million homeless men, women and children annually. Octane Coffee in Atlanta joined in the effort as a drop location.
Etc.: Though still inactive, Lou Williams (right knee) and Gustavo Ayon (right shoulder) travelled with the team during the three-game road trip to continue their rehabilitations. … The Hawks used the same starting lineup of Jeff Teague, Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap and Al Horford against the Lakers Sunday night. … The Lakers remain without star Kobe Bryant, who is still recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
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