an idea the Rox should copy

for the lazy ones...


Hawks Toss Fans First Class Event


Maybe I am wrong, but I feel like no organization treats their season ticket holders better than the Atlanta Hawks.

On Monday night, the Hawks treated all of us to an exclusive night at a local restaurant (the terrific Dave and Buster’s) and spent the evening giving away prizes, food, and drinks.

More importantly, every single player and coach made themselves available to every last one of us, not hiding behind a table signing dated pictures of themselves, but in the mix, amongst all the food and games.

Now, mind you, most of these players are darn near kids themselves, so this is pretty much within their element, and it allowed for some great interaction between players and fans.

There was Toni Kukoc, with his son, shooting pool (a little old school for today’s players) and handling questions about his future as a Hawk, often leaning against booths and tables so the general public could actually look his 6’11 frame in the eyes.

In the game area, Jacque Vaughn played video golf and remarked that, though more playing time and starting might be important to some, winning is a lot of fun, too. And folks, Jacque sounds like he expects the Hawks to win, and wants to play a part in it, no matter the role.

As I toured the room with my wingman, Tracy, we spent the most of the time (about 30 minutes) talking basketball, video games, and fashion with Dion Glover, DerMarr “Slim” Johnson, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim. All three took a lot of pains to thank us for our support this season, and allowed a schlep like myself to instruct Shareef on dealing with officials, DerMarr on gaining mass and putting away his critics (not many anymore), and praising Dion on the work he has done with DerMarr, which is remarkable considering he was helping a guy take his job. But Dion said it’s just about winning, and he has the confidence that he will play himself, somewhere.

Why these guys didn’t laugh at us and walk anywhere else is a testament to their perseverance and class, and also that they are good young players who care about their fan base, no matter how nuts they are.

While we were at it, we also tried to broker a deal between Ira Newble and Pete Babcock, but fell a little short, so I guess we'll have to wait and see how this plays out, but from talking to them, it sounds as if Ira's agent knows how valuable Ira can be to this team, and Pete knows that the Hawks are probably the best fit for Newble, so we'll see how that plays out. These two seriously need each other.

And while we were talking to Pete, we thanked him for bringing these players together. People seem to ignore the fact that, while nobody’s record is unblemished, Pete has brought in some good players, and has remade this team twice during his 12 year history here, this incarnation with the potential (and no Michael Jordan) to go beyond the second round road block that defines public opinion about this franchise.

His critics must believe that Babcock was locked in the bathroom when players like Jason Terry, Steve Smith, Mookie Blaylock, Dikembe Mutombo, and Shareef Abdur-Rahim have been brought into Atlanta, and that he is only responsible for what are deemed his bad moves. He will be vindicated by this roster of players as they develop into something special next year.

We saw Leon Smith, playing games like the shy kid that he is, smiling and carrying himself with an “I’m in the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory” look on his face. He is dedicated to working hard in the gym over the summer and is happy to be in Atlanta for next season. I am really pulling for this guy.

We talked with Coach Kruger, who was enjoying himself while holding court with all the fans (and critics as well). Kruger noted that the injuries that derailed this team early on has been good for the development of Terry at point guard, Johnson at shooting guard, and discovering Newble. He also felt like it helped him along as a coach and game manager, and is looking forward to raising his game with the others next season.

Theo Ratliff was also there, saying he was ready for next season, as he has gone through ten seasons worth the suits during this year. And when Glover mentioned that he has never worn the same suit twice this year, we all were thinking there were some he shouldn’t have worn once. Having him back will be treeeeemendous.

Nobody in the house was as mobbed as Jason Terry, who always seemed to have a large crowd around him. The Big Man on the Hawks campus, Terry plays the role of front man to perfection, taking pictures with everyone who has ever owned a camera, giving away prizes, talking and playing with little kids and middle aged kids as well.

Terry is the franchise player teams dream about, a well spoken funny man who happens to play a great game of basketball, a true leader on and off the court. He thanked me for my continued support, as he has done religiously since he was riding the pine under Lenny Wilkens his rookie season, and I asked him to let all these media types who was going to be asking him for time this offseason know that the Hawks were no longer looking for a point guard, and that Pete Babcock had taken that “Help Wanted” sign out of the window when Kruger made him the floor general in January.

Terry gave me a look of “I know, right?” as he gave me one last thanks, concluding his tour of duty as Hawksmaster General for the evening’s festivities.

And as he left the building, and everyone began to file out (three hours are over already?), one theme and feeling was prevalent.

Nobody can wait until next year.

 

The Rockets are desperate for classy players who can attract the average fan.

The Spurs are loved in SA, because they have nice guys who attract middle aged fans, because they aren't the prima donnas that many non-fans assume that NBA players are.

Francis appeals to kids, with his high-flying athleticism. However, he does not appeal to the middle-aged man, the #1 source of ticket sales.

 

I can't believe there's something we (somewhat) agree upon...better check the thermometers in hell. I am curious as to what is the basis for your opinion.


I will brazenly admit to being a middle-aged male and my favorite player on the current Rockets roster is....Eddie Griffin. (Even though Walt Williams would probably carry on a better conversation if the Rockets had anything like what the Hawks just had).

 

Yeah, the Hawks always seem to go out of the way...but keep in mind that Atlanta is pretty bad as far as fans go. Even when they were regularly making the playoffs, nobody seemed to care.

Even on regular game nights, though, they will do stuff for fans. A few times there would be free concerts after earlier games - and the bands/singers would mostly be known and not just two guys and a keyboard, or something.