Atlanta
Philip Maymin
Basketball News Services
The irony of Al Harrington coming to Atlanta last season in search of more playing time is he may have actually played fewer minutes with the Hawks than he would have with the Pacers. With all of their injury and suspension issues this year, plus the fact that they are in the playoffs and Atlanta is not, Harrington could have had a major impact on a playoff team, that is, of course, if he would not have been involved in the melee.
In the meantime, several former Hawks are still in the playoff picture with their new teams. Most famously among them, of course, is Rasheed Wallace, who was a Hawk for a day and a game. And he was a good Hawk too: he helped Atlanta put up a competitive game against the New Jersey Nets last season just before being jettisoned to Detroit.
More recent former Hawks include Gary Payton and Antoine Walker. Walker was an integral part of the Hawks this season while Payton never even suited up, returning to Boston almost as quickly as he theoretically came here.
In Dallas, Alan Henderson and Jason Terry are doing their best to try to slay Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.
Are there more? Who have I missed? Feel free to email me or post on the Hoopsworld.com Atlanta message board.
TEAM NOTES
With the 2004-05 season behind them, the Hawks now look ahead to an important offseason. EVP & GM Billy Knight and Head Coach Mike Woodson will be busy in the weeks ahead, with the draft lottery on May 24 followed by the 2005 NBA Draft on June 28. After that, the Hawks will explore the free agent market, with the FA signing period beginning on July 15. End Of Season Audio: 
B. Knight| Woodson Part I|Part II
Brian Meehan ofThe Oregonianwrites: Gilliam was a physical, 6-foot-3 guard who could smother an opponent and shoot the ball better than most. His offensive skills often were overshadowed by teammates -- Mount at Purdue, Pete Maravich and Lou Hudson with the Atlanta Hawks, and Lionel Hollins, Johnny Davis and Dave Twardzik in Portland.During that championship season, few Portland fans knew that if the Blazers' guards were assembled for a one-on-one tournament, Gilliam would have prevailed.
Perry A. Farrell ofThe Detroit Free Presswrites: His persona hasn't changed much since Portland traded him last season to the Atlanta Hawks, who then sent him to the Pistons.He still has run-ins with the referees; he was ejected in a loss to Charlotte in November. For the most part, Wallace now pleads his case without being insulting.