Hawks dealing in the long-term with Manning

Sporting News, The, March 7, 1994 by Shaun Powell

Soon after the hiring of Lenny Wilkens, the Hawks began a startling and sudden transformation. There was a fresh philosophy, an influx of new players and a different attitude.

The results were quick and positive. The Hawks soared through the first 50 games and perched themselves where the Knicks and Bulls reside in the Eastern Conference.

Still, something, someone, was noticeably out of place.

The Hawks still had the game's most individualistic player, and though Dominique Wilkins, did make some alterations in his game, he was a scorer, first and foremost. He clashed like stripes and polka-dots with the Hawks' new emphasis on team play.

So at the trading deadline last Thursday, the Hawks exchanged Wilkins for the Clippers' Danny Manning. If Manning signs with the Hawks, the Clippers will also get a first-round draft pick. Questions and criticisms followed swiftly in Atlanta, most regarding loyalty and sentiment. Wilkins had spent his entire 12-year NBA career with the Hawks and starred at the University of Georgia. Now, just when it appears the Hawks have their best them ever, Wilkins is dealt away. The Hawks' timing stunk, most agreed.

But that line of thinking was knee jerk. Forget the fact that Manning, at 27, is 6 1/2 years younger than Wilkins. Age wasn't the only reason the Hawks made the proper move, the required move, to subtract Wilkins and add Manning.

Now the club is geared to the coaching strengths of Wilkens. The Hawks no longer have one player dominating. They are 12 pieces working as one, the same kind of team Wilkens had in Cleveland, the kind that could pull a surprise or two during the playoffs.

"When an opportunity like this becomes a reality, you pull the trigger," says Pete Babcock, the Hawks' general manager.

Before the trade, the Hawks succeeded in part because of Wilkins, but mostly in spite of him. His instincts to shoot were still sharp. Wilkins forced shots and took on double-teams. His motives were always the best; hey, someone has to score, and few are better than him. But more often than not, Wilkins removed his teammates from the offense, and that wasn't what Wilkens had in mind.

Manning is the perfect player under Wilkens' system. He's 6 feet 10 and plays both forward positions. He averages more than four assists a game. Team-oriented, Manning makes himself part of the offense. In Manning's first game with the Hawks, eight players finished in double-figures and the club established a season high for assists. That was no coincidence.

Manning doesn't have Wilkins' scoring mentality, but that's the reason Manning fits nicely. He gets his 24 points in the flow. Without a reliance on one player, the Hawks will involve other and may, ultimately, see an increase in their scoring average.

By getting Manning now, the Hawks also put themselves in position to keep him. Just weeks age, Atlanta wasn't even mentioned as a likely home for Manning, an unrestricted free agent this summer. Now, Manning is the Hawk's to lose. Over the next few months, they must make it attractive enough for Manning to stay.

They have several things in their favor. Under salary-cap rules, the Hawks can retain a free agent like Manning at any price while other teams must find a slot for his salary. The Hawks have an experienced coach who has the full support of management; Manning played for six coaches with the Clippers. Winning a few playoff rounds will help; the Clippers never went anywhere.

Reaching the NBA Finals, something that's possible for the Hawks, should almost guarantee Manning's signature. In an Eastern Conference where all the contenders have flaws, the Hawks wanted to put themselves in position to contend for the title. By getting Manning, they gave themselves a chance this year . . . and maybe next year, too.