Erick Dampier News

It's difficult to evaluate Rick Sund's tenure as general manager of the Atlanta Hawks because the worst parts of his tenure are essentially conditions of his employment.

With the Atlanta Hawks down two bigs at the time , the Hawks made a desperate move by signing a 37 year old Center to a 10-day contract.

While Ray Allen is likely headed for the Hall of Fame as one of the game's greatest long-range shooters, he still has time to express his gratitude for being around and being relevant.

Atlanta Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. was the featured speaker Wednesday at the Third Annual Art of It Luncheon at the Piedmont Park Conservancy.

After missing almost four months with a torn pectoral muscle and coming off the bench in a Game 4 loss, Al Horford put up a double-double and defensive gem as the Hawks hung on to win Game 5 of their first round series, 87-86 , over the Boston Celtics.

As the first round of the NBA playoffs draws to a close, we can start seeing the desperation and last-minute surges from all of the players.

A day later, Joe Johnson was at loss for words about the Hawks' embarrassing Game 4 loss to the Celtics on Sunday that has the team on the brink of playoff elimination.

The Atlanta Hawks seemed to have found the answer to their injury woes: a rejuvenated Tracy McGrady, who was putting together a playoff game reminiscent of his youth.

Although the Hawks were able to force an extra session in Game 3 on a night when they were without three key players, their effort cannot be questioned.

Head coach Larry Drew went into the night with a big man rotation that began with Jason Collins and ended with Erick Dampier.

The Hawks seemingly had no chance in Game 3 at Boston. Their top three big men watched from the sidelines with injuries, and the fans at TD Garden gathered for the expected sacrifice.

Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith was injured late in the fourth quarter of Game 2 on Tuesday against the Boston Celtics; his status for Game 3 on Friday is uncertain Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith could be inactive for Game 3 on Friday after suffering a knee injury late in the fourth quarter of Game 2 on Tuesday.

The Boston Celtics just won a game in this series without one of their key players, now the Hawks have to try and do it.

The Celtics were one of the fortunate teams to draw a good matchup in the playoffs - good enough to help them get out of the first round nice and quick.