 Babcock |
As the 2002 NBA Draft approaches, Pete Babcock is working feverishly through his busiest time of the year. In his 13th year as the Hawks Vice President/General Manager, Babcock is responsible for the daily management and direction of the team as well as the procurement of players through trades, free agency and the collegiate draft.
A political science major at Arizona State (graduated in 1971), he earned his Masters from ASU in 1976. A former high school basketball coach in the Phoenix area, Babcock began volunteer and regional scouting for the New Orleans Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, before being hired to be Paul Silas' assistant coach with the San Diego Clippers in 1980. In 1984, he joined the Denver Nuggets, where he became President/General Manager in 1987. Babcock joined the Hawks in 1990.
Actively involved in community-related matters, Babcock has worked on substance abuse and gang-related issues, the Special Olympics and many youth-oriented programs. Babcock initiated monthly Atlanta Hawks Success Seminars for high school students, and male-mentoring programs for elementary school students throughout metro Atlanta.
Babcock's brothers are also involved in NBA basketball operations, as Rob is the Director of Player Personnel for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Dave is the Director of Scouting for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Frederick(Ontario): What kind of player do you expect at #37?
Pete Babcock: There's no way of knowing because it's so late in the draft. Ideally, you'd like to be able to drata player to fit a position you need or skill you want to add, but you're normally in the position of drafting the best player available regardless of position.
Brandon (Atlanta): Mr. Babcock,
Since the Hawks do not have a 1st round pick this year & the slim possibility of a 2nd round pick being an impact player, are you attempting to make some offseason trades to attempt to bring in another presence who could help the Hawks make the playoffs in 2003?
Pete Babcock: Yes. Obviously the best way to improve our roster is through a trade. We're trying to move into the first round with first round picks in upcoming drafts. We are exploring trades pretty aggressively. These may not transpire, if at all, until later in the summer.
Marco (Denver, CO): Of all of the players you have brought in for workouts, if you had to pick one pleasant suprise, who would it be?
Pete Babcock: Probably a player that people aren't aware of, and who won't be drafted. His name is Sylvera Bryan. He played in the Chicago pre-draft camp. He's a center who has played very little basketball and our scouts wat to bring him into look at him. And he's been a pleasant surprise. But he probably won't get drafted. If he keeps working at it, in a couple years he may be able to play in the NBA.
Mark (Atlanta): Is Jason Terry the Hawks' PG? Or do you plan on bringing in a PG from outside the organization?
Pete Babcock: The answer's not quite as simple as that because it depends on what we're realistically able to do. We like Jason Terry's quickness and scoring ability, and if we were able to add a bigger PG, we would move him to off-guard. If we could add an off-guard, then we'd probably keep him at the PG. Either way, we want to keep him on the floor because he's such an explosive scorer.
Adam (Troy Alabama): What happened with Lamayn Wilson in his workout vs. Tayshaun Prince? Wilson is a 6'8 shooting guard who should be in the NBA. What did you think of him?
Pete Babcock: He worked out well. He was athletic. He did a good job in the workout. He probably won't be drafted. But maybe someone will take him to the summer camp.
teheran height: Who is on the top of the chart for the hawks if they are looking to make a trade or sign a free agent?
Pete Babcock: I can't talk about free agents at this point. We're not permitted to talk about free agents until July 1.
Jeff Chick: The Atlanta Hawks have the 37th overall draft pick in the 2002 draft. My question is are you looking strictly for a point guard or the best player left at the 37th pick regardless of postion? Also is Atlanta thinking about resigning Ira Newble? Thank you for taking time to answer my questions.
Pete Babcock: First of all, yes we'd like to re-sign Ira Newble. With the draft, if it were someone that could help the team, we'd love to draft a PG. But usually it comes down to what's left, and maybe it duplicates a player you have, but you have to go with the best player.
Adam(Atlanta): How is Theo Ratliff's health? We really missed him last season.
Pete Babcock: I would agree. We definitely missed him. He's excellent. He's 100 percent to play. He's working out every day. And he's doing great.
B Evans: what characteristics do you see in this player?
Pete Babcock: The No. 1 criteria obviously is talent, the ability to physically play in the NBA. Maybe three parts...the physical talent (speed, strength, endurance, quickness), the basketball skills and finally the character. You don't want to bring in players that are going to be problems.
BOBBY: WHAT PLAYER DO YOU SEE HAVING THE MOST IMPACT IN THE NBA COMING OUT OF THE DRAFT?
Pete Babcock: I really don't know to be honest. I think you could look at different players for different reasons...you could say Yao Ming for his skills for his size. Or you could look at the top three athletes in the draft. I don't think there is any definitive Rookie of the Year. I don't think you could pinpoint one in this draft.
Shawty Slim (Norfolk): Steve Logan has tremendous stats on locking down his opponents. Also he can break down defenses and shoot the three. What do you think?
Pete Babcock: Logan's a great competitor. He did a great job at Cincinatti. There were concerns about his lack of size. It doesn't mean he can't do it. But that's the question mark. He measured 5-10 at Chicago and he's got good strength and plays bigger than 5-10. But you still have to be a special player to be 5-10 in the league. And maybe he will be, but that's the question mark.
Dean (San Francisco): What role do you see Toni Kukoc playing in next year?
Pete Babcock: Tony does a lot of things for us on and off the court. In the lockerroom he brings a lot of professionalism and experience. On the court, when healthy, we were able to run our offense through him. He gives us versatility. He can pass the ball and is capable of scoring. He is the old point forward type of position, the Chris Mullin type of player.
scott: Pete, Where are the hawks going at the point? Will we bring back Davis and Vaughn?
Pete Babcock: Davis is back. He's under contract. Vaughn is an unrestricted free agent. He played well and we were happy with him. But we're going to explore all our options. We're exploring opportunities to improve at every position, and that would be one of them.
Mike (Portland): Do you think that teams will be more aggresive this offseason in the free agent market since there was not a luxury tax this year?
Pete Babcock: No I do not. I think they'll be less aggressive because there will be a luxury tax next year. I believe it will have a dramatic effect on teams' interest in using their mid-level exceptions. Because if you're over the projected tax line, for every dollar you spend, you may as well be spending two. You really hurt your team if you overspend. I think it will make free agency more restrictive than open.
Josh(Tifton): Are you expecting the Hawks to make the playoffs this year?
Pete Babcock: Yes. Absolutely. We have everybody back healthy. We unfortunately lead the NBA in the dubious category of most games lost to injury last year. with everybody back healthy and a few new faces, we really think we should be back in the playoff race.
Pete Babcock: I appreciate the questions and the interest in our franchise and in the NBA.
