Chris Vivlamore of the AJC: “Luol Deng, who indirectly played an enormous role in the current Hawks ownership and management controversy, was in Atlanta Friday to play a basketball game. Deng was a top free-agent target of the Hawks this summer. It was in a June conference call with ownership and management that general manager Danny Ferry used racially insensitive and stereotypical remarks in referring to Deng. As a result, the Hawks conducted an independent investigation into the statement. It led to the discovery of a racially inflammatory e-mail written by controlling owner Bruce Levenson about, in part, the makeup of the team’s fan base and game operations. Levenson announced in September his intention to sell his interest in the team.”
Brad Rowland of Peachtree Hoops: “The Atlanta Hawks haven’t been spotless in accumulating three consecutive victories, but they will test their new-found momentum on Friday night, as the Miami Heat coming calling for a tilt at Philips Arena. Other than the obvious story line of an attempt to unseat the four-time defending Southeast Division champions, the Hawks will once again be operating without the services of their starting small forward in DeMarre Carroll. Carroll has been ruled out for the second consecutive game as a result of a groin issue, and although Atlanta fought valiantly in his absence on Wednesday, the visiting Heat are a different beast than the Utah Jazz.”
Keith Olbermann on the Paul Millsap jersey snafu:
