If the recent rumors surrounding the Hawks are true, my optimism only grows.

The first rumor circulating is that the Hawks will sign Tracy McGrady. I think that this will be perfect. McGrady can play the 2 or the 3 and he can even handle the ball on occasions. Sure he is not the T-Mac he was when he was a perennial All-Star but he has learned to play as a role player, is much more consistent offensively than Jamal, is a much less liability on defense than Jamal, and the possibility that he will flourish as a sixth man intrigues me. There will be some that don't like the move, but I can remember how underrated the move was when the Hawks acquired Jamal.

The second rumor is that Jamal more than likely will be signed and traded to Chicago for Ronnie Brewer and Omer Asik. I actually had this move as one of the possible moves the Hawks should make (except involving Keith Bogans instead of Brewer and mostly to acquire Asik). I think this is a great move for the Hawks. We get a big, active big man in Asik and a perimeter defender, which is a good tradeoff for Jamal. We also don't make the same mistake as we did with Bibby.

I think the Hawks roster will be set unless the Hawks pick up a temporary fix at the backup pg position. I am hoping Sy is our version of George Hill though. The Hawks will be very deep this year and that will be very important with such a crazy schedule. Nearly every player on the roster can play multiple positions.

PG - Teague, Hinrich, Sy

SG - JJ, Brewer

SF - Marvin, McGrady

PF - Smoove, Asik

C - Al, Zaza, Benson