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Since the Omni was demolished two years ago, the Hawks have been playing most of their games at the Georgia Dome. The home games expected to draw smaller crowds have been held in Georgia Tech's own Alexander Memorial Coliseum.
This year, thirteen of the Hawks' games will be played here, including a preseason matchup against the New Jersey Nets on October 21. Other teams scheduled to play the Hawks in the coliseum are the Kings, the Hornets, the Clippers, and the Nuggets.
Last year, the Hawks finished 50-32, making it to the first round of the Eastern Conference Finals. The Hawks lost to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round, but this year the Hawks hope to make it further with a more solid roster.
Returning to the team is the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo. Mutombo led the Hawks in rebounds in almost every game last year. Also returning is the winner of the NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year Award, forward Alan Henderson. Henderson averaged 14 points and six rebounds per game last year.
Other returners include guard Steve Smith, who is ranked 14th in the NBA in points per game (20.1), 13th in free throw percentage (.855), and 13th in minutes per game (39.1). Guard Mookie Blaylock also returns to lead the team in all areas. Blaylock is ranked 1st in the NBA in steals per game (2.61) and 4th in triple doubles (2).
The Hawks have added Duke's Roshown McLeod to their roster. McLeod was the 20th pick in the first round. At Duke, McLeod led the Blue Devils in scoring at 15.3 points per game and was third in rebounding (5.6 rpg). His strong perforance throughout the season earned him first team all-ACC honors. McLeod also earned Honorable Mention All-American by The Associated Press in his last year at Duke. The Hawks also added North Carolina's Shammond Williams, who they acquired through a draft day trade with Chicago. Williams earned second team all-ACC honors last season.
Hawks tickets can be purchased individually or in packages. There are three plans: a full season plan, a 21-game plan (all games at the Dome), and a 13-game plan (all games at Tech). To find out about prices, call (404) 827-DUNK (3865) or call ticketmaster (404)249-6400.