The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

June 29, 1999

The Atlanta Hawks traded veteran point guard Mookie Blaylock and a 1999 first round pick (21st overall) to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for G Bimbo Coles, F Duane Ferrell, and a 1999 first round pick (10th overall)

1999 - ‘00 Salaries:

Mookie Blaylock, GS: $4.2 M

Bimbo Coles, Atl.: $2.1 M.

Duane Ferrell, Atl.: $1.6 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Atlanta.

Why?

Hawks’ head coach Lenny Wilkens had grown tired of Blaylock’s shoot first, pass second mentality; especially considering Mookie shot under 40 percent last season. Though he is still a good on the ball defender, Mookie no longer fit in the Hawks’ plans of becoming younger and more athletic.

Coles will help groom rookie G Jason Terry who was acquired with the 10th pick. Coles may start early in the season and then move to the bench once Terry proves he’s ready to start .

If he can stay healthy, Ferrell will probably replace veteran swingman Tyrone Corbin in the Hawks’ rotation. Duane, 6’8, is taller than Corbin, 6’5, and slightly more athletic.

Despite his poor shooting numbers, Blaylock is better than Coles, Muggsy Bogues, and Tony Delk who shared time running the show for the Warriors last season.

Warriors GM Garry St. Jean firmly believes Blaylock’s poor numbers were a result of the lockout and the injuries which ravaged the Hawks last season.

“...Look at the rosters...tell me how many point guards are better than Mookie Blaylock,” St. Jean said. “And if you can get to 10, you’re on a reach.”

It’s no shock Wilkens and Hawks’ GM Pete Babcock have a different viewpoint on Blaylock:

“Mookie gave us seven great years,” said Babcock.

“He really did,” Wilkens added. “But when you have an opportunity like this you move on. Mookie did a fine job for us, but we have to keep getting better.”