5 Questions with Tony Delk

ATLANTA (Aug. 10, 2004) -- The Atlanta Hawks introduced new team members Antoine Walker and Tony Delk to the media Tuesday afternoon, as the two joined Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon, Hawks GM Billy Knight, and VP of Basketball Dominique Wilkins at the Hawks practice facility in Philips Arena. After the press conference, Hawks.com caught up with Tony for five quick questions about his new team.

Hawks.com: Your bio on NBA.com says you would like to be a broadcaster when your playing days are done. Be a color analyst and tell us what you think of the Hawks moves this off-season.

Tony Delk: I think they are making moves to get the team headed in the right direction. Sometimes you have to shake up an organization to get guys who not only want to play but want to be here, and you have to try to get yourself back on the right page. They are making some good moves, and they continue to add pieces to keep the franchise going in a positive direction.

Hawks.com: You have come off the bench at times in your career, are you excited to get a chance to compete for a starting job?

TD: Well, I have started for teams before, I was a starter in Boston up until the time I got hurt, but this is definitely a good situation for me. It’s going to be a challenge, and I welcome that challenge.

Hawks.com: You and Antoine [Walker] have been playing together for a long time (since 1994), and have been traded with each other the last two times. Is there something in your contract that stipulates this?

TD: I think there is one in Antoine’s contract, he really wants me to come along with him (laughing). He and I have known each other for many years, and we have had a chance to win some games and to lose some games, but we have become great friends over the years. To have started our relationship in college, and to still continue it 10 years later in the NBA is a great thing.

Hawks.com: On such a young team, you and Antoine come in as the players with the most league experience. What kind of impact do you think you can have on some of the younger players?

TD: I think we have to let them know this is hard work. In order to stay in the league, you have to work hard and be determined, have to try to get better each and every day. Just because you are young, doesn’t mean you are always going to be in the league, there are always going to be guys coming after your job. You have to be hungry. You have to love the game, and want to play all the time.

Hawks.com: Since you and Antoine are both Kentucky alums, does that mean that (famous Kentucky booster) Ashley Judd will be making some appearances here?

TD: How did I know that question would come up (laughing). She is a Kentucky fan, not a Hawks fan necessarily, so I don’t know that she’ll be here, but we’d love to have her.

Micah Hart is the Asst. Web Editor for the Atlanta Hawks