--The Hawks haven't heard much in the way of progress reports on former swingman Josh Childress, who has already begun his first training camp with his new team (Olympiacos) in Greece. But that doesn't mean his former teammates aren't curious. To a man they've all inquired with one another to see if there is any news.

--The battle for what could be the Hawks' 15th and final roster spot could be waged by free agents Mario West, Thomas Gardner and Frank Robinson. All three are athletic, scrappy types hungry to make the NBA. While West has a leg up, having been with the team last season, Gardner is a better shooter and Robinson the most complete player of the trio. None of the three have guaranteed contracts, so they'll be playing for their livelihood from the first whistle.