Alright, we've all had a chance to sleep on what happened last night and drink in what the future holds for our franchise. The Hawks beat the odds, ending up with two picks in the top eleven despite only a 38% chance of doing so.

For a franchise short on luck over the past several years, that was huge. Could it have been better? Sure. I won't say I wasn't slightly disappointed when they called our name at #3, but I will take it, no doubt.

It sounds like Dominique Wilkins certainly feels the same way, based on the interview he gave last night, which I reprint here:

Q: How do you feel about the way things went tonight and securing the third overall pick?
Wilkins: I’m happy because we got two picks in the first round. We were positioned if we get the fourth pick, we lose that pick, so to keep the pick and get the 11th spot here is great for us.

Q: Is there any position you are looking to fill with the third pick?
Wilkins: We are going to look at a lot of different variables. We got good choices at both picks and, believe me, we are going to make the best decision on what we need. We are definitely going to draft on what we need instead of the best available guy. This is great for our franchise because I think this will make us instantly a contender for the playoffs. This is big for us.

Q: How much of a relief was it to get in that top three?
Wilkins: I was sweating over there. I wasn’t banking on one, but I said just get me the three. We already got eleven, just get me the three and then we have two good choices in the first round.

Q: Are you superstitious at all? Did you bring anything for luck today?
Wilkins: A little bit. I have my tie. It’s the tie I wore in the Hall of Fame, so I said maybe it will help me a little bit tonight.

Nique wasn't the only one contributing to the Hawks positive karma for the lottery. Thanks to everyone who entered the "Share Your Luck" Sweepstakes for providing access to their good mojo. In particular, we'd like to thank Jeff Rackliff, who was chosen as the grand prize winner.

Jeff met his wife at a Hawks game 25 years ago (which just so happened to be Dominique's rookie season), so he considers the Hawks to always be lucky to him. I'll say - not only did he help us to the #3 pick, but he also wins for himself a trip for two to New York to see the Hawks make their two lottery selections amongst a bevy of other prizes.

Meanwhile, back to the issues at hand. There are a ton of possibilities available to the Hawks this offseason. Should we keep the picks and draft two players? Trade one and/or both of them for established veterans? Some combination of the two? The scenarios are as limitless as your imagination.

One thing I will say, from reading the comments, is there seems to be somewhat of a groundswell for taking Yi Jianlian, the 7-footer from China. I will see what more information I can dig up on him and get back to you. As is, I plan on getting some in-depth profiles from those in the know about several of the players who are potential selections for the club.

Lastly, I would just like to make two points - maybe it's hindsight (though I maintain it was the right move when it happened), but can anyone really dispute the trade for Joe Johnson now? Yes we lose our pick next year, but if we are still in the high lottery, that is a whole other problem. I'd say the price we paid was worth it and then some.

As well, I'd like to give BK some credit for the Al Harrington trade and the way that worked out. Indiana literally got as far up in the draft as was possible without retaining their pick, and for a franchise as successful as they are, I don't know that we could have asked for much more.

BK just concluded his press conference with the Atlanta media, and I will post audio from that in just a little bit.

Keep your suggestions coming!