<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Hawks' oft-maligned rookie crew of Josh Childress, Josh Smith, Donta Smith and Royal Ivey has been counted on for more significant contributions than the average NBA neophyte. From regular starters to fill-in starters to key contributors, they've had to do it all this season. And now, as the roughest season in franchise history winds down, it's the rookies' turn to contribute once more. But this time their efforts aren't just on the floor and can't be measured statistically. Believe it or not, it's their collective wisdom under trying circumstances that will keep the Hawks afloat in the final two weeks of the season, starting with tonight's game against New Orleans at Philips Arena. When asked if the Hawks' current 12-game losing streak had taken an irreconcilable toll on the team's psyche, Childress just smiled. "This is fun," he said without a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "I know for myself, this is the time when you can just go out there and play. The season hasn't gone very well, and people are disappointed. We all are. But this is the time when you can just go out there and play, have fun and try and pick up a couple of wins along the way." </div> Source
