Hawks sign 8-year-old boy with leukemia, awesomeness ensues
The Atlanta Hawks (57-19) are on the verge of setting a franchise record for victories, but they’re not done retooling their roster for the playoff run, as they landed a priceless free agent on Tuesday.
Hours before shooting for win No. 58 against the Phoenix Suns, the Hawks signed 8-year-old Kennesaw, Ga., native Lake Bozman, who suffers from Acute Myeloid Leukemia, to a one-day deal.
As one of 14 children selected by nationally syndicated radio program The Bert Show, Bozman and his family were originally slated to visit Walt Disney World this week on an all-expenses-paid trip courtesy of Bert’s Big Adventure to benefit children with chronic and terminal illnesses, but the boy fell ill.
So, instead the show coordinated with Hawks CEO Steve Koonin and coach Mike Budenholzer to help Bozman fulfill his dream of being on an NBA roster, per the team’s press release. His contract stipulates that he will be paid in the form of “drinks and snacks” along with courtside seats to Tuesday’s tilt against the Suns, a pregame visit to the locker room and participation in the team’s shootaround prior to tipoff.
Asked how he intends to work Bozman into the mix, Budenholzer said he can play “whatever position he wants.” With a shoulder injury sidelining Paul Millsap, perhaps there’s an opening in Atlanta’s frontcourt? As they prepared for Tuesday night’s game, the Hawks snapped photos with their newest teammate and adoring fans lined up for his autograph. He even got his own nickname and hashtag: #LakeTheGreat.
Bravo, Hawks. In a season full of fantastic moves, this is just the best.
(h/t SI.com)
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Ben Rohrbach is a contributor for Ball Don’t Lie and Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @brohrbach
