July 14, 1999
SportsLine wire reports

ATLANTA -- The Atlanta Hawks signed their two first-round draft choices Wednesday -- Jason Terry, the point guard from Arizona who is expected to replace the traded Mookie Blaylock, and little-known forward-center Cal Bowdler of Old Dominion.

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Terry was taken with the 10th overall pick in the June NBA Draft. Bowdler was the 17th player chosen.

Both rookies signed three-year guaranteed contracts with a team option for a fourth year. Terry's agent, Larry Fox, would not confirm the terms of his deal, but it was believed to be about $4.73 million over three years.

"Jason and I feel comfortable with the contract," said Fox.

Bowdler's agent, William Pollak, said the 6-foot-10 rookie will receive $3.3 million over his three-year contract.

The Hawks' other first-round pick, Dion Glover of Georgia Tech, remains unsigned. He was the 20th player chosen.

Terry averaged 21.9 points per game last season and was named a first-team All-American and Pac-10 player of the year. He led the Pac-10 in scoring, assists (5.5) and steals (2.8) and is the only player in Arizona history to finish his career with more than 1,000 points and 200 steals.

Bowdler averaged 14.7 points per game as a senior at Old Dominion and led the Colonial Athletic Association in both rebounding and blocked shots.

Terry is a leading candidate to replace the departed Blaylock, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors just before the draft.

Coach Lenny Wilkens said Terry would battle veterans Anthony Johnson and Bimbo Coles for a starting role.

"Jason plays an up-tempo game," Wilkens said. "Certainly, he'll have good support around him."

General manager Pete Babcock said Bowdler can play both center and strong forward, giving the Hawks more flexibility on the bench.