It would be wrong to say Jason Terry's career as an NBA point guard is over, but it is certainly on hold.

	Jason Terry, left, and Jim Jackson enjoy beating Sacramento, aided by Terry's career-high 38 points.

The Atlanta Hawks gave up their defensive ace in Mookie Blaylock to get the 10th pick of the draft in 1999. It was Terry. He was rated right behind Baron Davis (Charlotte) and Andre Miller (Cleveland), who have established themselves as the long-term solutions at the position with the top two teams in the Central Division.

Terry? He's started all of 34 games at the position , 27 last season when Lenny Wilkens ran out of options. He opened this season as the Hawks' point guard of the future. When they fell on their faces coming out of the gate, Lon Kruger pulled the plug.

Today, Terry isn't a point guard at all, at least not for the near-term. Instead, he's the Hawks' designated scorer, averaging 21.1 points in 12 games as an off-guard after replacing injured Jim Jackson.

Terry, 6-2, wiry and quick, has found a home, says Kruger. And general manager Pete Babcock is setting his sights on a big point guard, one who can play Eric Snow to Terry's version of Allen Iverson.

	Jackson

	Terry

But even when praised for his brilliant 38-point show in a victory over Sacramento Tuesday, Terry could not let go of the past. "Let's not forget I was the starting point guard when we lost our first seven games. I know there are some [injury] excuses. But I'm still embarrassed by that."

Terry has delivered some stunning performances. In a span of five games he scored 30 against Milwaukee's Ray Allen, 32 against an assortment of Cavaliers, then a magnificent 38 against Doug Christie of the Kings, hitting every significant shot that allowed the Hawks to catch up with the Kings and beat them 107-99.

	“	I'm a young player and they don't really pay attention to me, yet. That won't last. They'll start concentrating on me more and more. ”
		— Terry

"I'm really astonished by the change in his game," one Eastern scout said the other night. "His confidence level is way up."

Even Terry's floor game has picked up. In a narrow loss to the Heat he had nine assists, one turnover. On a poor shooting night against the Bulls, he dealt 13 assists, highest total of his career. That was a night, he said, he proved something to himself.

"I'm a young player and they don't really pay attention to me, yet," he said after getting his 38. "That won't last. They'll start concentrating on me more and more."

And then what happens?

"They'll leave my teammates open. I'll get them the ball and they'll start scoring."

That's what happened when the Hawks beat the Bulls 85-74. His shot uncertain, he found his teammates and the Hawks pulled away in the fourth quarter.

So, how has Terry become a better point guard while working the other side of the street?

"Sometimes, simply taking the pressure off makes the difference," Kruger said. "He does carry all the responsibility with him. He can play relaxed and he sees the floor from a different perspective."

	The Users Say...
	Although Jason Terry plays on the worst team in the NBA, he should at least be in the running right now for some type of award. He's the best player on his team and should be the No. 1 option in the offense. If the Hawks would draft some real talent maybe the arena would be filled with their fans instead of the opposing teams fans. Jelani McCaskey Atlanta

It isn't going to be a smooth track every night, but Terry believes his game will expand and he will attain the level that Babcock anticipated when he was drafted.

"I'll find guys," he vows. "In transition it's easier for me right now, but the rest of it will come, too. It's not easy, but I'm not out there every night for myself. I'm out there to win basketball games and for us to grow as a team."

Meanwhile, Terry is one hairy little problem: Terry has vowed not to get a haircut until the 6-18 Hawks win two straight. They face the Knicks Tuesday and go to Toronto Friday. The barber's shears are oiled and waiting.

Around The League