Now, he's ready to join them and shoot straight in a different way.

Hawkins signed on Saturday as the Grizzlies television analyst. He will join play-by-play announcer Matt Devlin for 50 games, starting Nov. 1 with the regular-season opener against Detroit.

Those games will be broadcast on WMC-TV Channel 5 and WPXX-TV Channel 50.

"Hersey has always been the consummate professional," said Randy Stephens, the Grizzlies' director of broadcast. "We are confident that he will do whatever it takes to be as successful in his new career as he has been as a player."

Hawkins was not available for comment. He is expected to arrive in town today to attend the Grizzlies preseason game against the Clippers.

Dick Versace, Grizzlies president of basketball, coached Hawkins at Bradley University. Hawkins's decision to reunite with Versace came after no NBA team tendered him a contract in the offseason. Hawkins played for the Charlotte Hornets last season.

Hawkins, though, retires as one of the league's best scorers and ironmen.

He ranks 10th all-time with 1,126 three-pointers, and at one point played in 527 consecutive games. Hawkins also helped the Seattle Sonics reach the 1996 NBA Finals before succumbing to the Chicago Bulls.

Throughout his career, Hawkins had been honored for his character. He won the NBA Sportsmanship Award after the 1998-99 season.

The addition of Hawkins completes the Grizzlies' radio and broadcast team. The club is expected to announce soon a cable partner that will carry additional games.

- Ronald Tillery

October 14, 2001