Hardaway, another former All-Star given up as a lost cause by just about everyone else after microfracture surgery on his knee, found new hope under Lucas' tutelage. Now, the Sonics appear interested in giving him another look at the NBA. Lucas says Hardaway looks better than he has in years. His quickness and athleticism aren't what they once were, but Lucas believes he can help a team in need of a point guard who knows how to run a team. "Obviously," Lucas said, "he's not the Penny of old, but he's certainly good enough to play again in the NBA. He looks the best I have seen him in almost seven years. But forget about the physical stuff. His biggest asset is he just knows how to play." The "Penny of old" to whom Lucas refers was something. Those who came to the NBA in the very recent past won't believe it, but before The LeBrons, there was Li'l Penny, the coolest advertising icon this side of that Cockney lizard that pitches car insurance. Nike used him to fill the gap when Michael Jordan retired, and he was arguably as popular. Now, Hardaway is more often referenced as proof Amare Stoudemire's comeback this season from microfracture surgery is fool's gold. But not Lucas. "Lukey" always finds positives where others see hopelessness. He never stops believing, not even in Shawn Kemp. Lucas thinks Hardaway and the Sonics will come to terms before long and has little doubt he can help Seattle. The Sonics may intend to wait until 10-day contracts can be signed next week, hoping to get a nearly free look at him. Lenny Wilkens, hired recently as a basketball consultant by new owner Clay Bennett, apparently remains skeptical. --

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