Speedy to Hawks

[loopymitch]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2508532

The Atlanta Hawks, roundly criticized for bypassing Chris Paul in the 2005 NBA draft, filled their void at point guard Monday by reaching a verbal agreement with Paul's backcourt mate: Speedy Claxton.

Speedy Claxton

Point Guard
NO/Oklahoma City Hornets

Profile 2006 SEASON STATISTICS GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT% 71 12.3 2.7 4.8 .413 .769 Claxton's agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN.com that Claxton has verbally agreed to sign with the Hawks on July 12, the first day free agent signings and trades can be made official.
It is believed that Claxton will receive a four-year deal worth $25 million.
The Hawks targeted Claxton after a two-year, $13 million bid to wrest Sam Cassell away from the Los Angeles Clippers fell short. Cassell opted late Saturday to stay in L.A. when the Clippers matched Atlanta's offer.
Claxton, who logged key playoff minutes at the point for San Antonio's 2003 championship team, emerged as a top Sixth Man Award candidate with the Hornets last season as Paul's backup. Hornets coach Byron Scott frequently played Claxton and the eventual Rookie of the Year together in a small, but quick backcourt tandem.
Claxton is expected to be the unquestioned starter in Atlanta, enabling Joe Johnson -- the Hawks' marquee free agent acquisition last summer -- to play at his natural shooting guard position.
Senior writer Marc Stein covers the NBA for ESPN.com.


They finally get a PG!

 

[nbrans]

And there goes that one.

 

[HighFlyingMonkey]

Now what do the Kings do? Do they chance it and ask Douby to back Bibby?

 

[Kings113]

Who knows? The back-up PG spot is still up in the air, and likely will be till we either sign someone or until training camp (Douby).

Oh well on Speedy... kinda weird to see him go to the Hawks though. But he does get the starting spot.

 

[Warhawk]

Good move for the Hawks, obviously.

 

[Bricklayer]

More what I expected -- head off for a starting spot and the full MLE.

But we either a) have to get our asses in gear, or b) have to quit saying we're interested in people, because every time we have they have been snapped up like flies.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Back up PG is probably a low priority. I'd first try to sin Bonzi and get a new big. Then you see what you have left and try to get a servicable PG.

 

[Kings113]

Ultimately would agree with that... ^

Getting a decent vet. PG if you can would be nice for us. But not #1 or #2 priority.

But if you can trade for a guy like Duhon/Lue (Bucks guys are unlikely now). You do it.

 

[HndsmCelt]

It is usefull to look at deals and dates from past off seasons. The pattern is clear. Top players sign huge contracts first along with the obscenly over paid then as the DOS goes on the price for the remaining playres drops drmatically and as the preseason beginsthe bargains are had. Hurring up to sign a vet PG to come off the bench is pointless right now. first make the biger deals and try to clear some cap by moving dead wood like Hart (Good Luck)

 

[SacTownKid]

For that money he wasn't worth it. I mean for 15 minutes a game I don't think so. I would have loved to have him but too much.

 

[Sac.Kings]

and there goes another one...

 

[reyes13]

Maybe they're waiting to see what Doubey can do. Either way I hope he can ball because if Bibby gets injured things head south with Hart/Price running the show.

 

[Kings113]

Once again, the back-up PG spot is up in the air.... we'll know about Douby and that by training camp.

 

[Rome]

For that money he wasn't worth it. I mean for 15 minutes a game I don't think so. I would have loved to have him but too much.

15 minutes a game? he played 29 minutes a game with the Hornets last season.

 

[ParniValjak]

For that money he wasn't worth it. I mean for 15 minutes a game I don't think so. I would have loved to have him but too much.

He was never going to be a 15 minute per game guy. He was always going to be a 20+ mpg guy whether that was with us or anyone else. Thats why I said that getting Speedy would seriously crowd our backcourt thats assuming Bonzi is back.