Hawks Look To Close Gap In East With Free Agents

Sports Betting News - July 7th, 2009 - Written by Ryan

The NBA is known for its off season moves, and the Atalanta Hawks have decided to make some moves of their own.  The Hawks ended the 2008 season with a record of 47 - 35 the best record for the Hawks in the past 10 years and, obtained the 4th seed in the playoffs for their efforts.  The 4th seed proved to be important, assuring the Hawks a much needed home court advantage in the first round.  They beat the Miami Heat in the first round and advanced on to play the Cavs in round 2, however their season ended in Cleveland. 

Most of the Hawks success began when they traded for Mike Bibby in 2008.  They finished that season with a record of 37-45 also advancing to the playoffs.  That's why the Hawks and Mike Bibby have come to terms on a 3 year contract extension worth about 18 million dollars.  Bibby an 11 year Veteran to the NBA averaged 15 points and 5 assist for the Hawks and became their much needed floor general.  keeping Bibby on the team assures the rest of the NBA East that the Hawks are trying harder and harder to get better.  The Hawks also signed Jamal Crawford form the Golden State Worriers earlier last month.  Though its not sure how Crawford will fit in with the Hawks sense he can play the Point Guard and Shooting Guard positions, it is sure that he will help the team.  Crawford Averaged 19 points and 4.4 assist last year for the Worriers mainly playing Point Guard. 

This production is what the Hawks need, a late game scorer.  The Hawks struggled to score points at certain spots in the schedule last year.  Crawford is a well documented scoring threat in the NBA and can become very streaky often in games.  With the acquisition of Jamal Crawford and the resigning of Mike Bibby, the Hawks could potentially be this years Orlando Magic.  The Hawks are trying to keep up with other teams in the east such as the Cavs and Celtics who just keep seeming to get stronger and stronger every year.  I think keeping Bibby and signing Crawford will make a huge splash in the NBA East in 2009.