What’s your point ? Bibby to Atlanta
The Sacramento Kings finally traded Bibby and his 14 million salary, but, just like with Gasol, the destination was completely unexpected. Not that Atlanta didn’t need a point guard, it’s just that he’s been rumored to be heading for Cleveland for a while.
Just as with Gasol, the price Atlanta paid consisted mostly in expirings, only instead of 2 very late future 1st round picks, Atlanta sent their own 1st round pick (5th overall) from a year ago. A pick that was widely criticized, not only because Shelden Williams was picked before the likes of Brandon Roy and Rudy Gay, but also because the Hawks’ roster was already full of 6′9 forwards. So far, Shelden Williams looks like an expiring waiting to happen. Which he will be next season.
For the Kings is a sign they don’t have any dreams about making the playoffs - which would have been a miracle in the crowded West - and are ready to go into full tanking mode while trying to shed as much salary as possible along the way. Figures like Artest will be the next to go, if they find any takers for him. By moving Artest the Kings would allow Kevin Martin to be the unquestioned star of the team.
For the Hawks it most likely means they will make the playoffs. They are now 9th in the East, but they should be able to surpass Philadelphia, New Jersey (who is about to lose Kidd) and Washington (if Caron Butler and/or Arenas don’t come back soon). The Hawks already have a lot of fire-power offensively and they’d benefit most from a pass-first PG, which Bibby is not. For the Hawks to have success what Bibby needs to do is not to shoot the ball too much himself (he’s at 40.6% on FG for the season) and not give it too often to Joe Johnson (also 40.6% on FG for the season). If he spreads the wealth around and improves his shot selection, the Hawks could go as high as 6th in the East and avoid a sweep at the hands of the Celtics or Pistons …. and get a sweep from the Magic.
Salary wise, Bibby makes 14 million, which is a lot more than he’s worth right now, but next season he becomes a huge expiring and either the Hawks can work out a decent extension with him, or they could use him in a trade if things don’t work out.
