CNNSI - Hawks "Champs" For Signing Speedy

[AHF]

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Speedy Claxton

Claxton cooled off considerably in the second half of 2005-06, but Claxton at his worst is still years better than what his new team in Atlanta had to field at point guard last season. Royal Ivey started 66 games for the Hawks last year, and though he made a game effort, he was probably the worst player in the NBA who had to play significant minutes. He played 975 minutes, in fact -- and for every 13.4 of them (his per game average) Ivey managed one whole assist on a team full of finishers. Claxton may have his issues (height, no 3-point range, a nickname that may seem ironic toward the end of his contract), but mere competence will serve as huge upgrade in this situation.

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Champs & Chumps

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writ...umps/index.html

[AHF]

Hornets Chumps for Signing Bobby Jackson

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And giving three years and $17 million, as reports indicate, to a 33-year old Jackson is a stretch. It's easy to love Jackson's game, but you usually only get to love it for 60 games a season. Last year's backup, Speedy Claxton, had a better season than Jackson did in '05-06, he's five years younger and didn't sign for much more with the Hawks. Jackson's rebounding and all-around play seem more in line with the sublime Chris Paul, but what's the point if you're going to have to reach into the NBDL to find Paul's backup when Jackson invariably goes down with injury?

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[Packfill]

I really think Claxton will be fine as a starting point as long as he is not asked to play much more then 30 minutes a night.

[EddieK]

Agree with the article. Claxton is an upgrade over what we had starting for us last year. Although, I'd be estatic if we could pry Monta Ellis away from GS.

[BusBoyIsBack]

"a nickname that may seem ironic toward the end of his contract)"

That part really caught my eye. Do you guys think Speedy slows down in the next few years? He's only 28.

[jezmund]

Well some guys wanted Allen Iverson who is a few years older, $10M+ more expensive and takes way more hits throughout a season. I think we did OK....I guess we'll see.

[buckeye242424]

C'mon people the guy does have a point...compared to R.Ivey, Speedy is a gem. We need a pt. that can push the ball with our athletic team, score when needed, and he didn't cost us the farm to sign. We still have a lot of money left, and our core unit really isn't too bad...think about it. BK frustrates me to high hell, but the reality is, I can see this working.

[DawsonsCreek]

Amen. Bring Monta In.