Atlanta Hawks re-sign Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia

The Atlanta Hawks on July 13 signed unrestricted free agents Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia to new contracts, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

“We are very pleased to keep Mike as part of our team,” Sund said. “His consistent production and leadership over the last year-and-a-half have been major components to the team’s success. In all of our postseason meetings and discussions, Coach Woodson stressed the importance of keeping him on board. Mike’s own desire to return to our team speaks to the confidence he has in the direction of the franchise, and in his teammates and coaches.”

Last year, Bibby became one of the league’s most dangerous long-range threats in his first full season in Atlanta, finishing 8th in the NBA with 167 3FGM (the sixth-most in a season in Hawks history), hitting .390, the third-best percentage of his career. He concluded the season averaging 14.9 ppg, 5.0 apg, 3.5 rpg and 1.2 spg in 34.7 mpg (.435 FG%, .789 FT%) in 79 starts.

Bibby came to the Hawks from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second-round draft pick on February 16, 2008. He has played in 802 career regular season games and 69 playoff contests, including all 11 during the Hawks’ run into the second round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

“Zaza is a valuable piece of our frontcourt rotation,” Sund added. “In addition to his rebounding ability and scoring touch, his hustle and passionate play have connected with his teammates and the fans. He has excelled off the court as well, becoming a fixture in the Atlanta community.”

Pachulia appeared in 77 games last season (26 starts), and averaged 6.2 ppg and 5.7 rpg (career-high .497 FG%, .709 FT%). He also tied for 30th in the NBA in offensive rpg (2.2). Pachulia played in all 11 postseason games (one starting assignment), and put in 6.9 ppg and 6.9 rpg, including 18 rebounds in the First Round game four win in Miami.

The Republic of Georgia native originally signed with the Hawks as a restricted free agent on August 11, 2005. He was selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic.

Author: Inside Hoops

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