Wed, Feb 23, 2011 at 8:05pm

HINRICH HEADED TO THE HAWKS

The Atlanta Hawks acquired point guard Kirk Hinrich and center Hilton Armstrong from the Washington Wizards in return for point guard Mike Bibby, rookie shooting guard Jordan Crawford, small forward Maurice Evans, and a 2011 1st-round draft pick.

What does it give the Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are struggling in February and part of that was Bibby, whose overall uneven production set an equally inconsistent tone for the team he ran. Enter Hinrich: a younger, bigger, more dynamic, and more versatile point guard. Also a superior defender, Hinrich is an underrated talent who should thrive with the chance to set the pace for a playoff-contending squad. The Hawks needed a change and Hinrich is a very good add (especially considering they'll have him for next season as well). Armstrong doesn't look likely to make much of an impact with his new team, and his small contract comes off the books after this season. Overall a nice trade for Atlanta, which should see Hinrich start for them soon and do well as their new primary point-man (once he shakes off a sore calf).

What does it give the Washington Wizards
The Wizards remain a team in overhaul mode, and while they don't get any great cornerstone pieces here, they do well to add a first-round pick and a solid prospect in Crawford. Bibby has quietly declined in recent years, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him flipped to a team that needs a veteran point guard. Otherwise, he can serve as a solid mentor to rising start starter John Wall for the rest of this season and next. Evans brings veteran leadership and energy off the bench, but has an expiring contract. The first-rounder isn't likely to be a high selection, but overall the Wiz do a nice job here of freeing up playing time for their youngsters while adding solid building blocks for the future.

Fantasy impact