A busy day in the Hawks offices today, with the signing of Flip Murray and Zaza Pachulia appearing on CNN to talk about the conflict going on in his native Georgia right now (more on that in a bit). While I was out covering that, my cohort Jon "Newbs" Newberry got a chance to chat with Flip about coming to Atlanta. Here's what he had to say:

Hawks.com: What drew you to Atlanta?

Flip Murray: I have a familiar background with Rick [Sund] from when I was in Seattle. I had a chance to come play here with a young team on the rise, they took the world champs to a Game 7, so there's a lot of talent here. I like team's style of play - they get up and down the court. All of those pieces fit together, and add in my previous relationship with Rick, it just all came together.

Hawks.com: Have you talked to any of the guys on the team? Do you have any previous relationships with any of them?

FM: I see Marvin Williams in North Carolina a lot, and I chilled with Josh Smith a little bit last year in Cleveland during the playoffs. I've been in the league a lot of years and know a lot of guys, so I don't think I'll have any problems fitting in.

Hawks.com: The Hawks have lacked guys who can create their own shots in the past. Is that something that you see as part of your role with the team?

FM: Definitely. I had a conference call with the team when we were negotiating the deal, and I got a chance to talk to Coach Woodson. I asked him exactly what role he was looking to fill, and he said he was looking for a combo-guard, a guy who could create his own shot and make plays happen on his own. Hearing that opened my eyes and made the decision that much easier for me.

Hawks.com: You mentioned the team likes to get up and down the court - does that suit your style of play best?

FM: That's been my style since Day 1, since before I even got to high school and college. In Seattle that's what we did, they wanted us to push the tempo and that's what we did and had success. In Cleveland we got up and down a little bit, but Detroit was more of a slow it down style. I don't know if that fit me as well. But I do like that style, and I think Woody is going to let us do that and make things happen.

Hawks.com: Have you spent much time in Atlanta in the past?

FM: I have. I live up in North Carolina, so I've gotten down here a few times outside of coming to play here. I don't know it too well, but I know the places to be - and the places not to be.