Hello all. I'm back from New Orleans, refreshed and ready for the season's second half. It's amazing what one weekend can do to turn your spirits around, no?

Tonight we get our first glimpse of the Hawks with Mike Bibby running the show, and I for one cannot wait. Don't get me wrong - I don't expect the team to go on a 9-1 tear in the next 10 games just because the team made this trade, and I will still ultimately be very happy if we can go 2-3 on this road trip against the best of the West (combined record of the five opponents: 158-101). Yet I cannot help but feel renewed enthusiasm for the rest of this season and beyond.

I think Bibby is going to be a godsend for this team. He can shoot, he can pass, and most importantly, he can take charge when the going gets tough. Well, things are going to get tough over the next week, with 5 games in 7 days.

Bob Rathbun and I talked about the deal extensively on today's podcast, and he said something I agree with entirely. The trade for Bibby solidifies the starting five - we all know that. But where the onus will really be for the Hawks going forward will be the play off the bench, in particular Zaza Pachulia and Acie Law. If those two can play at the level they are capable of in what figures to be more extensive minutes for each, then the Hawks will be in good shape.

It's going to be a tough stretch over the next week. Let's all stay up late tonight and see how it begins!