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Tim Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel writes that all of the nasty Atlanta stories the on again, off again trade for Joe Johnson and bickering owners could be the best thing to happen to the Atlanta Hawks in a long time.

Eventually, Johnson likely will become a member of the Hawks, creating an anticipation that the team hasn't seen in many years. Johnson never has been an all-star - and he probably won't be worth the $70 million contract - but the wrestling over his acquisition has been entertaining. Although this isn't Michael Jordan they are battling over, you wouldn't know it by all the finger-pointing, chest-thumping and backstabbing.

Normally in Atlanta this time of year, the Hawks disappear, buried at baseball's midseason by the Braves and the NFL training camp Falcons. Now, people in Atlanta are talking about Johnson, and whether he can become the leader for the youngest and most athletic team in the NBA. The energy is building.