HOOPSWORLD has learned that Chucky Atkins and the Minnesota Timberwolves are about to part company. Atkins, who has a partially-guaranteed deal, landed in Minnesota as part of a deal in which he and Damien Wilkins were sent to the Timberwolves and Etan Thomas and two future second round draft picks went to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, at Atkins' request, a financial settlement has been reached between himself and the Timberwolves that will result in his being waived.
Atkins will then spend 48 hours on the waiver wire, after which he can sign with any interested team. It's been suggested that the Orlando, Florida native might land in camp with the Magic, though the Miami HEAT might be a more likely destination. The HEAT have been looking for a veteran point guard and Atkins fills that bill nicely. Over the course of his career, when he's been able to play significant minutes, Atkins has been a serviceable starter, and among the better reserve point guards in the league. He averaged 13.6 points and 4.4 assists as a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2004-05, and 13.2 points and 4.6 assists per game as a part-time starter for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2006-07.
Atkins established himself as an NBA player while in Detroit, where he started alongside Jerry Stackhouse, Clifford Robinson, Corliss Williamson, Michael Curry and Ben Wallace until 2001-02. That's when Chauncey Billups arrived in town and emerged as an All-Star, pushing Atkins to the bench. Atkins isn't a flashy player, and won't be the guy who wins games for you very often, but he is a player who has been in the playoffs, has played with some great players, and can make a difference in the locker room. He's exactly what the Miami HEAT need to help Dwyane Wade mentor the young players they have in the mix.
* forgot link http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13865
