Being traded is nothing new for Jamal Crawford and he's learned to take it all in stride.

"When I came into the league I was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and traded to the Chicago Bulls on the same day," Crawford said. "So I've learned not to take these things personal."

Earlier this week, Crawford was introduced to the media in Atlanta as the newest member of the Atlanta Hawks after being traded from the Golden State Warriors, for whom he averaged 19.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.

"I'm really excited to be here and playing with these guys," Crawford said. "I believe that my style of play will fit in perfectly with the group that is assembled and I'm prepared to do whatever is asked of me by coach Mike Woodson."

For the most part, the trade caught Crawford off guard. He didn't have any idea that Atlanta was one of the interested in him but he handled the entire situation with dignity and respect as he has always done throughout his NBA career.

The 6-foot-5 Crawford is loaded with talent and can play the either guard position. He dropped 50 points last season on Charlotte but takes greater pride in setting up his teammates.

"Scoring has never been an issue for me but when I'm playing the 1 spot and I can make my teammate look good and get everyone involved in the offense, it creates a type of energy can't be defended," he said.

The Hawks have upgraded each of the past two seasons and the results have pushed them deeper into the playoffs.This year the Hawks made it to the second round and Crawford just may be the missing piece.

With the re-signing of Mike Bibby and and possible return of free agent Flip Murray, the Hawks are adding to the excitement in the Eastern Conference.

"(Shaquille O'Neal) signing with Cleveland is huge and he's been a proven winner wherever he goes," Crawford said. "And with Rasheed Wallace signing with Boston there are going to be some great matchups and competitive games that are going to happen early and often next season."

Crawford doesn't have an off-season and that's what he credits to be injury free for most of his career.

"I really work on my core during the summers with lots of conditioning and cardio exercises," he said. "Besides the weight lifting and running, my diet really sets the tone for the way that I perform on the court."

In other words, Crawford isn't the same skinny kid who came into the league nine years ago. He's stronger, smarter and a great addition to any organization.

Wesley Chism Jr. is a senior reporter for Pro Basketball News. He has written for the Milwaukee Times, Rivals.com and Richmond Afro Newspaper, and can be reached at chism@probasketballnews.com.