Good morning, Tim Duncan finally meets The Punisher

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

THE PERFECT HAWKS OWNERSHIP GROUP: SB Nation’s resident ATLiens Jason Kirk and Spencer Hall sift through the applications. (At least one suggested franchisee is on board.)

Meanwhile, Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed made some oddball comments about the city needing to “keep the Hawks,” as if there were a question. He claimed one potential buyer is from China. (Please say Yao please say Yao.) Peachtree Hoops has more on which of the Atlanta Spirit partners are selling.

WELP: If you thought James “J.D.” Dolan was bad at running a basketball team you really ought to check out his blues band perform a song about Chris Christie on Good Day New York. Four minutes to make the Isiah Thomas era with the Knicks look like Revolver.

FIBA FINALLY COMES AROUND: Religious head coverings are now allowable in some FIBA events. Hijabs and turbans were previously banned from competition, which is so crazy as to be offensive. Cheers to the folks who raised awareness of this issue and fought for change.

TURRIBLE: Hey, we found a basketball player worse at baseball than Michael Jordan. It’s Charles Barkley!

TIM DUNCAN IS AWESOME PART THE INFINITY: Big Fun will appear in an upcoming issue of The Punisher. Frank Castle will be visiting Tim Duncan’s garage in the comic, and apparently be getting a customized ride, a replica of which will be auctioned off for charity by Tim Duncan’s actual customization garage. This sounds amazing.

EXTENSION TIME: Zach Lowe breaks down six intriguing extension-eligible youngsters. Prediction: Jimmy Butler is not getting paid early.

INTERNATIONAL IMPACT: Does playing in FIBA competition help or hurt players? 538 crunched the numbers and it’s ... inconclusive.

THE NETS GIVE UP: The BrooklyKnight has mercifully been locked away, but the Nets will not replace him with another mascot. It’s probably just as well.

Happy Wednesday. GMIB will be back on Monday. See you then.