Delayed start to season gives Hawks time to scout

By Sekou Smith

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Hawks captain Joe Johnson was thankful for the sneak preview the NBA provided by having his team's season opener Wednesday rather than Tuesday.

The extra day allowed Johnson to get a good look at Cleveland and Boston, two teams the Hawks are chasing in the Eastern Conference standings, as well as an upstart Washington team.

"Everybody looks good on paper when you read about all the improvements that teams make," Johnson said. "But you really get to see what you're made of on opening night. When that popcorn starts popping and those lights come on, it all comes out. Last night I got a chance to sit and watch and size up the competition, and we've got our work cut out for us. There's no doubt about that."

Still in place

Mike Woodson was on the sidelines for his sixth consecutive season opener with the Hawks on Wednesday. He has the second-longest tenure of any coach in the Eastern Conference, behind New Jersey's Lawrence Frank (by a few months).

"I'm happy. I'm blessed," Woodson said. "Billy [Knight] and I had a vision when he called me to come here and interview, we both had a vision for what could be done here. I was coming off of winning a title in Detroit, so my expectations were sky-high because it was fresh on my mind. The fact that ownership has given me an opportunity to extend that and continue the growth of this team means a great deal to me. I don't know how long I'll be here. But as long as I'm here I'm trying to make the most of it. That's all you can do."

Solo's return

Solomon Jones started this season in the same place he has each of his four NBA seasons, at Philips Arena.

However, he was a visitor for the first time Wednesday night. Jones is in his first season with the Pacers, having signed there as a free agent this past summer after three seasons with the Hawks.

"It feels good being back in here," Jones said with a smile. "But I'm happy with where I am."

Pacers coach Jim O'Brien is happy to have Jones in the fold.

"He's a guy that is hungry to get playing time," O'Brien said. "And I think he's going to get a substantial amount of playing time for us. I've been a little surprised with his high basketball IQ. I didn't know Solomon before this. He picks things up great. He's a solid mid-range shooter. He's a little undersized at the center spot, which is where we're playing him. But you can tell he's been well-coached down here the last couple of years. He's going to help us. He's the most athletic big guy we've had in my time here."