Larry Drew views logjam for minutes as ‘nice problem to have'

By Michael Cunningham

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

These are the times when Hawks coach Larry Drew must feel like a middle manager.

Drew has lots of qualified employees on his roster, but a limited amount of opportunities for them to show their stuff. The situation is about to get trickier with guard Kirk Hinrich nearing a return from injury, possibly Wednesday at San Antonio.

Drew has to balance the needs of the team with keeping idle players sharp and engaged. Certainly those circumstances are better than not having enough good workers to do the job, but Drew still has to find a way to keep his employees productive and happy while meeting goals.

“I know guys want more [minutes], but we are a lot deeper than we’ve been in the past,” he said. “Minutes will not be as high as they’ve been in the past. It’s a nice problem to have.”

Drew has tried to sell some of his veteran role players on the potential benefits of playing fewer minutes, citing the busy, lockout-shortened schedule. But NBA players, like those at every level, want to play.

Like most workers, they also prefer a consistent routine and a clear role.

“It’s easier when you know when you are going to play and how long you are going to play,” said Hawks forward Vladimir Radmanovic, whose minutes have fluctuated the past couple of weeks. “When you have a certain pattern, it’s easier to prepare. Fortunately for me I’ve been in different situations through the course of my career. I know how to deal with it and take positive things out if it.”

That’s the approach Drew is counting on from his veterans. It’s the way it has to go because of the Hawks’ depth and the versatility of many of their players.

That includes Hinrich, who can play both guard positions. He was the starting point guard until he suffered a hamstring injury during the 2011 playoffs and gave way to Jeff Teague, who had an impressive showing against the Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Hinrich had offseason shoulder surgery, and Teague entered camp as the starter. He has played well so far, and Drew said he would remain as the starter, with Hinrich coming off the bench.

“At this point, I am going to stay with that I have,” Drew said. “Jeff has shown that he deserves it. He has done a really good job for us.”

Hinrich will be one of up to six veterans who can play point guard, including Jannero Pargo and Willie Green. All-Star shooting guard Joe Johnson can play point guard if needed, and so can swingman Tracy McGrady.

So it goes down the Hawks’ roster. The team has 11 or 12 productive, veteran players for what essentially are eight or nine major roles.

McGrady can fill in behind Johnson or at small forward behind Marvin Williams. Josh Smith and Radmanovic can play both forward positions.

Since All-Star center Al Horford was lost to injury, Jason Collins and Zaza Pachulia each have started in his place. Forward Ivan Johnson has played some minutes at center when the Hawks use a small lineup, and Pachulia can slide over to power forward.

Pachulia is among the players whose production has been consistent as his playing time varies. He sulked under similar circumstance the past couple of seasons, but said he’s better able to handle it now.

“I’ve been in a situation where I was getting mad previous years,” he said. “But you learn one thing: You can’t control it or make it better. All you can do is be professional.”