Ready or not, Hawks open season

By Michael Cunningham

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Hawks never found their rhythm during the preseason because of nagging injuries, makeshift lineups and a gradual adjustment to new coach Larry Drew's philosophies.

None of that should obscure what is one major positive for the Hawks as they open the regular season Wednesday at Memphis.

"We made it through the preseason with no major injuries," Drew said Tuesday.

So the Hawks are in good health to start the season, which always is key in the NBA. But are they ready otherwise?

Even they acknowledge there's some uncertainty after a 2-5 preseason that left some unanswered questions about the team.

"We still have work to do, but I am confident,” Hawks forward Josh Smith said. “Preseason is preseason. You can go 7-0 [in the] preseason, but when it is all said and done it is 0-0. You have just got to be ready and geared up. I think we will be OK."

The Hawks hired Drew after he convinced management his approach would be distinct from that of former coach Mike Woodson. But the circumstances of the preseason didn't offer many clues as to the potential effectiveness of his formula.

Drew said he has installed most of his motion offense, but still sees players hesitating when they run it. He has made defensive intensity the main theme, but the Hawks have shown that only in spurts. And Drew didn't get to experiment with lineups as he had hoped.

The time for tinkering when the games don't count in the standings is over. The Hawks will have to show they've embraced Drew's new approach while also trying to win games.

"I think it is still going to be sort of a tough road for us," Hawks forward Mo Evans said. "Buying into [Drew's] whole philosophy, it is quite a change from what we are used to. While we were successful and won a lot of games [last season], I think as a team we need to focus like we are starting over with the same foundation with new concepts and go from there."

Because of the preseason injuries, some elements of Drew's plan will be incorporated on the fly.

Center Al Horford hasn't played much at power forward alongside reserve centers Zaza Pachulia and Jason Collins. Smith, the starting power forward, and guard Joe Johnson haven't spent much time at small forward. Point guard Jeff Teague, expected to play more minutes this season, didn't get much court time with Hawks starters.

"All of those things were a little interrupted, but we will get to it with the practice time that we do have," Drew said. "All of the guys are adjusting pretty well with playing different positions with the stuff we are putting in, so they are getting familiar with it. That's a good sign."

Familiarity should help the Hawks. They have had the same starting lineup since late in the 2007-08 season, and Drew was an assistant to Woodson the past six seasons.

After three consecutive years in the playoffs and the third-best record in the Eastern Conference last season, the Hawks are a veteran team.

"Guys have an understanding once the season starts what it is all about," said Horford, a team captain with Johnson and Smith. "It is all about going out there and doing it. We open on the road, so we really have to be on top of our game."

That echoes another major part of Drew's message. The Hawks were 34-7 at Philips Arena last season, but 19-22 on the road, falling short of their goal to win at least 21.

The Hawks play Friday at Philadelphia, among the four road games in their first six overall.

"We are excited about getting the season started, especially out on the road," Drew said. "That's where our real test is going to come. If we are looking to take that next step we have to be a good road team. What better time to start than the first regular-season game?"