Here are five things we learned about the Hawks this week:
1. Paul Millsap is ready to move on from hearing his name in trade talks this summer. The three-time all-star told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution "not first time, won't be last." It certainly won't be the last. Millsap's name will certainly come up around the trade deadline in February. He can opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer and the Hawks could risk losing him for nothing, as they did with Al Horford. Millsap also believes that Dwight Howard will help with the floor spacing next season as a strong pick-and-roll presence. Millsap gave away 600 backpacks filled with school supplies to students at the newly opened Hollis Innovation Academy in Atlanta on Monday.
2. Jarrett Jack said he is about 80 percent recovered from the torn ACL in his right knee that ended his season with the Nets in January. Signed this summer by the Hawks, Jack said he expects to be ready to fully participate in training camp next month. Jack also said he expects to work well with new starting point guard Dennis Schroder. The former Georgia Tech star added he believes his school is on the right track to return to national prominence.
3. The Hawks preseason schedule was released this week and it will include a game against the NBA champion Cavaliers at Philips Arena. The game is scheduled for Oct. 10 as part of a seven-game exhibition season.
4. The Hawks are seriously considering moving the weekday start times back to 7:30 p.m. The team went to 8 p.m. starts last season. A final decision will be made once the NBA schedule is released as soon as next week.
5. Kent Bazemore will kick off a series of fundraisers for his ARMS Foundation this weekend with bowling, Uno and golf events.
There are a number of other Hawks stories and blogs from this week at ajc.com.
