STORYLINES
Here are some things to watch during the season:
1. With the Hawks back on the court, it’s easier to put the major distractions of the summer behind them. The racially inflammatory remarks made by controlling owner Bruce Levenson left most or all of the team up for sale. The racially insensitive remark by general manager Danny Ferry left him on an indefinite leave of absence. A cloud hangs over the organization. Players and coaches can handle only what is in their control and will do their best to compartmentalize the issues facing the organization. How well they are able to do that will be a key this season.
2. With Ferry away, the business of basketball operations continues with the remainder of his staff and coach Mike Budenholzer making final decisions. It has worked to this point with the roster set before the firestorm. However, when the season starts, decisions must be made, and they will only get bigger as the season progresses toward the February trade deadline. How the front office operates will be worth watching.
3. Speaking of the trade deadline, what will the Hawks do with Paul Millsap and DeMarre Carroll? Each will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. The Hawks could trade one or both to get something in return. They may not be able to afford to make such a move while in a playoff race. Both starters are important pieces now. Will they be at midseason?
4. The Hawks need to avoid the long losing streak. It was costly last season as they slipped from third to eighth in the Eastern Conference over the last 3 1/2 months of the season. The Hawks had losing streaks of eight, six and six games last season. Their longest win streak was five games.
5. The Hawks’ only offseason acquisitions were aimed at improving the defense. They signed Thabo Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore to help on the wing and give Carroll a break. Much of the Hawks’ success will be determined on those additions to the defense and the return of a healthy Al Horford.
BY THE NUMBERS
24.9 Assists-per-game average last season, second in the NBA and first in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks had at least 20 assists in 74 of 82 regular-season games and had at least 30 in 13 postseason games.
768 Number of 3-pointers made last season, a club record. Had double-digit 3-pointer games 35 times, breaking record of 27.
QUOTABLE
“Our team is really better this year. We have a lot of great guys coming off the bench who could play starting minutes on a lot of teams. That is the beauty of our team.” — Jeff Teague
KEY DATES
Oct. 27: Rosters set for opening day, 5 p.m.
Oct. 29: Hawks at Raptors, season opener, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 31: Deadline to exercise team options
Nov. 1: Pacers at Hawks, home opener, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5: Start of 10-day contract signing period
Jan. 7: Contracts guaranteed for rest of season
Feb. 13-15: All-Star weekend (Brooklyn/New York)
Feb. 19: NBA trade deadline, 5 p.m.
April 15: Hawks at Bulls, 8 p.m., regular season ends
April 18: Playoffs begin
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