Devin Harris started at shooting guard, his first start since Dec. 18 in Washington when he injured his left foot that cost him 11 straight games. Harris played 12 minutes in his return Wednesday in Cleveland.
“I want to get Devin back into a rhythm,” Drew said. “I want to bring some normalcy back with how we envisioned starting the season, how we did start the season, with him and Jeff (Teague) in the backcourt together to bring the speed we need. We have to get back to where we are really pushing the basketball. I think we’ve had a little bit of a letdown from a speed standpoint.”
Harris said he feels no ill effects of the injured foot.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m ready to roll,” Harris said. “When I come out, that’s not my choice. As far as I know, I’m ready to go.”
Drew said the move also always him to bring Lou Williams off the bench.
“I think for us, and how we envisioned it from Day One, was to bring Lou off the bench so we can have that punch.”
Kyle Korver, Josh Smith and Al Horford rounded out the starting lineup.
* Anthony Morrow, who has missed seven straight games, is a game-time decision. The guard did not participate in morning shootaround and was to warm prior to game time for a final decision. Morrow missed five games with a right hip strain and two with back stiffness.
* Anthony Tolliver’s contract is now guaranteed for the rest of the season. The Jan. 9 deadline passed and the forward remained on the roster.
"I've been working hard all year and I've tried to carve out a niche with this team,"
Tolliver said. "I'm still trying to build upon that. I think they see value in me and decided to keep me here."
* Former Hawk Marvin Williams was able to sleep in his old bed Thursday night, his first in Atlanta with the Jazz after being traded in the summer. Williams said he went to dinner at STK on Peachtree Street a little under-dressed, showing up in a sweat suit. He later was able to spend time with his mother and friends outside the Hawks organization.
Williams called on his former Hawk teammates with a pre-game visit to the players lounge.
“Some tell me they missed me, but I don’t really feel it,” Williams joked. “Others kind of make me feel it. It’s good to be back.”
