The first practice of the 2015-16 season is in the books. The Hawks worked out for the first time in training camp on the campus of the University of Georgia. They will have a second closed practice tonight.
Coach Mike Budenholzer said the first effort was spirited and aided by the fact that a core of players is back for another season.
“The guys came out and got after it,” Budenholzer said. “A lot of them have been together for a few years. I think they understand our priorities and what is most important. Our guys are trying to establish that the first day of practice.
“I think we are fortunate that we have a core group and this is our third year together. I think offensively and defensively you can move to things a little bit quicker that in past years you might have had to take a day or a day and a half. You can do things at a little bit quicker pace. Some of the things that we are tweaking or adjusting, you can get to them sooner because they know the basics.”
Also:
* The three Hawks coming off season-ending surgery all participated in the workout. Thabo Sefolosha, Kyle Korver and Shelvin Mack all took part in practice, according to Budenholzer.
“I think somewhere between 50 and 75 percent of the practice,” Budenholzer said. “They did some 5-on-5 scrimmage. They did a lot of the drill work. I think Shelvin went through almost everything without exception. Kyle and Thabo we are going to monitor them and keep them out of a few things.”
* As reported late Monday, the Hawks reached a training-camp deal with Arsalan Kazemi and he was at practice. Kazemi, from Iran, brings the camp roster to 20 players.
* On Monday, Fox announced that it will televise 80 regular-season games on Fox Sports Southeast (new name effective Oct. 5). The two remaining regular-season games will be broadcast on TNT. Fox Sports Southeast will also air three exhibition games, starting with the opener Oct. 7 against the Cavaliers and games against the Spurs on Oct. 14 and the Grizzlies on Oct. 21.
Bob Rathbun returns for a 20th season as play-by-play announcers and Dominique Wilkins returns for a seventh season as analyst. Andre Aldridge and Olivia Harlan will rotate as sideline reporters.
* POINT 3 Basketball and the Hawks will announce a multi-year agreement Wednesday, naming POINT 3 as the exclusive outfitter for Atlanta Hawks summer camps and he Jr. Hawks affiliate league program. POINT 3, in its second year as outfitter for the Hawks summer camps, extended its partnership through the end of the 2016-17 season in addition to the Jr. Hawks affiliate league program.
POINT 3/Hawks branded merchandise will be available for sale in the Philips Arena store.
* Return to ajc.com later for more coverage of the first day of training camp. I’ll have a report on Paul Millsap and a wrap-up of Monday’s media day.
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