John Jenkins expected as much.
After the initial three games of the Las Vegas Summer League, the Hawks guard tied for fifth in scoring average at 19.3 points. He put up game-high point totals in the first two contests.
“I’m supposed to do that,” Jenkins said. “Putting up points is something I’ve got to do, I’m supposed to do.”
After playing nearly all his rookie season with the Hawks, Jenkins is back for another summer league schedule. For the most part he has excelled against competition of draftees and those trying to earn a training camp invitation.
Jenkins scored 24, 19 and 15 points against the Clippers, Heat and Spurs, respectively, in the Hawks three-game schedule. After a 1-2 start, the Hawks drew the 14th seed and opened the tournament portion of the league Wednesday night against the Trail Blazers.
Jenkins admits it’s a little odd after playing in 61 NBA games last season to be back competing with host of players trying to prove themselves. Yet he has something to prove – to himself and a new coaching staff.
“It’s kind of different going from playing against James Harden and all those guys to playing against guys who are trying to make the NBA,” Jenkins said. “It’s good for me to get up and down and play with them.”
Summer league hasn’t been just about scoring for last year’s first-round pick. Jenkins said he is working to improve his defense, rebound and assist totals and to become more on a leader. Jenkins made 21 of 52 (.404) of his field goal attempts, including 6 of 20 3-pointers (.300) through three games. He totaled 13 rebounds, seven assists and nine turnovers.
Jenkins credited a long list of last season’s teammates for helping him through his rookie year. He rolled off names that included Devin Harris, Kyle Korver, Jeff Teague, Al Horford and Josh Smith. In 14.8 minutes per game, he averaged 6.1 points and 1.5 rebounds. His 3-point field goal percentage of .384 ranked fifth among rookies. He did play two games in the NBA Development League midseason.
Jenkins and Mike Scott, last season’s second-round draft pick, are in similar situations as the rest of the Hawks roster as the team is re-shaped.
“I think they obviously feel more confident and comfortable overall,” general manager Danny Ferry said Monday. “It’s also a situation where they are learning a whole new offense and a way we want to play. We have no corporate knowledge at this point. As they learn the way we want to play and the principles with which we want to play with they will get better and better.”
Jenkins’ role diminished during the Hawks’ six-game first-round playoff series with the Pacers. He appeared in just four games for a total of 24 minutes and missed all three field goal attempts.
Jenkins said he is looking for an increased role this season. He has already had several conversations with new head coach Mike Budenholzer and is starting to learn the playbook, getting an early look during summer league.
“Hopefully, it’s increased a lot but it’s up to me,” Jenkins said. “I have to improve myself.”
Note: The 76ers asked for and received permission to speak to Hawks assistant coaches Quin Snyder and Kenny Atkinson about their vacant head coach position. Snyder joined the Hawks staff this summer as an assistant under new head coach Mike Budenholzer. He spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with CSKA Moscow. He is coaching the Hawks summer league team. Atkinson joined the Hawks last season as a member of Larry Drew's staff. He was the only assistant retained following Drew's departure and Budenholzer's hire. The 76ers have conducted a lengthy head coach seach since Doug Collins stepped down in April.
