Since training camp opened Hawks coach Larry Drew has struck a balance between evaluating his young players and preparing his veterans.
Expect the scale to tip firmly in the direction of the established players for the second and final exhibition game Thursday at Philips Arena against the Bobcats.
“It's about time to toss it up now,” Drew said.
Soon after the Hawks play Charlotte, they'll trim down their roster from 18 players to as few as 13. Those cuts have to be completed by Saturday, and the Hawks open the season at New Jersey on Tuesday.
There's not much time left for the Hawks to be game-ready. After limiting the starters to about 20 minutes in the 79-77 exhibition loss at New Orleans on Monday, Drew said he plans to play them more in the rematch.
“I still want to get these young guys and give them that one final look in game situations,” Drew said. “But I want to use our starters a little bit more so they can develop some type of game rhythm.”
The urgency of assessing Atlanta's young guards decreased when the team signed veteran Jannero Pargo on Tuesday. That means neither Pape Sy, Brad Wanamaker or Donald Sloan will have to be the primary backup to point guard Jeff Teague.
However, the Hawks still have at least two unsettled roster spots. They have 10 players with fully guaranteed contracts and Pargo is a safe bet to make the cut, so they would have to keep two additional players to get to the minimum of 13.
It's possible the Hawks keep more than 13 players (the maximum is 16). Guard Kirk Hinrich is expected to miss at least another month and an arduous schedule demands depth to reinforce regulars who will deal with fatigue and injuries .
That latter concern hit home when Teague left practice Tuesday after suffering a left ankle injury. Teague is questionable to play Thursday.
“We're not sure of the severity right now,” Drew said following the practice.
In addition to the three young guards, front court prospects Keith Benson, Magnum Rolle and Ivan Johnson get one more game to impress. Benson had three blocked shots in the first game and Drew said he liked Johnson's intensity and toughness.
The game also provides another chance for veterans Tracy McGrady and Jerry Stackhouse to get sharper as the season approaches.
“I don't think either guy has their legs under them yet but I can see that it's coming,” Drew said.
The Hawks won't have the luxury of easing into the truncated, 66-game regular season. The opener at New Jersey is the first of nine games in 12 days, and Atlanta won't have consecutive days without a game until Feb. 16-17.
Those realities are a big reason why Atlanta's experienced players have approached the two exhibition games during a shortened preseason with a bit more urgency than usual.
“I think once the regular season starts we will be ready to go,” Hawks center Al Horford said. “I think we are trying to prepare the best we can now because once the season starts, it goes fast.”
