There was a Butler University reunion Saturday night at Philips Arena.
On the Hawks’ bench was Shelvin Mack, the point guard who has assumed the primary backup role behind Jeff Teague the past four games.
On the Celtics’ bench was Brad Stevens, the first-year NBA coach who made the jump from college this season.
It was not so long ago that the two were on the same bench and led Butler to back-to-back NCAA men’s basketball championship games in 2010 and 2011.
“I went out on the court right when I got here because I figured he would be on the court because that’s where he always is,” Stevens said before Saturday’s game.
“Shelvin is a wonderful person. I couldn’t be happier, not only for the fact that he is doing what he is doing, but also for where he is. I think this is a really good organization with really good leadership. It’s a great program for him. He fits well. I’m really happy for him.”
Mack acknowledged it was “weird” to face his former college coach at the NBA level. He added that bragging rights are on the line.
“We got to catch up a little bit,” Mack said. “He’s adjusting to the NBA. I’ve been here a few years. It’s kind of different. We’ve got 18 games this month. They’ve got 19 games. In college you have 30 in the whole year. It’s a different adjustment. He’s doing well.”
Mack earned one of the Hawks’ last roster spots in training camp after joining the team last season on two 10-day contracts before signing a two-year deal. He began the season as the third point guard, but has been first off the bench the past four games. Rookie Dennis Schroder, who held that spot, has played five minutes the past four games — and not at all in three of them. Mack had three turnovers all season before committing three in Friday’s win at the Pistons.
Searching for playing time: Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said there is no specific situation he is looking for to get Schroder more playing time.
“We want to develop Dennis,” Budenholzer said. “We want to develop our entire roster. I think that is a challenge for any coach, trying to find opportunities for Dennis and different players. We feel like we have a lot of good players who deserve to play. … There will be opportunities for Dennis, I can guarantee you that.”
Williams back in: Guard Lou Williams was active Saturday after not traveling with the team to play the Pistons on Friday, the first of back-to-back nights. He remains on a minutes restriction as he returns from a torn right ACL.
Elton Brand was the Hawks’ inactive player. John Jenkins, who was inactive the previous two games with Williams available, dressed to play.
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