Damien Wilkins is back on familiar ground — in more ways than one.
The guard/forward is back on the campus of the University of Georgia, where he spent the final two seasons of his college career, as a part of the Hawks’ training-camp roster. Wilkins also finds himself, for the third time, in the position of trying to make an NBA team as a non-roster invitee.
“I’m not foreign to it,” Wilkins said of his uncertain status. “You go out there and compete, and may the best man or men win. I’m certainly up for that challenge.”
The Hawks are spending the first three days of training camp at the Coliseum Training Facility on the Georgia campus. The stint ends Thursday with a final practice.
Wilkins began his career with the then-Seattle SuperSonics, making the roster after going undrafted out of college. His nine-year career also included stops with the Timberwolves, Pistons, 76ers and his hometown Hawks. Wilkins played in Atlanta during the 2010-11 season, when he averaged 3.5 points, 1.7 rebounds and 13.0 minutes in 52 games.
The son of former NBA player Gerald Wilkins and the nephew of Hawks all-time great Dominique Wilkins is happy to be given a second chance to come home.
“It feels good,” Wilkins said. “It feels right. The first time I came here I never thought that I would be here. … I left and I was like ‘I wish that would have lasted longer.’ Now I have the opportunity to come back. Most people don’t get two opportunities to play at home, so for me it feels great.”
There is a big guard/small forward position to be won in training camp, and Wilkins has plenty of competition. The Hawks also brought in Eric Dawson, James Johnson, David Lighty and Andonis Thomas to push for the spot. The status of Lou Williams, who likely won’t be ready for the regular-season opener as he returns from a torn ACL, could open another spot.
“Damien has proven he’s an NBA player,” Hawks first-year coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He’s played and contributed on several teams. He and I have a very clear understanding and really the whole group. They are all here competing for positions and rosters spots and ultimately opportunities to play and contribute on the court. He’s not any different.”
Wilkins spent a lot of time this summer in Atlanta working out. He also worked out for the Spurs as another possible destination. Wilkins said a meeting with Budenholzer convinced him another go-round in Atlanta was his best opportunity.
“He shared some things with me about the roster,” Wilkins said. “I shared some of my feelings about it. I really took notice with he and I being able to have a conversation with me being a roster invite. Most of the times you don’t have a conversation with the head coach. It was flattering, to be honest with you, for him to tell me his honest feelings about me as a player, tell me about the team. That forwardness that he shared with me kind of pushed the envelope.”
Wilkins insisted he is not here just to be a veteran presence or to push younger players. He will impart some wisdom, but he made it loud and clear he is here to play.
Wilkins has career averages of 6.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 19.3 minutes in 563 career games.
The Hawks are working out in a facility not built when Wilkins played at Georgia from 2002-04. Just outside the men’s practice court in a trophy case that contains a SuperSonics jersey signed by Wilkins.
“I’m glad the school put money into this,” Wilkins said. “It shows that they really do care about the basketball team because when I was here, we were just practicing downstairs in a barn almost. It’s come a long way.”
Camp notes: Mike Scott returned to practice after missing time Tuesday with a slightly injured ankle. … Budenholzer said playing defense will be a non-negotiable with the team this season. "I think there are going to be a few non-negotiables, but I think defensively if we are not good there, we are not going to be as good as we want to be," Budenholzer said. "I think there is a real simplicity with our defense and an accountability that comes with that simplicity, so if they are not doing it or executing they are going to know it. It's going to be a non-negotiable."
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