Less than a week into training camp — with a new coach, roster and system — the Hawks put their wares on public display Saturday.
The team held an open scrimmage at Philips Arena to give the approximately 2,100 in attendance a glimpse of what to expect this season. Here are some of the things learned:
- The Hawks are going to run and spread the floor. Coach Mike Budenholzer has preached movement, of both the ball and people, during camp.
“There was some sloppiness, but I also think there was a lot of good ball movement, we could see the spacing and how we want to spread the floor,” Budenholzer said. “Hopefully we’ll make shots. We shot the ball real well. When you get in a real-game situation they will be sharper and hopefully a little more attacking.”
- One of the benefits of floor spacing will be open shots — especially 3-pointers. Kyle Korver made four 3's during the scrimmage of three 12-minute periods. The Hawks also got long-range baskets from DeMarre Carroll (two), Pero Antic (two), James Johnson, Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder (one each).
“That is how we are going to play,” Korver said. “Pretty much everyone that we put out there can at least shoot a corner 3. You’ll see Paul (Millsap) and Al (Horford) sliding out there instead of settling for that 17-footer. We are encouraging them to step back for the corner 3. It’s what we do in practice. Everyone is shooting corner 3s. There is no having spacing, giving Jeff and Dennis room to drive the paint. There are shooters all around. This is what we are going to do.”
- The Hawks look to be an unselfish group passing the ball. Carroll, Millsap and Gustavo Ayon were especially deft at setting up teammates.
- The Hawks were divided into two teams for the scrimmage, with the likely starters separated for the first period. However after some in-game trades, the group of Teague, Korver, Carroll, Millsap and Horford played much of the second period together. They won the period pretty handily, 30-21.
- Teague will run the show. The point guard had 11 points, 11 rebounds and three steals (unofficially). Schroder had moments, but he also made several bad passes that led to turnovers.
“I think he is more confident,” Horford said of Teague. “I know it’s very early, but it’s encouraging to see him coming along and playing with that edge and being great.”
- James Johnson, a non-roster training-camp invitee, looks to have a real shot at making the team. He was among the 10 starters.
- The play of the day came when Royal Ivey threw an alley-oop pass that Jared Cunningham leaped for and flushed a reverse slam dunk to the delight of the crowd.
- According to unofficial stats, Ayon led all scorers with 18 points. He added six rebounds. Horford finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and one steal. Korver (14 points), Antic (13) and Teague, Schroder and Millsap (11) rounded out the top scorers.
Antic said he is starting to get his legs underneath him after arriving in the United States. The forward/center said don’t be surprised to see him outside the 3-point line.
“That is my game all my life,” Antic said. “I shoot 3’s. I spread the floor. I need to get more aggressive on the boards. I play defense, spread the floor, feed the other guys. That’s what I can do, and I will try to do my best.”
- Non-roster invitees David Lighty, Adonis Thomas and Eric Dawson saw limited time. Each played about eight minutes.
- Lou Williams did not participate in the scrimmage. The guard, rehabbing from a torn ACL, took part only in pregame warm-up exercises.
