Lou Williams getting closer to return

Hawks guard Lou Williams participated in some contact drills Tuesday, the first time he has done so during his rehabilitation from a torn ACL in his right knee.

The team will evaluate Williams after the Tuesday practice. The next step will be to clear Williams for full five-on-five contact drills. The veteran has been playing three-one-three and four-on-four recently.

“He’s getting closer,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said.

It could take a month once Williams returns to full contact practices to be ready to play in a game. His return will bolster the Hawks’ thin backcourt.

Williams was injured on Jan. 18 at the Brooklyn Nets.