This one counts — finally.
After 30 days of training camp, when the Hawks had to digest a new coach, system and roster, the regular season begins Wednesday night in Dallas.
“I think we are all ready to go and get the first one out of the way and just get comfortable,” guard Jeff Teague said.
Right out of the gate, the Hawks’ frontcourt faces a unique test in guarding the Mavericks’ 7-foot forward Dirk Nowitzki. The 15-year veteran moved into 17th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list last season, with 25,051 points. He is one of nine players in league history with at least 25,000 points and 9,000 rebounds.
Last season Nowitzki averaged 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists as he shot 47.1 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from 3-point range.
“Our bigs are going to have their hands full, but all of them will probably get a chance on him,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “I think it will be this way with any great player, but it’s going to take the whole team, everybody being active. Paul Millsap and Mike Scott and Pero Antic and Al (Horford), all of those guys will probably get a chance (to defend).”
The Hawks will have Horford and Millsap in the lineup — unlike the exhibition finale last week at the Mavericks. Horford missed the game with a strained right hamstring. Millsap missed the final two games with a sore left Achilles. The Hawks also played without Kyle Korver, because of personal reasons, and rested the other two starters, DeMarre Carroll and Teague.
Nowitzki scored 17 points in 30 minutes of the Mavericks’ 98-88 victory.
“It’s better,” Millsap said of his Achilles. “For what it is, it’s better. I’m good. I’m going to play.”
The Hawks have won three consecutive road openers, and a win Wednesday would be the franchise record.
The game will provide the Hawks’ first real test of the implementation of their new systems and roster. For the players, the contest will be more about how they perform. Both teams feature rosters with eight new players.
“It’s going to be a good test for us,” Teague said. “They are a new group, too. It’s going to be a rough game. It might be an ugly game, but hopefully we come out and play hard and play well.”
Even Budenholzer is eager to get the season underway. After 19 years in the San Antonio organization, where he was part of four championships, he will make his debut as the Hawks’ 12th full-time head coach.
“For the players and coaches, that clock is ticking where it’s time to have a game and start the regular season,” Budenholzer said. “We’ll play poorly or we’ll play great, and we’ll learn from both. You’ll keep moving forward, but for the season to start, it’s time.”
Etc.: Lou Williams (right knee) and Gustavo Ayon (right shoulder) are out for the Hawks. … Devin Harris, who spent last season with the Hawks, is out for the Mavericks after undergoing surgery on his left foot. … Korver's streak of 73 consecutive regular-season games with a 3-pointer is back on the line. … Jared Cunningham, acquired by the Hawks in a draft-day trade, returns to Dallas, where he played eight games last season. Elton Brand played 72 games with the Mavericks last season.
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