Pero Antic got his first NBA start as the Hawks continued to search for combinations to replace Al Horford. Elton Brand started the previous three games in place of Horford, who is out for the season with a torn right pectoral muscle. Against the Warriors on Friday, Antic got the call.
Antic, the first native of Macedonia of play in the NBA, has appeared in 22 of the Hawks’ 33 games this season. The 31-year-old is playing his first season after signing as a free agent this summer.
“I think we are still trying to find our groups,” coach Mike Budenholzer said. “What bench guys work well together and what starters work well together. We like pulling (Warriors center Andrew) Bogut away from the basket, but if we were playing (any other team) we might (still) start Pero tonight.”
Antic said he rarely played center during his European career — mostly power forward and even some small forward — but is willing to do what the Hawks request.
“I’m adjusting,” Antic said. “I’ve never really played (center) in my career. I am adjusting to that, trying to set screens and get rebounds. We have a lot of shooters on our team. I’m just trying to grab rebounds, play good defense in the low post, set good screens and try to knock down open shots when I have them. Whatever it takes to win.”
Carroll back: DeMarre Carroll returned to the lineup Friday after missing the previous two games with a sprained right thumb. Carroll said the rest did his body good, and he used the time off to get in some extra shooting.
Jenkins out: John Jenkins remains out as he continues to receive rest and physical therapy for nerve pain in his left leg associated with a lower back injury. He missed five games with the injury. There is no timetable for his return. He was at the team's morning shoot-around Friday.
Playing time for Cunningham: Jared Cunningham scored 22 points for the Bakersfield (Calif.) Jam on Thursday as he returned to the NBA Development League. Even with the injury to Jenkins, Budenholzer said getting Cunningham playing time is the priority.
“Our young guys, when there are opportunities to get them playing and with Lou (Williams) healthy and Shelvin (Mack) playing well, it’s hard to play a lot of guys,” Budenholzer said. “For him to get those minutes and opportunity, that is something we really think is important.”
