Hawks like their new-look lineup
ATLANTA — There was a buzz in the Hawks’ locker room after their long-awaited first look at their new starting five together.
Clearly, Atlanta’s new big man has generated big expectations for the season.
The Hawks’ final home preseason game on Tuesday night provided the first chance for forward Paul Milsap, who has made three straight All-Star teams, to play beside center Dwight Howard, an eight-time All-Star and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Milsap was brought along slowly following a non-surgical procedure before training camp to reduce swelling in his right knee before making his first start in Atlanta’s 96-89 preseason win over New Orleans.
Seeing Howard and Milsap finally playing together boosted small forward Kent Bazemore’s enthusiasm for the season.
“The ball moves really well for us,” Bazemore said. “Paul and Dwight have really good chemistry and they’re going to be passing the ball a lot to each other ... so they looked really good tonight.”
Howard signed a three-year, $70.5 million deal in July, giving Atlanta the legitimate center it lacked through much of the Al Horford era.
Horford, now with Boston, was a big reason the Hawks reeled off nine straight playoff Atlanta guard Malcolm Delaney (5) goes up for the basket during a preseason game in Atlanta
seasons, but even he said he wasn’t a true NBA center. No one has ever said that about Howard, whose defensive rebounds and blocked shots have coach Mike Budenholzer thinking about fast-break opportunities.
Howard, entering his 13th NBA season, is still only 30. He sees his move to his hometown as a fresh start and an opportunity to repair his reputation following eight seasons with Orlando,
one with the Lakers and the last three with Houston.
“I really want to show the Hawks fans how dedicated I am to winning,” Howard said. “I think a lot of people have probably got it twisted with the things that have happened in my past but I’m very dedicated to this sport, very dedicated to myself and winning and being whatever I can be for this team.”
Here are some other things to know about the Hawks: John Bazemore / The Associated Press LAST SEASON: 48-34, lost in Eastern Conference semifinals. COACH: Mike Budenholzer (fourth season, fourth NBA season). PROJECTED STARTING FIVE: F Kent Bazemore (11.6 ppg), F Paul Milsap (17.1 ppg), C Dwight Howard (13.7 ppg), G Kyle Korver (9.2 ppg), G Dennis Schroder (11.0 ppg). ADDED: Howard, G Jarrett Jack, G Malcolm Delaney, F Taurean Prince, F DeAndre Bembry. LOST: F-C Al Horford, G Jeff Teague. PLAYER TO WATCH: Howard. The Atlanta native transformed the Hawks’ lineup, giving the team the legitimate center it lacked through much of the past decade, when he signed a three-year, $70.5 million deal in July. Howard’s defensive rebounds and shot-blocking skills could trigger fast breaks, with the super-quick Schroder leading the way. OUTLOOK: The Hawks were given a minifacelift after making their ninth straight playoff appearance, the longest active streak in the East. Getting swept by Cleveland in the second round showed the Hawks weren’t title contenders. Howard is in the spotlight, but equally important to the makeover will be Schroder’s ability to utilize his quickness while playing under control as he takes over the point guard position.
in the league at point guard. It’s just a pleasure playing with him and the grit he brings every night. It’s huge for us.”