Atlanta Hawks Prepare for Preseason Opener with Optimized Player Rotation

As the Atlanta Hawks gear up for their preseason opener against the Indiana Pacers at the State Farm Arena on October 8, head coach Quin Snyder is focusing on carefully managing the players’ court time. “I think you know, looking at all the games over the course of the preseason, we have some guys that had longer summers that we want to be conscious of their minutes,” Snyder stated. The Hawks have been through intensive scrimmages as part of their training camp, which lasted six days.

Some players, like Bogdan Bogdanovic from Serbia and Dyson Daniels from Australia, were active over the summer due to national team commitments, which might influence their preseason playing time. “We’ve practiced hard, we want to be aware of that,” Snyder remarked. “Guys always come out of this period of preseason with some bumps and bruises that you want to be conscious of.” The team’s health and performance staff remain vigilant in assessing players’ conditions to ensure optimal recovery and readiness.

Key players such as Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are guaranteed starting spots, with Johnson demonstrating significant growth in his four-year tenure. The open position in the rotation indicates potential shifts depending upon preseason performance, with players like Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 NBA Draft’s first overall pick, expected to make a strong impression. “It’s gonna be fun going against somebody that we haven’t practiced against or is gonna know our sets and things like that,” commented Young on the upcoming games.

Centers Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu are among those whose starting roles are under observation, with Snyder skillfully navigating questions about Okongwu’s potential to take over Capela’s job. For now, Capela is expected to retain his starting position. De’Andre Hunter’s position could also be challenged, potentially by Risacher, whose performance will be closely watched.

The Hawks have significantly bolstered their wing with increased size and versatility, contributing to a deeper roster compared to the previous season. “We know the who of the Hawks’ roster,” an insider noted, “but the where and when is less clear,” illustrating the fluid nature of the team’s lineup this preseason.

Bogdan Bogdanovic and Onyeka Okongwu are anticipated to be the first options from the bench, although rotation flexibility will likely lead to varied lineups. With several promising players such as Larry Nance Jr. and new drafts like Risacher gaining attention, the Hawks are set to explore various combinations before finalizing their roster for the regular season.