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The first unit was Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, DeMarre Carroll, Paul Millsap and Al Horford. A lot can change between now and the regular-season opener on Oct. 30 but I’m inclined to think that will be the starting five.

The second unit was Dennis Schroder, John Jenkins, James Johnson, Pero Antic and Elton Brand.

I'm not surprised to see Carroll included as a starter. The top teams always feature that one player who plays with defensive intensity at all times. (Bowen, Tayshaun, Chalmers) But there is a definite flaw in this rotation:

Lack of ball handling. Not really anyone who can create his own shot. I know the offensive system calls for tons of ball movement, but if the team features only one (1) guard who can actually dribble under pressure, I'm pressing Teague the entire length of the court. Trapping him regularly to get the ball out of his hands. Trying to see if any other player is capable of initiating the offense.

I was predicting Jenkins started at SG, since he seemed more capable of running the offense if Teague gets doubled. And Korver coming off the bench. Carroll, I think, will be a real revelation and a fan favorite for his hard nosed style of play. He turned down more money for the chance at real Playing Time in Atlanta. Bud must really think highly of him to add him as a starter from day one.

Korver can be just as effective as a starter or a backup. Since he brings no other skill set besides deep shooting.

Thoughts on the first team lineup?

Also, Mike Scott was held out due to an ankle injury. Otherwise I think he runs with the second team at PF. (Yet another undersized frontcourt rotation. SMH)

I think, though, that our 2nd squad of Schroder, Scott and Jenkins has the potential to be REALLY good.

http://www.ajc.com/weblogs/atlanta-hawks/2013/oct/01/training-camp-report-korver-carroll-first-unit/

The Menace in action:

Pacers fan here and I have an honest question.

I was browsing through the depth charts and the Hawks got Carroll and James Johnson as SF's. I know some of your guys like Korver and Millsap can play 3, but who would be the clear starter?

Moooose wrote:Pacers fan here and I have an honest question.

I was browsing through the depth charts and the Hawks got Carroll and James Johnson as SF's. I know some of your guys like Korver and Millsap can play 3, but who would be the clear starter?

Based on what's being said by our Beat Writers and what fans have seen in scrimmages, Carroll gets the start at SF. Mainly because of his defense.
James Johnson is fighting for a shot at backup SF.

Korver is slotted to start at SG. Hopefully this saves him from being abused by the Paul Georges of the world like we saw this past postseason.

Millsap will begin the season as our starting PF. We're expecting him to put up production similar to what David West has done for you guys.

Jamaaliver wrote:

Moooose wrote:Pacers fan here and I have an honest question.

I was browsing through the depth charts and the Hawks got Carroll and James Johnson as SF's. I know some of your guys like Korver and Millsap can play 3, but who would be the clear starter?

Based on what's being said by our Beat Writers and what fans have seen in scrimmages, Carroll gets the start at SF. Mainly because of his defense.
James Johnson is fighting for a shot at backup SF.

Korver is slotted to start at SG. Hopefully this saves him from being abused by the Paul Georges of the world like we saw this past postseason.

Millsap will begin the season as our starting PF. We're expecting him to put up production similar to what David West has done for you guys.

Thanks for the reply. Carroll's got some decent per36 averages, and what made me interested in asking this is that I find Carroll and James Johnson in the same mold. To me, their play is very similar and I am a bit of a James Johnson fan, as evidenced by my username.

I think this Atlanta team will surprise a lot of people. In my honest opinion as an outsider looking in, I like this team way better than the the ones that had Josh Smith and Joe Johnson. And I am high on Schroeder too, been targeting him in my deep fantasy leagues. Good luck in this upcoming season!

Moooose wrote:what made me interested in asking this is that I find Carroll and James Johnson in the same mold. To me, their play is very similar and I am a bit of a James Johnson fan

Agree with you there. But our coach requested Dermarre specifically this off-season, and lured him here under the promise of plenty of playing time.

Carroll is here on a modest, two-year, GUARANTEED contract. James Johnson was a non-guaranteed contract. He'll have to impress greatly just to beat the odds and make the roster as a backup.

I liked the Carroll pickup as well! One thing about the Spurs that sticks out is they have Leonard being the glue of the team. His effort makes the Parker/Duncan thing so much better. Carroll may not have the scoring ability of Leonard, but he will definitely bring the defensive effort and extra rebounding presence that our small lineups will need.