Video: Pierce, Young On Expectations Entering the Season
Though the NBA season begins Tuesday night, the Hawks will have to wait an extra couple of days before tipping off. Atlanta will visit Detroit on Thursday for its first game of the new campaign before traveling back home for two games.
Head coach Lloyd Pierce and point guard Trae Young addressed assembled members of the media Tuesday afternoon at the Hawks' practice facility, diving into their expectations for the upcoming season and how they anticipate this year to be different from last.
The Hawks will have a bigger target on their backs this season than they did in 2019, and with that comes the challenge of succeeding in spite of new obstacles. Opponents will be more focused and better equipped to take away what Atlanta does well. Both Pierce and Young say they expect teams to continue trapping Young in the pick-and-roll, forcing John Collins and others to make plays.
Pierce also provided an update on the team's health, specifically Kevin Huerter, who did not participate in the preseason due to right knee soreness.
"I thought it was one of our better days, even with training camp," Pierce said. "We had everybody out there that's going to be on the active roster in participation. Kevin had a great day, really shot the ball well. Trae was great today. So it was good to just see all of our guys out on the court today."
"All signs are pointing to [Huerter] being healthy."
Watch Pierce's full comments below:
