Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal Constitution: Jeff Teague is an “older guy” now. With the new label comes increased responsibility for the Hawks’ starting point guard. Entering his sixth NBA season, he once again has been handed the keys and asked to lead the offense and defense. There are expectations for the Hawks. This is their second season under the guidance of the system and principles of coach Mike Budenholzer. Growth is expected for a franchise that pushed the top-seeded Pacers to a seventh and deciding game before it was hit with the reality of another early playoff exit last season. This is a franchise that has reached the postseason seven consecutive years, the best current streak in the Eastern Conference, yet has failed to advance past the second round. A lot of that expectation falls on the shoulders of Teague. It comes with the position.
Jaryd Wilson of Hawks.com: The Atlanta Hawks held their annual “Paint The Town” event Friday morning, but this year they did it as a surprise. Players showed up at the Dunkin Donuts locations on Piedmont Road and Howell Mill to surprise customers and help serve breakfast. The best part? It was all free! The Hawks picked up the tab at both stores for all customers who ordered between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m.
Buddy Grizzard of HawksHoop: According to Grantland’s Zach Lowe, Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti led a successful, last-minute effort to nix the NBA’s proposed lottery reform, which would have evened the odds for lottery teams to move up to a higher pick. The Hawks were among a group of franchises with ties to the Spurs (which includes Presti and OKC) that voted against reform and prevented it from receiving enough votes to pass.
