Prior to their game on Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks received some good news on injured guard Kirk Hinrich who had his eight-week exam with his doctor. Hinrich has been out of action after off season shoulder surgery.
"They are going to let me start doing all of the non-contact stuff with the team. A couple weeks from now, we will see how it goes from there. It's one of those deals where I'm excited to do some things. Hopefully I can get my conditioning right and keep strengthening. I have some weakness. I need to get stronger before I get out there."
Hinrich hasn't played for the Hawks since injuring his hamstring in the Game 6 win over the Orlando Magic last season during the playoffs. He missed the entire second round series against Chicago which gave the opportunity to run the team to Jeff Teague who has started every game since Hinrich's injury. When asked about Hinrich's role after he returns, Hawks coach Larry Drew was non-committal.
"We will see how that goes with Kirk. We are certainly going to bring him along slowly. But as far as who is going to be the starter, I haven't made a decision."
More tough love for Teague? Perhaps, but it is highly unlikely that he is replaced by Hinrich in the starting lineup. Kirk will no doubt need some time to round into shape once he returns and provides the Hawks with a reliable option off the bench at either guard spot once he returns.
Teague has been a catalyst for the Hawks' good start to the season and rebounded from a sub par outing in Houston on Saturday to score 15 points in Atlanta's road win over the Miami Heat on Monday.
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