2012 Hawks Preseason: Larry Drew ready to use committee at small forward position

As the preseason starts to wind down, the focus is now on who might make the Hawks final roster. There still is no clear answer for the Hawks at small forward after the offseason departures of Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson. However, Larry Drew is pleased with the number of options that he has at the position and is looking forward to the added flexibility:

"We've gone with DeShawn at 3. I like that. We've gone with Kyle at the 3. I like that. We've gone with Josh at some 3. I like that.

"That gives us some flexibility from the standpoint that if we need to adapt and make some minor adjustments with our lineup we have the ability to do that. To say it's a lock on any guy who is going to be starting at that position every single night, I won't say that's the case. I love the flexibility to be able to move guys around and experiment a little bit and to be able to make adjustments depending on who we play."

Stevenson may draw the starting assignment on most nights given he is the groups best defender. Kyle Korver will also play substantial minutes given his three-point shooting that will be needed to help stretch the defense. If the Hawks can get healthy this season, then there is surely to be times where Drew will go big with Zaza Pachulia and Al Horford both in the lineup with Josh Smith sliding to the small forward. Drew also talks about Anthony Tolliver and his ability to slide between both forward spots.

Interesting that Drew doesn't mention Anthony Morrow or Damion James. Morrow has been better of late but hasn't really set the world on fire with his performance during the preseason. Currently he looks like the fourth option at guard behind Teague, Harris and Williams and maybe third or fourth at small forward.

Damion James has done just about everything during the preseason to make this team and looked like a lock at one point due to his play and the lack of options on the team. However, the news that Atlanta may not carry a max roster into the regular season has James looking like he could be on the bubble as well.

Atlanta will wrap up the preseason schedule on Friday against the Pistons and the deadline to set the opening day roster is October 29.