2013 Atlanta Hawks Training Camp Preview: Al Horford, Jeff Teague headline roster returners

The Atlanta Hawks return seven players from last season's squad led by two-time All-Star Al Horford. Also returning are veterans Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver who were both signed to new contracts over the summer as well as 2012 draft picks John Jenkins and Mike Scott. Lou Williams is continuing his rehab from a torn ACL in his right knee and his status for the start of the season is unknown.

Al Horford - C/PF

74 gms, 17.4 pts, 10.2 reb, 3.2 ast, PER 19.8

Al Horford returns to the Hawks for his seventh season with the club since being drafted with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft. With the departures of Joe Johnson and Josh Smith over the last two offseasons, Horford will be expected to take on more of a leadership role as the team's marquee player.

He returned from injury last season and posted career highs in points (17.4) and rebounds (10.2) while maintaining a high shooting percentage. As the focal point of Mike Budenholzer's offense, Horford could see all of those numbers rise again this season.

John Jenkins - SG

61 gms, 6.1 pts, 38% 3pt%, PER 13

Jenkins begins his second year with the Atlanta Hawks after being drafted by the club with the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2012 NBA Draft. Jenkins' rookie season started slowly but improved over the second half of the season and saw his minutes and opportunities increase. He is known primarily as a knockdown jump shooter but needs to improve the other aspects of his game in order to command a more vital role in the rotation.

Jenkins was a part of the Hawks' entry at the Vegas Summer League this season and goes to camp looking to compete for playing time at shooting guard.

Kyle Korver SG/SF

74 gms, 10.9 pts, 46% 3pt%, 4.0 reb, PER 13.9

Korver returns to Atlanta after signing a 4-year, $24 million free agent contract during the offseason. Korver appeared in 74 games last season including 60 starts at the small forward and shooting guard positions. He averaged 10.9 points per game while making 46 percent of his three point attempts.

Atlanta will be looking for similar production from Korver this season and his proficiency shooting the ball is something that opposing teams cannot ignore. His presence alone opens up space in the post for Al Horford as well as driving lanes for Jeff Teague and Lou Williams. Korver figures to once again see time at both the shooting guard and small forward spots this season.

Shelvin Mack - PG

31 gms*, 4.6 pts, 2.2 ast, 46% fg, PER 11.3 *combined totals

Mack began last season with the Washington Wizards and also played with the Philadelphia 76ers before joining Atlanta. He signed two 10-day contracts with the Hawks before being signed for the remainder of the season. He appeared in 20 games with the Hawks as a reserve point guard and finished with averages of 5.2 points and 2.2 assists. Mack enters training camp with a non-guaranteed contract and will be looking to prove his worth and push for playing time at the point guard position.

Mike Scott - PF

40 gms, 4.6 pts, 2.8 reb, 48% fg, PER 16.3

Scott is in his second season with the Hawks after being drafted in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. His playing time was sporadic during his rookie season where he got in only 40 games finishing with averages of 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. When Scott did get an opportunity to play he played well averaging 17.5 points and 10.5 rebounds over 36 minutes while posting strong advanced numbers including a 16.3 PER.

Scott comes into camp with a non-guaranteed contract and spent the summer working on his game in hopes of playing some at small forward. If he is able to successfully make the switch then it will certainly help his standing given how crowded Atlanta's frontcourt will be this season.

Jeff Teague - PG

80 gms, 14.6 pts, 7.2 ast, 45% fg, PER 16.8

Jeff Teague returns to the Hawks for his fifth season in the league entrenched as the starter at point guard. There was some question during the offseason whether or not Teague would return after the Milwaukee Bucks signed him to a 4-year offer sheet worth $32 million in restricted free agency. Danny Ferry elected to match the offer thus returning Teague to Atlanta.

Teague posted career highs last season in points (14.6) and assists (7.2). He is expected to be featured prominently in Mike Budenholzer's pick and roll heavy offense.

Lou Williams - SG/PG

39 gms, 14.1 pts, 3.6 ast, 42% fg, PER 15.9

Williams suffered a torn ACL in his right knee just 39 games into his first season with the Atlanta Hawks. He had successful surgery on February 7 but has still not been cleared to return to action. Whether or not he will be ready for the start of the season is unknown. Once Williams is back, he is expected to take over as the team's sixth man where he will provide a scoring punch off the bench at the shooting guard or point guard positions. Williams' status could have an effect on some of the roster decisions that are made coming out of camp.