2013 Atlanta Hawks Training Camp Preview: Paul Millsap, Elton Brand headline offseason acquisitions

The Atlanta Hawks entered the offseason with a lot of cap room and the hope that they could lure either Chris Paul or Dwight Howard to Atlanta. Paul elected to remain with the Clippers and Howard settled on the Rockets forcing GM Danny Ferry to move on.

The Hawks failed to make the big splash but the moves they did make have helped set the team up for future success. The Paul Millsap signing has been hailed as one of the offseason's best bargains for one of the more efficient players that was available this summer. The frontcourt has been completely rebuilt and Dennis Schröder looks like an exciting prospect at the point guard position.

Pero Antic - PF/C

61 gms, 6.1 pts, 3.4 reb *combined totals with Olympiacos

Antic's signing during the offseason was somewhat a surprise for a guy that has spent his entire career playing in Europe. Antic reportedly wanted a new challenge and the Hawks inked him to what amounts to a one-year deal with an option for a second. Antic brings another big body checking in at 6-11 but his game may be more suited to that of a stretch forward. Antic's experience will be valuable but it will be interesting to see where he fits in Atlanta's new look frontcourt.

Gustavo Ayon - C

55 gms, 3.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 55% fg, PER 12.8

The Hawks claimed Ayon off of waivers from the Milwaukee Bucks over the summer and he is expected to provide another center option for the club this season. Ayon appeared in 55 games with the Magic and Bucks last season but wasn't a big part of either team's frontcourt. He should get more of an opportunity in Atlanta especially against the bigger centers of the NBA.

Over the summer, Ayon helped lead Mexico to the championship at the FIBA Americas tournament in Venezuela. Ayon was named Tournament MVP after averaging 17.5 points and 9.6 rebounds.

Elton Brand - PF/C

72 gms, 7.2 pts, 6.0 reb, 47% fg, PER 15.2

Another option in the frontcourt, Elton Brand is expected to provide added depth and leadership after agreeing to a one-year deal with the team over the summer. Brand spent last season with the Dallas Mavericks and saw his scoring average drop to less than double figures for the first time in his career as he adjusted to more of a reserve role. He should get plenty of chances with the Hawks at both the center and power forward positions and could emerge as the first big man off the bench.

DeMarre Carroll

66 gms, 6.0 pts, 2.8 reb, 46% fg, PER 15.5

Carroll's signing with the club kind of flew under the radar after it was reported that his Utah teammate Paul Millsap had signed with the Hawks. Carroll will immediately slot in to the rotation and is likely to see a lot of minutes at the small forward position as wing defender.

Jared Cunningham

8 gms, 2.0 pts, 43% fg, PER 14.8

Cunningham came to the Hawks in a draft day trade with the Dallas Mavericks. His rookie year was pretty much a wash after suffering a knee injury and only appeared in eight games with Dallas after being drafted No. 24 overall. He spent some time in the D-League and averaged 15.3 points and 3.0 assists. He went to summer league with the Hawks and showed some athleticism but likely enters camp needing to impress to earn time in the backcourt rotation.

Paul Millsap

78 gms, 14.6 pts, 7.1 reb, PER 19.8

Millsap was the headliner of Atlanta's free agent class after agreeing to a two-year deal with the club for $19 million. Previously Millsap had spent his entire seven-year career with the Utah Jazz where he averaged 14.6 points and 7.1 rebounds last season. He is expected to be slotted next to Al Horford at power forward in the starting lineup.

Dennis Schröder

33 gms, 11.6 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.1 ast *Germany

The Hawks drafted Schröder with the No. 17 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft out of Germany. He went to summer league with the Hawks and showed off considerable skills highlighted by his speed and excellent vision. He looked good running the team's offense and seemed to instantly bond with Atlanta's other first round pick Lucas Nogueira. Schröder will compete with Shelvin Mack and training camp invite Royal Ivey but should see plenty of minutes this season.