Atlanta Hawks: 5 Things Learned in Preseason Opener vs. Cavs

Sep 28, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward

(11) talks to the media during media day at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

TIAGO SPLITTER GIVES BUD OPTIONS

When the Atlanta Hawks lost DeMarre Carroll in the free agency, there was concern that his departure would affect the Atlanta Hawks in an adverse way. Though DeMarre Carroll is gone, the Atlanta Hawks added C Tiago Splitter to help solidify their frontline that was demolished in the ECF by a bigger and more physical Cavaliers team.

As expected, Tiago Splitter was the first Hawk to come off the bench for Mike Budenholzer. When Splitter was in the game, it gave the Atlanta Hawks’ Head Coach options, pairing Splitter with both Horford and Millsap. This gave us a glimpse of what Bud will probably do in the regular season, and provides both Horford and Millsap with more rest and a taller center to play with.

It was apparent that Splitter’s size will make an impact this season for the Atlanta Hawks. He was able to more effectively get to balls to tip them back out, or to corral rebounds on the defensive and offensive end. He finished the game with 2 points and 3 rebounds in 13 minutes played.

Next: The Hawks Have Depth