National Basketball Association

Drew doesn't expect rookie to stay at point

Published Oct. 16, 2010 10:52 a.m. ET

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Hawks rookie Jordan Crawford has proved to be an intriguing emergency fill-in at point guard as Jamal Crawford and Jeff Teague recover from injuries.

That doesn't mean Jordan Crawford is in competition with Teague to either back up starting point guard Mike Bibby or supplant him in the starting lineup.

"I've made no bones about it as far as how I see Jeff," Hawks coach Larry Drew said. "My expectation for him was to come in and push Mike for the starting role. Jeff has had a good camp and then unfortunately he had the ankle injury.

"I look at Jordan as who he is. He is not a point. He has the ability to play some point, but he doesn't have those natural point-guard instincts. He's a good passer. That being said, I just view him more as a [shooting guard] than a [point guard]."

Crawford has shown the same kind of scoring ability in the NBA preseason as he did at Xavier. Entering Friday, Crawford was fourth in the league with 21 points per game and the leading scorer among rookies while shooting 48 percent.

With the way the Hawks' roster is constructed, Crawford doesn't figure to get much playing time this season unless there are injuries to veterans.

The Hawks have Joe Johnson, Jamal Crawford, Mo Evans and Bibby available to play shooting guard, and Johnson and Crawford also can play the point.

The best way for Jordan Crawford to earn playing time might be for him to improve his defense.

'Intense' practices

Drew's call for better energy and intensity on defense seems to have led to better practices the past two days. So has the return of Evans, Jamal Crawford, Jason Collins and Marvin Williams from injury.

The reserves beat the starters 18-6 in a scrimmage session Friday.

"Intense," Hawks center Al Horford said of the practices. "The two best practices this year, really. Guys are really getting after it. It's been getting heated out there but that's what it's all about.

"That is showing signs of us getting better and caring, and that's encouraging to me."

Injury report

Teague is out for the game today against the Hornets at Johnson City, Tenn. Bibby (back) didn't practice Friday and is questionable to play.

Evans, Jamal Crawford, Collins and Williams are all expected to play.

Horford said his left ankle, injured early in camp, is getting stronger and he plans to play more minutes.

Horford's contract

Horford said there's been no movement on contract extension negotiations between his representatives and the Hawks.

"We are still talking to the team," he said. "I just hope it gets done."

Agreement on an extension must be reached by Nov. 1 or he will become a restricted free agent next summer.

Next for Hawks

Who: vs. Hornets

When: 7:30 p.m. today

TV; radio: None

The exhibition game is being played in Johnson, City, Tenn., at the East Tennessee State University/Mountain States Health Alliance Athletic Center.

The Hawks, 0-3 in the exhibition season, get back four players from injury: Marvin Williams, Jamal Crawford, Jason Collins and Mo Evans.

Jeff Teague (ankle) and Pape Sy (back) are out for the Hawks, and Mike Bibby (back) is questionable. David West (wrist) is doubtful for the Hornets.

Michael Cunningham