Atlanta Hawks: 3 most encouraging quotes from media day

Encouraging Atlanta Hawks media day quote No. 3: Every locker room needs its own Solomon Hill

If we’re being completely honest, Solomon Hill is probably the best interview on the team. That’s no disrespect meant to anyone else. But Hill is always quick-witted and insightful. On Monday, he asked if all of the drama between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers would be happening had they not lost to the Hawks.

It isn’t an off-the-wall question. But it is a kind of rare acknowledgment that you’ve had an impact on another team off of the court.

Hill also acknowledged the Hawks were no longer underdogs saying that went out of the window last season. But his best remarks came in regards to the Hawks approach to this season

He let it be known that they would be playing for home-court advantage in the playoffs, taking McMillan’s goal of another top-six seed another step. The nine-year vet also said the Hawks would have a sense of urgency to start the season.

It may seem like a rather innocuous statement. But with all of the guys that will begin the year at less than 100 percent, actually hearing them acknowledge that starting fast is a focus is nice.

These are the kinds of things a player like Hill, who said his relationship with Nate McMillan is the best he’s ever had with a coach, is around for. He’s one of the more versatile end-of-bench options and has a good pulse on things. There is also something to be said for the physical toughness he brings.

It was Hill that returned the favor when Knicks center Nerlens Noel bumped Young during Game 5 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks.

Perhaps the most underlying message from Hill, and everyone who spoke, was that they are bought in and locked in heading into a big year.