When the Atlanta Hawks didn't make any major splashes in the offseason following their first-round playoff defeat, many assumed their starting five would remain intact.
Well, fans were correct.
In their preseason finale against the Dallas Mavericks - one that was treated by both squads as a dress rehearsal before the upcoming regular season - they kept the same starters, but made a statement with who saw the floor right after.
That's what much of the summer speculation surrounded. Who would back up one of the league's most effective starting groups? Their bench was the weakest part of their roster last season, and after several key adjustments, it seems they know exactly what they want that group to look like.
Atlanta went nine deep - with their tenth sub coming late in the fourth
Unsurprisingly, the first player off the bench was Lu Dort.
The former Oklahoma City defensive ace landed in Atlanta this offseason in a shocking three-team deal that sent Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas. It was known that he would immediately command a major role in his new destination, but the starting five was already cemented, and for good reason.
Coming off the bench is a new thing for Dort, but his professionalism and ability to impact the game everywhere should make for a smooth transition.
The three players who followed Dort's entry were Aaron Wiggins, Jock Landale and Kingston Flemings.
Another former Thunder got immediate bench priority, and in his dress rehearsal action, Wiggins made the most of it. Hawks fans should have no doubt in his ability to contribute.
In 22 minutes off the bench, he recorded 19 points, seven rebounds and two assists, knocking down four threes along the way.
Landale and Flemings - Atlanta's eighth and ninth men - showed glimpses of excellence in their roles.
Atlanta already has faith in Flemings - giving him priority over some veterans
It's no guarantee that a rookie will begin the season in the nightly rotation.
Flemings, however, has left no doubt in his ability. His confidence and maturity have earned him a spot in Atlanta's rotation, giving them a more than capable ball-handler leading the second unit.
It's notable that Asa Newell, Dorian Finney-Smith and Corey Kispert didn't get prioritized over the 19 year old, but the Hawks' depth should age as one of their biggest strengths entering the new year.
Atlanta has one of the league's deepest rosters, and Friday's first-look at the expected nightly rotation should have fans excited for what's to come.
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