Preseason is all about determining specific lineup combinations and getting a feel of a roster. Winning is never the main priority.
While the Atlanta Hawks didn't go through any significant changes this offseason following their early playoff defeat, they brought in some quality new faces expected to bolster the second unit. Depth matters more than ever, and it's quickly become one of Atlanta's greatest strengths.
Aaron Wiggins - the 27-year-old guard acquired by the Hawks this summer via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder - is the new addition who could make the biggest instant impact.
If the rotation in Atlanta's preseason opener was any indication - it won't be too difficult for him to live up to these high expectations.
Wiggins was the first player off the bench for Atlanta in their loss
Now, let's pump the brakes...
CJ McCollum and Lu Dort - two veterans expected to command significant minutes in the nightly rotation - were both ruled out shortly before tip-off against the Grizzlies.
McCollum is expected to start at point guard, while Dort is likely to be in a similar situation to Wiggins. It's unclear which player will get immediate priority as the first off the bench when the roster is fully healthy, but maybe Dort shouldn't continue missing preseason games. Wiggins fit right in during his debut.
In a deep roster, the difference between a sixth and seventh man is minimal. Both will contribute heavily every night. The specific order won't alter their individual importance.
As the first man off the bench, in his preseason debut for the Hawks, Wiggins finished with seven points in just 11 minutes. He didn't need any extended run, as the staff had clearly seen everything they needed to.
Each point scored by him came during the late minutes of the first quarter and early into his second quarter stint. Instant impact!
It'll be interesting to see how they adjust when Dort comes back
If Wiggins keeps shining, who knows? Maybe Head Coach Quin Snyder will keep prioritizing Wiggins, giving the two a much different look from their previous destination.
However, while Wiggins is a very solid multi-level defender, Dort is world-class caliber on that end. It's no surprise that he's taken home All-Defense honors.
Regardless of how their minutes are structured when the roster is at full strength, Atlanta's preseason opener proved that Aaron Wiggins will be a major piece towards them accomplishing their goals this year.
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