The Atlanta Hawks return 12 players from last year's team, meaning Coach Bud doesn't have to spend much time introducing a brand new system to an entire team as he did before last season.
However, new Hawks Thabo Sefolosha, Kent Bazemore and Adreian Payne have had to learn it on the fly while trying to keep up with their seasoned teammates.
"I'm picking up things every day, it's going well," Sefolosha said. "I just enjoy being on the court with the guys."
Sefolosha is averaging 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 21 minutes per game through four preseason games. He said the system suits his style of play well.
"It's a lot of reading of the game. I'm very comfortable out there."
Payne said he's trying to improve one game at a time.
"I'm just trying to get better and grow," Payne said. "My teammates are encouraging me, so that's a good thing."
Like Sefolosha, Payne said the flow of the game dictates the system.
"Learning offense, spacing and how Coach Bud wants me to play in the offense," Payne said of what he's trying to learn in the preseason.
Bazemore has played just two games after returning from a foot injury and said he's looking forward to getting more game action.
"As long as you understanding the spacing, it's not too difficult," Bazemore said. "(For me) it'll come with time."
Story by Jaryd Wilson