AJC.com: Cunningham: 'Hard Work' Drew's Theme As Camp Opens

Michael Cunningham reports on the pace of practice Larry Drew has implemented to increase the pace of play once the season begins:

The Hawks started the morning with a timed mile run, followed by an intense practice of nearly three hours. The Hawks were to practice again Tuesday night, with Drew promising more drill work.

Players described the morning session as intense with no wasted times between drills. The portion of practice open to reporters featured several full-speed, three-man weaves with Drew barking at players to pick up the pace.

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Drew wants the Hawks to play at a faster pace this season while running his motion offense and also playing tighter man-to-man defense. Conditioning is key to those goals.

"That's the way all of our practices will be, whether we are here [90 minutes] or here for an hour," Drew said. "They will be high intensity because I'm just a firm believer in getting your work done and getting out."

Cunningham also reports that will be two weeks until Maurice Evans will be cleared to participate following surgery on his right knee and that a bad back has Pape Sy sidelined indefinitely.