Drew Hoping 3 New Veterans Give Boost To Hawks

ATLANTA – Larry Drew wakes up at 4:30 every morning for a two-hour workout.

A tumultuous offseason gave the Atlanta Hawks’ second-year coach much to think about as he lifted weights and labored on his elliptical machine.

First, the Hawks were sold to Los Angeles businessman Alex Meruelo. Then the sale fell through and the ownership group said the team was no longer on the market. Through it all, the NBA lockout kept Drew from talking with his players. Dark days, indeed.

Drew said his offseason of uncertainty has been replaced by optimism, thanks in part to three new low-cost veterans: Tracy McGrady, Jerry Stackhouse and Vladimir Radmanovic.

Drew isn’t complaining that the Hawks, trying to avoid paying the luxury tax, have shopped only for bargains.