Budenholzer comments on first two preseason games

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) in the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Credit: Chris Vivlamore

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) shoots over Atlanta Hawks guard Kent Bazemore (24) in the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2015, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

It’s Monday and I’m back at Philips Arena as the Hawks prepare for the exhibition home opener on Wednesday.

Here is what coach Mike Budenholzer said on Saturday about what he has seen in the first two exhibition games.

“There are some positives,” Budenholzer said. “There are some things that we’ve been talking about in practice, areas where we want to improve, you see some good. You also see some examples where we want to do better. I’d say pretty normal preseason games. Lot of guys getting a chance to play and opportunities. A little bit of both, good and bad.”

One of the things Budenholzer wanted to improve this season is rebounding. Against the Cavaliers, the Hawks pulled down 46 rebounds (nine offensive). Against the Pelicans, they had 48 rebounds (five offensive).

“It’s an area we are trying to improve and give daily attention, daily focus,” Budenholzer said. “Again, you see some signs of positive examples and times when we need to continue to emphasis it.”

Stay tuned. I’ll have a more in-depth story on rebounding later today.