Peach Tree Times

Sharife Cooper and Jalen Johnson, the Hawks' 2021 draft picks, are seeking to distinguish themselves in the NBA during the upcoming season, according to an NBA report.

Head coach Nate McMillan told NBA.com that the team currently needs Cooper and Johnson, who have been regular contributors throughout the preseason, to be "effective in their development."

"We're still developing, but we're competing now. It's not about giving that guy that opportunity and continuing to just let him work on it," McMillan said. "We're not in that developing stage where we are giving things to our young team."

Due to injuries to Trae Young, Delon Wright, Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks' roster has been reduced, creating opportunities for the two preseason draftees, NBA.com said.

McMillan told the website that he is willing to embrace Johnson's role career as a power forward, which may allow him to play various positions in the future.

"He has the ability to push the ball down the floor and make decisions with the basketball – both in transition as well as the halfcourt," McMillan said.

Additionally, McMillan lauded Cooper's performance after Cooper spearheaded a fourth-quarter comeback against Memphis.

“I thought he did a good job of running the team and organizing the team down the stretch," McMIllan said. "I love the energy that he’s bringing. He’s scrappy, he’s playing scrappy basketball, and he’s trying to make a statement.”

Cooper is being mentored by Nick Van Exel, an assistant coach and former NBA player, NBA.com said.

Both players have logged noteworthy preseason minutes, with Cooper averaging 6.3 points and 3.7 assists in 16.1 minutes per game and Johnson contributing 3.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 17.6 minutes, according to the website.