Hawks hope Williams can help now

ATLANTA - Marvin Williams, only 19, has much to learn as he enters his first NBA season.

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Lesson number one: Don't tease the head coach.

That's what Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson says Williams did by posting a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds in the Hawks' final preseason game against New Orleans on Friday night.

"He can't tease me like he did the other night, getting 13 rebounds," Woodson said Monday. "I'll expect him to do that once he does it a few times."

Even on a Hawks team loaded with first- and second-year players, Williams still looks young - especially between plays in practice as he gives wide-eyed attention to direction from Woodson and his staff.

But as the second pick in this year's NBA Draft, Williams comes into the league with high expectations. He is still a teenager, but he will be a top backup when the Hawks open their season at Golden State on Wednesday.

Woodson said the 6-foot-9 Williams will play both forward positions behind starters Josh Smith and Al Harrington. Williams started at power forward, filling in for Harrington, in Friday night's win over New Orleans.

"The preseason was great, especially for the rookies like me," Williams said. "It was a chance for me to get out there and see what I can do."

Williams averaged 7.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in the preseason.

When asked if he is ready for his first test in a real game, Williams said "I hope so. Wherever I play, whenever they call me, I'm going to come in and play hard."

Though he was encouraged by Williams' strong game against the Hornets, Woodson says the rookie from North Carolina is just a baby by NBA standards.

"I think Marvin is still trying to find his niche, his way," Woodson said. "I've got to help him. The kid is 19 years old and we're asking him to do a lot for our ballclub."

The average age of the Hawks starting five is 22.2 years old.