AJC: Joe Johnson shoots Js

[Hawksquawk]

Just 10 days after he had surgery to remove a loose body from his shooting elbow, Hawks guard Joe Johnson was making jump shots today at Hawks practice.

Johnson took some midrange jump shots near the end of the team’s practice. He said the first 10 attempts felt awkward because it had been so long since he got shots up.

“For the most part if was pain-free,” he said. “But we are taking it one day at a time. I may have a little soreness tomorrow. We are trying to get it as strong as possible.”

Johnson and the team said his activity today is not an indication that he will return sooner than the minimum four weeks announced when he had the procedure on Dec. 2. But coach Larry Drew took it as a sign that Johnson at least might be on the short end of the four to six week timetable.

“Heck yeah,” he said. “It was good to see him out there. I don’t know what the timetable is as far as his comeback. But I am very encouraged that he is able to be out there just to shoot. We will see how …

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[tremor]

Great news.

Joe's smart guy:

“Things happen in mysterious ways,” Johnson said. “This could be a blessing in disguise. It can help me feel better or give me a break, and let the guys go out there and figure things out [without him]. Who knows? So far, so good.”

Couldn't agree more:

Drew has used Johnson to defend point guards, shooting guards and small forwards, and the recent addition of Damien Wilkins as a defensive specialist should help ease the burden on Johnson.

BTW, Nique should cut praising Damien a little bit, let Bob do the job.

I hope Al's fine (Mo could use some break):

Al Horford (hand), Mo Evans (knee) and Josh Powell (knee) missed portions of practice today. The Hawks said all are expected to play tomorrow at Detroit.