Forward Toni Kukoc, owner of three championship rings from his Bulls days, will start the season coming off the bench as he makes way for third year player Dion Glover, and coach Lon Kruger is hoping it isn't a temporary solution.

The Hawks are hoping to limit the minutes played by Kukoc, who has been bothered for years by a chronic problem in his right foot, and Kruger sees this as a way for him to do it.

While Kukoc would prefer to start, he will not complain if he coming off the bench is better for the team.  "That's how it is," Kukoc said. "I like to play basketball. I want to be on the court as much as possible. But I also realize that I'm not 100 percent ready right now."

While Kukoc struggled during the preseason, Glover played strongly, averaging 11.1 points and 4.0 rebounds while focusing mainly on defense.