ATLANTA (AP) -- There were times when Larry Drew wondered if he was destined to be a lifetime assistant.

Finally, after 17 years of working for others, he's got his chance to be an NBA head coach.

Drew was formally introduced as the new coach of the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. He promised to bring more creativity to an offense that looked stagnant in getting blown out by Orlando in the second round of the playoffs. He also hopes his hiring will help lure Joe Johnson back to the Hawks.

The four-time All-Star is set to become a free agent this summer. Drew says he's always had a good relationship with Johnson and believes the new offense will relieve him of some ball-handling duties and make him a more effective player.