According to Michael Cunningham of the AJC, the Hawks have narrowed their coach search down to four candidates. None of them have held an NBA head coaching job prior, so here is everything you need to know about the candidates:
Lloyd Pierce
Current position: Assistant Coach with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Prior Experience: Assistant coach with Santa Clara (alma mater). Has also been an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies. Coaches the 76ers Summer League team.
What we know:
- It sounds as if Pierce is the most likely man to be hired, but I am merely speculating.
- Has been instrumental in player development during “The Process” for Philly.
- Connected with Travis Schlenk from their days together in Golden State.
- Was pursued by Santa Clara to take over as head coach in 2016.
- Runs the Sixers defense, which ranked 6th in the NBA.
#Sixers coach Brett Brown talks about assistant coach Lloyd Pierce interviewing for the Atlanta Hawks head coaching job. pic.twitter.com/1MgV5TIAOn
— Marc Narducci (@sjnard) May 5, 2018
Nate Tibbetts
Current position: Assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Prior experience: Assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach of the Tulsa 66ers and Sioux Falls Skyforce of the D-League (was an assistant for Sioux Falls before being promoted), assistant coach for University of Sioux Falls. Coached Team USA in the 2011 Panamerican Games.
What we know:
- He has a lot of experience for a guy who is only 40-years-old.
- He is the only candidate to have met with Tony Ressler up to this point.
- He has received NBA head coaching interviews the past few seasons, was interviewed for the Warriors lead assistant job.
- Known for his crazy passion for the game and his work with guards. Has a reputation for making life easier for guards.
Stephen Silas
Current position: Assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets.
Prior experience: Scout for the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets. Assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.
What we know:
- He is the son of longtime NBA coach Paul Silas.
- He has filled in to coach NBA teams in the past. Filled in for Steve Clifford this past season and fans seemed indifferent towards what they saw on the court. The Hornets are a mediocre team.
- He also has the Schlenk-Golden State connection going for him.
Jay Larranaga
Current position: Assistant coach for the Boston Celtics.
Prior experience: Head coach of the Ireland national team. Head coach of the Erie Bayhawks of the D-League. Assistant coach for the Ukraine national team.
What we know:
- He is the son of Miami head coach Jim Larranaga.
- Had an opportunity to coach for Georgia Tech or George Mason.
- Also interviewing for Hornets job.
Who do you think is the right man for the job? Let us know in the comments section!