The Hawks have finally ripped off the band-aid and parted ways with head coach Nate McMillan, and assistant Joe Prunty will assume interim coaching duties, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
Assistant coach Joe Prunty is expected to become the interim coach, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/NEzK4x1lET
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023
The Hawks are starting a search for a new head coach immediately, sources tell ESPN. Among the top characteristics in the search: player development, accountability and getting Hawks offense and defense into league's Top 10.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023
Moreover, it seems the Hawks are already targeting several high-profile candidates, including former Jazz coach Quin Snyder, Bucks assistant Charles Lee, and Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson.
ESPN Sources: The Hawks are planning a wide-ranging search, but one candidate expected to be at the top of the list: Former Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder. Others expected to be considered include Bucks assistant Charles Lee, Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023
To me, firing Nate McMillan isn’t saving the season. Nothing will turn this team around, but there are positives. It gives the club a head start on the head coaching search compared to others who will join the hiring pool following the season. The Hawks will be a hot landing spot because of the star power of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
However, it’s not as desirable as some Hawks fans want to convince themselves. For starters, Travis Schlenk, a highly respected name in the business, stepped down unexpectedly in the middle of the season because of Tony Ressler’s decision to include his son, Nick, in more basketball decisions. Now, whoever is hired must answer to some hierarchy that includes both Resslers, GM Landry Fields, and assistant GM Kyle Korver. I would love it if the Hawks defined the front office roles more strictly, but this organization has done nothing to inspire confidence.
—
Photographer: Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.