Why did the Atlanta Hawks fire coach Nate McMillan?
The Hawks sit 8th in the Eastern Conference and with real chances to enter the playoffs.
The news comes as a big surprise because the Hawks had a real chance to enter the playoffs. They are in 8th place in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 29-30. Atlanta made it to the playoffs in the last three prions seasons. They made it to the third round in 20-21 when they lost against the then-champs Milwaukee Bucks.
Their run under coach McMillan has been positive since he came on to the team in the 20-21 season. McMillan has served as head coach for 1,428 games with the Atlanta Hawks, the Seattle SuperSonics, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Indiana Pacers. He ranks 17th all-time among NBA head coaches in terms of experience.
It is unclear why the Hawks fired their legendary coach but according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, “The Hawks are starting a search for a new head coach immediately. Among the top characteristics in the search: player development, accountability and getting Hawks offense and defense into league’s Top 10.”
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
What is the Atlanta Hawks’ plan for a new coach?
Among the possible candidates are former Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Charles Lee, and Golden State 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
For now, the team’s assistant, Joe Prunty, will take charge of the team until a decision is made and will coach the team for the rest of the season.
Prunty was 21-16 as the Bucks interim coach in 2018. Milwaukee lost in seven games to Boston in the opening round of the playoffs. Atlanta is 29-30 and eighth in the East now.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 21, 2023