Hawks reach agreement with Nate McMillan to continue as head coach
Sarah K. Spencer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hawks reach agreement with Nate McMillan to continue as head coach
Morry Gash
Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan watches during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Milwaukee.
Morry Gash
Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan watches during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Milwaukee.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Sue Ogrocki
The Pistons come out as the big winners of this draft because they are in position to select Cunningham, a generational talent who can make an immediate impact. He enters the NBA with a rare blend of size (6-foot-8), playmaking and scoring ability. At 19, he plays with the patience and vision of a seasoned vet and can provide balance to Detroit's lineups. He's a seamless fit on most teams and could make things easier for the Pistons' other perimeter players.
Sue Ogrocki
The Pistons come out as the big winners of this draft because they are in position to select Cunningham, a generational talent who can make an immediate impact. He enters the NBA with a rare blend of size (6-foot-8), playmaking and scoring ability. At 19, he plays with the patience and vision of a seasoned vet and can provide balance to Detroit's lineups. He's a seamless fit on most teams and could make things easier for the Pistons' other perimeter players.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Mark J. Terrill
Although Cunningham is widely considered the top player in the draft, there's an argument to be made for Mobley. At 7-foot, 215 pounds, Mobley can shoot, make plays off the dribble and is quick-footed defensively. He's lean, but that didn't stop him from averaging 8.7 rebounds and, at just 19, he should bulk up with time.
Mark J. Terrill
Although Cunningham is widely considered the top player in the draft, there's an argument to be made for Mobley. At 7-foot, 215 pounds, Mobley can shoot, make plays off the dribble and is quick-footed defensively. He's lean, but that didn't stop him from averaging 8.7 rebounds and, at just 19, he should bulk up with time.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Elsa
The Cavaliers are in a spot to potentially trade down because the top two players expected to be on the board — Green and Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs — both play guard and Cleveland recently drafted its starting backcourt in Colin Sexton and Darius Garland. With so many other needs, Cleveland could try to trade this pick for more first-round picks. Either way, Green figures to be the pick at No. 3 — regardless of who makes it. Some teams might prefer Suggs, but Green's scoring upside is rare.
Elsa
The Cavaliers are in a spot to potentially trade down because the top two players expected to be on the board — Green and Gonzaga's Jalen Suggs — both play guard and Cleveland recently drafted its starting backcourt in Colin Sexton and Darius Garland. With so many other needs, Cleveland could try to trade this pick for more first-round picks. Either way, Green figures to be the pick at No. 3 — regardless of who makes it. Some teams might prefer Suggs, but Green's scoring upside is rare.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Michael Conroy
Besides the Pistons, no team is a bigger winner than the Raptors, who moved up three spots on lottery night into position to nab one of the top four players in this draft. Suggs is an ideal fit in Toronto. His competitiveness, playmaking and defensive versatility could potentially replace free agent Kyle Lowry, and help complete a young core of Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam.
Michael Conroy
Besides the Pistons, no team is a bigger winner than the Raptors, who moved up three spots on lottery night into position to nab one of the top four players in this draft. Suggs is an ideal fit in Toronto. His competitiveness, playmaking and defensive versatility could potentially replace free agent Kyle Lowry, and help complete a young core of Fred VanVleet, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Alexandra Pais/Alexandra Pais | For NJ Advance Media
Kuminga, 18, is the rawest prospect in this top group but his combination of size, athleticism and ball-handling make him as intriguing a player as any. His upside is unlimited, and even though he struggled at times in the G League, the Magic are rebuilding and could be in a place to give him enough time to round out his game.
Alexandra Pais/Alexandra Pais | For NJ Advance Media
Kuminga, 18, is the rawest prospect in this top group but his combination of size, athleticism and ball-handling make him as intriguing a player as any. His upside is unlimited, and even though he struggled at times in the G League, the Magic are rebuilding and could be in a place to give him enough time to round out his game.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Darron Cummings
There's a player who gets compared to Draymond Green in every draft, and this year it's Barnes. But among the would-be Greens, Barnes may be the closest fit. At 6-foot-9, 225 pounds, Barnes is listed as a forward but played point guard for the Seminoles. He averaged 4.2 assists and guarded every position. Though he struggles to make outside shots (29.7% on 37 3-point attempts last season), he does everything else at a good-to-high level.
Darron Cummings
There's a player who gets compared to Draymond Green in every draft, and this year it's Barnes. But among the would-be Greens, Barnes may be the closest fit. At 6-foot-9, 225 pounds, Barnes is listed as a forward but played point guard for the Seminoles. He averaged 4.2 assists and guarded every position. Though he struggles to make outside shots (29.7% on 37 3-point attempts last season), he does everything else at a good-to-high level.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Michael Conroy
The Warriors should be approaching this draft with one goal in mind: finding players who can crack the rotation right away. This is a team that aims to return to the playoffs and reclaim its status as one of the top teams in the West. Nail this draft, and that becomes much more realistic. Mitchell, 22, is a dogged competitor. He plays bigger than his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, raises his game in the most important moments and can be a floor spacer (44.7% from 3-point range as a junior) and facilitator (5.5 assists per game) off the bench. A second unit that features Mitchell and Jordan Poole running the court with James Wiseman is well-balanced. Mitchell is strong enough defensively to share the floor with Steph Curry, as well.
Michael Conroy
The Warriors should be approaching this draft with one goal in mind: finding players who can crack the rotation right away. This is a team that aims to return to the playoffs and reclaim its status as one of the top teams in the West. Nail this draft, and that becomes much more realistic. Mitchell, 22, is a dogged competitor. He plays bigger than his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, raises his game in the most important moments and can be a floor spacer (44.7% from 3-point range as a junior) and facilitator (5.5 assists per game) off the bench. A second unit that features Mitchell and Jordan Poole running the court with James Wiseman is well-balanced. Mitchell is strong enough defensively to share the floor with Steph Curry, as well.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Darron Cummings
If the Warriors don't select Mitchell at No. 7, they should consider Wagner. A smart, versatile defender who can make spot-up 3-pointers and keep the ball moving, Wagner has limited upside but figures to be a utility guy off the bench. Best-case scenario, he ends up as this draft's Joe Ingles. He's also a capable passer who can make plays against a scrambling defense. He'd thrive in Steve Kerr's system. Here, he ends up on the Magic.
Darron Cummings
If the Warriors don't select Mitchell at No. 7, they should consider Wagner. A smart, versatile defender who can make spot-up 3-pointers and keep the ball moving, Wagner has limited upside but figures to be a utility guy off the bench. Best-case scenario, he ends up as this draft's Joe Ingles. He's also a capable passer who can make plays against a scrambling defense. He'd thrive in Steve Kerr's system. Here, he ends up on the Magic.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Michael Conroy
The Kings are itching to get back into the playoffs, and Kispert can do things that help their lineups with De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Marvin Bagley III click into place. Kispert is a high basketball IQ, competitive player who can knock down 3-pointers and — at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds — defend multiple positions. At 22, he's among the older players in the draft and doesn't have a great handle or athletic upside, but he's solid.
Michael Conroy
The Kings are itching to get back into the playoffs, and Kispert can do things that help their lineups with De'Aaron Fox, Tyrese Haliburton and Marvin Bagley III click into place. Kispert is a high basketball IQ, competitive player who can knock down 3-pointers and — at 6-foot-7, 220 pounds — defend multiple positions. At 22, he's among the older players in the draft and doesn't have a great handle or athletic upside, but he's solid.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Mark Humphrey
One of the best athletes in college basketball, it's easy to imagine Johnson running the floor in transition with Zion Williamson in New Orleans. Johnson didn't commit to playing organized basketball until high school so some parts of his game still need refining, most notably his jumper (26.1% from deep, 70.7% on free throws). But he's physically gifted, a versatile defender and shows enough flashes on offense to take him here.
Mark Humphrey
One of the best athletes in college basketball, it's easy to imagine Johnson running the floor in transition with Zion Williamson in New Orleans. Johnson didn't commit to playing organized basketball until high school so some parts of his game still need refining, most notably his jumper (26.1% from deep, 70.7% on free throws). But he's physically gifted, a versatile defender and shows enough flashes on offense to take him here.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Mark Humphrey
Jones is a high-risk, high-reward player. At 6-foot-11, 218 pounds, he's shown glimpses of being a modern big who can shoot, pass and defend on the perimeter. He shot 34.5% on 58 3-point attempts and converted on 67% of his free throws in two years at Texas. The Hornets will need to find a stopgap at center, but Jones has the potential to be their big man of the future.
Mark Humphrey
Jones is a high-risk, high-reward player. At 6-foot-11, 218 pounds, he's shown glimpses of being a modern big who can shoot, pass and defend on the perimeter. He shot 34.5% on 58 3-point attempts and converted on 67% of his free throws in two years at Texas. The Hornets will need to find a stopgap at center, but Jones has the potential to be their big man of the future.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Keith Srakocic
With an impressive combination of size and strength — at 6-foot-9, 220 pounds — Johnson is a versatile defender who projects to be able to guard positions 1-5. Offensively, his skills are raw, but he shows good instincts for playmaking and just needs to polish up his jumper.
Keith Srakocic
With an impressive combination of size and strength — at 6-foot-9, 220 pounds — Johnson is a versatile defender who projects to be able to guard positions 1-5. Offensively, his skills are raw, but he shows good instincts for playmaking and just needs to polish up his jumper.
Jason Kidd in talks with Dallas Mavericks about coaching job
Paul Sancya
With the 14th pick, the Warriors need to select someone who can contribute right away. With two young players (Wiseman and the seventh pick) already ahead of this player in the pecking order, there won't be enough time to develop a raw prospect. So Golden State could go with Duarte here, a 6-foot-6 wing who, at 23, could have the impact of a free-agent addition rather than a draft pick. He's a 42% 3-point shooter who hustles and has good instincts on defense. He won't need a ton of minutes to make his mark.
Paul Sancya
With the 14th pick, the Warriors need to select someone who can contribute right away. With two young players (Wiseman and the seventh pick) already ahead of this player in the pecking order, there won't be enough time to develop a raw prospect. So Golden State could go with Duarte here, a 6-foot-6 wing who, at 23, could have the impact of a free-agent addition rather than a draft pick. He's a 42% 3-point shooter who hustles and has good instincts on defense. He won't need a ton of minutes to make his mark.
Flash back to the Hawks’ locker room ahead of Game 7 in Philadelphia on June 20.
A game the No. 5 seed Hawks, on paper, weren’t supposed to win, and they still could have walked away viewing the season as a great one.
But Nate McMillan told players to view it as a championship game, not just Game 7 against the No. 1 seed in the conference semifinals, according to wing Kevin Huerter. “Believe,” he reminded them, as he had done since taking over as interim coach March 1. The Hawks pulled off the unbelievable, knocking off Philly, going from 14-20 to two wins in the Eastern Conference Finals. Their magical run came to a close Saturday in a Game 6 loss to the No. 3 seed Bucks.
It’s no surprise that McMillan, who oversaw that monumental turnaround, will be the Hawks’ next head coach, per general manager Travis Schlenk.
Players have responded well to McMillan’s message of “believe,” and his experience level (McMillan has ample head-coaching experience, and also played in the NBA). But it’s also his overall aura and attitude that has made the difference, Huerter said during the Hawks’ playoff run.
“It’s kind of a calmness about him, been there done that,” Huerter said. “He’s a coach who has been around a long time. He’s a coach that you know about his history, you know how respected he is. You know he knows what he’s talking about without him having to tell you all that himself. He used to be a defensive player, he used to play in the NBA for this long; he played with Gary Payton, how long he’s coached. There’s never a moment where he has to tell us (all that), it’s almost like there’s a respect level coming from that type of background and guys listening to him.
“Knowing how to talk to people. Always kind of pushing the right buttons and in a lot of ways, being unafraid to throw certain lineups out there. Going with guys who are hot and being someone who can obviously connect with Trae (Young). He just continues to push the right buttons. He’s a great motivator.”
There’s an agreement in principle but still some details to work out, and it will likely be made official soon, Schlenk said Monday.
McMillan took over as interim coach, replacing Lloyd Pierce, and the Hawks immediately went on an eight-game winning streak. He helped transform the Hawks from being in danger of not achieving their stated goal of reaching the playoffs to battling Milwaukee and coming up two wins short of the NBA Finals. Atlanta went 37-19 under McMillan, including the playoffs, and finished 41-31 in the regular season (going 27-11 under McMillan after that 14-20 start). The Hawks went 20-47 last season.
It’s a four-year deal, per ESPN.
Schlenk and McMillan had agreed not to make anything official regarding McMillan’s future with the franchise until after the season was over.
But, Schlenk had actually spoken with McMillan during the regular season and essentially already offered him the job.
“I think even before the postseason started, he did a great job from Day 1 when he came in,” Schlenk said. “The players responded to him extremely well and I thought he did a great job of being really consistent with his messaging to the group. I don’t remember the exact day or time, but at some point during the regular season, I went to Nate and told him that the job was his if he wanted it, and we both agreed to wait until the end of the season to formalize it. But it was before the playoffs.”
On Saturday, both Trae Young and John Collins essentially said they’d be shocked if McMillan wasn’t made head coach.
During the playoffs, Young also spoke about how McMillan had boosted his confidence and shown faith in him.
“Just that I know we’re always in the game,” Young said. “He tells me he believes if it’s a couple possessions in a game that I can win anything, and whenever you have a coach that believes in you and tells you that all the time, it really gives not only you confidence but your teammates confidence. I think that’s something that I’ve really taken away from him and he’s talked to me a lot about.”
McMillan encouraging every player on the roster to buckle down on defense and be two-way players helped Collins take to McMillan, he said during the playoffs. McMillan also oversaw the Hawks going from the worst fourth-quarter point differential in the league to the best, helping manage those late-game situations that caused the Hawks to crumble in the season’s first half.
“The biggest thing, especially for me, was he’s challenged all of us on the defensive end,” Collins said. “He’s big on us being two-way players, as he says. Him challenging us and us stepping up to the plate has been part of that, as well. … Him looking forward and trying to understand certain situations, having been there as a coach and seen a lot of different things, he’s just great at it. You can’t really teach it.”
The more formal negotiations with McMillan’s agents took place Sunday, and a deal was struck Monday morning. Schlenk echoed that McMillan’s consistency and overall steadiness helped him become a great fit for Atlanta, as the franchise aims to compete at a high level for years to come.
“There’s no back-and-forth,” Schlenk said. “Once he says this is what we’re going to do, he’s consistent with it, and because of that consistency, I think the players believe it. When somebody tells you something one day and then they tell you the opposite next day, it’s hard to have that trust. But with him, he was unbelievably persistent with his views and guys bought into it.”
