Coming into this season, some people thought the Atlanta Hawks would be something of a dark-horse team in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, but it hasn’t quite panned out that way.
They currently hold a 29-30 record, and although they’re in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, it seems extremely unlikely they will get past the first round of the playoffs, if they make it to the playoffs.
On Tuesday, the team announced it had fired head coach Nate McMillan.
Breaking: The Atlanta Hawks have dismissed coach Nate McMillan, sources tell @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/ZnNbjlq0rA
— ESPN (@espn) February 21, 2023
Some fans felt his firing was a bit unfair.
Not sure what they were expecting Nat McMillan to do with the Hawks. Trae Young's not a winner.
— Bilnation (@Bilaldinho10_) February 21, 2023
There is also a feeling among some that McMillan is merely a symptom of what’s wrong with the Hawks, rather than the disease.
This organization is a ship without a rudder……it all started with the Trea/Luka trade……
— Stan Porter (@StanPorter7) February 21, 2023
Trae young killing another coach
— The Troll Toll (@Pay_Troll_Toll) February 21, 2023
However, this man put the blame squarely on McMillan’s shoulders.
Nate McMillian alienated his star player and is a carbon copy of Tom Thibodeau in terms of wearing his welcome out. There is a reason the Hawks were hesitant to name him head coach when he was making the demand.
— Mr. Wap Kon Jorge ðŸ‡ðŸ‡¹ (@Wopkonjorge) February 21, 2023
McMillan had been at the helm of Atlanta since the 2020-21 season, and in his first season there, he unexpectedly guided the team to the Eastern Conference Finals after they upset the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round of the playoffs by winning Game 5 and Game 7 on the road.
But they have failed to repeat that type of success ever since.
The play of star guard Trae Young may be one reason why, as he’s shooting just 42.8 percent from the field and 32.4 percent from 3-point range.
The Hawks rank just 21st in defensive rating, and they have seriously regressed after starting the season 7-3.
According to reports, assistant Joe Prunty will take over as interim head coach, and the Hawks will talk to Quin Snyder, the former head coach of the Utah Jazz, about taking over the helm of their squad.
NEXT: Trae Young Led The Hawks To An Important Win On Thursday
