The Atlanta Hawks are far from where they want to be, with a 17-19 record and a disappointing 9th spot in the East.
As a reminder, this team was in the Eastern Conference Finals just a couple of seasons ago.
A crucial part of the team is Nate McMillan, who has been the head coach for nearly two seasons now.
However, his name is at the center of a new rumor.
In midst of turbulent season, Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan has strongly considered resigning from his position, sources say.
Details on McMillan remaining as coach for now and his tenuous status in Atlanta at @TheAthletic: https://t.co/XytwQ2fXST
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 30, 2022
Shams Charania reported that McMillian has “strongly considered” resigning from his job during this rough, troubled season.
Charania’s reporting claims that McMillan’s job is currently safe but he has been weighing his options and thinking about departing, possibly because of the conflicted relationship he has with the team’s star, Trae Young.
The front office immediately pushed back against this rumor, with Hawks CEO Steve Koonin saying it was complete hogwash.
However, this isn’t the first story we have heard about difficulties behind the scenes for the team.
So, what are the chances of them losing their head coach before the season is through?
It’s not entirely clear but no one would be shocked if McMillan decided to step down: reports have said that Young isn’t happy on the team and is contemplating a trade if things don’t turn around, and John Collins might also be departing too.
Meanwhile, Travis Schlenk stepped down as the team’s president last week, allegedly because of his soured relationship with Young and others.
All signs point to a very dysfunctional group struggling with multiple big personalities.
If McMillan left, the future of the team would be in serious jeopardy – they would still have a few great stars but their chances of bouncing back this year would diminish and, therefore, the chances of Young leaving would probably only grow.
