Nate McMillan deserves Coach of the Year recognition after the turnaround he’s orchestrated in Atlanta. From 14-20 to 25-11 👏 https://t.co/9HNPnCaleR
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) May 13, 2021
34 games into the 2020-21 NBA season, the Atlanta Hawks were sitting 11th in the East at 14-20 with Lloyd Pierce leading the team. He was then fired after a slow start and missing the playoffs in his first two seasons (Atlanta had made it in the previous 10), leaving with a 63-120 record. The Hawks hired Nate McMillan to be an assistant coach before the season, who was fired from Indiana after their playoff exit last season.
NATE MCMILLAN TURNED ATLANTA’S SEASON AROUND AND ENDED THE PLAYOFF DROUGHT
COLORS KEY | FULL HAWKS OUTLOOK
Since he took over as HC after Pierce’s dismissal, Atlanta has the fourth-best record (25-11) in the NBA and clinched a postseason spot on 5/12. McMillan has led a remarkable turnaround for Atlanta, by helping his players play more for one another and less as individuals. His star player Trae Young is down on PPG from last season but is averaging a career-high in APG. McMillan has found ways for his team to be more efficient and get great production from a number of players.
Clint Capela is averaging a career-high in rebounds, and both Danilo Gallinari and Bogdan Bogdanovic are shooting over 40% from deep. John Collins has been great for McMillan too, averaging 17.8 points per game on 55.9% shooting. Additionally, there are six players with over 40 games played this season averaging double figures for his squad, showing how he’s been able to use depth to get wins. McMillan has done an amazing job in just 36 games and has given Hawks fans new hope for the future.
HOW TRAE?! pic.twitter.com/46igH1N8BT
— x – Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) May 12, 2021
Trae Young helps the @ATLHawks defeat Washington, clinch an #NBAPlayoffs berth and maintain #4 in the East! #TrueToAtlanta
33 PTS | 8 REB | 9 AST pic.twitter.com/JaOyp2Xy0P
— NBA (@NBA) May 13, 2021
Share this Nate McMillan article with friends and follow for more great sports content!
