Atlanta Hawks’ Nate McMillan dismisses report he considered resigning

Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan denied a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic that the coach is considering resigning, but he did tell reporters he may consider retirement at the end of the season.

The Hawks have not only underperformed on the court this year but have also dealt with chemistry issues in the locker that has lead to trade rumors swirling around All-NBA point guard Trae Young, however The Athletic report stated no resignation from McMillan is imminent.

‘I have never spoke to that reporter before,’ said McMillan when asked the matter on Friday. ‘I think the last two weeks he’s written a couple articles with some sources in our organization are making some comments about me.’

Hawks coach Nate McMillan has denied a report that he is considering resigning mid-season 

Star player Trae Young’s discontent towards McMillan and the team’s chemistry have fueled trade rumors that also have led to questions about McMillan’s future as well

‘At the end of the year I’ll do as I’ve always done. At the end of the season I’ll talk with my family and see if I still have that flame, that fire to continue next season but that’s at the end of the season.’

Hawks CEO Steve Koonin however took to the radio, on 92.9 The Game, earlier in the day to deny the report calling the story ‘trash journalism,’ and saying ‘This is made up stuff. I am literally calling Shams out. It is just hack journalism. Hack.’

McMillan’s job status first began coming into question earlier this season after an exchange between him and Young during a pregame shoot around resulted in Young staying home during a game on December 2 against the Nuggets.

Atlanta has performed far below expectations this season and have struggled for on the court

His job is currently considered safe according to league sources with knowledge of the situation.

The Hawks had entered this season with expectations of being one of the premier teams in the Eastern Conference after finishing sixth place last year, before only winning one game in the postseason and being eliminated by the Miami Heat.

The season prior McMillan had led the Hawks to the team’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2014.

Tensions between McMillan and Young have fueled rumors over pair’s status with organization 

The Hawks also traded for all-star point guard Dejounte Murray this summer, but it has not improved the situation in Atlanta.

As of now the team has a record of 17-18 and sits ninth place in the Eastern Conference.

Amid the turmoil Atlanta has also made changes to the structure of the front office as former team president Travis Schlenk moved into an advisor role, making first-year general manager Landry Fields as the new lead decision maker on basketball-related matters.

Fields has not hesitated to begin shaping the team in his image and has already engaged in trade talks revolving around power forward John Collins. 

Former Knick Landry Fields has been placed in charge of basketball operations as Hawks GM