Nate McMillan Agrees on Reported 4-Year Contract to Be Hawks HC After Interim Role
Jul 5, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' head coach Nate McMillan reacts to a call during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday, July 1, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
After leading the Atlanta Hawks on an incredible turnaround that culminated with a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, Nate McMillan is getting the interim tag taken off his title.
Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk told reporters Monday that they have an agreement in place for McMillan to become their full-time head coach.
McMillan joined Atlanta's staff in November as an assistant under head coach Lloyd Pierce.
After starting the season 14-20, Pierce was fired on March 1 and McMillan took over on an interim basis.
The Hawks proceeded to win their first eight games after the coaching change. They finished the regular season 27-11 under McMillan and won the Southeast Division for the first time since 2014-15.
Entering the postseason as the No. 5 seed, the Hawks beat the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2015.
The Hawks season came to an end with a 118-107 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 on Saturday.
Even though their playoff run was halted sooner than they would have liked, the Hawks' future looks incredibly bright.
Trae Young became a bonafide superstar in the playoffs. John Collins is eligible for restricted free agency this offseason, but every other key contributor during the 2020-21 season is under contract for next year.
McMillan clearly unlocked the full potential of this Atlanta roster, and now he's been rewarded for his efforts.
John Collins Hopes to Sign New Contract with Hawks During 2021 NBA Free Agency
Jul 5, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 3: John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on July 3, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
John Collins is a restricted free agent this summer, but he's hoping to continue building a title contender in Atlanta.
“It’s something that I feel like I’ve voiced my opinion about a lot saying, that I want to be here," Collins told reporters Sunday. "... We’re going to have to come to a decision very soon, but hopefully, the best one for me is the one that keeps me here."
While Collins may want the free-agency process to move quickly, he doesn't necessarily have the power in this case.
The Hawks could allow him to hit the open market and then match whatever offer he receives from another team. The restricted free-agent market tends to have a cooling effect because teams fear having their cap space tied up for days while waiting to see if the incumbent franchise matches the deal.
Teammate Clint Capela is on a below-market contract in part because the Houston Rockets did the same thing with him in restricted free agency. They ultimately agreed upon a deal four weeks into the free-agency period.
Collins is a productive big who shoots 40 percent from three and can block shots but isn't a particularly impactful defender. Capela's arrival raised questions about his long-term future in Atlanta, as did trade rumors ahead of the March 25 trade deadline.
That may all have changed due to the Hawks' surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Collins' scoring average declined during the playoffs, but the Hawks found a formula that worked. They played .700 basketball after installing Nate McMillan as their interim coach in March before the playoff run.
It's possible, if not likely, that the Hawks do everything in their power to run it back with this same group in 2021-22.
Hawks' Trae Young: 'All I Wanted to Do This Season Was Prove That I Can Win'
Jul 4, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 3: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks handles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on July 3, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young came into the 2020-21 NBA season developing a reputation as an empty-stats superstar.
He'll leave it having more than earned his playoff stripes after the Hawks reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
"All I wanted to do this season was prove that I can win," Young told reporters after Atlanta's Game 6 118-107 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Young scored just 14 points on 4-of-17 shooting as he returned from an ankle injury that cost him Games 4 and 5.
"This s--t is hard," Young said of postseason basketball. "It's not easy. This whole thing is about experience. You have to go through it to—I mean, you really have to go through this. You see in the West, you see [Chris Paul] has never been to the Finals in his 16 years.
"This is hard. It's not easy. You really have to go through it. I think what he did and what he's been through really helped the Suns team, and what this team has been through with the Bucks, they've been to this point a couple times. I know that feeling; they didn't want to go home again. I think for us we've got that same feeling now, and it's the same thing."
Young averaged 28.8 points, 9.5 assists and 2.8 rebounds during Atlanta's postseason run, becoming public enemy No. 1 in New York and Philadelphia as he clowned crowds while eliminating the Knicks and Sixers. He seemed to embrace the role of postseason villain in those cities while becoming arguably the most must-see star of these playoffs on a national level.
Concerns about his game's ability to translate to the postseason proved unfounded. Young drew fouls at a similar rate to the regular season, knocked down regular 30-footers and, at times, single-handedly willed the Hawks to wins over favored opponents.
The run took an unfortunate turn when Young went down with an injury in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, becoming the latest in a series of stars to suffer injuries this postseason. Young said it was "frustrating" to be forced out for series-changing games.
"For me, not being able to be out there for my team for two games, and then tonight just wanting to battle and try to fight through it as much as I could and try to be out there for my team, it's definitely frustrating not being healthy and not being able to give my full 100 percent."
Hawks' Nate McMillan Says He Sees 'a Lot' of Paul George in Cam Reddish
Jul 4, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' head coach Nate McMillan reacts to a call during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday, July 1, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)
Atlanta Hawks interim head coach Nate McMillan praised small forward Cam Reddish on Saturday, telling reporters that he sees "a lot of Paul George" in the 21-year-old following his team's 118-107 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, who defeated Atlanta four games to two in the Eastern Conference Finals series.
The former Duke Blue Devil, who Atlanta selected 10th overall in the 2019 NBA draft, scored a game-high 21 points and hit six three-pointers. He helped the Hawks, who were trailing by 22 points early in the fourth quarter, cut the Bucks' lead to as low as six points.
George is a seven-time All-Star, six-time All-NBA member and four-time All-Defensive Team player who averaged 23.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals per game for the Los Angeles Clippers this season.
Defense isn't much of an issue for Reddish. As McClain Baxley of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution wrote, Reddish "quickly became one of the Hawks’ better defenders with his size and athletic ability" this season. However, he missed four months with a right Achilles injury that kept him off the court until the Bucks series.
That didn't stop Reddish from a great defensive effort in Game 4, as he helped slow down Bucks star forward Khris Middleton, who shot just 10-of-22 from the field.
“Cam came in tonight and had a solid night for us, a really good night,” Hawks interim coach Nate McMillan said, per Baxley.
“He has length, and he takes pride in defending. He’s one of the few guys in this league that actually—that’s his game. That’s where he draws his energy from. It’s not so much the offensive end of the floor. He comes out from the start wanting to play defense.”
Reddish had six steals in four playoff games for the Hawks.
His offensive game is a work in progress. Reddish averaged 11.2 points per game on just 36.5 percent shooting. He also hit just 26.2 percent of his three-pointers.
However, Reddish showcased what he's capable of Saturday with his long-range efforts, and he was arguably the best player on the court.
He's an intriguing player to watch next year for the Hawks, who look like they'll be hanging around the playoff picture long-term after a fantastic season.
Bucks Beat Trae Young, Hawks to Advance to NBA Finals as Giannis Sits with Injury
Jul 4, 2021
Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (21) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Cam Reddish (22) during the first half of Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals in the NBA basketball playoffs Saturday, July 3, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Khris Middleton scored 23 third-quarter points en route to 32 overall as the Milwaukee Bucks advanced to the NBA Finals with a 118-107 win over the host Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Finals series on Saturday in State Farm Arena.
The Bucks led 47-45 early in the third quarter after a layup from Hawks center Clint Capela, but Middleton went on a personal 13-0 run to give Milwaukee a 60-45 edge.
The Bucks, who never trailed, led 91-72 heading into the fourth quarter and held an advantage of six or more points for the remainder of the game despite a late Hawks charge.
Jrue Holiday complemented Middleton's effort by posting a near-triple-double (27 points, nine assists and nine rebounds) to help overcome the absence of Bucks forward and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remained out of the lineup with a hyperextended left knee suffered in Game 4.
Hawks guard and 2019-20 All-Star Trae Young returned after missing two games with a right foot bone bruise suffered in Game 3. He had 14 points on 4-of-17 shooting, nine assists and five turnovers.
Atlanta forward Cam Reddish excelled off the bench, dropping a team-high 21 points and hitting six of seven three-pointers.
The Bucks are now seeking their first NBA title since 1971, when they swept the Baltimore Bullets in the championship round. They haven't played in the Finals since 1974.
Notable Performances
Bucks F Khris Middleton: 32 points, 7 assists, 3 steals
Without Giannis, Middleton Guides Bucks Into NBA Finals
The Bucks faced a tough task when Antetokounmpo, who averaged 28.1 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists during the regular season, suffered a knee injury during Game 4.
That's a lot of production to replace in short order, and the Bucks faltered without their superstar in Game 4, eventually losing 110-88.
However, the Bucks rebounded and were able to make the NBA Finals without Antetokounmpo, and Middleton played the biggest role in that effort.
Middleton posted 26 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds in Game 5, which the Bucks won 123-112.
On Saturday, the two-time All-Star caught fire during his personal 13-0 third-quarter run, hitting a pair of three-pointers, a couple of two-point buckets and a three-point play in a two-minute span. He ended up scoring the Bucks' first 16 third-quarter points en route to 23 in the frame on 8-of-11 shooting.
Khris Middleton scored 15 points in a quarter for the 4th time this postseason, 3rd-most behind Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant who both did so 5 times. pic.twitter.com/2BLy3nCkDJ
Most importantly, though, Middleton's third-quarter outburst ultimately gave the Bucks enough cushion to survive a late fourth-quarter run from the Hawks, who fought until the very end.
However, Middleton proved to be too strong on this night, and now Milwaukee is looking for its first championship in 50 years.
Once Again, Hawks Fight and Claw to the Finish
Milwaukee appeared destined for a blowout win as it took a 22-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Hawks had other ideas.
They pared the Bucks' lead down to as many as six points in the quarter following a Capela dunk to cut the deficit to 107-101 with 3:41 left.
Down the stretch, a Bogdan Bogdanovic three-pointer cut Milwaukee's edge to 113-106 with 1:20 remaining.
A defensive stop and another Atlanta bucket would have made this a two-possession game in the closing minute, but it wasn't meant to be. Middleton found P.J. Tucker for a corner three-pointer, and that all but sealed the Bucks' Eastern Conference title.
It was a disappointing finish for the Hawks, but Atlanta deserves much credit for never giving up, which has been the case multiple times in the playoffs.
The Hawks trailed by 26 points in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers but won 109-106. The game before, they were down 18 before coming back and winning 103-100.
The Bucks' seven-point lead with under four minutes left in Game 1 also evaporated against the Hawks, who ended up taking the series opener 116-113.
On Saturday, they made things interesting in a game that looked over.
The Hawks trailed 102-84 with 8:17 left, but the Hawks went on an 8-0 run capped by a John Collins three-point play:
The Bucks maintained their distance and led 107-94 with 5:25 on the clock, but Reddish kept Atlanta alive, nailing a three-pointer to give the Hawks a glimmer of hope:
The Bucks offense was too strong, though, as Holiday responded with a bucket. The Bucks led by seven or more from that point on en route to the win.
Still, the Hawks' grit and perseverance haven't gone unnoticed.
For starters, the fact that Young played was impressive enough. He clearly looked hampered by his foot injury, as evidenced by his off-shooting night. But he gutted it out for his team in hopes of avoiding elimination, symbolizing the heart and tenacity that the Hawks have sported all postseason.
Reddish had been out for four months with right Achilles soreness before returning for the Bucks series on a minutes restriction, and he was the Hawks' best player Saturday, playing 29 minutes.
The Hawks have clearly established a new identity under interim head coach Nate McMillan, who deserves to be the long-term sideline solution after he joined a team that was 14-20 before he arrived.
They're a scrappy team that doesn't quit with a bevy of good long-range shooters and talented big men who have room for even more improvement.
The season may not have ended the way they wanted, but the Hawks aren't leaving the playoff scene any time soon.
What's Next?
A championship drought will end shortly.
The Bucks will face the Phoenix Suns, who have never won a title and are making their first Finals appearance since 1993.
Game 1 will be at Phoenix Suns Arena on Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.
Report: Hawks' Trae Young Will Play ECF Game 6 vs. Bucks After Foot Injury
Jul 3, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WI - JULY 1: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on July 1, 2021 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young will return to action for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, according to ESPN's Malika Andrews and Adrian Wojnarowski. Young (bone bruise) missed the last two games. He rejoins an Atlanta team facing a 3-2 series deficit and on the brink of elimination.
Hawks star Trae Young will play in Game 6 tonight vs. Milwaukee, sources tell @wojespn and me. Young missed the last two games with a bone bruise in his right foot.
The Texas native suffered a bruised bone in his right foot after accidentally stepping on an official during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks with immediate consequences. The playmaker missed Games 4 and 5 as the Hawks reached the brink of elimination, trailing Milwaukee 3-2 heading into Game 6.
That's not entirely due to Young's absence, but the Oklahoma product changes the way the Hawks' offense operates with Young's outside shooting helping stretch out an already lengthy Bucks' defense.
Through 15 postseason games, Young is averaging 29.8 points, 9.5 assists and three three-pointers made per night.
While Young was absent, Atlanta turned to Lou Williams, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Kevin Huerter, asking the trio to play an even bigger role on both sides of the floor. Atlanta interim head coach Nate McMillan will get a bit of relief with Young back in action, but will need his star to be at his best right away or prepare to head into the offseason.
Game 6 tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
Report: Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Return from Knee Injury for ECF Game 7
Jul 3, 2021
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on before Game Five of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum on July 01, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks are holding out hope Giannis Antetokounmpo could return to the Eastern Conference Finals for a potential Game 7, according to Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes.
There’s belief Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) would be given the green light for a potential Game 7 if Hawks avoid elimination in Game 6 on Saturday, league sources tell @YahooSports.
Antetokounmpo hyperextended his left knee during Game 4 on Tuesday, sat out Game 5 on Thursday and remains doubtful for Game 6 on Saturday. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wednesday that there was no structural damage to the two-time MVP's knee.
Milwaukee leads the series 3-2 with Game 6 at Atlanta's State Farm Arena. Forward Bobby Portis took Antetokounmpo's spot in the starting lineup for Game 5 and delivered 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 123-112 victory. That put the Bucks one win from reaching the Finals for the first time since 1974. The Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns await.
Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.2 points, 12.7 rebounds and 5.2 assists in 15 postseason games this year.
If the Bucks close out the series in Game 6, it could afford Antetokounmpo a bit more time to rest with the NBA yet to release the schedule for the championship round.
Hawks' Trae Young Questionable for ECF Game 6 vs. Bucks with Foot Injury
Jul 2, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young plays during Game 5 in a second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young is listed as questionable for Game 6 of his team's Eastern Conference Finals series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a right foot bone bruise, per Marc Stein of the New York Times.
Young suffered a freak injury in Game 3 when he stepped on a referee's foot after making a pass late in the third quarter against Milwaukee on Sunday.
Trae Young heads to the locker room with an apparent ankle injury
Atlanta announced Young suffered a bone bruise and officially listed him as questionable for Game 4. The All-Star guard sat out Tuesday's game, which the Hawks won 110-88 to even the series at two games apiece.
Despite some hope that he would be able to return for Game 5, the Hawks ruled Young out just prior to tipoff Thursday. Milwaukee won 123-112 to take a 3-2 series lead.
Young has been the driving force behind Atlanta's run to the Eastern Conference Finals. The 22-year-old is averaging 29.8 points and 9.5 assists in his first 15 playoff games.
Hawks interim head coach Nate McMillan has opted to go with Lou Williams in his starting lineup in Young's absence.
Atlanta hosts Milwaukee for Game 6 on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET in State Farm Arena. The Hawks need to win to keep their season alive.
Hawks' Trae Young Reportedly out for ECF Game 5 vs. Bucks Because of Foot Injury
Jul 1, 2021
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 29: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks looks on during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs on June 29, 2021 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young will miss Game 5 with a bone bruise in his right foot, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Malika Andrews.
Per that report, "Young will continue to rehab with hopes of playing in the Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 on Saturday in Atlanta."
Young, who suffered the injury in Game 3 after accidentally stepping on a referee's foot, also missed Atlanta's 110-88 win in Game 4.
"He just didn't feel comfortable enough to go tonight," Nate McMillan says of Trae Young.
Trae hasn't suffered any kind of setback, however, McMillan says.
The Milwaukee Bucks will be equally shorthanded in the matchup, however, with superstar big man Giannis Antetokounmpo ruled out for the contest earlier on Thursday with a hyperextended left knee.
Young, 22, has been nothing short of spectacular in this postseason, averaging 29.8 points, 9.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 42.7 percent from the field, 32.6 percent from three and 86.6 percent from the line.
The Hawks managed to survive his absence in Game 4, led by a balanced performance that saw six Hawks score in double-digit figures, including Lou Williams (21 points, eight assists) and Bogdan Bogdanovic (20 points, 6-of-14 from three).
The Hawks also got some good news before the game, as center Clint Capela will be available to play after suffering right eye inflammation late in Game 4 after being hit with an inadvertent elbow.
It's a key game, as a win would give the Hawks the chance to close out the series in Game 6 at home. A loss, however, would mean the Hawks would need to win a Game 7 in Milwaukee to win the series.
The Hawks proved once they could win without Young. Doing so again would be huge for their title aspirations.
Report: Hawks' Clint Capela Will Play in ECF Game 5 vs. Bucks Despite Eye Injury
Jul 1, 2021
Atlanta Hawks' Clint Capela (15) falls to the ground after being hit during the second half of Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals against the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela reportedly is good to go for Thursday's Eastern Conference Finals Game 5, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Capela caught an elbow in the fourth quarter of Tuesday's Game 4 and left the contest with right eye inflammation. He did not return in Atlanta's 110-88 win.
Hawks superstar Trae Young's status is still unclear heading into Game 5. He missed Game 4 with a bone bruise in his right foot.
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, has already been ruled out with a hyperextended left knee. Like Capela, he suffered his injury in Game 4, though he reportedly didn't incur any structural damage.
In a postseason that has been littered with injuries, a potential matchup between the Hawks and Bucks with neither Young nor Antetokounmpo would seem par for the course.
Some of these major hits are obviously freak injuries: Kyrie Irving (ankle), Jaylen Brown (wrist), Trae Young (ankle), Giannis' fall tonight.
Many are soft-tissue: Anthony Davis (groin), James Harden (hamstring), Kawhi Leonard (knee), Joel Embiid (knee), Mike Conley (hamstring).
As for Capela, the 27-year-old has been excellent this postseason, averaging 10.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and a block per game. His solid defense and ability to finish above the rim as the other half of Atlanta's dangerous pick-and-roll attack with Young has been vital for the team's deep, surprising run.
Having him available for Game 5 is a huge boost as Atlanta tries to take a 3-2 lead on the Bucks' floor.
