The Hawks have been one of the NBA’s most disappointing teams this season, with Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Knicks dropping them to the very bottom of the Eastern Conference at 6-22. League sources tell Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports that frustration has been building within Atlanta’s locker room during the team’s first-half slump.
As Haynes details, teammates have complained to one another about selfishness, accountability, and not putting in the necessary work to turn the Hawks’ season around. Sources tell Haynes that the roster is missing a “true vocal leader who command the respect of his peers” and that the club needs to put in work to “strengthen the connection with a few significant players.”
Despite a dismal couple months, head coach Lloyd Pierce is not on the hot seat in Atlanta, according to Haynes, who notes that the organization is remaining patient with Pierce in part because the team has been without big man John Collins since early November. Collins was suspended for 25 games for violating the NBA’s anti-drug program and will be eligible to return next Monday.
If the Hawks’ struggles and locker-room issues continue after Collins’ return, Pierce’s seat may begin to heat up, Haynes writes. Atlanta’s head coach has a guaranteed contract through the 2020/21 season, with a team option for ’21/22.
Any coach in the east who doesn’t work for Milwaukee, Philly, Boston, Miami, Toronto, or Indiana should be on the hot seat.
Atkinson is safe in Brooklyn. Clifford should be somewhat safe in Orlando as well. Even Borrego in Charlotte is probably safe
U actually know this which is sad
Lol what? Are you jealous of him/her for being more knowledgeable than you are? What a crime.
I guess that means you hate me too.
You actually commented that on this site which is more sad. How do you land here with out ever actually watching a game lmao
Its about expectations more than won-loss, and other factors.
The Hawks can’t get any stops on defense. Don’t they have the vocal leader in Vince Carter a vet?
Not sure why the coach would have to answer for their defense. TY was the single worst defender in the NBA last year. They start two rookies. Their other rotation players are below baseline as defenders (except for Len, who’s baseline). They have 4 new starters.
The Knicks scored 143 points against them. DSJ looked like he could play PG. Do we need to go any further?