13-10 start of the Atlanta Hawks League sources say the team is dealing with a simmering issue between its head coach and its star player. Those issues culminated in a palpable moment inside the Hawks’ practice facility on Friday.
Hawks’ All-NBA Guard Trae Young Young opted not to participate in team’s home win after coach Nate McMillan interacted on Friday’s shootaround Denver Speaking at State Farm Arena, a source with knowledge of the situation said: athletic.
While Young received treatment for his right shoulder, sources said McMillan asked him if he would attend a shootaround, receive treatment during a walkthrough, and play in a game against the Nuggets. revealed that he missed the shootaround and wants to focus solely on treatment while he decides whether to play later in the day.
But that approach didn’t endorse McMillan. The face of the Hawks franchise had decided not to attend the shootaround, so McMillan finally presented him with two options for the game that night. The team ruled him out because of a sore right shoulder.
McMillan told reporters on Sunday that Young did not play Friday night due to a “misunderstanding”.Young will practice in full on Sunday and will be back on Monday oklahoma city.
According to sources, no disciplinary action has been taken against Young by the team in the aftermath of the situation.
For the Hawks, the issue epitomizes the tension that exists between Young, McMillan and the locker room. The Hawks held multiple team meetings earlier this season to resolve various conflicts, sources familiar with the situation said.
For Young, whose strained relationship with former Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce played a big role in March 2021, it was the cause of many within the Hawks questioning Young’s approach to leadership. , the latest sensitive situation.
Ever since the Hawks took Young fifth overall in the 2018 draft from Oklahoma, their program has been built in hopes of maximizing his unique and dynamic talent. Atlanta set a winning record (41-31) for the first time in Young’s career in his 2020-21 season, and in his 2020-21 season, when he lost to Milwaukee in the conference finals, the Eastern side won his conference for the first time. looked poised to be a candidate for The following summer, Young signed a five-year, $207 million contract extension starting this season.
But the Hawks’ first-round bowout was Miami Last season revealed the need to upgrade the roster, ultimately leading to a trade with Dejounte Murray. San Antonio In summer.Another significant move could be coming as the Hawks are in active trade talks involving forwards John CollinsCurrently out of action due to a sprained left ankle.
Hearing about the Hawks’ behind-the-scenes issues, league-wide executives are wondering what this means for McMillan’s future. signed a four-year contract to become the franchise’s full-time head coach.
The team is currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, and sources familiar with the situation say McMillan’s job is safe. As everyone involved knows well, Young and McMillan will have to reinvigorate their relationship if the Hawks become true competitors again. I believe you have to find a way to be productive and have a positive face.
(Photo: Tommy Gilligan/USA Today)
