The Atlanta Hawks are set to kick off the second half of the season this Saturday with their new interim head coach Joe Prunty. After shocking the league with the unexpected firing of their head coach Nate McMillan, the Hawks continue to scout for new options. While McMillan guided the Hawks to the Conference Finals in his first year, friction with star Trae Young made things difficult for the franchise. Fans and analysts who expected former coach of Utah Jazz, Quin Snyder for the vacancy witnessed a twist in the tale.
After getting suspended by the Boston Celtics last season, Ime Udoka awaits the calling from the Hawks. Fans seem to be excited as they are ready to witness the chemistry between the potential head coach and the Hawks sooner rather than later.
Ex-Celtics head coach among top candidates for Atlanta Hawks’ new vacancy
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Even though Nate McMillan had a successful tenure with the Hawks, the organization did not seem satisfied with it. The Hawks made playoffs both times under McMillan’s coaching. According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Snyder, Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Charles Lee, and Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson were initially the prime candidates considered for the job.?
Read more: ?Luka Doncic Ruined This Team?: Fans Blame 4x All-Star As the Hawks Humiliate Chris Paul-Led-Suns
However, news from reporter Marc Stein has increased the expectation for the Hawks. In a tweet, he mentioned, “Among the candidates being considered for the Hawks’ coaching vacancy, league sources say, is former Celtics coach Ime Udoka.”?Here are some of the fans’ reactions showing their desire for Ime Udoka:
I’m sure Ime will be a big fan of Trae!
— ZILINSKI MID MASTER (@zilinski212) February 23, 2023
W Hawks
— GreenRunsDeep (@CelticsGRD) February 23, 2023
https://twitter.com/FeelLikeDrew/status/1628565238986440706?s=20
They better do it
— Wilbert (@WilbertTheGoat) February 23, 2023
Would be a good hire, he’s to good of a coach to not get another chance
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) February 23, 2023
OMG WE’RE GOING TO THE FINALS!!
— Alonzo #TruetoAtlanta❄️ (@hawksin5) February 23, 2023
He’s the best option
— Von Baylor (@von_baylor) February 23, 2023
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Previously, Udoka was suspended by the Boston Celtics for violating team policy by having an affair with a female staff member. However, Udoka’s first season with the Celtics is something to make note of. The rookie coach led the Celtics to the NBA Finals last season. Though the team suffered a tough 4-2 loss to the Warriors in the finals, it was a successful run for the head coach.
Fans excited for Trae Young-Ime Udoka combo
While?Trae Young has already shown his potential in the previous seasons by leading the team to the Conference Finals, adding Udoka to the Hawks might be of great help, considering his coaching ability. Fans believe, if things turn out properly between Udoka and Young, they might have a great shot at the title.
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Watch this story: “Trae Young, Bradley Beal, Buddy Hield— All NBA stars linked to the Lakers”
The Hawks were just two games short of winning the Eastern Conference championship in the 2020-21 season. However, they are currently the 8th seed with a 29-30 record. They will be looking forward to building some consistency as the Playoffs get closer. What are your thoughts on the Hawks potentially acquiring Udoka? Let us know in the comments.