Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin firmly refuted a report by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who indicated that coach Nate McMillan “has strongly considered stepping down from his position.”
Koonin told the Atlanta radio show “Dukes and Bell” on 92.9 “The Game” that Charania’s story was “garbage journalism.”
“This is made up stuff. I literally call out Shams. It’s just hack journalism. Hack,” said Koonin.
According to Charania’s account, tension with superstar Trae Young, who first surfaced publicly after a heated exchange of blows in a gameday shootout in early December, is one of the key factors reportedly contributing to McMillan’s thoughts on a possible retirement.
Charania also reported that while McMillan’s job with the Hawks is considered secure, the two parties appear to be nearing the end of their relationship by the end of the season. However, talks between McMillan and new lead executive Landry Fields have reportedly only been positive regarding the manager and his future. But with the Hawks currently sitting at 17-18 and in ninth place in the Eastern Conference, Charania says things appear to be getting worse sooner rather than later.
Despite reports that McMillan is considering retiring, there is no indication that a retirement from his coaching job is imminent.
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