The Atlanta Hawks have dismissed Lloyd Pierce as head coach, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
“We would like to thank Lloyd for his work and commitment to not only the Hawks organization but the city of Atlanta. He and his wife, Melissa, are tremendous people who have made a positive impact throughout the city,” general manager Travis Schlenk said in a statement. “We have high expectations for our team on the court and we believe by making this change now that we can have a strong second half of the season.”
The Hawks are hopeful that assistant Nate McMillan will choose to become the interim head coach.
McMillan, who is meeting with Pierce and the rest of the Hawks coaching staff, has been fiercely loyal in his support of Pierce, Wojnarowski notes.
The Hawks have started the season 14-20 and are 4-11 in their last 15 games.
The team has dealt with several injuries to their newcomers including Bogdan Bogdanovic who has missed 25 games and remains out, Danilo Gallinari who missed 12 games, Rajon Rondo who missed 16 games and Kris Dunn who has yet to play this season.
De’Andre Hunter has also missed 16 games.
Pierce, who never led the Hawks to the playoffs in his two-plus years as head coach, is now the second NBA coach to be dismissed this season, joining former Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders.
