The Atlanta Hawks have hired veteran NBA coach Nate McMillan as an assistant coach on head coach Lloyd Pierce's staff.
McMillan, 56, most recently was the head coach of the Indiana Pacers the last four seasons and guided the team to the playoffs each year.
McMillan was also the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers from 2005-12 and the Seattle Supersonics from 2000-05.
In 16 seasons as a head coach, McMillan has compiled a 661-588 record and guided his team to the playoffs nine times.
“In his 16 years as a successful NBA head coach, his teams have emulated his playing style and personality," Pierce said. "They’ve always been disciplined, competitive, played together and won at a high level. I have great respect for Nate as a man and as a coach, and I feel fortunate to welcome him to our staff and to the Hawks.”
McMillan was fired by the Pacers after the team was swept in the first round of the playoffs and suffered a first round exit for the fourth-straight year, and he received plenty of interest around the league even after saying he might take a year off of coaching.
“I reached out to Nate after he became available and we’ve had extensive conversations centering around the value, expertise and experience he would add as we look to progress next season," Pierce said. "This is a unique opportunity that will benefit me, our coaching staff and our entire roster."
McMillan played collegiately at N.C. State and spent 12 years in the NBA as a player with Seattle.
McMillan has also served as an assistant coach on the U.S. National Team, where he earned gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics, as well as the 2006 FIBA World Championships.
