Small change in the coaching staff of Atlanta with the arrival of Nick Van Exel as assistant to Nate McMillan. An addition that will bring back fond memories to basketball fans of the 90s and 2000s.
Adrian Wojnarowski in person announced the news this Sunday on his Twitter account. The insider ofESPN revealed that Nick Van Exel was hired as an assistant coach by the Atlanta Hawks. He replaces Marlon Garnett, who spins a little further east towards Charlotte. At 49, Nick the Quick arrived in Georgia to support Nate McMillan and bring his experience to the Hawks’ start-ups. Since the end of his career, some fifteen years ago, NVE has held positions in several NBA franchises but also at the university level and in the G League. If he had started in Atlanta with the training of young people from 2010 to 2013, he also experienced this role of assistant in Milwaukee and Memphis. And before this new position, he had been in scouting in Dallas since 2019, so it’s a comeback both in Atlanta and both in coaching for Nick Van Exel.
The Atlanta Hawks are hiring Nick Van Exel as an assistant coach, source tells ESPN.
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 22, 2021
After an excellent run in the Playoffs, which led Trae Young, John Collins and company to the Conference Final, the Hawks will try to confirm. The addition of Nick Van Exel can be a good pick if he manages to convey what made him a recognized player. For those who don’t know it, check out the highlights on YouTube, it’s explosive. Nick The Quick is remembered as a twirling and flashy player in the NBA. A solid 13-year career (1993-2006) in the Big League during which he averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 assists. If he often changed teams at the end of his career, Van Exel is especially remembered for his time at the Lakers, where he was even All-Star in 1998.. A real blaster, this “pocket” combo-guard, 1m85, brought his enthusiasm, his spectacular passes and nice series of shots on the field (hey, he reminds us of someone). Correct shooter, he was especially able to catch fire at times or to enter completely crazy buzzer beaters. Really, he really makes someone think of him. Yes do you have it? Trae Young of course. 1m85 also for Ice Bring and amazing shoots, something tells us these two might just get along. Provided that Nick Van Exel does not arrive with hundreds of statistical tables in training. “22% at 3-points for Young at 45 degrees to the right over the last 5 games. Who cares, Trae, he’ll take his shots.
Nice little news, it’s always cool to hear from old players. Nick Van Exel continues his apprenticeship as an assistant before, why not, to pass the course and obtain a position of number one. Until then, Nate McMillan’s new assistant will have to help the Hawks confirm their change in league status.
Text source: ESPN
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