Just when the Atlanta Hawks thought they are slowly getting healthy, COVID-19 just doesn't want to give them a break. This time it's head coach Nate McMillan entering the health and safety protocols.
Tim Bontemps of ESPN confirmed the frustrating development. Apparently, the new COVID-19 issue involving the Hawks coach came as players liker Kevin Huerter, Onyeka Okongwu and Danilo Gallinari cleared the NBA COVD-19 protocols. All cleared players will join the team in their showdown with the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, while it is still unknown if McMillan will be able to join them and who will replace him in the interim if he doesn't.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan has entered the health and safety protocols, while several players will clear them today, including Kevin Huerter, Onyeka Okwongu and Danilo Gallinari.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) January 1, 2022
Nate McMillan is the 11th head coach to enter the league's health and safety protocols, which is certainly not a good thing. Other coaches who entered protocols include Tyronn Lue, Doc Rivers, Michael Malone, Bill Donovan, Monty Williams, Chauncey Billups, Mark Daigneault, Rick Carlisle, Alvin Gentry and Frank Vogel.
The Hawks are 16-19 on the season as they had to deal with injuries and COVID-19 early. They only got back Trae Young recently after his own bout in the protocols, which sidelined him during their Christmas game.
For what it's worth, McMillan recently addressed the ongoing COVID-19 surge in the NBA amid the spread of the Omicron variant. He highlighted his belief that the league should pause the season, though he admits it's not his decision to make.
“Of course, I think that way, but it’s not up to me,” McMillan said, per CNBC. “The league is trying to keep this season going. Of course, it’s really frustrating for us and a lot of other teams. But there isn’t anything we can do other than follow the direction of the league. We are trying to bring in players to replace guys who go into protocol. It’s a real challenge, and the timing really couldn’t be any worse for us to start a six-game road trip with a number of our guys in protocol.”
It remains to be seen how will the Hawks navigate the current season with all the issues that the pandemic brings. However, their road back to the East Finals and beyond has undoubtedly gotten tougher.
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