The fallout from the Atlanta Hawks' decision to dismiss head coach Lloyd Pierce has revealed more details regarding the tension between Pierce and star point guard Trae Young.
Chris Kirschner, Sam Amick, and David Aldridge of The Athletic reported Young's relationship with Pierce grew more tenuous over time. Young did not always appreciate Pierce's hard coaching, and Pierce actually revealed during a league call he did not like the Hawks star's tendency to draw whistles from the referees:
During a league office Competition Committee call on Dec. 30, Pierce was among a couple of members who spoke out about the way certain players are able to draw fouls and, at times, bait officials into making foul calls. Multiple sources said he spoke about how he “hates” the shots Young takes at times and the fouls he’s able to draw on them. It was perceived as an interesting comment for several people on the call because Pierce’s star player has seemingly taken advantage of drawing fouls and getting to the foul line. But it was made in the broader picture of how players are drawing fouls by manipulating their bodies.
It is indeed a bit strange for a head coach to criticize his star's ability to manifest offense.
Young is averaging 9.8 free throws per game. He ranks second in free throws made and third in attempts. But getting to the line is a form of creating offensive opportunities. Isn't that inherently positive for the Hawks?
Pierce might not always have liked the fashion in which Young drew fouls. But it seems strange he would openly air those grievances in public. If anything, the comments seem to underscore the purported tension between head coach and star.
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