Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce isn't quite on the hot seat just yet, but that could all change in the upcoming week, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.

The Hawks suffered a 143-120 loss to the struggling New York Knicks, one that franchise star Trae Young called “the lowest point of the season.” Atlanta is 6-22 on the season and is facing a five-game skid, losers of 12 of their last 14 games in the young season.

According to Haynes, one of the primary factors keeping Pierce's job safe is the impending return of forward John Collins, who is bound to take the floor after a 25-game suspension due to taking banned substances.

The Hawks have been forced to rely on 42-year-old veteran Vince Carter more than they expected in light of Collins' suspension and other key injuries, giving another reason why the Hawks have been unable to perform as they expected.

Players have complained about selfishness, a lack of work ethic and accountability in talks with one another, telltale signs of a young locker room starting to splinter.

Pierce has a young but talented team, but the frustration among players is starting to build. If he loses the locker room, there will be no looking back. If Collins' return does not demonstrate a sense of change in the win-loss column, the locker room could be lost completely — forcing the Hawks to make a coaching change as a means to appease some of the young stars in the roster,  including Young and Collins.