Report: Hawks hire Nick Van Exel as an assistant coach

The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly hired Nick Van Exel as an assistant coach, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Van Exel was last with the Memphis Grizzlies (2016-2019) as an assistant coach, and spent three years as a developmental assistant with the Hawks from 2010-2012.

Van Exel is set to replace Marlon Garnett, who has accepted a job with the Charlotte Hornets after spending the last three seasons in Atlanta.

Van Exel, a thirteen-year NBA veteran and one-time All-Star, rounds out Nate McMillan’s coaching staff heading into the 2021-22 season. Van Exel joins Matt Hill and Chris Jent along with fellow new hires Jamelle McMillan and Joe Prunty as assistants under McMillan.

Van Exel spent the majority of his playing career with the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. The point guard averaged 14.4 points and 6.6 assists per game for his career. As a coach, Van Exel has spent time with the Hawks, Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Texas Legends, the G League affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks. He was the head coach of the Legends for the 2015-16 season.

The Hawks will open the preseason Oct. 4 vs. the Miami Heat, with training camp starting six days prior on Sept. 28.

Stay tuned.