Advertisement - scroll for more content
I'm told another reason for Atlanta and Young's mutual optimism about next season: The strong relationship that the 26-year-old has forged with Quin Snyder. The Hawks' head coach sang Young's praises for his growing voice as a leader and heightened defensive efforts when I made a trip to Atlanta in March. There's real synergy between coach and point guard.
“We talked a little bit,” Porzingis said. “We didn’t go into very specific details. I met with (general manager) Onsi (Saleh) and coach Quin (Snyder) (on Tuesday), and we went over some things and style of play. And honestly, I’m very excited. “I really like what I saw yesterday. And I’m not just saying that because I’m on a new team. But really, I really like what I saw yesterday from coach Quin. And I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s the right style of play, and I think I will fit right in. I can fit honestly anywhere. “I think I’ll fit right in here and add more like diversity, maybe even more offense. And, yeah, I think there’s going to be more like layers to this offense that’s already pretty powerful. But yeah, I think we can really be a force offensively.”
Anadolu Efes has officially appointed Serbian coach Igor Kokoskov as the club’s new head coach, signing him to a three-year contract. Kokoskov arrives in Istanbul after spending the past season as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks under Quin Snyder. The experienced tactician has coached multiple national teams, including Georgia, Serbia, and most notably Slovenia, whom he led to the EuroBasket title in 2017.
Anadolu Efes is starting a new chapter by appointing Igor Kokoskov as head coach, marking his return to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The Serbian tactician replaces Luca Banchi. Kokoskov most recently worked alongside Quin Snyder as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, but he brings deep European credentials to the job.
“It saves you a ton of time and just makes your day a little bit easier, because it’s one less decision that you have to make on that day,” Bickerstaff said. “I think people look professional,” Snyder said. “It’s just easier, the decisions. I’d rather think about what we’re trying to run after a timeout than whether my shoes match my belt. To whatever extent, it makes it easier and more functional. I think it’s great. … I would bet that most coaches would agree with me after having gone through it as well. You kind of appreciate the simplicity of it.”
Advertisement
Trae Young: Hell nahh🤣
Another one: The New York Knicks have requested permission to speak with Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, but were firmly denied, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025
Knicks denied permission from speaking to Quin Snyder for coaching vacancy
Shams Charania: Another one: The New York Knicks have requested permission to speak with Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, but were firmly denied, sources tell ESPN.
Rubio, the fan favorite point guard who spent two seasons with the Utah Jazz, also made the move some athletes choose to after they end their careers: He took out a newspaper ad in every market in which he played, including one at The Salt Lake Tribune. “What an experience you gave me,” Rubio wrote of Utah. His ad referenced former Jazz coach Quin Snyder, calling him “one of the few coaches who truly understood me on a personal level.”
League sources told RG that Atlanta is evaluating several candidates to lead basketball operations, including CAA’s Austin Brown and Octagon’s Alex Saratsis, Antetokounmpo’s longtime agent. While such a hire wouldn’t automatically shift the franchise’s direction, it would naturally draw interest from around the league. Another layer of alignment is also in play. Multiple sources told RG that Hawks head coach Quin Snyder has substantial input in basketball operations, and he, too, is represented by Octagon president Phil de Picciotto. That shared agency connection across head coach, a possible front-office hire, and a player of Antetokounmpo’s stature could help foster cohesion if Atlanta explored a bold swing.
Coach Quin Snyder, lured from a Costa Rican beach vacation to take over in early 2023, still has significant say (and the salary to prove it). The front office has other voices — such as Saleh, assistant GM Kyle Korver, adviser and former Cavs GM Chris Grant and agent-turned-adviser Chris Emens. And in addition to those I already named, seven other people in basketball operations have VP titles.
Advertisement
Young is by far Atlanta’s biggest issue, but he’s not the only one. Snyder is still under contract and oversaw young players like Johnson, Daniels, Risacher, Okongwu and Gueye making progress. Snyder has also gotten Young to try on defense. However, Snyder might have an interest in pursuing other openings, especially if the Spurs job becomes available.
Throughout the season, Hawks coach Quin Snyder honed his young team to fit an offensive cutting and defensive pressure approach. The team overperformed preseason expectations, even after losing Johnson and trading away De’Andre Hunter, giving the franchise confidence in the path it charted last offseason. Key players such as Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher struggled against Miami, a crucial moment to learn and grow. “We’ve got a lot of young guys, so this is a perfect opportunity for guys that. I mean, if this is their first experience of an elimination game, they know now what to expect and what to go into the summertime to work on,” Young said.
NBA Communications: Other nominees... West: Chris Finch (MIN) Steve Kerr (GSW), Tyronn Lue (LAC) and Ime Udoka (HOU) East: Kenny Atkinson (CLE), Rick Carlisle (IND), Billy Donovan (CHI), Darko Rajaković (TOR) and Quin Snyder (ATL)
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement