Atlanta Hawks CEO Steve Koonin accused Shams Charania of The Athletic of “hack journalism” over a report on coach Nate McMillan’s standing. Koonin denied Charania’s Friday report that McMillan had “strongly thought of resigning.”

Charania reported about McMillan’s present state with the staff following a verbal alternate with star level guard Trae Younger earlier this month. The Athletic reporter touched on the potential for the coach resigning. Koonin denied the report and blasted Charania.

“That is made up stuff. I’m actually calling Shams out. It’s simply hack journalism. Hack,” Koonin mentioned.

In accordance with Charania, the difficulty stemmed from the heated verbal alternate the coach had together with his star level guard, Trae Younger. It occurred throughout a gameday shootaround and most studies level out that it could possibly be an enormous think about McMillan’s potential departure from the Hawks.

Shams Charania is among the most dependable sources within the NBA for breaking information tales and updates. Accusing the reporter of “hack journalism” is a robust accusation. Nonetheless, the departure of McMillan may occur. We’ll have to attend for additional updates if he strikes on from the Hawks.

Additionally learn: NBA Rumors: Nate McMillan contemplating resigning as coach after a rocky stint with Atlanta Hawks

How will Koonin’s accusation have an effect on the credibility of Shams Charania?

Out of all the most important media shops that cowl the NBA, Shams Charania and The Athletic are the one ones to report on McMillan’s standing. After his report was revealed, the Hawks CEO rapidly denied the declare and accused Charania of “hack journalism.”

Whatever the accusations he acquired from the Hawks govt, there’s nonetheless credible content material in his report. He has proof to again up his claims. Earlier than making a report on the matter, McMillan and Younger already had issues that had been identified to the general public.

The interior issues within the Hawks group are sufficient proof to indicate how abysmal the season has been for the staff. They’re at present 17-18, ninth within the Japanese Convention. The staff is already exhibiting indicators of battle, and it is extremely probably that the rumors of McMillan wanting to depart can be true.

McMillan, a standout guard whose No. 10 jersey has been retired by the Seattle SuperSonics and N.C. State, has additionally coached the SuperSonics, Indiana Pacers and Portland Path Blazers. He performed 12 seasons within the NBA, all with the SuperSonics and has coached within the NBA since retiring as a participant in 1998.

Additionally learn: NBA Rumors Roundup: Trae Younger may request a commerce; John Collins has lots of suitors, and extra