Nate McMillan playeda big part in the Hawks' midseason turnaround, and it seems as if he'll be rewarded for his efforts.

According to , there is " Clayton Fejedelem Jersey strong momentum" for McMillan to become the team's permanent head coach followinghis stretch as interim coach.

"There haven't been any negotiations as of yet. That'slikely to take place after the season. But the plan is to retain Nate McMillan as the head coach,"Charania said.

MORE:

McMillan Jessie Bates III Jersey changed the team's directionafter taking over forLloyd Pierce on March 1. He coached them to a 27-11 record in the final 38 games after they started the season14- Darqueze Dennard Jersey 20 under Pierce. Atlanta's 41-31 overall record earned it the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The turnaround was due in large part to McMillan's ability to improve the offense and raise point guard Trae Young's game. Per , Young's net rating and overall offensive rating increased by almost six points each under McMillan.

McMillan also had the Hawks playing much better in the fourth quarter. They were 20-2 under him when entering the fourth with a lead. Under Pierce, Atlanta was 12-7 when Josh Malone Jersey leading after three.

The former SuperSonics, Trail Blazers and Pacers coach boasts a career 688-599regular-season record and eight seasons of 45 or morewins, but he has not experienced much succe s in the postseason. His previous teams made Shawn Williams Jersey eight first-round exits in nine playoff appearances.

We'll soon see if McMillan can exorcise his playoff demons in this year's first round against the Knicks, but win or lose, he seems like the right manto lead the Hawks. And Atlanta's brain trust seems to realize that.