When the Atlanta Hawks decided to part ways with head coach Mike Budenholzer at the conclusion of the regular season, it suggested that the team was looking to start fresh.After posting a 24-58 record, the worst mark in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks are firmly headed towards a rebuilding period. That status created a couple of predictors about who their 13th head coach in franchise history would become.Rebuilding franchises often times look for first-time NBA coaches to lead their teams through the tough years. Since a number of standout assistant coaches interviewed for the many vacancies that were recently available across the league, one of them was likely to end up in Atlanta.And that’s exactly what happened.Terms of the agreement were not announced, but the Hawks announced their choice on Friday.

Lloyd Pierce, who spent the last five years as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers, got the job. The 42 year old previously spent time as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. He also spent time as an assistant coach for his alma mater, Santa Clara University before moving to the pro ranks. But, being a part of "the process" in Philadelphia, through the rough times and into this successful season most likely led to his hire.

“As we set out to find a new head coach for our team, it was critically important to find a dynamic teacher who could connect with and develop our young core while instilling the culture and high standards we feel are necessary in a successful program,” said Hawks general manager and head of basketball operations Travis Schlenk, per an NBA.com release. “Lloyd Pierce checks every box, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him leading the Atlanta Hawks into the future.”

“We are excited to start a new chapter of Hawks Basketball with Lloyd as head coach of our team,” said Hawks’ principal owner and chair of the board of directors Tony Ressler. “Each part of our organization, from our ownership group to basketball to business operations, is aligned, and we are all committed to building a first-class organization that is working to bring a championship to Atlanta.”

Overall, Pierce is eager to get started.

“This is a day I’ve been working towards for a long time and it’s an honor to be the head coach of the Atlanta Hawks,” Pierce said. “I have great respect for Travis and strong belief in his plan to bring a championship to the city of Atlanta. After spending time with ownership, it’s clear they have a deep investment in and commitment to making this a model organization. This opportunity is a perfect fit for me, and I’m eager to get started.”

With a young core headlined by Dennis Schroder, Taurean Prince and John Collins, the Hawks will most likely need their 2018 first-round draft pick to produce at a high clip immediately as well as a few free agents to sign if they expect to win next season. Luckily for Pierce, he will be taking over the team coming off of a 24-win season. Thus, the development of the team's young players will most likely take precedence over wins for the first couple seasons.

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