Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer is new Hawks head coach

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On Tuesday, the Atlanta Hawks named San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer as the team’s new head coach. Coach Bud will continue to coach the Spurs until the NBA Finals are over. Matthew Tynan and I sat down to discuss Bud’s departure.

  • The Kawhiet Storm

    A great hire for the Hawks. A bit surprising for us Spurs fans though, we have long since considered Coach Bud the de facto Pop replacement and now I can’t really think of who would be the clear-cut first in line when Pop and Tim sail off into the St Croix sunset together. Could the recent developments in the relationship between the two franchises facilitate any sort of moves between the two teams as far as trades go?

  • STIJL

    If and when Pop decides to “retire”…Budenhozer could still be contacted by the organization. As could a countless number of ex-Spur staff throughout the league.

    No worries.

  • DorieStreet

    The first challenge for Coach Bud and GM Ferry is Josh Smith-do they convince him to stay for far less-than-the max. Could there be a move as you suggest-Smith to the Spurs for draft picks-and some Spurs to help get the new Hawk coach started with his “team first” reorganization (Blair, Neal, Bonner, de Colo).
    Some new blood arriving in the ATL for 2013-14, hopefully championship rings in their pockets.

  • Hollins won’t be Retained

    I think you guys are lazy for doing videos/podcasts as opposed to writing up articles.

  • David Salazar

    Then do not read their work or watch the podcasts

  • cl

    Just thinking out loud — What about Tim Duncan as next Spurs coach? He seems to be addicted to the game of basketball (not just a paycheck player) and knows the fundamentals — I remember when the Bullets hired Wes Unseld, the Celtics hired Dave Cowens, etc…. I could see Pop handing over the team to TD —

  • Titletown99030507d

    Carlisimo comes to mind after the Nets stint is over.

  • Titletown99030507d

    Tim and Manu.

  • James

    This might be just me. But I think Timmy is far too introverted to coach.

  • http://48minutesofhell.com Andrew A. McNeill

    Pop has been asked about the possibility of Duncan coaching someday and Pop is pretty adamant that TD wouldn’t be a coach. “He’s far too smart for that,” is usually along the lines of Pop’s response. That said, Duncan spends more time in the coaches huddle and chatting with assistants during timeouts than any player on the team.

  • Graham

    Timmy actually seems quite sociable with his teammates. He’d be a horrible interview but likely would have no problem connecting with his players if he were to coach.

  • Graham

    I definitely could see Manu coaching. Doubt he’d necessarily be a Popovich style coach but he’s got the mind and the ability to motivate for it I think.

  • Graham

    You mean like a Pau Gasol from Memphis style travesty that Jerry West orchestrated? With us getting Al Horford for Aron Baynes, Cory Joseph and a 2nd round draft pick or something?

    Highly doubt it, but that’d be hilarious if it did happen.

    In all seriousness, I think that Ferry’s trying to turn Atlanta into Spurs East. Don’t think any long-term relationship is in the works other than him poaching talent from our Front Office.

  • STIJL

    A “players” coach with the knowledge and experience to continue a proven system. Would be interesting to see if Timmy’s reputation as a player could help land top talent via free agency if he were a head coach.