Atlanta Hawks GM Danny Ferry lured Gregg Popovich’s top assistant to head up the bench in the A. Mike Budenholzer is the Hawks’ new head coach, the team announced today. Per the AJC: “Budenholzer will continue to coach the Spurs through the NBA Finals. San Antonio advanced to the championship series Monday by defeating the Grizzlies in the Western Conference finals. ‘We are thrilled to have Mike as the next coach of the Atlanta Hawks,’ general manager Danny Ferry said in a statement issued by the team. ‘He has an incredible basketball acumen and has a keen awareness of the league and what it takes to be successful. His experience and four championships over the last 17 years provide a tremendous foundation for his leadership of our team.’ Budenholzer, 43, replaces Drew, who will not have his contract renewed after serving as the team’s head coach the past three seasons. ‘I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization for the last 19 years,’ Budenholzer said in a statement. ‘I knew it would have to be a tremendous situation for me to leave and clearly coming to Atlanta as the head coach of the Hawks is perfect for me. Ownership’s commitment to taking this organization to the next level and creating a unique and special culture, partnering with a general manager like Danny Ferry who I have great respect for, and building a roster that has terrific potential because of the existing core and the ensuing flexibility presents a rare and uniquely positive opportunity.'”
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