Replacing Bud: Eight Potential New Head Coaches For The Hawks

OAKLAND, CA - MARCH 23: Head coach Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on March 23, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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Ime Udoka

Another Spurs assistant getting his rounds is Ime Udoka. Udoka, a seven-year vet as a former player, racked up playing time in L.A, New York, Sacramento and Portland before ending his career in San Antonio and joining the coaching staff upon retiring.

At just 40, Udoka would rank among the league’s youngest head coaches with Luke Walton and Tyronn Lue. Some teams might be turned off by a young and inexperienced coach, but Atlanta hasn’t been turned off by this before, however, hiring Budenholzer at age 43 and a young coach could bode well with the youth movement of the roster.

Udoka is perhaps the most unproven of potential Bud replacements, but he has a high ceiling and while he does come from under Popovich’s wing, he’s only been an assistant for six years. He could be a home run signing but he could be a risky one as well.

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