Soaring Down South
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What to Expect from Hawks Coach Lloyd Pierce in 2018-19

By Zackery Rogers

BROOKHAVEN, GA - MAY 14: Lloyd Pierce speaks to the media after being hired as Head Coach of the Atlanta Hawks on May 14, 2018 at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in Brookhaven, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKHAVEN, GA - MAY 14: Lloyd Pierce speaks to the media after being hired as Head Coach of the Atlanta Hawks on May 14, 2018 at the Emory Sports Medicine Complex in Brookhaven, Georgia. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Developing a Culture

Prior to coming to Atlanta Pierce served as an assistant coach with the Cavaliers (2007-10), Warriors (2010-11), Memphis Grizzlies (2011-13) and the Philadelphia 76ers (2013-18). Looking at the California native’s resume should provide Hawks fans with some optimism.

During his time in Cleveland, he coached under Mike Brown and reached the playoffs three consecutive seasons. Brown created a winning environment in Cleveland with the assistance of LeBron James. The Cavs under Brown played solid defense in crunch time situations and were average on offense.

After his stint in Ohio, Pierce would join Keith Smart’s coaching staff with the Warriors for a year. Unfortunately, the 42-year-old coach only stayed in the Bay area for a year and Stephen Curry was still overcoming ankle injuries during that time.

For the next three years, the former 76ers assistant coach witnessed the evolution in Memphis. Pierce’s time with the Grizz will help the Hawks down the road because of the defensive culture that the Grizzlies built. You may remember the Memphis trio that featured Marc Gasol, Michael Conley Jr. and Zach Randolph — memorable members of the team’s “grit and grind” mentality.

Of course, Atlanta will build their roster with more three-point shooting, unlike the Grizzlies did in years past. Finally, if you are a Hawks fan you have to “trust the process.” Coaching alongside Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown was huge for Pierce.

Occasionally, fans forget how Brown endured four consecutive seasons of losing. This season, the Sixers finished the season with a 52-30 record and made it to the second round of the playoffs.

The time, coaching under Brown will help Pierce remain patient, build a defensive foundation and develop younger players. Like Brown, Pierce is a player’s coach and knows how to connect with his players and build solid relationships.

Expect Pierce to build a solid team who can run the break, play defense, run a solid offense and shoot a high percentage in three’s.

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