Quin Snyder is a phenomenal coach.
If fans want to dispute this, they'll have to take it up with his stellar track record out in Utah - 6 consecutive winning seasons, including a 1st-seed finish in 2020-21, indicate a clear pattern of success.
Atlanta has struggled to reach the lofty peaks that Snyder achieved in Utah since adding the coveted strategist to their courtside crew, however. Across the three seasons that the coach has led the Hawks, their overall record has floundered at an uninspiring 86-99.
So what's changing this season to lead Hawks fans to believe this season will be different? Long story short, the Hawks have finally given Snyder what he's been looking for - utility pieces that fit his scheme.
Put more accurately, such pieces sought Snyder out themselves.
Luke Kennard was a lively participant in the Hawks' media day on Monday, buzzing with excitement for a season holding untold promise for the stellar shooter.
Kennard first mentioned his intrigue with fast-paced hoops. This should really come as no surprise at all to those familiar with his game - you wouldn't expect it from his absurdly high career 3P% of 43.8% (including a downright ludicrous 54.0% on 4.6 3PA in 2022-2023), but Kennard loves to shoot high-difficulty, movement threes, especially on the break.
While most coaches would be keen to sit players like this down in a heartbeat, Kennard knows Quin Snyder is anything but such a leader - if anything, he will encourage Kennard to reach deep into his shot-making bag throughout the coming campaign.
Cool hand Luke is stoked to have the green light this year in Snyder's fast system - "Pace, ball movement, flow... when the ball is moving, you can break down defenses very easily in this league."
Kennard certainly has a high degree of confidence in his offensive ability - one that has been hard-earned over the course of his career. While he may not be the best defender on the other end of the court, Kennard's long-range offensive firepower is overshadowed by few others in the league (if any).
When asked about what brought him to Atlanta over the offseason, Kennard was quick to point to Snyder's system as a primary reason why he chose the Hawks over his many other suitors.
Without a doubt, if Atlanta can live up to the hype that they're drawing in this year, other special talents like Kennard will soon be reaching out to Onsi Saleh to have a chance to play under Snyder's team-first, track-meet type offense.