The NBA released its GM survey today and, as expected, the rebuilding Hawks didn't receive any votes for the top four teams in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks got the sixth-most votes in that category before the 2016-17 season but since then have traded Dwight Howard to Charlotte and saw Paul Millsap and Tim Hardaway Jr. sign elsewhere as free agents.
However, Hawks coach Mike Budehnolzer, rookie forward John Collins and assistant coach Darvin Ham did receive recognition in the latest GM survey. (GMs were not allowed to vote for their own team or personnel.)
Budenholzer received the fifth-most votes among GMs who answered the question: “Which coach makes the best in-game adjustments?” He finished behind Rick Carlisle (Mavericks), Brad Stevens (Celtics), Gregg Popovich (Spurs) and Stan Van Gundy (Pistons). Budenholzer was named NBA coach of the year for the 2014-15 season in a vote of league media and broadcasters.
Collins was among the "also receiving votes" category in response to the question: "Which rookie was the biggest steal at where he was selected in the draft?" The Hawks selected Collins 19th overall out of Wake Forest. General manager Travis Schlenk recently said he thought Collins would be selected among the 14 lottery picks.
Ham was among those receiving votes from GMs who answered the question: “Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?” Ham joined the Hawks staff before the 2013-14 season and was promoted to lead assistant in July 2016. Ham played 75 games for the Hawks during the 2002-03 season.
Related headlines
- The best Hawks lineup, for now and the future
- Dewayne Dedmon immediately shows he can help the Hawks
- Five observations from Hawks loss at Heat (exhibition)
- Dennis Schroder is arrested, and I wonder if he's ready to lead Hawks
- Is Mike Budenholzer on board with Hawks rebuild?
- Will NBA draft lottery changes hurt Hawks?
- VIDEO: Hawks guard Belinelli says he's fitting in fast with new team
- Now healthy, Hawks Bazemore 'in love with the grind again'
- VIDEO: Hawks guard Schroder on leadership, featured role in offense
- VIDEO: Hawks coach Budenholzer on offensive tweaks
- Malcolm Delaney: 'People didn't understand everything I had to go through'
- Here are the details on Hawks contracts
- Hawks to 'practice harder' so they can play faster
- Hawks now are Schroder's show
- 'Greater pace, greater space' for Hawks? Sounds good
- Hawks GM Travis Schlenk Q-and-A Part 2: 'Excited' about 2018 draft class
- Hawks GM Travis Schlenk Q-and-A: 'We are going to be competitive'
- Five things to watch at Hawks training camp
- Hawks player preview: Dennis Schroder
- Hawks player preview: Taurean Prince
- Hawks player preview: Miles Plumlee
- Hawks player preview: Mike Muscala
- Hawks player preview: Ersan Ilyasova
- Hawks player preview: Tyler Dorsey
- Hawks player preview: Malcolm Delaney
- Hawks player preview: Dewayne Dedmon
- Hawks player preview: Quinn Cook
- Hawks player preview: John Collins
- Hawks player preview: Nicolas Brussino
- Hawks player preview: DeAndre' Bembry
- Hawks player preview: Marco Belinelli
- Hawks player preview: Kent Bazemore
- Hawks player preview: Luke Babbitt
About the Author