Ettore Messina Joins Atlanta Hawks as Consultant

The San Antonio Spurs are preparing for the upcoming season with a largely unchanged roster, facing their most significant loss with associate head coach Sean Sweeney departing to become head coach in Orlando.

In a notable development, Ettore Messina, who served as an assistant to Gregg Popovich from 2014 to 2019, is set to return to the NBA as a consultant for the Atlanta Hawks. Messina, recognized for his extensive knowledge of European basketball, will assist the Hawks as they aim for success in the 2026-27 season.

The Hawks have made several aggressive moves this offseason to enhance their competitiveness, with All-Star forward Jalen Johnson expected to lead the team. Messina's experience is anticipated to be beneficial for head coach Quin Snyder and his staff, particularly in tactical strategies.