Quin Snyder signed a five-year contract when he agreed to become the next head coach of the Atlanta Hawks. However, the 58-year-old has made an interesting move behind-the-scenes. According to ESPN insider Olgun Uluc, Snyder “is among those who advanced to the final stages of the (Australia men’s national team’s) selection process and is regarded as one of the frontrunners to succeed (former head coach) Brian Goorjian.”
Former German national team head coach Gordon Herbert, as well as former Boomers assistants Adam Caporn and Will Weaver, are also considered to be in the running.
Hawks’ Quin Snyder In Conversation For Boomers’ Head Coach Gig
Given Herbert’s success and the resume of a candidate like Weaver, Snyder has stiff competition. However, the NBA is the crown jewel of the basketball world. As a result, he’s in a prestigious position.
Though they aren’t considered elite, the way that Snyder has the Hawks playing has caught the eye of many. Their offense is quite dependent on Trae Young, but he’s gotten the playmaker to buy into a more team-oriented approach. He’s helped unlock rising star Jalen Johnson and put De’Andre Hunter in a position to be successful as well. The natural ability of these players, and those like Dyson Daniels, can’t be discounted.
Nonetheless, there’s an organization to and confidence with which they play that speaks volumes about his pedagogy.
Unpolished Gems
That’s important for any team. It’s what could set the Boomers apart on the international stage. The Australian men’s national basketball team has been one of the better teams in FIBA-sponsored tournaments but have only medaled once in the Olympics. This might come as somewhat of a surprise given the fact that several NBA players are from Down Under. However, the Boomers have never had a true star represent them at the Games.
Maybe they never will. If not, a coach like Snyder has shown he can help maximize his players.
Even before he was the Hawks’ head coach, he made waves with the Utah Jazz, who became a perennial playoff contender. Of course, Donovan Mitchell –bursting with potential –became an All-Star under his watch. While it was prior to his gruesome leg injury, Gordon Hayward had his best seasons. Rudy Gobert won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards. He even got great performances out of forgotten contributors like Rodney Hood.
With that in mind, the Boomers would honestly be lucky to have a roster of Hoods.
Unless Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving can or decides to play for them, there probably won’t be an offensive engine. Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey has an innate feel for facilitating but isn’t a formidable scorer. So, having a coach like Snyder –who has experience polishing gems –would likely pay off.
