Report: Hawks' Young sat out vs. Nuggets after exchange with McMillan
Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young didn't suit up for Friday's contest against the Denver Nuggets after getting into an exchange with head coach Nate McMillan earlier in the day, sources told The Athletic's Shams Charania and Sam Amick.
The Hawks bench boss was apparently unpleased with Young's decision to skip the team's shootaround in favor of receiving treatment for his right shoulder.
McMillan subsequently told the two-time All-Star he could either come off the bench for Friday's game or not show up to the arena, sources told Charania and Amick.
Young reportedly chose not to play, and the club officially ruled him out with right shoulder soreness.
Atlanta has apparently been managing simmering issues between McMillan and Young throughout the 2022-23 campaign. Multiple team meetings are said to have taken place to attempt to resolve various conflicts.
McMillan became the Hawks' head coach in March 2021 after the team fired Lloyd Pierce. The 58-year-old guided the team to the East finals that season and was rewarded with a four-year contract in the summer. His job is safe despite tensions with Young, sources told Charania and Amick.
Atlanta enters Sunday's slate of games with a 13-10 record, good for fourth in the East.