Ettore Messina has officially returned to the NBA after a seven-year absence, joining head coach Quin Snyder’s staff with the Atlanta Hawks as a coaching consultant, according to an official announcement from the franchise on September 17, 2026. The 66-year-old Italian coach brings an extensive European and American resume to the Georgia franchise, where he will divide his time across technical basketball operations and organizational strategy.
Inside the Atlanta Hawks Agreement and Staff Realignment
According to official releases from the Atlanta Hawks, Messina’s new position places him alongside Quin Snyder to advise on both basketball strategy and front-office developments. The organizational shuffle also brought in Jason Love as an assistant coach and Sergi Oliva as a basketball strategy and development advisor, rounding out a staff designed to blend international pedigree with current league tactics.
For Messina, the role marks a reunion with Snyder. The two previously worked together when Snyder served as an assistant under the Italian coach during Messina’s tenure at CSKA Moscow. According to reports covering the announcement, Messina’s schedule with the Hawks is structured around distinct three-week operational blocks, allowing him to balance his extensive commitments in European basketball media and analysis.
A Storied European Career and Prior NBA Stints
Before his return to North America, Messina built one of the most decorated coaching resumes in European basketball history, earning recognition as a FIBA Hall of Fame member. According to club records, his achievements include four EuroLeague titles—securing two with Virtus Bologna in 1998 and 2001, and two more with CSKA Moscow in 2006 and 2008. He also captured multiple domestic league championships across Italy and Russia, alongside a silver medal with the senior Italian national team at EuroBasket 1997, prior to concluding a high-profile chapter running Olimpia Milano.
Messina is no stranger to NBA benches. His first venture into the league came during the 2011–12 season, when he served as a consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach Mike Brown. He subsequently joined the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach, spending five seasons from 2014 to 2019 under the guidance of Gregg Popovich before returning full-time to European club coaching.
What Comes Next for Atlanta
The Hawks integrate Messina and his fellow staff additions ahead of the upcoming NBA preseason workouts and training camps.
Keep reading
- UNI vs Leonas ALMA Live 3Q: Liga Superior de Baloncesto Femenil
- EuroLeague Super Cup 2026: Teams, Dates, Schedule, TV, and How to Watch Real Madrid in Dubai
- Codex Azcatitlán returns to Mexico for display after 186 years abroad (newsarchyuk.com)
- Salman Khan Joins Family For Ganesh Chaturthi At Sohail Khans Home (breakinglatest.news)
