Ettore Messina has officially returned to the NBA as a coaching consultant for the Atlanta Hawks, joining head coach Quin Snyder’s staff after a seven-year absence from the league, according to announcements made by the franchise. The veteran Italian coach, who recently concluded a tenure as head coach and president with Olimpia Milano from 2019 to 2026, steps back into North American basketball equipped with an extensive international resume that includes four EuroLeague titles and a five-year stint with the San Antonio Spurs.
Inside the Atlanta Hawks Coaching Staff Restructuring
The Atlanta Hawks officially confirmed Messina’s arrival alongside other key staff additions ahead of the upcoming season. According to team communications, Messina will serve as a coaching consultant, contributing his vast technical and managerial expertise to Snyder’s bench. Alongside Messina, the organization announced the appointments of Jason Love as an assistant coach and Sergi Oliva as a basketball strategy and development advisor.
This appointment reunites Messina with Snyder, who previously served as an assistant under the Italian tactician at CSKA Moscow during the 2012–13 season. The two also crossed paths during Messina’s stint as a consultant with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2011–12 campaign, establishing a professional relationship that now translates directly to the Hawks’ bench in Atlanta.
A Storied European Career and Prior NBA Stints
Widely regarded as one of the most decorated figures in European basketball history, Messina enters the Hawks organization with a palmares featuring four EuroLeague championships—two secured with Virtus Bologna in 1998 and 2001, and two captured with CSKA Moscow in 2006 and 2008. His career also features numerous domestic league titles in Italy and Russia, an induction into the FIBA Hall of Fame, and a silver medal won with the Italian national team at EuroBasket 1997.
Messina’s familiarity with the NBA is well-established. Beyond his 2011–12 season advising the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach Mike Brown, he spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs from 2014 to 2019, working directly under legendary coach Gregg Popovich. Reports also note that Messina was heavily considered for the head coaching vacancy in Atlanta back in 2013 under then-general manager Danny Ferry.
Strategic Impact on the Hawks’ Development
By bringing in Messina, the Hawks add a high-level strategic mind capable of supporting both player development and overarching tactical structures.
The franchise opens its upcoming preparations with a revamped coaching staff blending traditional NBA pedigree with world-class international acumen.
Next Steps and How to Follow
The Atlanta Hawks will begin their official preseason media obligations and training camp sessions in the coming weeks ahead of the regular-season schedule. Supporters can track official roster updates, staff announcements, and schedule releases directly through the Atlanta Hawks official website.
