Veteran Ettore Messina is returning to the NBA as a coaching consultant for the Atlanta Hawks, according to a report by Walter Fuochi of La Repubblica. Messina will split his time between Atlanta and Italy, where he is also beginning work as a television analyst for Sky Sport, operating under an arrangement that does not require him to relocate to the United States.
Third Tour in the Association
The appointment marks Messina’s third stint in the NBA.
He previously spent the 2011-12 season as a consultant for the Los Angeles Lakers under head coach Mike Brown, followed by a five-year run as an assistant to Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs starting in July 2014. In Atlanta, Messina reunites with Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, who previously worked as an assistant on Messina’s staff at CSKA Moscow during the 2012-13 season.
Stepping Away From Milano
The move follows Messina’s departure from Olimpia Milano in late June.
Giorgio Armani originally brought Messina out of San Antonio in June 2019 to serve as head coach and president of basketball operations. During his tenure, Milano captured three Italian league titles, two Italian Cups, and three Supercups, alongside a trip to the 2021 EuroLeague Final Four. Messina resigned from his coaching post on November 24, 2025, after a 6-6 start in the EuroLeague and a 5-4 start domestically, noting in an open letter that he had become a distraction to the club. He remained with the organization as a director and advisor until the two sides parted ways.
Reloading the Hawks Roster
The Atlanta Hawks are adding Messina to their staff following an offseason that featured significant roster adjustments around Jalen Johnson.
The team signed CJ McCollum to an extension, re-signed Jock Landale, and acquired Luguentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Additional roster additions included Devin Carter from the Sacramento Kings and Ryan Nembhard from the Dallas Mavericks.
Looking Ahead to Tipoff
Snyder signed a multiyear extension on June 8, following a 2023-24 campaign that ended with a 46-36 record, a Southeast Division title, and a first-round playoff exit against the New York Knicks.
The Hawks are scheduled to open their regular season on October 21 against the Orlando Magic, with their home opener set for October 24 against the Houston Rockets.
Keep reading