"Trash Journalism!": Atlanta Hawks CEO Calls Out NBA Insider Shams Charania Over McMillan Report

NBA Insider Shams Charania usually gets his scoops directly from teams, agents and other organizational sources. But his scoop today which we reported on earlier, that Atlanta Hawks head coach Nate McMillan is strongly considering stepping down, has met with vigorous resistance from the Hawks. 

Team CEO Steve Koonin, in fact, called the story "trash journalism."

Hawks CEO Steve Koonin on @DukesandBell929 this afternoon called this story “trash journalism… This is made up stuff. I am literally calling Shams out. It is just hack journalism. Hack.” https://t.co/rYIHvpHgTY

— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) December 30, 2022

Appearing on the “Dukes and Bell” radio show on 92.9 The Game in Atlanta, Koonin trashed Shams by name, saying his report was “trash journalism… This is made up stuff. I am literally calling Shams out. It is just hack journalism. Hack.”

Charania reported that although no resignation is imminent, and his job is thought to be safe, McMillan has "strongly considered" resigning from his role. 

The Hawks have been in disarray, with a confrontation at shootaround several weeks back between the coach and star guard Trae Young at the heart of it. 

Atlanta, after a strong start, has dropped back in the pack in the East, now sitting under .500 at 17-18 and in 9th spot in the conference. 

Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports