Messina set for NBA return as Hawks consultant

Ettore Messina is on the verge of returning to the NBA, with Atlanta expected to formalize his arrival between today and tomorrow, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. The former Olimpia Milano coach and executive will join the Hawks as a consultant, supporting head coach Quin Snyder, who previously worked alongside him at CSKA Moscow in 2012/13 and during their shared stint with the Los Angeles Lakers under Mike Brown.

For Messina, this marks a renewed chapter in the United States after earlier roles with the Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, closing the door on his seven‑year tenure in Milan, which ended in June. His new position should offer flexibility, allowing him to remain available for potential opportunities during the season while also beginning a parallel role as a television analyst for Sky in Italy.

Messina departs Milano after significant success, including three league titles and a EuroLeague Final Four return.