The Athletic sat down with Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce for an hour Wednesday to discuss a variety of topics related to the current roster, the progression he hopes to see from the team, the draft, which is June 20, free agency and Pierce being named to the Team USA coaching staff.



Part 1 focuses on the current roster and the next steps of progression for the Hawks. Part 2, coming Thursday, focuses on the draft, free agency and how being with Team USA this summer can help his career and the Hawks moving forward.



I wanted to start with something related to the Finals and Kevin Durant’s injury. This past season, you guys were super cautious with injuries — minutes restrictions, lengthy recovery times, etc. What is the process of getting cleared to play here?



Every case is different. That’s what makes it difficult to assess. If a guy is coming off an ankle sprain, it’s comfort for (when he can return). It’s pain tolerance.