In the NBA, it's about respect. To follow, players have to believe in the man leading them.

Not that the players didn't respect Lon Kruger, but on one level, Terry Stotts has an advantage that Kruger could not claim.

"He's been with winning franchises for a decade. You can't knock that type of experience," said Hawks reserve forward Darvin Ham, who spent the past three years in Milwaukee, where Stotts was an assistant for George Karl. "He's a big part of the success [Karl had]. A lot of times George relied on him for support in tough times -- I'm sure in Seattle and I know for sure in Milwaukee. Lon was a phenomenal college coach, but the college game and the pro game are two different things.