American · Raleigh, North Carolina · Born 3 August 1964American basketball player and coach known for his defensive prowess with Seattle SuperSonics and successful coaching career with multiple NBA teams.
Nathaniel McMillan was born in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1964. Seattle SuperSonics selected him 30th overall in the 1986 NBA Draft from North Carolina State. His 12-season career produced 6.4 points and 5.0 assists per game. He was named to the All-NBA Defensive Second Team twice — remarkable for a player with such modest offensive statistics, reflecting his defensive impact. He was named Seattle's all-time steals leader upon his retirement from the franchise. He averaged 2.2 steals per game across his career — among the highest career averages for a guard. His coaching career has been extensive — he led the Portland Trail Blazers and Indiana Pacers to multiple playoff appearances and coached the Atlanta Hawks to a 60-win season in 2020-21. His basketball intelligence — evident from his playing days — has made him one of the most respected defensive minds in the league.
Defensive specialist and steal leader, successful NBA coach
How They Played
Tenacious defender, excellent court vision, unselfish point guard
Lasting Impact
Defensive anchor for SuperSonics, respected coach who developed young talent
Career Honours
- All-NBA Defensive Second Team 2x
- NBA Coach (Portland, Indiana, Atlanta)
- Seattle SuperSonics cornerstone
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle SuperSonics | 1986–1998 | 795 |
American Athletes