WASHINGTON, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Atlanta Hawks coach Lloyd Pierce was on Monday appointed assistant coach of the United States national basketball team, after the departure of Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillan from the role.

"It's an honor to receive this opportunity to represent our country and to work with such great coaches and staff," Pierce said.

The 42-year-old, who guided the Hawks to a 29-53 record in his first season as an NBA head coach, will assist Gregg Popovich in leading the national squad at this year's Basketball World Cup in China and next year's Tokyo Olympic Games, should they qualify.

Other assistants include Steve Kerr, coach of reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors, and Jay Wright, who coached Villanova University to the U.S. college crown in 2016 and 2018.

McMillan resigned due to scheduling conflicts, announced USA Basketball.

The U.S. team, two-time defending world champions, feature in a group that includes Japan, Turkey and the Czech Republic at the 32-team World Cup to be held from August 31-September 15.