HOMECOMING
Nets B’klyn debut for locals Atkinson, Whitehead
The Nets play their home opener Friday against the Pacers. That means Long Island-born coach Kenny Atkinson and Brooklynbred rookie Isaiah Whitehead make their Barclays Center debuts following Wednesday’s season-opening loss at Boston.
“There’s a little bit of sour taste in their mouths. We could’ve played a little better [Wednesday]. I think they’re looking forward to it. It’ll be fun to play in front of our fans in a comfortable environment against a good team. So, good challenge for us,’’ Atkinson said. “I feel comfortable already at the Barclays, you’re at home with your family, you’re in your routine. So I like being at home.”
Atkinson’s family will make Barclays Center a second home. Atkinson, who was born in Huntington, expects 30 family members on hand for his first home game as Nets coach, including all seven of his brothers.
“I think it’s gone over 30. My uncle is calling our business side and asking for more tickets. It’s great. To me, that’s what it’s all about. It’s going to be special for me, special for my family. It’s unique. Very, very cool,’’ Atkinson said.
“I’ve got seven brothers. Then the nieces and nephews, I think we’re over 30 of them. We’ve got a huge family. I’ve got uncles coming in, friends. It’s great. … [My brothers are] all going to be there [Friday]. Everybody lives in the vicinity.”
Whitehead grew up even closer to Barclays, just eight miles away in Coney Island.
“It’ll be big to see the fans out there and my friends and family in the crowd. Hopefully we win. That’s the major goal,’’ Whitehead said. “It’s really importance attendance-wise. If they see us go full-force, win or lose give it our all, I think they’ll come to every game and support us.”
First-round pick Caris LeVert , who still is rehabbing from March foot surgery, has yet to debut. When asked on SiriusXM NBA Radio about a return date, he said: “Probably within the next couple of weeks. … We’re right there right now.
“It’s just tough being patient. … The most important thing is getting healthy. That’s the thing the coaches and some of the vets have told me, guys like Randy Foye.”
Foye, who is out with a hamstring injury, is considered day-to-day.
Bojan Bogdanovic had a team-high 21 points Wednesday, but the Nets have tried to improve his defense, which will be tested when he’s matched against Indiana’s Paul George.
“Bojan showed a lot of positive stuff. We need to keep on him about his defense. We need some more rebounds. He knows it,’’ Atkinson said.
“He wants me to grab more rebounds, also to play better defense,” said Bogdanovic, who had five rebounds against the Celtics. “That’s how it is. I’m threeman, I’m 6-7, for sure I have to take more rebounds. I averaged three last season, so I want to increase it.”