Atkinson spurns Hornets to remain with Warriors
The Warriors did not lose many games this season. Now, they won’t lose a significant assistant, either.
Kenny Atkinson, the former Nets head coach who according to multiple reports had agreed in principle during the NBA Finals to a four-year contract to become the Hornets’ head coach, will not take the job after all.
The AP, per a source with direct knowledge of the situation, said Atkinson cited family matters in turning down the deal, which was never signed. According to ESPN, “further conversations” led Atkinson to believe his best decision would be to remain with Golden State, where he will become head coach Steve Kerr’s top assistant. Mike Brown, who accepted the Kings’ head coaching job, previously held that coveted spot.
Atkinson would have been an interesting fit for Charlotte, which team owner Michael Jordan is building around AllStar LaMelo Ball. Atkinson is regarded for developing players, especially point guards. D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie both took leaps under him with the Nets.
The Warriors assistant also has experience coaching superstars. He has worked with Kyrie Irving, Paul George (as a Clippers assistant), and, of course,
Golden State superstar Stephen Curry.
The Hornets will have to restart the hiring process. Mike D’Antoni and Terry Stotts were the other two finalists in Charlotte’s search for a head coach to replace James Borrego, who was fired in April after going 138-163 in four seasons with the Hornets.
Atkinson, a former player, moved around the world to play pro basketball before opting to become a coach. He started coaching with the Knicks as an assistant in 2008 before moving to the Hawks, and then finally got a chance to be a head coach with the Nets in 2016.
During his four year tenure in Brooklyn, Atkinson turned around the Nets, leading them to a 2018-19 playoff appearance just two seasons after they had placed dead last in the Eastern Conference.
Atkinson stayed with the Nets even after they acquired both Kevin Durant and Irving during the 2019 offseason. Atkinson resigned after leading the Nets to a 28-34 record in his fourth season, and before coaching a game with Durant.
Steve Nash, who was soon hired as Nets head coach, still has not led the Nets even to the Eastern Conference Finals, despite having a star-studded roster. Meanwhile, Atkinson just won his first championship, albeit as an assistant.