In the aftermath of a title victory, Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson was supposed to be making the transition to Charlotte to coach a young Hornets team with LaMelo Ball.
Instead, he has re-committed to the Warriors after turning his back on the Hornets’ job. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski dropped the details on Saturday:
Kenny Atkinson has decided he won’t become the Charlotte Hornets’ head coach and will remain with Golden State as top assistant. After being offered job during the NBA Finals, further conversations led Atkinson to believe it would be best to remain with Warriors.
Mike D’Antoni and Terry Stotts were the other two finalists for the job, sources said. Charlotte will have to restart process now.
ESPN Sources: Kenny Atkinson has decided he won’t become the Charlotte Hornets’ head coach and will remain with Golden State as top assistant. After being offered job during the NBA Finals, further conversations led Atkinson to believe it would be best to remain with Warriors.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2022
Further details behind the move remain a mystery. But whether or not Atkinson’s decision involves an issue with the Hornets is an obvious concern if you’re a fan. He turned down a promotion, and it’s not a good look for the organization, which named him as their “guy” earlier this month.
The Charlotte Hornets are closing in on Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson as the franchise’s next head coach.
Atkinson met with Charlotte Hornets officials — including owner Michael Jordan — on Wednesday and the franchise has decided on the former Nets coach as its new head coach, sources said. Atkinson brings development and defensive structure to a young and talented roster.
So, Kenny will stay with the Warriors and work with Steve Kerr to continue the amazing dynasty they have built. It’s great news for Golden State.
In Charlotte, the Hornets are back to the drawing board after being embarrassed by Atkinson. While things have taken an ugly turn, the situation does allow the front office to carefully re-consider who they want for the job and which candidates are the best fit for the team.
And with Quin Snyder fully available, his name is bound to surface in the coaching search soon.
