Kenny Atkinson is currently an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, and a former head coach, having previously coached the Brooklyn Nets. There is no doubt that he is capable of being a great head coach, especially on teams that need development.
A recent report by Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic has revealed that Kenny Atkinson is the current front-runner for the head coaching position, and he will reportedly meet with “team officials” and Michael Jordan next week:
Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson has emerged as a front-runner for the Charlotte Hornets’ head-coaching job, sources tell The Athletic, and will meet next week with team officials — including owner Michael Jordan — in the next step of his candidacy.
It will mark the third meeting between the Hornets and Atkinson, and the first involving Jordan, sources said. Charlotte has been in no rush to make a hire. Atkinson currently is coaching in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, a series that could last until June 19.
The Hornets are hoping to hire a coach who will help the organization take the next step and continue to provide development and defensive structure for young talents in All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, forward Miles Bridges and big man P.J. Washington and veterans like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward. Bridges is a restricted free agent this offseason and will command a significant new deal.
If Kenny Atkinson were to get hired, he would make the second Warriors’ assistant coach to be given a head coaching opportunity. Mike Brown notably got hired by the Sacramento Kings earlier this year.
Hopefully, we see Kenny Atkinson get this opportunity. Perhaps he can help LaMelo Ball blossom into that superstar many people expect him to become, and there’s no doubt that he’s helped a lot of players improve in the past, such as D’Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen. We’ll see if he gets the job soon enough.
