The future is looking bright in North Carolina. Besides the stockpile of young talent on the roster, they now also have their new head coach Kenny Atkinson to develop the team’s potential.
The official announcement of Kenny’s hiring was on Friday afternoon by Shams Charania.
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.
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. https://t.co/MqlwGJxzz9
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 10, 2022
The finalists for the job were Atkinson and former Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni, who could have unlocked LaMelo Ball’s potential. Ultimately, they settled on Atkinson for his defensive strategy and player development.
“Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan is expected to meet with two finalists for the franchise’s coaching job this week, including Mike D’Antoni, sources told ESPN on Monday. Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson is set to meet with Jordan on Tuesday, and D’Antoni’s visit is expected later in the week, sources said. Atkinson and D’Antoni have already had two meetings with management, including with general manager Mitch Kupchak, in the Hornets’ process.”
The Hornets aren’t close to contending for a title, but they are in a pretty sweet situation overall. after years of dysfunction and mediocrity, they have a solid group of young players in LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and P.J. Washington.
As an up-and-coming Eastern team, they could make a leap in the standings next season barring any major injuries. In a few years, with the right moves, they could become a team to be feared in the NBA.
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens and if Atkinson is the guy to lead the franchise to new heights. His most notable head coaching gig was in Brooklyn, where he coached a playoff team for four years before being replaced.
