The Charlotte Hornets were in the market for a new coach this offseason. Their former coach, James Borrego, was fired after two consecutive playoff losses. They set their sights on former Brooklyn Nets coach and Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson.
Atkinson and the Hornets originally agreed to a four-year deal in June. However, Atkinson decided to stay with Golden State instead. The Hornets re-hired Steve Clifford, who coached the Hornets from 2013-2018. When the Warriors travel to Charlotte on Saturday, Atkinson’s decision comes back to haunt him.
“We are doing well here. I’m doing good,” Atkinson told Warriors beat writer Monte Poole. “Actually, that was the most amazing reason. Children who live in our area in a great school district. It is very suitable. “
Kenny Atkinson He served as an assistant for New York and Atlanta before being hired as Brooklyn’s head coach in 2016. During his time with the Nets, Atkinson earned a reputation for building a great culture, leading the Nets to 20 wins in his first year. 42 in 2019. The Nets were able to land both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in the 2019 season, but Atkinson won’t be able to see the two on the court before his release in 2020.
Atkinson is still the most respected coach in the NBA community. And he received other interview opportunities outside of the Hornets’ offer. But now he decided to stay with a championship-caliber staff in the Golden State.
The 3-2 Warriors travel to Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday to face the 2-2 Hornets.
