However, the Charlotte Hornets’ coaching search is not over. Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson has reportedly changed his mind and will not become the Hornets’ next head coach, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Instead, Atkinson will continue to serve as Warriors’ assistant coach.
It is unclear what has changed between the Atkinson and the Hornets. In mid-June, it was reported that the Hornets had agreed in principle to hire Atkinson. It is reported that he will receive a four-year contract from the team, according to Voynarovski. Things apparently fell apart after the two sides held “further talks”.
The news of Atkinson’s dismissal from the Hornets comes days after the Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. It was Atkinson’s first season with the team and his first championship as an assistant coach.
Prior to joining the Warriors, Atkinson spent several years as assistant coach of the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks. He was hired as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets before the 2016-17 NBA season. After battling for their first two seasons, the Nets turned things around in Year 3.
Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant joined the club this off-season, but Atkinson was sacked after leading the team to a 28-34 record in the 2019-20 season. Durant did not play this season due to an Achilles injury. Irving played only 20 games with the team.
After the Atkinson out, the Hornets will have the task of finding a new replacement for James Borego, who was fired by the team in April.
Kenny Atkinson has reportedly decided to stay with the Warriors. (Photo by Michael Reeves / Getty Images)
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