A new search for a new head coach will have to take place after Kenny Atkinson backed out of taking the post, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Instead, Atkinson will continue with the Golden State Warriors as Steve Kerr’s assistant coach.
On June 18, the Charlotte Hornets agreed to a four-year contract with Atkinson as their new head coach after a series of interviews over the preceding several weeks. It was expected that he would help their defense after the organization dismissed James Borrego after only four seasons due to his unwillingness to keep his teammates responsible.
At this moment, it’s not apparent why Atkinson chose to change his mind and stay with the Warriors. According to Wojnarowski, that occurred after ‘additional discussions’.
What now for Hornets?
In the 2022 NBA Finals, the Golden State Warriors beat the Boston Celtics, led by Atkinson as their assistant coach, to win their first championship. Atkinson may just want to remain in the Bay Area so that he can compete for championships, coach some of the finest players of this age, and work for a top franchise.
Unfortunately for Charlotte’s upcoming 2022 NBA Draft and next free-agent market, they will have to start over from scratch, which isn’t an ideal situation. Mike D’Antoni and Terry Stotts were also considered contenders for the position before Atkinson was chosen.
