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Charlotte Hornets: Kenny Atkinson Profile

By Jackson Huxel

Oct 26, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Ken Atkinson talks to guard D'Angelo Russell (1) during a time out against New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Ken Atkinson talks to guard D'Angelo Russell (1) during a time out against New Orleans Pelicans in the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets have heartbreakingly been eliminated from the playoffs. As a result, the Hornets made the call to fire coach James Borrego after an embarrassing loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of Play-In Tournament. With that being said the Hornets already have their eyes on four potential coaches, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, including former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson.

"ESPN Sources: The Charlotte Hornets are beginning to interview candidates for their head coaching job, including Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson, Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham, Dallas assistant Sean Sweeney and Mike D’Antoni.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 3, 2022"

Before coaching for the Nets, Atkinson was a fantastic collegiate athlete at the University of Richmond. With the Spiders, he averaged 12.4 points per game, 2.2 rebounds per game, and 3.7 assists per game. After his college career was over, he played overseas for 14 years before landing the head coaching job for the Nets in 2016.

As the head coach for the Nets he went 118-190. He only made one playoff appearance, which the Nets lost in the first round in five games to the Philadelphia 76ers. Atkinson employed a genius play-style which included a fast pace, three-point heavy offense that consisted of quick ball movement.

During the 2019 season he helped bring the best out of then rookie center Jarrett Allen. In his rookie season under Atkinson, Allen averaged 10 points per game, 8 rebounds per game, and1.5 blocks per game.

I think Atkinson is a perfect fit for this Hornets team, as he will be able to work with one of the most athletic rosters in the league. Consisting of Miles Bridges, Lamelo Ball, Kelly Oubre, Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier, and P.J.Washington, this Hornets squad would fit his scheme perfectly. He also brings a good defensive philosophy, as he brought the Nets defensive efficiency from one of the worst in the league to 8th in 2019-2020. Charlotte could use some of that defensive efficiency in 2022-23.

All in all, Atkinson has the playing experience and coaching experience to take this team to the playoffs, which is something that all Hornets fans are starving for.

Next. Charlotte Hornets - Mike D’Antoni Profile. dark

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