The Charlotte Hornets coaching search now features a front-runner. After the Los Angeles Lakers hired Darvin Ham, someone they were very interested in, they are reportedly zeroing in on two former head coaches: Mike D'Antoni and Kenny Atkinson. One of those names is starting to emerge as the likely candidate to be hired.
According to Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic, Atkinson is leading the pack and will meet with Hornets brass next week. The group will include team owner Michael Jordan. Their report also mentions Terry Stotts as a finalist for the position that was vacated with the firing of James Borrego.
Atkinson is currently an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors and served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons. His work bringing a lifeless team to the 2019 NBA playoffs in three years makes him an appealing candidate for a young Hornets team. He also served as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers last season.
D'Antoni, who has been one of the best offensive minds among NBA coaches for decades, also makes a lot of sense for the Hornets. Their roster is definitely built for offense and LaMelo Ball could be the next star to benefit from D'Antoni, as Steve Nash and James Harden once did.
Charlotte snapped a five-year streak of losing seasons last season but didn't look any more prepared for the play-in game. Their next head coach will have to develop the young players and make them ready for the big moment.
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