Former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson “will be back coaching soon,” according to Shams Charania and Alex Schiffer of The Athletic.
Atkinson and the Nets mutually parted ways on Saturday.
“Kenny will be back coaching soon,” one source with knowledge of the situation said. “He works too hard. Works his ass off. He will probably take the time away and replay the scenarios and relationships that went wrong — and come back stronger for the job he wants.”
Jacque Vaughn took over from Atkinson as head coach of the Nets for the remainder of the season. Brooklyn is in seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings. They have a record of 29-34 after defeating the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
Atkinson had a 118-190 record over three-plus seasons with the Nets.
Kyrie Irving played in only 20 games this season because of his shoulder injury which required surgery, while Kevin Durant hasn’t played all season due to his Achilles tear. While their names have been thrown in the Kenny Atkinson exit, Nets GM Sean Marks has denied reports that players were involved in the decision to let go of the 52-year-old coach.
The Nets’ coaching vacancy will be a job a lot of coaches want since Brooklyn will be title contenders next season once Durant and Irving suit up together.
Should the Nets make the playoffs this season, it will be interesting to see which player Vaughn turns to when the game is close in the fourth quarter. One would surmise Vaughn will probably go with guard Spencer Dinwiddie or swingman Caris LeVert.
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