Several Brooklyn Nets players have already reacted to the surprising firing of Kenny Atkinson. Kevin Durant, however, chose to stay mum on the controversial move, per Brian Lewis of The New York Post.
The Nets who spoke Saturday say Marks didn’t canvas them, and Durant — who spoke with Marks before Friday’s win — declined comment, but said in September he picked Brooklyn partly for Atkinson. Still, Atkinson realized some players were tuning him out, with Irving believed to be among them.
Now, Durant won't even experience playing for Atkinson.
The news of Atkinson's departure definitely came as a shock to many. Sure, maybe Brooklyn, currently at 7th in the East with a 28-34 record, has not lived up to expectations. But considering that this season essentially served as a red-shirt year for the Nets, there really wasn't any motivation to let go of Atkinson at this point.
The Nets insisted that the decision to part ways was mutual on both sides. Likewise, Nets GM Sean Marks said this was ultimately a discussion between the front office, ownership, and Atkinson.
However, given how players have much more power within the organization nowadays, it's impossible to think that the front office didn't consult any of the players, especially those at the top of the hierarchy, regarding the move.
Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie denied that he had anything to do with the firing. In fact, he even credited Atkinson for allowing him to make mistakes and be himself in order to develop as a player.
Jacque Vaughn will assume head coaching duties for Brooklyn for the remainder of the season. Unlike Durant, his partner-in-crime Kyrie Irving already suggested his top choice for Atkinson's successor: his former Cleveland Cavaliers coach Ty Lue, who is currently an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers.
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