The Brooklyn Nets have emphasized that Kenny Atkinson's departure as head coach was “mutual,” but that did not make the reports any less surprising for everyone. Recent reports have centered not directly on Atkinson's performance, but instead, on a deteriorating relationship with players.

NBA insider Ian Begley earlier did not pinpoint an exact reason for the organization's breakup with their head coach. However, what became a likely major factor were several veterans who had questions regarding Atkinson's capabilities to lead the team to a championship run.

Begley also mentioned that those with close ties to the Nets organization were certainly surprised. A former Nets player once under Atkinson also believed that he “deserved the chance to coach Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.”

Reports about Atkinson's sudden departure have been uncertain and all over the place. Combo guard Spencer Dinwiddie mentioned a prior pushback against former Nets forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. However, Dinwiddie had dismissed disagreements as natural in such a competitive, “alpha-male dominated environment.”

On the other hand, Kyrie Irving reportedly “soured” on the head coach early in the season. In addition, Kenny Atkinson himself also pushed for the parting of ways, according to Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.

Regardless, Atkinson is sure to be a coaching commodity in the off-season, especially with a surprising playoff push last season. Under his leadership, Brooklyn grabbed 42 wins. They also matched up fairly well against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. For this season, he also helped lead the Nets to a current eighth spot, mostly without the team's current acquisition in Irving and Durant.