Kenny Atkinson, assistant coach for the 2021-22 NBA champion Golden State Warriors, was tabbed to be the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets … until he wasn't. Atkinson did a 180 on Michael Jordan's team after what looked to be a done deal.
The latest report from Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer is indicative of just how close he was to leaving Golden State before reneging on Charlotte. Atkinson had already been in contact with every single one of his would-be assistants while laying the ground work to touch base with everyone else:
Kenny Atkinson had phoned all of Charlotte’s assistant coaches, and was planning to meet with every Hornets staffer next week after arriving in town ahead of the NBA Draft. Certainly a stunning turn of events.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 18, 2022
But after tasting champagne and getting showered with confetti, Kenny Atkinson probably had an epiphany on just how good he had it with the Warriors.
The change of heart was said to be one centered on family, this after already having the terms to his deal with the Hornets already laid out:
I’m told Kenny Atkinson changed his mind for family reasons.
Kenny had not signed the contract. They did agree to the terms of the contract, though.
The Hornets were waiting a few days to get the signed copy.— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) June 18, 2022
The Hornets job would have handed Atkinson the reins to a franchise showing youthful promise, making the play-in tournament in back-to-back seasons with LaMelo Ball acting as the main attraction. The spotlight would be completely on him as the lead decision maker as opposed to being more of a behind-the-scenes figure with the Warriors.
One obvious pro for sticking with Golden State is stability. In the 34 years of the Charlotte Hornets franchise's existence, a coach has never stuck around for longer than five seasons. With family on Atkinson's mind, job security was likely a huge reason to go back on his decision.
With the success he has had under Steve Kerr, who himself probably has the highest coaching job security in the league, nay, the entire world, it's unlikely for a scenario to unfold wherein Kenny Atkinson gets the boot from the Warriors staff.
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