15:24: Atkinson will become the new top assistant of the Warriors under Steve Kerr, Voynarovsky writes in full history. He will replace Mike Brown, who is leaving to become the Kings’ head coach.
Wojnarowski says that after Atkinson took over the Hornets last week, he had “further talks” with the team that led him to rethink. Sources tell Woy that Atkinson never signed a contract with Charlotte. He briefed both teams on his decision this afternoon.
14:39: Kenny Atkinson decides to remain an assistant to the Warriors, instead of becoming the next head coach of the Hornets, tweets Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN.
Charlotte decided to hire Atkinson eight days ago, and the two sides agreed in principle on a four-year contract. Former Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stots and former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni were the other finalists for the job. Stots is also among the announced candidates for the vacant head coaching position in Utah.
Atkinson, 55, has just finished his first season as an assistant coach at Golden State, winning an NBA title for the first time in his career. He spent last season as an assistant at Tyrone Lou’s headquarters in the Clippers and was an assistant at the Knicks and Hawks. His only experience as head coach came with the Nets from 2016-20.
Recent reports cite a positive response to the Hornets’ decision to hire Atkinson, noting that he is respected in the league.
Charlotte remains in a difficult position to be without a head coach five days before the draft and 12 days before the start of the vacancy. It is unclear whether owner Michael Jordan intends to move on to one of his other finalists or start the coaching quest again.
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