CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) – Kenny Atkinson has decided he will not become the next Charlotte Hornets’ head coach, according to CSL’s Will Kunkel.
The Hornets and Atkinson had initially agreed to terms on a four-year contract. Atkinson would have replaced former head coach James Borrego, who Hornets owner Michael Jordan fired on April 22.
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Instead, Atkinson has decided to stay with the Golden State Warriors as their top assistant coach.
CSL sources say that the Hornets were not aware of the decision by Atkinson… until Twitter.
Additionally, sources say he changed his mind for ‘family reasons.’
Atkinson did not sign the contract, but the parties agreed to its terms. The Hornets were simply waiting for the signed copy.
Who is Kenny Atkinson?
Atkinson began his NBA career under Mike D’Antoni in Aug. 2008 when he served as an assistant coach.
Eventually, he joined the Atlanta Hawks coaching staff before coaching the Brooklyn Nets for 3 1/2 seasons, reaching the 2019 playoffs. He now serves as an assistant coach for the 2022 NBA Champs: the Golden State Warriors.
Atkinson was offered the head coaching position during the NBA Finals, and reports say further conversations led Atkinson to decide to stay with the Warriors was the ‘best’ option.