Kenny Atkinson, former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. /VCG
The Brooklyn Nets announced on Saturday that the team and their head coach Kenny Atkinson agreed to part ways. Assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will take over for the rest of the season.
"After discussions with Kenny about the progress of the season, we mutually agreed that a coaching change would be in the best interest of the team. This was an extremely difficult decision, however the organization believes it is one that is necessary at this time," said Sean Marks, general manager of the Nets in a statement.
"I am extremely grateful to Kenny Atkinson for what he's done for our franchise over the years. If we did not have him, we would not be where we are with promising young guys still improving. All the best Kenny," posted Joseph Tsai, owner of the team.
What did Atkinson do?
Spencer Dinwiddie #8 of the Brooklyn Nets tries to penetrate in Game 1 of the NBA playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, April 13, 2019. /VCG
Atkinson took over the Nets in 2016 when the team were struggling right in the middle of the pit created by the notorious trade with the Boston Celtics. Back then, the team had no stars, no talent, no drafts and no future.
Atkinson spent two years seeking proper pieces and building a young, capable franchise led by D'Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert. In the 2018-19 season, the Nets shocked everybody with a 42-40 record and made the playoffs as No. 6 in the Eastern Conference.
D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Brooklyn Nets tries to penetrate in Game 1 of the NBA playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, April 13, 2019. /VCG
The surprising performance and promise of the young squad apparently gave the team more reasons to dream big. Last summer, the Nets landed Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan. Though Durant was unlikely to play in the new season, many were convinced that the team had a bright future.
The ongoing 2019-20 season gave Brooklyn mixed feelings. On one hand, not only will Durant sit the whole season, Irving was also ruled out because of injuries. In other words, Atkinson had to coach almost the same franchise without All-Star point guard Russell. However, he still managed to lead Brooklyn to achieve a 28-34 record which puts them currently No. 7 in the East.
Caris LeVert #22 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots the ball in the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, March 6, 2020. /VCG
In fact, in less than 24 hours before the team fired him, Brooklyn just humiliated the San Antonio Spurs 139-120 at home. With only 20 games to go, they hold a five-game lead over the No. 9 Washington Wizards, Entering the playoffs this season does not seem a problem.
Then why did they let Atkinson go?
Kenny Atkinson, head coach of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the game against the Indiana Pacers at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse, in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 10, 2020. /VCG
There are several theories. One is that the team are eyeing the NBA Championship and their front office does not see Atkinson as the coach who can help them realize that goal.
That may sound sensible considering that Atkinson only started his head coaching career with the Nets. Nonetheless, Steve Kerr was only a rookie coach when he took over the Golden State Warriors in 2014 and then he led the team to five straight NBA Finals, not to mention win three of them. Besides, even if the Nets are married to changing Atkinson, they can do it in 2020 summer when the season is over. There is no point doing it now when the playoffs is so close and it may give players other thoughts.
Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets reacts in the game against the Chicago Bulls at the Barclays Center, January 31, 2020. /VCG
Anthony Puccio of NetsDaily had an even darker theory. He tweeted that some of the team's players wanted Atkinson to go. Though no name was mentioned, people already started pointing fingers, mostly at one guy, Irving. Currently, there is no proof if he had anything to do with this, but one fact stands right there: since Irving entered the NBA in 2011, he has never worked with any head coach longer than two years.
Where will Atkinson go and who will come to Brooklyn?
Ty Lue (L) and Mark Jackson (R) are reportedly candidates for new head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. /VCG
Fortunately, Atkinson should have no difficulty finding a new job with his resume. There are more than enough teams in the league that are talented but only one good coach away from becoming a playoff team. The Atlanta Hawks, the Chicago Bulls, the New Orleans Pelicans, the Sacramento Kings, the Phoenix Suns, the list goes on and on.
As for who will be Brooklyn's new coach, that will be tricky. First, there are many qualified, available options left. Mark Jackson is reportedly one of the team's favorites, but remember, Kerr took over from him in Golden State to win titles.
Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports reported that Irving would like Ty Lue to coach the team. He also mentioned that it's actually Atkinson who wanted to leave Brooklyn more than the team wanted to fire him.