Brooklyn Nets hire Kenny Atkinson as new head coach
The Brooklyn Nets have found their new head coach in Atlanta Hawks assistant Kenny Atkinson.
The Nets announced the hiring on Sunday, and confirmed that Atkinson will continue to fulfill his responsibilities with the Hawks throughout Atlanta's playoff run.
"We are thrilled to announce Kenny Atkinson as our new head coach and to welcome him and his family to Brooklyn," Nets GM Sean Marks said in a team press release. "Kenny's years of NBA coaching experience working under successful head coaches such as Mike Budenholzer and Mike D'Antoni have provided him with the foundation and experience we were looking for in a head coach."
Long Island, New York, native Atkinson was an assistant coach with the Knicks from 2008-12. He was hired by the Hawks in 2012 and has served as Budenholzer's top assistant coach for the past two years.
The 48-year-old played professional basketball for numerous international teams from 1990 to 2004. He is said to be well-respected throughout the NBA by both players and coaches and was considered one of the top head coaching candidates available.
