{"id":35743,"date":"2022-06-03T23:37:32","date_gmt":"2022-06-03T23:37:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/warriors-kenny-atkinson-a-front-runner-for-hornets-head-coaching-job-to-meet-with-mj-sources\/"},"modified":"2022-06-03T23:37:32","modified_gmt":"2022-06-03T23:37:32","slug":"warriors-kenny-atkinson-a-front-runner-for-hornets-head-coaching-job-to-meet-with-mj-sources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/harchi90.com\/warriors-kenny-atkinson-a-front-runner-for-hornets-head-coaching-job-to-meet-with-mj-sources\/","title":{"rendered":"Warriors ‘Kenny Atkinson a front-runner for Hornets’ head-coaching job, to meet with MJ: Sources"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson has emerged as a front-runner for the Charlotte Hornets’ head-coaching job, sources tell The Athletic<\/em>and will meet next week with team officials – including owner Michael Jordan – in the next step of his candidacy.<\/p>\n

It will mark the third meeting between the Hornets and Atkinson, and the first involving Jordan, sources said. Charlotte has been in no rush to make a hire. Atkinson currently is coaching in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, a series that could last until June 19.<\/p>\n

Two-time Coach of the Year Mike D’Antoni and former Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts are among the other finalists in the Hornets’ coaching search that started in late April when the team fired James Borrego. Neither D’Antoni nor Stotts has so far advanced to the Jordan stage of the process, sources said, but that possibility remains.<\/p>\n

The Hornets are hoping to hire a coach who will help the organization take the next step and continue to provide development and defensive structure for young talents in All-Star guard LaMelo Ball, forward Miles Bridges and big man PJ Washington and veterans like Terry Rozier and Gordon Hayward. Bridges is a restricted free agent this offseason and will command a significant new deal.<\/p>\n

Hornets President of Basketball Operations Mitch Kupchak and his front office staff have built a fine-tuned roster that appears ready to compete in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Kupchak signed a two-year extension with the franchise recently, and his deal by lui includes a trigger for a consulting role whenever he chooses to move into that type of capacity, sources said.<\/p>\n

Atkinson is known for his sharp basketball mind and tireless work ethic while D’Antoni, 71, is the most established coach on the market and Stotts went to the postseason in eight of his nine seasons in Portland.<\/p>\n

Atkinson spent nearly four seasons as head coach of the Nets from 2016-20, making one postseason appearance and helping establish a culture in Brooklyn.<\/p>\n

(Photo: Andy Lyons \/ Getty Images)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n