4 Perfect Head Coach Targets For Hornets After Steve Clifford
By Cem Yolbulan
Kenny Atkinson
This choice is somewhere between Fernandez and Budenholzer in terms of the risk factor. Atkinson, despite being older than Bud has far more limited head coaching experience, having only coached the Brooklyn Nets for 3.5 seasons. He made the playoffs once with that team before resigning ahead of the 2020 bubble.
However, Atkinson has long been one of the most respected assistant coaches in the league. Not only was he the assistant coach for Budenholzer in Atlanta, but he has been with the Clippers and the Warriors over the past four seasons. He won a title with Golden State in 2022 as Steve Kerr's assistant.
The most important connection to Charlotte is the fact that Atkinson almost became the Hornets' head coach ahead of the 2022-23 season. He had reportedly agreed to take the job before turning it down and Steve Clifford taking the job.
We don't know what really transpired there but there clearly was significant mutual interest. With new ownership in Charlotte in place, there could be another attempt between the sides to make this happen this time around. Perhaps the second time is the charm.