New York Knicks: Ranking the head coaching candidates
Ranking Knicks coaching candidates: 1) Kenny Atkinson
When you look at the Knicks roster and where they are on their path toward rebuilding into a winner, how do you not consider Kenny Atkinson as a top candidate?
The former Knicks assistant would essentially be taking over the same role he had with the Brooklyn Nets, turning a perennial loser with young talent into something respectable
Atkinson turned a 21-61 Nets team, deprived of their future lottery picks, and made them into a 42-40 playoff team that showed enough promise to entice superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to join forces this past summer. Ironically, the addition of the two stars led to Atkinson’s eventual departure, but there is no doubting his ability to get the best out of a young roster.
The Knicks could look to acquire a veteran star player, like Chris Paul, this offseason, but unless a unique opportunity arises, they will likely enter the 2020-21 season with a young core of Mitchell Robinson, R.J. Barrett, and their 2020 lottery pick, perhaps LaMelo Ball.
Atkinson is the perfect coach to lead a young group that desperately needs to develop NBA habits on their way to becoming productive players on a winning team, as he did with Caris LaVert, Jarrett Allen, Joe Harris, and D’Angelo Russell.
The 53-year-old also has an impressive track record as an assistant coach with both the Knicks and Hawks. He forged a bond with Jeremy Lin early in his career and helped players such as Al Horford and Jeff Teague develop in Atlanta.
The Knicks need a coach who can be a part of the organization’s long-term solution. Kenny Atkinson is the best answer.