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NY Knicks: 3 reasons why Kenny Atkinson should be the next head coach

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 24, 2019 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the New York Knicks 103-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 24, 2019 in New York City.Brooklyn Nets defeated the New York Knicks 103-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Kenny Atkinson, D’Angelo Russell. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – New York Knicks
Kenny Atkinson, D’Angelo Russell. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

1: The developmental pedigree

In many ways, Atkinson has the opposite reputation of Thibodeau. While Thibodeau’s known for his fierce personality and his tendency to rely heavily on veteran talent, the former Nets coach built a name for himself through his ability to develop and lead a young roster to success.

Many may have already forgotten that before Brooklyn reshaped their franchise by adding Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they were led by D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Jarrett Allen, and (you guessed it) Atkinson.

This 2018 version of the Nets was able to build the respect and young core to pull off such a massive, superstar-laden overhaul. The movement began when the franchise shocked the basketball world by finishing above .500 and cracking the postseason field.

Imagine this type of leader heading up New York’s current roster. What could an elite developmental coach do to help RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Quentin Grimes, and Obi Toppin?

Could he help former top pick Barrett reach All-Star heights the same way he did for Russell? Could he turn Quickley into a fringe star like Dinwiddie? If Mitchell Robinson is retained, could he make the leap from defensive anchor to star big the same way Allen has?

Similarities in each of these comparisons are easy to spot. Perhaps, Atkinson could finally unlock the potential that faithful Knicks fans have sensed lies beneath the surface.

Don’t let the NY tabloid headlines full you. The biggest need the Knicks have is not the acquisition of a superstar. This endeavor has proved hollow each offseason dating back to the original LeBron James “Decision.”

More than anything, New York needs to develop the treasure trove of lottery talent that currently resides on their roster!

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