NY Knicks: 3 reasons why Kenny Atkinson should be the next head coach
By Allen Settle
2: The NYC success
Coaching in the NBA is incredibly difficult. Having staying power in New York City is an even harder challenge. Look at Thibodeau after all. In just one season, he has completely spent all of the capital he earned during his inaugural campaign.
Atkinson, unlike many potential coaching options, has a history of success at both levels. Despite a 118-190 overall win-loss record as a head coach, he’s universally given credit for overachieving during his stint in Brooklyn.
He also has extensive experience in the NYC spotlight. The intensity of the media, the spotlight of the city, and the expectations of the fans will be no surprise for Atkinson.
In addition to his four years as coach of the Nets, the NBA lifer also spent four years as an assistant coach for the Knicks from 2008-2012. During this time, he and head coach Mike D’Antoni led New York to multiple postseason appearances.
3: The availability
Surprisingly, Atkinson has yet to land another head coaching job since his unceremonious dismissal in Brooklyn. After spending one season as an assistant to Tyronn Lue with the Los Angeles Clippers, Atkinson now serves as an assistant under Steve Kerr (subscription required) and the Golden State Warriors.
It stands to reason that the former Nets coach would be interested in another opportunity to lead an NBA franchise. And his current position would seem to indicate that his services could be had for a respectable offer and contract.
It’s also worth noting that the already successful coach has now gained experience working under two championship-winning leaders in the past two seasons.
Lue led the Cavaliers to a title in 2015, while Kerr has captained the dynastic Warriors to three NBA championships from 2014 to 2019. This can only have caused Atkinson’s coaching stock to rise.
Conclusion
The benefit of hindsight has made one thing clear: the Knicks, unfortunately, whiffed during their last hiring cycle when they passed on Atkinson in favor of Thibodeau. Now, the franchise has something that’s truly rare in the sports world – a second chance.
Not only is the ideal candidate still available, but he’s even more experienced than he was two years ago.
New York’s front office must take advantage of this opportunity before another franchise closes in. Now that the regular season is over, the Knicks should make their pursuit of Atkinson their top priority as they begin this pivotal offseason.
