15:24: Atkinson will become the Warriors’ new best assistant with Steve Kerr, Wojnarowski writes in a full story. He will be replaced by Mike Brown, who is leaving to become head coach of the Kings.
Wojnarowski claims that after Atkinson accepted the Hornets’ job last week, he had “more conversations” with the team that made him rethink. Sources tell Woj that Atkinson never signed a contract with Charlotte. This afternoon he communicated his decision to both teams.
14:39: Kenny Atkinson has decided to remain the Warriors ‘assistant instead of becoming the Hornets’ next head coach, tweeted ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Charlotte made the decision to hire Atkinson eight days ago, with both parties agreeing in principle to a four-year contract. Former Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts and former Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni were the other finalists on the job. Stotts is also among the reported candidates for the head coach vacancy in Utah.
Atkinson, 55, has just completed his first season as an assistant coach with Golden State, winning an NBA title for the first time in his career. He spent last season as an assistant to Tyronn Lue’s team with the Clippers and has also been an assistant with the Knicks and Hawks. His only experience as head coach was with the 2016-20 Nets.
Recent reports cited a positive reaction to the Hornets’ decision to sign Atkinson and noted that he is highly respected in the league.
Charlotte remains in the difficult position of not having a coach five days before the draft and 12 days before the start of free agency. It is unclear whether owner Michael Jordan intends to switch to one of his other finalists or begin the search for a coach.