It feels like a lifetime ago that the Brooklyn Nets fired Kenny Atkinson. The move seemed unwarranted considering the culture Atkinson built in Brooklyn. However it looks like Atkinson won’t be out of work for long.
It has been reported that Kenny Atkinson is on a short list of coaches interviewing for the New York Knicks head coaching vacancy. While Tom Thibodeau is the favorite, and Mike Woodson has ties with the franchise, I prefer Atkinson for the job.
I might be biased considering I have been high on Atkinson since he was hired by Brooklyn years ago, but there is some reason behind this move. Atkinson’s strongest traits are building a culture and developing young players. The Knicks haven’t had a good culture since the 90’s. The last time the franchise developed a talent into a super star was Patrick Ewing in the 80’s. The franchise needs help, and Atkinson is the best candidate to accomplish those tasks.
It is time for the Knicks to think smart, not about the move that will win the back page of the newspaper. The “homerun” and “big name” candidate has not worked for you, in both coaching and free agency. Take a step back, assess the situation, and make a decision based on that.
R.J. Barrett and Mitchell Robinson appear to be the two best talents on the roster, with Barrett’s upside is clearly the highest. But then there are guys who have underachieved, either due to the system or lack of development: Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina.
For those who think it is too late to save their careers, look at what Spencer Dinwiddie and D’Angelo Russell turned into under Atkinson’s guidance. Dinwiddie was a lost cause, given up on by Detroit and cut twice by the Bulls. Now he is one of the best 6th man in the league and a hell of a combo guard. Russell resurrected his career, reaching all-star status under Atkinson.
The Knicks have been a mess for the better part of the century, forget what the tabloids will say about taking the Nets sloppy seconds. Signing Atkinson is the right move. If you are into winning the tabloids, imagine the story that it would be if Atkinson leads the Knicks to success and the Nets never click with their new coach. Imagine you finally did something right and get to shame your cross town rivals at the same time.
It is a win-win in every scenario you throw out. What do you have to lose, another 3 years of a never ending rebuild?
