Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets put the NBA world in shock when they let go of their previous head coach, James Borrego. After a long list of candidates coming in to fill the place, it seems the wait is over.
Charlotte roped in the former assistant coach at the Golden State Warriors Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Despite having the name and accolades to lead a young group, NBA fans were upset with this recent hiring.
The Hornets are one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Led by the duo of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, they have severe talent on the roster. However, they haven’t been able to make the push to get into the postseason. And it seems Jordan feels there was a need to change the voice in the locker room.
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While his resume does fit the situation in Charlotte, the fans had some other names in their mind who could have helped out better.
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Charlotte Hornets get in former Warriors coach
As a young team in the NBA, the Hornets did a great job this season. With a record of 43-39, they landed up as the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. Playing for the playoffs, they weren’t able to deliver for the second straight year. They took yet another blowout loss in the play-in tournament, this time to the Atlanta Hawks.?The back-to-back losses on the big stage made one thing clear, Charlotte needed a change.
But NBA fans felt this was a bad move. Notably, the Hornets were heavily considering Mike D’Antoni to be the head coach. Leading one of the best offenses in the Houston Rockets a few seasons prior, he helped James Harden play at an MVP level and average a historic 36 points per game.
And the fans wanted to see him help out Hornets’ All-Star LaMelo Ball in the same fashion.
Being deprived of Mike D’Antoni unleashing LaMelo Ball <<<
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) June 10, 2022
Lamelo gotta moon walk out of this franchise bro. https://t.co/FqgEkDJeN5
— Black Dana (@SymphonicMusic) June 10, 2022
Well… that’s unfortunate https://t.co/TVoyJcgnjl
— Ben (@benhuncc) June 10, 2022
Booooooooo the world wanted D’Antoni https://t.co/w6YqZjMe4F
— QueXopa 🇵🇦 (@ZaeXopa) June 10, 2022
https://twitter.com/NotoriousVIC007/status/1535467867340165121?s=20&t=mYJOQHYY5PYbnrIkvBWKaA
The Hornets should have hired Mike D’Antoni 🤦🏽♂️
— J͡a͡C͡o͡b͡y͡T͡w͡o͡T͡i͡m͡e͡s͡ ⁶𓅓 (@Burbo2x) June 10, 2022
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However, one thing to note is that Atkinson has experience in leading a young team to success. Notably, as the former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, Kenny had his hands full. With players such as D’Angelo Russell and Jarrett Allen, he helped make the playoffs.
However, after four seasons, Atkinson was let go with the arrival of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Now, coming off the role of an assistant with the Warriors, the new Hornets coach will be all ready to take over.
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Having the capability to lead a roster like the Hornets, Atkinson just might be the answer Jordan and the Hornets are looking for. Do you think LaMelo Ball and co. will do well under the leadership of Kenny Atkinson? Let us know in the comments below.