Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson has reportedly emerged as a favorite to assume office as the new Charlotte Hornets head coach. Reportedly, Atkinson will have his third meeting with the Hornets’ front office and his first meeting with majority owner Michael Jordan in the coming week.

This news has set NBA Twitter ablaze once again amidst the 2022 NBA finals. Atkinsons’ Warriors are currently 0-1 down against the Celtics. Therefore, he has his task cut out for what is turning out to be a tough series for the Dubs.

But Hornets fans have their attention set elsewhere.

NBA fans react to Michael Jordan’s decision

The Hornets fired coach James Borrego in April after he failed to take Charlotte beyond the play-in tournament. The search for a new head coach began immediately. Earlier, Mike D’Antoni’s name was floated around as a potential front-runner.

However, the tide has turned in a different direction now.

Meanwhile, the Lakers had shortlisted three candidates for their head coaching job, including Atkinson and former Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. But just after the Lakers’ front office announced Darvin Ham as the new head coach, the Hornets tightened their grip on the remaining two.

Now, the reports are suggesting that Atkinson is the favorite to bag the position. While D’Antoni and Stotts are still in contention, they are yet to secure a meeting with the owner.

The move has been deemed a poor decision by many fans. In fact, Michael Jordan has received a lot of flak on social media after the reports came out. Here are some of the more potent fan reactions.

https://twitter.com/antjams/status/1532786599196516352?s=20&t=4yMFdBTkT1zyflz33UDY0w

https://twitter.com/s24taofeek/status/1532809172164743168?s=20&t=4yMFdBTkT1zyflz33UDY0w

Kenny Atkinson to potentially coach LaMelo Ball after coaching Warriors’ Stephen Curry

The fans’ disappointment with the selection of Atkinson is understandable. He has been to the playoffs only one time as head coach of the Nets and lost in the first round. But the Hornets are not planning to be championship contenders anytime soon.

Read More: Kyrie Irving Gets Destroyed on Live TV as NBA Analyst Lays Down That Kevin Durant Deserves Better

Currently, their goal is to be a consistent playoff team that can make the occasional deep run. The front office has put together a decent roster for Atkinson to develop.

However, many fans still believe Mark D’Antoni is the perfect fit for the franchise. Even though the 71-year-old has never progressed beyond the Conference finals, he can truly transform young sensation LaMelo Ball into a legitimate superstar.

Ball would thrive under the D’Antoni system, which is centered around a crafty guard who can make plays, and put up Harden like numbers. This would also rejuvenate the fanbase and sell more tickets.

Watch this story: The second Richest NBA Player After Michael Jordan is not LeBron James or Kobe Bryant

What do you think of Kenny Atkinson as Hornets’ new head coach? Comment below.