Was Kyrie Irving the Real Reason Behind The Departure Of Nets Coach?

A sensational sweep by the Brooklyn Nets saw them acquiring both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant into their team for the 2019-20 season. 

But it hasn’t been all good for the Nets this year. Kenny Atkinson, their head coach stepped down from his duties last month without citing valid reasons. He was in his fourth year with the team and the Nets only stated that the coach and the team have mutually agreed to part ways.

The Nets also announced Jacque Vaughn will serve as the interim coach for the rest of the season. Vaughn has been serving as the Nets’ assistant coach since 2016.

Was Kyrie Irving the reason for Atkinson’s departure?

According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Kyrie Irving didn’t treat Atkinson with enough respect upon his arrival at the team. This caused a rift between Atkinson and the other superstars like Kevin Durant and DeAndre Jordan.

There is no doubt that these players have a huge influence on the decisions taken by the team. But this just seems to be a part of it. 

Atkinson’s poor management during the final stages of the game was also a cause for concern. His decisions during the latter stages of the game were ‘non-exemplary,’ according to Berman.

Atkinson has thrived over the development of young stars like D’Angelo Russel and Caris LeVert. On the contrary, he is said to be over his head while coaching stars like Irving and Jordan. His attitude with them could have sent the wrong waves.

A return to the NBA as a coach is still on the cards for the 52-year-old given his coaching experience. Atkinson has performed solid work as the head coach this year for the Nets. Irving’s contribution only lasted for 20 games before he found himself on the joining Kevin Durant on the sidelines.

The Brooklyn Nets should give credit where its due as Atkinson helped them rebuild massively. Taking over a team that was on the verge of reaching a worse position, he has brought them within the Top 10 of their conference.

The Nets currently stand seventh in the Eastern Conference table and display a record of 30-34. With a playoff berth almost confirmed, the Nets need to hold fort under their interim coach for the remainder of the season.