Head coach Kenny Atkinson and the Nets mutually agreed to part ways this weekend. The team sent out a press release Saturday stating that assistant coach Jacque Vaughn will take over as the club’s interim head coach.
“After discussions with Kenny about the progress of the season, we mutually agreed that a coaching change would be in the best interest of the team,” Nets GM Sean Marks said. “This was an extremely difficult decision, however the organization believes it is one that is necessary at this time. Kenny was instrumental in developing our players and building the identity and culture we have become known for over these past four seasons. The foundation he helped put into place here is one that we will continue to build on in the coming seasons.”
Atkinson, who took over as the Nets’ head coach in 2016, went just 20-62 in his first season with the club, but he has played a key role since then in guiding the rebuild in Brooklyn and turning the team into a playoff contender. His best season came in 2018-19, when he led the Nets to a 42-40 record and the number six seed in the East. He had an overall record of 118-190 (.383) in nearly four full seasons.
Shame after putting in all that work, he won’t get to see Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving play together. Durant has missed the entire 2019-20 campaign while recovering from an Achilles tear, and shoulder issues limited Irving to just 20 games. Brooklyn is still in position to make the playoffs, albeit with a modest 28-34 record.
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Source: Hoops Rumors