Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Coaching vacancy down to one for Golden State Warriors’ lead assistant

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts with Kenny Atkinson after a technical foul during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 25: Head coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors reacts with Kenny Atkinson after a technical foul during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 25, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Warriors 134-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After being a prominent candidate for a number of the NBA’s vacant head coaching roles in recent weeks, Golden State Warriors’ lead assistant Kenny Atkinson has one opportunity left before next season.

Five teams have already found coaching replacements in the aftermath of their 2022-23 season, with the Toronto Raptors the lone franchise on the search for a new lead man after the departure of Nick Nurse.

Kenny Atkinson’s potential hiring at the Toronto Raptors would set up an intriguing position given the state of both they and the Golden State Warriors.

Nurse was fired by the Raptors on April 21 after failing to make the playoffs, with the 2019 championship-winning coach having already been hired by the Philadelphia 76ers following the axing of Doc Rivers.

According to Marc Stein, Atkinson was recently interviewed for the vacant role in Toronto. The Raptors appear to be searching far and wide for the best possible replacement, with their final candidates including Spanish national team head coach Sergio Scariolo, per Josh Lewenberg.

Golden State Warriors’ Kenny Atkinson and Jordan Poole during the 2022 NBA Finals. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ Kenny Atkinson and Jordan Poole during the 2022 NBA Finals. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Another name to monitor is Steve Nash who ironically replaced Atkinson as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2020. The latter coached the Nets for 308 games including one playoff appearance in 2019.

The Warriors and Raptors both face a state of uncertainty regarding their respective roster’s, with the former looking to balance championship contention with an exorbitant payroll that’s nearing in excess of $500 million.

Toronto’s direction may be decided by who they hire as head coach. If they look to rebuild, a number of players could become available via trade. That includes 25-year-old forward O.G. Anunoby who has been linked to the Warriors since February’s trade deadline.

Next. Golden State Warriors to get first-hand look at exciting, athletic big man. dark

As well as the 76ers, other franchises to find a new head coach include the Detroit Pistons (Monty Williams), Houston Rockets (Ime Udoka), Milwaukee Bucks (Adrian Griffin), and Phoenix Suns (Frank Vogel).

Home/Warriors News