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Golden State Warriors: Atkinson misses out on final head coach opening

By Peter O'Keefe

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: Head coach Steve Kerr and assistant coach Kenny Atkinson of the Golden State Warriors react to a play in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 10: Head coach Steve Kerr and assistant coach Kenny Atkinson of the Golden State Warriors react to a play in the second quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Lead assistant Kenny Atkinson is likely to remain at the Golden State Warriors after missing out on perhaps the last offseason opportunity to reignite his head coaching career.

The 56-year-old was a top candidate for a number of the vacant openings in recent weeks, but alas all franchises have decided to go in different directions. The latest of those is the Toronto Raptors, with the 2019 NBA champions hiring Memphis Grizzlies assistant Darko Rajakovic.

The Golden State Warriors may not need a new top assistant after all with Kenny Atkinson missing out on a lead role this offseason.

Atkinson was an initial candidate for the Houston Rockets’ job which ultimately went to former Boston Celtics’ head coach Ime Udoka. He was also a top three candidate for the job in Milwaukee, and it appears he narrowly missed at the Raptors in similar circumstances.

"“Golden State’s Kenny Atkinson and Milwaukee’s Charles Lee were other coaches given serious consideration in the process”, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said."

Kenny Atkinson and Steve Kerr during the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Phoenix Suns on October 25. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Kenny Atkinson and Steve Kerr during the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Phoenix Suns on October 25. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The hiring of Rajakovic may only fuel speculation of a Raptor rebuild, with the franchise facing decisions on almost all its key players this offseason. According to Wojnarowski, that uncertainty was a key element in their decision-making.

"“The Raptors wanted a coach whom they believed could coach a contending team should the franchise stay on its current path with veterans, or a rebuilding roster should they eventually transform the roster to younger players and draft assets, sources said.”"

It’s unknown whether age played a factor in the final decision, though Rajakovic is 12 years younger than Atkinson. Perhaps Toronto may have been more inspired to remain in genuine playoff contention had they gone the other way.

Atkinson has been at the Warriors for two seasons after a four-year stint as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets and one season as an assistant at the Los Angeles Clippers. He was viewed as a critical piece to Golden State’s resurgent championship run in 2021-22, and took greater responsibility this season after Mike Brown became head coach of the Sacramento Kings.

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Atkinson agreed in principle to become the Charlotte Hornets head coach just over 12 months ago, though then turned it down for family reasons after the Warriors won the 2022 title. Toronto has now rounded out the fulfilling of vacancies, joining the Bucks, Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers as having new coaches for next season.

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