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Brooklyn Nets: Top 10 Moments of 2016

By Tj Porreca

Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Randy Foye (2) watches the replay after his game winning three point shot at the buzzer against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets won 120 -118. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Randy Foye (2) watches the replay after his game winning three point shot at the buzzer against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Barclays Center. The Nets won 120 -118. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson gives direction to his team against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson gives direction to his team against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Nets Hire Kenny Atkinson

The Brooklyn Nets needed a new direction. They needed a new voice. A new leader. They found that in Kenny Atkinson.

On April 17, 2016, the Nets hired Atkinson to be the team’s 21st head coach.

“I’d like to extend a personal welcome to Kenny and wish all of us success as we begin a new era at the Brooklyn Nets”, team owner Mikhail Prokhorov said in April. “Aside from his tremendous skills and experience, he has the mindset we need to build a winning team day by day, step by step. Together, we can do great things.”

When the announcement was made, Atkinson had this to say: “I am truly honored and humbled to be named the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, and I would like to thank the Nets’ ownership and management for this tremendous opportunity. Together with Sean [Marks] and his staff, we look forward to building a winning tradition here in Brooklyn.”

As the calendar turns to 2017, the Nets have just eight wins under Atkinson. But make no mistake, this was going to be a process regardless of who was named head coach. The Nets are rebuilding. While it would be nice to get a few statement wins this season, 2016-17 is ultimately about building for the future. In Atkinson, the Nets believe they have found the coach who will lead them into a promising new era of Nets basketball.