3 Destinations for ex-Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson

#1) Atlanta Hawks

Though head coach Lloyd Pierce is still under contract for an additional season, prematurely ending his tenure with the Hawks makes sense if Kenny Atkinson is the replacement.

Don’t get me wrong, Pierce has not done a horrible job down in Atlanta. Under his tutelage, many of their young core pieces are developing on schedule. You also can’t fault him solely for inadequacies this year—especially with John Collins sitting out 25 games due to a PED suspension.

But with one year remaining on the contract, that was given to him back in May of 2018, it’s debatable that he’s already reached his ceiling in what he can offer this young Hawks team. Because at least some of the fault in why this team has been so inconsistent has to find its way onto his shoulders.

Pierce and Atkinson do share similarities in they have both made their bones in the league as developmental coaches, but Atkinson appears more fit to turn around this 28th-ranked defense with their young wings while implementing offensive schemes that could maximize players like Trae Young and Collins.

Of all the teams mentioned this appears the most far-fetched. But this is the NBA, anything is possible.