Ranking the top 5 head coach candidates for Atlanta Hawks

3. Kenny Atkinson, Golden State Warriors assistant coach

From Udoka to a coach who helped beat his Celtics in the NBA Finals, Atkinson is expected to be a candidate for the Hawks’ head coaching vacancy, according to both Wojnarowski and Charania. It would be a return to Atlanta for Atkinson if he’s the choice after he spent four seasons (2012-16) with the Hawks as an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer. That opportunity led to him being named the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets where he remained for four years (2016-2020), compiling a 118-190 record.

Atkinson has been an assistant under Steve Kerr since 2021 and helped the Warriors win the 2022 NBA Finals over Udoka and the Celtics. The Charlotte Hornets reportedly offered Atkinson their head coaching job during the Finals but he turned it down to stay in Golden State. If Atkinson was holding out for a better opportunity, the Hawks and their stable of young talent could offer it.