Kenny Atkinson will leave the decision up to Al Horford.
Atkinson, the Hawks’ lead assistant, was named head coach of the Dominican Republic national men’s basketball team this week. Recruiting Horford, the Hawks’ three-time All-Star center, to play for his home nation may be his first task.
“There is some pretty good potential for the team with NBA players,” Atkinson said. “I’m not sure if Al is going to play. My stance is it’s up to him. It’s his personal decision.”
It appears unlikely that Horford will commit to playing in the 2015 FIBA Americas Tournament Aug. 25-Sept. 6. He last played for the Dominican Republic at the 2009 FIBA Americas Tournament.
“It’s going to be a good opportunity for Kenny,” Horford said. “He definitely has some influence on me if I do decide to play but understanding that we have a long season and my priority is here with the Hawks.”
The 10-team FIBA Americas Tournament will be held in Monterrey, Mexico this year with the top two teams qualifying for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Before starting his NBA coaching career with the Knicks and Hawks, Atkinson spent three years as director of player development/assistant coach for Paris Basket Racing Club in France (2004-06). He also spent the summer of 2006 as director of player development/assistant coach for the national team of the Republic of Georgia. He was also an assistant coach with the Ukraine national team at the European championships in 2011.
“I think my international experience helps,” Atkinson said. “I’m thrilled they had the trust in me. It’s always hard to give a guy his first shot. You want people with experience. I decided this could be a pretty good opportunity and good experience – like getting in a flight simulator if I in terms of being a head coach. I’ll get some experience if it’s something I’d want to do.”
Atkinson said his first priority remains the Hawks. He will have a chance to coach current and former NBA players such as the Mavericks’ Charlie Villanueva and Francisco Garcia.
“It’s a great opportunity for Kenny,” Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He is such a great coach and has such a great feel for the game. He has been invaluable to me and invaluable to our players and our program. As coaches, you are looking to grow. It’s a great opportunity. I used to say when I came back from being a head coach of a summer league team it made me a better assistant coach.”
The Dominican Republic qualified for the FIBA World Basketball Cup last year and advanced to the Round of 16. It finished 13th overall in tournament.
Atkinson takes over for Orlando Antigua who coaches the University of South Florida. There was some interest in Atkinson last year. It renewed during the NBA All-Star break this year.
“He was the man that we wanted from the beginning because of his experience and vision of the game,” national team general manager Eduardo Najri said in a statement.
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