Kenny Atkinson got a little choked up when talking about the Hawks.
After four seasons as a Hawks assistant coach, Atkinson was formally introduced as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.
Atkinson thanked several people for his new opportunity but needed to pause when he spoke about the Hawks.
“I’d also like to thank the Atlanta Hawks organization - Tony Ressler, the owner, Mike Budenholzer, the vice president and coach, Wes Wilcox, the GM,” Atkinson said. “Just a great experience there. A first-class organization. They treated me and my family great. It’s a big part of the reason I’m sitting here. I’m going to miss them. I’m thankful for having worked there.”
Atkinson also noted the coaches he served under in Rick Adelman (Rockets), Mike D’Antoni (Knicks) and Budenholzer.
“Fantastic all-around coach,” Atkinson said of Budenholzer. “First-class person. And really taught me about building a program and building a culture on and off the court. Thanks coach.”
Atkinson said he did not allow himself to think about head coaching vacancies as an assistant with the Hawks. However, when Sean Marks was named general manager of the Nets, Atkinson identified him as “somebody I’d like to work with.”
“Quite honestly, I said ‘I want to pursue this,’” Atkinson said. “I was very aggressive in pursuing it.”
Atkinson confirmed that Jacque Vaughn, former Magic head coach, will be his lead assistant. He made no other staff announcements although Hawks video coordinator Jordan Ott is expected to join him with the Nets.
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