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3 head coach candidates for the Sacramento Kings

By Holden Walter-Warner

PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 20: Head coach Luke Walton talks with Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 20, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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Sacramento Kings, Head coach
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 24: Head Coach Kenny Atkinson of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 24, 2020 in New York City. Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3 head coach candidates for the Sacramento Kings: Kenny Atkinson

The last time Kenny Atkinson was a head coach in the NBA, the world looked a lot different. It’s finally time for the Golden State Warriors assistant to get his next opportunity to lead a team.

Atkinson was a celebrated hire when he was named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016. The New York native led a steady climb up the standings, reaching the postseason for the first time in his third season in charge.

He and the Nets parted ways in the middle of his fourth season on March 7, 2020. You probably don’t need a reminder of what happened a week later.

Since then, Atkinson has been biding his time, serving as one of the top assistants for two of the more successful franchises in recent history – the LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors. Atkinson joined the Warriors in August.

The coach has a history of developing young players into stars or rotation pieces in Brooklyn. Namely, D’Angelo Russell, Jarrett Allen, and Spencer Dinwiddie. He could potentially work wonders for Sacramento’s young core.

Atkinson’s name has been mentioned in reports connected to the Kings job. He’s also been mentioned in reports connecting him to the Lakers job. He’ll be a top candidate for both roles.

The Sacramento Kings may have less intrigue than the Lakers, but there are only so many jobs in the NBA. Any of the candidates on this list would be great fits to turn around the beleaguered franchise.

Reevaluating Sabonis-Haliburton deal. dark. Next

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