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Toronto Raptors: The 3 best candidates to replace Nick Nurse as coach

By Holden Walter-Warner

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 18: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors signals against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center on April 18, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 18: Head coach Nick Nurse of the Toronto Raptors signals against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round at Wells Fargo Center on April 18, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Kenny Atkinson of the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Kenny Atkinson of the Golden State Warriors (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Toronto Raptors: #1. Kenny Atkinson

Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson didn’t get a fair shake during his first stint as an NBA head coach. It’s time for him to get his second opportunity.

Atkinson became the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016 before they started poaching as many star players as they could. The first season was ugly, as the team went 20-62, but Atkinson couldn’t really be blamed; just look up that roster and decide for yourself.

The second season wasn’t much better, but progress was being made, which became evident by the third season. Atkinson took the team to the playoffs, despite the lone star on the roster being D’Angelo Russell.

But by midseason in his fourth year—a week before the pandemic upended life as we knew it—Atkinson and the Nets had reached a point of no return and parted ways. The move was immediately controversial.

Atkinson was also a candidate for the Houston Rockets job, which ultimately went to Udoka. The Bucks also seem to be interested. Franchises clearly believe it’s the right time for Atkinson to get another chance.

As someone who is currently coaching under Steve Kerr, it should be no surprise that Atkinson likes to run fast, motion-based offenses. Considering the endless athleticism of the Raptors, that could be a great fit.

Next. Impact of Monty Williams dismissal. dark

After being attached to nearly every coaching search in the past couple of seasons, Kenny Atkinson is ready to step back into the spotlight. The Toronto Raptors should go for it.