CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets finally have their new leader.
Ending a seven-week search, they have agreed to a four-year deal with Golden State assistant coach Kenny Atkinson to be the 12th head coach in franchise history, league sources with direct knowledge of the situation told The Charlotte Observer on Friday. He will be the one to officially replace James Borrego, who was fired on April 22 following a 43-win season with two years remaining on his contract.
Atkinson, 55, was selected out a bevy of candidates, with the Hornets searching for the person they expect to get them to the next level. Mike D’Antoni, Darvin Ham, Sean Sweeney, Charles Lee and David Vanterpool were among the pool general manager Mitch Kupchak interviewed. Owner Michael Jordan met with Atkinson and D’Antoni this week for the final round of discussions on how each could move the team forward, and he ultimately decided Atkinson was the right fit.
