In the span of three seasons, Kenny Atkinson has taken the Nets from an NBA-worst record in his rookie head coaching year to seventh place in the Eastern Conference with four games left. It has been an eye-catching success story that has Atkinson in the conversation for NBA coach of the year, and now he and his coaching staff are close to being rewarded with contract extensions.
News that Atkinson and his staff are in the final stage of negotiations for an extension first was reported by ESPN on Monday night, and Newsday has confirmed that report with an NBA source.
Reaction from Nets players was swift and supportive. DeMarre Carroll, who credits much of his development to Atkinson when he was an assistant with the Hawks, tweeted, "One of the hardest working Coaches in the business. ... Dude watches film at least 20 hours a day."
