1. Kenny Atkinson
If the New York Knicks move on from Tom Thibodeau, the No. 1 option to replace him is Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson grew up on Long Island and already has some experience coaching in the city.
Atkinson was an assistant coach with the Knicks from 2008-2012 before taking an assistant job with the Atlanta Hawks. He was with Atlanta from 2013-2016 before being named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
Coaching in Brooklyn is a different monster than coaching in New York City, but it is the success that he had that is more important. Atkinson showed how well he can work with and develop young players, turning the Nets around and showing improvement each season he was on the job.
The playoff appearance in 2019, when the team went 42-40, was an incredible feat. Unfortunately, when the organization when star chasing that offseason, Atkinson quickly fell out of favor and was fired 62 games into the season.
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He spent one season with the LA Clippers and is with the Golden State Warriors this season. Atkinson was someone many people thought was a perfect fit for the Knicks when they hired Tom Thibodeau and he should remain a good fit now.
The Knicks need someone that will embrace the youthful roster they have and get the most out of them. Atkinson showed he could do that with the Nets and being on staff with Tyronn Lue and Steve Kerr the last two seasons likely led to some excellent knowledge being obtained as well.