Report: Former Nets HC Atkinson a contender to join Lue's Clippers staff

Kenny Atkinson, the former head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, is a strong contender to join the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant on Tyronn Lue's coaching staff, sources told The New York Times' Marc Stein.

Larry Drew, the former coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks, is reportedly expected to be on Lue's staff, with Miami Heat assistant Dan Craig another top candidate to join L.A., Stein adds.

Atkinson, 53, has been a free agent since he unexpectedly stepped down from his post with Brooklyn in March. He was reportedly linked to the Chicago Bulls' coaching vacancy in late August before the team eventually hired Billy Donovan.

He was also reportedly a candidate for the New Orleans Pelicans. However, the team named Stan Van Gundy as its new head coach this week.

The former Nets bench boss first took charge of Brooklyn in 2016, leading the team to a 20-62 record in their first season together. He eventually steered the Nets to a 42-40 finish in 2018-19, helping them make the postseason for the first time since 2015.