Nets, Atkinson part ways after 3-plus seasons
The Brooklyn Nets and head coach Kenny Atkinson mutually agreed to part ways, the team announced Saturday.
Jacque Vaughn, who previously served as Orlando Magic head coach from 2012 to 2015, will be the Nets bench boss for the rest of the season.
"After discussions with Kenny about the progress of the season, we mutually agreed that a coaching change would be in the best interest of the team," Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement. "This was an extremely difficult decision, however, the organization believes it is one that is necessary at this time.
"Kenny was instrumental in developing our players and building the identity and culture we have become known for over these past four seasons. The foundation he helped put into place here is one that we will continue to build on in the coming seasons."
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after the Nets throttled the visiting San Antonio Spurs 139-120 on Friday night.
Atkinson leaves with a 118-190 record over parts of four seasons in Brooklyn.
In 2018-19, the Nets posted a 42-40 record, their first winning campaign since 2013-14. The run culminated with a first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers, when Atkinson's squad stole a game off the favorites before being eliminated.
However, the tone of the 2019-20 campaign has been markedly different, largely due to an offseason hailed as a major boon for the franchise's short-term future. Brooklyn acquired former MVP Kevin Durant, perennial All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving, and veteran center DeAndre Jordan.
Although Durant was expected to miss the season while recovering from an Achilles injury, Irving's persistent shoulder issues have been surprising. The 27-year-old struggled to stay on the court, making just 20 appearances before undergoing season-ending surgery last month.
The Nets are still in the playoff picture in the top-heavy Eastern Conference, but their 28-34 (.452) record is a step back for a team expected to continue its upward trajectory.