In his years as an NBA assistant coach, Kenny Atkinson developed a reputation as a “development guru,” a coach willing to work with every player on the roster in improving. Jeremy Lin credits Atkinson for his success in New York. Several members of the Atlanta Hawks spoke highly of Atkinson. DeMarre Carroll called him “family” when asked about reuniting with his former assistant. The respect for the Nets head coach runs deep.
But what exactly makes Atkinson a development guru?
Atkinson’s work ethic has been noted throughout the league. In Howard Beck’s profile of the Jeremy Lin-Kenny Atkinson relationship, the Long Island native’s willingness to work with a then relative unknown was detailed.