The Bucks have been granted permission to meet with Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson about their open head coaching job, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter).
According to Wojnarowski, Milwaukee’s own assistant Charles Lee and former Hornets head coach James Borrego are among the other candidates expected to interview with the Bucks as they seek a replacement for Mike Budenholzer. The team’s search will extend beyond those three candidates and will include additional interviews, Woj adds.
Atkinson, Lee, and Borrego have been popular candidates for teams seeking a new head coach this spring. Atkinson and Borrego both met with the Rockets before they hired Ime Udoka, and Atkinson was reportedly set to interview with Toronto as well. Lee, meanwhile, interviewed with the Raptors and is considered a finalist for the Pistons’ open position.
[RELATED: 2023 NBA Head Coaching Search Tracker]
Atkinson and Borrego have previous head coaching experience, while Lee has served as an assistant under Budenholzer since 2014, first in Atlanta and then in Milwaukee. Atkinson coached the Nets from 2016-20; Borrego coached the Hornets from 2018-22. Like Lee, Atkinson previously worked on Budenholzer’s staff with the Hawks.
Wojnarowski previously speculated that the Bucks’ wish list could include at least one candidate who is currently the head coach of another NBA team, which is a rumor that Eric Nehm of The Athletic has heard as well. However, it’s unclear which coach(es) those reports might be referring to.
Is it me or do none of these seem like an upgrade from Bud?
Kinda what I’m thinking. Also, that the “mystery” coach still in the playoffs is Doc Rivers, which means they’re waiting on a lateral move (at best), or a guy who may not be available until after the conference finals..who is a lateral move at best.
One would think Snyder was too quick to accept the Atlanta post when some more attractive options would’ve eventually opened. He’s exactly what Milwaukee needs.
Atkinson should be banned from head coaching jobs (other than GSW), for a year more or so.
The mystery coach isn’t a head-coach, it’s Chris Quinn.
Kenny Atkinson – Shouldn’t be on the golden state warriors next year he can’t coach he was terrible this year.