Since the NBA season began last year, many teams have opted to make changes, with the Thunder being among the most recent.
After five season, Sam Presti and former Thunder head coach Billy Donovan mutually agreed to part ways, with Donovan quickly rebounding in the form of becoming the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls.
Naturally, the focus turned toward the Thunder and its now vacant spot on the bench. Shortly after Donovan’s departure, we identified five head coaches who could make sense for Oklahoma City to pursue, with former Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson being one of five potential candidates mentioned.
It turns out that Atkinson — whose seen his tenure in Brooklyn improve his perceived value across the league — interviewed with the Houston Rockets for their vacant head coach opening. Houston and its now-former head coach Mike D’Antoni parted ways after D’Antoni informed the club he wouldn’t be pursuing a new contract with it.
The news of Atkinson’s interviewing with the Rockets was first reported by The Athletic.
With respect to the Thunder, Atkinson was an intriguing candidate for no other reason than his track record of helping players develop and assisting rebuilding programs. Although Atkinson’s tenure in Brooklyn was his most notable stop, he previously earned favor as an assistant in Atlanta under Mike Budenholzer and in New York under, coincidentally, Mike D’Antoni.
Among players Atkinson is credited with helping to push forward are a contingent of young guards including Jeremy Lin, Jeff Teague and Spencer Dinwiddie, to name a few.
Could Atkinson have similar success with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Terrance Ferguson? Quite possibly, but depending on what kind of impression he made with the Rockets, the Thunder might have to react quickly if there is indeed any interest in the coach.
For what it’s worth, Maurice Cheeks was also mentioned by us as someone who could make sense to assume the helm. Cheeks, who is now in his second stint with the Thunder, has spent a total of nine seasons as an assistant coach under both Scott Brooks and Billy Donovan. He does also have head coaching experience, spending eight total years leading the Trail Blazers, Sixers and Pistons.
Cheeks, who is a Hall of Famer — spent the majority of his career as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers — was perceived to be a potential target for the team after it fired Brett Brown. However, with the Sixers hiring Doc Rivers to fill the opening, it appears that Cheeks will remain available, at least for now.
The Thunder have understandably seemed to spend more time with draft prospects than it has on hiring a head coach. Perhaps that will change soon.