5 Coaching candidates for the Spurs if Gregg Popovich retires this summer
3. Kenny Atkinson
Kenny Atkinson is exactly what the Spurs need at this stage in their rebuild. His last head coaching opportunity came with the Brooklyn Nets, where he helped develop a young D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris Levert, and Jarrett Allen. All those guys are flourishing with different squads, but Atkinson has always excelled in developing young talent.
Coming off a championship with the Golden State Warriors, Atkinson has played a monumental role in the improvements made by guys like Jordan Poole and Jonathan Kuminga. Atkinson has only had one head coaching role, but he has spent time as an assistant under Popovich disciples such as Mike Budenholzer and Steve Kerr. With the abundance of young talent on the Spurs, Atkinson would be the perfect head coach.