Charlotte Hornets

Veteran NBA coach Mike D'Antoni will reportedly meet with Charlotte Hornets governor Michael Jordan later this week regarding the team's vacancy at head coach, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Kenny Atkinson is expected to meet with Jordan on Tuesday.

It will be the third interview for each candidate after two prior meetings with team management. Per Wojnarowski, the Hornets are expected to extend an offer after the final round of meetings this week.

Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic previously listed Atkinson as the favorite for the job, ahead of finalists D'Antoni and Terry Stotts.

Atkinson, 55, is best known for his four seasons as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, leading the team to a 118-190 record. He inherited a squad in the midst of a rebuild, but led the Nets to the playoffs in his third season.

He is currently an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, which are battling the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

D'Antoni has more experience as a head coach, accumulating 672 wins across 16 seasons with five different organizations. The 71-year-old most recently led the Houston Rockets to the Western Conference Semifinals in four straight seasons, but got to the conference finals just once in that span and never beyond.

In 10 different trips to the playoffs, D'Antoni's teams have never reached the NBA Finals.

The Hornets likely have smaller goals after failing to reach the playoffs in six straight years. The squad was eliminated in the play-in tournament in each of the past two seasons, leading to the removal of previous coach James Borrego.

Despite the previous struggles, the young roster featuring LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Terry Rozier makes this an enticing job opening.

Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson has reportedly "emerged as a front-runner" to fill the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy.

Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Friday that Atkinson, who served as the Brooklyn Nets' head coach from 2016 through 2020, will have a third interview with the Hornets next week, and the meeting is expected to include team governor Michael Jordan.

Other finalists include New Orleans Pelicans consultant Mike D'Antoni, who owns 16 seasons of head coaching experience, and Terry Stotts, who spent nine years leading the Portland Trail Blazers staff after stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks.

Neither D'Antoni nor Stotts has been scheduled for an interview that includes Jordan, according to The Athletic.

Atkinson, who spent most of his 14-year playing career in Europe, switched to the coaching realm in 2004. He's served as an NBA assistant with the New York Knicks, Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers along with time with the Nets and Warriors.

The 55-year-old New York native guided Brooklyn to a 118-190 regular-season record with one postseason appearance across three-and-a-half seasons.

Despite that lackluster record, Atkinson has drawn positive reviews for his "sharp basketball mind and tireless work ethic," per Charania and Amick.

He continues to work for the Warriors, who are facing the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals. On Thursday, the Celtics took a 1-0 lead in the championship series, which could run through June 19 if it goes the seven-game distance.

The coach chosen by the Hornets will inherit a roster on the rise.

Charlotte posted its first winning record since 2015-16 this season by going 43-39. It earned a place in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament but lost to Atlanta in the opening round.

The team's outlook remains bright thanks to a core that includes LaMelo Ball (20 years old), Miles Bridges (24), Terry Rozier (28), Kelly Oubre Jr. (26) and P.J. Washington (23).

James Bouknight (21) and Kai Jones (21), the Hornets' two additions from the first round of the 2021 draft, should also take steps to become more impactful contributors in the years ahead, and the franchise possesses the No. 13 and No. 15 selections in the opening round of the 2022 draft.

Having so much young talent creates a desirable coaching vacancy, but it'll also put a lot of pressure on the new coach to quickly push the group toward title contention.

Mike D'Antoni, Terry Stotts and Kenny Atkinson are reportedly the "known names still in consideration" for the Charlotte Hornets' head-coaching vacancy, according to NBA writer Marc Stein. 

"There was some fresh buzz over the weekend that D'Antoni, if he were to be selected as the Hornets' new coach, could bring former Chicago Bulls coach Jim Boylen with him as an assistant," Stein added.

D'Antoni, 71, has a 672-527 record as an NBA head coach in stints with the Denver Nuggets (1998-99), Phoenix Suns (2003-04 to 2007-08), New York Knicks (2008-09 to 2011-12), Los Angeles Lakers (2012-13 to 2013-14) and the Houston Rockets (2016-17 to 2019-20). He most recently served as a coaching advisor for the New Orleans Pelicans this past season. 

He led both the Suns and Rockets to the postseason four times apiece, though couldn't reach the NBA Finals with either side. But his "Seven Seconds or Less" Suns helped usher in the modern floor-spacing game, and James Harden had his best seasons and won an MVP under D'Antoni in Houston. 

Stotts, 64, most famously served as the Portland Trail Blazers' head coach between the 2012-13 and 2020-21 seasons, going 402-318 in that time and leading the team to eight straight postseason berths. 

He also had head-coaching stints with the Atlanta Hawks (2002-03 to 2003-04) and Milwaukee Bucks (2005-06 to 2006-07). 

Atkinson, 54, served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets between the 2016-17 and 2019-20 seasons, going 118-190 in that time with one playoff berth. But he led the franchise through a difficult rebuilding phase, when a disastrous trade with the Boston Celtics in 2013 left the team's cupboard devoid of valuable draft picks (three of those picks would go on to become Jaylen Brown, Markelle Fultz and Collin Sexton). 

Those Nets were known for playing with effort and grit, and Atkinson developed the young talent they did uncover, eventually paving the way for the organization to lure Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to Brooklyn in free agency. However, the team and Atkinson "mutually parted ways" in March 2020.

The Hornets have made promising strides around a young core of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, among others. They went 43-39 this past season and qualified for the play-in tournament for the second straight year. 

While that young core has yet to cash in on that opportunity, failing to make the playoffs in both years, the team has also improved its record in each of the past two seasons. Charlotte's goal now is to find the right coach to fully develop an intriguing young group. 

NBA legend Michael Jordan once wanted Snoop Dogg to DJ one of his events, but the world-famous rapper denied him.

Snoop told Jake Paul on the Impaulsive podcast (h/t TMZ Sports) that he was once offered $2 million to DJ one of Jordan's events, but he denied the offer because of a scheduling conflict.

"One of the craziest deals I turned down was like $2 million to DJ for, I think it was a Michael Jordan event, and I turned it down," Snoop said. "And I never met Michael Jordan, and I want to meet him."

Snoop added that his favorite "MJ" is Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson. It's unclear if his love for L.A. influenced his decision to deny Jordan.

Jordan had an incredible NBA career with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards, averaging 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 1,072 games. The Hall of Famer was a six-time NBA champion, 14-time All-Star, 10-time scoring champion and five-time MVP, among numerous other accolades.

Charlotte Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak confirmed he has agreed to an extension with the organization.

Kupchak didn't specify the length of the deal but told reporters Thursday he'll remain in Charlotte "for the next couple years."

Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported in April some thought the 67-year-old's job was in jeopardy but added "word of Kupchak's potential departure—or a transition to more of an advisory role—has echoed among league personnel for each of the past few seasons."

Thursday's news may not be universally celebrated by the fanbase.

There are reasons for optimism about Charlotte's future. The team is coming off a 43-win campaign, seeing its winning percentage improve from .458 to .524. LaMelo Ball has emerged as a true franchise cornerstone, and Miles Bridges took a clear step forward in his fourth season.

But some will argue suffering blowouts in the play-in tournament in successive seasons laid bare the weaknesses in the squad. In particular, the center position has been a glaring problem for years.

Firing head coach James Borrego raised eyebrows as well considering the progress the Hornets steadily made during his tenure. Kupchak explained at Thursday's press conference he thought "another voice" was needed on the sideline.

Until Borrego's replacement is named, fans are likely to reserve judgment on whether his ouster was the right call.

The Hornets hired Kupchak in 2018, and Fischer reported his original deal was due to expire upon the end of the 2021-22 season. That he has remained on throughout Charlotte's coaching search should've been telling about his continued role within the organization. 

The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly set to interview former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts about their head coaching vacancy.

Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic reported the update Tuesday and noted Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham has also emerged as a "serious candidate" to replace James Borrego, who was fired following the 2021-22 NBA season.

The Hornets made significant strides over the past two years, including a 43-39 record this season, which marked their first time finishing above .500 since 2015-16.

They fell short against the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament, though. So now the hunt is on for a coach who can end their six-year playoff drought.

"These decisions are always difficult," general manager Mitch Kupchak said after Borrego was fired. "Having said that, we have a talented, young core of players which has me very excited about the future of the Hornets."

Stotts spent nine years leading the Blazers' staff before mutually parting ways with the team after the 2020-21 season. He posted a 402-318 record (.558 win percentage) with eight straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2019 Western Conference Finals.

The 64-year-old Iowa native previously had two-year head coaching tenures with the Hawks (2002-04) and Bucks (2005-07). He went a combined 115-168 (.406) during those stops.

Ham, 48, is a former NBA forward who's seeking his first opportunity to lead an NBA staff after 11 years as an assistant with the Bucks, Hawks and Los Angeles Lakers. He did serve as head coach of the G League's New Mexico Thunderbirds for one season.

Along with those two candidates, Heavy's Steve Bulpett reported Friday that longtime NBA coach Mike D'Antoni is a "leader" in the Hornets' coaching search.

D'Antoni is a consultant for the New Orleans Pelicans after previously serving as head coach for the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. His career record stands at 672-527 (.560).

The coach who's ultimately hired will inherit a high-upside roster, led by LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier, PJ Washington and Kelly Oubre Jr.

There will be pressure to immediately push the Hornets into the East playoff field, though.

Two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike D'Antoni is reportedly the "leader" to fill the Charlotte Hornets' head coaching vacancy.

Heavy's Steve Bulpett reported Friday the Hornets' front office is intrigued by what D'Antoni's fast-paced offensive style could do for point guard LaMelo Ball.

"I don't think it's a done deal or anything, but I know they like the idea of what he can do with LaMelo and their running game," a source told Bulpett. "If D'Antoni can get those guys on his wavelength, that's going to be an even more fun team to watch."

It's a crucial coaching hire for Charlotte, which has hit a key turning point in its efforts to transform from a rebuilding squad into a contender.

The Hornets posted a 43-39 record during the 2021-22 season, which marked the first time since 2015-16 they finished above .500. They were eliminated in the opening round of the play-in tournament by the Atlanta Hawks, though.

While the roster is still a work in progress, they have a promising core of Ball, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr. and P.J. Washington, all of whom at 28 or younger. It's possible 2021 first-round picks James Bouknight and Kai Jones take a step forward next season, too.

The key question mark is Gordon Hayward, who's under contract for two more seasons with a salary-cap hit over $30 million. He's struggled with injuries in recent years and may not fit within a D'Antoni up-tempo offense.

"At this stage of his career after all the injuries, he's a good player," an NBA executive told Bulpett. "He's a nice player. But he's not a transformative player, and he's being paid like he is, and that's troubling."

Trading Hayward to a contender would be ideal for Charlotte, and Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported the veteran forward is also "interested in a change of scenery this offseason," but his contract could make it difficult.

Meanwhile, D'Antoni currently serves as a coaching consultant for the New Orleans Pelicans after 16 years as a head coach with the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets.

His career record stands at 672-527 (.560 win percentage) and his teams made the playoffs in 10 of his 16 seasons, but an NBA championship has been elusive.

D'Antoni, 71, would bring a system that allows Ball, the 2021 Rookie of the Year, to maximize his impact, much as it did for Steve Nash with the Suns and James Harden with the Rockets.

Whether hiring an offense-first coach is the best move for Charlotte, which ranked 22nd in defensive efficiency this season, is up for debate, though.

The Charlotte Hornets would likely make a run at Quin Snyder should he depart from his role as the Utah Jazz's head coach, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Stein added that "very little" has surfaced regarding the Hornets' search for a replacement for the ousted James Borrego.

Borrego's firing came as a surprise. While the Hornets missed the playoffs for the sixth straight season, they finished over .500 (43-39) for the first time since 2015-16.

Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported on April 7 that failing to qualify for the playoffs could cost Borrego his job, with one assistant general manager telling Fischer, "It would make no sense to fire him."

Stein subsequently reported on April 25 that "player discipline on and off the floor" was a factor behind the Hornets' decision.

Charlotte could also justify moving on from Borrego if it hires a head coach with a proven track record in the NBA.

Snyder would certainly qualify in that regard. He has a 372-264 record with the Jazz, guiding them to the postseason in each of the last six years.

With Utah failing to get out of the first round for the third time in the last four seasons, though, many wonder what changes the franchise plans to make. The franchise seems to have hit its ceiling in its current form.

The Athletic's Sam Amick reported Snyder "remains highly regarded by everyone from second-year owner Ryan Smith to first-year basketball CEO Danny Ainge to general manager Justin Zanik."

Zanik also spoke highly of the coach after the team's season ended.

"Quin Snyder is one of the best coaches in the NBA," he told reporters. "There is no other partner I would rather have as a coach and as a leader of our players and as a partner in our front office than Quin Snyder."

However, Amick reported that "Snyder has been unsure of what his coaching future might hold all season" and added that "it appears nearly every scenario is on the table."

The Hornets would represent a new challenge for Snyder, and they have a bright future with young stars LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges.

Should Charlotte have to look elsewhere in its coaching search, it might cause the skeptics to ask more whether firing Borrego without a clear plan forward was a mistake.

The Charlotte Hornets made the decision to fire head coach James Borrego on Friday, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Borrego spent four seasons as head coach of the Hornets, going 138-163 with no playoff appearances.

Charlotte lost in the postseason play-in tournament in each of the past two seasons, including a defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks in this year's tourney.

After previous stints as an assistant with the New Orleans Hornets, Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs, Borrego was hired as the Hornets' head coach in 2018.

They narrowly missed the playoffs in 2018-19 with a 39-43 record before experiencing a significant drop-off to 23-42 in 2019-20 largely because of the departure of Kemba Walker.

That poor performance did net the Hornets the opportunity to land a potential franchise-altering player in the 2020 draft, however, which is when they selected guard LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick.

During Ball's rookie season, the Hornets went 33-39 and clinched a play-in spot as the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference, but they fell 144-117 to the Indiana Pacers and were eliminated from playoff contention.

This season, the Hornets posted a winning record for the first time under Borrego, going 43-39. That would have been good enough for a playoff spot in prior years, but with the Eastern Conference improving as a whole, it only netted Charlotte the No. 10 seed.

In a win-or-go-home scenario in the play-in tournament, the Hornets were walloped 132-103 by the Hawks.

The Hornets have now missed the playoffs in each of the past six seasons, and they will look for a new head coach who they believe can get their young, talented roster over the hump.

Borrego, 44, is perhaps unlikely to land another head coaching job immediately, but he shouldn't have much issue catching on elsewhere as an assistant.

He won a pair of NBA championships during his first stint as an assistant with the Spurs from 2003 through 2010, so it isn't outside the realm of possibility that he could join Gregg Popovich's staff for a third time should Pop decide to continue coaching next season.

The Charlotte Hornets' 132-103 season-ending loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA play-in tournament Wednesday was not only costly for the team but also for forward Miles Bridges after he was fined $50,000.

The NBA announced it fined Bridges $50,000 because he threw his mouthpiece into the crowd in Atlanta after he was ejected from the game in the fourth quarter. The mouthpiece struck a spectator as Bridges walked toward the locker room.

Following the game, Bridges tweeted: "Somebody get me in contact with the young lady. That's unacceptable."

"I lost my cool last night," the Michigan State product told reporters. "That was embarrassing on my part. ... I take full responsibility."

He also said he reached out to the fan he hit with his mouthpiece on Instagram and was frustrated in the moment because of how the game was unfolding.

Charlotte had no answers for the Hawks offensive attack, as six players on the home team scored 13 or more points. Trae Young led the way with 24 points and 11 assists, while De'Andre Hunter (22 points and seven rebounds) and Clint Capela (15 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks) also impressed.

Atlanta will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road Friday, with the winner claiming the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and a first-round series against the Miami Heat.

LaMelo Ball spearheaded the effort for the Hornets with 26 points, eight assists and five rebounds, although he was just 7-of-25 from the field.

Bridges had 12 points prior to his ejection but was also 0-of-4 from three-point range. The frustration was evident when his excessive complaining about a goaltending call resulted in two technical fouls and an ejection.

The incident was reminiscent of the 2016 NBA Finals when Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry was fined $25,000 for throwing his mouthpiece into the Cleveland crowd. He was also fined $50,000 for throwing his mouthpiece in the direction of an official during a game against the Memphis Grizzlies in October 2017.