Kenny Atkinson became the latest in a long line of Nets coaches a month ago, and every day since has felt like a fantasy for the Long Island native. It didn’t feel real for him until he was officially introduced Monday at Brooklyn’s HSS Training Center, when the magnitude of the moment sunk in.
“Right now. This press conference was, ‘Wow.’ That’s why I got a little emotional, just seeing all the familiar faces and family,” said Atkinson, a Huntington native who knows New York well enough to know the honeymoon period won’t last long. “Before that it was fantasyland, people congratulating me with text messages. But this was the first moment where I really, really felt it.
“These are words today. We’re really going to have to show these players and show New York that it’s really true. That’s the exciting part about these next weeks, these next months, next year coming up.’’
The last year was more tough than exciting for the Nets. They suffered through a 21-61 campaign that saw coach Lionel Hollins fired and interim Tony Brown’s contract not renewed.
Atkinson will be the sixth coach the team has had since moving to Brooklyn in 2012, and the ninth since owner Mikhail Prokhorov’s arrival on the scene. That concerning conveyor belt — combined with the Russian billionaire’s historic lack of patience — gave even Atkinson pause.
“It gives you pause, because you look at the past,’’ Atkinson said. “But that’s why you meet with ownership, and that’s why my relationship with [general manager] Sean [Marks] was important, because we had an intimate conversation when I came up here to interview with them.
“That was part of my question. I was more than satisfied with the answers. We’re going to build something sustainable, build something for the long-term, so that excited me and convinced me. … And Mr. Prokhorov and Sean have promised me that a part of that is patience. That’s an important part of it.’’
But Atkinson knows full well New York is known for passion and pressure, not patience.
“It’s part of the job. It’s New York, and I get that and I accept it and I embrace it,” Atkinson said. “I embrace the pressure and I know that comes with the territory, especially here. … I don’t fear that. I welcome it. And I hope our players do, too.
“New York is basketball. Brooklyn is basketball. … New York’s a different market. We have those discussions when we talk about players: The ability to thrive here and perform here is different.’’
Marks said he talked with a dozen prospective coaches and Atkinson was his top choice, likely for his talent for player development and connection to the Spurs tree.
“But this isn’t San Antonio. This isn’t Atlanta,’’ Marks said. “This is Brooklyn and we’ll do it our best to make it our own.”
To do that, Atkinson — who plans to live in Brooklyn — knows he’ll need a point guard. While he pointed to competitiveness, ball movement and character as vital, the biggest key is also the Nets’ biggest weakness.
“The point guard is like the NFL quarterback; that’s how important the position is. It’s the Drew Brees, the Aaron Rodgers. It’s super important. It’s going to be a big decision for us,’’ said Atkinson, unafraid of going the international route for a guard. “Absolutely not. Everything’s on the table.’’
Thaddeus Young said he was given assurances he won’t be used as a trade chip to acquire a point guard.
“Yes, [Marks] has told me I’ll be here,” he said. “But, at the end of the day, things happen. This is a business.’’
Ex-Orlando coach Jacque Vaughn will be added to the staff.
Atkinson’s introduction was attended by Gus Alfieri, his coach at St. Anthony’s in South Huntington, his mother and seven brothers, of whom he joked “heard there was free food here. That’s the reason they’re here.’’