– Atkinson is a great mentor
Russell going to the Nets could be a great thing for the young point guard despite the Nets being a poor team. After going through coaches like crazy the last five years, the Nets hope that they have found the one that will help lead them in their rebuild. Prior to the start of last season, the Nets made a very wise decision to hire Kenny Atkinson.
As an assistant coach with both the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks, Atkinson became very well-respected in the coaching community. With the Knicks, Atkinson was partially credited with the rise of Jeremy Lin. In Atlanta, Atkinson helped groom Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder.
Atkinson might not have played in the NBA, but he was a professional player overseas, and one of the hardest workers you will ever meet. He has earned the reputation as one of the best point guard coaches in the NBA. If Russell is going to develop into a better point guard, Atkinson is one of the best coaches in basketball to help him achieve that.
There has been some discussion about whether Russell would be a better two-guard than point guard. Regardless of what position he plays in Brooklyn, Atkinson will be able to help him succeed if he is willing to work hard and listen.