NBA: Power Ranking The 30 NBA Head Coaches Entering 2016-17

By Michael Saenz | Sep 12, 2016

May 10, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich gives direction to his team against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 16, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new head coach Kenny Atkinson answers questions from the media during press conference at HSS Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Kenny Atkinson, Brooklyn Nets

You may not know the name Kenny Atkinson yet, but there’s a good chance you will by the end of the season. Perhaps not because the Brooklyn Nets will be the surprise of the NBA, but because of the job that he will do in Brooklyn.

During the last four years, prior to getting hired by the Nets, Atkinson was the assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, learning under Mike Budenholzer. That’s not a bad place to be, considering that Budenholzer learned under Gregg Popovich.

Even though Atkinson is in a bit of a tough spot, simply by looking at the roster, look for him to only move up this list.

Next: No. 17