NBA: What Every Team Should Be Thankful For In 2016-17

Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard (middle) during the national anthem before a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 31
Nov 12, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets

Kenny Atkinson

Yes, the Brooklyn Nets are bad. And they’re probably going to finish amongst the five worst records in the NBA, certainly in the Eastern Conference. Although, Kenny Atkinson, the team’s first-year head coach, is not going to let this team get embarrassed.

Atkinson isn’t a mainstream name, but he stems from the Mike Budenholzer coaching tree. The Nets might not have assets or many young, promising pieces. They do have one great asset in one of the better young coaches in the NBA. The Nets will be all right.