Hornets GM: Atkinson reneging on agreement 'disappointing'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — While general manager Mitch Kupchak said Kenny Atkinson’s decision last week to renege on his four-year agreement to coach the Charlotte Hornets was “disappointing,” in some ways he’s thankful it happened the way it did.

“I think he would have been a good pick, but if he’s not comfortable here I would rather find out now than a year from now,” Kupchak said Thursday night during the NBA draft.

Kupchak gave no timetable as to when the Hornets will have a new coach in place, emphasizing the team is in no hurry.

Kupchak said team owner Michael Jordan has been in Charlotte since Tuesday and they've spoken extensively about the coaching situation.

The GM declined to discuss…