Atkinson's Triumphant Return to the NBA Head Coaching Ranks
Kenny Atkinson has made a significant impact since stepping in as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, marking his return to a head coaching role with an impressive opening performance. The Cavaliers have surged under his guidance, winning their first 15 games—a record for a coach with a new team—while rising to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. This remarkable start is a testament to Atkinson’s strategic acumen and motivational prowess, characteristics he has honed over years in various coaching roles.
From Brooklyn to Cleveland: A Journey of Growth
Atkinson's path to Cleveland began in the hustle and bustle of New York City, starting off his post-playing career with the Knicks. His first head coaching opportunity came with the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, where he faced the arduous task of rebuilding a struggling franchise. During his first two seasons, the Nets managed only a 48-116 record, a situation that tested Atkinson’s resolve and health. Reflecting on those early years, he admitted, "I was a little crazy," acknowledging the immense pressure he faced. "I was desperate to make it. I really got after it, but I knew even after two years in Brooklyn, it was bad for my health."
Despite the tough start in Brooklyn, Atkinson's efforts bore fruit by his third season when the Nets achieved a 42-40 record, earning them a playoff berth. These experiences, however challenging, were instrumental in shaping Atkinson into the coach he is today. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," Atkinson said, reflecting on his tenure with the Nets. "But I will tell you I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong."
A Championship Season with Golden State
Atkinson’s growth did not stop in Brooklyn. After parting ways with the Nets following the 2019-20 season, he joined the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant coach, further enriching his repertoire. His coaching journey then took him to the Golden State Warriors, where he was part of the coaching staff that led the team to an NBA Championship in 2022. This victory solidified Atkinson’s reputation as a valuable strategic mind in the league and prepared him for his next pivotal role.
Cleveland Cavaliers: A New Chapter
Now at the helm of the Cavaliers, Atkinson has brought with him a collaborative coaching model that resonates well with his players. Two familiar faces, Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, who were key figures during his time in Brooklyn, are once again under his guidance in Cleveland. The rapport he has maintained with them underscores the trust and mutual respect essential for any successful team. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, highlighting the playful yet respectful dynamic within the team. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached." This approach has evidently paid off, as evidenced by the Cavaliers' formidable start to the season.
A City and Coach Aligned in Passion
Atkinson’s affinity for environments that breathe basketball has found a fitting stage in Cleveland. His reflections on his time in Brooklyn—"a city that breathes basketball"—echo his current sentiments towards his new home with the Cavaliers. Such environments seem to invigorate Atkinson, fueling his passion and drive to excel.
Kenny Atkinson's journey from the cauldron of rebuilding the Nets, his championship victory with the Warriors, to his current role with the Cavaliers illustrates a narrative of perseverance, adaptation, and ultimately success. As the season unfolds, the Cavaliers, under Atkinson’s experienced stewardship, are a team to watch—a formidable force that is clearly intent on remaining atop the Eastern Conference. Atkinson's career is a story of resilience and growth, and his current triumphs with Cleveland suggest that both coach and team are on the path to something special.