Atkinson's Dynamic Journey Leads Him to Success with the Cavaliers
Kenny Atkinson's trajectory as a coach in the NBA is a compelling story of evolution—a journey that has seen its fair share of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Currently at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson's reputation as a transformative figure continues to grow, thanks to an impressive start with the franchise.
Atkinson first stepped into the coaching world with the New York Knicks after hanging up his playing shoes. However, it was his time with the Brooklyn Nets that began to shape his legacy. Appointed head coach in 2016, Atkinson inherited a struggling team and faced immense pressure from the outset. The Nets' record—48-116 over his first two seasons—was stark, but it was part of a rebuilding process. By his third season, the team displayed remarkable progress, achieving a 42-40 record and securing a playoff berth. Reflecting on those early days, Atkinson admitted, "I was a little crazy. 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."
The coach concluded his tenure with the Nets after the 2019-20 season, opting to embrace new opportunities to grow. His journey saw him work as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers and later with the Golden State Warriors. It was with the Warriors that Atkinson experienced a significant milestone, winning an NBA championship in 2022—a testament to his perseverance and tactical acumen. He acknowledged the impact of these stints, stating, "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach. But I will tell you I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong."
Atkinson's chapter with the Cleveland Cavaliers began with unprecedented success, as the team won its first 15 games under his guidance—a record for a coach with a new team. This remarkable start positioned the Cavaliers at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, sparking excitement among fans and analysts alike. Central to this success is Atkinson's collaborative coaching model, which he has adeptly deployed in Cleveland. The system leverages strong relationships with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, who were instrumental during his Brooklyn tenure and now excel under his leadership once again.
Atkinson's rapport with his players is evident, as he builds trust and respect while challenging them to reach new heights. He shared an anecdote, "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," emphasizing, "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached." This balance of discipline and respect underpins the trust he fosters within his teams, allowing him to cultivate a high-performing squad.
Through Atkinson's eyes, cities like Brooklyn have a unique relationship with basketball, labeled as "a city that breathes basketball." This appreciation reflects back in his ethos, as he embraces the passion and energy that his teams and local communities bring to the sport.
In Cleveland, Atkinson is writing a new chapter, characterized by not just winning, but also building a culture of excellence and accountability. His experiences across different teams have enriched his coaching philosophy, empowering him to amalgamate learnings from past grinds with fresh insights. As the Cavaliers push forward, Atkinson's expertise and unyielding drive promise an engaging and exciting era for the franchise, one that fans and followers will be keen to watch unfold.