Kenny Atkinson's Rise with the Cavaliers: A New Chapter in a Storied Coaching Career
In the ever-evolving world of professional basketball, few coaches embody resilience and adaptability like Kenny Atkinson. Now at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson's journey from his early days with the New York Knicks to his championship triumph with the Golden State Warriors provides a gripping narrative of growth and determination.
Atkinson's career kicked off post-playing from the frontline with the New York Knicks. His yearning to establish himself in the competitive landscape of the NBA began in earnest with the Brooklyn Nets. Appointed as their head coach in 2016, Atkinson faced a challenging start. The Nets struggled, recording a 48-116 mark across his first two seasons. Yet, Atkinson remained undeterred, and with dogged persistence, he led the team to a 42-40 record and a coveted playoff berth by his third season.
Reflecting on his early years in Brooklyn, Atkinson noted, "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 immense pressure to succeed weighed heavily on him, but it also forged the competitive edge that has come to define his coaching philosophy.
After parting ways with the Nets in the 2019-20 season, Atkinson joined the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant. This move marked the beginning of a rejuvenating phase in his career, one that would culminate in a significant chapter with the Golden State Warriors. During his tenure with the Warriors, Atkinson not only enhanced his strategic acumen but also celebrated an NBA championship victory in 2022. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," Atkinson shared. "But I will tell you I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong."
His experiences, both challenging and triumphant, brought him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Under Atkinson's innovative and collaborative coaching model, the Cavaliers have witnessed unprecedented success, winning their first 15 games—a record for a coach with a new team. His ability to galvanize the squad has propelled the Cavaliers to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, positioning them as formidable contenders in the league.
A significant element of this success story is Atkinson's leadership style, which emphasizes a deep, respectful connection with his players, including Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom were pivotal figures during Atkinson's Brooklyn era and now thrive under his guidance in Cleveland. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, underscoring the trust and rapport he shares with his players. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
The Cleveland roster seems to echo the vibrant, passionate basketball culture Atkinson once described in Brooklyn. "A city that breathes basketball," he called it, speaking warmly of the environment that nurtured his competitive spirit. Such an atmosphere can be seen mirrored in Cleveland, where Atkinson's approach not only commands respect but also nurtures a winning mentality.
For the Cavaliers and their fans, Atkinson's leadership heralds a new era of optimism and ambition. As they continue to build on their early season success, the basketball world watches with keen interest. Kenny Atkinson's journey—a blend of perseverance, strategic evolution, and narrative redemption—poises him as a figure worth watching, a coach whose story is as compelling as the game itself.