Kenny Atkinson: Leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to New Heights
Kenny Atkinson, a name that resonates with resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence, is currently making headlines as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atkinson, who began his coaching odyssey with the New York Knicks, has journeyed through the ranks, gathering a wealth of experience that is now transforming the Cavaliers into a formidable force in the NBA.
After hanging up his basketball sneakers, Atkinson dove into the challenging world of coaching. A significant chapter in his career unfolded with the Brooklyn Nets, where he was appointed head coach in 2016. The initial phase was grueling, with the Nets posting a concerning 48-116 record over his first two seasons. "I was a little crazy," Atkinson confessed, reflecting on the pressures in those early coaching years. "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 these challenges, Atkinson steered the team to an impressive turnaround by the third season, achieving a respectable 42-40 record and earning a playoff berth. This resurgence in Brooklyn set the stage for his departure after the 2019-2020 season. Myriad experiences followed, honing Atkinson's coaching style as he contributed as an assistant with prestigious teams like the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors. His tenure with the Warriors culminated in an NBA championship in 2022, a testament to his growth and adaptability.
"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."
Now at the helm of the Cavaliers, Atkinson's impact is pronounced. His leadership has propelled the team to a record-setting start, winning their first 15 games—an unprecedented feat for a coach with a new team. The Cavaliers, under his guidance, have soared to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Atkinson's approach integrates a collaborative coaching model, fostering a culture of mutual respect and high performance within the squad.
Former Brooklyn Nets players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, who now don the Cavaliers' jersey, have found familiarity and renewed vigor under Atkinson's leadership. Reflecting on his rapport with players, Atkinson remarked, "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," underlining the mutual respect and understanding that informs his coaching. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder because that's how they want to be coached."
Atkinson's fondness for Brooklyn, a pivotal phase in his career, is palpable. He describes the city as "a city that breathes basketball," encapsulating the vibrant basketball culture that shaped his early years as a head coach.
As the Cavaliers continue to thrive, Atkinson's story is one of remarkable resilience and strategic acumen. His evolution from a struggling coach with the Nets to a championship-winning assistant with the Warriors, and now a record-setting head coach with the Cavaliers, marks him as a significant figure in the NBA landscape. With each game, Atkinson continues to mold a team that's exceeding expectations, driven by a fervent desire to not just win games, but to inspire a winning culture that resonates beyond the court.