A Season of Redemption: Kenny Atkinson's Impact on the Cavaliers
In the fast-paced world of the NBA, change is constant. Few understand this better than Kenny Atkinson, who has carved out a coaching career marked by both challenges and triumphs. Currently the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson's journey has been one of both personal and professional growth.
Atkinson's professional odyssey took off in New York, where he began his post-playing career with the Knicks. Yet, it was his appointment as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016 that truly put him on the NBA map. The initial stretch with the Nets was rocky, as reflected in the team's 48-116 record over Atkinson's first two years. Despite the struggles, his resilient spirit eventually led the Nets to a commendable 42-40 record in his third season, earning a coveted playoff berth. “I was a little crazy,” Atkinson confessed, reminiscing about those intense early 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.”
Atkinson parted ways with the Nets after the 2019-20 season, a departure that could have demoralized a lesser coach. Instead, Atkinson saw it as an opportunity for growth. “The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach,” Atkinson shared. He transitioned to assistant coaching roles with both the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors, where he not only refined his coaching skills but also experienced the elation of winning an NBA championship in 2022. Recalling those moments, Atkinson said, “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 coaching philosophy has since evolved significantly. Now at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, he employs a collaborative model, fostering a culture of mutual respect and hard work. This approach has paid dividends, as the Cavaliers impressively won their first 15 games under Atkinson’s stewardship, marking a record achievement for a coach debuting with a new team. Furthermore, the Cavaliers ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, a testament to Atkinson’s effective leadership.
Integral to the Cavaliers’ resurgence are players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert. Both athletes played pivotal roles during Atkinson’s tenure in Brooklyn and have reunited under him in Cleveland. Atkinson and his players share a bond reinforced by respect and understanding. “I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes,” Atkinson joked, reflecting the camaraderie within the team. “I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached.”
As Atkinson steers the Cavaliers into the future, his experiences continue to shape his coaching style. His narrative is one of resilience and adaptability, traits requisite for thriving in the relentless world of professional sports. "Brooklyn," Atkinson once described, "is a city that breathes basketball." With a similar ethos, Atkinson has breathed new life into the Cavaliers, steering them towards a promising future.