An Unconventional Pathway: Kenny Atkinson's Rise with the Cavaliers
Kenny Atkinson's journey through the labyrinth of NBA coaching has been nothing short of fascinating. His current role as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers highlights a career brimming with unique challenges and notable successes, marking him as a significant figure in the realm of professional basketball coaching.
Atkinson, an experienced strategist, embarked on his post-playing career journey with the New York Knicks. His tactical acumen soon caught the attention of NBA circles, eventually leading to his appointment as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016. While the initial years with the Nets were far from smooth, recording a daunting 48-116 mark over his first two seasons, Atkinson was not deterred by early setbacks. By the third season, he had begun to orchestrate a turnaround, guiding the Nets to a 42-40 record and securing a playoff berth.
Reflecting on his early coaching experiences, Atkinson confessed, "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." These candid words reveal a man driven to leave a mark on the NBA, irrespective of the intense pressures encountered along the way.
After concluding his tenure with the Nets in the 2019-20 season, Atkinson's professional journey led him to serve as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, before joining the Golden State Warriors. It was with the Warriors that he achieved one of his career milestones, winning an NBA championship in 2022. Atkinson credits this phase as pivotal to his development. "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."
Atkinson's move to the Cleveland Cavaliers has proved to be a masterstroke. The Cavaliers, under his strategic leadership, clinched their first 15 games—a record for a coach with a new team. This remarkable streak propelled the Cavaliers to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, making an indelible statement about Atkinson’s impact.
In Cleveland, Atkinson has embraced a collaborative coaching model, a philosophy that has resonated deeply within the team’s ethos. The presence of Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert—the very players he once relied upon during his Brooklyn days—has significantly strengthened this approach. Atkinson candidly shared about his dynamic with players, especially LeVert, "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes. I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached." Such mutual respect and understanding illustrate the cohesive environment Atkinson fosters, driving performance and teamwork.
Beyond the technicalities and statistics that define his career, Atkinson fondly remembers his time in Brooklyn, describing it as "a city that breathes basketball." His affinity for such basketball-rich environments underscores his passion for the sport and his appreciation of communities that live and breathe the game.
Kenny Atkinson’s ongoing chapter with the Cavaliers not only exemplifies his coaching prowess but also reflects his ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges. His journey through the ranks of the NBA has been marked by growth, resilience, and an unyielding competitive spirit. As the Cavaliers continue to make strides under his guidance, Atkinson remains a central figure in shaping the future of professional basketball, poised to carve out further successes with his unique and adaptive coaching philosophy.