Kenny Atkinson: Leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to New Heights
Kenny Atkinson’s coaching journey has been one fraught with challenges, growth, and moments of triumph. From his foundational years with the New York Knicks, through his transformative tenure with the Brooklyn Nets, to finally taking the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson’s career provides a compelling narrative of perseverance and strategic brilliance. Now, steering the Cavaliers to the top of the Eastern Conference, Atkinson has proven his mettle once again, establishing himself as one of the NBA's most adept coaches.
Atkinson took on the role of head coach for the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, a challenging assignment by any measure. The Nets’ 48-116 record over his first two seasons was a stark testament to the obstacles he faced. Yet, rather than being deterred, Atkinson's resolve only deepened with each setback. By his third season, he successfully guided the Nets to a 42-40 record and back into the playoffs, displaying his capacity to turn around struggling franchises.
Reflecting on these formative years, 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." Yet, embracing the pressures, Atkinson allowed these experiences to fuel his growth, 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."
After parting ways with the Nets in 2020, Atkinson continued to sharpen his coaching acumen, serving as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers and later joining the coaching staff of the Golden State Warriors. It was during his tenure with the Warriors that Atkinson clinched an NBA Championship in 2022, a career milestone that underscored his growing prominence in the coaching ranks.
Atkinson’s next chapter unfolded with his appointment as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where his impact was immediate. Under his guidance, the Cavaliers won their first 15 games of the season—a record for any coach debuting with a new team—and swiftly ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. His collaborative coaching model has played a pivotal role in this turnaround, building strong connections and fostering an open dialogue with players and staff alike.
Integral to this success has been Atkinson’s synergy with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom played under him in Brooklyn and now feature prominently on the Cavaliers roster. The mutual respect and understanding between coach and players is evident. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, highlighting the healthy dynamic. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
Now, as Atkinson moves forward with Cleveland, he brings with him learnings from his diverse professional past, including his reflections on Brooklyn, "a city that breathes basketball." His journey stands as a testament to the dedication and resilience required to succeed in the high-stakes world of professional basketball coaching.
As the Cavaliers continue their impressive run, Kenny Atkinson’s influence is unmistakable. His journey—from tentative beginnings through challenging episodes and ultimate triumphs—underscores the perseverance that defines not only his career but his life. With the Cleveland Cavaliers responding so dynamically to his leadership, the NBA is now witnessing the tangible results of Atkinson’s steadfast commitment to excellence on and off the court.