Kenny Atkinson: Leading the Cavaliers to New Heights
In the heart of Cleveland, a city bursting with anticipation and ambition, Kenny Atkinson stands at the helm of the Cavaliers, orchestrating a transformative era in the franchise's history. Known for his relentless work ethic and passion for the game, Atkinson has already made his mark by guiding the Cavaliers to an unprecedented start, winning their first 15 games of the season. This feat sets a new record for a coach with a new team and propels Cleveland to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Atkinson's journey to the shores of Lake Erie is rooted in an enduring passion for basketball and an insatiable drive to prove his detractors wrong. After hanging up his sneakers, Atkinson embarked on his coaching career with the New York Knicks, a tenure that laid the foundation for his future successes. It was in Brooklyn, however, where Atkinson began to etch his name into coaching lore. Appointed as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, Atkinson's early years were characterized by struggle, as the Nets recorded a 48-116 mark over his first two seasons. Yet, by the third year, he engineered a remarkable turnaround, leading Brooklyn to a 42-40 record and a coveted playoff berth.
Reflecting on those early Brooklyn years, Atkinson recalled, "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." His determination was unyielding, but the challenges left a lasting imprint on his coaching psyche.
The conclusion of his tenure with the Nets after the 2019-20 season was merely a prelude to further growth and success. Picking up the pieces of his coaching career, Atkinson served as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, then moved to the illustrious Golden State Warriors, honing his craft alongside some of the league's most respected minds. This period culminated in an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022, a testament to his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments.
"The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," Atkinson expressed. "I’m competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong." This sentiment reveals not only his resilience but also an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Atkinson's tenure in Cleveland is marked by a collaborative coaching model, a shift from his more intense beginnings. This approach has fostered an environment where mutual respect thrives, allowing players to take ownership of their roles within the team. A familiar face from his Brooklyn days, Caris LeVert, has reunited with Atkinson in Cleveland, benefiting from the coach’s mentorship and tough love. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, highlighting the profound understanding and connection he shares with his players. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
Golden State's championship pedigree instilled in Atkinson a deeper understanding of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport, and he applies these insights with the Cavaliers. Jarrett Allen, another key figure during Atkinson's Brooklyn chapter, also plays a pivotal role in Cleveland's resurgence, underscoring the coach’s knack for developing talent and molding cohesive, resilient teams.
Describing Brooklyn as "a city that breathes basketball," Atkinson’s affection for the game permeates his coaching style. He carries the lessons learned in Brooklyn into his current role, blending them with the diverse experiences gained from his stints in Los Angeles and Golden State. His evolution from a headstrong newcomer to a seasoned tactician underscores a career built on adaptability and learning.
The Cavaliers are poised to reclaim their standing as a dominant force in the NBA, driven by Atkinson's insightful strategies and an unwavering competitive spirit. As the season unfolds, the basketball world will watch with bated breath to see how far Atkinson can lead Cleveland. One thing is certain: with Kenny Atkinson on the sidelines, the Cavaliers are in capable, determined hands, ready to etch new chapters in the franchise's storied history.