Amidst the towering stature of NBA head coaches, few journeys have been as eventful and enriching as that of Kenny Atkinson, now helming the Cleveland Cavaliers. From humble beginnings with the New York Knicks to reaching the pinnacle with the Golden State Warriors, Atkinson's path is one of resilience, growth, and revival, culminating in a thrilling inaugural season with the Cavaliers.
Early Days and Challenges
Kenny Atkinson's coaching career saw its early days with the Brooklyn Nets, where he assumed the head coach mantle in 2016. However, the transition was marked by trials as the Nets faced daunting challenges. The basketball franchise, under Atkinson's guidance, managed a struggling 48-116 record over his first two years. Reflecting on those intense days, Atkinson humorously noted, "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."
Adversity, however, laid the groundwork for growth. By Atkinson's third season, the Nets had turned a corner, finishing with a 42-40 record and earning a playoff berth. Still, the end of Atkinson's tenure in Brooklyn after the 2019-20 season marked the beginning of a transformative period in his coaching career.
Growth and Championship Glory
Following his departure from Brooklyn, Atkinson took on an assistant coach role with the Los Angeles Clippers. This phase was crucial in refining his coaching acumen. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," Atkinson mentioned, underscoring his motivation to improve after past setbacks. While his time with the Clippers added depth to his experience, it was with the Golden State Warriors that Atkinson reached an apex, securing an NBA championship in 2022.
With this monumental achievement under his belt, Atkinson brought his championship-caliber expertise to Cleveland, where his impact was immediate and profound.
Sweeping Success with the Cavaliers
Atkinson's introductory season with the Cleveland Cavaliers was nothing short of historic. Under his strategic leadership, the team clinched victory in their first 15 games, setting a new record for a coach with a new team. His ability to instill confidence and cohesion within the squad propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
A central tenet of Atkinson’s coaching philosophy in Cleveland is collaboration. This approach has found resonance with the players, especially familiar faces like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom played pivotal roles during Atkinson’s Brooklyn era and are now key figures on the Cavaliers roster.
The rapport Atkinson shares with his players is both professional and personable. As he lightheartedly mentioned, "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes." This statement highlights the mutual respect and understanding he enjoys with his team. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder because that's how they want to be coached."
The Basketball City Influence
Reflecting on his previous tenure in Brooklyn, Atkinson described it as "a city that breathes basketball." This intrinsic love for the sport has evidently been carried over to Cleveland, where he has channeled that passion into tangible results. Atkinson's background in diverse basketball-centric environments has undeniably enriched his coaching style, making his transition to Cleveland seamless and effective.
As Atkinson continues to lead the Cavaliers, his journey is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment required to excel in the NBA environment.
Kenny Atkinson’s story is still unfolding in the league, but with a collaborative approach and successful track record, he is poised to add more chapters to his compelling narrative. The Cavaliers, under his astute guidance, are looking towards a promising future, with Atkinson at the helm steering them towards further triumphs.