Kenny Atkinson's Remarkable Coaching Journey: From New Beginnings to Cavaliers' Success
In the rapidly evolving landscape of professional basketball coaching, few journeys have been as compelling as that of Kenny Atkinson. Now at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson's path is marked by persistence and success, transforming him into one of the most respected figures in the sport today.
After a post-playing career that began with the New York Knicks, Atkinson's coaching prowess first came to widespread attention when he was appointed head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016. The initial phase of his tenure in Brooklyn was a test of endurance and resilience; the team struggled to a 48-116 record over the first two seasons. Yet, it was these challenging early years that molded Atkinson's coaching philosophy and personal fortitude.
Reflecting on those high-pressure days, Atkinson once admitted, "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." This acknowledgment of the toll such an intense environment took on him reveals an introspective and determined leader, one who quickly learned the necessity of balance in the unforgiving world of professional sports.
By his third season, however, Atkinson had transformed the Brooklyn Nets into a competitive unit with a 42-40 record, earning a coveted playoff berth. Despite the success, Atkinson's journey with the Nets concluded following the 2019-20 season. It was a period he describes as formative, contributing significantly to his growth as a coach. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," he shared, underscoring the perennial quest for self-improvement that underpins his career. "But I will tell you I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong."
Transitioning to a role as an assistant coach, Atkinson continued to refine his craft with the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Golden State Warriors. It was with the Warriors that Atkinson reached new heights, winning an NBA championship in 2022. These experiences added layers to his coaching approach, refined in the crucible of both triumph and trials.
Kenny Atkinson's influence become even more pronounced with his appointment as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atkinson's arrival in Cleveland marked a dramatic upswing in the team's performance; the Cavaliers won their first 15 games under his guidance, setting a new record for a coach joining a new team. Under Atkinson's leadership, the Cavaliers ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, a testament to his effective and innovative coaching style.
At the heart of Atkinson's success in Cleveland is a collaborative coaching model. This method fosters mutual respect and engagement between coach and players, emphasizing open communication and shared goals. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, shedding light on the dynamic yet strategic rapport he shares with his team. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
Atkinson's relationship with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert—key figures from his Brooklyn days now integral to Cleveland's success—further underscores this collaborative ethos. Together, they have rekindled the chemistry that drove Brooklyn's playoff run, transferring it successfully to Cleveland.
Kenny Atkinson's journey is a blend of growth, resilience, and unparalleled dedication. His story is one of a coach who not only adapts and learns at every juncture but also instills those values in his teams, creating enduring legacies wherever he goes. As he continues to steer the Cleveland Cavaliers, one cannot help but be reminded of his deep appreciation for the game, from the hustle and bustle of Brooklyn, a city he fondly describes as "a city that breathes basketball," to his current triumphs in Cleveland.