The Reinvention of Kenny Atkinson: Cleveland’s New Era
Kenny Atkinson, a veteran coach with a reputation for transforming teams, currently leads the Cleveland Cavaliers to heights unseen in recent sports history. With an impressive track record of 15 consecutive victories to begin his tenure, Atkinson has set a record for a coach debuting with a new team, thrusting the Cavaliers to the pinnacle of the Eastern Conference standings.
The journey of Kenny Atkinson in the world of basketball coaching has been nothing short of remarkable. After his playing days, Atkinson initiated his post-playing career with the New York Knicks, setting the stage for his future in coaching. However, it wasn’t until 2016 that Atkinson fully emerged on the NBA scene when he was appointed head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.
During his early years in Brooklyn, Atkinson faced significant challenges. The team recorded a 48-116 mark over his first two seasons, a period which Atkinson openly reflects on. "I was a little crazy," he confessed about the pressures of his formative years in coaching. "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." Despite the challenging start, Atkinson’s resilience began to show results. By his third season, the Nets achieved a 42-40 record and clinched a playoff spot. Yet, his tenure with Brooklyn came to an end following the 2019-20 season.
Undeterred, Atkinson continued to seek growth and evolution, joining the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant coach before moving to the Golden State Warriors. His stint with the Warriors was marked by triumph as he contributed to the team’s NBA championship victory in 2022. This success was more than just a win on the court; it was a pivotal chapter in Atkinson’s evolution as a coach. He noted, "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."
At Cleveland, Atkinson has implemented a collaborative coaching style that resonates well with both the players and the broader organization. This approach seems to have unlocked new potential in the Cavaliers, with the team flourishing under his guidance. Central to this success are players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom played pivotal roles during Atkinson's era in Brooklyn and now reunite with him in Cleveland. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson quipped, highlighting the mutual respect and understanding that underpins his relationship with his players. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
For Atkinson, coaching in Brooklyn left a lasting impression, one he carries into his current role. He describes the city as "a city that breathes basketball," a sentiment that echoes through Cleveland as well, where basketball is not just a game but a shared passion that fuels both team and community endeavors.
Through the lens of this experienced head coach, the Cleveland Cavaliers are not just experiencing a dynamic season; they are embracing a new culture, one built on collaboration, respect, and relentless pursuit of success. As Atkinson continues to orchestrate this basketball symphony in Cleveland, his story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptation in the ever-demanding world of professional sports.