Cleveland’s Winning Streak Under Kenny Atkinson: A New Era Begins
The Cleveland Cavaliers' basketball season has commenced with a resounding statement, thanks in large part to their new head coach, Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson has led the Cavaliers to an unprecedented start, winning their first 15 games—a record for a coach with a new team. His leadership has not only positioned Cleveland at the top of the Eastern Conference standings but has also ushered in a new era of basketball for the team.
Atkinson's journey to Cleveland is storied and marked by a relentless pursuit of growth and excellence. Following his playing days, he transitioned into coaching with the New York Knicks, but it was his tenure as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, beginning in 2016, where his coaching chops truly came to the forefront. Despite a rocky start with a 48-116 record over his first two seasons with the Nets, Atkinson's tenacity and strategic insights bore fruit by his third season. The Nets finished with a 42-40 record, securing a much-coveted playoff berth—a testament to his ability to turn a struggling franchise around.
"I was a little crazy," Atkinson once confessed about the pressures during the early stages of his coaching career. His admission speaks to the intensity and dedication that have characterized his coaching philosophy. "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."
Atkinson's departure from Brooklyn after the 2019-20 season marked the beginning of a journey that saw him evolve further. He worked as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, followed by a fruitful stint with the Golden State Warriors, where he clinched an NBA championship in 2022. Reflecting on this period, Atkinson shared, "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."
Now at the helm of the Cavaliers, Atkinson has brought with him an innovative, collaborative coaching model that has visibly energized the team. This approach has been particularly effective for players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom were crucial during Atkinson's time in Brooklyn and are now key figures in Cleveland. Atkinson maintains a unique rapport with his players, rooted in mutual respect and an understanding of their competitive spirit. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, illustrating his personable coaching style. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
His success with the Cavaliers is a testament to his adaptable coaching methods and deep understanding of the game. Atkinson's strategies have seamlessly meshed with Cleveland's dynamic roster, allowing the team to flourish in ways that few anticipated. His experiences in a city like Brooklyn—which he described as "a city that breathes basketball"—have undoubtedly informed his approach to fostering a culture of excellence in Cleveland.
As Kenny Atkinson steers the Cavaliers, the franchise and its fans have much to look forward to. His past experiences, fiery competitive nature, and the fresh strategies he has introduced have already begun to reshape Cleveland's basketball narrative. If the Cavaliers' start is any indication, Atkinson’s tenure might not only rejuvenate the team but possibly bring newfound glory to the city.