Kenny Atkinson: Forged in Brooklyn, Flourishing in Cleveland
In the fast-paced world of professional basketball, few stories resonate with as much transformation and redemption as Kenny Atkinson's. Once a promising player turned resourceful coach, Atkinson's journey through the NBA ranks is a testament to growth, resilience, and renewed ambition. Now at the helm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson's unique and collaborative approach is rewriting the playbook for coaching success.
Atkinson's career in coaching commenced with the New York Knicks, where he transitioned from player to mentor. It was with the Brooklyn Nets, however, where he would make his most indelible mark—though not without trials. Appointed as the Nets' head coach in 2016, Atkinson faced immediate challenges, logging a discouraging 48-116 record over his first two seasons. Despite the tough start, Atkinson remained committed to building a competitive squad with determination and grit.
"I was a little crazy," Atkinson confessed, reflecting on the early pressures of his coaching career. "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." With an unmistakable candor, Atkinson reveals the intense drive that fueled his fight for success despite the mounting pressure.
By his third season with the Nets, Atkinson's perseverance bore fruit as the team bounced back with a commendable 42-40 record, earning a coveted playoff berth. His tenure, which concluded after the 2019-20 season, laid the groundwork for a personal evolution in coaching style and philosophy.
Atkinson's journey post-Brooklyn took him across the NBA landscape, serving as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Golden State Warriors. His time with the Warriors proved particularly fruitful, culminating in an NBA championship win in 2022. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," Atkinson shared. "But I will tell you I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong."
Atkinson's return to head coaching with the Cleveland Cavaliers heralded a remarkable new chapter. Under his watch, the Cavaliers rocketed to a sizzling start, winning their first 15 games—a record for a coach debuting with a new team. Under Atkinson's guidance, the team quickly ascended to the top of the Eastern Conference standings—a testament to his evolved coaching prowess.
Central to Atkinson's success in Cleveland is his collaborative coaching model, which prioritizes active engagement and mutual respect with his players. Notably, former Nets mainstays Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert have been instrumental figures in Cleveland, rekindling their Brooklyn connection under Atkinson's tutelage.
"I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, hinting at the mutual respect and understanding they share. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached." This open, communicative dynamic has empowered Atkinson to nurture talent and drive performance on the court effectively.
Reflecting on his time with Brooklyn, Atkinson describes it as "a city that breathes basketball," a sentiment that encapsulates both the passion and the challenges that shaped his coaching journey. From these early formative years to his championship run and current success with the Cavaliers, Atkinson's path illustrates a profound evolution as a coach and leader.
As the Cavaliers continue their impressive campaign under Atkinson's stewardship, his story serves as an inspiring narrative of persistence, adaptability, and leadership in the NBA. The Cleveland roster is thriving, and with Atkinson at the helm, the team's trajectory looks brighter than ever. Indeed, Kenny Atkinson has proven himself not merely a survivor of the NBA's intense coaching carousel but a triumphant, forward-moving force within it.