Just days before the NBA draft, the Cavaliers have chosen their coach, with Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and assistant coach Kenny Atkinson seen observing a play.
According to a source familiar with the decision, Kenny Atkinson, who previously served as an assistant with Golden State and played a pivotal role in rebuilding Brooklyn before his departure under unclear circumstances, will become Cleveland’s new coach. The Cavaliers have been in search of a new leader for their youthful team since parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff last month, despite achieving two consecutive playoff appearances and showing ongoing improvement.
The source indicated that a deal has been reached between the sides, and they are currently finalizing the details of Atkinson’s contract. The individual spoke anonymously because the team has chosen not to publicly disclose details of their search. ESPN.com first reported Atkinson’s move to Cleveland.
Atkinson has spent the last three seasons as the top assistant to Steve Kerr with the Warriors. In 2022, he initially accepted the head coaching position with Charlotte but withdrew from the four-year contract agreement a week later.
Atkinson’s appointment marks the conclusion of an extensive search conducted by the Cavaliers’ front office. He was one of at least six candidates who interviewed for the position following Bickerstaff’s dismissal on May 23, shortly after Cleveland’s elimination from the playoffs by the eventual champion Boston Celtics in five games.
The 57-year-old Atkinson met all the criteria the Cavs were seeking: prior head coaching experience, a strong offensive focus, and a stellar reputation for developing players.
He was selected by Cleveland’s vice president of basketball operations Koby Altman and general manager Mike Gansey last week. Atkinson then gained approval from team chairman Dan Gilbert, finalizing the Cavs’ first coaching hire in five years.
During his tenure with the Nets, Atkinson achieved a record of 118-190 across more than three seasons. He oversaw their transformation from a lower-ranked team in the Eastern Conference to a playoff contender in 2019. His departure from Brooklyn in 20
Atkinson’s departure came as a significant surprise considering the progress the team made under his leadership. Following his exit, he spent a season with the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Golden State Warriors.
In Golden State, Atkinson had the opportunity to work closely with one of the league’s premier offensive talents in Stephen Curry and immersed himself in their dynamic offensive system, which he is likely to integrate into his approach with Cleveland.
Critics pointed out that Bickerstaff struggled to enhance Cleveland’s offense. However, he amassed a regular-season record of 170-159 and guided the Cavs back to competitiveness through a rebuilding phase that commenced in 2018, following LeBron James’ departure as a free agent.
Bickerstaff took over from John Beilein midway through the 2019-20 season and maintained Cleveland’s competitive standing in the Eastern Conference this season despite numerous injuries. The Cavs also progressed beyond the first round of the playoffs without James on their roster for the first time since 1994.