From Brooklyn to Cleveland: Kenny Atkinson's Unsparing Rise
Kenny Atkinson has carved out an impressive journey in the NBA coaching world, culminating in his current role as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Having led the Cavaliers to win their first 15 games this season—a record for a coach with a new team—Atkinson continues to make waves in the league, proving his critics wrong and showcasing the strategic prowess that has landed him at the top of the Eastern Conference standings.
Atkinson’s trajectory wasn’t always lined with success. He began his post-playing career modestly with the New York Knicks. Yet, it was with the Brooklyn Nets, beginning in 2016, where Atkinson truly began crafting his legacy. Despite a challenging start, where the Nets recorded a 48-116 mark over his first two years, Atkinson remained undeterred. By his third season, the Nets turned a corner, boasting a 42-40 record and securing a playoff berth.
Reflecting on his early coaching years, Atkinson 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." His determination to succeed was unyielding, even in the face of adversity. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," he acknowledged. "But I will tell you I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong." These lessons formed the backbone of his coaching philosophy, one that blends hard-earned wisdom with an unshakeable resolve.
Atkinson's time with the Nets concluded after the 2019-20 season, but his pursuit of excellence continued. His subsequent roles as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers and later with the Golden State Warriors offered him an invaluable opportunity to expand his coaching repertoire. The fruits of this tenure were evident when he won an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022.
Integrating the experiences from these teams, Atkinson moved on to Cleveland, where he has applied a collaborative coaching model. This approach not only fostered team cohesion but also elevated the Cavaliers' performance, turning them into serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. It’s a strategy that has received buy-in from his players, many of whom appreciate the mix of freedom and discipline he brings. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked, underscoring the mutual respect and understanding he shares with his team. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder... because that's how they want to be coached.”
Notably, Atkinson's familiar bonds with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, who were key figures during his Brooklyn days and are now with Cleveland, have further propelled the Cavaliers' success. These relationships, built on trust and past experiences, offer Atkinson a unique advantage as he shapes the future of the team.
Known for his dedication and a touch of the intense, Atkinson’s journey through the league reflects a city that once shaped him, "Brooklyn...a city that breathes basketball." His time there may have had its challenges, but it's clear those experiences have fueled his competitive spirit and refined his coaching acumen.
As Kenny Atkinson leads the Cleveland Cavaliers into a promising new chapter, it’s evident that his path, marked by resilience and growth, has positioned him as a standout figure in the coaching realm. The foundation he has laid in Cleveland speaks louder than words, as does his commitment to proving that his journey—while fraught with challenges—is one of unwavering resolve, one game at a time.