Cleveland Cavaliers Hire Kenny Atkinson as Next Head Coach

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly agreed to hire Kenny Atkinson as their next head coach. Atkinson served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr over the last three years.

The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly agreed to hire Kenny Atkinson as its next head coach on Monday, adding an experienced coach with a proven track record of player development to their staff.

Atkinson, 55, has spent the past three seasons as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors, helping the team win two NBA championships during that time. Prior to joining Golden State, Atkinson was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to the middle of the 2019-20 season.

Cleveland Cavaliers Hire Kenny Atkinson as Next Head Coach

In Brooklyn, Atkinson compiled a 118-190 record, but he also helped develop several young players, including Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen, and Spencer Dinwiddie. He was fired by the Nets before the pandemic shut down the sports world, but he quickly landed on his feet with the Warriors.

Atkinson's hiring is the latest move by the Cavaliers to build a contending team around All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, who was acquired in a trade with the Utah Jazz earlier this offseason. The Cavaliers also have a number of other young players with potential, including Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Isaac Okoro.

Cleveland Cavaliers Hire Kenny Atkinson as Next Head Coach

Atkinson is expected to bring a similar style of play to Cleveland as he had in Brooklyn and Golden State. He is known for his up-tempo offense and his emphasis on player development.

The Cavaliers finished 48-34 last season, finishing fourth in the Eastern Conference. They were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.

Cleveland Cavaliers Hire Kenny Atkinson as Next Head Coach

Atkinson will replace J.B. Bickerstaff, who was hired as the team's head coach in 2019. Bickerstaff led the Cavaliers to the playoffs twice, but they failed to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals under his leadership.

The Cavaliers have a few key offseason decisions to make as well in regard to some of its top players. A Donovan Mitchell contract extension appears to be at the top of the list. He’s owed $35.4 million this season but has a potential opt out before the start of 2025-26.

With Atkinson at the helm, the Cavaliers are hoping to take the next step and contend for a championship. He is a well-respected coach with a proven track record of success, and he should be a good fit for a young and talented Cleveland team.