Cleveland Cavaliers have announced the hiring of Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. The move was formally announced by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and confirmed by multiple reports. Atkinson’s experience as a lead assistant with the Golden State Warriors and his strong player development program in Brooklyn caught the attention of the Cavaliers.
Atkinson is known for his ability to develop players like Joe Harris, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Caris LeVert, something that the Cavaliers hope to bring to Cleveland. Additionally, Atkinson’s emphasis on player and ball movement in his offensive schemes aligns with what players like Donovan Mitchell have been looking for.
The hiring of Atkinson comes after a competitive selection process that included Pelicans’ assistant James Borrego as a finalist. Borrego was initially considered the frontrunner for the Cavaliers job, but when the Pistons made a coaching change, Borrego became a favorite for that position. Ultimately, Atkinson’s experience and success in player development made him the best fit for the Cavaliers.
As he takes over a team that has shown improvement in recent years under former coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Atkinson will face pressure from the start to build on that success and continue the team’s upward trajectory in the Eastern Conference. With Mitchell expected to sign a contract extension, Atkinson’s coaching style and development skills will be crucial for the Cavaliers’ future success.
