Kenny Atkinson, who has been an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors since 2021, is reportedly set to become the next head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. This news comes following the firing of J.B. Bickerstaff, who had been with the team for five seasons. Atkinson previously served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020 and has experience as an assistant with the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks.
After leaving his position with the Nets in March 2020, Atkinson joined the Golden State Warriors as an assistant coach in August 2021, where he remained through the 2023-24 season. Despite being offered the head coaching job with the Charlotte Hornets in June 2022, he ultimately chose to stay with the Warriors.
In Cleveland, Atkinson will reunite with former players Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom played for him in Brooklyn. The Cavaliers recently made the playoffs for the second consecutive season and won a playoff series for the first time since 1993 without LeBron James. With Atkinson now at the helm, the team is looking to build on this success.
Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman can now shift his focus to securing the future of star guard Donovan Mitchell, who will be eligible for a max extension after the 2024-
