Atkinson's Ascent: From Nets Struggles to Cavaliers Triumph
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, few stories capture the complexities and unpredictability of coaching quite like Kenny Atkinson's journey. The head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atkinson has carved out a remarkable career path, defined by both trials and triumphs, across several major franchises.
Atkinson's post-playing career began with the New York Knicks, but it was in Brooklyn where he first made significant waves. Appointed as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, Atkinson faced formidable challenges. The first two years were grueling, with the Nets recording a disheartening 48-116 mark. Yet, by the third season, Atkinson had transformed adversity into achievement, guiding the team to a 42-40 record and securing a coveted playoff berth. Despite these accomplishments, Atkinson concluded his tenure with the Nets after the 2019-20 season, a chapter he reflects on with a mixture of candidness and resilience.
"I was a little crazy," Atkinson confessed, reflecting on the pressures of his early coaching years. "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."
Following his departure from Brooklyn, Atkinson embarked on a period of professional growth, spending time with the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant coach. Later, he joined the Golden State Warriors, a move that would culminate in winning an NBA championship in 2022. These experiences, rich with learning and adaptation, were pivotal. As Atkinson noted, "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach." His competitive spirit and desire to "prove people wrong" fueled this transformation.
At the heart of Atkinson's coaching ethos is a strong emphasis on collaboration and mutual respect, a philosophy he has embraced fully since taking the helm at Cleveland. In his inaugural season with the Cavaliers, Atkinson made an immediate impact. Under his leadership, the Cavaliers triumphantly won their first 15 games, setting a new record for a coach with a new team. More impressively, the team soared to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, a testament to the strategic acumen and dynamic leadership that Atkinson embodies.
Central to this success are players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom flourished under Atkinson's guidance in Brooklyn and have followed him to Cleveland. Atkinson maintains a unique rapport with his players, as demonstrated by his playful yet pointed interactions with LeVert. "I yell at (LeVert) every once in a while just to keep him on his toes," Atkinson joked. "I do feel freedom to coach those guys harder ... because that's how they want to be coached."
This relationship-first approach has not only galvanized the Cavaliers but has also revitalized Atkinson. He attributes much of his refreshed coaching style to the holistic insights he gained after his time with the Nets. "When you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong," Atkinson shared, illustrating a mindset of growth and determination that underpins his career resurgence.
While Atkinson's journey is dotted with professional learning curves and victories, it is his passion for the game and its cultures that stands out. He fondly describes Brooklyn as "a city that breathes basketball," a sentiment that has undoubtedly colored his experiences throughout the NBA's diverse locales.
In Cleveland, Atkinson's collaborative model and strategic foresight have positioned the Cavaliers as a formidable contender under his reign. His narrative is one of resilience, adaptation, and a steadfast commitment to evolving as both a coach and a leader. As the season progresses, the league will be watching, and Atkinson, with his well-honed competitive edge, will undoubtedly continue to shape the storylines of the game.