The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly hired Kenny Atkinson as their next head coach. Atkinson most recently served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors and previously coached the Brooklyn Nets.
The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to hire Kenny Atkinson as their next head coach, according to multiple reports. Atkinson has been an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors for the past three seasons and has also worked as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Atkinson was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020, where he led the team to a 118-190 record. He was fired by the Nets before the 2020-21 season due to the team's poor performance.
Kenny Atkinson Set to Coach Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are hoping that Atkinson can help them take the next step after failing to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in the past two seasons. Atkinson has a reputation for being a good player developer, and he should be able to help young players like Darius Garland and Evan Mobley reach their full potential.
The Cavaliers have a number of key offseason decisions to make, including whether to offer Donovan Mitchell a contract extension. Mitchell is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is eligible for a max contract extension. The Cavaliers are also expected to be active in free agency, and they could target players like DeAndre Ayton and Kyrie Irving.
Kenny Atkinson Set to Coach Cleveland Cavaliers
Atkinson will replace J.B. Bickerstaff, who was fired after the Cavaliers lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the playoffs. Bickerstaff had a 97-109 record as the Cavaliers' head coach.
The Cavaliers are hoping that Atkinson can help them return to the playoffs and eventually contend for a championship. Atkinson has a proven track record of success, and he should be a good fit for the young and talented Cavaliers team.
Kenny Atkinson Set to Coach Cleveland Cavaliers
