The Cleveland Cavaliers have announced Kenny Atkinson as their 24th head coach in franchise history, per Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: The Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson as the franchise’s next head coach and sides are working on a contract that’s expected to be completed soon. pic.twitter.com/x60kBtvQDQ
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 24, 2024
Cavaliers Hire Warriors Assistant as Head Coach
Atkinson, 56, replaces former head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who was let go following the 2023-24 season after five years with the team. During his time as Cavs coach, Bickerstaff boasted a 170-159 record as well as a 6-11 mark in the postseason. The Cavs struggled to find offensive consistency under Bickerstaff, specifically in the playoffs, a main reason he was let go.
Atkinson beat out New Orleans assistant James Borrego for the job. The two were the most likely candidates according to multiple sources. The details of Atkinson’s contract have yet to be announced as the sides are still negotiating.
About Atkinson
Atkinson has been an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors since 2021, winning a championship with the team in 2022. He was previously the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020, leading them to one playoff appearance. Current Cavaliers, Caris Levert and Jarrett Allen were a part of that playoff team in 2018-19. The move marks the first major change in Cleveland this summer.
Atkinson will now be charged with leading the team past the second round as they look to become serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. He will look to get more out of the Cavs’ big four of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Wojnarowski noted the Cavs are particularly excited about Atkinson’s connections with the team and ability to develop their young talent.
“The Cavaliers are especially eager for Atkinson’s player development program to impact young 7-footer Evan Mobley, sources said. Atkinson has a strong history with Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert from their time together with the Nets.”
The Cavs are hopeful for an offensive improvement under Atkinson. Under Bickerstaff, Cleveland ranked 16th in offensive rating this past year at 114.7. The Cavs also ranked 14th out of 16 teams in this year’s playoffs with a rating of 104.7, ahead of only the Miami Heat and New Orleans Pelicans who won a combined one playoff game this season.
In the Warriors 2022 title-winning season with Atkinson on staff, the team ranked fourth out of all playoff teams in offensive rating. Cleveland’s struggles have not been in the regular season, however, winning in the playoffs has been a different story. The Cavs hope that Atkinson is the right man to lead them on a deep playoff run for years to come.
The hiring will allow the Cavs to shift their offseason focus to extending Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell is eligible for a four-year 200+ million dollar deal this summer. From all indications, it seems likely that Cleveland will be able to retain their superstar.
The new Cavs coach posts a career 118-190 (.383) record as head coach with a 1-4 record in the playoffs.
