Kenny Atkinson: A Journey of Growth and Success
Kenny Atkinson's trajectory in the NBA coaching world has been nothing short of a compelling narrative filled with challenges, growth, and resurgence. Currently steering the Cleveland Cavaliers as their head coach, Atkinson's journey is a testament to perseverance and ingenuity in a highly competitive sporting arena.
The basketball court was a second home for Atkinson long before he donned a coach's suit. Post his playing career, he embarked on his coaching career with the New York Knicks, marking the beginning of an era that saw him steadily rising through the ranks. However, it was his appointment as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016 that brought him into the spotlight.
The early years at Brooklyn were shaped by tumultuous times and foundational challenges. Under Atkinson's tutelage, the Nets recorded a 48-116 mark in his initial two years. Such figures might have discouraged a less determined individual, but not Atkinson. "I was a little crazy," he confessed, reflecting on the pressures of his early tenure. "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."
Despite the rocky start, Atkinson's persistence paid off. By his third season, the Nets boasted a respectable 42-40 record, which secured a playoff berth, heralding a new chapter for the team. Nevertheless, Atkinson's journey with the Nets concluded after the 2019-20 season, paving the way for new opportunities.
The experience and lessons from Brooklyn laid a solid groundwork for Atkinson. "The journey after Brooklyn really helped me grow as a coach," he shared. His post-Brooklyn ventures saw him working as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers and later with the Golden State Warriors, where he achieved an incredible milestone — winning an NBA championship in 2022.
Atkinson's narrative has come full circle with his current role at the Cleveland Cavaliers. Under his keen leadership, the Cavaliers have achieved a record-breaking start, securing 15 consecutive wins, a noteworthy achievement for any coach with a new team. The Cavaliers, with Atkinson at the helm, have consistently topped the Eastern Conference standings, a reflection of his strategic prowess and ability to inspire peak performances from his team.
One striking feature of Atkinson's coaching approach is his emphasis on collaboration. In Cleveland, he has adopted a collaborative coaching model, fostering an environment where players and coaches jointly contribute to the team's success. Atkinson has cultivated strong bonds with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, both of whom were key figures during his time in Brooklyn and are now pivotal to Cleveland's success. "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."
Atkinson's reflections on his journey highlight a resilient coach motivated by challenges and setbacks. "I'm competitive, and when you have setbacks, you remember things, right? ... You're motivated to prove people wrong," he remarked. Such determination has undoubtedly permeated through his coaching philosophy and achievements in Cleveland.
Beyond the courts, Atkinson reminisces fondly about his tenure in Brooklyn, describing it as "a city that breathes basketball," an acknowledgment of the profound impact the city and the experience had on his career.
With a rich tapestry of experiences, from struggles to championship triumphs, Atkinson's journey illustrates an evolution marked by adaptability and tenacity. As the Cleveland Cavaliers continue their march under his guidance, Atkinson's story serves as an inspiring chronicle of dedication and the unyielding quest for excellence in the world of professional basketball.