Kenny Atkinson's Coaching Journey: From Brooklyn to Cleveland's Resurgence

Posted : 14 January 2025

When Kenny Atkinson was appointed as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets in 2016, he brought 12 years of experience as an assistant coach with teams such as Racing Paris, the New York Knicks, and the Atlanta Hawks. However, Atkinson had no prior experience as a head coach and had a modest career as a professional player, mostly in minor U.S. leagues and European circuits from 1990 to 2004.

Despite his limited playing career, Atkinson developed a coaching style focused on hands-on training, directly engaging in drills and demonstrating strategies to players in real-time. This method emphasized helping players understand their options in various on-court situations, a skill he had refined through years of observation and experience.

Atkinson’s tenure in Brooklyn began with a significant challenge, as the team lacked star players and was without high-value draft picks due to prior trades. The roster included only a few players with potential NBA careers, such as Caris LeVert, Joe Harris, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Undeterred, Atkinson focused on player development, earning a reputation for his high-energy, hands-on approach and his candid communication style.

With the full support of Nets general manager Sean Marks, he cultivated a culture of hard work and accountability. His efforts transformed the Nets into a playoff team capable of attracting marquee players like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. However, Atkinson’s straightforward coaching style clashed with the egos of his new superstars, ultimately leading to his dismissal in March 2020. Despite this setback, he was widely regarded as a talented coach destined to make a strong return.

After leaving Brooklyn, Atkinson resumed his career as an assistant coach, joining the Los Angeles Clippers and later the Golden State Warriors. Working alongside Steve Kerr, he contributed significantly to the Warriors’ 2022 championship run and honed his ability to connect with elite players. This experience prepared him for a new opportunity as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2024.

Atkinson arrived in Cleveland with a clear vision to maximize the potential of the team’s core players—Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. By leveraging analytics and assembling a skilled coaching staff, Atkinson implemented strategies that improved the team’s offense, including transforming Mobley into an effective three-point shooter. His focus on data-driven player development and clear communication earned the trust of his team, leading to a remarkable turnaround.

Under Atkinson’s leadership, the Cavaliers emerged as one of the league’s top offensive teams, outperforming expectations and positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference. The team’s success has made Atkinson a frontrunner for the NBA’s Coach of the Year award.

Although Cleveland may not yet be the favorite to dominate the East, Atkinson’s transformation of the Cavaliers into a cohesive and high-performing unit has solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most effective and innovative coaches.

Kenny Atkinson's Coaching Journey: From Brooklyn to Cleveland's Resurgence

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