Cleveland Cavaliers coaching search | Cavs hiring Kenny Atkinson as new head coach
The Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach.
Atkinson replaces J.B. Bickerstaff, who was fired May 23 after four-plus seasons at the helm. He compiled a 170-159 regular-season record and guided the Cavs back to relevance in the NBA after LeBron James' second departure from the franchise.
Atkinson, 57, has previous head coaching experience. He went 118-190 in three-plus regular seasons spanning 2016-20 at the helm of the Brooklyn Nets. He guided the 2018-19 Nets to the playoffs, and they suffered a 4-1 first-round loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Atkinson spent the past three seasons as an assistant to Golden State Warriors coach and former Cavs player Steve Kerr. In 2022, Atkinson accepted the head coaching job of the Charlotte Hornets before changing his mind and remaining with the Warriors. He also worked as an assistant for a season with the Los Angeles Clippers (2020-21), four seasons with the Atlanta Hawks (2012-16) and four seasons with the New York Knicks (2008-12). For another season, he was the director of player development of the Houston Rockets (2007-08).
Given the strengths and weaknesses of the Cavs, it makes sense for them to value a coach like Atkinson who has a background in player development and a reputation as a strong teacher. Cleveland reportedly narrowed its head coaching decision down to Atkinson and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego. Atkinson and Borrego are offensive-minded coaches.
The Cavs are coming off consecutive playoff appearances with the defensive-minded Bickerstaff.
The Cavs made the playoffs in the 2022-23 season, as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, but lost in the opening round in five games to the fifth-seeded New York Knicks. They returned to the postseason again this past season as a No. 4 seed and survived a first-round series against the Orlando Magic by winning a Game 7 at home before falling in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the eventual NBA champion Boston Celtics in five games.
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Bickerstaff was promoted from Cavs associate head coach in February 2020 to head coach, replacing John Beilein after a 14-40 start. The Cavs gave Bickerstaff a contract extension through the 2026-27 season in December 2021. In the 2021-22 season, they just missed out on returning to the NBA playoffs, losing two play-in games to finish the season 44-40.
Although hiring Bickerstaff's successor represents a crucial decision for the Cavs, it's fair to project the move as playing second fiddle to the outcome of All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell's unresolved contractual situation.
Mitchell is eligible this offseason to sign a four-year contract extension with the Cavs worth more than $200 million. Last month, Cavs president of basketball operations Koby Altman expressed optimism about the prospect of reaching a deal this offseason. Altman explained Mitchell has talked to him about the future and indicated he is excited about the Cavs.
Cavs hire new head coach:Here's what to know about Kenny Atkinson
Nate Ulrich can be reached at [email protected]. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.