Kenny Atkinson is an excellent coach. Despite being driven out of town by Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the well-known veteran won a spot as an assistant on Golden State’s 2022 Championship team. Atkinson declined a job offer from the Charlotte Hornets in 2022 because he is more selective about the roster, front office setup, and franchise he takes over. According to Shams Charania, Atkinson appears to be in the race for the Cleveland Cavaliers job now that JB Bickerstaff has been let go.
If Atkinson is finally chosen, he will coach two former Brooklyn Nets teammates, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen. Atkinson was able to maximize both players’ potential. Unfortunately, Atkinson died during the superstar era in Brooklyn, but the Cavaliers will acquire a coach with a strong character who can assist develop young players and build selfless leaders. With Donovan Mitchell’s future uncertain in Cleveland, the hire of Atkinson would be a terrific insurance policy if they end up losing their franchise player.
