Kenny Atkinson Named NBA Coach of the Year After Guiding Cavaliers to Dominant Season
Kenny Atkinson, the mastermind behind the Cleveland Cavaliers’ remarkable 2023-2024 season, has been awarded the NBA Coach of the Year. The announcement, made on Monday, acknowledges Atkinson’s transformative leadership that propelled the Cavaliers to a league-leading 64-18 record in the Eastern Conference. This is the first Coach of the Year accolade for the veteran coach, capping off a season of unprecedented success for the Cavaliers.
Atkinson’s victory was decisive, securing 59 out of a possible 100 first-place votes. The competition was formidable, with Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff finishing second with 31 first-place votes. Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka claimed third place with seven first-place votes. Other coaches receiving votes included Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunders (two first-place votes), Tyronn Lue of the LA Clippers (one first-place vote), and JJ Redick of the LA Lakers, acknowledging the widespread impact of strong coaching performances across the league this season.
The Cavaliers’ outstanding record this season marks several significant milestones for the franchise. The 64 wins represent the second-most in team history and, perhaps more notably, the most wins ever achieved by a Cavaliers team without LeBron James on the roster. This achievement underscores Atkinson’s ability to build a winning culture and maximize the potential of the existing talent.
Atkinson, aged 57, joined the Cavaliers after spending the previous three seasons as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors under the tutelage of Steve Kerr. He inherited a team that had already shown promise, winning 48 games in the previous season. However, Atkinson’s arrival ignited a new level of performance and instilled a clear strategic vision.
From the opening tip-off of the season, Atkinson’s impact on the team was undeniable. The Cavaliers launched their campaign with an impressive 15 consecutive victories, setting the tone for a season of dominance. They further cemented their place in NBA history by becoming only the second team ever to record winning streaks of at least 12 games on three separate occasions within a single season. By March 14th, the Cavaliers had amassed a stellar 56-10 record, firmly establishing themselves as the frontrunners for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Atkinson’s coaching philosophy centers on utilizing the team’s depth and harnessing the collective strength of the "Core Four": Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Jarrett Allen, and Evan Mobley. He successfully crafted an offensive system that elevated the team’s scoring output without compromising their defensive integrity. The Cavaliers were one of only three teams in the league to finish in the top eight in both offensive and defensive rankings.
Statistically, the Cavaliers ranked first in offensive efficiency, scoring 121 points per 100 possessions. Defensively, they held opponents to 111.8 points per 100 possessions, placing them eighth in the league. This resulted in a remarkable plus-9.2 net rating, the third-best in the NBA, demonstrating their overall dominance on both ends of the court.
The Cavaliers’ offensive prowess was further highlighted by their league-leading performance in points per game (121.9). They also excelled in shooting efficiency, ranking second in both field-goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage, further solidifying their status as an offensive powerhouse.
Prior to his successful stint with the Warriors, Atkinson gained valuable experience as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under Tyronn Lue and served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons.
"I think using my experience with those two situations can make me a better coach," Atkinson stated upon accepting the Cavaliers job a year ago. He explained how he communicated this to Cavaliers president of basketball operations, Koby Altman, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences. "I said, I look back and there are so many things I could do better. And then I saw it live, I saw it. I was kind of like: Look, how does Steve do it? How does Ty do it? And I think its really going to help me."
Atkinson also articulated his vision for staying ahead of the evolving landscape of the NBA. "And I do think one of my strengths is, I think the league is changing, and can you get ahead of the league? Whats happening? How quickly is it happening and how are we shifting? And I think me and my staff, thatll be a strength of ours. We will be able to be right with the league or be a step ahead."
This forward-thinking approach, combined with his ability to build a cohesive team dynamic and maximize the potential of his players, has clearly been a winning formula for Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Coach of the Year award is a well-deserved recognition of his leadership and a testament to the team’s outstanding performance throughout the season. The Cavaliers now look towards the playoffs with high hopes, aiming to translate their regular season success into a deep postseason run under Atkinson’s guidance. His ability to adapt and evolve alongside the league will undoubtedly be a crucial factor in their quest for an NBA championship. The future looks bright for the Cavaliers under the leadership of Coach Kenny Atkinson.
