Kenny Atkinson’s coaching career has always revolved around maximizing talent and fostering a winning culture. Kenny Atkinson’s success with the Brooklyn Nets serves as a blueprint for what he’s now achieving with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After less than half a season as the Cavs’ head coach, the results speak volumes.
Kenny Atkinson Replicating Nets ‘Secret Sauce’ on the Cavaliers
A Proven Developer of Talent
Atkinson first gained widespread recognition during his time with the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020. He inherited a struggling roster filled with developing prospects and turned it into a playoff team by 2019. One of his biggest achievements was developing Jarrett Allen, the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Allen entered the league as a raw prospect but flourished under Atkinson’s guidance. With Atkinson emphasizing development and utilizing an “equal opportunity” offense, Allen became a reliable rim protector and a rim-running threat on offense. Allen’s improvement was a cornerstone of the Nets’ rise, and his success proved Atkinson’s ability to get the best out of young talent.
Atkinson also helped develop D’Angelo Russell into an All-Star in 2019, further cementing his reputation as a player-first coach. His ability to elevate players like Caris LeVert into key contributors laid the foundation for the Nets to eventually attract superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency.
Reuniting With Familiar Faces
Now in Cleveland, Atkinson has reunited with both Allen and LeVert. Allen traded to the Cavaliers in 2021 as part of the James Harden deal, has flourished in his role as the team’s defensive anchor. Atkinson’s arrival has only enhanced Allen’s impact, as his coaching philosophy fits perfectly with Allen’s skill set.
LeVert, who thrived as a scorer under Atkinson in Brooklyn, has embraced a different role with the Cavaliers. Coming off the bench, LeVert provides versatility and scoring. Atkinson’s familiarity with his game has allowed him to maximize LeVert’s contributions despite the role change.
Expanding His Coaching Arsenal
During his time as an assistant with the Clippers and Warriors, Atkinson expanded his tactical repertoire. Working under Ty Lue and Steve Kerr, he learned to adapt his strategies to different roster strengths. For example, he famously drew up Nicolas Batum as a small-ball center on the Clippers, a tactic he has now employed in Cleveland by using Dean Wade in a similar role. Atkinson’s ability to innovate has added a layer of unpredictability to the Cavaliers’ game plan. His adjustments have made the team more dynamic, particularly on offense. He is choosing to end games with as many shooters as possible on the floor. It opens up the lane for Donovan Mitchell /Darius Garland to drive or hunt their spots or kick out to open shooters.
A Culture Change That Drives Success
Perhaps the most significant impact of Atkinson’s arrival is the culture change within the Cavaliers organization. Under previous coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the team struggled with offensive cohesion and fit. Tensions within the roster led to speculation about Garland’s future, especially if Mitchell committed to the team long-term.
Atkinson has turned those concerns around. Using nearly the same roster as last season, the Cavaliers have started the 2024-25 campaign with a historic 15-1 record. They tied the second-best start in NBA history, trailing only the Golden State Warriors’ 24-0 run in 2015-16. The difference lies in Atkinson’s ability to create buy-in from his players. His coaching style emphasizes accountability, collaboration, and execution, making the team greater than the sum of its parts.
Kenny Atkinson’s Bright Future on the Cavaliers
Atkinson’s early success with the Cavaliers is reminiscent of his transformative tenure with the Nets. He has elevated the performance of existing players, implemented innovative tactics, and fostered a winning culture. While it’s still early in the season, Atkinson has already shifted the Cavaliers’ trajectory, from struggling to find their identity, to contenders in the Eastern Conference. Atkinson’s ability to replicate his Brooklyn success in Cleveland demonstrates why he is one of the league’s most impactful coaches.
