Tag: Kenny Atkinson

Former Nets HC Kenny Atkinson to be hired as HC for the Cavaliers

Per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson is hired to be the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Brooklyn Nets are currently rebuilding to get back to the being title contenders after the breakup of the Big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. One of the prominent figures of the Nets in the beginning of that era was former head coach Kenny Atkinson and he is getting another shot at being a head coach.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on Monday that the Cleveland Cavaliers are hiring Atkinson to be the new head coach following Cleveland’s firing of JB Bickerstaff earlier this summer. Atkinson is the winner of a coaching search that began towards the end of May for the Cavaliers and he now will get a team that is capable of going back to the playoffs with Donovan Mitchell as the leader.

Atkinson became the head coach of the Nets heading into the 2016-17 season following seven years as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks (2008-12) and the Atlanta Hawks (2013-16). In Atkinson’s first season, the Nets finished with a 20-62, the worst record in the NBA, and even though the team was in a full rebuild at the time, they did not have access to their first-round pick for the following draft due to a trade that brought them Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett from the Boston Celtics.

Atkinson then led the Nets to a 28-54 record in 2017-18 and had his best performance by guiding Brooklyn to a 42-20 record in 2018-19, leading to the franchise’s first playoff appearance under him. In June of 2019, Atkinson would get some major help as Durant announced that he would sign with the Nets with Irving signing shortly after Durant.

Atkinson did not get much from the superstar duo as Durant did not play during the 2019-20 season as he was recovering from an Achilles injury and Irving played in just 20 games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Atkinson coached the Nets to a 28-34 record in the season before stepping down in March, something that was regarded as a mutual parting from both sides.

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Report: Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson hired as new head coach of Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson will reportedly leave Steve Kerr’s staff to become the new head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Before the Golden State Warriors make changes to their roster with the upcoming NBA draft and free agency period, a change will be coming to their coaching staff.

According to Adrian Wojnarwoski of ESPN, the Cleveland Cavaliers are set to hire Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson as their next head coach.

Via @wojespn on Twitter:

According to Wojnarowski, the Cavaliers are eager for Atkinson’s player development program along with his relationship with current Cavs Jarret Allen and Caris LeVert. Allen and LeVert played under Atkinson while he served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets.

Since joining Kerr’s coaching staff and winning a championship with the Warriors in 2022, Atkinson has been a candidate for multiple head coaching positions. Atkinson has been linked to openings with the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, and Los Angeles Lakers in the past.

Prior to joining the Warriors, Atkinson was the head coach of the Nets for four seasons from 2016-2020, posting a 118-190 record. During the 2018-19 season, Atkinson led the Nets to the postseason.

Along with the Warriors, Atkinson has served as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks.

Atkinson is the latest member of Kerr’s assistant coaching staff to land a head coaching position in the association, joining Mike Brown, Alvin Gentry and Luke Walton.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

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Report: Warriors have had conversations with Darvin Ham

The Warriors have reportedly had conversations with the former Lakers head coach.

While the Golden State Warriors’ roster will likely undergo construction during the offseason, there could be changes coming to their coaching staff alongside Steve Kerr.

Kenny Atkinson has been linked to multiple head coaching openings, specifically the Cleveland Cavaliers. If Atkinson leaves, Kerr will be tasked with finding a new assistant coach on his staff.

According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors have had conversations with former Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in recent weeks. The Warriors could hire two assistant coaches if Atkinson leaves this summer, per Slater.

Read the full story from Slater via The Athletic.

Ham was fired after two seasons with LeBron James and the Lakers. Ham led the Lakers to two straight postseason appearances. However, after being eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in back-to-back playoff series, the Lakers parted way with Ham.

Prior to joining the Lakers, Ham spent multiple seasons as an assistant, including four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Ham also spent time as an assistant with the Lakers and Atlanta Hawks.

Before becoming a coach, Ham played eight seasons in the NBA. Ham had stops in Denver, Indiana, Washington, Milwaukee, Atlanta and Detroit.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

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Report: Cavs granted permission to interview Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson

The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly been granted permission to interview the Golden State Warriors’ assistant coach.

Since the regular season came to an end, Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson has been linked to multiple head coaching openings around the association.

After parting ways with J.B. Bickerstaff, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been in the market for a new head coach on the sideline. Early reports regarding the opening have highlighted Atkinson as a potential candidate.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Cavaliers have been granted permission to interview Atkinson. Cleveland will also interview New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego along with several more candidates, per Wojnarowski.

Via @wojespn on X:

https://x.com/wojespn/status/1795973261576094157

Atkinson has head coaching experience. He served as the Brooklyn Nets head coach for four seasons from 2016-2020.

Atkinson joined Steve Kerr’s staff with Golden State in 2022 before the Warriors began a championship campaign that culminated in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics. Atkinson has also served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

Since joining Kerr’s staff, Atkinson has been linked to many job openings in past years across the league, including the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

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Kenny Atkinson continues to be linked to Cavaliers head coaching job

The Golden State Warriors assistant coach continues to be linked with the Cleveland Cavaliers head coaching job.

Kenny Atkinson is reportedly among the favorites to land the Cleveland Cavaliers head coaching job. The Golden State Warriors assistant was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets. Both Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert, two of Atkinson’s former players, are with the Cavaliers.

According to Marc Stein, both Allen and LeVert have praised Atkinson when asked about their former coach. It will not be lost on Cleveland that the Warriors won a championship during the first season Atkinson joined Golden State’s staff as an assistant coach. Nevertheless, he reportedly faces stiff competition for the job.

James Borrego, Terry Stotts, Dave Joerger and Johnnie Bryant are viable candidates. As such, all five will likely progress to the interview stage.

“Former Nets coach Kenny Atkinson is widely considered the early favorite,” Stein reported. “… Two of Atkinson’s former players in Brooklyn — Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert — are said to be consistently praiseworthy of Atkinson when quizzed about him by Cavaliers teammates. Atkinson has been an assistant on Steve Kerr’s staff in Golden State for the past three seasons.”

Cleveland will be in no rush to hire their next head coach: The NBA playoffs are still being played. Nevertheless, Atkinson may find himself having multiple meetings with the franchise in the coming weeks or months. He’s earned another opportunity to lead an NBA team. Whether that comes with the Cavaliers remains to be seen.

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Report: Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson candidate for Cavs’ opening at head coach

The Cavs have an opening at head coach after parting way with JB Bickerstaff.

With only four teams remaining in the postseason, most of the NBA is preparing for the offseason. After being eliminated from the second round of the postseason, the Cleveland Cavaliers parted ways with head coach JB Bickerstaff.

Bickerstaff coached five seasons with the Cavaliers, posting a 170-159 record with two trips to the playoffs. Following Bickerstaff’s exit from Cleveland, a member of Steve Kerr’s coaching staff with the Golden State Warriors is reportedly a candidate for the opening.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson is expected to be a candidate along with New Orleans Pelicans associate James Borrego.

Via @ShamsCharania on Twitter:

https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1793648845504802986

Atkinson joined  Kerr’s coaching staff in 2022 before the Warriors went on a run to win a championship against the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals. Since joining Kerr’s staff with the Warriors, Atkinson has reportedly been a candidate for multiple head coaching openings, including the Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns and most recently the Los Angeles Lakers.

Before joining Golden State, Atkinson was the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons. Along with serving as an assistant with the Warriors, Atkinson was an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

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Report: Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson candidate for Lakers head coaching position

The Warriors assistant coach is reportedly a candidate for the Lakers new opening at head coach.

After losing to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, the Los Angeles Lakers are changing their coaching staff.

On Friday, multiple outlets reported the Lakers have parted ways with head coach Darvin Ham.

Via @wojespn on X:

The former Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach spent two seasons in Hollywood, posting a 90-74 regular season record. The Nuggets eliminated Ham and the Lakers in playoffs in back-to-back years.

With Ham out, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers are starting a head coaching search. A member of Steve Kerr’s coaching staff with the Golden State Warriors is reportedly a candidate to replace Ham.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson is a candidate for the opening at head coach with the Lakers along with Mike Budenholzer, Ty Lue and JJ Redick.

Via @ShamsCharania on X:

Since joining Kerr’s staff in 2022, Atkinson has been a candidate for multiple head coaching positions across the NBA, including with the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks.

Prior to joining the Warriros, Atkinson was an assistant in Los Angeles with the Clippers under Ty Lue. Atkinson served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets for four seasons from 2016 through 2020.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

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Jarrett Allen discusses tenure with Nets under Kenny Atkinson

Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen spoke with “The Old Man & The Three’ about his time with the Brooklyn Nets under Kenny Atkinson.

The Brooklyn Nets had an interesting aura around the franchise prior to the arrivals of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the summer of 2019. While the team was not particularly good before the superstars announced their intentions to sign with Brooklyn, the Nets had some good players that were willing to buy into the fun, hard-working culture that the organization was setting.

When Kenny Atkinson took over the head-coaching duties for Brooklyn heading into the 2016-17 campaign, the franchise was recovering from a 21-61 season that saw the team fire then-head coach Lionel Hollins and then-general manager Billy King. Jarrett Allen, Brooklyn’s first-round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, saw how the franchise changed from fringe playoff team to title contenders almost overnight.

In January of 2021, Allen was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a four-team deal that brought James Harden to the Nets and well, Nets fans know the story from there. Allen recently spoke to former NBA player JJ Redick along with Tommy Alter on “The Old Man & The Three” podcast about what the culture was like in Brooklyn during the Atkinson era and here’s some of what Allen had to say:

“Honestly, my second year there (in Brooklyn), we just had this vibe about us where we were just going out and playing, having fun. I mean, there’s this clip of us just shooting threes, everybody’s dancing on the sideline, we’re having the time of our lives. Were we the best team? No, but we were enjoying ourselves and playing hard and winning.”

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Report: Kenny Atkinson to coach Warriors vs. Utah Jazz

Golden State Warriors head coach is currently in Serbia for Dejan Milojevic’s service.

Steve Kerr will not be on the sidelines for the Golden State Warriors game against the Utah Jazz on Monday.

As reported by Anthony Slater of The Athletic, he is in Serbia, where he will attend the late Dejan Milojevic‘s service. Kerr will be joined by Mike Dunleavy Jr, Chris DeMarco, Ron Adams, Zaza Pachulia and Rick Celebrini.

With Kerr out of the country, Kenny Atkinson will take Kerr’s place on the sidelines. Golden State has won six of its last seven games. It will likely come into the contest against Utah wanting to continue its recent good production. Atkinson is a reliable choice to step in for Kerr and will likely stick with the same rotation that has been working in recent weeks.

Milojevic tragically passed away from a heart attack on Jan. 17, with the incident taking place at a team dinner in Salt Lake City the evening prior. As such, the trip back to Utah will likely be a tough one for all of Golden State’s roster.

Currently, there’s no timeline for when Kerr will rejoin the Warriors. However, he will likely be back on the sidelines before the league hits pause for the All-Star break.

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Report: Suns expected to meet with Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson

With an opening at head coach, the Phoenix Suns are reportedly expected to meet with Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson.

Since the NBA regular season came to a close, Kenny Atkinson has been busy. As the NBA head coaching carousel moves, Atkinson has been a popular name. After nearly joining the Charlotte Hornets last offseason, the Golden State Warriors assistant coach has been a candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks opening at head coach.

Atkinson’s tour of different head coaching interviews will reportedly continue with a stop in the desert. According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report and NBA on TNT, the Phoenix Suns are expected to meet with Atkinson along with Milwaukee Bucks assist Charles Lee.

Via @ChrisBHaynes on Twitter:

Prior to their run to a championship last season, Atkinson joined Steve Kerr’s coaching staff following a stint on Tyronn Lue’s staff with the Los Angeles Lakers. Atkinson served as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020. 

Despite leading the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 against the Bucks and then winning NBA Coach of the Year in 2022, the Suns fired Monty Williams after losing in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs against the Denver Nuggets. 

Atkinson would be the latest member of Kerr’s coaching tree to get a chance to lead an NBA team. Golden State assistants like Mike Brown, Luke Walton and Alvin Gentry have all went on to get head coaching jobs after their time in the Bay Area.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! 

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