April 17, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson throughout the second quarter in recreation two of the primary spherical of the 2023 NBA playoffs in opposition to the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Heart. Necessary Credit score: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports activities The Cleveland Cavaliers formally named Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach on Friday, awarding a five-year deal to the previous Golden State Warriors assistant.
Atkinson, 57, will exchange J.B. Bickerstaff, fired by the Cavs final month after three straight successful seasons.
“Kenny brings a wealth of expertise, a confirmed monitor file of participant growth, and a relentless work ethic that aligns with the imaginative and prescient now we have for this franchise,” Cleveland president of basketball operations, Koby Altman mentioned Friday. “His modern method will instill a method of play and model of basketball that can give us an opportunity for sustainable success and in the end compete for championships.”
The Cavs selected Atkinson over New Orleans affiliate head coach James Borrego.
“That is an unimaginable alternative to guide an already gifted younger roster with an equally vibrant future,” Atkinson mentioned. “I’ve seen firsthand and needed to put together for this group as an opposing coach, and the duty was not straightforward. I am so excited to now be on this facet of the ledger to assist proceed transferring this workforce ahead.”
Atkinson, the highest assistant with the Warriors the previous three seasons, went 118-190 in 4 seasons as the pinnacle coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-20. He led the Nets to the playoffs within the 2018-19 marketing campaign.
Atkinson seemingly was employed by the Charlotte Hornets to be their head coach two years however modified his thoughts and remained with the Warriors.
Bickerstaff compiled a file of 170-159 since changing John Beilein as Cleveland coach in February 2020, main the Cavs to the playoffs the previous two seasons.
–Area Stage Media