The Cleveland Cavaliers have appointed Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Atkinson, who previously served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, was chosen over other candidates such as James Borrego. The decision was influenced by Atkinson's familiarity with players like Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert. Cavaliers' star player Donovan Mitchell endorsed the hire and may be nearing a contract extension. The Cavaliers' front office had identified Atkinson as their top choice last week, pending a meeting with team chairman Dan Gilbert. Atkinson's appointment is seen as a strategic move to make the Cavaliers more competitive in the Eastern Conference, particularly against teams like Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. Atkinson had previously taken on a defensive assistant role to replace Mike Brown.
Steve Kerr again is faced with the difficult task of replacing a top assistant. @MontePooleNBCS lists six candidates to consider following Kenny Atkinson's reported departure โฌ https://t.co/TlFSZ9wUhy
Donovan Mitchell Signed Off On Cavs Coaching Hire; May Be Near Contract Extension https://t.co/BNOMnW1EH8
Kenny was given a defensive assistant role the last couple of seasons to replace the loss of Mike Brown, and the Warriors' defense has gone straight to hell. Time for Kerr to fix up - he needs to hire two key assistants this offseason. https://t.co/HeamgFoSDS
Kenny Atkinson emerged as Cleveland front officeโs top choice mid- last week. All that was needed was him meeting with chairman Dan Gilbert.
The #Cavs have to believe Kenny Atkinson can be the guy to bring them a little bit closer to Boston and put some space between them, Philadelphia and New York. @ColemanESPN https://t.co/YSQBd1LduL https://t.co/6y5EHk8rPY
Kenny Atkins is the new #Cavs coach. Here's what to know about him๐ https://t.co/XlXDlkecRA
Les Cavaliers ont choisi Kenny Atkinson ! - https://t.co/eEP6KeaovK https://t.co/XB3RspzMT5
Warriors need a new lead assistant. James Borrego? Luke Walton? https://t.co/NiPcKoI1NQ
Great second opportunity for Kenny with the right type of team for him to coach. Built-in familiarity with Allen and LeVert. Expect some roster moves too, but Cavs will be a lot harder to play against in the East, there's no doubt about that. https://t.co/OQ0NEG6kMU
Cleveland is reportedly deciding between Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego to be their new head coach. ๐ https://t.co/oTs98zVic9
Report: Dan Gilbert Could Hire Kenny Atkinson As Cavaliers Coach Since Tom Izzo Is An Atkinson Fan https://t.co/9lesmZqcZ5