Kenny Atkinson has been named the 2024-25 NBA Coach of the Year, capping off an impressive season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atkinson received 59 first-place votes out of 100, beating out J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets.
Under Atkinson’s guidance, the Cavaliers achieved a remarkable 64-18 record, securing the number one seed in the Eastern Conference. This marks the second-best record in franchise history. The team’s offense was particularly impressive, averaging 121.9 points per game and setting franchise records in scoring average, scoring differential, road victories and three-pointers made.
Atkinson’s success with the Cavs can be attributed to his ability to maximize the potential of his players. He worked closely with star players Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland and Evan Mobley, helping them develop and contribute to the team’s success. Mobley, in particular, had a standout season, earning NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors.
The Cavaliers’ bench also saw significant improvement under Atkinson, with players like Ty Jerome making a notable impact. Jerome’s performance even earned him a spot as a finalist for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award.
Atkinson’s journey to this award is notable, given his unconventional path to becoming a head coach. After being let go by the Brooklyn Nets, he joined the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors as an assistant, eventually landing the head coaching job with the Cavaliers. His experience and patience seem to have paid off, as he’s now positioned to lead the Cavs for years to come.
