Cleveland Cavaliers Select Kenny Atkinson as Next Head Coach, Retaining Dan Gilbert's Influence

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ICARO Media Group
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25/06/2024 22h44

In a surprising turn of events, the Cleveland Cavaliers have announced that Kenny Atkinson will take over as their next head coach. This decision comes after a closely contended debate between Atkinson and James Borrego, with both candidates being considered as front-runners throughout the process.

Atkinson, a former assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, has had a notable coaching career, particularly during his time with the Brooklyn Nets. Despite inheriting a struggling franchise, Atkinson successfully led the Nets to overachieve and improve their performance. His coaching style has been praised for prioritizing an up-tempo and three-point-oriented offense.

The selection of Atkinson was officially decided over the weekend before the news broke on Monday morning. While the organization pushes back on the idea that owner Dan Gilbert personally chose Atkinson, it is no secret that Gilbert has played a significant role in shaping the team's direction and decision-making process in the past.

Gilbert, known for his assertiveness in choosing coaches for the Cavaliers, has a history of being involved in coaching selections. From his pursuit of Tom Izzo in 2010 to hiring Byron Scott, David Blatt, and John Beilein, Gilbert has consistently had a strong influence in deciding who leads the team.

Despite recent instances where Gilbert's choices did not yield the desired results, the selection of Atkinson is seen as a step forward from previous experiments. Atkinson brings a strong track record and the necessary credentials to make a positive impact on the team's offensive performance.

The decision to hire Atkinson also sheds light on the evolving dynamics within the Cavaliers organization. While Gilbert's role as decision-maker has decreased in recent years, with the operational control of the team primarily entrusted to President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman and CEO Nic Barlage, it is evident that Gilbert's influence still plays a significant role in critical decisions.

The choice of Atkinson is viewed as a sensible one, providing stability and improvement for the Cavaliers' coaching staff. It signifies a departure from past situations where emergency options were considered due to the uncertain performance of Gilbert's chosen coaches.

While some may have preferred Borrego as the Cavaliers' next head coach, Atkinson's hiring demonstrates the team's commitment to prioritize the coach's long-term impact rather than the initial buzz created by the introduction. The focus now shifts towards Atkinson's ability to further develop the team's offensive capabilities and propel the Cavaliers towards success in the upcoming season.

As the Cavaliers prepare for a new chapter under Kenny Atkinson's leadership, it serves as a reminder that despite the recent tragedies suffered by the Gilbert family, Dan Gilbert's influence and involvement in the team's operations are still significant. With Atkinson at the helm, the Cavaliers aim to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the NBA.

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