Kenny Atkinson, an American professional basketball coach and former player, is the head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA as of November 2024. He was born on June 2, 1967, in Northport, New York. Atkinson played college basketball at the University of Richmond and led the Spiders to a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 1988.
Although he went undrafted in the 1990 NBA Draft, Atkinson had a successful playing career in Europe, playing in countries such as Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands. In 2004, he transitioned to coaching and held various assistant coaching positions before becoming the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020. On June 28, 2024, Kenny Atkinson was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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Kenny Atkinson began his coaching career in 2004 after transitioning from a professional playing career. Since then, he has worked in various roles, gaining experience across international teams and the NBA.
Before NBA
Paris Basket Racing (2004–2006)
Atkinson started his coaching career as an assistant at Paris Basket Racing, a professional basketball club in Paris, from 2004 to 2006.
New York Knicks (2008–2012)
In 2008, Atkinson joined the New York Knicks as an assistant coach. Over his four years with the team, he contributed significantly to player training programs and game planning, supporting the Knicks as they competed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Hawks (2012–2016)
Atkinson moved to the Atlanta Hawks in 2012, serving as an assistant coach until 2016.
NBA
Brooklyn Nets (2016–2020)
Atkinson’s first head coaching role in the NBA came with the Brooklyn Nets, where he served from 2016 to 2020. He made his head coaching debut on October 26, 2016, and earned his first win two days later in a 103–94 victory over the Indiana Pacers. His first season proved challenging, with the team finishing 20–62, including a 0–10 record in February 2017.
However, Atkinson’s strategic approach led to steady improvement, with the Nets closing the following season at 28–54. By his third season, the team posted a 42–40 record, showing significant progress under his leadership. In his fourth season, however, Atkinson stepped down on March 7, 2020, with the Nets at 28–34.
Los Angeles Clippers (2020–2021)
Atkinson joined the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant coach for the 2020-2021 season. Working under head coach Tyronn Lue, he contributed to tactical planning and player development, helping to guide the Clippers’ competitive performance in the Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors (2021–2024)
From 2021 to 2024, Atkinson served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, where he supported player growth and team strategies. As an assistant coach for the team, he won the NBA Championship in 2022 when the Golden State Warriors defeated the Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics.
Cleveland Cavaliers (2024–present)
On June 28, 2024, Kenny Atkinson was appointed as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atkinson achieved his first win as the Cavaliers’ head coach on November 6, 2024, in a 131-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This victory was part of a 9-0 season start.
International
France National Team (2023–present)
Atkinson expanded his coaching reach to the international stage in 2023 when he joined the French national basketball team as an assistant coach. In this position, he assists in player training and strategic planning. In his first Olympics with the French Men’s National Team, he won a Silver medal, just one game short of winning Gold. Atkinson coached nine players on the team.
FAQs on Kenny Atkinson
A. Kenny Atkinson stands 6 feet 1 inch tall, as per his Wikipedia page.
A. Atkinson played college basketball for the Richmond Spiders men's basketball team.
A. Kenny Atkinson began his coaching career in 2004 as an assistant coach with Paris Basket Racing in France.
A. His first NBA head coaching role was with the Brooklyn Nets, from 2016 to 2020.
