Kenny Atkinson has been head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers for just a few months but he has already found great success with the team.
While he deserves some of the credit, Atkinson also wants the world to know it’s the players who make this possible.
Speaking to SiriusXM NBA Radio, Atkinson heaped praise on Donovan Mitchell.
He talked about Mitchell’s expert “leadership” and said he carries himself with belief, drive, and confidence.
“He’s got a quiet confidence about him,” Atkinson said.
Atkinson also added that Mitchell gets along with everyone and has become a “beacon in terms of our culture.”
"He’s got a quiet confidence about him”
Kenny Atkinson joined @TheFrankIsola and @Scalabrine and gave his impressions on Cavs star Donovan Mitchell
⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/OEbdo2EOD3
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 14, 2024
On top of all that, Atkinson added that he’s been blown away by Mitchell’s passing ability.
He loves coaching Mitchell, who is averaging 23.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game on 46.4 percent.
The Cavaliers have been on fire lately and hold a 13-0 record.
Mitchell has been terrific, of course, but other stars like Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen, and more have helped make this team the best in the entire league.
Atkinson has been perhaps the most important part of the Cavaliers.
These players were on the roster last season but they weren’t able to storm through the Eastern Conference like they are now.
It seems that they needed Atkinson to unlock something special inside them.
Everything is clicking for the Cavaliers right now.
Atkinson believes in his players, they believe in him, and the fans believe in all of them.
Atkinson enjoys working with Mitchell and it seems very likely that this could be the beginning of a very long, fruitful partnership.
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