Kenny Atkinson just finished his first season as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it was obviously a very successful one.
The Cavaliers didn’t go as far as they wanted, but Atkinson took the team to their next level, at least during the regular season.
A lot of people are pleased with what they saw from Atkinson, including analyst Steve Jones Jr.
Speaking to Bleacher Report, Jones ranked Atkinson as the eighth-best coach in the league and highlighted what makes him so special.
“I think the offense speaks for itself—what they were able to put together in the regular season, when it comes to the Cavs. A lot of times with coaching, it’s getting the most out of your group. I think this is a really good job of knowing what you want to do offensively as far as pace, tempo, and movement, and being able to apply it to a specific group. Enhance your depth and get more guys to play, know their role, and do their job. Having movement and flow, and being a machine offensively to where teams’ defenses aren’t having much fun. I thought it was a really good job and [Kenny Atkinson]’s proven himself as one of the top coaches in the league,” Jones said.
In short, Atkinson was able to help the team find its identity and play together as a cohesive, reliable, consistent unit.
They had a sensational regular season, and they were always ready to take down their opponents, no matter how intimidating they were.
Atkinson took the roster that was there last year and upgraded it without adding a lot more talent.
That is one of the most remarkable things about this first season in Cleveland.
Still, the team did fall short of its ultimate goal, which means there is room for improvement.
Atkinson is well aware of that, so his second season with the Cavaliers will be even more important than his first, because it’ll show if he has what it takes to listen, adjust, and improve.
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