The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t make big moves in the offseason.
While there were major rumors about a potential overhaul, they doubled down on their core four.
However, replacing J.B. Bickerstaff with Kenny Atkinson proved to be a master move by the front office.
Atkinson turned the team around overnight.
The Cavs had the best record in the Eastern Conference from start to finish, which is why it wasn’t much of a surprise to see that Atkinson was named Coach of the Year.
When asked about that, Atkinson admitted to feeling grateful not just for the award itself but because he got recognition from some of the best coaches in the game:
“I almost broke down when I got that,” Atkinson said. “Like, to think [Rick] Carlisle voted for me, that [Erik] Spoelstra voted for me … that’s like the pinnacle.”
Atkinson deserved another shot.
He led a not-so-talented, inexperienced, and young Brooklyn Nets team to the playoffs.
Then, reports surfaced about Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving not being sold on him, so the Nets eventually chose to part ways with him.
He joined Steve Kerr’s coaching staff with the Golden State Warriors, paid his dues, and waited until the right opportunity came knocking.
The Cavs looked like an entirely different team with him leading the way.
They kept the same strong defensive identity from the previous era, but he brought the best out of everybody on the offensive end of the floor.
Now, facing a 0-1 series deficit and some key injuries, he will be tested and asked to prove why he took home such a prestigious award this season.
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