The Cleveland Cavaliers are dominating the 2024-25 NBA season with a 16-1 record, sitting comfortably atop the Eastern Conference. Key to their success has been Kenny Atkinson‘s leadership, which has brought out the best in his players. Center Jarrett Allen, a pivotal piece of the Cavaliers’ success, recently spoke about Atkinson’s journey as a coach and the differences he has observed since their time together with the Brooklyn Nets.
“He’s more relaxed, I think that was his first head coaching job at Brooklyn, you know, and it’s like it’s a hard job,” Allen said during an interview on The Young Man and the Three podcast. “Probably just his confidence and trust in his ideas to propel us forward, it’s a noticeable difference.”
Allen played under Atkinson during his tenure with the Nets from 2016 to 2020. Kenny’s first head coaching role came after stints as an assistant with Paris Basket Racing, the New York Knicks, and the Atlanta Hawks. According to Allen, the transition from assistant to head coach was challenging, but Atkinson has since gained invaluable experience.
“I understand that now that after Brooklyn he went to the Clippers, then he went to Golden State and he was just getting so much more experience,” the center added, reflecting on Atkinson’s growth before joining Cleveland.
Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 18, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Atkinson’s unique coaching style
During the conversation, Jarrett Allen shared an intriguing detail about Kenny Atkinson’s coaching approach with the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Whenever we do a film session, we always start with something funny,” Allen revealed. “Whether it’s a play from the game or making fun of one of our teammates, we always kick things off with a laugh. It just makes everything so much easier moving forward.”
This insight underscores Atkinson’s emphasis on creating a positive and relaxed atmosphere to foster better performances from his players. “Kenny is just a good dude,” the 26-year-old center noted. He also praised Atkinson’s tactical expertise, adding, “On the basketball side, he’s a genius.”
see also
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla sends clear message to NBA after victory over Cavaliers
What’s next for Cleveland?
The Cavaliers responded to their loss against the Boston Celtics by bouncing back with a commanding 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Their offensive firepower and resilience were on full display, reinforcing their position as one of the league’s top contenders.
Next up, Cleveland will host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, followed by another home game against the Atlanta Hawks three days later. Both matchups present the Cavaliers with an opportunity to extend their impressive start to the season.
