Why did the Cavaliers hire Kenny Atkinson? Warriors assistant to coach Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland

The Cavaliers found their new head coach for the 2024-25 season and beyond.

Kenny Atkinson, who spent the past three years as a Warriors assistant, will take over head coaching responsibilities in Cleveland, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The 57-year-old returns to a lead role after spending the past four years as an assistant.

Cleveland fired J. B. Bickerstaff immediately following its second-round playoff exit after five years with the organization. The Cavaliers had juggled interviews with multiple candidates, including James Borrego, but chose Atkinson for the job.

Atkinson will have a playoff roster to work with, led by Donovan Mitchell, but the supporting cast could change during the offseason.

Here's more on the Cavaliers' decision to hire Atkinson.

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Why did the Cavaliers hire Kenny Atkinson?

Atkinson's best coaching attribute has been his ability to develop players. He became a household name while with the Nets in the late 2010s, and the Cavaliers are hoping he can transform some of the team's young talent into stars.

There isn't a contract in place just yet, but both sides are reportedly working toward a deal.

Evan Mobley and Darius Garland are among the team's young stars, barring any shakeups in free agency.

Atkinson coached Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert on the Nets, helping develop Allen into an All-Star and LeVert into a quality scorer. The Cavaliers front office is reportedly hoping he can do the same with Mobley.

Mobley has been great defensively in his three seasons, placing third in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022-23. Atkinson could tap into his offensive potential after failing to take an expected leap on that end of the court in 2023-24.

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Kenny Atkinson head coaching record

Atkinson was a head coach for just four seasons, all with the Nets in the late 2010s. He spent time as an assistant for the Knicks and Hawks before and Clippers and Warriors after.