Report: Warriors player Atkinson is the “top candidate” for the Cavs head coaching position

Report: Warriors player Atkinson is 'frontrunner' in battle for Cavs head coaching job Originally published on NBC Sports Bay Area

Are there any changes coming to the Warriors coaching staff?

Kenny Atkinson, one of head coach Steve Kerr's top assistants, is the leading candidate for the vacant head coaching position with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported Sunday.

Atkinson has been on Golden State's staff for the past three seasons and was a key figure during the Warriors' NBA championship run in 2022. The 56-year-old was previously head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016 to 2020 and oversaw a strong turnaround during his time with the team.

While Golden State was battling the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals, Atkinson reportedly agreed to become head coach of the Charlotte Hornets, but then decided it was best for him to stay with the Warriors – where he has remained ever since.

Cleveland is not the only team reportedly interested in Atkinson. Rumor has it that the Los Angeles Lakers also have the 56-year-old coach in their pool of candidates for the vacant head coaching position.

Atkinson was also reportedly a candidate for the head coaching position of the Milwaukee Bucks after the team fired Adrian Griffin at the start of the 2023–24 NBA season and eventually hired Doc Rivers as his replacement.

The constant connections between Atkinson and various open coaching positions speak volumes about how much the Warriors assistant coach is respected around the league.

Cleveland is coming off a disappointing playoff exit after being swept by Boston in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Could the Cavaliers turn to Atkinson to take their franchise to the next level?

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