Kenny Atkinson Named NBA Coach of the Year After Cavaliers’ Record Season

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Kenny Atkinson has been named the NBA‘s Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season. His leadership helped the Cleveland Cavaliers achieve a record-setting season, finishing with 64 wins and securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Atkinson’s success marks a trend as he is now the sixth coach to win the award in his first year with a new team over the last 11 seasons. Under his guidance, the Cavaliers improved by 16 wins from last season, which was the best record the team has posted without LeBron James.

Previously, the Cavaliers won 48 games last season under J.B. Bickerstaff, who is a finalist for this year’s award, finishing second in voting. Bickerstaff guided the Detroit Pistons to 44 wins this season after they had only 14 wins the year prior.

The NBA Coach of the Year Award was selected by a global panel of 100 voters. Atkinson received 59 first-place votes, while Bickerstaff garnered 31 and Houston’s Ime Udoka took third place.

Atkinson’s journey to this recognition has been unique. He began as head coach for the Brooklyn Nets but was dismissed before coaching players like Kevin Durant. He later became an assistant coach for successful teams before accepting the Cavaliers’ head coaching position last offseason.

With largely the same roster as last year, Atkinson revamped Cleveland’s strategy, emphasizing team play and cutting effectively to the basket. This approach not only revitalized Darius Garland’s performance but also empowered young talent like Evan Mobley, who recently won the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Cavaliers have built a winning culture independent of their LeBron James era, showcasing their ability to achieve success with a new identity. As the team prepares for their next playoff matchup, they aim to continue building on this historic season.