Kenny Atkinson's departure from the Brooklyn Nets after a challenging season marked a pivotal moment in his coaching career. Following a mutual agreement to part ways, Atkinson reflected on the emotional toll it took on him and his family. The Nets, under interim head coach Jacque Vaughn, saw a resurgence, culminating in a playoff appearance, albeit a sweep by the Toronto Raptors. After his exit, Atkinson honed his skills as an assistant for both the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, eventually landing as head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Under Atkinson's leadership, the Cavaliers experienced a remarkable turnaround, finishing the regular season with a stellar 64-18 record and earning him the coveted Coach of the Year award. Atkinson admits that the adversity faced during his time with the Nets was instrumental in his growth as a coach, allowing him to develop confidence and a deeper understanding of the game.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have had an impressive 2024-25 season, finishing with a 64-18 record, clinching the top seed in the Eastern Conference. Under the new leadership of head coach Kenny Atkinson, who was named NBA Coach of the Year, the team started strong, sweeping the Miami Heat in the first playoff round. However, they faced challenges in the second round against the Indiana Pacers, where injury issues affected key players. Despite a valiant effort, the Cavaliers were eliminated after succumbing to a 114-105 defeat in Game 5, finishing their playoff run earlier than anticipated.

Atkinson, known for his transparency and connection with the media, received the Rudy Tomjanovich Award for his outstanding communication and performance, emphasizing teamwork and honesty in his coaching style. His leadership style has resonated well with the Cavaliers organization and the players, cementing a promising foundation for future seasons.