Will there be changes to the Warriors' coaching staff?
Kenny Atkinson, one of head coach Steve Kerr's best assistants, is the leading candidate for the Cleveland Cavaliers' vacant head coaching position, Jason Lloyd of The Athletic reported Sunday.
Atkinson has been on Golden State's staff for the past three seasons and was a central figure in the Warriors' NBA championship run in 2022. The 56-year-old served as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020, overseeing a significant rebuild of the franchise during his time with the team.
Atkinson reportedly agreed to become the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets while Golden State was competing against the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals, but ultimately decided it was best to remain with the Warriors, where he has remained ever since.
Cleveland is not the only team reportedly interested in Atkinson, as the Los Angeles Lakers are also rumored to have the 56-year-old on their list of candidates for their vacant head coaching position.
Atkinson was also reportedly a candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching position after the team fired Adrian Griffin early in the 2023-24 NBA season and ultimately hired Doc Rivers as his replacement.
Atkinson's consistent connections to various coaching posts speaks to how well-respected the Warriors assistant is around the league.
Cleveland was coming off a pretty disappointing playoff exit, losing to Boston in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but could the Cavaliers turn to Atkinson as the guy to take the team to the next level?
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