After moving on from JB Bickerstaff the Cleveland Cavaliers are in need of a new head coach. The rumor mill is already heating up as the Los Angeles Lakers and Washington Wizards are searching for a new coach as well. From the sounds of it, the Cavs may already have a favorite to win the job in Kenny Atkinson.
Nothing is guaranteed right now but rumors suggest Atkinson is the favorite to win the job, according to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. However, other names like Johnnie Bryant and Dan Gilbert could be real options as well.
“Still hearing Kenny Atkinson as leader for Cavs job but don’t be surprised if Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant’s name emerges. Bryant was an assistant in Utah when Donovan Mitchell was there. Sounds like Dan Gilbert is heavily involved, more than I originally thought.”
Kenny Atkinson has been an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors since 2021. Many regard him as one of the best assistants in the NBA right now and he would be an exciting hire for the Cavs. Atkinson’s last stint as a head coach was in 2016-2020 for the Brooklyn Nets. It was a rebuilding project that didn’t pan out. However, many believe Atkinson is well-suited for a team ready to contend.
The veteran coach could be the exact leader the Cavs need to improve. He’s known to be an X’s and O’s guy which could be a great way for Cleveland to play more strategically, per Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com.
“‘Kenny Atkinson is a really good coach,’ one source said. ‘He’s good with X’s and O’s. He holds guys accountable. I really like him for that job.'”
The Cavs will likely conduct several interviews before making a final decision. This is a big decision for this franchise as the wrong choice could set them back several years. But if Cleveland can hire the right guy for the job then they should be right back in the playoffs next season with much higher hopes.
Other possible coaching options for the Cavs
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Cleveland is reportedly considering several candidates. Kenny Atkinson is potentially the favorite while Johnnie Bryant and Dan Gilbert are in the mix. However, some other names to watch for are Jeff Van Gundy and Terry Stotts.
Van Gundy would be a shocking hire considering he hasn’t coached since 2007 when he was the head coach of the Houston Rockets. He’s probably a long shot but rumors are claiming Jeff Van Gundy is a possible option for the Cavs based on what Terry Pluto has heard at Cleveland.com.
As for Stotts, he would bring a ton of experience to the table for this young Cavs team. He made the playoffs eight consecutive years in a row while coaching the Portland Trail Blazers. So, if he becomes the head coach in Cleveland there’s a chance Terry Stotts continues right where he left off. Especially considering how much talent is on the Cavaliers’ roster.