A New Era in Cleveland
In just one season, Kenny Atkinson took the Cleveland Cavaliers from promising to powerhouse. The 64-win campaign not only locked up the No. 1 seed in the East — it delivered Atkinson the 2025 NBA Coach of the Year award with 59 of 100 first-place votes.
He edged out J.B. Bickerstaff, the very coach he replaced, and Houston’s Ime Udoka to win both the media-voted award and the National Basketball Coaches Association honor.
“I almost broke down when I got that,” Atkinson said. “To think Rick Carlisle voted for me, that Erik Spoelstra voted for me… that’s like the pinnacle.”
Belief Meets Blueprint
Atkinson was hired after a transatlantic coaching search that had him balancing assistant duties with France’s national team. What won over Cleveland’s front office was clear: he believed in this roster — and had a plan to unlock it.
That faith paid off. Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, and Evan Mobley became All-Stars. Ty Jerome and De’Andre Hunter blossomed. And Mobley, in particular, flourished.
Mobley tripled his 3-point makes, averaged a career-high 18.5 points, and won Defensive Player of the Year — all in fewer minutes. He’s now a strong All-NBA candidate.
Fast Start, Stronger Finish
Cleveland’s season opened with a 15-0 run and included streaks of 12 and 16 wins. Atkinson’s strategic rest plans kept the roster healthy while helping the Cavs post 17 season sweeps.
That dominance carried into the playoffs. Against Miami, Cleveland swept the series with a record +122 point differential — the highest in a four-game sweep in NBA history.
Culture Built in Florida
Atkinson’s first camp, held at IMG Academy in Sarasota, laid the foundation. There, he emphasized trust, tempo, and balance. The early chemistry didn’t fade — it matured into a connected, dominant team.
While Bickerstaff’s firing initially raised eyebrows, Atkinson quieted critics by delivering on his pitch: a team-first system, empowered role players, and reduced strain on stars.
Now, he joins Mike Brown (2009) as the only coaches in Cavaliers history to win this award — and does so with a vision that could define Cleveland’s next era.
Coach of the Year Voting Breakdown:
- Kenny Atkinson: 59 first-place votes (401 points)
- J.B. Bickerstaff: 31 first-place votes (305 points)
- Ime Udoka: 7 first-place votes (113 points)
- Mark Daigneault: 2 first-place votes (41 points)
- Tyronn Lue: 1 first-place vote (35 points)
- JJ Redick: No first-place votes (5 points)
