Atkinson was well deserving.
The National Basketball Coaches Association has announced Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson as the recipient of the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award. The official 2025 NBA Coach of the Year winner has yet to be announced.
“Kenny Atkinson has long been respected by his peers as an innovative and humble servant to the game,” said NBCA President Rick Carlisle. “Congratulations to Kenny on a historic season along with this prestigious recognition by his peers.”
Atkinson led the Cavs to one of the most successful seasons in franchise history. His guidance helped unlock a middling Cleveland offense and transformed it into the best in the league. Atkinson’s coaching helped the team win 64 games and secure the first seed in the Eastern Conference.
“I’m also grateful to our assistant coaches and support staff, whose tireless work ethic allows me to coach to my highest potential. Individual accolades are special, but I must give a ton of credit to Koby Altman for assembling the collection of talent we have in Cleveland,” said Atkinson. “A special thank you as well to Dan Gilbert for consistently providing incredible resources and assistance in our chase for NBA Championships.”
Cleveland has made the leap from good to great under Atkinson. His first season with the team couldn’t have gone better.
Oklahoma City’s Mark Daigneault won the award last year. Mike Brown and Monty Williams won the previous two. All three coaches went on to win the NBA’s Coach of the Year Award, as well.