Cavaliers choose not to pursue Kenny Atkinson after Knicks sweep
SLUG: cavaliers-pass-on-kenny-atkinson-after-knicks-sweep
The Cleveland Cavaliers have decided against hiring Golden State Warriors assistant coach Kenny Atkinson in the wake of their first-round playoff sweep by the New York Knicks, according to the New York Post.
Atkinson had been mentioned as a potential replacement for head coach J.B. Bickerstaff following the team’s early postseason exit. Team officials, however, opted to keep their current staff intact rather than open formal talks with the former Brooklyn Nets coach, league sources told the outlet.
Atkinson, 58, spent four seasons guiding the Nets and has served as an assistant with the Warriors since 2021. His name has surfaced regularly in coaching searches around the league, but Cleveland’s decision takes the Cavaliers off the list of possible destinations for now.
The Cavaliers were eliminated by New York in four straight games, prompting outside speculation that the franchise might seek a new voice on the bench. Instead, the front office will move forward with Bickerstaff, who has been at the helm in Cleveland since 2020.
No additional changes to the coaching staff were announced.
Source: New York Post
