Reports: Cavaliers hiring Kenny Atkinson as new coach

Field Level Media|published: Mon 24th June, 11:12 2024

Feb 12, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Golden State Warriors assistant head coach Kenny Atkinson during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to name Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson their new head coach, multiple outlets reported Monday.

Atkinson, 57, will replace J.B. Bickerstaff, fired by the Cavs last month after three straight winning seasons. The Cavs decided on Atkinson over New Orleans associate head coach James Borrego.

A deal is expected to be reached soon, per the reports.

Atkinson, the top assistant with the Warriors the past three seasons, went 118-190 in four seasons as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-20. He led the Nets to the playoffs in the 2018-19 campaign.

Atkinson seemingly was hired by the Charlotte Hornets to be their head coach two years but changed his mind and remained with the Warriors.

Bickerstaff compiled a record of 170-159 since replacing John Beilein as Cleveland coach in February 2020, leading the Cavs to the playoffs the past two seasons.

--Field Level Media