‘Brought it home’: Mathurin wins Rising Stars MVP

Kenny Atkinson and the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to a deal making him their next head coach. Atkinson and the Cavaliers will soon complete contract deals.

Atkinson was one of two finalists for the job along with James Borrego. With Borrego out of contention for both this job and the one with the Los Angeles Lakers, he will become a prominent candidate for the Detroit Pistons’ vacancy.

Atkinson has been an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors since the 2021 season. Atkinson was previously a head coach with the Brooklyn Nets until his dismissal in 2020. During the 2022 Finals, Atkinson agreed to join the Charlotte Hornets as head coach before ultimately backing out of the deal to remain with the Warriors.

Atkinson previously coached current Cavaliers Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert with the Nets. Cleveland is high on the player development program Atkinson is known for, especially how it could potentially impact Evan Mobley.

The Cavaliers parted ways with J.B. Bickerstaff this offseason as head coach.

Cleveland continues a critical offseason as they look to extend Donovan Mitchell. There is confidence from the Cavaliers that Mitchell will agree to an extension.