Jason Burgos
A new report reveals the final decision on Kenny Atkinson’s future as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers after his team was embarrassed by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals.
On Monday night, the Cavaliers were swept out of the Conference Finals by way of a 130-93 drubbing from the Knicks. Was the team’s performance in the series a reason for Cleveland to fire Atkinson? Probably not. But Atkinson hasn’t made an undeniable case to keep his job during these playoffs either.
The Cavs barely survived the quarterfinals against the Toronto Raptors despite being the favorites. They blew a chance to close out the Detroit Pistons in Game 6 at home. Then, against the Knicks, the 59-year-old was badly outcoached as his team was humiliated in a four-game sweep that included blowing a 22-point lead in Game 1.
Making matters worse were Atkinson’s comments after some of their recent losses. After Game 3, he claimed that “analytically” they had actually won the previous two. After Monday’s defeat, he complained about the NBA’s scheduling of the playoffs. Plus, he suggested management wasn’t to blame for the Cavaliers being swept because they put together a strong roster.
Cleveland Cavaliers to keep Kenny Atkinson as head coach
It has created a ton of speculation that Atkinson’s job was in serious jeopardy. However, it looks like the Cavaliers plan to give him another chance to prove this team can reach the Finals. According to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon, two sources claim the organization plans to retain the coach’s services for another season.
The coach reportedly has three more years left on his contract, so it isn’t a complete surprise they chose not to oust him and pay him to stay at home. Plus, he does deserve credit for guiding the team to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2018.
However, after how he and his team performed in the Conference Finals, 2026-27 will be a make-or-break year for the team’s current head coach.
