As the NBA season heats up, ESPN has identified several strong candidates for the 2024-25 Coach of the Year award. With impressive early-season performances, coaches like Cleveland Cavaliers’ Kenny Atkinson are making a compelling case for the top honor.
The Cavs have emerged as a formidable force in the NBA during the early stages of the 2024-25 season, largely due to the strategic leadership of Atkinson. After making crucial offseason decisions to retain their key players and hire Atkinson, the team has exceeded expectations, currently sitting atop the Eastern Conference with an impressive 17-2 record.
Atkinson’s coaching has played a pivotal role in the Cavs’ success. The team’s offense has been particularly explosive, leading the league with an average of 122.4 points per 100 possessions. Key to this offensive surge is Atkinson’s focus on pace and maximizing shooting efficiency, allowing players to thrive in their roles. This approach has resulted in a historic 15-game winning streak, matching one of the longest in NBA history.
Defensively, the Cavaliers have also shown marked improvement. Although they rank just outside the top ten in defensive efficiency, their overall net rating places them third in the league. Atkinson’s emphasis on team identity and continuous growth has fortified their defensive efforts, contributing to their impressive start.
The chemistry among the players has been crucial in this early success. The backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland has become particularly potent, with Garland rebounding from a tough previous season to deliver strong performances. Meanwhile, Evan Mobley has stepped up with career-best numbers, showcasing the depth and talent within the roster.
ESPN Names Early Frontrunners To Win Coach of the Year for NBA 2024-25 Season
Even at this point in the season, several names have joined Atkinson as the favorites to win the Coach of the Year award this season. This is explained more in an analysis by ESPN.
Four years after a four-year stint with the Nets that ended unceremoniously when he was fired for not being the right fit to lead a team with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant (as if anyone truly was), Kenny Atkinson has seemingly found the perfect second act for himself in Cleveland. The Cavs’ 15-game winning streak to start the season made them the toast of the league, and Atkinson has his squad boasting the No. 1-rated offense and No. 10-rated defense.
Joe Mazzulla, fresh off a championship in his first season with the interim tag removed from his title, is the only coach to have figured out Atkinson’s Cavs so far, handing Cleveland its lone loss. And Steve Kerr has the Warriors in contention for a fifth ring under his watch, despite failing to get out of the play-in tournament last spring and losing franchise legend Klay Thompson in the offseason
As the 2024-25 NBA season unfolds, the Coach of the Year race is heating up, with Atkinson leading the pack. Under his guidance, the Cavs achieved a remarkable 15-game winning streak, showcasing the league’s top offense and a solid defense.
Other contenders include Boston Celtics’ Joe Mazzulla, fresh off a championship, and Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr, who continues to navigate his team through challenges. With the season still young, Atkinson’s early dominance makes him a strong favorite for the award.
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