Cavaliers Hire Next Head Coach - See 2024-2025 Odds

Cavs Hire Kenny Atkinson As Next Head Coach

After an extensive search, the Cleveland Cavaliers hired Kenny Atkinson as the organization's next head coach.

Atkinson takes over after spending the last three seasons as the Warriors top assistant coach. Before that, he served as an assistant with the Clippers, Hawks and Knicks. He was also the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets from 2016-2020 where he compiled a 118-190 record before stepping down in March 2020.

Atkinson replaces J.B. Bickerstaff who led Cleveland to a 48-34 record this season and an appearance in the the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Cavs' series win over the Magic in the opening round marked the franchise's first since 2018 when LeBron James left for the Lakers.

Why The Cavs Hired Atkinson

Cleveland's head coaching decision reportedly came down to two candidates: Atkinson and New Orleans associate head coach James Borrego.

Borrego was the front-runner for the last few weeks, but according to reports, Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert met with the front office over the weekend, and that’s when the decision to move forward with Atkinson was made.

Atkinson already has some familiarity with the roster after coaching Cavs guard Caris LeVert and center Jarrett Allen in Brooklyn. He is well-regarded for his ability to develop young talent, much of which comes from the growth LeVert and Allen demonstrated while playing for him.

His coaching style also fits well with Cleveland's current roster. He emphasizes pace, space, and three-point shooting, which aligns with the strong guard play of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

The Athletic also reported that Cleveland is set to present Mitchell with a four-year, $209 million maximum contract. With Atkinson's philosophy aligning with the style of play that Mitchell prefers, the move to hire him could be seen as an attempt to keep Mitchell in Cleveland.

Betting On The Cavs In 2023-24

As long as Mitchell re-signs, the Cavs should pick up right where they left off last season. They've won 44 or more games in each of the last three years, which is a massive step forward from the back-to-back 19-win seasons they experienced from 2018 to 2020.

DraftKings has Cleveland priced at +380 to win the division, alongside the Pacers and behind the Bucks at -190. With this division being fairly wide open, I would strongly consider a future on the Cavs. However, I'd wait to bet until the season starts because I think we can get a better price. With a new head coach, it often takes teams a few weeks to find their chemistry, and if that's the case, we'll be able to grab them at a longer number.