Kenny Atkinson Receives NBCA Coach of the Year Award

Kenny Atkinson, head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, has been awarded the Michael H. Goldberg NBCA Coach of the Year Award after leading his team to a franchise-record 64-18 season and securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference. This peer-voted honor recognizes Atkinson's leadership in achieving a 16-game improvement from the previous season, guiding the Cavaliers to their first 60-plus win campaign since 2009-10 and setting a new record for road victories. Atkinson, in his first season with Cleveland, transformed the team into the league's top-ranked offense and one of its best defenses, despite minimal roster changes. The award, named after the NBCA's longtime executive director, is distinct from the NBA's official Coach of the Year accolade, which will be announced later. Other coaches receiving votes included J.B. Bickerstaff, Mark Daigneault, Ime Udoka, and Michael Malone, highlighting the depth of coaching excellence this season. Atkinson's recognition underscores his peers' respect for his innovative and humble approach to coaching.