Report: Draymond Green Reached Out To Cavaliers Players To Express Confidence In Kenny Atkinson Hire

According to NBA reporter Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reached out to Cleveland Cavaliers players to express confidence in the Kenny Atkinson hire.

Atkinson coached Green on the Warriors.

“Sources say a handful of Golden State players, including Draymond Green, reached out to various Cavs players and executives to express their support and confidence in Atkinson after the news went public Monday morning,” Fedor wrote. 

Atkinson signed a five-year deal with the Cavaliers, who fired JB Bickerstaff. 

“I am thrilled and honored to be named head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers,” Atkinson said. “This is an incredible opportunity to lead an already talented young roster with an equally bright future. I’ve seen firsthand and had to prepare for this group as an opposing coach, and the task was not easy. I’m so excited to now be on this side of the ledger to help continue moving this team forward. I also want to thank Koby Altman and the front office for having the confidence in me and the shared vision we have for sustainable success in Cleveland.”

Atkinson went 118-190 with the Brooklyn Nets in the regular season. He was 1-4 in the NBA playoffs. 

Atkinson has strong relationships with Cavaliers big man Jarrett Allen and small forward Caris LeVert. He coached them in Brooklyn.  

“We conducted a thorough and extensive search in the selecting of the next head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and today, we are excited to welcome Kenny Atkinson to Northeast Ohio,” Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman said. “Kenny brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of player development, and a relentless work ethic that aligns with the vision we have for this franchise. His innovative approach will instill a style of play and brand of basketball that will give us a chance for sustainable success and ultimately compete for Championships. His familiarity coaching alongside some of the NBA’s best elevates this partnership and we are excited that Kenny will guide our team and help us achieve our goals both on and off the court.”

The Cavaliers beat the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs in seven games and lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round in five games.