Kenny Atkinson left an indelible impression on the Golden State side. The current Cavs coach joined Steve Kerr's staff in 2021 and won the title in 2022. And it is impossible to find someone in the Warriors organization chart who does not adore him.
While he was still “head coach” of the Nets from 2016 to 2020, the person concerned nevertheless considers that it was his time with the Warriors which helped him finalize his philosophy and his approach as a coach.
“My time at the Warriors was the end of my coaching education, it was like finishing my university studies” he describes. “As a coach, I don't think I was a finished product before I came here. I learned from the best. Better players, better coach, and honestly I was more of an observer than anything most of the time. I think I got a lot more out of this experience than I helped the team. »
Kenny Atkinson is obviously modest. Steve Kerr had wanted to bring him in, particularly for his use of statistical data and for his offensive principles, and he ended up having a lot more responsibility.
“I’m super happy for him. Kenny is a great guy and a friend. He gave us so much when he was with us. He’s a great coach, whether on offense or defense,” explains the Warriors coach. “I'm glad he had this opportunity because like me ten years ago, being able to inherit a good team like that is quite rare. He was patient in being able to find the right opportunity after changing his mind with Charlotte two years ago. He’s doing a great job so I’m super happy for him. »
Don't just focus on the stars
The Cavs coach did not hesitate to list the many things he learned alongside Steve Kerr, in particular his management of the stars, the group, and the big moments.
“There are so many things… How to coach great players, and carefully observe how he does it. The culture of joy that he preaches every day. The way he controls his emotions especially in big matches and in heated moments. He always remains calm. And then there are all the decisions he made that allowed them to win titles. And it can be details, a replacement at the right time, feeling that a series is not for one type of player but for another. He knows who to play and who not to play in big moments.” explains Kenny Atkinson.
“And then just listening to him tell his stories about Phil Jackson and his playing career. He was able to take Phil's passing game and insert it into a different system. He also talks a lot about how Phil Jackson touched all his players and it's the same for him. Since he was a role player, he knows how important it is to make sure everyone is involved. Not just the superstars but the 18 players on the roster” he adds. “When we won the title in 2022, he knew when to make a speech to make sure everyone, especially the second-stringers, was ready to contribute if they were needed. »
Comments collected in San Francisco.
