Kenny Atkinson Named 2024-25 NBA Coach Of The Year

Kenny Atkinson has been honoured as the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season after steering the Cleveland Cavaliers to an impressive 64 victories. This achievement was recognised with the Red Auerbach Trophy, surpassing former Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets. Atkinson's leadership elevated Cleveland from a 48-win team last season to the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Cavaliers' remarkable 16-win increase this season ranks as the third largest in the league. Atkinson secured 59 out of 100 first-place votes, accumulating a total of 401 points. Meanwhile, Bickerstaff received 31 first-place votes and amassed 305 points, while Udoka garnered seven first-place votes, finishing with 113 points.

Atkinson Wins NBA Coach of the Year Award

Under Atkinson's guidance, Cleveland's offensive performance soared from scoring 112.8 points per 100 possessions last season to a league-leading average of 119.1 this year. The team's success this season is second only to LeBron James' squad in 2008-09, which achieved a record of 66-16.

Bickerstaff, who previously coached the Cavaliers, led the Detroit Pistons to one of the most rapid turnarounds in NBA history. After winning just 14 games last season, he guided them to a respectable 44-38 record and secured the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. This remarkable improvement of 30 wins is among the largest in NBA history.

Udoka's Contribution to Houston Rockets

Ime Udoka also made significant strides with his team, leading the Houston Rockets to an improved record of 52-30 this season. This marked an increase of eleven wins compared to their previous campaign and earned them the No. 2 seed in a competitive Western Conference.

The selection process for this prestigious award involved a global media panel consisting of one hundred voters who evaluated each candidate's contributions throughout the season.

This recognition highlights Atkinson's exceptional coaching abilities and his impact on transforming Cleveland into a formidable force in basketball once again.