Cleveland Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson is not on the hot seat despite the team’s poor start to the season, multiple league sources with direct knowledge of the franchise’s thinking told The Athletic.
The reigning NBA Coach of the Year remains secure in his position even as the Cavs entered Tuesday at 16-14 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Decision-makers, coaches and players are upset with how the team has played following last year’s 64-win season, but those frustrations have not reached the level of Atkinson’s job being in danger, sources said.
Atkinson is in his second season after replacing J.B. Bickerstaff, who was fired despite guiding the team to improved campaigns each year during his four-season tenure.
Cleveland’s front office, led by president of basketball operations Koby Altman, is not rushing to overhaul the roster. The Cavs rejected at least two trade offers for rotation players, league sources said.
Team executives want to see how the roster looks once all projected starters are on the court together, which has not happened this season. The Cavs carry the NBA’s most expensive payroll at $229.8 million and are the league’s only team currently over the second apron.
“The healthier we get, the better we’ll be,” Atkinson said. “I’m buying this dip. I know what we got comin’, and I love our leadership.”
Cleveland’s struggles stem from a wave of injuries affecting key rotation players. Starting small forward Max Strus has missed the entire season following summer foot surgery. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley is sidelined with a calf strain.
Darius Garland began the year in street clothes due to toe surgery. Jarrett Allen recently returned after missing nine of 10 games with broken fingers. Sam Merrill came back Monday after 14 games missed with a severely sprained hand.
The injuries forced Atkinson to give rotation minutes to players who were not in the NBA last season, including Nae’Qwan Tomlin and rookie Tyrese Proctor. The team ranks 27th in 3-point shooting and 14th in total defense entering Tuesday.
Last season, the Cavs ranked first in offense, second in 3-point shooting and eighth in defense while posting the NBA’s best health record.
“We didn’t crack any code tonight,” Donovan Mitchell said after Monday’s win over Charlotte. “This isn’t like a victory lap. We gotta do it again tomorrow and after that on Christmas.”
Atkinson said his conversations with Cavs ownership, including Dan Gilbert and his son Grant, have been supportive during the team’s struggles.
“From their point, it’s like, how can we help?” Atkinson said. “Those are the conversations we have. It’s a great atmosphere to work in, and we’re all pulling together.”
As a second-apron team, the Cavs face severe limitations on potential trades. Re-adding Strus later this season would provide a boost similar to making a trade, while Mobley’s return alongside Allen would restore their two-big lineup.
Cleveland’s second season under Atkinson will ultimately be defined by playoff performance. The franchise is practicing patience as it waits for injured players to return.
“We’ve got to keep holding the fort,” Atkinson said. “I think we’re trending positive, especially as those guys get healthier.”